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Biomedical subjects

K Abe

Publications and source records attributed to K Abe.

At least 793 records · Page 44Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

[A case of pulmonary sarcoidosis with multiple cavitation and pneumothorax].

We describe a rare case of pulmonary sarcoidosis with multiple cavitation and pneumothorax. A 32-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a dry cough and an interstitial shadow with dense infiltrates in both upper lungs and cavitation in the right upper lung on chest roentgenogram and CT. Laboratory tests revealed an elevated level of serum lysozyme. BAL fluid demonstrated a high proportion of lymphocytes with an increased CD4/CD8 ratio, compatible with sarcoidosis. Transbronchial lung and skin biopsies showed evidence of noncaseating epithelioid-cell granuloma, and a diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made. Although pneumothorax appeared in the left lung on chest roentgenogram during clinical observation conservative treatment without corticosteroids or any other therapy for a follow-up period of 3 years resulted in improvement of her clinical condition and abnormal X-ray findings.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[An autopsy case of rigid spine syndrome].

We reported an autopsy case of rigid spine syndrome. A 20-year-old woman developed severe respiratory failure despite well-preserved muscle strength in her extremities. Although she had mechanical ventilation during sleep, she had normal arterial blood gas values during daytime. She was found dead in a morning approximately 71/2 years after the onset of the respiratory symptoms. At autopsy, the respiratory diaphragm and intercostal muscles, and the truncal paravertebral and sternocleidomastoid muscles were more significantly affected than the limb muscles. Many corpora amylacea were found in the whole spinal cord, though the significance remains to be elucidated.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Identification of aneuploids in uncultured amniotic fluid cells by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization].

We report the diagnosis of aneuploids in uncultured amniotic fluid cells by the use of interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). About a dozen of cases was studied to detect chromosome aneuploids (trisomies 13, 18 and 21, and monosomy X), especially those in the perinatal period. Results of FISH experiments in each specimen were compared with those of conventional chromosome analysis, and showed no discrepancy between them in most cases. FISH analysis revealed that four 18-trisomies had two different cells, one of which showed two fluorescence signals and the other three signals, the result indicating a maternal cell contamination. Thus, special attention should be paid when FISH analysis is adopted to the diagnosis in uncultured amniotic fluid cells in order to avoid misdiagnosis that may originate in maternal cell contamination.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed1998

Expression of costimulatory molecule CD80 on peripheral blood T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of costimulatory molecule CD80 on T cells of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Monoclonal antibodies against CD80 were used for flow cytometry and expression of CD80 on PBMC was studied in 26 patients with SLE, 18 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 8 patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), and 22 healthy controls. RESULTS: CD80 was detected on CD3+ and CD19+ cells in patients with SLE and it was significantly higher than that of controls. In patients with SLE CD80 was expressed on CD4+ T cells (8.05+/-5.45%), significantly higher than in RA and controls, but was not highly expressed on CD8+ T cells (1.67+/-2.87%). CD80+CD4+ T cell phenotype analysis revealed CD45RA-, CD45RO+, and CD25+, or HLA-DR+ activated T cells. The percentage of CD80+ cells in CD4+ cells increased in the active stage of SLE, and was significantly correlated with the SLE disease activity index. CONCLUSION: CD80 can be expressed on activated CD4+ T cells in PBMC of patients with SLE in vivo and the appearance of these cells is associated with the disease activity in SLE.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1998

[Cytokines produced by cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from a patient with primary pulmonary cryptococcosis].

Cytokines in the culture supernatant of concanavalin A-stimulated macrophages/lymphocytes isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in a 29-year-old patient with primary pulmonary cryptococcosis were evaluated to study the immune reaction against Cryptococcus neoformans in the lung. Before fungicidal therapy, levels of interferon-gamma and interleukin-10 were markedly elevated, and declined after therapy. There were no changes in interleukin-2 or interleukin-4 throughout the clinical course. This result suggests that IFN-gamma and IL-10 may be involved in the immune reaction against pulmonary cryptococcosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Thrombopoietin supports in vitro erythroid differentiation via its specific receptor c-Mpl in a human leukemia cell line.

