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Biomedical subjects

H Watanabe

Publications and source records attributed to H Watanabe.

At least 613 records · Page 34Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Subcellular localization of glucocorticoid receptor protein in the human kidney glomerulus.

BACKGROUND: The detailed mechanisms of glucocorticoid action in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and progressive glomerulonephritides have not been clearly elucidated. The pharmacological actions of glucocorticoids are mediated by their binding to an intracellular protein, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). The determination of GR localization in normal glomerular cells is essential to elucidate the mechanisms of glucocorticoid action in various glomerular diseases. METHODS: We carried out an immunoblot examination using antihuman GR-specific antibody and homogenates of isolated normal human glomeruli and mesangial cells in culture. Immunohistochemical examinations were also performed on normal human kidney specimens at light and electron microscopic levels. The nuclear translocation of GRs elicited by ligand binding was further investigated by confocal laser-scanning microscopic inspection of freshly isolated glomeruli and mesangial cells cultured with dexamethasone. RESULTS: An immunoblot examination demonstrated the presence of a 94 kDa protein, a molecular weight consistent with that of GRs, in the homogenates of glomeruli and cultured mesangial cells. By light microscopic examination, GRs were strongly detected in the nucleus and moderately in the cytoplasm of all glomerular cells, parietal and visceral epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and mesangial cells. By electron microscopic examination, the nuclear GRs of all glomerular cells were found to be diffusely distributed in the euchromatin. Additionally, the immunofluorescence intensities of nuclear GRs in isolated glomeruli and mesangial cells in culture became more intense by the addition of dexamethasone. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that all subsets of human glomerular cells definitely express the GR protein, which potentially undergoes translocation by glucocorticoids.

Cell Nucleus↗
PubMed1999

Effect of a new immunosuppressant, FTY720, on joint allografts.

The immunosuppressive effects of a new agent, FTY720, on joint allografts were studied histologically in a rat model. Favorable results without side effects were obtained at a dose of 3.0 mg/kg/day. The authors believe that this agent is one of the most useful immunosuppressants in the reported experimental model.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1999

Complete unilateral anomalous connection of the left pulmonary veins to the coronary sinus with unroofed coronary sinus syndrome: a case report.

We report a case of complete unilateral anomalous connection of the left pulmonary veins to the coronary sinus with unroofed coronary sinus syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was a useful diagnostic method in our case. At operation, a cut was made from the orifice of the coronary sinus to the unroofed portion of the coronary sinus, and part of the lower atrial septum was excised. The resulting defect was closed with a Dacron patch, diverting the left pulmonary venous blood into the left atrium.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Locus coeruleus function in enuresis.

There are four neuronal networks projecting to many areas of the brain. All networks relate closely to arousal and sleep function. Among the four networks, the noradrenaline projection network, originating from the locus coeruleus (LC), is the system most typically responsible for arousal. This study shows that the LC is activated by the stimulation of bladder distension only while the patient is in deep sleep, not in light sleep. This finding corresponds with the mechanism of enuresis type I in our classification of enuresis, based on overnight simultaneous monitoring using electroencephalography and cystometry. The importance of arousal and sleep systems in the pathogenesis of enuresis is also discussed.

Arousal↗
PubMed1999

Comparative evaluation of procedures with a Baxter CS-3000 cell separator for collecting peripheral blood cells from children.

