Biomedical subjects

H Watanabe

Publications and source records attributed to H Watanabe.

At least 739 records · Page 41Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

Expression of pancreatitis-associated protein (PAP) mRNA in gastrointestinal cancers.

CONCLUSION: Pancreatitis-associated protein (PAP) mRNA is expressed in some cases of gastric and colorectal cancers resulting from an ectopic expression in dedifferentiated cancer cells. BACKGROUND: The PAP gene is identical to the hepatoma-intestine-pancreas (HIP) gene, which is expressed in hepatoma. Expression in cancer might be another characteristic of PAP. METHODS: Fresh surgical specimens of 100 gastrointestinal cancers, 14 benign digestive diseases, and six normal organs were studied with nonisotopic in situ hybridization (ISH) using biotin-labeled cDNA probe. RESULTS: PAP mRNA was detected in 10% (6/60) of gastric cancers, 21.4% (6/28) of colorectal cancers, 20.0% (1/5) of pancreatic cancers and 0% of biliary tract (three), esophageal (one), and hepatocellular cancers (three). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detected PAP mRNA in these ISH-positive cases. PAP mRNA was not detected in noncancerous portions, benign disease tissues, or normal organs except for the small intestine. There was no relationship between PAP mRNA expression and any clinicopathological factors.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

PubMed1998

99mTc(V)-DMSA and 67Ga-citrate images in a patient with recurrent extraabdominal fibromatosis.

67Ga-citrate and 99mTc(V)-DMSA images were obtained in a patient with recurrent extraabdominal fibromatosis of the left calf. The 67Ga-citrate image showed abnormal uptake in the left calf lesion and right calf, which was considered due to probable myositis caused by overexertion. On the other hand, the 99mTc(V)-DMSA image showed abnormal uptake only in the left calf lesion. Surgical and radiation therapy was performed. Two years after the treatment, two lesions of the recurrent extraabdominal fibromatosis followed, and a 99mTc(V)-DMSA image could demarcate the two lesions. 99mTc(V)-DMSA images were considered to be useful in following up of recurrent extraabdominal fibromatosis.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Clinical evaluation of irreversible data compression for computed radiography of the hand.

We evaluated the clinical utility of high data compression for computed radiography (CR) of the hand. Paired original and compressed CR images were obtained using an FCR 9000 system in 35 patients with various abnormalities of the hand. For the paired original and compressed images, we compared the depiction of the bone cortex, bone trabeculae, soft-tissue, and the margin of the abnormalities. The overall impressions for detectability of the abnormalities and for diagnostic capability were also evaluated. Poorer image quality of the compressed images was noted for most of the structures, but there was no significant difference between the original and compressed images as for the overall impressions for detectability of the abnormalities or for diagnostic capability. We conclude that a high data compression may be clinically acceptable with caution in radiography of the hand.

Female↗

PubMed1998

Clinical evaluation of irreversible data compression for computed radiography of the chest.

Efficient data compression is essential for practical daily operation of computed radiography (CR) systems. In this study the clinical applicability of type III irreversible high data compression using an FCR 9501 chest unit (Fuji Photo Film, Tokyo, Japan) was evaluated. Sixty-eight normal and 93 various abnormal cases, with an additional 15 cases of lung cancers with solitary lung nodules, were selected from the file. A pair of hard copies of original images and images reconstructed using type III compression was made for each case. Six radiologists evaluated the image quality by visual rating and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. For all five anatomic regions of normal cases, "original equal to compressed" was the most common response, followed by "original significantly better than compressed." When abnormal cases were evaluated for diagnostic information, there was no significant difference between the compressed and original images. ROC curve analysis on lung nodules with lung cancer showed no significant difference between the two. Compressed CR images using the type III irreversible technique are clinically applicable and acceptable despite slight degradation of image quality.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1998

[The surgical treatment for acute aortic dissection--a retrospective study from the statistics of affiliated hospitals of a medical school].