Thrombopoietin (TPO) acts on megakaryopoiesis and erythropoiesis in vitro and in vivo. We isolated a novel subline, UT-7/GMT, from the human leukemia cell line UT-7/GM (N. Komatsu, et al., Blood, 89: 4021-4033, 1997). A small population of UT-7/GM cells positively stained for hemoglobin (Hb) after a 7-day exposure to TPO. More than 50% of TPO-treated UT-7/GMT cells positively stained for Hb. Using UT-7/GMT cells, we examined how TPO promotes hemoglobinization. TPO induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the TPO receptor but not the erythropoietin (EPO) receptor. There was no competition between TPO and EPO for binding to EPO receptor. These findings suggest that TPO has a direct effect on hemoglobinization via a specific receptor on UT-7/GMT cells. Isoelectric focusing demonstrated that TPO induced fetal and adult Hb synthesis, whereas EPO induced embryonic, fetal, and adult Hb synthesis. Thus, our data suggest that TPO has a distinct action on erythropoiesis.

Binding, Competitive↗
PubMed1998

[Atraumatic local interruption technique for coronary circulation in MIDCAB].

Various methods have been employed for "local" interruption of the coronary blood flow before anastomosis during MIDCAB. However, coronary artery injury caused by a snare and coronary artery stenosis at the snare site resulting in late complications have been reported. We utilize a technique that minimizes the risk of injury to the coronary artery. At about 1 cm proximal to the coronary artery incision, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) suture (GORE-TEX Suture CV-3 with an 18 mm needle that is tightly curved) is placed around the coronary artery, picking up a large chunk of myocardium with the curve of the needle. A Teflon felt is then attached, and threaded through a tourniquet. The tourniquet is tightened with the minimum strength needed for hemostasis. In order to avoid damage to the distal side of the coronary artery incision, a snare is not placed. Instead, an intraluminal occluder is used to block the blood flow. Anastomosis can easily be obtained with the use of a stabilizer. Hemorrhage from passage of suture is negligible, even during administration of 1.5 mg/kg heparin, because there is no difference between the diameter of the needle and that of the thread (diameter: 0.422 mm). The thread stretches minimally along the major axis but is flexible along the minor axis and thus produces less vascular wall trauma than does polypropylene thread. Furthermore, when the coronary artery is tightened through the cushiony myocardium and the Teflon felt by the flexible GORE-TEX thread, the injury to the coronary wall is minimized.

Coronary Artery Bypass↗
PubMed1998

[Pharmacokinetic analysis of low-dose intra-peritoneal cis-platinum administration].

Pharmacokinetic parameters after intra-peritoneal administration of low-dose cis-platinum (CDDP) were analysed in order to evaluate the possibility of applying low-dose 5-FU/CDDP therapy (1-FP) for outpatients. Four patients with advanced gastric cancer were the subjects of this study. CDDP at a dose of 20 mg/body was administered intra-peritoneally, and peripheral venous blood was collected at 30 min, 4, 8, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hr after drug administration. The plasma platinum (Pt) concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a two-compartment open model. C max, AUC, t1/2 alpha and t1/2 beta of total-Pt were 1. 27 +/- 0.21 micrograms/ml, 95.28 +/- 16.93 micrograms.hr/ml, 1.91 +/- 0.76 hr and 190.2 +/- 125.6 hr, respectively. Total-Pt concentration at 120 hr, after administration was 0.54 +/- 0.14 microgram/ml. This result suggests that intraperitoneal low-dose CDDP administration is a promising method for 1-FP therapy for outpatients, because the plasma total-Pt level is maintained at a sufficiently high level for a long period.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

[A renal adenoma: a case report and review of diagnostic imaging].

Renal adenoma indistinguishable from renal cell carcinoma preoperatively in a 34-year-old male is reported. The tumor found by CT-scan was located in the middle portion of the left kidney. Renal cell carcinoma was diagnosed preoperatively by total diagnostic imaging. Simple nephrectomy was conducted, and the pathological specimen was a renal adenoma.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1998

[A case of primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate responsive to combination chemotherapy with methotrexate, epirubicin and cisplatin].

