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Biomedical subjects

M Ando

Publications and source records attributed to M Ando.

At least 1,243 records · Page 69Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Diffuse perfusion abnormality of the liver parenchyma on angiography-assisted helical CT in relation to cirrhosis and previous treatments: a potential diagnostic pitfall for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma.

We evaluated diffuse perfusion abnormality of the liver parenchyma in relation to cirrhosis and previous treatments and estimated its potential limitation in detecting hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) on CT arterial portography (CTAP) and CT hepatic arteriography (CTHA). Sixty-one patients of liver cirrhosis with or without HCC received both CTAP and CTHA. Irregular defects of enhancement of the liver parenchyma on CTAP were noted in 37 of 61 patients (60.7%) and compensatory arterial perfusion in these defects on CTHA was noted in 30 of 37 patients (81.1%). Most patients had segmental or mixed patterns of enhancement. In patients with severe cirrhosis, irregular enhancement was often noted. The irregularity was also more often in patients who had had previous treatments. Four of 40 HCC nodules in 18 patients with severe irregular perfusion were not detected on CTAP and CTHA. Diffuse perfusion abnormalities of the liver parenchyma on CTAP and CTHA would decrease the accuracy of tumor detection in HCC patients.

Aged↗
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Periovulatory and interleukin-1 beta-dependent up-regulation of intraovarian vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the rat: potential role for VEGF in the promotion of periovulatory angiogenesis and vascular permeability.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial cell mitogen and permeability factor the role of which in ovarian angiogenesis has been the subject of increasing interest. It was the objective of this communication to explore the possibility that interleukin (IL)-1 may regulate the in vitro expression of rat ovarian VEGF mRNA, as well as to study the in vivo expression of rat ovarian VEGF transcripts during follicular maturation, ovulation, and corpora lutea formation. Taken together, our findings 1) reaffirm the rat ovary as a site of VEGF expression; 2) document an in vivo increase in VEGF transcripts before ovulation; 3) disclose a marked dependence of VEGF on IL-1 beta; 4) reveal the IL-1 beta effect to be receptor mediated and dose and time dependent and to be shared by at least two growth factors--epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblastic growth factor; and 5) demonstrate a lack of VEGF effect on ovarian progesterone biosynthesis as assessed in cultured isolated granulosa cells. It is tempting to speculate that the up-regulatory effect of IL-1 beta on VEGF transcripts may be relevant to the marked angiogenesis and increased vascular permeability displayed by the hyperemic ovarian Graafian follicle during the terminal stages of follicular development. In this context, VEGF may be joined by other IL-1-dependent angiogenesis promoters such as IL-6 or transforming growth factor beta 1. Thus, IL-1-mediated VEGF induction may constitute one of several end points through which IL-1 may coordinate and perhaps amplify the ovulatory cascade.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Studies on the synthesis of sesquiterpene lactones, 12. Synthesis of (+)-colartin, (+)-arbusculin A, and their C-4 epimers and their biological activities.

Colartin [9] and arbusculin A [11] have been synthesized from alpha-santonin [1] in 14.5% (11 steps) and 9.3% (13 steps) overall yields, respectively. Arbusculin A [11] and compounds 20, 21, and 22, which were derived from intermediate 2, showed significant cell growth inhibitory activity against murine lymphocytic leukemia (P-388) in vitro. Plant growth regulating activity of 11 and its synthetic intermediates 4, 5, 8, and 9 was also studied.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of simple omentoplasty and omentopexy in the prevention of complications after pelvic lymphadenectomy.