A retrospective study was conducted for the surgical treatment on acute aortic dissection among the cardiovascular services of 5 affiliated hospital of medical school. The total of 74 cases were operated for the last 5 years period from Jan., 1991 to Dec., 1995, in which 64 cases were classified as Type A and 10 for Type B. The average age for Type A was 58.4 years old and 10% of patients were consisted of Marfan syndrome. The most frequent complications associated with dissection was aortic regurgitation (37.5%), followed by cardiac tamponade (23.4%). The surgeries were undertaken in less than 24 hours from the onset of symptom in 45.3% of patients. The localization of initial tear as was proved by intraoperative finding was at ascending aorta in 64.0%, whereas it was found at aortic arch in 21.8% of patients. The most frequent application of operative procedure was simultaneous graft replacement of ascending aorta and aortic arch (68.7%) with the use of profound hypothermia and antegrade selective cerebral perfusion (85.4%). The overall mortality rate was 25.0%, however when compared as ascending only vs ascending + arch replacement, the later group demonstrated higher mortality rate (16.6% vs 28.9%). The majority of surgical indication for Type B was hemorrhage from the dissection and 20.0% of mortality was recorded in this group of patients.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1998

[One-stage surgery for Stanford type-A aortic dissection, annulo-aortic ectasia, and chronic constrictive pericarditis--a case report].

A case is reported of a rare combination of chronic constrictive pericarditis and aortic dissection. A 23-year-old male was diagnosed with constrictive pericarditis and annulo-aortic ectasia concomitant with type-A dissection. A pericardiectomy was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass, and an aortic segment, from the root to the arch, was totally replaced by a composite graft using selective cerebral perfusion. Both procedures were performed in one stage. An aged clot was found in the pericardial cavity. Sustained rupture of the aortic dissection into the pericardial cavity is considered to be a possible explanation for the development of constrictive pericarditis. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged 34 days after the operation.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Safety and indication of open heart surgery without blood transfusion for congenital cardiac defects in infants].

Between January 1994 and June 1997, 16 cases of ventricular septal defect (VSD) and endocardial cushion defect (ECD) with pulmonary hypertension (PH), each weighing from 5 to 9 kg, underwent definitive surgery at Matsudo Municipal Hospital. We classified them into 2 groups; Group N: 8 cases without blood transfusion, Group H: 8 cases with blood transfusion. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system was a closed circuit and priming volume was 370 to 500 ml. There was no difference between the 2 groups in operative age, body weight, preoperative state, operation time, CPB time, aortic cross clamp time, bleeding and postoperative state. In Group N, CPB blood was returned to the patient as soon as possible after CPB was weaned, and postoperative hemodynamics were stable in both groups. In Group N, hematocrit (Ht) values were consistently lower than in Group H, from initiation of CPB to leaving the hospital. To accomplish safe CPB, we measured systemic venous oxygen saturation (SvO2). In 6 cases of Group N, SvO2 during rewarming was 48.1 +/- 16.0% and Ht value was 13.2 +/- 1.5%. It is thought that the safe CPB could be conducted in Group N. In addition, in Group N, respiratory index showed better values than in Group H during the postoperative period. It is thought that CPB without blood transfusion may be favorable to prevent lung injury after CPB. Retrospectively, it is thought that, to accomplish safe CPB without blood transfusion, preoperative Ht values of over 30% are desirable in patients weighing 6 kg and those of over 35% are desirable in patients weighing 5 kg.

Blood Transfusion↗

PubMed1998

[Open heart surgery without blood transfusion for cyanotic congenital cardiac defects].

Between November 1994 and January 1997, 42 cases of cyanotic congenital cardiac defects underwent definitive surgery at Matsudo Municipal Hospital. We evaluated 30 cases, each weighing from 7 to 20 kg. The procedures were performed at the age of 9 months to 6 years (mean age-2.4 years). The body weights were 7.7 to 20 kg (mean weight-11.4 kg). The preoperative diagnoses were Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) in 19 cases, Fontan candidates in 6 and the others in 5. We classified them into 3 groups; Group A--15 cases were completed with non-blood transfusion, Group B--8 cases used only plasma protein fraction and Group C--7 cases used blood transfusion. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system is a semi-closed circuit and priming volume is 400 to 600 ml. There is no difference among the 3 groups in operative age, body weight, operation time, CPB time, aortic cross clamp time, bleeding and postoperative state. The same results were obtained in minimum base excess and urine output during CPB and the changes of hematocrit and total protein. In Groups A and B, CPB blood was returned to the patient as soon as possible after CPB was weaned, but in Group C, blood transfusion was performed without the return of CPB blood. In all groups, hemodynamics were stable. Retrospectively, it is thought that blood transfusion was not necessary in Group C and the use of the plasma protein fraction was not needed in Group B. In conclusion, the open heart surgery can be performed safely without blood transfusion for cyanotic congenital cardiac defects.