A 72-year-old man with the chief complaint of macrohematuria was referred to our hospital in February 1996. On transrectal examination, the prostate was stony hard without nodules. Cystoscopic findings and biopsies did not confirm a transitional cell carcinoma or carcinoma in situ in the bladder. However transurethral and transrectal biopsy specimens of prostate showed transitional cell carcinoma invading the prostate stroma. Pelvic CT scan revealed a lymph node metastasis in the left iliac artery region. Under the diagnosis of primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate, radical cystoprostatectomy and lymph node dissection were performed after two courses of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy. Pathologically no viable transitional cell carcinoma could be found in any of the specimens. Thus neo-adjuvant systemic chemotherapy was very effective in this case.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

[A case of choroidal malignant melanoma in which 123I-IMP scintigraphy was useful for diagnosis].

A case of choroidal malignant melanoma in which N-isopropyl-p-[123I]-iodoamphetamine (123I-IMP) scintigraphy was useful for diagnosis is reported. A 62-year-old man first visited our hospital 3 years ago complaining of decreases in left eyesight. CT showed a tumor with an arcuate high attenuation area on the aural side of the optic disk in the left eye. A crescent high attenuation area, evidence of retinal detachment, was also observed on the nasal side of the optic disk. T1-weighted MR images showed low signal intensity in most of the tumor and a high signal intensity area was seen in the center, T2-weighted MR images showed homogeneous and marked low signal intensity area. Differentiation from a hematoma or a vascular tumor associated with bleeding was impossible based on CT and MRI. However, because late-phase images obtained on 123I-IMP scintigraphy showed marked high accumulation in an area corresponding to almost the entire left eye, left eye enucleation was undertaken under a diagnosis of malignant melanoma. Histopathologic examinations showed tumor growth mainly in the subretinal area. The melanin content of the tumor was high in the periphery and relatively low in the center. Infiltration was observed into the sclera and around the vortex vein outside the eyeball, but this change could not be detected by CT or MRI. 123I-IMP scintigraphy was useful not only for qualitative diagnosis of choroidal malignant melanoma, but for the determination of the extent of the lesion as well.

Choroid Neoplasms↗
PubMed1998

[Use of the radial artery graft in coronary artery bypass grafting: harvesting technique and spasm prevention].

The use of radial artery (RA) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been increasing recently as a revival. In this report, we describe several practical suggestions for improving patency rate of the graft. Between April of 1997 and February of 1998, 41 CABGs were performed using RA graft, totalling 56 anastomoses. The early patency rate of the graft has been 100% (graft: 38/38, anastomosis: 53/53). Harvesting technique: with the use of Harmonic Scalpel, it is possible to atraumatically harvest the vessel in a short time. Although longitudinal fasciotomy of the adventitia has been recently reported to be effective in releasing spasm, the nature of the vessel raise concern that the fasciotomy may even induce spasm. We hypothesize that leaving the adventitia intact, preserving vasa vasorum, rather than performing fasciotomy leads to improvement of long-term patency. Spasm prevention: we consider the body temperature to be the most important factor. Therefore, we utilize normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Another important factor is that the arterial CO2 is kept at a high level during CPB. For dilation of RA graft, milrinone is used instead of papaverine. For the intra- and postoperative management, intravenous continuous administration of diltiazem was changed to nicorandil. Technically, essential resolution for improvement of patency rate is either to allow for large proximal anastomosis, or to make sequential anastomosis with another coronary artery which has a good run off. For these purposes, the proximal anastomosis on the ascending aorta seems to have the advantage over placing it on ITA.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Postoperative chylothorax treated with fibrin glue and absorbent mesh: a case report].

A 66-year-old man was treated by graft replacement for a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Chylothorax occurred on postoperative day 2. In spite of cessation of oral intake and IVH management, chest tube drainage did not decrease, the patient became malnourished. A chest X-ray and CT scan revealed the massive pleural effusion. Reoperation assisted with a thoracoscopy was carried out for chylothorax on postoperative day 27. Because we were unable to find the thoracic duct and the leakage point, the fibrin glue and absorbent mesh was applied to parietal and mediastinal pleura. Four days after reoperation, the chest tube was removed. This method is useful for this type of a chylothorax and lymphorrhea.

