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Biomedical subjects

K Uchida

Publications and source records attributed to K Uchida.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Naturally acquired regulatory mechanism of perioperative cytokine response in neonates.

The inflammatory reaction is known to be controlled in neonates. We clarified the characteristics of cytokine profile in neonatal patients and assess its clinical significance. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1 receptor antagonist (ra) were determined in 152 pediatric patients and 33 each of maternal and cord bloods. Supernatant IL-1ra levels of cultured monocytes and granulocytes stimulated with IL-1beta or LPS, and IL-1ra mRNA expression of granulocytes were assayed in 15 each of cord and healthy adult bloods. Although surgical stress in neonates was heavier than that in infants, there was no difference in the occurrence of postoperative morbidity and mortality. In neonates, the perioperative serum level of IL-1ra was significantly raised, and the postoperative IL-6 response was well controlled. The serum concentration of IL-1ra in cord blood was not different from that in maternal blood, whereas, the serum concentration of IL-6 in cord blood was significantly reduced than that in maternal blood. In granulocytes, significantly more IL-1ra was produced from cord than from adult blood. An IL-1ra predominant immune status in neonates may be a naturally acquired adaptation system and play a crucial role in attenuating acute inflammatory reaction in a vulnerable host defense.

Body Temperature↗
PubMed2006

Stability of canine distemper virus (CDV) after 20 passages in Vero-DST cells expressing the receptor protein for CDV.

Isolates 007Lm, S124C and Ac96I and a Vero cell-adapted Onderstepoort strain of canine distemper viruses (CDV) were examined for stability after passages in Vero cells expressing the canine signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (dogSLAM, the intrinsic receptor to CDV). These viruses passage once in Vero cells expressing dogSLAM (Vero-DST) cells (original) and after 20 passages (20p) were compared by using sequence analyses and growth characteristics. All four strains of 20p grew well and were slightly better than their originals. The 20p viruses developed a cytopathic effect slightly lower than the original strains. A few changes in amino acids in the H gene were between the 20p and the original viruses, but the sites of changes were not specific. Fragments of P, M and L genes of all strains showed no nucleotide changes after the passages. These results showed that: (1) passages of CDVs in Vero-DST cells induced amino acid changes only in the H gene, not in the P, M and L genes, unlike in a previous study with Vero cells; (2) passages did not markedly affect the growth characteristics of every viral strain. These results indicate that Vero cells expressing canine SLAM allow the isolation and passaging of CDV without major changes in viral genes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Comparative analyses of canine distemper viral isolates from clinical cases of canine distemper in vaccinated dogs.

Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of three isolates of canine distemper virus (CDV) isolated from three dogs with a vaccination history were compared with the same analyses of vaccine virus isolated from a vaccine used for dogs. The three dogs showed clinical signs of a recent major type of CD in Japan, including oculonasal discharge and diarrhea, and pathological findings including non-suppurative encephalitis, pneumonia, mild gastroenteritis and lymphoid depletion. Inclusion bodies were in the stomach without inflammation and encephalitis was without clinical signs. One of the highest titers of CDV in different organs of the three dogs was commonly systemic lymphatic organs, including the spleen, lymph nodes and tonsils. New isolates of CDV joined to the clades of the Asia 1 group that is far from the vaccine group. These results surely indicate that wild strains of CDV from dogs with a vaccination history were not reversed vaccine virus, and that the dogs showed characteristics of recent CD in Japan.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

A groundbreaking new suturing device: the Excalibur.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic knot tying can be stressful. We reported two simple techniques, known as the Thumbs up! knot and the Tornado knot. We have further refined these procedures with the development of a new needle holder, called the Excalibur suturing needle holder. MATERIALS: This forceps differ from most conventional forceps in that the hinge is designed to stick out. The large hinge is stored out of the way when the forceps are closed, to prevent the thread accidentally catching. RESULTS: The thread is hooked on the projected hinge, which resembles the heel of a high-heel shoe. By using this forceps, the laparoscopic knot tying becomes easier for not only well experienced but also less experienced surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: The Excalibur, with its high heel, can complete knots with simple straight-line motion, making knot tying easier. This forceps will help reduce the stresses associated with intra-corporeal knot tying.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed2006

Comparative genomic hybridization reveals genetic progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma from dysplasia via two different tumourigenic pathways.

