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Biomedical subjects

H Watanabe

Publications and source records attributed to H Watanabe.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Effects of tea catechin inhalation on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in elderly patients in a hospital ward.

We investigated the effects of inhalation of tea catechin on MRSA in the 24 elderly in patients, who were known to carry MRSA in sputum. The patients in the catechin group (N=12) were administered an inhalation of tea catechin extracts (in saline/bromhexine) (3.7 g/L catechins, 43% of them are composed of epigallocatechin gallate), three times daily with hand nebulizer for four weeks. The clinical effects were compared with the control group (N=12) who were given an inhalation of saline/bromhexine alone. After a week of the course, the numbers of the patients with decreased or disappearance of MRSA in their sputum was significantly higher in the catechin group, compared with that in the control group (seven vs. no patients; P<0.05). The number of patients discharged during the study was significantly increased, and the days of hospital stay were significantly decreased in the catechin group compared with those in the control group (six vs. one patient; P<0.05, 51+/-22 vs. 85+/-50 days, mean+/-S.D.;P <0.05, respectively). No adverse effects were observed in any patients during the study. Catechin inhalation seemed to be safe, and at least temporarily effective in the reduction of MRSA and shortening of hospitalization.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2003

Food residue at endoscopy in patients who have previously undergone distal gastrectomy: risk factors and patient preparation.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Food residue is often seen in the gastric remnant after partial gastrectomy, making it difficult to diagnose early cancer in the residual stomach. The aims of this study were to clarify the risk factors for the accumulation of food residue, and to study methods of preparation for endoscopy in patients who had undergone distal gastrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 374 endoscopic examinations of patients who had undergone distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer were compared with 2168 endoscopic examinations in patients without a history of gastrectomy. Relationships between the presence of food residue and a number of clinical factors, including patient preparation, were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Food residue in the gastric remnant was observed in 70 examinations (18.7 %), a significantly higher proportion than that found in control patients (0.3 %). From multivariate analysis, underlying diseases (endocrine, metabolic, or connective tissue disease), Billroth type I reconstruction, and postoperative gastric retention were found to be independent risk factors for the accumulation of food residue. Diet preparation (a liquid diet plus aclatonium napadisilate) significantly decreased the incidence of food residue. CONCLUSIONS: Our diet preparation method can be recommended as a preparation for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients who have undergone distal gastrectomy, especially in patients with additional risk factors.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2003

11C-choline PET for the detection of bone and soft tissue tumours in comparison with FDG PET.

We assessed and compared the usefulness of C-choline positron emission tomography (PET) with that of 2-[ F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) PET for the differentiation between benign and malignant bone and soft tissue tumours. A total of 43 patients with 45 lesions were included. C-choline PET and FDG PET were performed from 5 and 40 min, respectively, after injection of 275-370 MBq tracer. PET data were evaluated by using the standardized uptake value (SUV) and were analysed according to the pathological data. C-choline uptake in malignancies was 4.9+/-2.1 (n=14), which was significantly higher than that in benign lesions (2.5+/-1.7, n=31) (P <0.0001). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of C-choline PET were 100%, 64.5% and 75.6%, respectively, when 2.59 of the SUV was used as the cut-off value. The FDG uptake in malignancies was 5.1+/-4.2 (n=14) and was also significantly larger than that in benign lesions 2.9+/-2.9 (n=31) (P<0.003). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of FDG PET were 85.7%, 41.9% and 55.6%, respectively (cut-off=1.83). The C-choline uptake in the lesions correlated with FDG uptake ( r=0.61, P<0.003). In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the ROC curve for C-choline PET (area=0.847) was higher than that for FDG PET (area=0.717). This study showed that C-choline PET was superior to FDG PET in differentiation between malignant and benign lesion in bone and soft tissue tumours. C-choline PET might be useful as a screening method for malignant bone and soft tissue tumours.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Chronic subdural haematoma after snowboard head injury.

Two cases of chronic subdural haematoma following a snowboard head injury are reported. Although such cases are rare in sport, the risk in snowboarders is higher than expected. Evaluation of a snowboarder with a history of head injury, albeit mild, who complains of headaches should include computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to allow rapid identification of any intracranial pathology.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Mucosal sulfhydryl compounds evaluation by in vivo electron spin resonance spectroscopy in mice with experimental colitis.