The safety and efficacy of apheresis using a newly developed procedure with a small volume separation container holder (SVSCH, Baxter) for the collection of PBSC from children with cancer were retrospectively compared with our historical experience with other procedures using different equipment and the CS-3000 plus cell separator. The procedures tested included the application of (a) specialized collection protocol 4 using the combination of an SVSCH and a small volume collection chamber (SVCC) (group A: 6 collections in 4 patients), (b) standard lymphocyte collection protocol 3 with GRANULO separation (G) and A-35 collection chambers (group B: 9 collections in 5 patients), and (c) modified collection procedure 1-120 with G and SVCC (group C: 7 collections in 3 patients). Although the retrospective nature of this study and the differences in the cohorts tested prevent a reliable analysis, the percent decrease in the peripheral platelet count after collection tended to be minimum in group A (11% +/- 5% versus 23% +/- 4% [B] or 17% +/- 4% [C]). Moreover, the largest number of CD34+ cells was collected in group A (8.7 +/- 9.4 x 10(5)/100 ml processed blood) compared with groups B (5.5 +/- 7.5 x 10(5)/100 ml processed blood) and C (4.0 +/- 2.8 x 10(5)/100 ml processed blood). These data suggest that a procedure incorporating SVSCH can be safely and effectively applied to small children and enables the selective collection of PBSC with less contamination by platelets, which is useful for subsequent cell processing.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Morphological changes of rat mandibular bone with ArF excimer laser in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological changes of bone tissue by ArF excimer laser irradiation in vivo. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Recently, it has been demonstrated that soft and hard tissues can be removed by excimer laser irradiation with little thermal damage. METHODS: ArF excimer laser was irradiated on the surface of the rat mandibular bone using the following parameters: wavelength; 193 nm; output: 0.12 W; pulse repetition rate: 10 Hz; spot size: 1.0 x 4.0 mm; irradiation time: 90 and 120 seconds. The ablation depth was measured at 90 and 120 seconds. Furthermore, the irradiated surface was examined histologically using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The relationship between ablation depth and irradiation time was almost linear. Macroscopically, the ArF excimer laser beam produced a defect with clean-cut margins without carbonization in the mandibular bone. Histologically, there was minimal evidence of thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. The bottom of the defect revealed a sawtooth appearance. In SEM observation, mosaic structures corresponded to the sawtooth structures observed with light microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that it is possible to remove bone tissue using ArF excimer laser irradiation without thermal damage. The effectiveness of this laser can be attributed to the photoablation of the bone tissue.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

A study on the morphological changes of the rat mandibular bone with TEA CO2 laser.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological changes of the bone structure induced by transversely excited, atmospheric TEA pressure CO2 laser irradiation. Moreover, the healing process at 3 weeks was also observed. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: It has been demonstrated that dental hard tissue can be removed by a long pulse of TEA CO2 laser irradiation with minimal thermal damage. However, there are few studies on the morphological changes of the TEA CO2 laser on bone tissue. METHODS: The TEA CO2 laser was irradiated on the surface of the rat mandibular bone under the following irradiation conditions: wavelength, 10.6 microns; output, 95 mJ/pulse; pulse repetition rate, 1 Hz; irradiation time, 7.5 microseconds/shot; spot size, 0.8 x 1.5 mm; energy density, 7.9 J/cm2. Histological and scanning electron microscopic examinations were performed. RESULTS: In the stereoscopic examination, a defect with clean-cut margins was produced. In the light microscopic examination, a basophilic line at the bottom of the defect was noted. Examining the defect with SEM, a smear-like appearance and cone structures were found. In the histological examination, a healing process by formation of new bones at the junction site was recognized. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that it is possible to remove bone tissues by TEA CO2 laser irradiation. However, a particle-like structure associated with a basophilic line and melted surface indicated that some thermal damage was produced during the laser irradiation.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Morphological changes of human teeth with Er:YAG laser irradiation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate morphological changes in human enamel and dentin structures irradiated with the use of an Er:YAG laser. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Despite the high number of research projects concerned with digital applications of lasers, few studies have targeted the effects of Er:YAG laser irradiation on human enamel or dentin structures. METHODS: Enamel and dentin surfaces of 40 extracted human teeth were irradiated for 5 seconds with a 2.94 microns wavelength, at an output of 300 mJ. Histological and scanning electron microscope studies were then performed to determine the morphological changes in the enamel and dentin structures of those teeth. RESULTS: The Er:YAG laser beam produced defects without signs of serious thermal damage to enamel or dentin. Undesirable thermal effects such as surface cracking or carbonization were not observed. Histological examinations revealed the presence of a thin basophilic line at the bottom and along the walls of defects in the dentin. These morphological changes were evidence of minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissue. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that it is possible to remove the enamel and dentin using Er:YAG laser irradiation with minimal thermal changes. However, the mechanism involved in the ablation of enamel and dentin by Er:YAG laser irradiation has not been clarified in this study. Therefore, more research is necessary before the Er:YAG laser can be used clinically in the future.

