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Biomedical subjects

M Endo

Publications and source records attributed to M Endo.

At least 361 records · Page 20Linked to original sources

Motor activity of refashioned colorectoanus in patients with total colonic aganglionosis.

An ano-recto-sigmoid colon pressure study was designed to evaluate the characteristics of the motor activity of refashioned colorectoanus in patients with total colonic aganglionosis (TCA) in comparison to patients with rectosigmoid Hirschsprung's disease (HD) and healthy children (HC), and to elucidate the pathophysiology of the pulled-through ileum, with aganglionic colon as an onlay patch, in coordination with the anal sphincter. The study group consisted of six patients with TCA, six with HD who underwent endorectal colonic pull-through, and six HC. Pressure studies were performed using a triple-lumen catheter; recording sites were 15 and 9 cm from the anal verge, and at the anal canal. The following were measured and compared: (1) anal canal pressure profile, (2) resting pattern of activity at the refashioned colorectum and anal canal, and (3) changes in motor activity after stimulation with cold water and glycerin. The motor activities of the refashioned colorectoanus of TCA and HD patients differed greatly from those of HC. All six HC had no isolated high-amplitude contraction (IHAC) in the colorectum during the 45-minute study period; they complained of a strong urge to defecate after glycerin enema and actually did so. In contrast, IHAC appeared 2.0 +/- 1.3 times per 10 minutes, with maximal amplitude of 60.3 +/- 24.9 cm H2O in TCA, and 5.6 +/- 3.7 per 10 minutes with maximal amplitude of 79.5 +/- 11.7 cm H2O in HD. After glycerin enema, IHAC increased to 0.5 +/- 0.2 per minute and 69.3 +/- 44.6 cm H2O in TCA and to 0.8 +/- 0.4 per minute and 93.0 +/- 12.8 cm H2O in HD. Defecation was postponed for more than 10 minutes in two HD and all TCA patients. The mean motility index per minute was least for TCA patients (76.9 +/- 98.2); it was 406.5 +/- 197.1 (P < .05) for HD patients and 159.2 +/- 84.2 (P < .01) for HC. TCA patients had the lowest amplitude of maximal resting anal pressure, and hypoactivity of the colorectum during rest and after stimulation; this suggests that motor dysfunction involves even the ganglionic ileum, concomitant with suppressed signals to the higher integrating center for defecation.

Adolescent↗

Monocyte function associated with intermittent lentinan therapy after resection of gastric cancer.

The effect of lentinan administration on monocyte function in the peripheral blood were examined in 33 patients who underwent resection of gastric cancer. As parameters of monocyte function, IL-1 production, C3b receptor, Fc gamma receptor and monocyte ratio were determined every 4 weeks for a maximum of 24 weeks. Among patients who were taking combined therapy with lentinan, an increase in IL-1 beta production of more than 50% was found 8 weeks (2 months) after the initiation of therapy in 8 of 12 patients given 2 mg at 2-week intervals, and in 11 of 16 patients given the same dose at 4-week intervals. This increase was particularly clear in stage II or more advanced cases. There were no significant changes in the other parameters studied. It has been considered that lentinen is effective when administered once a week. The results of the present study, however, suggest that lentinan given every 4 weeks also stimulates monocyte function enough to maintain immunological activity.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Drug sensitivity testing for clinical samples from oesophageal cancer using adhesive tumour cell culture system.

A total of 83 specimens of surgically resected tumours from 78 patients with oesophageal cancer were assayed for drug sensitivity using an adhesive tumour cell culture system (LifeTrac CSA assay). Seventyone of 83 specimens had a sufficient number of cells to permit growth in culture and 57 of 71 (80%) were evaluable for drug response. Cells (3 x 10(3) ml-1 well-1) were cultured for 14 days and exposed to drugs on days 3-8. Growing cells were confirmed as cancer cells by immunohistochemical staining. IC90 values against several anti-cancer drugs were determined and population distributions of IC90 for each drug served as the basis for judging sensitivity. The 10th percentiles of IC90 (microgram ml-1) for CDDP, 5-FU, DOX, CPM, MTX, VP16, IFOS, VDS, BLM and CDDP + 5-FU were 0.3, 0.16, 0.005, 0.9, 0.006, 0.09, 0.8, 0.006, 0.04 and 0.15 + 0.09 respectively. The population distribution of IC90 against each drug showed a specific pattern that was very similar among histopathological gradings and stages of the disease. This system appeared to be a clinically applicable drug sensitivity test for human oesophageal cancer.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Identification and characterization of an inherited mutation of PIG-A in a patient with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria.

