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Biomedical subjects

K Yoshikawa

Publications and source records attributed to K Yoshikawa.

At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources

Overexpression of p53, c-erbB-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor in human breast carcinomas.

Overexpression of p53 protein, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), and c-erbB-2 protein was assessed by immunohistochemical staining of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from 64 invasive breast tumors. The correlation between abnormal expression of each protein and various disease parameters, including lymph node metastasis and histopathologic type and grade was analyzed. Despite the previous proposal, no significant correlation was found between lymph node metastases and overexpression of each gene in the primary tumors. In addition, some metastatic lesions did not always exhibit overexpression, even if it was evident in the primary tumors. Overexpression of c-erbB-2 protein correlated well with Bloom's histological grading. p53 expression was detected most often in tumors with hyperchromatism and more frequent mitosis. Overexpression of c-erbB-2 protein occurred more frequently in p53-positive tumors. The results indicate that abnormal expression of p53 protein causes genetic instability in the early stage of tumor development, resulting in subsequent overexpression of other oncogenes.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Sepsis associated with hematological malignancies: prophylaxis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis.

Underlying diseases, pathogenic bacteria, clinical background and outcome were studied during 91 febrile episodes complicated by sepsis in 55 patients with hematological malignancies, who had been admitted to our hospital (Jikei University Kashiwa Hospital) between January 1990 and December 1994. Particularly in patients with P. aeruginosa sepsis, we compared the prophylactic effect of ciprofloxacin (CPFX) alone with that of the combination of polymyxin B (PL-B) plus kanamycin (KM). The major underlying diseases were acute myelocytic leukemia and malignant lymphoma, followed by myelodysplastic syndrome, acute lymphocytic leukemia and chronic myelocytic leukemia. Nearly two-thirds of the pathogenic microorganisms isolated were gram-positive bacteria (including coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus); approximately one-quarter were gram-negative bacteria (such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and the remainder were fungi. These microorganisms usually induced sepsis when granulocyte counts were decreased. Sepsis was a direct cause of death in about 60% of the patients and P. aeruginosa sepsis had the worst outcome. Oral administration of CPFX was more effective than PL-B plus KM in preventing P. aeruginosa sepsis. The difference in effectiveness might depend on the absorption profile of the drugs.

Adolescent↗

[Two cases of gram-positive sepsis successfully treated with vancomycin in combination with imipenem or cilastatin].

Against gram-positive sepsis, vancomycin (VCM) was administered in combination with imipenem or cilastatin (IPM/CS). Its excellent efficacy was confirmed in 2 cases, one affected with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and another with Gemella morbillorum. By calculating the FIC index according to a checkerboard technique, the in vitro synergistic effect was also demonstrated. At the present state multi-drug resistant gram-positive infections prevailed, the combination of VCM with IPM/CS can be expected as an effective measure for treating these diseases.

Adolescent↗

[Basic and clinical studies of pazufloxacin on infectious enteritis research group of T-3761 on infectious enteritis].

A clinical study was carried out on pazufloxacin (PZFX) in 137 patients including shigellosis, Salmonella enteritis, enteropathogenic Esherichia coli enteritis and cholera, and carriers of these pathogens. Antibacterial activity of PZFX against clinical isolates, fecal concentration of PZFX and effects of PZFX on fecal microflora were also investigated. The overall clinical efficacy rate was 97.2%. The bacteriological efficacy rates were 98.2% against Shigella spp., 81.8% against Salmonella spp., 50% against Vibrio cholerae O1, and 100% against E. coli, V. parahaemolyticus, Aeronomas spp., Plesionomas shigelloides and V. cholerae non-O1, respectively. Side effect (epigastralgia) was observed in 1 of 130 cases (0.8%). The rate of abnormal laboratory findings was 11.2% (11/98). These were mainly elevation of GOT and/or GPT and increased eosinophils. The clinical usefulness rate was 95.2%. The MIC90 values of PZFX against Shigella spp., Salmonella spp. and E. coli were 0.025, 0.025 and 0.025 micrograms/ml, respectively. The results of fecal drug concentration and the effects on fecal microflora in one patient were compatible with those obtained in healthy volunteers.

