Biomedical subjects

K Fujii

Publications and source records attributed to K Fujii.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Tight Sylvian cisterns associated with hyperdense areas mimicking subarachnoid hemorrhage on computed tomography--four case reports.

Four patients with supratentorial mass lesions (two chronic subdural hematomas, one acute epidural hematoma, and one acute subdural hematoma) showed hyperdense sylvian cisterns on computed tomography (CT). Association of subarachnoid hemorrhage was suspected initially, but was excluded by intraoperative observation or postoperative lumbar puncture. CT showed disappearance of the hyperdense areas just after evacuation of the mass lesions. The hyperdense areas are probably a result of the partial volume phenomenon or concentrations of calcium deposits rather than abnormally high hematocrit levels, which were not found in these patients.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed2001

Traumatic basilar artery occlusion caused by a fracture of the clivus--case report.

A 56-year-old man presented with a rare traumatic basilar artery occlusion caused by a fracture of the clivus. He fell from the height of 2 meters and immediately fell into a coma. Head computed tomography (CT) revealed an open depressed fracture, an acute epidural hematoma 1 cm thick in the left middle frontal fossa, and a longitudinal fracture of the clivus. Emergency removal of the hematoma was performed with cranioplasty. Head CT 8 hours 50 minutes after injury showed infarctions in the brain stem, cerebellum, and occipital lobes. Cerebral angiography revealed occlusion of the basilar artery in the middle part of the clivus. The patient died after 3 days. Autopsy revealed that the basilar artery was trapped in the clivus fracture site. Vertebrobasilar artery occlusion due to trapping in a clivus fracture has a very poor prognosis. Diagnosis is difficult and generally only confirmed at autopsy. Cerebral angiography is recommended in a patient in a deep coma without massive brain contusion at the early stage of head injury to identify the possibility of vertebrobasilar artery occlusion in a clivus fracture.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed2001

Rupture of pial arteriovenous malformation associated with early thrombosis of the draining system following stereotactic radiosurgery--case report.

A 50-year-old man was treated with stereotactic gamma knife radiosurgery for an incidentally detected small callosal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with stenosis of the main draining pathway. He suffered two episodes of intraventricular hemorrhage at 4 and 14 weeks after the radiosurgery. Radiological studies demonstrated that the anterior portion of the draining system including a varix, which had been irradiated, was thrombosed before the obliteration of arteriovenous shunts. Stereotactic radiosurgery is an accepted treatment for selected small and medium AVMs, but this procedure may increase the risk of bleeding. Early occlusion of a part of the draining pathway after stereotactic radiosurgery might have induced AVM rupture. An impaired venous outlet, either consisting of one draining vein or with stenosis, present before treatment may be develop thrombosis in response to high-dose irradiation.

Aneurysm, Ruptured↗

PubMed2001

Goadsporin, a chemical substance which promotes secondary metabolism and Morphogenesis in streptomycetes. II. Structure determination.

The structure of goadsporin was determined by using spectroscopic techniques. NMR analysis revealed that goadsporin consists of 19 amino acids, two of which are dehydroalanines (Deala), and six of which are cyclized to oxazoles (Oxz) and thiazoles (Thz) by dehydrative cyclization and dehydrogenation from serine, threonine and cysteine. NMR analysis established seven partial structures, and their sequence was determined by CID-MS/MS. Negative mode FAB-MS/MS gave product ions arising from charge-remote fragmentation that allowed determination of the sequence of the amino acid components as AcNH-Ala-MeOxz-Val-Deala-MeOxz-Ile-Leu-Thz-Ser-Gly-Gly-MeOxz-Leu-Deala-Oxz-Ala-Gly-Thz-Val-OH. The chiral amino acids were determined by the advanced Marfey's method to have L-configurations.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2001