Analysis of the X-linked gene PIG-A from haemopoietic cells of a female PNH patient showed a homozygous C-55-T substitution that caused replacement of arginine with tryptophan at codon 19. Aval restriction analysis of PIG-A cDNA demonstrated that the patient was homozygous for this mutation, whereas her mother was heterozygous and her father was hemizygous. Flow cytometry, however, showed normal expression of glycosyl phosphatidylinositol anchored proteins on blood cells of the patient's mother and father. Therefore the C-55-T mutation is an inherited sequence variant that does not account for the PNH phenotype of this patient.

DNA↗

Characterization and biological significance of sialyl alpha 2-3galactosyl beta 1-4xylosyl beta 1-(4-methylumbelliferone) synthesized in cultured human skin fibroblasts.

Human skin fibroblasts were incubated in the presence of a fluorogenic xyloside, 4-methyl-umbelliferyl-beta-D-xyloside (Xyl-MU), then the cultured medium was recovered, concentrated with a lyophilizer, and dialyzed against distilled water. The structures of the Xyl-MU derivatives purified from the dialyzable fraction were investigated. In addition to established glycosaminoglycans-MU (GAGs-MU), Gal-Gal-Xyl-MU, Gal-Xyl-MU, sulphate-GlcA-Xyl-MU, GlcA-Xyl-MU, and Xyl-Xyl-MU, which were induced by Xyl-MU, an oligosaccharide having fluorescence was purified using a combination of gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, then subjected to carbohydrate composition analysis, enzyme digestion, Smith degradation, 1H-NMR, and ion-spray mass spectrometric analysis. From the data obtained, the oligosaccharide was considered to have the structure SA alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4Xyl beta 1-MU. The amount of MU-oligosaccharide in the cell culture increased with time and was dependent on the amount of Xyl-MU added. Its production was also different from that of Gal-Gal-Xyl-MU and Gal-Xyl-MU, which are biosynthetic intermediates of GAG-MU. Addition of CDP, an inhibitor of sialytransferase, to the cell culture medium increased the secretion of GAG-MU. These results suggest that SA-Gal-Xyl-MU production may be related to the regulation of GAG-MU biosynthesis.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗

Rapid diagnosis of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia by nested polymerase chain reaction.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish a rapid and sensitive diagnostic method for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia in postoperative patients. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: As a result of diffusion and abuse of third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics in the 1980s in Japan, an outbreak of MRSA infection has been posed. In the field of surgery, severe postoperative infections with MRSA such as MRSA bacteremia, which may lead to multiple organ failure, have emerged with a high mortality. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with high fever (above 38.5 C) or watery diarrhea or both within 2 weeks after gastrointestinal major surgery and 6 healthy volunteers were examined. Nested polymerase chain reaction was used to detect mecA and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) genes in blood specimens. RESULTS: The mecA and TSST-1 genes were not detected in the blood samples of any of the six healthy volunteers. In all 12 samples from which MRSA colonies were isolated by blood culture, mecA and TSST-1 genes were detected. Although it took at least 48 hours to identify MRSA by the blood culture method, the presence of mecA and TSST-1 genes was determined by nested polymerase chain reaction method within only 3 to 4 hours after blood sampling. CONCLUSIONS: This method, as a sensitive and rapid monitoring system for MRS bacteremia, would be clinically beneficial for prevention of cross infection and for early determination of appropriate treatment for infected patients.