4-Quinolones↗

[Clinical study of prulifloxacin on infectious enteritis. Japan Research Committee of Prulifloxacin, Research Group on Infectious Enteritis].

Prulifloxacin (PUFX), a new quinolone antimicrobial agent, was administered to a total of 122 patients and carriers to investigate its clinical efficacy, safety and usefulness in infectious enteritis (bacillary dysentery, enteritis caused by Salmonella spp. and enteropathogenic E. coli, cholera and so on). In addition, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of UFX (active compound) was determined against each clinical isolate, and compared with that of ciprofloxacin (CPFX), ofloxacin (OFLX), tosufloxacin (TFLX) and nalidixic acid (NA). The correlation between the concentration of UFX in feces and the change of the fecal microflora were also investigated when PUFX was administered to the patients with acute infectious enteritis. A daily dose of 400 mg of PUFX was administered orally in two divided doses (morning and evening) for 5 days, with the exception of 7 days administration against salmonella enteritis and 3 days administration against cholera. 84 cases were adapted for evaluating the usefulness. The clinical efficacy was 100% in all the enteritis except salmonella enteritis, in which it was 88.9% (8/9 cases). On the bacteriological efficacy, the elimination rate was 100% in all isolates except Salmonella spp., in which it was 75.0% (12/16 cases). As for the adverse effect, uriticaria in moderate degree was observed in 1 (0.9%) of 109 cases. Abnormal changes in laboratory findings were seen in 3 (3.0%) of 100 cases, consisting of 1 with eosinophilia and 2 with elevated S-GPT, although they were all slight in degree. The usefulness rate was 65.5% (55/84 cases) for "very useful" and 95.2% (80/84 cases) for "very useful" and "useful". MIC90 of UFX against Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., E. coli and V. cholerae, was 0.025, 0.05, 0.025 and 0.05 microgram/ml, respectively. These values were the same as those of CPFX and TFLX, and superior to OFLX and NA. UFX concentrations in feces followed by administration of PUFX in 3 cases with acute infectious enteritis were higher than that of MIC90 of UFX against Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., E. coli and V. cholerae. The changes of the fecal microflora, which influence the efficacy and safety of PUFX, were not observed.

Adult↗

Role of enteric bacteria in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis: evidence for antibodies to enterobacterial common antigens in rheumatoid sera and synovial fluids.

OBJECTIVE: To study antibodies to Escherichia coli O:14, which expresses large amounts of enterobacterial common antigen (ECA), and their corresponding antigen molecules in serum and synovial fluid samples from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure antibodies to heat killed E coli O:14 in serum and synovial fluid samples from patients with RA and control subjects including healthy donors and patients with osteoarthritis. ELISA was also used to perform absorption analyses of antibodies to E coli O:14 with several enteric bacteria and their lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In addition, antigenic molecules reacting with E coli O:14 antibodies from patients with RA were examined using immunoblot analysis and N-terminal amino acid analysis. RESULTS: Compared with control subjects, patients with RA showed significantly increased titres of antibodies against heat killed E coli O:14 in 33 of 83 serum samples (39.8%) and 38 of 58 joint fluid samples (65.5%). Absorption analyses with enteric bacteria and their LPS resulted in the reduction of antibody titres to heat killed E coli O:14 in serum and synovial fluid samples from the RA patients. In addition, immunoblot analysis of the samples from RA patients revealed not only a ladder-like banding pattern equivalent to ECA associated with LPS, but also two clear bands of bacterial outer membrane proteins of 35 kDa (Omp A) and 38 kDa (Omp C), having amino acid sequence homology with those of other Enterobacteriaceae. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that some patients with RA are sensitised to antigens common to Enterobacteriaceae, and this may prove relevant to the future development of immunotherapy for RA. Furthermore, this sensitisation to antigens found commonly in Enterobacteriaceae may have a key role in the pathogenesis of human RA similar to that described previously in our animal model.

