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Biomedical subjects

K Ueda

Publications and source records attributed to K Ueda.

At least 631 records · Page 35Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Hepatitis C virus genotype and RNA titer in the progression of type C chronic liver disease.

Hepatitis C virus genotype and the amounts of circulating HCV RNA are the most important factors in determining the efficacy of interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C. To clarify the correlation of these two factors to the progression of liver disease, we classified 148 Japanese patients with type C chronic liver disease into genotypes and also measured their HCV RNA titers (logarithmic transformed copy number/ml serum) by competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. We found type II in 23 (76.7%) of 30 patients with chronic persistent hepatitis, 34 (79.1%) of 43 with chronic active hepatitis, 29 (72.5%) of 40 with cirrhosis and 30 (85.7%) of 35 with hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of type II among the various stages of chronic liver disease. We also found the RNA titer to be significantly higher in patients with chronic active hepatitis (8.0 +/- 0.8) than in those with chronic persistent hepatitis (7.0 +/- 1.0, p < 0.001), and also those with cirrhosis (7.6 +/- 0.8, p < 0.05) or hepatocellular carcinoma (7.7 +/- 0.8, p < 0.05). When the titers were compared among genotypes, there was no significant difference between type II and III at any stage (type II vs. type III: chronic persistent hepatitis, 7.2 +/- 1.0 vs. 6.7 +/- 0.8; chronic active hepatitis, 8.1 +/- 0.7 vs. 7.8 +/- 1.0; cirrhosis, 7.7 +/- 0.8 vs. 7.8 +/- 0.7; hepatocellular carcinoma, 7.7 +/- 0.8 vs. 7.8 +/- 0.5). In conclusion, although genotype affects interferon therapy efficacy, it seems to have little influence on serum RNA levels and the progression of type C chronic liver disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Microarterial anastomosis with a distal tapering technique.

In microsurgical arterial anastomoses, there are some occasions in which the diameter of the distal artery is much larger than that of the proximal one. A fish-mouth incision technique is useful when there is considerable size discrepancy. However, this method cannot be used when the distal artery is much larger than the proximal artery because turbulent flow and thrombus formation occur, due to the sudden increase of luminal diameter. The distal tapering technique is recommended to prevent turbulent flow. A wedge resection is performed in the distal surplus vessel wall, and there is no sudden change in luminal diameter. Two clinical cases are presented in which this technique was used effectively.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Which vessel is more important in the supercharged flap--artery, vein, or both? An experimental study.

The supercharged flap is one which is expected to attain better survival, by anastomosing the distal vessels of the flap to the recipient vessels. An experimental study is reported to determine whether the vessel to be anastomosed should be an artery, a vein, or both. The authors advise anastomosing an artery and a vein, but they believe that arterial inflow is more important than venous drainage.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Mandibular reconstruction using computer-generated three-dimensional solid models.

In mandibular reconstruction, it is necessary to know the exact, three-dimensional extent of the mandible and its defect; the bone graft must be the exact size and dimension of the defect, to assure a precise three-dimensional configuration of the mandible. Previously, the bone graft had to be reshaped during the operation by trial and error, often a time-consuming procedure. The operative procedure has been simulated in advance using three-dimensional, solid models, which has shortened the operating time required.

Bone Transplantation↗
PubMed1994

Physiological expression of the 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase gene in mouse intestine.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5A synthetase) is an enzyme induced by interferon (IFN) that is considered to play an important role in IFN action. The normal mouse, not treated exogenously with any IFN or IFN inducers, has been shown to have an enhanced level of 2-5A synthetase activity, which is distributed among several lymphoid tissues. In the present report, we investigated the expression of the 42-kD 2-5A synthetase mRNA in the organs of normal mice using RNA blot hybridization and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Among the organs tested, intestinal tissues had the highest levels of this mRNA. Furthermore, the 42-kD 2-5A synthetase mRNA was expressed in intestines from germ-free mice and fetuses. Immunoblotting analysis using a monoclonal antibody against the 42-kD 2-5A synthetase revealed that the 42-kD enzyme as well as a cross-reactive protein of 30 kD were produced in the organs of the normal mouse.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗
PubMed1994

Long-term follow-up study of browlift for treatment of facial paralysis.