Blood Transfusion↗

PubMed1998

Iodine-induced hypothyroidism as a result of excessive intake of confectionery made with tangle weed, Kombu, used as a low calorie food during a bulimic period in a patient with anorexia nervosa.

A 20-year-old Japanese female anorectic patient developed primary hypothyroidism associated with generalized edema because of excessive daily intake (40 to 50 g) of confectionery made with tangle weed, Kombu, which she substituted to food during bulimic periods; TSH 60.35 mcU/ml, free T3 1.19 pg/ml, and free T4 0.48 ng/dl, and her weight increased by 12 kg to 45 kg over 4 months. After withdrawal of Kombu her thyroid function returned to normal, and her weight decreased by 7 kg to 38 kg along with disappearance of edema. In conclusion, the physician noticed that susceptible anorectic patients may sometime develop hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism because of excessive iodine intake of sea-weed confectionery as a substitute of high calorie cakes during bulimic period.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Evaluation of neutrophil functions after experimental abdominal surgical trauma.

OBJECTIVE: In order to determine the effect of surgical trauma on neutrophil functions, we set up an experimental abdominal surgical model using rats and analyzed neutrophil functions. In addition, we measured tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant/growth-regulated oncogene (CINC/GRO) and nitric oxide (NO) production. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats, 8 weeks old and weighing 250-270 g, underwent laparotomy (4 rats for each experiment). After the operation, neutrophil chemotaxis was assayed using a modified Boyden chamber, and phagocytosis, active oxygen production and adhesion molecule expression were analyzed by flow cytometry. TNF-alpha and CINC/GRO levels were quantified by an immuno-dot-blot assay, and NO levels were measured by the Griess method. At the operation, NO inhibitor, N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA, 40 mg) was intraperitoneally administered, and the effect of L-NMMA was studied. RESULTS: After the surgical trauma (24-48 h), blood neutrophil counts significantly increased (p < 0.001), and neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis and active oxygen production were markedly enhanced (p < 0.01). Moreover, up-regulation of Mac-1 and down-regulation of L-selectin on neutrophils were observed (p < 0.05). The levels of TNF-alpha, CINC/GRO and NO increased remarkably in both blood and ascites at 8-48 h after the surgical trauma (p < 0.01): TNF-alpha increased from 194 +/- 9 (the mean +/- SD, n = 4) and 183 +/- 12 pg/ml (preoperation) to 797 +/- 28 and 1045 +/- 137 pg/ml at 24 h in blood and ascites, respectively; CINC/GRO increased from 0.1 +/- 0 and 0.1 +/- 0 ng/ml (pre-operation) to 66.4 +/- 4.5 and 60.3 +/- 17.9 ng/ml at 8 h in blood and ascites, respectively; NO increased from 2.4 +/- 1.0 and 4.2 +/- 1.1 microM (pre-operation) to 11.9 +/- 0.7 and 36.9 +/- 2.1 microM in blood and ascites at 24 h and 48 h in blood and ascites, respectively. Interestingly, L-NMMA treatment significantly reduced the increased levels of TNF-alpha and CINC/GRO and altered the enhanced neutrophil functions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These observations indicate that abdominal surgical trauma induces the production of NO, TNF-alpha and CINC/GRO, and enhances neutrophil functions such as chemotaxis, phagocytosis and active oxygen production. Furthermore, L-NMMA likely modulates the neutrophil functions and the production of TNF-alpha and CINC/GRO after the surgical trauma.

Abdomen↗

PubMed1998

An immunological method for the detection of captopril-protein conjugate.