Adult↗

Peripapillary fluorescein angiographic findings in primary open angle glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Detailed fluorescein angiographic findings in the disc circumference may be useful for evaluating the possible relation of the circumference to glaucomatous nerve damage. METHODS: Fluorescein angiograms of 25 eyes of 25 subjects with primary open angle glaucoma were observed after they had undertaken Octopus perimetry. Based on the retinotopic projection, disc sectors and corresponding visual field regions were set. RESULTS: Twenty three eyes (92%) showed a zone of no fluorescence around the disc (non-fluorescent zone). Of these, the zone width of the 20 eyes that had visible ciliary vessels within the zone was wider than that of the other three eyes, and showed fluorescein diffusion from the outer boundary of the zone towards the disc. The diffusion reached the disc if the zone was narrow. In those 20 eyes, a standardised difference in the zone width of inferior temporal sector minus superior temporal sector correlated with the difference in mean loss of corresponding visual field regions (r = 0.48, p = 0.0312). CONCLUSION: The visible ciliary vessels suggest the absence of the choriocapillaris in the non-fluorescent zone, the width of which correlated with the visual field defect and may affect the amount of the fluorescein diffusion to the disc. This suggests that the diffusion might be related to optic nerve damage in glaucoma.

Female↗

Steroidal glycosides from the fresh stem of Stephanotis lutchuensis var. japonica (Asclepiadaceae). Chemical structures of stephanosides K-Q.

The structural elucidation of seven related oxypregnane-oligoglycosides stephanosides K (1), L (2), M (3), N (4), O (5), P (6), and Q (7) from the fresh stem of Stephanotis lutchuensis var. japonica (Asclepiadaceae) was achieved through on a detailed study of their high-field 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra. The results show that all the sugars are beta (1-->4)-linked. The aglycones of stephanosides K, M, and O, and stephanosides L, N, and P were identified as 12-O-cinnamoyl-20-O-(E)-2-methyl-2-butenoyl, and 12-O-cinnamoyl-20-O-nicotinoyl derivatives of (20S)-pregn-6-ene-3 beta,5 alpha,8 beta,12 beta,14 beta,17 beta,20-heptaol, respectively. The aglycone of stephanoside Q was 12-O-cinnamoyldeacetylmetaplexigenin (kidjoranin).

Carbohydrate Sequence↗

Anomalous nonidentity between Salmonella genotoxicants and rodent carcinogens: nongenotoxic carcinogens and genotoxic noncarcinogens.

According to current data, the capacity to cause nonprogrammed or unscheduled cell proliferation in target tissues, a common characteristic of chemical carcinogens, may play a more important role in the development of tumors than does genotoxicity. This paper provides strong support for the validity of this conclusion. Ames-negative nongenotoxicants may be considered to be carcinogenic primarily because of their ability to induce cell proliferation in animal tissues and organs. In addition, such nongenotoxic carcinogens may also provide latent and modest DNA (equivocal) modifications that never lead to Ames-positive events. Conversely, noncarcinogenesis by Ames-positive agents is likely to be linked to a lack of stimulation of cell division. Nongenotoxic and genotoxic carcinogens rely on both cell proliferation and equivocal DNA modification for their full carcinogenicity. Such equivocal DNA modifications do not appear to be formed by tumor promoters. The role of cell proliferation may provide a favorable milieu for the occurrence of genetic instability, give rise to selective "apoptosis-resistant abnormal cells," and then affect clonal expansion of these cells. Therefore, understanding the influence of nongenotoxic and genotoxic carcinogens on cell proliferation capability is a key point in determining the mechanisms of chemical carcinogenesis. Considering the contradictory and common features of genotoxicants and carcinogens, early detection of nonprogrammed cell proliferation is the most effective approach to predict human and rodent carcinogenicity.

Animals↗

Cystic lesions of the maxillomandibular region: MR imaging distinction of odontogenic keratocysts and ameloblastomas from other cysts.