Browlift for patients with irreversible paralysis of the frontalis muscle was evaluated in a review of 40 patients who had undergone follow-up studies for durations of more than 3 years. The procedure consists of a lazy S-shaped excision above the upper border of the eyebrow and upward fixation of the lower skin margin. The results were as follows: (1) The percentage of patients for whom symmetrical positioning of the eyebrow was achieved was 65%. (2) The greater the preoperative severity of ptosis, the more often did recurrence occur. (3) Recurrence progressed rapidly during the first postoperative year, but thereafter recurrence was seen only in those patients in whom the affected eyebrow was still in a position higher than its counterpart. (4) No relationship could be seen between age at the time of surgery and postoperative position of eyebrow. (5) Improvement in contraction of the visual field was seen in 85% of patients postoperatively, and complaints were eliminated in 50%. (6) Careful preservation of the sensory nerve is required. (7) The postoperative scar was acceptable. This procedure is a simple and effective method of correction of paralytic ptosis. Although a degree of skill is required to obtain satisfactory results and a surgical scar remains at the upper border of the eyebrow, the advantages of the procedure surpass its disadvantages. It is believed that this method should be used more often in the treatment of facial paralysis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Treatment of brachymetatarsia by callus distraction (callotasis).

Callus distraction (callotasis) has already become a popular procedure in the lengthening of limbs. With the development of a small device, it can also be applied to the hand or foot, thus providing benefits in the treatment of brachymetatarsia. Four toes of 3 patients with brachymetatarsia of the fourth toe were treated by this method, and excellent elongation of from 17.50 to 32.55 mm (average, 23.71 mm) was acquired. The treatment period ranged from 78 to 141 days (average, 112.5 days). More time was required in the earlier cases, but the most recent took only 11 weeks. The optimal distraction rate is considered to be 0.35 mm per half-day. Reshortening after treatment ranged from 3.6 to 5.5 mm (average, 4.7 mm), or from 15% to 26% (average, 20.5%) of the distracted length. About 90% of the resorption was observed within 1 month, except in a case that involved a postoperative fracture, and no resorption was seen after 2 surgical months. Regarding complications, subluxation of joints was seen in 2 patients and a postoperative fracture in 1 patient. Subluxation was caused by tendons resisting elongation. The procedure is described, representative cases are illustrated, and problems encountered are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

The new palmaris brevis musculocutaneous flap.

The palmaris brevis muscle is thin and subcutaneous on the ulnar side of the palm, attached to the medial border of the palmar aponeurosis. It ends in the dermis of the hand's ulnar border. A new musculocutaneous flap composed of the palmaris brevis muscle and its overlying hypothenar skin is presented. The free flap, from the vascular pedicle of the ulnar artery, was made. This flap sacrifices the ulnar artery. It was applied to 3 patients with palmar thumb defects, all of whom were successfully reconstructed.

Amputation, Traumatic↗
PubMed1994

Experimental study of delay of venous island flaps.

If a stable and reliable venous island flap can be elevated, it may enable us to make various flaps everywhere on the body surface by using subcutaneous veins. We have carried out an experimental study to investigate the possibility of increasing the survival area of a venous island flap by a delay procedure. In a proximally based venous island flap, survival area increased when a delay procedure was used, especially with ligation of the distal vein. In a distally based venous island flap, survival area increased when a delay procedure was used without ligation of the proximal vein.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Long-term follow-up of nerve conduction velocity in cross-face nerve grafting for the treatment of facial paralysis.

Motor nerve conduction velocity in a sural nerve graft crossing the face for the treatment of facial paralysis was measured postoperatively for more than 3 years. Forty-three cases of free gracilis muscle transplantation combined with a cross-face nerve graft were evaluated. The cross-face nerve graft was stimulated at two sites more than 5 cm apart by bipolar stimulating electrodes, and conduction velocity was calculated by dividing the length of this segment by the difference between the latencies of the evoked action potentials recorded from the grafted muscle. A tendency toward increase in motor nerve conduction velocity was noticed even 3 years after the sural nerve graft. This suggests that the grafted nerve has the potential to recover over a long period of time. The average velocity in measurements after the third postoperative year was 40.5 +/- 6.2 m/s (mean +/- SD), which corresponds to the lower limit of the normal value for the sural or facial nerve.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Free neurovascular muscle transplantation for the treatment of facial paralysis using the hypoglossal nerve as a recipient motor source.

