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Biomedical subjects

H Abe

Publications and source records attributed to H Abe.

At least 703 records · Page 39Linked to original sources

On clinical usefulness of Tl-201 scintigraphy for the management of malignant soft tissue tumors.

The purpose of this study was to investigate Tl-201 as a tumor scanning agent in patients with malignant soft tissue sarcomas and to establish the sensitivity of this type of scintigraphy concerning local recurrences or metastases that may remain clinically suspected. Seventy-eight patients with malignant soft tissue sarcomas and 22 with benign soft tissue tumors were studied. Of these 78 malignant soft tissue sarcomas patients, the sensitivity of Tl-201 (81.2%) was higher than that of Ga-67 (68.8%). Thirty-three out of 78 patients received a total of 95 consecutive scintigraphic follow-up examinations. Therapeutic effects was assessed by comparing the results of Tl-201 examinations with the clinical findings. Of these 33 patients, the therapeutic effects observed were as follows: complete remission 1, partial remission 8, progress of disease 1, and no remarkable change 23. Tl-201 scintigraphy has proved itself very useful not only in clinically detecting the malignant soft tissue sarcomas and in assessing therapeutic effects on these diseases, but also in assessing the follow-up patients with malignant soft tissue sarcomas.

Adolescent↗

Evaluation of thoracic aortic atherosclerosis by transesophageal echocardiography.

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) provides excellent images of the thoracic aorta, which cannot be visualized by transthoracic echocardiography. The purpose of this study was to assess atherosis and sclerosis of the thoracic aorta by TEE, to evaluate the risk factors for atherosis and sclerosis, and to assess the relationship between the two components of atherosclerosis. The mean value of the maximum thickness of the intima-media complex in the six segments of the thoracic aorta (MIMC) was used as an index of atherosis, and the stiffness parameter beta was used as an index of sclerosis. The study population consisted of 88 Japanese patients. Multivariate analysis showed that age, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (or apolipoprotein B), and diabetes mellitus were significantly and independently related to MIMC, whereas age and hypertension were related to the stiffness parameter beta. Both components of atherosclerosis demonstrated a significant although weak relationship. The risk factors for atherosis appear to differ from those for sclerosis in the thoracic aorta, so we should evaluate these two components of atherosclerosis separately. TEE is a useful method of assessing thoracic aortic atherosclerosis because both atherosis and sclerosis can be examined simultaneously.

Adult↗

Effects of beta-adrenergic blockade on vasodepressor reaction in patients with vasodepressor syncope.

The mechanism of vasodepressor reaction induced by head-up tilt test in patients with vasodepressor syncope is not clearly understood. We hypothesized that an abnormal alteration of beta-adrenergic transmission could be involved in these patients. We measured plasma catecholamine concentration during tilt and density of beta-adrenoceptors and tested the effects of beta-adrenergic blockers in the prevention of the vasodepressor reaction in patients with vasodepressor syncope. Ten patients had reproducibly induced vasodepressor syncope (mean 3.1 +/- 0.3 episodes in each patient) with head-up tilt (80 degrees) for 10 minutes with isoproterenol infusion (1 to 3 micrograms/min). Syncope occurred at 6.3 +/- 1.7 minutes during tilt with isoproterenol infusion. The plasma norepinephrine concentration before administration of beta-blocker was significantly elevated during tilt compared to the supine position (0.347 +/- 0.079 ng/ml in supine position with isoproterenol vs 0.468 +/- 0.082 ng/ml at 3 minutes of tilt, p < 0.001, and vs 0.503 +/- 0.106 ng/ml at the onset of vasodepressor reaction, p < 0.005; n = 8). Plasma norepinephrine after administration of the selective beta 1-adrenergic blocker metoprolol (40 mg/day) was similarly elevated (0.282 +/- 0.071 ng/ml in supine position with isoproterenol vs 0.390 +/- 0.078 ng/ml at 3 minutes of tilt, p < 0.05, n = 6; and vs 0.547 +/- 0.152 ng/ml at the onset of vasodepressor reaction, p < 0.001, n = 3).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Epinephrine↗

Proper usage of brain retractors in the interhemispheric fissure based on MRI microanatomy: technical note.

The authors present a method of the surgical dissection of the interhemispheric fissure based on high resolution magnetic resonance images (MRI). The dissection of the interhemispheric space is not easy because the brain surfaces are tightly adherent in the interhemispheric fissure. In other words, in the interhemispheric fissure, the apices of the gyri are touching and are tightly bound together. This microanatomy is clearly revealed using high resolution three-dimensional MRI. The principle of the usage of the brain retractor is to apply them symmetrically in order to give an even tension to both sides. However, in the interhemispheric dissection, this principle should be slightly modified. Namely the brain retractors should be placed on the crest of gyri on both sides to avoid the injury of small arteries located in the sulci by the edge of the brain retractors.

