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Biomedical subjects

M Abe

Publications and source records attributed to M Abe.

At least 865 records · Page 48Linked to original sources

Pleural SC5b-9 in differential diagnosis of tuberculous, malignant, and other effusions.

A monoclonal antibody against soluble phase-terminal complement complex (SC5b-9) was used to try to differentiate pleural effusions of tuberculous vs malignant and other origin. Effusions of tuberculous origin showed a significantly higher SC5b-9 level than did plasma, suggesting activation of complement in the pleural space. All 26 patients with tuberculous effusions showed SC5b-9 levels in pleural fluid exceeding 2.0 mg/L, while 20 with malignant effusions had levels less than 2.0 mg/L. However, rheumatoid, some parapneumonic, and treated malignant effusions showed SC5b-9 levels above 2.0 mg/L. Considering a value exceeding 2.0 mg/L, the specificity and sensitivity of the SC5b-9 estimation in tuberculosis were 0.74 and 1.0, respectively. The mean values for C4d and Bb fragments of complement were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the tuberculous than in the malignant effusions. However, the values for Bb in 16 (62 percent) of the 26 patients with tuberculous or malignant effusions were in the same range. The activity of adenosine deaminase (ADA) was higher in the tuberculous than in the malignant effusions. While 18 of 26 patients with tuberculous effusions showed an ADA value exceeding 50 mU/ml, the estimated cutoff point (sensitivity = 0.69), 35 of the 36 nontuberculous effusions showed a true negative value (specificity = 0.97). A correlation between ADA and SC5b-9 values was observed in pleural effusions. These observations suggest that the estimation of SC5b-9 in pleural fluid presents a new approach to differentiating tuberculous vs malignant effusions.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

Evaluation of complement in patients with eosinophilic pneumonia.

Complement evaluation was performed in two patients with active eosinophilic pneumonia and in one in remission, to determine the role of complement activation in the pathogenesis of this disorder. All three had cough, dyspnea, malaise, and blood eosinophilia; two patients also had pyrexia. In all 3 cases the pulmonary eosinophilic infiltrates (radiographic findings) and symptoms responded rapidly to steroid administration. The two patients with active eosinophilic pneumonia showed elevated CR3 but reduced FcrR on the PMN before and during steroid administration. In contrast PMN from four patients with bronchial asthma exhibited slightly elevated expression of both CR3 and FcrR during their asthma attack. It is suggested that clinical symptoms disappear soon after the beginning of steroid but changes of complement receptors on PMN may last for longer periods. On the basis of the combined results, this study indicates that estimation of complement activation may provide a useful indicator for disease activity in patients with eosinophilic pneumonia of unknown etiology.

Adult↗

Cystic pineocytoma--case report.

Pineocytoma and pineoblastoma, originating from pineal parenchyma, are rare and usually solid. An unusual case of totally cystic pineocytoma in a 37-year-old female is reported. The tumor showed neuronal differentiation and had a good outcome. Prominent calcification associated with pineocytoma and pineoblastoma is an useful finding to differentiate these from benign pineal cysts.

Adult↗

Intracavernous epidermoid tumor presenting with abducens nerve paresis--case report.

An unusual case of a pediatric epidermoid tumor entirely located in the cavernous sinus is reported. A 6-year-old boy presented with left abducens nerve paresis which developed over 2 months. Neuroimaging demonstrated a lesion in the left cavernous sinus. Part of the tumor capsule and the pearly contents were removed by the left pterional approach through Dolenc's anterolateral triangle. No bleeding from the cavernous sinus occurred. The tumor was histologically identified as an epidermoid tumor. Postoperatively, the abducens nerve paresis improved. The presence of dural reflection in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus and displacement of the intracavernous internal carotid artery are useful indicators for intracavernous lesions.

Abducens Nerve↗

Sclerosing hepatocellular carcinoma with hypercalcemia--a case report.

A case of sclerosing hepatocellular carcinoma (SHCC) with hypercalcemia was reported. Clinical studies revealed a tumor at the liver hilum with invasion into the bile duct. Light microscopy of the tumor disclosed a moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of the trabecular type with diffuse fibrous stroma. Abundant dense granules were observed in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells with electron microscopy. The elevated serum calcium (13.9 mg/dl) returned to the normal range after resection of the tumor.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Anti-caldesmon monoclonal antibody reverses the inhibition of actomyosin Mg(2+)-ATPase activity by caldesmon.

Five mouse monoclonal antibodies, CaD 1-5, against chicken gizzard caldesmon were prepared. One of them (CaD4) was characterized by means of immunoblotting and its effect on actomyosin Mg(2+)-ATPase activity. CaD4 recognized the tropomyosin-binding site of caldesmon. CaD4 reversed the caldesmon-induced inhibition of actomyosin Mg(2+)-ATPase activity in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the epitope recognized by CaD4 is an important domain for the function of caldesmon on the actinmyosin interaction in the smooth muscle contraction-relaxation system.

Actomyosin↗

Epstein-Barr virus BCRF1 gene product (viral interleukin 10) inhibits superoxide anion production by human monocytes.