OBJECTIVE: Differentiating odontogenic keratocysts and ameloblastomas from other cystic lesions in the maxillomandibular region is important because of their high recurrence rates. Conventional radiography, CT, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy are limited for differential diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to review the MR findings in patients with odontogenic keratocysts, ameloblastomas, and other maxillomandibular cysts to determine the value of MR imaging in the differential diagnosis of these lesions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: MR images were obtained in 38 patients with 43 cystic lesions of the maxillomandibular region. All the lesions (19 odontogenic keratocysts, 11 ameloblastomas, five primordial cysts, five radicular cysts, and three cysts of other types) were pathologically confirmed by surgery or biopsy. Contrast-enhanced MR studies were performed in 34 patients. Images were reviewed to determine various imaging parameters: locularity, solid or cystic pattern, thickness and contrast enhancement of the walls, and homogeneity and signal intensities of the fluids. T2 relaxation times of cystic components were calculated in 31 lesions. RESULTS: MR images of odontogenic keratocysts showed that the cyst were unilocular in 10 lesions and multilocular in nine. In 10 lesions the cysts wall was uniformly thin and had poor contrast enhancement. Seven cysts had thick walls and two had no definite walls. In 17 lesions, the cystic contents showed heterogeneous signal intensity on T1-weighted images, T2-weighted images, or both. Eight cysts had predominantly intermediate or high T1-weighted signal intensity, and six cysts had predominantly intermediate T2-weighted signal intensity. MR findings in ameloblastomas were different from those in odontogenic keratocysts: a mixed solid and cystic pattern (11 lesions), irregularly thick walls (11 lesions), papillary projections (seven lesions), and strong enhancement of solid components (nine lesions). T2 relaxation times of cystic components were significantly shorter in odontogenic keratocysts than in ameloblastomas, with no overlap. All other cysts showed a unilocular, purely cystic pattern, with homogeneous fluids, although the T2 relaxation times of four lesions overlapped those of odontogenic keratocysts. CONCLUSION: From the MR findings of the walls, solid components, and the fluid contents, odontogenic keratocysts could be differentiated from ameloblastomas in all cases, although some other cysts showed MR findings similar to those of odontogenic keratocysts.

Adolescent↗

Renal oncocytoma treated by surgical enucleation: a case report.

We experienced a case of renal oncocytoma, in a 46-year-old woman. At a health examination, ultrasonography revealed a right renal tumor, and she was admitted to our hospital for evaluation. From the ultrasonogram, computerized tomography (CT) and angiography, we suspected a renal oncocytoma, but renal cell carcinoma was not completely ruled out. Since the location of the tumor seemed suitable for a local resection, we scheduled a surgical enucleation, but we intended to switch to a radical nephrectomy if examination of a frozen-section suggested renal cancer. Because the frozen findings were suggestive of an oncocytoma without malignancy, the surgical enucleation procedure was completed as scheduled. Pathological findings of the resected specimens were characterized by granular eosinophilic cytoplasm, and rounded nuclei without nuclear pleomorphism or mitotic figures. Electron microscopic studies revealed an increased number of mitochondria. The patient was accordingly diagnosed as having renal oncocytoma. We also reviewed the literature to elaborate procedures for a preoperative diagnosis and therapy for renal oncocytoma.

Adenoma, Oxyphilic↗

[Cyclic alteration in atheroma plaque morphology observed by intracoronary ultrasound: initiation mechanism of acute myocardial infarction].

Rupture of plaque is an important factor in the initiation of acute myocardial infarction. Plaque rupture is related to stress distribution in atheroma, but morphological alteration in coronary atheroma plaque in vivo is little understood. Atheroma plaque was observed during the cardiac cycle using 3.5 or 2.8 F, 30 MHz intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) in seven patients with coronary artery disease. Coronary ostial pressure (P) measurements were simultaneously performed. Seven of the eccentric stenotic sites were analyzed. Intima-medial thickness (Th) and regional radius of curvature (R) at the middle and lateral portions of the atheroma were measured. Delta Th and % delta Th were calculated from change in thickness from end-diastole to peak systole. These parameters of the middle portion were compared with those of the lateral portion. The lateral % delta Th was 20.1 +/- 13.6% (delta Th 0.13 +/- 0.08 mm; 0.69 to 0.56 mm), and was significantly greater than the middle % delta Th [5.8 +/- 6.6% (delta Th 0.06 +/- 0.08 mm; 1.24 to 1.18 mm), p < 0.05]. Regional radius of curvature did not significantly differ. Wall stress calculated as P x R/Th was greater at the lateral portion (peak systole 3.7 x 10(5) dynes/cm2, end-diastole 1.9 x 10(5) dynes/cm2) than at the middle portion (peak systole 1.4 x 10(5) dynes/cm2, end-diastole 0.9 x 10(5) dynes/cm2). The change in stress from end-diastole to peak systole at the lateral portion was significantly greater (1.8 x 10(5) dynes/cm2) than that at the middle portion (0.5 x 10(5) dynes/cm2). The change in stress during the cardiac cycle, caused by the increase in intracoronary pressure, was greater at the lateral than at the middle of the plaque. This imbalanced distribution of stress may result in greater thinning of plaque at the lateral portion. Therefore, the distortion of plaque may be a mechanism for atheroma rupture at the lateral portion.