Bacteremia↗

Surgical approach to the internal auditory meatus in acoustic neuroma surgery: significance of preoperative high-resolution computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE AND METHOD: To establish a surgical approach that provides better access to the internal auditory meatus (IAM) in acoustic tumor removal via a suboccipital transmeatal route, the anatomic location of the labyrinth with regard to the sigmoid-fundus line and the extent of bone removal from the IAM were evaluated by pre- and postoperative high-resolution computed tomography for 47 patients. RESULTS: The labyrinth was located lateral to the sigmoid-fundus line in 22 cases (lateral type, 46.8%), on the line in 9 (on-the-line type, 19.1%), and medial to the line in 16 (medial type, 34.0%). Postoperative high-resolution computed tomography showed that the mean length of the posterior wall from the fundus was shortened to 5.1 +/- 1.1 mm (n = 27) in the partially resected group and to 2.0 +/- 0.6 mm (n = 20) in the widely opened IAM group. The labyrinth was damaged in four cases from the widely opened IAM group; the preoperative status of the labyrinth was medial to the sigmoid-fundus line in three and on the line in one. The cochlear nerve was preserved in seven (31%) partially resected and in eight (50%) widely opened IAM cases. The overall success rate of hearing preservation was 4 of 22 (18.2%) partially resected and 5 of 16 (31.2%) widely opened cases. CONCLUSION: Preoperative evaluation of the anatomic relation between the IAM and the labyrinth by high-resolution computed tomography provides an efficient surgical approach to the IAM and contributes to anatomic and functional preservation of the cochlear nerve.

Female↗

Clonal heterogeneity in human esophageal squamous cell carcinomas on DNA analysis.

Cancers are thought to arise through multistep accumulation of somatic mutations in the progeny of a single cell. Multiple mutations may induce molecular intratumor heterogeneity. Therefore, we examined molecular clonal heterogeneity in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. Twenty-four esophageal squamous cell carcinomas and associated lymph node metastases were examined for microsatellite alterations, and abnormalities of the p53 and transforming growth factor-beta type II receptor (TGF-beta RII) genes. There were eight cases (33%) showing different patterns of loss of heterozygosity in primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes with microsatellite markers. On the other hand, the abnormalities of p53 were identical in all these cases. No mutation was detected in the simple repeated sequences of the TGF-beta RII gene. These results indicate that molecular clonal heterogeneity exists in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. Therefore, care is necessary in preoperative genetic diagnosis using biopsy samples.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Enhanced anticancer effect of vincristine with methionine infusion after methionine-depleting total parenteral nutrition in tumor-bearing rats.

Methionine-depleting total parenteral nutrition (Met(-) TPN), in which an amino acid solution devoid of L-methionine and L-cysteine is infused, is thought to reduce tumor cell growth through acting as a partial late S-G2 (i.e., late-S and G2 phases) blocker. The antitumor effect of vincristine (VCR), which acts on mitotic phase cells, was examined with methionine infusion immediately after Met(-) TPN in Yoshida sarcoma (YS)-bearing rats. Rats were given Met(-) TPN for 8 days immediately after inoculation with YS cells (days 0 to 8), which was followed by methionine-containing (Met(+)) regular TPN for 3 days (days 9-11) along with intraperitoneal administration of 0.05 mg/kg/day VCR. All rats were then fed solid food and water ad libitum until they died, with 0.1 mg/kg VCR administration on days 12 and 13. As controls, a Met(-) TPN only group, Met(+) TPN groups with and without VCR, and freely fed groups with and without VCR were studied. The progression of YS was markedly suppressed by Met(-) TPN with VCR. The median survival time in days was 25 days, significantly longer (P<0.001) (generalized Wilcoxon's tests) by 11 to 14 days than that of any of the other groups. In conclusion, VCR appears to have greater efficacy as an anticancer agent when administered together with methionine after Met(-) TPN.

Animals↗

Effect of calmodulin antagonists on calmodulin-induced biphasic modulation of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release.

1. Calmodulin (CaM) has a biphasic effect on Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR): potentiation and inhibition at low (pCa > 6.0) and high (pCa 5) Ca2+ concentrations, respectively. To characterize the mode of action of CaM, we studied the effect of CaM antagonists on the CICR in skinned muscle fibres of the rabbit. Ca2+ release was measured by microfluorometry with Fura-2. 2. A CaM antagonist, trifluoperazine (TFP), potentiated the CICR in a dose-dependent manner (10-300 microM) at pCa 6, where a simple reversal of the CaM effect would be inhibition of the CICR. Furthermore, 100 microM TFP sensitized the CICR to Ca2+. A similar effect was produced by other CaM antagonists that were tested: chlorpromazine, W-7, mastoparan, and peptide fragment of CaM-binding residues of CaM-dependent protein kinase II. 3. The biphasic effect of CaM on the CICR was observed even in the presence of high concentrations of CaM antagonists or CaM-bindings peptides. 4. From these results we suggest that CaM has a unique mode of action on the CICR which is quite different from the effect of CaM on known enzymes.