Brain↗

Biosynthesis from gluconate of a random copolyester consisting of 3-hydroxybutyrate and medium-chain-length 3-hydroxyalkanoates by Pseudomonas sp. 61-3.

Pseudomonas sp. 61-3 isolated from soil was found to produce a polyester consisting of 3-hydroxyalkanoic acids of even carbon numbers C4, C6, C8, C10 and C12 when sodium gluconate was fed as the sole carbon source. The polyester produced was fractionated with boiling acetone. The acetone-insoluble fraction (28 wt%) of the polyester was a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) homopolymer, while the acetone-soluble fraction (72 wt%) was composed of seven different 3-hydroxyalkanoate (3HA) units ranging from C4 to C12: 40 mol% 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB), 5 mol% 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HH), 20 mol% 3-hydroxyoctanoate (3HO), 24 mol% 3-hydroxydecanoate (3HD), 1 mol% 3-hydroxy-5-cis-decenoate (3H5D), 4 mol% 3-hydroxydodecanoate (3HDD) and 6 mol% 3-hydroxy-5-cis- dodecenoate (3H5DD). The copolymer was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry. The acetone-soluble fraction of this amorphous copolymer was shown to have a random sequence distribution of the seven 3HA units of C4 to C12 by analysis of the 150 MHz 13C-NMR spectrum. This is the first example of microbial synthesis of a random copolyester consisting of 3HB and medium-chain-length 3HA units.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗

Physiological mechanisms regulating photic induction of Fos-like protein in hamster suprachiasmatic nucleus.

Immediate early genes including c-fos are selectively induced in cells of the hamster suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) by nocturnal light stimulation, suggesting that the Fos protein may play a role in the photic entrainment of circadian rhythms. To examine the physiological regulation of the induction of c-fos in the SCN, we studied the effects of antagonists of excitatory amino acids (EAA) receptors on photic induction of Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-lir) in the hamster SCN. We also examined the effects of electrical stimulation of the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL) to see whether neural input from IGL to SCN is involved in the induction of Fos protein in SCN cells. The results indicate that for most SCN cells EAA receptors mediate photic input involved in Fos induction but that another mechanism affects cells in restricted area of the caudal SCN. The neurochemical mechanisms and pathways by which these cells are activated by light remain undetermined.

Animals↗

Localization of mRNA for protein phosphatase 2A in the brain of adult rats.

The gene expression for alpha and beta isoforms of type 2A protein phosphatase (PP2A-alpha and -beta) in the adult rat brain was examined by in situ hybridization analysis. No marked difference in the gene expression was discerned between the two isoforms in large portions of brain, except for the thalami in which the expression level for the alpha isoform was similar to that in the cerebral neocortex whereas that for the beta was lower than that in the neocortex. The gene expression was observed intensely in the piriform cortex, the cerebellar Purkinje and granule cell layers, and the hippocampal pyramidal and dentate granule cell layers, and the locus ceruleus, whereas the moderate levels of its expression were observed in the olfactory mitral cells and the pontine nuclei. The cerebral neocortex expressed the mRNA moderately to weakly without any laminar patterns, whereas the expression level in the caudate-putamen was very low. This expression pattern is basically similar to that of PP2C reported previously, except for the plexus choroideus and ependyma having no significant expression for PP2A.

Animals↗

Immunohistochemical demonstration of [D-Ala2]deltorphin-I in amacrine cells of rat retina.

In an immunohistochemical study, a specific antiserum raised against [D-Ala2]deltorphin-I (DADTI), a highly selective ligand for delta opioid receptors, was used to demonstrate immunoreactive structures in the rat retina. [D-Ala2]Deltorphin-I immunoreactivity occurred in a subpopulation of the retinal amacrine cells situated in the inner nuclear layer. Their stained processes were mainly distributed in the sublaminae 1 and 3 of the inner plexiform layer. A few positive cells, probably displaced amacrine cells, were also seen in the ganglion cell layer. Double immunostaining revealed that 12.8% of DADTI-immunoreactive cells costored GABA and 27.7% costored neuropeptide Y, whereas only few DADTI-positive cells colocalized tyrosine hydroxylase (0.3%) and almost no other peptides. These findings suggest that some retinal amacrine cells possess DADTI-like molecule(s), possibly acting as neurotransmitter(s) or neuromodulator(s).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The extracellular matrix in hepatocellular carcinoma shows different localization patterns depending on the differentiation and the histological pattern of tumors: immunohistochemical analysis.