Aged↗

[Behçet's disease and streptococcal antigens].

Many studies have been carried out concerning microbial infections and the occurrence of Behçet's disease. Recently, attention has been focused on the streptococci. The serum antibody titer and delayed type hypersensitivity of patients with Behçet's disease against streptococcal antigens were significantly higher than those of controls. We also found that the oral flora of patients with Behçet's disease was dominated by Streptococcus sanguis, whose serotypes were different from controls. Recent studies have revealed that some streptococcal antigens are associated with heat shock protein and that human gamma delta T cell lines recognize streptococcal antigens. These results suggest that an autoimmune response might be implicated in the etiology of Behçet's disease. To make clear autoimmune mechanisms of Behçet's disease, we have analysed immunogenic antigens of S. sanguis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Serum levels of solubule tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis].

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is released from cells of monocyte/macrophage lincage and mediates the development of a variety of clinical and pathomorphological features in various infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases and cancer. In the case of tuberculosis, it is suggested that the release of TNF-alpha in the affected regions and into the circulation could account for the pathological and clinical features such as the development of necrotic lesions and fever and weight loss in TB patients. In the present study, the levels of soluble TNF receptor type I (sTNFR type I) and type II (sTNFR type II) and TNF-alpha in the sera of patients with pulmonary TB were assayed, and we tried to know whether these levels have clinical significance in determining the disease activity in TB patients. The serum levels of both sTNFR types I and II were significantly higher in TB patients (n = 22) who were previously untreated than in the healthy control (n = 14): for sTNFR type I, 2.82 +/- 1.37 ng/ml vs. 1.40 +/- 0.33 ng/ml (p < 0.0001), and for sTNFR type II, 3.83 +/- 1.76 ng/ml vs. 1.62 +/- ng/ml (p < 0.0001). The serum levels of sTNFR types I and II in TB patients showed significant correlations with their serum levels of CRP. The serum levels of TNF-alpha in these TB patients was 2.21 +/- 1.72 pg/ml, whereas TNF-alpha was not detectable in the sera of 9 healthy control. The serum levels of sTNFR type I and II were significantly higher in cavitary TB (n = 17) than in non-cavitary TB (n = 5). When TB patients were treated with antituberculosis drugs and clinical improvements were achieved, the elevated levels of sTNFR type I and TNF-alpha in the sera of same 5 patients measured before starting treatment showed significant decline and the serum levels of sTNFR type II showed also declined, however, the decline was statistically not significant. From all the results obtained in this study, we conclude that the assay of the serum levels of sTNFR in TB patients is useful in the evaluation of the disease activity of TB.

Adult↗

[Usefulness of MRA in an infant with cerebral infarction due to streptococcal meningitis].

We described a 4-month-old boy with cerebral infarction due to streptococcal meningitis. He complained of cough and high fever for 2 days. On the next day he admitted to our hospital because of bad humor, drowsiness, and vomiting associated with high fever, respiratory failure and loss of consciousness. On admission, he had opisthotonic posturing, anisocoria and elevated deep tendon reflexes with left side dominance. The cerebrospinal fluid showed increased cells (564/mm3), protein (295 mg/dl), and decreased sugar (1 mg/dl). Streptococcus pneumoniae was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid. Despite intensive treatment by antibiotics, glycerol, and dexamethasone, general condition was worsened, MRI showed a high intense area along the territory of bilateral anterior cerebral arteries and left middle cerebral artery 3-D time-of-flight MRA revealed a decreased signal of these arteries, confirming cerebral infarction. Recanalization of the arteries were observed 17 days after the first MRA examination. Since complication of cerebral infarction influences the prognosis of meningitis, repetitive MRA is very beneficial in patients with bacterial meningitis in order to evaluate the vascular lesion.

Cerebral Infarction↗