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Biomedical subjects

H Harada

Publications and source records attributed to H Harada.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Horner's syndrome associated with mononeuritis multiplex due to cytomegalovirus as the initial manifestation in a patient with AIDS.

We report on a 60-year-old male with AIDS who presented Horner's syndrome that was associated with mononeuritis multiplex due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. This is the first case who presented Homer's syndrome in the course of AIDS. Horner's syndrome associated with mononeuritis multiplex in this patient was the initial manifestation without any opportunistic infections. Since Horner's syndrome and mononeuritis multiplex in the present case were both improved by ganciclovir, it is important to consider CMV infection when Horner's syndrome or mononeuritis multiplex is observed in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV-1 infection or AIDS, even if they do not show any other opportunistic infections.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1998

Cell cycle regulation of histone H4 gene transcription requires the oncogenic factor IRF-2.

Histone genes display a peak in transcription in early S phase and are ideal models for cell cycle-regulated gene expression. We have previously shown that the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 2 (IRF-2) can activate histone H4 gene expression. In this report we establish that a mouse histone H4 gene and its human homolog lose stringent cell cycle control in synchronized embryonic fibroblasts in which IRF-2 has been ablated. We also show that there are reduced mRNA levels of this endogenous mouse histone H4 gene in the IRF-2(-/-) cells. Strikingly, the overall mRNA level and cell cycle regulation of histone H4 transcription are restored when IRF-2 is reintroduced to these cells. IRF-2 is a negative regulator of the interferon response and has oncogenic potential, but little is known of the mechanism of these activities. Our results suggest that IRF-2 is an active player in E2F-independent cell cycle-regulated gene expression at the G1/S phase transition. IRF-2 was previously considered a passive antagonist to the tumor suppressor IRF-1 but can now join other oncogenic factors such as c-Myb and E2F1 that are predicted to mediate their transforming capabilities by actively regulating genes necessary for cell cycle progression.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1998

Affinity isoelectric focusing of human serum apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins on agarose gels with cyclodextrins.

In an attempt to subfractionate apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins (apoB-Lp), agarose isoelectric focusing (IEF) of apoB-Lp in human sera was carried out in the presence of two kinds of cyclodextrins (CDs), which have different affinities for cholesterol. ApoB-Lp in the agarose gels was detected by immunofixation, followed by protein staining. In the presence of both 11.4 mg/mL alpha-CD and 3.51 mg/mL beta-CD, but not either one alone, IEF separated a maximum of six apoB-Lp bands. Electrophoresis failed to separate the apoB-Lp subfractions under similar conditions with CDs. The patterns of apoB-Lp in IEF with the CDs appeared to differ in some sera. Since the subfractions of apoB-Lp can be separated without ultracentrifugation of serum, the present method serves for the screening of apoB-Lp heterogeneity on native serum lipoproteins.

Apolipoproteins B↗
PubMed1998

High titers of antibodies inhibiting the binding of envelope to human cells correlate with natural resolution of chronic hepatitis C.

Most cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection result in chronic disease; however, a very small fraction of patients naturally clear the virus and resolve chronic hepatitis. In an attempt to correlate immune response with chronic disease resolution, we compared the antibody response in patients with different outcomes of the infection. Antibody responses to HCV structural proteins were assessed in 34 patients originally diagnosed with acute hepatitis. Five cases resolved acute infection, 22 developed chronic hepatitis, and 7 naturally resolved chronic hepatitis C. To estimate HCV neutralizing antibodies we used the neutralization of binding (NOB) assay, which evaluates inhibition of the envelope-2 protein binding to human cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for the quantitative assessment of serum antibodies. The presence of HCV RNA was ascertained by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In 6 of 7 patients naturally recovered from chronic hepatitis C, the emergence and the persistence (for more than 3 months) of high serum titers (>1/600) of NOB antibodies coincided with virus clearance and clinical resolution of hepatitis. NOB antibody activity was observed in only 2 of 5 patients recovered from acute hepatitis C. Chronic patients who did not show any resolution during the course of the study developed low or no NOB antibodies. Because of the correlation between prolonged high NOB titers and natural resolution of chronic hepatitis C, vaccination or passive immunization aimed at high titers of NOB antibodies may be valuable new therapeutic approaches for chronic hepatitis C.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Prevention of hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis during pregnancy with medium-chain triglyceride nutritional support.