BACKGROUND: Sulfhydryl (SH) compounds are essential in maintaining mucosal integrity in the gastrointestinal tract. A decrease in colonic mucosal SH compounds affects the redox status of the mucosa, resulting in vulnerability to further attacks. Therefore, there is a strong need for in vivo evaluation of SH compounds in the colonic mucosa. AIMS: The aim of the current study was to establish a method of evaluating levels of SH compounds in the colonic mucosa of live animals before and after induction of colitis. METHODS: Murine experimental colitis was induced by instillation of trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) dissolved in 50% ethanol into the colon via the anus. For evaluation of mucosal SH compounds in the colon, 3-carbamoyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine-1-oxyl (carbamoyl-PROXYL), a stable nitroxide radical, was instilled into the colonic lumen of live mice and the spin clearance rate was measured by L-band electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. RESULTS: Morphological study showed that mucosal damage was severe one or two days after TNBS instillation. The colonic mucosa started to regenerate at four days, and looked normal at seven days, after induction of colitis. The spin clearance rate of carbamoyl-PROXYL decreased significantly at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 days after induction of colitis compared with mice before TNBS instillation. Surprisingly, although the colonic mucosa looked normal seven days after TNBS administration, the spin clearance rate still remained significantly slow. The spin clearance rate returned to normal 14 days after induction of colitis. The change in in vivo spin clearance rate was consistent with the time dependent change in mucosal reduced glutathione, a major component of SH compounds. CONCLUSION: The spin clearance rate obtained by L-band ESR spectroscopy in combination with carbamoyl-PROXYL can give an estimate of the level of colonic mucosal SH compounds in live animals and is useful for evaluating the mucosal defence system against oxidative stress.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Assessment of myocardial perfusion abnormalities by intravenous myocardial contrast echocardiography with harmonic power Doppler imaging: comparison with positron emission tomography.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous myocardial contrast echocardiography with harmonic power Doppler imaging (HPDI) enables assessment of myocardial perfusion. Its accuracy in comparison with positron emission tomography (PET), which is one of the most reliable clinical gold standards for myocardial perfusion, remains to be determined. OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of HPDI to identify myocardial perfusion abnormalities, using PET as a gold standard. METHODS: 23 patients with myocardial infarction underwent HPDI. Images were obtained from the apical two and four chamber views at pulsing intervals of one to eight cardiac cycles with continuous infusion of Levovist (Schering, Germany). PET was done within two weeks of HPDI. The left ventricle was divided into 12 segments and myocardial opacification by HPDI and uptake of NH(3) by PET in each segment was graded as normal, mildly reduced, or severely reduced. RESULTS: Of the 276 segments examined, adequate image quality was obtained in 226 (82%) by HPDI; 50 segments were excluded because of inadequate image quality. There were more exclusions in the basal segments than in the mid or apical segments (p < 0.0001). Of the 226 segments analysed, overall concordance between HPDI and PET was 82% (chi = 0.70). In the apex, more segments were overestimated by HPDI than were underestimated (chi(2) = 6.25, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: HPDI and PET gave similar results in the assessment of myocardial perfusion abnormalities. However, poor image quality in the basal segments and overestimation of perfusion in the apical segments are current limitations of HPDI.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Age and duration related changes in muscle sympathetic nerve activity in Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the characteristics of sympathetic vasomotor function in Parkinson's disease by sympathetic neurographic analysis. METHODS: Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was recorded using a microneurographic technique at rest and during head up tilt in 18 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and 21 healthy controls. RESULTS: Heart rate and blood pressure at rest did not differ between index and control subjects. The increase in these variables and MSNA in response to tilting was slightly blunted in the Parkinson's group. Resting MSNA showed a negative correlation with age in patients with Parkinson's disease (p<0.05) and a positive correlation with age in controls (p<0.01). There was a negative correlation between duration of disease or disability levels and MSNA (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Sympathetic vasomotor function may be related to age and disease duration in Parkinson's disease.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2003

Onset age and severity of motor impairment are associated with reduction of myocardial 123I-MIBG uptake in Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the factors associated with severity of cardiac sympathetic nerve involvement in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine uptake was examined in 88 patients with PD. The ratio of the uptake in the heart (H) to that in the mediastinum (M) (the H/M ratio) was calculated and correlated with age at onset, age at examination, and disease severity and duration. Twenty five healthy people were also examined as a control. RESULTS: There was a mild but significant negative correlation between H/M ratio and age at onset (early, r = -0.33, p = 0.002; delayed, r = -0.34, p = 0.001) and between Hoehn and Yahr (H-Y) stage (early, r = -0.30, p = 0.006; delayed, r = -0.32, p = 0.003). There was no significant correlation between disease duration and H/M ratio. When patients with PD were classified into four subgroups on the basis of age at onset (> 62 or < 62 years) and disease severity (H-Y > III or H-Y < or = II), the median H/M ratio of the older and more severe group was significantly lower than that of the younger and less severe group (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that late onset, high severity PD is associated with myocardial sympathetic dysfunction.