Dental Enamel↗
PubMed1999

Closure of mouth of bladder diverticulum via endoscopic transvesico-transurethral approach.

We successfully treated bladder diverticula in two patients using the endoscopic transvesico-transurethral approach. The mouth of the diverticulum was closed in two layers under pneumobladder, using two percutaneous ports placed into the bladder as well as the urethral route. This operation was performed 2 to 3 months after the bladder outlet obstruction was relieved by transurethral resection or incision of the prostate. The patients were able to void with a minimum of residual urine. The endoscopic transvesico-transurethral approach provided satisfactory vision.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Determination of reference values for total PSA, F/T and PSAD according to prostatic volume in japanese prostate cancer patients with slightly elevated serum PSA levels.

BACKGROUND: For screening prostate cancer (CAP) using prostate-specific antigen (PSA), the indications of biopsies for patients showing slightly elevated PSA values are still controversial. Furthermore, the dependence of total PSA, free-to-total PSA ratio (F/T) and PSA density (PSAD) on prostatic volume in gray zone cases is unclear. METHODS: By analyzing 1913 patients with a serum total PSA ranging from 2.0 to 20 ng/ml, we evaluated the correlation between total PSA and age or prostatic volume and positive predictive value (PPV) in each range for total PSA, age and prostatic volume. Then suitable reference values for total PSA, F/T and PSAD were decided according to prostatic volume. RESULTS: There was no close correlation between PSA and age or volume. The PPV was high in the group with a prostatic volume of 10-30 ml. Prostatic volume was categorized into three groups, <20, 20-40 and > or =40 ml, and reference values for obtaining a sensitivity of 90% were proposed. The reference values of total PSA and PSAD were lowered and that of F/T was raised with increase in prostatic volume. The specificity was very low for the > or =40 ml group. The highest specificity of 36% in PSAD was obtained for the <20 ml group. CONCLUSION: The reference values for total PSA, F/T and PSAD must be changed according to prostatic volume in order to maintain a sufficient diagnostic sensitivity of CAP. Of these parameters, PSAD showed a high specificity in the group with a prostatic volume of <40 ml.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1999

Preparation and evaluation of ODN conjugates with polycation comb-type copolymer.

Oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) conjugates with the polylysine comb-type copolymer having an ability to promote and stabilize duplex and triplex DNA formation were prepared. 5'-Aminated ODN was succinylated with succinic anhydride. The resulting ODNs having carboxyl terminus were coupled with epsilon-amino groups of the comb-type copolymer using water soluble carbodiimide. The conjugate free from unconjugated ODNs was obtained by gel permeation chromatography. The resulting conjugate maintains ability to form duplex and triplex DNA as estimated by melting curve analysis. Both specificity and stability of the triplex DNA formation were increased by employing the ODN-copolymer conjugates compared to those with their mixture.

Chromatography, Gel↗
PubMed1999

Evaluation of gastric biopsies for neoplasia: differences between Japanese and Western pathologists.

Cited variations in the evaluation of gastric endoscopic biopsies for neoplasms between pathologists in Japan and those in the United States and Europe (the West) may have stemmed from several causes. The five-tiered group classification of the Japanese Research Society for Gastric Cancer (JRSGC) for interpretation of biopsies is not used in the West. Some differences may also exist in the morphologic criteria to reach a diagnosis of dysplasia or carcinoma. The goals of this study were to test the Western and Japanese classifications of gastric dysplasia and adenocarcinoma and to assess the differences between four Japanese and seven Western pathologists. One hundred biopsies, 20 from each of the five categories of the JRSGC scheme as determined by one observer, were collected. The Japanese observers used the JRSGC system, expressed in Roman numerals, whereas Western pathologists used a five- or six-tiered scheme expressed in diagnostic terms. Pairwise agreement was evaluated using k statistics within both groups. Consensus diagnosis on each biopsy was accepted as the opinion of the majority. The sensitivity and specificity of each reviewer for a certain diagnosis were also assessed. The intragroup agreements were moderate for both the Japanese (mean k = 0.663) and the Westerners (mean k = 0.652). The pairwise agreements between Japanese and Western observers were low (mean k = 0.542). Overall, the sensitivity was low for all Japanese observers for the diagnosis of dysplasia (38.7% vs 92.5%), and the sensitivity for the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma was high in both groups but higher among the Japanese observers (93.9% and 85.2%, respectively). Overall, the Japanese-Western interobserver agreement was moderate. The JRSCG scheme did not translate into higher interobserver agreement among Japanese observers. The sensitivity for the diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma was high for both groups, but the specificity was low among the Japanese. The cause seemed to be centered around the diagnosis of dysplasia in the Western system, which was a lesion frequently interpreted as carcinoma in Japan because of the different definitions of carcinoma in each system. Such a discrepancy might be important because it may explain some of the differences in the prevalence and prognosis of early gastric cancer between Japan and the West. An international effort is needed to harmonize morphologic criteria and analyze whether therapeutic consequences may stem from such discrepancies.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1999