CONCLUSION: A combination of diet therapy, nutritional support with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), and well-planned preterm Cesarean delivery on demand is an effective measure to prevent gestational hyperlipidemic pancreatitis and leads to successful childbirth. BACKGROUND: Prevention and therapy of gestational hyperlipidemic pancreatitis are important, although difficult, because the condition carries a high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: We describe a 32-yr-old female with lipoprotein lipase-deficient familial hypertriglyceridemia who had recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis. The third episode occurred with worsened hyperlipidemia 7 yr earlier at 32 wk of her first pregnancy and resulted in fetal death. The fourth and fifth episodes were also accompanied by marked hyperlipidemia probably caused by drug discontinuance and dietary noncompliance. She became pregnant. Serum triglyceride levels were controlled below 2000 mg/dL by strict monitoring with low-fat, low-calorie diet and MCT nutritional support. A premature but healthy infant was born by Cesarean delivery at 36 wk of gestation when the mother presented with mild abdominal pain and was found to have uterine contractions. The ensuing clinical course has been uneventful.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1998

[Cardiac hemangioma of the right ventricle--report of a case].

A 74-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of intra-cardiac tumor on echochardiography, CT, and MRI. The tumor was located on the free wall of the right ventricle and protruded into the outflow tract. The surgical excision of the tumor was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass. The size of the tumor was 5 x 5 x 4 cm. Histological examination disclosed cavenous hemangioma. The post opertive course was uneventful. This is the forth case reported in Japan and the fifteenth case in the world.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

One-way donor-recipient HLA-matching as a risk factor for graft-versus-host disease in living-related liver transplantation.

Although one-way matching between an HLA-homozygous donor and a haploidentical recipient is a recognized risk factor in transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), its impact in living-related liver transplantation (LRLT) has so far not been investigated. We present a case of fatal acute GVHD in our LRLT program that was attributed to one-way HLA matching between donor and recipient. Although the disappearance of donor cells in peripheral blood was suggested by genetic analysis, severe septicemia led to a fatal outcome. We further reviewed 280 LRLT cases and correlated one-way HLA matching with outcome. A total of 8 out of 280 donors (2.9%) and 11 out of 278 recipients (4.0%) were completely HLA homozygous in our LRLT program. Complete one-way HLA matching linked to GVHD was observed in four cases, including the present case. Although other contributing factors also need to be clarified, one-way HLA matching is a definite risk factor for GVHD in LRLT. We advocate caution before proceeding with one-way HLA donor-recipient combinations.

Fatal Outcome↗
PubMed1998

High-dose (9 MU) long-term (60 weeks) alfa-interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis patients infected with HCV genotype 1b.

Efficacy of standard regimens (e.g., 3-6 MU for 24 weeks) of alfa-IFN therapy for chronic hepatitis C has been limited, particularly in patients with HCV/1b. To see if higher-dose longer term treatment is more effective, we tried a 9 MU 60-week regimen. HCV/1b-infected chronic hepatitis patients received 9 MU IFN alpha 2a everyday but Sunday for 2 weeks and thrice a week for next 10 weeks, and 76 patients became HCV RNA-negative while 81 remained positive. The RNA-negative patients were then randomized to receive 3 MU (group I, n = 37) or 9 MU (group II, n = 39) for 48 weeks. Of the RNA-positive patients, only those with normal ALT received another 9 MU 48-week treatment (group III, n = 45). Sustained responders (SR) were defined as those with negative RNA and normal ALT 6 months after the therapy. SR rates based on intent-to-treat principle did not differ significantly between groups I and II (30% vs 41%), but those based on the protocol-compatible cases showed a significantly lower than those in group II. Adverse effects of IFN, developed more frequently in groups II and III than in group I, were mostly reversible. In conclusion, our results encourage 9 MU 60-week IFN alpha treatment in HCV/1b-infected patients with careful attention to adverse effects, and suggest that the treatment should be discontinued if HCV RNA does not disappear within 12 weeks.