Coil embolization for the treatment of ruptured dissecting vertebral aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Proximal occlusion of the parent artery has been widely used for treatment of vertebral dissecting ruptured aneurysms, but this does not always completely prevent rerupture. We retrospectively studied 24 consecutive patients for clinical characteristics and/or for efficacy of occlusion with detachable coils at the site of dissection. METHODS: During a 45-month period, 24 of 242 patients with aneurysms associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage had dissecting vertebral aneurysms identified at angiography. Eighteen of the 24 patients were treated with platinum coil occlusion at the affected site as early as possible after diagnosis, two patients were treated conservatively, and four others were not eligible for treatment owing to intractable elevation of intracerebral pressure and severe brain stem dysfunction. RESULTS: The rate of aneurysmal rupture in the posterior fossa was high, at 56 (23%) of the 242 aneurysms, including 24 (10%) vertebral dissecting aneurysms. Subsequent rupture occurred in 14 (58%) of the patients, all within 24 hours after the first attack and three during transportation to the hospital. In all 18 patients, coil embolization at the affected site was successful, with no complications. Radiologic findings showed complete occlusion of the dissection site and patency of the unaffected artery (mean follow-up, 9 months). Among the six patients who did not undergo embolization, only one survived with a good outcome, the others died of repeat hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: A high rate of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms may be expected in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, especially in those with early repeat hemorrhage. Detachable platinum coil embolization may be more effective than proximal occlusion for treatment of ruptured vertebral dissecting aneurysms because of immediate cessation of blood flow to the dissection site; however, in patients with bilateral dissections or hypoplastic contralateral vertebral arteries, prior bypass surgery orstent placement to preserve the artery will be needed.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Heterogeneous expression of nonmuscle myosin heavy chain-B in mesangial cells of patients with Gitelman's syndrome.

AIMS: It has been suggested that angiotensin II (Ang II) promotes hypertrophy and hyperplasia of mesangial cells. Nonmuscle myosin heavy chain-B (NMHC-B) and alpha-smooth muscle (SM) actin are considered to be molecular markers for phenotypic change ofproliferative mesangial cells. One of the clinical characteristics in Gitelman's syndrome (GS) is the elevation of plasma Ang II. However, little is known about the relation between Ang II and phenotypic change of mesangial cells in patients with GS. In this report, we examined the expression of NMHC-B and alpha-SM actin in mesangial cells of two GS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma renin activity, and the concentrations of Ang II, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha (6-keto-PGF1alpha), urinary kallikrein, and 6-keto-PGF1alpha were measured. Immunohistochemical staining of NMHC-B and alpha-SM actin in mesangial cells of GS patients was also performed. RESULTS: Both cases of GS showed normal glomerular function, few histological abnormalities, and higher than normal plasma concentrations of renin and Ang II. Furthermore, one case showed a high urinary concentration of kallikrein and the expression of both NMHC-B and alpha-SM actin in mesangial cells. The other case showed a high urinary concentration of 6-keto-PGF1alpha but not kallikrein and without the expression of NMHC-B and alpha-SM actin. CONCLUSION: Not only plasma kinin-kallikrein and prostaglandins, but the renal expression of NMHC-B and alpha-SM actin may be variable in different patients with GS.

Actins↗

PubMed2001

[A case report of hemiparesis due to compression of the medulla oblongata by an elongated vertebral artery].

The authors report a case of a 53-year-old woman who developed symptoms and signs of compression of the left medulla oblongata by the elongated and curved left vertebral artery with normal diameter. Twelve days before admission to the hospital, the patient suddenly noticed severe occipital-nuchal headache and nausea with vomiting, while she was unloading a burden. Neurological examination revealed left facial hyperalgesia, right hemihypesthesia and mild right hemiparesis. Hoarseness was observed, but the movement of the uvula and tongue was normal. Hypertension was noticed (180/100). Cerebral and vertebral angiography revealed no aneurysm, but demonstrated an elongated and curved V4 portion of the left vertebral artery with normal diameter. Coronal plain of T2 weighted image of MRI and CT scan with metrizamide administered into the CSF, clearly demonstrated an elongated and curved left vertebral artery compressing the ventro-lateral portion of the left medulla oblongata, neurovascular decompression of the V4 from the medulla oblongata was performed. Through the operating microscope, it was observed that the elongated and curved V4 portion of the left vertebral artery with normal configuration was compressing the left medulla oblongata ventro-laterally, making a compression notch at the outlets of the cranial nerves IX and X. Transposition of the V4 portion was impossible. Some pieces of Taflon felt, thick enough to prevent the pulsatile movement of the V4 from compressing the medulla oblongata, were inserted between the V4 and the medulla oblongata. Two months after the operation, the patient's right hemiparesis and sensory disturbances were gradually improving and her blood pressure had become normal. The authors emphasize that, among patients with symptoms and signs of compression of the medulla oblongata, there is at least one patient for whom neurovascular decompression was an effective treatment.

Female↗

PubMed2001

[Evaluation of adhesive tape containing lidocaine using current perception threshold measurement].