Double anterior chamber deep lamellar keratoplasty: case report.

PURPOSE AND METHODS: We report a case in which, although we planned to perform a penetrating keratoplasty for corneal stromal opacity with normal corneal endothelium, the host's Descemet's membrane became inadvertently detached and the operation resulted in double anterior chamber deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLKP). RESULT: After surgery, the patient's corrected visual acuity was 20/30. CONCLUSION: Double anterior chamber DLKP is safe and valuable.

Anterior Chamber↗
PubMed1999

Sherlock Holmes and child psychopathology assessment approaches: the case of the false-positive.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relative value of various methods of assessing childhood psychopathology, the authors compared 4 groups of children: those who met criteria for one or more DSM diagnoses and scored high on parent symptom checklists, those who met psychopathology criteria on either one of these two assessment approaches alone, and those who met no psychopathology assessment criterion. METHOD: Parents of 201 children completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), after which children and parents were administered the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (version 2.1). Children and parents also completed other survey measures and symptom report inventories. The 4 groups of children were compared against "external validators" to examine the merits of "false-positive" and "false-negative" cases. RESULTS: True-positive cases (those that met DSM criteria and scored high on the CBCL) differed significantly from the true-negative cases on most external validators. "False-positive" and "false-negative" cases had intermediate levels of most risk factors and external validators. "False-positive" cases were not normal per se because they scored significantly above the true-negative group on a number of risk factors and external validators. A similar but less marked pattern was noted for "false-negatives." CONCLUSIONS: Findings call into question whether cases with high symptom checklist scores despite no formal diagnoses should be considered "false-positive." Pending the availability of robust markers for mental illness, researchers and clinicians must resist the tendency to reify diagnostic categories or to engage in arcane debates about the superiority of one assessment approach over another.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1999

Hepatic resection of giant cavernous hemangioma of the liver.

Surgical treatment of giant hemangioma of the liver is still controversial. The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of hepatic resection for giant hemangioma of the liver. Twenty patients with giant cavernous hemangioma of the liver were treated by hepatic resection. The mean diameter of the hemangiomas was 13.9 cm (range, 6.5-30 cm). The surgical outcome was reviewed retrospectively. Major hepatectomy was performed in 14 patients and minor hepatectomy in 6 patients. Complications occurred in 7 of the 20 patients treated by hepatic resection. At a mean follow-up of 79 months (range, 12-173 months), 18 patients were symptom free whereas 2 patients had died--one died of pneumonia at 2 years and the other died of gastric cancer 6 years after surgery. Mean intraoperative hemorrhage and blood transfusion in all patients was 4,343 mL (range, 270-24,000 mL) and 1,860 mL (range, 0-8,800 mL) respectively. In the seven patients with preoperative high levels of fibrin degradation products (FDP), mean intraoperative hemorrhage and blood transfusion were markedly higher (9,371 mL and 3,714 mL respectively) than in the 13 patients without abnormal FDP (1,603 mL and 900 mL respectively). Preoperative hematologic status returned to normal after operation in all patients. Hepatic resection is a useful treatment for giant cavernous hemangioma of the liver. More careful management to reduce intraoperative hemorrhage is recommended to increase the safety of surgery, particularly in patients with preoperative abnormal FDP.

Adult↗