This study investigated cells producing type I, III, and IV collagens, laminin, and fibronectin, the major components of the extracellular matrix, and compared their localization patterns in relation to the grade of tumor differentiation and the histological pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma. Type I, III, and IV collagens, laminin, and fibronectin were produced by tumor, endothelial, and Ito cells. Regarding their localization pattern in relation to the histological pattern of tumors, although the extracellular matrix was present in the subendothelial spaces of sinusoids in every histological pattern, the localization of these components in the intercellular spaces of tumor cells was most marked in hepatocellular carcinoma with a compact pattern. These results suggest that the extracellular matrix produced by tumor, endothelial, and Ito cells is deposited in appropriate positions in hepatocellular carcinoma to sustain the tissue structure showing different histological patterns. In relation to the grade of tumor differentiation, in most cases, Type I, III, and IV collagens and fibronectin were present in the subendothelial spaces of sinusoids and the intercellular spaces of some tumor cells, while little laminin was observed in well-differentiated small hepatocellular carcinoma (less than 10 mm diameter). In undifferentiated hepatocellular carcinoma, little extracellular matrix was observed, except around vessels. These results suggest that sinusoidal capillarization may not yet have occurred in the early stage of hepatocarcinogenesis, although it develops as the tumors increase in size and the tumor cells dedifferentiate. In undifferentiated hepatocellular carcinoma, tumor cells are too atypical to produce each extracellular matrix component.

Adult↗

Gliomas of the conus medullaris.

Six patients with histologically verified gliomas of the conus medullaris (two astrocytomas, two ependymomas, two myxopapillary ependymomas) were diagnosed and studied. There were four men and two women ranging in age from 23 to 47 years. Predominant initial symptoms were back pain (four cases) and leg weakness (two cases). The most common findings on admission were flaccid paparesis with impaired sensation and bladder dysfunction. Postoperative MR images with more than 95% removal of a tumour were defined as 'subtotal removal' (noted in two of six cases), and less than 95% as 'partial removal' (four of six cases). All patients had postoperative radiotherapy, and the two patients with an astrocytoma underwent chemotherapy. During the follow up period ranging from 2 to 7 years, there was no tumour recurrence or regrowth on MR images except in a patient with a malignant astrocytoma, who indeed died from intracranial dissemination 2 years after surgery. Adjuvant therapy following the excision of a spinal glioma is also discussed.

Adult↗

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia with 47, XXY Klinefelter syndrome.

We describe here a unique case of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) accompanied by Klinefelter syndrome. A Japanese boy was diagnosed as having CAH caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency at birth, but was untreated thereafter until age 10. In the meantime he showed marked acceleration in somatic growth with sexual precocity by age 9, at which time growth completely stopped. During regular follow-ups at our clinic and steroid treatment after age 10, he was recognized as having bilateral small and firm testes. A chromosomal examination and a testicular biopsy revealed a complication of 47, XXY Klinefelter syndrome with CAH. Association of these two diseases has not been reported so far, and the present case is the first one to our knowledge.

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital↗

Purification and molecular cloning of bovine oviduct-specific glycoprotein.

A specific 85-97-kDa (95-kDa) glycoprotein was found in bovine oviductal tissue and fluid during the follicular phase. In this study, a 95-kDa bovine oviductal glycoprotein (95-kDa BOGP) was purified by wheat germ agglutinin affinity and Mono-Q ion-exchange column chromatography. The first 29 NH2-terminal amino acid residues were determined by gas-phase microsequencing. A cDNA expression library prepared from poly(A)+ RNA isolated from bovine oviducts was screened with a monoclonal antibody to 95-kDa BOGP. A single positive clone containing a approximately 2-kb cDNA insert was isolated. The coding region contained 1612 bp translating to 537 amino acids. The derived amino acid sequence contained a partial signal sequence of 18 amino acids followed by 29 amino acids that were identical to the NH2-terminal amino acids determined by protein sequencing of purified 95-kDa BOGP. The amino acid sequence predicted a mature protein of 519 amino acids (57,684 daltons) containing one potential N-linked glycosylation site and five cysteines. Northern blot hybridization with a digoxigenin-labeled probe indicated that a single message of approximately 2.5 kb was present in oviductal RNA, and this message was detected in significantly greater amounts in oviductal RNA during the follicular phase than during the luteal phase. The amino acid sequence of a portion of 95-kDa BOGP was highly homologous (71% identity) to that of a baboon oviduct-specific glycoprotein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A modified NOR-silver impregnation technique for amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles: comparative assessment.

A modified nucleolar organizer region (NOR)-silver impregnation technique was recently introduced allowing the simultaneous staining of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and amyloid plaques (AP) in a single section. This impregnation technique proved to be very effective, rapid, of low cost, and to yield consistent results even in brain tissue fixed for long periods of time. In the present study, several silver impregnation and immunohistochemical techniques were applied and their reliability for the demonstration of NFT and AP was analysed. The modified NOR stain allowed the reliable and simultaneous demonstration of both amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles; this method produced better results than the standard silver impregnation techniques. It is only in their early stages of formation that NFT cannot be detected by this method and, instead, immunohistochemistry for tau-2 is required. There was no significant difference in the staining properties for amyloid plaques between the modified NOR silver impregnation technique and the anti-beta-A4 immunostain.