This multicenter collaborative study prospectively evaluated the effect of omentoplasty and omentopexy on the prevention of complications after pelvic lymphadenectomy. Sixty-four consecutive patients (42 cervical and 22 endometrial cancer) were enrolled and examined periodically for 12 months. All patients underwent simple, semiradical, or Okabayashi's radical hysterectomy and complete pelvic lymphadenectomy. The infracolic omentum was longitudinally divided in half and omentoplasty was performed so that bilateral omental flaps would reach the pelvic floor. The omental flaps were inserted into the retroperitoneal space and the edges of the flaps were sutured to the psoas muscle. The omental flap was then covered by the peritoneum. Incidence of lymphocele, lymphedema, and severe complications associated with lymphocele, such as infection or urinary stenosis, was evaluated at intervals for at least one year after surgery. Among the 64 patients, 12 patients received pelvic radiation because of occult lymph node metastasis. Planned omentoplasty was not possible in one patient because her omentum was too small; therefore, only unilateral omentopexy was performed. Asymptomatic lymphoceles only were detected by ultrasonogram in 12 patients (18.8%). Three patients (4.7%) had a symptomatic but pressure-only lymphocele. Hydronephrosis and bladder compression probably due to lymphocele were observed in one patient, respectively (3.1%), but resolved within 6 months. Lymphedema was observed in seven patients (10.9%) and persisted for more than 6 months in two patients (3.1%). We conclude that this simple technique of omentoplasty and omentopexy appeared to be effective in reducing the incidence of complications after pelvic lymphadenectomy.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) in the relationship between air pollution and asthma among children.

To evaluate the role of adhesion molecules and chemokines in the relationship between air pollution and asthma, the authors determined the following in 230 children who lived in 4 communities in Japan that had different levels of air pollution: serum concentrations of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1); soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1); regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES); and total immunoglobulin E (IgE). Children with asthma or who exhibited wheezing (n = 115) and nonasthmatic children (n = 115) were studied. Serum concentrations of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and RANTES were increased significantly in asthmatic children, compared with nonasthmatic children. Nonasthmatic children with serum IgE levels that were greater than or equal to 250 IU/ml had significantly lower concentrations of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 than the other children. The geometric means of sICAM-1 increased as air pollution increased. The results of this study suggest that adhesion molecules or chemokines are associated with asthma and that ICAM-1 may play an important role in the relationship between air pollution and the occurrence of asthma.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prevention of summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis: effect of elimination of Trichosporon cutaneum from the patients' homes.

To prevent summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis, the effect of eliminating Trichosporon cutaneum from patients' homes was investigated. To determine environmental factors associated with enhanced indoor mold growth, we compared 11 patients' homes in which T. cutaneum was isolated to 32 control homes by inspection and indoor mold survey. Statistically significantly higher isolates of T. cutaneum, total yeasts, and total fungi were associated with unsanitary rooms, and especially with damp places in the wood or tatami mats in patients' homes. Cleaning, disinfecting, and removing the colonizing locations of T. cutaneum were performed. No recurrence was observed in 6 well-cleaned homes, but recurrence was observed in all patients who resided in homes that were not cleaned or in homes where cleaning was not adequate, and where T. cutaneum was not eliminated. The efficacy of therapy by elimination of T. cutaneum was proven.

Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic↗
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Acute pulmonary edema in a storehouse of moldy oranges: a severe case of the organic dust toxic syndrome.

A woman who was 41 y of age developed pulmonary edema after massive fungal inhalation at an orange storehouse. A provocation test by exposure in the work-place was positive. Neither immunological studies with fungi isolated nor other clinical and histological examinations showed any evidence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This is the first report of a subject with organic dust toxic syndrome who developed pulmonary edema associated with the handling of moldy oranges.

Acute Disease↗
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Hypersensitivity pneumonitis of a mushroom worker due to Aspergillus glaucus.

We present the first reported case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) due to Aspergillus glaucus in a mushroom worker. The Aspergillus glaucus group is one of the most popular storage fungi and a possible subsidiary etiologic agent of farmer's lung, but no case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) due to A. glaucus has been reported. This first case may demonstrate the etiologic role of A. glaucus in HP and in farmer's lung.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of cigarette smoking on prevalence of summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by Trichosporon cutaneum.

We investigated the effect of cigarette smoking on the prevalence of summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis (SHP) caused by Trichosporon cutaneum. In the adult family members of SHP patients, we found that 27 of 41 (65.9%) nonsmokers were SHP patients, compared with 3 of 11 (27.3%) smokers (p less than .05). Also, the prevalence of anti-T. cutaneum antibody was significantly lower in the smokers (p less than .05). A questionnaire provided to 209 SHP patients revealed that the smoking rates of male and female SHP patients were significantly lower (p less than .01) than rates in the normal Japanese population. However, no difference was found in serum anti-T. cutaneum antibody activities or the bronchoalveolar lavage lymphocyte phenotypes for smoking and nonsmoking SHP patients. It was concluded that cigarette smoking had a suppressive effect on the outbreak of SHP, but smoking caused no further suppression after the disease was established.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Assignment and serotyping of Trichosporon species: the causative agents of summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