Genotype↗
PubMed1998

Sonochemical reduction of carbon dioxide.

Sonolysis of carbon dioxide dissolved in water was performed from a standpoint of reducing this material in atmosphere. During one hour of sonication, the amount of CO2 decreased to about half at 5 degrees C under CO2-Ar atmosphere. The decreasing rate for CO2 followed the order Ar > He > H2 > N2 and it was down with increasing temperature in the range of 5-45 degrees C. The most favorable concentration for reducing CO2 was 0.03 (mole fraction of CO2 in gas phase). This concentration in gas phase means an equal mixture of CO2 and Ar in water, because CO2 is more soluble than Ar. Since carbon dioxide dissolved in water would be partly ionized, the roles of ions on the sonolysis were also examined. Gaseous reaction products were CO, H2 and a small amount of O2. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen might be obtained from CO2 and H2O by sonolysis, respectively. Both gases are fuel and react each other to C1 compounds such as methanol, and so on. Therefore, irradiation of ultrasonic waves should be an important technique for reducing CO2.

Air↗
PubMed1998

Dual facets of hyponatraemia and arginine vasopressin in patients with ACTH deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: Hyponatraemia is often observed in patients with ACTH deficiency who are thought not to suffer from volume depletion. Their high plasma AVP levels relative to plasma osmolality are presumed to be maintained by non-osmotic mechanisms. We attempted to assess volume status from changes in selected clinical measurements related to body fluid balance in the course of i.v. fluid supplementation and following glucocorticoid (GC) replacement in ACTH-deficient patients, and to interpret plasma AVP levels in the context of the estimated volume status. PATIENTS AND DESIGN: This report consists of three parts. First, an ACTH-deficient patient with hyponatraemia and volume depletion who was followed through volume replacement to recovery after GC replacement is described (case report). Secondly, medical records of five ACTH-deficient patients with hypovolaemia and hyponatraemia were surveyed retrospectively to observe changes in serum levels of sodium, uric acid (UA) and haematocrit (Hct) following i.v. fluid supplementation of low sodium content (retrospective study). Thirdly, five ACTH-deficient patients with or without overt dehydration were studied with regard to body weight, blood pressure, serum sodium, total proteins, Hct and blood urea nitrogen before and after GC replacement (prospective study). Plasma AVP levels were measured after i.v. fluid supplementation without GC replacement in the patients of the retrospective study, and before and after GC replacement in the patients of the prospective study. RESULTS: The first patient became more hyponatraemic after i.v. fluid supplementation and recovered ultimately from hyponatraemia after GC replacement. In five patients studied retrospectively, the serum sodium levels fell progressively following i.v. fluid supplementation, concurrent with reduction in UA levels and Hct, which indicated the dilutional nature of the hyponatraemia. In the patients observed prospectively, the accumulation of fluid and sodium was indicated by a rise in body weight, blood pressure and serum sodium levels and a decline in Hct and total proteins after GC replacement. Plasma AVP levels rose similarly in patients with dilutional hyponatraemia and in patients with borderline hyponatraemia before GC replacement. CONCLUSION: Patients with untreated ACTH deficiency may have either of two kinds of hyponatraemia--i.e. borderline hyponatraemia associated with subclinical hypovolaemia, or dilutional hyponatraemia. Similarity of plasma AVP levels in two hyponatraemic states suggests their AVP secretion is regulated by non-osmotic, non-volume mechanisms, possibly released from GC suppression at low plasma osmolality.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1998

The full expression of the ity phenotype in ityr mice requires C3 activation by Salmonella lipopolysaccharide.