Aged↗

Unusual ubiquitin-positive glial cells in the globus pallidus of normal elderly human brains.

Unusual glial cells, inconspicuous in routine histological sections, were demonstrated in the globus pallidus using immunohistochemistry for anti-ubiquitin and a modified NOR-silver impregnation technique. These cells were identified as astrocytes and showed the following unusual features: (i) presence of intracytoplasmic vacuoles; (ii) immunoreactivity for ubiquitin; (iii) positive staining with a modified NOR-silver impregnation technique; and (iv) topographical location restricted to the globus pallidus. Quantitative analyses showed the numerical density of these cells to be significantly increased with normal ageing, whereas the presence of the cells was not related to pathological ageing or any other disease process. The data suggest that, not only in neurons but also in glial cells, accumulations of altered proteins can be found, which is probably due to a decline in the proteolytic activity of the cell.

Adult↗

Effect of low dose aspirin on augmented plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 activity in patients with permanent pacemakers.

To clarify the activity states of coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients with a permanent pacemaker, we studied 29 patients more than 4 months after operation. They were divided into a single pacemaker lead group (S, n = 14) and a double lead group (D, n = 15). Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, antithrombin III, tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) activity, and platelet aggregation were measured and compared to those in an age-matched control group (C, n = 7). The effects of low dose aspirin (81 mg/day) in the patients (n = 21) were also studied 2 weeks after administration. PAI-1 activity in groups S and D was significantly higher than that in the group C (53.5 +/- 36.5, 86.8 +/- 59.2 ng/mL vs 19.4 +/- 7.2 ng/mL; P < 0.01 and P < 0.005). Platelet aggregation induced by collagen was slightly higher in groups S and D than group C. Other parameters were not significantly different. In the patients, low dose aspirin significantly suppressed collagen induced platelet aggregation (71.8 +/- 20.3% vs 41.7 +/- 28.3%; P < 0.005), but not PAI-1 activity. tPA activity was increased significantly by the low dose aspirin administration (3.94 +/- 1.85 ng/mL vs 2.48 +/- 1.19 ng/mL; P < 0.005). Thus, PAI-1 activity in patients with a permanent pacemaker is elevated, and the activity is not suppressed by low dose aspirin unlike the platelet aggregation.

Adult↗

Effect of addition of hyaluronic acid to highly concentrated insulin on absorption from the conjunctiva in conscious diabetic dogs.

Insulin absorption from the conjunctiva was investigated in five pancreatectomized diabetic mongrel dogs, with the nasolacrimal ducts occluded by micro plugs to prevent insulin absorption from nasolacrimal membrane. In the anaesthetized state, highly concentrated porcine insulin (1000 units mL-1, pH 7.4) was absorbed rapidly and significantly from the conjunctiva. Plasma immunoreactive insulin concentrations increased significantly up to 3 h after insulin administration to conjunctival membranes. Plasma glucose concentration decreased significantly compared with saline control experiments after insulin administration (10 units kg-1) at 3 h (8.3 +/- 0.1 vs 15.6 +/- 0.6 mmol, P < 0.01). However, in the conscious state, there was no significant increase in the plasma insulin levels after topical insulin administration. To improve insulin absorption in the conscious state, we examined the effect of increasing viscosity of insulin preparation with hyaluronic acid. In anaesthetized experiments, there were no significant changes in the bioavailability of insulin after addition of hyaluronate (0.84 +/- 0.11 vs 0.87 +/- 0.05%). In the conscious state, with addition of hyaluronic acid, the area under the curve of plasma insulin concentration was significantly increased (1842 +/- 383 vs 75 +/- 24 m units min L-1, P < 0.01). The bioavailability of insulin absorption was significantly increased after addition of hyaluronate (0.68 +/- 0.14 vs 0.03 +/- 0.01%, P < 0.01). From this study we could demonstrate that the conjunctiva is a potential route for insulin administration, and increased viscosity by the addition of hyaluronate was found effective in increasing the bioavailability of insulin absorption from conjunctival membrane in the conscious state.

Absorption↗

Birth injury as a causative factor of syringomyelia with Chiari type I deformity.

The epidemiology of syringomyelia with Chiari type I deformity was investigated with particular reference to perinatal problems. All subjects in our study were born by vaginal delivery and had a high incidence of perinatal accidents (abnormal presentations, birth injuries, and neonatal asphyxia). This study suggests that these may be strong causative factors for syringomyelia associated with Chiari type I deformity.

Adolescent↗