We re-valued three antigenic types within the genus Trichosporon as the causative agents of summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis (SHP). Corresponding standard strains, TIMM 1573 (serotype I), TIMM 1318 (serotype II), and M9456 (serotype III) were assigned to species T. mucoides, T. asahii and T. montevideense, respectively, based on 95% or more DNA/DNA relatedness with each type of culture and other genetical, physiological and morphological characteristics. To confirm the significance of these serotypes, 98 other strains of Trichosporon isolated from patients' environments and 24 CBS strains, including type cultures of species described within the genus, were serotyped. Serum antibody analysis of 220 SHP patients against Trichosporon spp. were also examined to estimate the antigenic profile of SHP. The present results indicate that T. asahii and T. mucoides, which are the most common causes of trichosporonosis, appear to be the major causative agents of SHP. These observations suggest a common pathogenesis of Trichosporon inducing hypersensitivity and infection, depending on the immunological status of the host.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hand exercise during contrast medium delivery at thoracic helical CT: a simple method to minimize perivenous artifact.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to assess the effects of hand exercise on perivenous artifact caused by undiluted venous contrast material at thoracic helical CT. METHOD: Eighty patients were prospectively and randomly assigned to thoracic helical CT with (n = 42) or without (n = 38) intermittent squeezing of a hand-sized ball during delivery of a contrast material. Two radiologists graded perivenous artifact and arterial enhancement in a blind fashion. CT attenuation values were obtained by region-of-interest measurements from arteries and veins. RESULTS: Both qualitative and quantitative analyses showed statistically significant differences in the assessment of perivenous artifact (p < 0.01). Perivenous artifact from the subclavian vein was significantly reduced in patients subjected to thoracic helical CT by using a hand exercise method. CONCLUSION: Hand exercise during contrast material delivery at thoracic helical CT minimizes perivenous artifact and improves image quality.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Significance of inguinal folds for diagnosis of congenital dislocation of the hip in infants aged three to four months.

We evaluated the usefulness of the appearance of asymmetrical inguinal folds in the frog leg position as a screening indicator for congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) in the hope that we might be able to decrease the frequency of radiographic examinations of 3-4-month-old infants. Abnormal inguinal folds were observed in 499 (23.8%) of the 2,111 patients examined at the Asahikawa Health Center, and these 499 included all patients with complete dislocation or subluxation. Abnormal inguinal folds were also present in all 29 previously untreated patients with complete dislocation and in 11 with subluxation seen in our department. Because limited passive hip abduction is less sensitive than abnormal inguinal folds, we recommend inguinal fold assessment as a useful adjunct to other screening methods for CDH in 3-4-month-old infants.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Tangential view arthrogram at closed reduction in congenital dislocation of the hip.

Of 119 previously untreated hips with congenital dislocation (complete dislocation), a classification of tangential view arthrograms at closed reduction was attempted in 34 joints that could not be reduced with a Pavlik harness or by traction but could be reduced manually under anesthesia. Conservative or open reduction was selected according to this classification. None of the hips had total femoral head necrosis, and only two femoral heads showed mild permanent necrosis. These results suggest the usefulness of this classification for selection of treatment for congenital hip dislocation.

Arthrography↗
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Right heart growth after the Bjork connection in tricuspid atresia.

BACKGROUND: Atrioventricular (Bjork) connection used for the correction of tricuspid atresia has become of little more than historical interest. However, the optimal form of management of patients undergoing this repair still requires continued assessment of the long-term outcome. We review our experience with valveless atrioventricular connection focusing on the morphological changes seen in the heart chambers. METHODS: Between October 1978 and March 1986, seven patients with tricuspid atresia having concordant ventriculoarterial connection underwent atrioventricular connection. Configuration of the surgical connection included Dacron extracardiac conduit without valve insertion. End-diastolic volumes were calculated in the respective heart chambers. A group of patients undergoing atriopulmonary connection was used as control subjects. RESULTS: The diminutive right ventricle showed conspicuous growth at 1.1 +/- 1.1 years after the initial repair, with the end-diastolic volume index increasing from 25.0 +/- 8.7% of normal value at a preoperative state to 80.4 +/- 31.1% of normal value postoperatively. Further operation was done in three patients because of the obstructive atrioventricular pathway. At reoperation, reconstruction of the connection with an addition of either atriopulmonary or cavopulmonary anastomosis afforded clinical improvement in our series. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that volume load resulting from the widely patent atrioventricular connection combined with backward regurgitation affects the development of young heart muscle of the right ventricle. The optimal choice of surgical strategy should be made at reintervention through recognition of the particular postsurgical anatomy.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Surgery for aortic regurgitation caused by Behcet's disease: a clinical study of 11 patients.