To clarify the genetic pathway(s) involved in the development and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), as well as the relationship between genetic aberrations and biological characteristics of OSCC tumours, comparative genomic hybridization was used to analyse genetic alterations in both primary OSCCs and adjacent dysplastic lesions of the same biopsy specimens from 35 patients. Gain of 8q22-23 was the most frequent alteration in both OSCC and mild dysplasia, and was considered the earliest event in the process of oral tumourigenesis. The average number of DNA sequence copy number aberrations (DSCNAs) increased with progression from mild dysplasia to invasive carcinoma (r = 0.737, n = 70, p < 0.001). OSCC samples were classified as having a large or small number of DSCNAs (OSCC-L, 21.4 +/- 4.7 DSCNAs or OSCC-S, 10.0 +/- 1.7 DSCNAs, respectively; p < 0.0001). Gains of 3q26-qter, 8q, 11q13, 14q, and 20q and losses of 4q, 5q12-22, 6q, 8p, 13q, and 18q22-qter were common to OSCC-L and OSCC-S. Gains of 5p15, 7p, 17q11-22, and 18p and losses of 3p14-21, 4p, and 9p were detected exclusively in OSCC-L. The average number of DSCNAs depended on whether the samples showed OSCC- L or dysplasia plus OSCC-L, or showed OSCC-S or dysplasia plus OSCC-S (p = 0.001). Gain of 5p15 and losses of 4p and 9p were detected even in dysplastic lesions adjacent to OSCC-L samples. Loss of 4p was associated with node metastasis by multivariate analysis (p = 0.013). OSCC-L tumours were more often T3-T4 stage tumours than T1-T2 stage tumours (p = 0.03). These findings suggest that two different types of OSCC, OSCC-L associated with high-stage cancer and OSCC-S associated with low-stage cancer, arise from different types of dysplasia via different genetic pathways.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Renal adenocarcinoma in a ferret.

A spontaneous case of renal tumor was observed in a 7-year-old ovariectomized female pet ferret (Mustela putorius furo). Clinical signs included exhaustion, emaciation, anorexia, and stooping position. At necropsy, a solid and cystic mass replaced the left kidney and adrenal gland. The tumor was composed of pleomorphic epithelial cells with a large number of giant cells. Metastases were recognized in the lung, liver, greater omentum, right renal pelvis, and systemic lymph nodes. Immunohistochemical stains revealed that the tumor cells were positive for CD10, cytokeratin (CAM 5.2), and Ki-67 (MIB-1). On the basis of morphologic and immunohistochemical features, the tumor was diagnosed as a pleomorphic renal adenocarcinoma. This type of neoplasm is very rare in all species and has never been reported in a ferret.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2006

Congenital multiple ocular defects with falciform retinal folds among Japanese black cattle.

To clarify the morphologic features of the ocular disease recently occurring among Japanese Black cattle in southern Kyushu, 6 globes from 3 Japanese Black cattle, between 11 and 20 months old (cow Nos. 1 to 3), were pathologically examined. Cow Nos. 1 and 2 were sired by the same Japanese Black bull, and cow No. 3 was sired by the ancestor (sire) of the former bull. The ocular lesions were pathologically similar to each other, except for the left eye of cow No. 1. The ocular lesions of 5 globes were characterized by microphthalmia, hypoplasia, and/or dysplasia of the lenses; persistence of the primary vitreous; and retinal dysplasia with total nonattachment. The left globe from cow No. 1 had no lens and severe hypoplasia and nonattachment of the retina. Because dysplastic retinal lesions that formed crescentic folds and a central column were the most characteristic features of the eyes, the falciform retinal fold with congenital nonattachment was the most likely disease entity. Although the cause of the ocular disease could not be clarified with the present study, an inherited ocular defect of the bull and its ancestor was suspected.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Imaging of cauda equina edema in lumbar canal stenosis by using gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging: experimental constriction injury.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It has been reported that disturbance of blood flow arising from circumferential compression of the cauda equina by surrounding tissue plays a major role in the appearance of neurogenic intermittent claudication (NIC) associated with lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS). We created a model of LSCS to clarify the mechanism of enhancement within the cauda equina on gadolinium-enhanced MR images from patients with LSCS. METHODS: In 20 dogs, a lumbar laminectomy was performed by applying circumferential constriction to the cauda equina by using a silicon tube, to produce 30% stenosis of the circumferential diameter of the dural tube. After 1 and 3 weeks, gadolinium and Evans blue albumin were injected intravenously at the same time. The sections were used to investigate the status of the blood-nerve barrier function under a fluorescence microscope and we compared gadolinium-enhanced MR images with Evans blue albumin distribution in the nerve. The other sections were used for light and transmission electron microscopic study. RESULTS: In this model, histologic examination showed congestion and dilation in many of the intraradicular veins, as well as inflammatory cell infiltration. The intraradicular edema caused by venous congestion and Wallerian degeneration can also occur at sites that are not subject to mechanical compression. Enhanced MR imaging showed enhancement of the cauda equina at the stenosed region, demonstrating the presence of edema. CONCLUSION: Gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging may be a useful tool for the diagnosis of microcirculatory disorders of the cauda equina associated with LSCS.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Cervical angina: a seemingly still neglected symptom of cervical spine disorder?