Due to its similar biological activities to interleukin 10 (IL-10), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BCRF1 gene product (viral IL-10: vIL-10) has recently been recognized as an analogue of authentic IL-10. Preincubation of human monocytes with vIL-10, like human IL-10, induced smaller amounts of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) mRNA in activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) than nonpreincubation, indicating that vIL-10 acts principally on monocytes. Since the activation of monocytes and their generation of oxidative products are regulated by various cytokines, we examined the effects of vIL-10 on superoxide anion (O2-) production by human PBMNCs and monocytes. Not only PBMNCs but also monocytes preincubated with vIL-10 showed a smaller production of O2-. Inhibition was achieved in a dose-dependent fashion and increased gradually after incubation with vIL-10. Additions of IFN-gamma, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which prime monocyte activation and induce O2- production, were also affected by the reciprocal effect of vIL-10. Thus, vIL-10 production by EBV-infected cells may be involved in the development of EBV-related disorders.

Base Sequence↗

Exogenous Thy-1.1 expression as a marker for thymocyte maturation in transgenic mice.

We established a line of transgenic mice carrying the exogenous mouse Thy-1.1 gene (8.2 Kb Eco RI genomic DNA fragment). In these mice, Thy-1.1 was expressed on thymocytes but not on peripheral T cells, presumably due to the lack of cis-acting element(s) on the microinjected genomic DNA. Even in the thymus, however, while most of the CD3/TCR- thymocytes were positive for the transgenic Thy-1.1 gene expression, the CD4+ or CD8+ single positive (SP) thymocytes were composed of two groups, one Thy-1.1+ and one Thy-1.1-, suggesting that the former belongs to cells at premature stages of terminal T cell differentiation. There was no difference in the amount of CD3/TCR complexes expressed on two such SP thymocyte subsets. In the double negative (DN) thymocytes, all the CD3/TCR+ cells were Thy-1.1-. These results suggest that the maturational process of CD3+ DN thymocytes differs from that of SP thymocytes. The unique distribution of Thy-1.1+ population among CD3+ thymocytes suggests that the transgenic Thy-1.1 gene expression can serve as a useful marker to examine terminal maturation processes of CD3+ thymocytes.

Animals↗

Long-lasting tolerance of articular cartilage after experimental intraoperative radiation in rabbits.

In experimental intraoperative irradiation, 18 adult rabbits received a single, 50-Gy dose of x-radiation at a unilateral knee joint, and subsequent changes in the articular cartilage were examined over a 15-month period by histology, scanning electron microscopy, and autoradiography. Although the subchondral bone showed histologically typical findings of osteonecrosis three to nine months postirradiation, the articular cartilage revealed no obvious degenerative changes during the entire study period. Scanning electron microscopy revealed normal collagen architecture in the irradiated cartilage for as long as 15 months postirradiation. Autoradiography demonstrated active RNA synthesis by the irradiated chondrocytes during the same period. These results indicate that articular cartilage tissue tolerates intraoperative radiotherapy without sustaining serious degenerative changes, unless possible collapse or contracture disturbs its biomechanical integrity. The survival of articular cartilage can be advantageous for this type of limb-salvage surgery in the treatment of malignant bone tumors around a synovial joint.

Animals↗

[Tl-201 myocardial scintigraphic findings in patients with aortic regurgitation].

To evaluate the myocardial damage associated with aortic regurgitation, thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy was performed in 13 patients with aortic regurgitation. The data obtained by thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography were expressed as the extent score, and were compared with data by echocardiography. The results were as follows: 1. In 11 of 13 patients, there were moderate Tl defects in the distribution of bull's eye map, 80% in the apex, 50% in the inferior and lateral regions, 30% in the anterior region and 10% in the septal region. The mean extent score was 22.3 +/- 11.0%. 2. The extent score correlated with the increase in aortic regurgitant flow volume. The extent score according to the Sellers' classifications II, III, and IV was 13.8 +/- 3.7%, 20.1 +/- 9.8% and 31.9 +/- 10.2%, respectively. 3. There was a good negative correlation between the extent score and fractional shortening (r = -0.66, p < 0.01), however, no significant correlation was observed between the extent score and the left ventricular end-diastolic volume. These results suggest that Tl defects in patients with aortic regurgitation are mainly due to myocardial ischemia associated with a decrease in coronary perfusion pressure and that the extent score may sensitively reflect the severity of myocardial damage in cases with aortic regurgitation.

Adult↗

[A case of middle aged women with isolated left coronary ostial stenosis].

A-50-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for the examination of exertional chest pain. She had no coronary risk factors. No hormonal disorders were observed. Physical and laboratory examinations revealed that she had not suffered from syphilis or aortitis syndrome or any other inflammatory diseases. An exercise electrocardiogram (Master's test) demonstrated ST segment depression in V3-6, II, III and a VF. On coronary angiography, a 75% stenosis of the left coronary ostial stenosis was found, but no abnormality was found in other arterial trees. The patient was diagnosed as having isolated coronary ostial stenosis. She underwent coronary bypass surgery from the aorta to the circumflex artery and the anterior descending coronary artery. She is now completely asymptomatic. A review of the literature together with this patient reveals the following characteristics of patients with isolated coronary ostial stenosis. Firstly, the patients are almost always middle aged woman with no coronary risk factors. Secondly, the involved coronary artery is the left main coronary artery, so its obstruction results in a serious condition. Therefore, though its pathogenesis remains to be determined, isolated left coronary ostial stenosis seems to be a distinct clinical entity.