Our previous study has shown that the rapid and sufficient activation of complement by Salmonella lipopolysaccharide occurs in genetically resistant (Ityr) A/J mice. To assess whether the level of complement activation by a virulent strain of Salmonella typhimurium regulates the level of murine natural resistance, we compared levels of serum complement activation by S. typhimurium and kinetics of serum-opsonized S. typhimurium grown in macrophages using several strains of resistant (Ityr) and susceptible (Itys) mice. Itys macrophages killed intracellular S. typhimurium to the same extent as did Ityr macrophages when the pathogen was opsonized with Ityr serum. Opsonization of S. typhimurium with Itys serum reduced intracellular killing activity in Ityr macrophages to the same level as seen with Itys macrophages. Incubation of S. typhimurium with 25% Mg2+ EGTA (5 mm MgCl2-3 mm ethylene glycol-bis (beta-aminotheyl either)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid)-chelated Ityr serum resulted in higher levels of C3 deposition onto the surface of this bacteria, C3b generation and also C3 consumption, compared with that with Mg2+ EGTA-chelated Itys serum. Opsonization of S. typhimurium with A/J serum prior to infection increased early resistance in Itys mice. Infection with a virulent strain of S. typhimurium induced the expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) mRNA at higher levels in C57BL/6 mice than in A/J mice. However, opsonization of S. typhimurium with A/J serum decreased bacterial growth in the spleen of C57BL/6 mice to the same level as observed for A/J mice in association with decreased expression levels of IL-10 mRNA. Moreover, administration of anti-C3 antibodies reduced the resistance of A/J mice in association with a decrease in serum levels of C3. These results indicate that the high level of complement activation via the alternative pathway in Ityr serum by a virulent strain of S. typhimurium reduces the virulence of this pathogen, which may contribute to the full expression of Ity phenotype in Ityr mice.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Iodine staining for early endoscopic detection of esophageal cancer in alcoholics.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: A retrospective epidemiological investigation has demonstrated that alcohol abuse is a major risk factor for esophageal cancer. However, prospective endoscopic screening for early detection in heavy drinkers is not available at present. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted that included 255 alcoholics (aged 52 +/- 9 years). The patients were consecutively screened using esophagoscopy with iodine staining and targeted biopsy. The study also explored whether there was a relationship between the amount of alcohol intake and the detection rate of esophageal cancer. RESULTS: Unstained lesions (larger than 5 mm) were observed on the esophageal wall in 55 patients (21.6%). Ten patients (3.9%) with 13 lesions were found to have esophageal cancer of the superficial type, with no symptoms. Cancer invasion was confined to the epithelium in three patients, to the lamina propria in seven, and to the submucosa in three. There was a direct relationship between substantial alcohol intake and the presence of esophageal cancer. CONCLUSION: Screening esophagoscopy with iodine staining is very advantageous in detecting esophageal cancer at an early stage.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1998

C-ABI3, the carrot homologue of the Arabidopsis ABI3, is expressed during both zygotic and somatic embryogenesis and functions in the regulation of embryo-specific ABA-inducible genes.

A carrot gene homologous to the ABI3 gene of Arabidopsis was isolated from a carrot somatic embryo cDNA library and designated C-ABI3. The sequence of C-ABI3 was very similar to those of ABI3 of Arabidopsis and VP1 of maize in certain conserved regions. The expression of C-ABI3 was detected specifically in embryogenic cells, somatic embryos and developing seeds. Thus, expression of C-ABI3 was limited to tissues that acquired desiccation tolerance in response to endogenous or exogenous abscisic acid (ABA). Endogenous levels of ABA in seeds increased transiently and then desiccation of seeds started. The expression of C-ABI3 in developing seeds was observed prior to the increase in levels of endogenous ABA that was followed by desiccation of seeds. In transgenic mature leaves in which C-ABI3 was ectopically expressed, expression of ECP31, ECP63 and ECP40 was induced by treatment with ABA, which indicates that the expression of ECP genes was controlled by the pathway(s) that involved C-ABI3 and ABA. This suggests that C-ABI3 has the same function as VP1/ABI3 factor in carrot somatic embryos.

Abscisic Acid↗