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, case series. DESIGN: A review of 10 surgical cases with symptoms of cervical angina. OBJECTIVE: To stress the importance of symptoms of cervical angina in patients with cervical spine disorders. SETTING: Fukui University Hospital, Japan. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients complaining of symptoms of cervical angina were admitted with a tentative diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Pain relief was achieved by anterior surgical decompression in all patients. CONCLUSION: We stress that physicians should be aware of the symptoms of cervical angina and that surgical intervention often leads to complete relief of symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Gastric mucosal hyperplasia via upregulation of gastrin induced by persistent activation of gastric innate immunity in major histocompatibility complex class II deficient mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Major histocompatibility complex class II deficient (Aalpha0/0) mice have decreased CD4+ T cells, making them immunologically similar to patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Both patients with AIDS and Aalpha0/0 mice have hypertrophic gastric folds. To clarify the mechanism of gastric mucosal hyperplasia, we investigated the pathophysiology and the role of the innate immunity in the stomach of Aalpha0/0 mice. METHODS: Stomachs from 1-6 month old Aalpha0/0 mice, kept under specific pathogen free conditions, were examined at 1 month intervals histologically and immunohistochemically. Gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the gastric mucosa was investigated. Serum gastrin levels and gastric acidity were measured. Bacterial culture of the stomach was performed. To clarify the roles of hypergastrinaemia in the gastric mucosa, a gastrin receptor antagonist (AG041R) was administered. RESULTS: Aalpha0/0 mice had a diffusely thick corpus mucosa with infiltration of CD11b+ granulocytes and macrophages. Anti-Ki67 staining demonstrated expansion of the proliferating neck zone. Gene expression of interleukin 1beta, interferon gamma, TLR-2, TLR-4, and COX-2 were upregulated, and MPO activity was increased. Only a small amount of non-pathogenic bacteria was detected in the stomach. Serum gastrin levels and Reg-Ialpha positive cells in the gastric mucosa increased, despite normal gastric acidity. After treatment with AG041R, gastric mucosal thickness was significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: Persistent activation of innate immunity in the stomach induced gastric mucosal hyperplasia through upregulation of gastrin synthesis in Aalpha0/0 mice, suggesting a pathophysiology similar to the gastric changes in patients with AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2005

Pathogenesis and phylogenetic analyses of canine distemper virus strain 007Lm, a new isolate in dogs.

The pathogenesis of a new isolate of canine distemper virus (CDV), strain 007Lm, was investigated from lymph node tissue by using Vero cells that express canine signalling lymphocyte activation molecules with a tag (Vero-DST) in dogs. Two CDV sero-negative Beagle dogs were inoculated intranasally and intraconjunctively with a virus suspension. Both infected dogs showed clinical signs of severe bloody diarrhea, conjunctivitis, ocular discharge, nasal discharge and coughing, lymphopenia, fever and weight loss. Titers of CDV-IgM and CDV-IgG in the blood were measured. CDV was detected by using reverse transcriptase-PCR and was recovered in swabs from one dog from 9 days and from the other dogs from 10 days after inoculation. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses of H and P genes showed that nucleotide and amino acid sequences of these genes of strain 007Lm after isolation in Vero-DST cells are identical to those of the original virus from fresh tissue and that strain 007Lm joins to the Asia 2 group cluster of CDV strains that is distinct from other clusters. These results indicate that (1) CDV strain 007Lm isolated in Vero-DST cells is virulent, (2) nucleotide and amino acid sequences of H and P genes of strain 007Lm do not change after isolation in Vero-DST cells compared with the original virus from fresh tissue and (3) strain 007Lm isolated from a vaccinated dog belongs to a cluster far from the vaccine strains in the phylogenetic trees of H and P genes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

Cruciate paralysis and hemiplegia cruciata: report of three cases.