Lidocaine adhesive tape (Penles; Wyeth Lederle Japan, Ltd, Tokyo, Japan) is placed for pain relief prior to puncturing a vein with a needle. We investigated the optimal time interval from application of Penles to vein puncture by measuring current perception threshold (CPT) levels with a Neurometer, by which it was possible to measure the extent of nerve block in a non-invasive and quantitative manner with 3 electrical stimulus rates (2000 Hz, 250 Hz, and 5 Hz). Penles was applied to the dorsum of volunteers' hands for 1, 2, 4, 6 and 12 hours before measuring CPT levels. With a stimulation rate of 2000 Hz and 250 Hz, CPT, levels were found to increase 4 hours after the Penles application, while peak CPT levels for 5 Hz stimulation were observed from 6 to 12 hours after application. However, CPT levels tended to decrease 12 hours after application, regardless of the stimulus rate. From the result, we conclude that Penles provides maximum benefit when applied 6 hours prior to vein puncture.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2001

[A case of central retinal artery occlusion after anterior posterior fusion of the lumbar spine].

We report a case of central retinal artery occlusion after anterior-posterior fusion of the lumbar spine. The patient suddenly lost his vision of the right eye in the ICU just after the end of long procedure for anterior-posterior fusion of the lumbar spine. The patient was diagnosed as having central retinal artery occlusion, and treated successfully with treatments including immediate administration of urokinase and PGE1, stellate ganglion block, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 54th postoperative day with adequate vision to drive a car. Central retinal artery occlusion is a rare but very serious complication during and after supine surgery with prone position. It is very important for us to be aware of its possible occurrence. We have to diagnose and treat, as soon as possible, the vision loss after the spine surgery.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Activities of thymidylate synthase and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase in patients with colorectal cancer].

Between 1998 and 2001, 82 colorectal cancers were resected in our hospital. The activities of TS and DPD were evaluated. TS activities in tumor tissues were significantly higher than in normal tissue, but the DPD activities had no significant difference between them. TS and DPD showed a correlation between normal and tumor tissues in stage III or IV patients. The TS value of patients with recurrence tended to be higher than that of patients with no recurrence. Especially in stage I or II patients with recurrence, who were administered 5-FU before recurrence, the TS value was significantly higher than in non-treated patients. In stage III or IV patients, it was considered that DPD prevention was important for 5-FU to effectively prevent TS. The TS value might be a new prospective risk factor for recurrence. Moreover, TS and DPD would be the index of biological malignancy.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[A symptomatic Rathke's cleft cyst with pituitary apoplexy: a case report].

We encountered a rare case of symptomatic Rathke's cleft cyst associated with pituitary apoplexy. To our knowledge, six cases have been reported in the literature. The mechanism of this symptom is still obscure because of the rare pathological findings concerning Rathke's cleft cysts. Judging from the operative and the histopathologic findings, we speculate that pituitary apoplexy could occur due to hemorrhage from certain vessels such as compressed portal veins or newly organized vessels of the granulation tissue of the cyst wall.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

[Prevalence of asthma in adults in Menda town rural-mountain area in Japan].

Several reports have suggested that the prevalence of asthma in adults is currently increasing. However, recent prevalence of asthma has not reported in Japan, especially in rural-mountain areas. To investigate the prevalence of asthma in adults in Japan, we conducted clinical epidemiological research on 5066 inhabitants of Menda town, in a rural-mountain area of Japan. The study population comprised 98.7% of adults in the town, including senior high school students whose age were more than 15 years old. The prevalence of asthma among adults was 3.6%. The ratio of prevalence in males to prevalence in females was 1.44. Peaks prevalences were observed in the age ranges of 15-19 and > 70 years old in males, and 15-19, 40-49 and > 70 years old in females.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

A new alternative to the mannich reaction: tandem radical addition-cyclization reaction for asymmetric synthesis of gamma-butyrolactones and beta-amino acids

The radical addition-cyclization reaction of substrates having two different radical acceptors such as acrylate and aldoxime ether moieties was studied. This new free radical-mediated Mannich-type reaction proceeded smoothly via a tandem C-C bond-forming process. Furthermore, the diastereoselective tandem reaction provides the novel method for asymmetric synthesis of gamma-butyrolactones and beta-amino acid derivatives.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Cycloamylose as an efficient artificial chaperone for protein refolding.

High molecular weight cyclic alpha-1,4-glucan (referred to as cycloamylose) exhibited an artificial chaperone property toward three enzymes in different categories. The inclusion properties of cycloamylose effectively accommodated detergents, which keep the chemically denatured enzymes from aggregation, and promoted proper protein folding. Chemically denatured citrate synthase was refolded and completely recovered it's enzymatic activity after dilution with polyoxyethylenesorbitan buffer followed by cycloamylose treatment. The refolding was completed within 2 h, and the activity of the refolded citrate synthase was quite stable. Cycloamylose also promoted the refolding of denatured carbonic anhydrase B and denatured lysozyme of a reduced form.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Co-expression of human chaperone Hsp70 and Hsdj or Hsp40 co-factor increases solubility of overexpressed target proteins in insect cells.