Seventeen cases of free-muscle transplantation using the hypoglossal nerve as a recipient motor nerve for the treatment of long-standing or irreversible facial paralysis are reported with details of a follow-up study. The muscle, usually the latissimus dorsi muscle, is transferred to the cheek with microvascular anastomoses. The muscle's motor nerve is sutured to the hypoglossal nerve. There are three classifications of hypoglossal nerve sectioning: total section, central section, and lower section. The results were compared on the basis of these three methods, leading to the recommendation that branches of the hypoglossal nerve diverging inferiorly to innervate the suprahyoid muscles be utilized as a recipient motor source. This method permits acceptably natural movement of the grafted muscle without functional disability of the tongue. Good candidates for this procedure are considered to be those patients for whom muscle transplantation combined with a cross-face nerve graft cannot be adopted because of bilateral paralysis or surgical intervention on the healthy side of the face or who are so old that the long two-stage operation holds no hope for them.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Tissue expansion in facial reconstruction.

The tissue expansion technique is advantageous in facial reconstruction because it makes it possible to resurface even wider defects with neighboring skin similar in color and texture and superior to skin obtained elsewhere, thereby surpassing conventional methods. However, there still remain some problems relating to procedural details, such as the selection of tissue expanders and sites of their insertion; the design, elevation, suturing, and fixation of the expanded flap; and the management of free margins such as the lower lip and lower eyelid. In each case, some modification is required with respect to the status of the defect. The experiences encountered in a series of 23 patients are described, with illustration of several representative cases, and advantages and problems are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Serum erythropoietin levels in term and preterm infants during the first year of life.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the kinetics of erythropoietin (EPO) production and address the pathogenesis of anemia of prematurity, we measured EPO levels in infants during the first year of life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using a radioimmunoassay, serum EPO levels were measured in 97 infants classified into three groups according to weight: group A, n = 40, < 1,500 g; group B, n = 19, 1,500-2,499 g; and group C, n = 38, > or = 2,500 g. RESULTS: The serum EPO level ranged widely during the early neonatal period from days 0 to 6 (group A, < 5 to 307 mU/ml; group B, 10-340 mU/ml; and group C, 9-108 mU/ml). EPO reached its lowest level (< 20 mU/ml) between days 7 and 50 in all groups. The hemoglobin concentration reached its nadir between days 51 and 150 in all groups, with the lowest concentration observed in low birth weight infants. In contrast, the EPO level during the anemic phase was approximately 20 mU/ml and was independent of birth weight. A negative correlation between serum EPO level and hemoglobin concentration was observed only in group C (r = -0.54, p < 0.05). The negative slope of the regression equation in group C exceeded that of groups A and B (p < 0.05). When the relationship between EPO and Hb was evaluated over periods of 7-50 days, 51-100 days, and > 101 days, respectively, we noted a significant correlation between values on days 7 and 50 in group A (r = -0.53, p < 0.05) and between days 51 and 100 in group B (r = -0.76, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest the appreciable EPO production in premature infants, but its insufficient response to the depressed hemoglobin level, implying the need to administer exogenous EPO to infants with anemia of prematurity.

Anemia↗
PubMed1994

Microfluorocytometric detection of nuclear DNA damage to cancer cells in squamous cell carcinoma after hyperthermia.

An 84-year-old woman had a squamous cell carcinoma on her left thigh. Before operation, half of the tumor mass was irradiated with a microwave at 43 degrees C for an hour. After the hyperthermia, the tumor mass was removed, and the DNA instability was investigated by microfluorocytometric measurement of the cells stained with pararosaniline-Feulgen after hydrolysis with 2N HCl at 30 degrees C. The kinetic parameters k1, which is the rate constant for the generation of an apurinic acid, k2, which is the rate constant for the depolymerization of the apurinic acid and which reflects the degree of DNA instability for acid hydrolysis, and y0, which is the theoretical value of the single-stranded DNA present initially and reflects the degree of DNA damage, were determined by a computer fitting of the Bateman function to the hydrolysis curve plotting of the fluorescence intensity of the pararosaniline-Feulgen staining the apurinic acid against the different hydrolysis times. The parameter values y0 and k2 of the cells treated by hyperthermia were much higher than those of the cells treated without hyperthermia. It is our conclusion that this microfluorometric detection would be valuable as an evaluation method for a cancer therapy, although more data from other cancers and treatments will be needed.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Effect of peplomycin or camptothecin-11 on X-ray skin injuries of ICR hairless mice.