STUDY DESIGN: Report of three cases of cruciate paralysis and hemiplegia cruciata. OBJECTIVE: To stress the importance of upper cervical spine lesions causing neurological symptoms and signs. SETTING: Neuro-orthopedic service, Fukui University Hospital, Japan. RESULTS: Three patients (all females; one with congenital anomaly at the occiput-atlas level, one with assimilation of the atlas, and one with rheumatoid arthritis-related proliferative synovium) had clinical features of cruciate paralysis and hemiplegia cruciata. All three cases underwent decompressive surgeries. CONCLUSION: Neurological symptoms and signs of cruciate paralysis and hemiplegia cruciata should be carefully assessed, and surgical therapy should be based on the pathological condition.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Proposal for genetic characterisation of wild-type mumps strains: preliminary standardisation of the nomenclature.

Though mumps virus (MuV) is a monotypic virus, genetic variation between strains has been described. Viruses have been placed into genotypes designated A-L based on the nucleotide sequence of the small hydrophobic (SH) gene, which is the most variable gene in the mumps genome. Molecular characterisation of MuV is an important component of mumps surveillance because it can help identify the transmission pathways of the virus as well as distinguish between wild-type and vaccine strains. Here, we propose a standardized nomenclature and an analysis protocol for the genetic characterisation of mumps strains to facilitate expansion of molecular epidemiological studies. In addition to assigning standard reference strains for the recognized genotypes of MuV, a convention is proposed for naming for strains and criteria to designate a new genotype.

Humans↗
PubMed2005

Multimedia article. The keys to the new laparoscopic world Thumbs up! knot and Tornado knot.

Most laparoscopic surgeons feel some anxiety when performing intracorporeal knotting with conventional techniques [1, 2]. Two factors contribute to this anxiety. The first is the necessity of recognizing three dimensions on a two-dimensional monitor. The conventional intracorporeal knotting techniques make loops by twisting the thread with a second pair of forceps. This necessitates cooperative movement of both hands, with the added difficulties of depth perception. Regular touch confirmations reduce problems with depth perception. However, touch confirmation is more complicated in laparoscopic surgery than in laparotomy. The second problem is that tied loops can come loose and escape the instruments, especially with hard thread. This is not only stressful but also increases operation time.

Humans↗
PubMed2005

Unconstrained cardiorespiratory and body movement monitoring system for home care.

An unconstrained respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) monitoring system to be used during sleeping is proposed. The system consisted of eight polyvinylidene fluoride cable sensors, charge amplifiers and measuring software, together with an analogue-to-digital converter unit. The cable sensors were horizontally embedded into a textile sheet on a bed surface covering the upper half of the body. The digital infinite impulse response filters were constructed to extract cardiorespiratory signals from displacement of the sensors. The system software automatically searched the optimum sensor(s) based on the power of the respective filter outputs. Then, the system obtained the 5 s average HR and 15 s average RR by measuring the intervals between the peaks of the respective autocorrelation functions of the filtered output. If the subject changed his posture, the system captured the image of the body position as a time stamp using a CCD camera. To show the validity of this method, the HR and RR obtained by this monitor were compared with those simultaneously measured using respiratory flow and an electrocardiogram. The results showed that the mean frame-by-frame difference ranged from -1.2 to 0.2 beats min(-1) for the HR and, for RR, ranged from -0.8 to 1.4 breath min(-1) during the short-term recordings. Similar differences were obtained during the first 2 h of overnight recordings. The proposed system is feasible for the combined long-term monitoring of a person's RR and HR with sleep posture changes and may be helpful for practical use in the home.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Growth profiles of recent canine distemper isolates on Vero cells expressing canine signalling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM).

Fresh samples of lymph node, lung and cerebrum taken post mortem from dogs no. 1, 2 and 3 yielded canine distemper virus (CDV) strains 007 Lm, 009 L and 011 C, respectively. These were titrated on Vero cells stably expressing canine signalling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM; Vero-DST cells). Growth curves of the three strains were produced by titration of the released virus and cell-associated virus at various timepoints. All three isolates, especially 007 Lm, grew well on Vero-DST cells. The titres of cell-associated virus of two strains (009 L and 011 C) were clearly lower than those of virus released into the culture supernate. The results indicate that Vero-DST cells are not only useful for primary isolation but also efficient for titrating virus from fresh tissues and for the study of growth profiles of recent CDV isolates.

Animals↗