To clarify the mechanism of cytotoxicity induced by captopril (Cp), interactions between tissue protein and Cp were studied by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The amide-linked adducts [hemocyanin from keyhole limpet-Cp adduct (KLH-Cp) and poly-L-Lys-Cp adduct (pLys-Cp)] using carbodiimide, and a disulfide-linked adduct [ovalbumin-Cp adduct (OVA-Cp)] were prepared. To determine the formation of the protein-Cp adduct, rabbit antisera against KLH-Cp was employed. The immunoreactivities with pLys-Cp and OVA-Cp against anti KLH-Cp sera were elevated when compared with the unmodified protein. With the inhibition ELISA, this antisera was useful for detecting the Cp disulfide-linked conjugate. In kidney cytosol, a high level of immunoreactivity was observed. Plasma and liver cytosol reactivities were similar, and approximately 40% against kidney cytosol. Thus, a method for the detection of the Cp-protein adduct using ELISA has been established. Formation of the Cp-protein adduct was observed in rat plasma and in liver and kidney cytosol. These findings suggest the possibility that the formation of Cp-protein adduct is partially related to cytotoxicity in liver.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Imaging features of subcutaneous sarcoidosis.

OBJECTIVE: This report describes subcutaneous sarcoidosis, focusing on the radiological and magnetic resonance (MR) features of the disease. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: The cases of four patients (one male and three female, age range 36-75 years) who had subcutaneous sarcoidosis with no other organs affected were reviewed. Lesions were nodular in two cases, and in the other two were diffuse. RESULTS: Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a well-defined, homogeneous, and enhanced lesion in the nodular cases. However, in the diffuse cases, CT showed a heterogeneous, honeycomb-like appearance and little enhancement. Angiography showed a fine stain in the arterial phase. MR imaging of the nodular lesions was homogeneous with a signal intensity similar to muscle on T1-weighted images but heterogeneous with a higher signal than muscle on T2-weighted images. Diffuse lesions showed a striped or mesh pattern with intermediate signal intensity on both T1- and T2-weighted images. Contrast-enhanced MR images showed slight enhancement. CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a patient presents with the radiological and MR features described.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Aneurysm of a persistent sciatic artery.

We report a case of an aneurysm of a persistent sciatic artery which caused buttock pain. Preoperative diagnosis is very difficult. However, awareness of the presence of this rare embryonic abnormality is important, especially in elderly persons with atherosclerotic changes. Sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was very useful in reaching this diagnosis.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Advantages of immunostaining over DNA analysis using PCR amplification to detect p53 abnormality in long-term formalin-fixed tissues of human colorectal carcinomas.

To study the appropriate period for formalin fixation in order to detect p53 abnormalities in formalin-fixed tissue, we used seven surgically resected human colorectal cancer specimens. The immunohistochemical reactivity of p53 immunostaining and amplification of DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the p53 gene were compared after various periods of 10% formalin fixation (1 day, and 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks). For comparative immunostaining, we used the monoclonal antibody Ki-67 (MIB-1), and for comparative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), K-ras at codon 12 was amplified. Immunostaining was performed by the streptavidin-biotin method with microwave retrieval, and PCR amplifications were performed by the nested PCR method. p53 and Ki-67 immunoreactivity did not change essentially for up to 2 weeks and 1 week, respectively, of formalin fixation. PCR amplification for p53 at exon 8 and K-ras at codon 12 was successful until 1 day and 2 weeks, respectively, of formalin-fixation for the specimens of all seven cases. Thereafter, the amplification tended to worsen as the fixation time lengthened. Further, the DNA was more successfully amplified in the second PCR than in the first. These results suggest that to detect p53 abnormality in specimens that have been formalin-fixed for long periods, immunohistochemical staining may have advantages over DNA analysis with PCR amplification.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗

PubMed1998

Multiple carcinoids of the duodenum accompanied by type I familial multiple endocrine neoplasia.

A case of multiple carcinoid tumors of the duodenum accompanied by familial multiple endocrine neoplasia is reported. A 46-year-old man with duodenal polyps discovered during a mass screening was followed up for 5 years. In August 1994, a histological examination revealed carcinoid tumors, and he was thus referred to our hospital for surgery. He underwent a parathyroidectomy and cholecystectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism and cholecystolithiasis, respectively. The patient's sister had also undergone a parathyroidectomy and distal pancreatectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism and insulinoma of the pancreas. In addition, his two children were also followed up for hypercalcemia. A serum examination of the patient revealed high levels of somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide, but normal levels of gastrin and serotonin. In November 1994, a pancreaticoduodenectomy with a D2 lymph node dissection was performed. The macroscopic findings of the resected specimen showed multiple polypoid lesions with delles on the top, measuring 3 to 15 mm in size throughout the duodenum. A microscopic examination revealed the tumor to have infiltrated into the submucosa extensively, and an immunohistochemical analysis also demonstrated the tumor cells to be positive for somatostatin, but not for pancreatic polypeptide. After surgery, the serum level of somatostatin returned to normal but the pancreatic polypeptide remained high. The post-operative course was uneventful, and the patient remains in good health.