Age Factors↗

[A case of acute renal failure in a patient with idiopathic hypouricemia].

This report is a 17-year-old man with an acute renal failure who complained of nausea, vomiting, bilateral loin pain and abdominal pain after scuffle. Renal biopsy specimen obtained from the left kidney revealed acute tubular necrosis. After recovering renal function he showed extreme hypouricemia (serum uric acid, 0.6 mg/dl) and elevated uric acid clearance (62-78 ml/min). The fractional excretion of uric acid (CUA/Ccr) could not be influenced by either oral pyrazinamide or probenecid. As no other renal tubular or metabolic abnormalities were detected, it is suggested that presecretory reabsorption defect or subtotal defect in uric acid transportation was responsible for the hypouricemia in this patient.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Acid resistance of human enamel by brushing with and without abrasive dentifrice.

Daily brushing with and without abrasive dentifrice pieces of was performed on the ground surfaces of human enamel attached to resin plates which were exposed to the oral cavities of 4 subjects for 8 weeks. The difference in acid resistance between a pair of enamel pieces obtained from the same tooth was examined with atomic absorption spectrometry. After etching with a lactate buffer solution at pH 4.5, the amount of Ca dissolved from the enamel in each pair by brushing without dentifrice was significantly lower than that when brushing with an by abrasive paste. Under SEM, the brushing with paste caused prism structures to appear clearly on the enamel surface, while brushing without dentifrice caused a nonbacterial organic film, i.e., salivary pellicle, to cover the surface. These results indicate that the pellicle is protected by mineral deposits when brushing without dentifrice but brushing with an abrasive paste tears off the unmineralized pellicle. Brushing without dentifrice induces a stronger resistance to acid on the enamel surface.

Acid Etching, Dental↗

[Evaluation of implantation of a cancer chemotherapeutic vascular access device: report of 91 cases].

Between April 1984 and December 1990, 91 patients with advanced cancer were implanted with vascular-access-devices 97 times. The results were as follows. When the patients were divided into two groups according to the implantation, namely the earlier (until December 1986) and later (from January 1987) periods, the earlier patency rate was higher than later due to improvement of instruments and progress in the implantation technique. There was no significant difference in the rate of patency or complications between the abdominal and femoral method, but the femoral method had some subcutaneous hematomas. The direct femoral pathway is less invasive, correct and effectively therapeutic method.

Catheters, Indwelling↗

[CD3-negative natural killer cell leukemia with aggressive clinical course].

The authors report an autopsy case of CD3- large granular cell leukemia with an aggressive clinical course. A 15-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with complaint of high fever. Clinical examination revealed cervical lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. His white blood cell count was 7,000/microliters with 45% large granular lymphocytes. A biopsy specimen of the cervical lymph node showed diffuse lymphoma, mixed small and large cells (DM). Surface marker analysis by immunohistochemical technique revealed that neoplastic cells expressed CD2, CD38, CD56 and HLA-DR but lacked CD3, CD4 and CD8. Southern blot analysis of immunoglobulin (Ig) and T cell receptor (TCR) genes showed germ line of Ig and TCR. These findings indicate that this case was a large granular cell leukemia with the natural killer cell phenotype. Despite anti-leukemic therapy, he died of hyperkalemia and acidosis. Autopsy showed a marked swelling of the liver (3,122 g) and spleen (2,434 g) with leukemic cell infiltration.

Adolescent↗

[Role of oxygen radical and superoxide dismutase in ovulation in the rat].

We studied the effect of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Mn-SOD, which are specific scavenging enzymes of the superoxide anion radical, on ovulation and examined the localization of SOD in rat ovaries. The results were as follows. 1) The number of ova in the Cu,Zn-SOD (8 mg x 4) administrated group (27.8 +/- 5.4 : p less than 0.01) was significantly reduced compared to the control group (49.0 +/- 3.3). Similarly, the number of ova in the Mn-SOD (2 mg x 2) administrated group (16.9 +/- 7.6 : p less than 0.01) was significantly reduced compared to the control (52.9 +/- 6.3). 2) In the rat ovary, Cu,Zn-SOD examined by the immunohistological method was found to be localized in the granulosa cells of mature Graafian follicles, growing follicles, primordial follicles and epithelial cells of the fallopian tubes. Mn-SOD was localized in the external theca cells of mature Graafian follicles and the corpus luteum. The activity of SOD estimated by the modified nitroblue tetrazolium method was consistent with the immunohistological localization of both SODs. We considered that oxygen radicals and SODs play an important role in rat ovulation, and Cu,ZN-SOD and Mn-SOD have a different localization and action in the rat ovary.

Animals↗