Absorption↗
PubMed1998

Carbamazepine-induced up-regulation of voltage-dependent Na+ channels in bovine adrenal medullary cells in culture.

Treatment of cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells with carbamazepine (CBZ) for 5 days caused an increase in catecholamine secretion induced by veratridine, an activator of voltage-dependent Na+ channels. However, no increase was stimulated by carbachol, an agonist of nicotinic receptors, or by 56 mM K+, a depolarizing agent that activates voltage-dependent Ca++ channels. CBZ (30 microg/ml) treatment enhanced veratridine-induced catecholamine secretion in a time-dependent manner (increases of 25%, 65% and 70% for 3, 5 and 7 days of treatment, respectively). CBZ treatment (5 days) increased veratridine-induced catecholamine secretion in a concentration-dependent manner (increases of 27%, 36%, 45% and 55% at 10, 15, 20 and 30 microgram/ml of CBZ, respectively). CBZ treatment also increased 22Na+ influx and 45Ca++ influx stimulated by veratridine. The stimulatory effect of CBZ treatment on catecholamine secretion was blocked by either actinomycin D or cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis. Additive responses of catecholamine secretion and 22Na+ influx induced by veratridine were associated with combined exposure of the cells to CBZ and dibutyryl cyclic AMP. CBZ treatment (30 microg/ml, 5 days) significantly increased the specific binding of [3H]saxitoxin to cell membranes. A Scatchard analysis of [3H]saxitoxin binding revealed that CBZ increased the Bmax value without any change in the dissociation constant. These findings suggest that CBZ up-regulates the density and activity of voltage-dependent Na+ channels.

Adrenal Medulla↗
PubMed1998

A systematic molecular genetic approach to study mammalian germline development.

It is difficult to study gene expression in mammalian embryonic germ cells as PGCs constitute only a minor proportion of the mouse embryo. We have overcome this problem by using a novel combination of established molecular and transgenic approaches. A line of mice has been generated in which the cells of the germ lineage express the beta-galactosidase reporter gene during embryogenesis. Using this line, germ cells have been purified to near homogeneity from embryos at discrete stages during germline development by use of a stain for beta-gal activity and a fluorescence activated cell sorter. Subsequently, cDNA libraries have been constructed from each germ cell population using a modified lone-linker PCR strategy. These combined cDNA libraries represent genes expressed in PGCs during mammalian germline development. To facilitate a molecular genetic approach to studying mammalian germline development, these cDNA libraries will be pooled to form an arrayed, addressed reference embryonic germ cell cDNA library. In parallel with large-scale cDNA sequencing efforts; genes that are differentially expressed in germ cells will be identified by screening the reference library with probes generated by subtractive hybridization. Complementary DNAs identified using this approach will be analyzed by sequencing, database comparison, genomic mapping and in situ hybridization to ascertain the potential functional importance of each gene to germline development. In addition to providing a wealth of novel information regarding patterns of gene expression during mammalian germline development, these results will form the basis for future experiments to determine the function of these genes in this process.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Continuous injection therapy of morphine solution for terminally-ill patients at home].

We surveyed 21 terminally-ill patients with cancer pain who received continuous injection therapy of morphine at home in the three years from 1995 to 1997. The period of home therapy was 179.3 +/- 257.5 (mean +/- SD) days. The period of morphine injection was 39.2 +/- 29.1 days. Morphine solution was injected intravenously via a catheter inserted in a central vein in all patients. The instrument used most frequently for injection was the seven-day type disposable balloon pump (n = 17, 81.0%). The maximum dosage of morphine in the period of home therapy was 57.3 +/- 30.6 mg per day. Nine patients (42.9%) seldom used supplemental analgesics, while 11 patients (52.4%) used them sometimes. Nine patients had some trouble with continuous injection therapy of morphine. The following were problems: accidents with the injection instruments (insufficient injection volume, delay of drug supply, etc.) and of the intravenous catheters (accidental removal of catheter, occlusion of catheter, etc.). Eleven patients (52.4%) died at home, and 10 patients (47.6%) were hospitalized again. Continuous morphine injection therapy is an effective strategy for cancer pain management at home.

Analgesics, Opioid↗