Surgical treatment for aortic regurgitation (AR) caused by Behcet's disease is difficult due to the need to manipulate fragile, inflamed tissue. Valve detachment following aortic valve replacement (AVR) and suture detachment are serious postoperative complications. We investigated the surgical results in 11 patients. Between 1981 and July 1999, 11 patients, 9 males and 2 females, with AR caused by Behcet's disease underwent surgery. The age of these patients ranged from 33 to 60 years (mean, 45+/-8 years). The surgical procedures for AR were AVR in six patients and valved conduit operation in five patients. No patient died during the hospital stay. In a follow-up period ranging from 3 to 204 months (mean, 93+/-64 months) two patients died. Prosthetic valve detachment or suture detachment necessitating redo-operation occurred in four patients (36%) who then underwent a valved conduit procedure as a reoperation. Prosthetic valve detachment was higher in patients with AVR than in patients with a valved conduit operation. Valved conduit reconstruction is indicated in patients with AR caused by Behcet's disease in whom prevention of valve detachment is difficult even by current valve fixation methods.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Surgical treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension under profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest in 24 patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a serious disease that induces hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension, eventually leading to respiratory failure and right heart failure. We evaluated the results of surgical treatment in patients undergoing circulatory arrest under profound hypothermia. METHODS: Between February 1995 and June 1999, 24 cases of CTEPH were surgically treated. The age of patients (11 males and 13 females) ranged from 21 to 71 years (mean 49+/-15 years). Because of hypoxemia, severe pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary artery pressure 45+/-7 mmHg ), and low cardiac output, the functional class of these patients was New York Heart Association (NYHA) III or IV. Following a median sternotomy, profound hypothermia was induced using cardiopulmonary bypass, and pulmonary thromboendarterectomy in the bilateral pulmonary arteries was performed under intermittent circulatory arrest. Surgery was performed emergently in four patients. RESULTS: Of these 24 patients, 2 of 20 patients who underwent elective surgery and 3 of 4 patients who underwent emergent surgery died in the hospital. Symptoms of CTEPH markedly improved in 18 patients who survived the surgery. Pulmonary arterial pressure was decreased to 16+/-6 mmHg, and cardiac output was increased. CONCLUSIONS: When CTEPH is resistant to medical treatment, surgical treatment is useful. When surgical indications are carefully selected, pulmonary thromboendarterectomy using intermittent circulatory arrest under profound hypothermia is quite effective for treating CTEPH.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Direct ovarian effect of growth hormone in the rabbit.

PROBLEM: This study was undertaken to assess whether growth hormone (GH) can stimulate follicle growth and ovarian steroidogenesis via putative GH receptors. METHOD: In vitro perfused rabbit ovary. RESULTS: Ovulation occurred in neither the control ovaries nor experimental ovaries treated with 100 ng/ml of GH, whereas all ovaries exposed to 50 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) ovulated. The addition of GH to the perfusate significantly stimulated the follicle growth in the absence of gonadotropin. The percent change in follicle diameter in GH-treated ovaries did not differ significantly from that in hCG-treated ovaries. Exposure to GH significantly stimulated the meiotic maturation in the follicular oocytes, as compared with the contralateral control ovaries. Although the concentration of progesterone in the perfusate did not differ significantly between GH-treated and control ovaries, GH stimulated estradiol production by the perfused rabbit ovaries. Rabbit ovary membranes exhibited high affinity binding sites of hGH (Kd = 6.1 x 10(-9) M). CONCLUSION: GH acts on the rabbit ovary to stimulate the follicle growth, oocyte maturation, and ovarian estradiol production by interacting with the specific receptors located in ovarian plasma membranes.

Animals↗