3-Iodobenzylguanidine↗
PubMed2003

Sequential constriction of upper airway and vocal cords in sleep apnoea of multiple system atrophy: low field magnetic resonance fluoroscopic study.

Low field magnetic resonance fluoroscopy was used to clarify temporal and spatial features of airway obstruction in sleep apnoea syndrome (SAS) in multiple system atrophy (MSA), as well as in obstructive SAS (OSAS). 20 patients with OSAS with severe obesity (mean (SD) age 66 (10) years; 16 men, 4 women) and 6 patients with SAS related to probable MSA (60 (9) years; 4 men, 2 women) were studied. In the OSAS group, body mass index, apnoea index, and desaturation index were significantly higher than in the MSA group. In OSAS, simultaneous obstruction extended from the retropalatal pharynx to the retroglossal during sleep on low field magnetic resonance fluoroscopy. In MSA, obstruction of upper airway followed a similar distribution, but obstruction of vocal cords followed upper airway obstruction. In contrast to OSAS, sequentially acting neural mechanisms are suspected in SAS with MSA.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Mitochondrial sequence variation in Carlos capensis (Neumann), a parasite of seabirds, collected on Torishima Island in Japan.

Partial mitochondrial 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene sequences in the ticks Carios capensis collected from black-footed albatross. Diomedea nigripes, colonies on Torishima Island, Japan (30 degrees 28'N, 140 degrees 18'E), were examined. The sequence was compared with those of C. capensis from Hawaii, South Carolina, and Texas. The sequences were all identical in ticks from Torishima and 2 from Hawaii. There were 2-3 transitions between the other Hawaiian and Texas ticks and Torishima specimens. Two transitions were also observed when compared with the ticks from South Carolina. The results suggest the possibility of gene flow between tick populations at each of the 2 geographic sites, which probably was accomplished by tick-infested migratory seabirds at their breeding sites. Sequence comparison analysis indicated that the C. capensis ticks are on the branch with C. marginatus and C. mexicanus ticks and not with Ornithodoros. This supports the revision suggested by Klompen and Oliver (1993).

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Analysis of temporal changes in the expression of estrogen-regulated genes in the uterus.

In order to understand early events caused by estrogen in vivo, temporal uterine gene expression profiles at early stages were examined using DNA microarray analysis. Ovariectomized mice were exposed to 17beta-estradiol and the temporal mRNA expression changes of ten thousand various genes were analyzed. Clustering analysis revealed that there are at least two phases of gene activation during the period up to six hours. One involved immediate-early genes, which included certain transcription factors and growth factors as well as oncogenes. The other involved early-late genes, which included genes related to RNA and protein synthesis. In clusters of down-regulated genes, transcription factors, proteases, apoptosis and cell cycle genes were found. These hormone-inducible genes were not induced in estrogen receptor (ER) alpha knockout mice. Although expression of ERbeta is known in the uterus, these findings indicate the importance of ERalpha in the changes in gene expression in the uterus.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Similarities and differences in uterine gene expression patterns caused by treatment with physiological and non-physiological estrogens.

Administration of physiological and non-physiological estrogens during pregnancy or after birth is known to have adverse effects on the development of the reproductive tract and other organs. Although it is believed that both estrogens have similar effects on gene expression, this view has not been tested systematically. To compare the effects of physiological (estradiol; E2) and non-physiological (diethylstilbestrol; DES) estrogens, we used DNA microarray analysis to examine the uterine gene expression patterns induced by the two estrogens. Although E2 and DES induced many genes to respond in the same way, different groups of genes showed varying levels of maximal activities to each estrogen, resulting in different dose-response patterns. Thus, each estrogen has a distinct effect on uterine gene expression. The genes were classified into clusters according to their dose-responses to the two estrogens. Of the eight clusters, only two correlated well with the uterotropic effect of different doses of E2. One of these clusters contained genes that were upregulated by E2, which included genes encoding several stress proteins and transcription factors. The other cluster contained genes that were downregulated by E2, including genes related to metabolism, transcription and detoxification processes. The expression of these genes in estrogen receptor-deficient mice was not affected by E2 treatment, indicating that these genes are affected by the E2-bound estrogen receptor. Thus, of the many genes that are affected by estrogen, it was suggested that only a small number are directly involved in the uterotropic effects of estrogen treatment.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Changing prevalent T serotypes and emm genotypes of Streptococcus pyogenes isolates from streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS) patients in Japan.

We surveyed T serotypes and emm genotypes of Streptococcus pyogenes isolates from streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS) patients. T1 (emm1) remained dominant through 1992 to 2000, but the dominant T3 (emm3.1) strains from 1992 to 1995 disappeared during 1996-2000. Strains of several emm genotypes emerged during 1996-2000, indicating alterations in the prevalent strains causing TSLS.