In interdisciplinary oncotherapy by radiation and chemical substances, the injurious effects of radiation on the normal skin are occasionally modified by combined chemical substances. In the present experiment, the possible modifying effects of Peplomycin (PEP, 30 mg/kg body weight) and Camptothecin-11, an inhibitor of DNA topoisomerase I (CPT-11, 15 and 50 mg/kg body weight), on radiation skin injury were studied. Macroscopic changes on the thigh skin of male ICR hairless mice (at 8 weeks of age) induced by 10 Gy X-ray irradiation alone and the combined treatment with the anticancer substances were estimated by a modified scoring first reported by Lowy and Baker. Intraperitoneal administration of PEP significantly enhanced radiation skin injury; while CPT-11 (15 mg/kg), within the clinical dose range and in the similar molarities to that of PEP, did not show any appreciable modification effect. Treatment with CPT-11 (50 mg/kg) showed a radiation enhancement without significant difference. The chemotherapeutic radioenhancement ratios of the combined treatments of X-ray and PEP or CPT-11 (15 or 50 mg/kg) were 1.49, 1.17 or 1.34, respectively. Treatment with PEP at the accepted dose showed a radiation enhancement, while CPT-11 did not show any radiation enhancement within the clinical dose.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Functional morphology of lesions of psoriasis vulgaris transplanted into nude mice at an early stage.

We examined the growth and differentiation of transplanted psoriatic skin in nude mice at an early stage. Psoriatic lesions from three patients were biopsied. Each biopsied specimen was cut into five blocks, which were individually transplanted to nude mice by the embedding method. Two weeks later, growth and differentiation of transplanted specimens were examined by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling method and by electron microscopy. Electron microscopically, basal cells were longitudinally high, and the cellular processes were elongated. Basal laminae were multilayered. In the cytoplasm of the basal cells, many mitochondria, endoplasmic reticula, and ribosomes were seen, and tonofibrillar formation was poor. In cell groups in the upper parts of these lesions, both nuclei and cytoplasm showed degeneration. Psoriatic skin transplanted to nude mice exhibited newly formed psoriatic skin and initial epidermal necrosis. The BrdU labelling method labelled cells scattered in the lower part of the epidermis. Psoriatic skin transplanted to nude mice resembled that before transplantation in both ultrastructural findings and growth pattern.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Role of breast milk in acquisition of cytomegalovirus infection.

The prevalence of IgG antibody against cytomegalovirus (CMV) was compared between the age-matched (0 month to 2 years of age) groups of 212 breast-fed children and 223 bottle-fed children to examine the role of breast milk for acquisition of CMV. Mothers of both groups of children were also examined for CMV IgG antibodies. Both the breast-fed and bottle-fed children groups showed high seropositivity for CMV at 0 to 2 months of age, which gradually decreased and bottomed at 6 to 8 months of age. Thereafter, in the breast-fed children group, the seropositivity rate increased up to 70% by 1 year of age. In contrast, in the bottle-fed children group, the seropositivity rate remained at the bottom level of lower than 30%, without showing any apparent increases. The serological data of the children whose mothers were confirmed to be seropositive, revealed that mother-to-child transmission of CMV occurred in 11 of 17 (64.7%) of the breast-fed children and in 24 of 87 (27.6%) of the bottle-fed children. All the bottle-fed children born to seronegative mothers remained seronegative for CMV up to 1 year of age. The bottle-fed children showed significantly lower seropositivity than the breast-fed children, although most of both groups of children were born to seropositive mothers. The results strongly suggested that about 40% of the breast-fed children acquire CMV via breast milk and breast-feeding has certain protective effects on congenital CMV disease in the offspring.

Antibodies, Viral↗