Carcinoid Tumor↗

PubMed1998

Possible complications of magnetic coil stimulation in living tissue: assessment of changes in epiphyseal cartilage.

To assess the influence of repeated magnetic coil stimulation (MCS) of the peripheral nervous system on epiphyseal cartilage, we evaluated histological and structural changes after repeated MCS applied to the knee joints of young rabbits. There was a slight but significant histological change when repeated MCS at 100% intensity (100% of the maximal output) exceeded 600 times per day. However, we found no gross structural effects on the bone. We conclude that, if these results can be extrapolated to humans, MCS should be safe for stimulating peripheral nervous system for clinical electrophysiologic examinations in children.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Granular corneal dystrophy with homozygous mutations in the kerato-epithelin gene.

PURPOSE: To report a family with several members affected with granular corneal dystrophy Groenouw type 1. Three members of the family were affected with a severe placoid type of corneal dystrophy. To determine the relationship between gene mutations and phenotypic variations of the disease, we analyzed the kerato-epithelin gene. METHODS: The pedigree included a consanguineous marriage of two affected individuals. The three family members affected with a severe form of corneal dystrophy were offspring of these parents. However, the phenotype of other affected family members was typical granular corneal dystrophy. We isolated genomic DNA from leukocytes of the family members. Exons of the keratoepithelin gene were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and were analyzed using the single-strand conformation polymorphism technique. Mutations were identified by direct sequencing method and restriction digestion analysis. RESULTS: The three severely affected family members exhibited homozygous mutations at codon 555 (arginine to tryptophan) in the keratoepithelin gene, whereas those with typical granular corneal dystrophy had the heterozygous mutation at the same codon. Unaffected family members did not have the mutation. CONCLUSIONS: We determined that the severe phenotype of granular corneal dystrophy is caused by homozygous mutations in the kerato-epithelin gene. Clinical manifestation of the severe phenotype is a placoid type of corneal dystrophy and early recurrence after surgery. Granular corneal dystrophy appears to be the first ophthalmic disease in which homozygosity for a dominant allele has been genetically identified.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Two distinct kerato-epithelin mutations in Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy.

PURPOSE: Two patients were diagnosed with Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy (RBCD), although the pattern and severity of corneal opacification differed. To see whether there was a genetic basis for these phenotypic variations, we analyzed beta ig-h3, the gene that codes for kerato-epithelin and that contains a mutation (Arg555Gln) that causes RBCD. METHODS: A 30-year-old man with honeycomb-shaped subepithelial opacities in his central cornea and a 25-year-old man with progressive subepithelial geographic opacities were both considered to have RBCD. We isolated genomic DNA from leukocytes of the two patients and their family members and screened for an Arg555Gln kerato-epithelin mutation. Then we analyzed all exons of the gene using the single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) technique to search for any other kerato-epithelin mutations. RESULTS: The patient with honeycomb-shaped opacities had an Arg555Gln kerato-epithelin mutation that caused his RBCD, whereas the patient with geographic opacities did not; instead, he had a new kerato-epithelin mutation (Arg124Leu), which cosegregated with his family members. CONCLUSIONS: The variant of RBCD characterized by honeycomb-shaped opacities is caused by an Arg555Gln kerato-epithelin mutation. On the other hand, a new kerato-epithelin mutation, Arg124Leu, was found to cause the RBCD variant characterized by recurrent epithelial erosions and progressive geographic subepithelial opacification. Codon 124 is a hot spot for kerato-epithelin mutations, where the mutations responsible for three autosomal dominant corneal dystrophies--lattice type I (Arg124Cys), Avellino (Arg124His), and the variant of RBCD with geographic rather than honeycomb opacities (Arg124Leu)--are located.

Adult↗