Antigens, Bacterial↗
PubMed2003

[Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in neonatal systemic artery-to-pulmonary artery shunt operations using a double lumen catheter].

The right atrium of the neonate may be too small for direct insertion of 2 venous catheters during intraoperative life support. We inserted a double lumen catheter into the right atrium, and venovenous (V-V) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was instituted. The patient's arterial oxygen saturation was maintained at 70% to 90%, and hemodynamic stability was obtained during V-V ECMO. V-V ECMO using a double lumen catheter can be easily established in a small neonate, and is an effective support technique for untolerable hypoxemia during systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt operations.

Brachiocephalic Trunk↗
PubMed2003

Oxymetazoline nasal spray three times daily for four weeks in normal subjects is not associated with rebound congestion or tachyphylaxis.

Topical decongestants are available over the counter and provide rapid relief of nasal obstruction for conditions of short duration, for example the common cold. Manufacturers' recommendations are that topical decongestants should not be used regularly for more than 1 week in view of the risk of rebound mucosal hyperaemia with persistent nasal obstruction and refractoriness to further effects of decongestants. For this reason we performed a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 30 normal adult subjects with 0.05% oxymetazoline nasal spray 2 sprays (0.1 ml/spray) to each nostril 3 times daily over an extended period of 4 weeks. Degree of nasal blockage was assessed before and after 4 weeks treatment and for 2 weeks following discontinuation of treatment. Outcome measures included diary symptom scores and measurements of nasal peak inspiratory flow, airway resistance (using posterior active rhinomanometry) and volume (using acoustic rhinometry). Nasal patency was assessed at baseline and 15 minutes after oxymetazoline challenge at each clinic visit. Results demonstrated no significant increases in subjective nasal blockage throughout the 6 weeks study period in either oxymetazoline- or placebo-treated subjects. No significant differences were observed between groups for baseline measurements of nasal peak inspiratory flow, airway resistance or volume at each clinic visit. A highly significant decongestant effect of oxymetazoline was observed at each clinic visit with changes in all 3 measurements for both treatment groups, again with no significant differences between groups. In summary, in normal subjects, we identified no significant nasal blockage or impaired decongestant response to oxymetazoline following 4 weeks treatment with oxymetazoline compared to matched placebo nasal spray.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed2003

Acquisition of a gastric or duodenal phenotype on heterotropic transplantation of esophagus and bladder tissues in F344 rats.

Cell differentiation is very important but not well understood. In the present study the ability of various tissues to newly-differentiate when transplanted into the fundus or the duodenum in rats was tested. Pieces of esophagus, bladder, diaphragm and trachea from 8-week-old male F344 rats were transplanted into the gastric fundus or duodenum of females and examined after 3 or 6 months. While the diaphragm was not recognizable as a muscle layer in either the stomach or the duodenum, the esophagus and trachea persisted, the latter with the presence of cartilage. Esophagus grafts transplanted into the glandular stomach and duodenum, newly-differentiated into gastric and duodenal mucosa, respectively. Goblet cells with alcian-blue positive mucin appeared in bladder tissue implanted into the duodenum. Six months after the operation, their numbers had increased and cytoplasm alkaline phosphatase (ALP) positivity was noted. Gastrointestinal and also bladder stem cells may thus have multipotential ability for differentiation and may be able to newly-differentiate when transplanted into different environments in the gastrointestinal tract.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Purification and characterization of an extracellular laccase from the edible mushroom Lentinula edodes, and decolorization of chemically different dyes.

A laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) was isolated from the culture filtrate of Lentinula edodes. The enzyme was purified to a homogeneous preparation using hydrophobic, anion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatographies. SDS-PAGE analysis showed the purified laccase, Lcc 1, to be a monomeric protein of 72.2 kDa. The enzyme had an isoelectric point of around pH 3.0. The optimum pH for enzyme activity was around 4.0, and it was most active at 40 degrees C and stable up to 35 degrees C. The enzyme contained 23.8% carbohydrate and some copper atoms. The enzyme oxidized 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, p-phenylendiamine, pyrogallol, guaiacol, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, catechol, and ferulic acid, but not veratryl alcohol, tyrosine, and beta-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) alanine. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of Lcc 1 showed close homology to the N-terminal sequences determined for laccases from Phlebia radiata, Trametes villosa, and Trametes versicolor, but only low similarity was observed to a previously reported laccase from L. edodes. Lcc 1 was effective in the decolorization of chemically different dyes - Remazole Brilliant Blue R, Bromophenol Blue, methyl red, and Naphtol Blue Black - without any mediators, but the decolorization of two dyes - red poly(vinylamine)sulfonate-anthrapyridone dye and Reactive Orange 16 - did require some redox mediators.

Color↗