The insect-baculovirus expression system has proved particularly useful for producing recombinant proteins that are biologically active. Overexpression of foreign proteins using the recombinant baculovirus system is often accompanied by aggregation of the overexpressed protein, which is thought to be due to a limitation of the translated protein folding in the infected cells. Co-infection of a recombinant baculovirus capable of expressing the human chaperone Hsp70 slightly increased the solubility of the overexpressed Epstein-Barr virus replication protein, BZLF1. Co-expression of Hsp70 and its co-factor, Hsdj or Hsp40, was here found to improve the solubility of the target protein several fold. Thus, a baculovirus expression system producing these molecular chaperones may find application for improved production of target foreign gene products in insect cells.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Chromatographic determination of the absolute configuration of an acyclic secondary alcohol using difluorodinitrobenzene

A chromatographic determination method was developed for the absolute configuration of an acyclic secondary alcohol using the characteristic functions of 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (FFDNB). This method relies on the formation of the fixed favorable conformation of a secondary alcohol-DLA (2,4-dinitrophenyl-5-leucinamide) derivative and its recognition by ODS silica gel. The secondary alcohol reacted first with FFDNB under mild basic conditions, and L-leucinamide or DL-leucinamide was then introduced into the secondary alcohol-FDNB derivative. Because the conformations of the resulting alcohol-DLA derivatives were rigidly fixed by the dinitrobenzene plane, the absolute configuration at the asymmetric carbon of the secondary alcohol tested can be definitely deduced by the elution behavior of both of the diastereomers in the HPLC and/or LC/MS. One of the diastereomers has the cis (Z)-type arrangement of two more hydrophobic substituents of the alcohol and leucinamide moieties, the more hydrophobic side chain and isobutyl groups, to the plane of the dinitrobenzene, whereas another diastereomer has the opposite arrangement (trans (E)-type). Therefore, the cis arrangement interacts more strongly with the ODS silica gel and has a longer retention time than that of the trans-type arrangement. This established method was successfully applied to various chiral acyclic secondary alcohols including chloramphenicol and 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid. Finally, the limitations of this method were also examined.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Deafness induced up-regulation of GluR2/3 and NR1 in the spiral ganglion cells of the rat cochlea.

Expressions of AMPA (GluR2, GluR3, and GluR4) and NMDA (NR1 and NR2) glutamate receptors in the spiral ganglion cells of the cochlea were analyzed both at protein and mRNA levels in control and deaf rats between week 0 (P14) and week 8 (P70) after deafness induced by a daily injection of kanamycin at P0-P14. In the deaf rats, significant up-regulations of GluR2, GluR3, and NR1 in the surviving spiral ganglion cells were observed, while expressions of GluR4 and NR2 were fairly constant. In contrast, in the control rats, the expressions of all these glutamate receptor subtypes were stable. These results suggest that drastic alterations in the diversity of GluR2/GluR3/NR1 receptor complexes in the surviving spiral ganglion cells, which result in alterations in Ca2+ permeability, may contribute to the deafness-related alterations in the structure and function of the cochlea.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2000

Dominant negative isoform of the Ikaros gene in patients with adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Gene targeting studies in mice have shown that the transcription factor Ikaros plays an essential role in lymphoid development and as a tumor suppressor in T cells, whereas the related gene Aiolos functions as a tumor suppressor in B cells. We analyzed the expression levels of the Ikaros gene family, Ikaros and Aiolos, in human bone marrow samples from patients with adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL (n = 46; B-cell ALL = 41; T-cell ALL = 5)]. Overexpression of the dominant negative isoform of Ikaros gene Ik-6 was observed in 14 of 41 B-cell ALL patients by reverse transcription-PCR, and the results were confirmed by sequencing analysis and immunoblotting. None of the other dominant negative isoforms of the Ikaros gene were detected by reverse transcription-PCR analysis. Southern blotting analysis with PstI digestion revealed that those patients with the dominant negative isoform Ik-6 might have small mutations in the Ikaros locus. We did not detect any overexpression of dominant negative isoforms of Aiolos in adult ALL patients. These results suggest that Ikaros plays a key role in human B-cell malignancies through the dominant negative isoform Ik-6.

Adolescent↗