Animals↗

Simple evaluation method of biocompatibility of artificial oxygenator hollow fiber.

We made miniature modules filled with artificial oxygenator hollow fibers and conducted a simple experiment to study the effect of different membrane structures on the blood. Three types of modules were made: one filled with polyolefin, one filled with polypropylene, and a blank module. The 3 modules were connected through 3 fine tubings to one needle so that the same blood that passed through the 3 modules could be analyzed simultaneously. Nonheparinized blood was continuously withdrawn from 6 healthy volunteers using a small pump and passed through the circuit by a single pass (10 ml/min, for 10 min). Platelet count, thrombin-antithrombin complex, and complement-3 were measured in the blood collected at 10 min from the outlet of each module. The results showed significantly better biocompatibility of polyolefin than polypropylene, which is attributable to the dense layer of the blood contact surface of polyolefin fibers. This method is useful in assessing biocompatibility of various hollow fibers in a simple and safe manner.

Analysis of Variance↗

Double balloon catheter for concomitant augmentation of abdominal organ perfusion during intraaortic balloon counterpulsation.

A newly devised double balloon catheter to augment abdominal organ perfusion concomitant with original cardiac assist during intraaortic balloon counterpulsation provided satisfactory hemodynamics and urinary output around cardiac surgical procedures in 2 patients with coronary artery disease. Some optional advantages in clinical application and problems arising in the catheter design which need to be investigated are discussed.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

The effect of atrial natriuretic peptide on pulmonary acid injury in a pig model.

The effect of exogenous atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on pulmonary injury induced by aspiration of hydrochloric acid (0.1 N HCl, 2.0 ml/kg) was examined in anesthetized pigs ventilated with 100% oxygen. Group-specific diuretic treatment was used 60 min after aspiration and followed for a further 120 min. No diuretics were used for Group 1, 0.1 microg/kg/min of ANP was infused intravenously for 60 min in Group 2, and 0.05 mg/kg of furosemide was injected (intravenous bolus) in Group 3. Total urine volume after diuretic treatment did not differ significantly between Groups 2 and 3. However, the increase in PaO2 (to 386.3 +/- 67.5 mm Hg) after infusion of ANP was significantly higher than the increase in PaO2 (to 275.9 +/- 63.3 mm Hg) after furosemide treatment, and in the no treatment control (to 171.1 +/- 31.5 mm Hg). Pulmonary hypertension induced by acid aspiration was significantly reduced (p < 0.01 versus Groups 1 and 3) during ANP infusion. ANP has a beneficial effect on acute lung injury, possibly through its diuretic and/or pulmonary vasodilating action.

Animals↗

Effect of nonionic surfactants on the percutaneous absorption tenoxicam.

The effect of 14 types of nonionic surfactants on the permeation of Tenoxicam (TEN) through guinea pigs from propylene glycol solution was investigated in vitro. The flux of TEN was significantly enhanced by polyoxyethylene alkyl ether and polyoxyethylene monoalkyl carboxylate as hydrophilic surfactants, and by polyglyceryl trialkylate, glyceryl monoalkylate, sorbitan monoalkyl carboxylate and sorbitan trialkyl carboxylate as hydrophobic surfactants. In the presence of these surfactants, the flux was increased about 2 to 4 times, as compared to the flux without them. The mechanism of nonionic surfactant action was analyzed and classified by recent methods. the including HLB of surfactants, the solubility of the drugs in vehicle and the hemolysis of erythrocytes. The results suggested that vital factors in the enhancement of skin permeation by nonionic surfactants include the affinity of the surfactants to the stratum corneum, the solubility of the drugs in vehicle and the penetration of surfactants to the stratum corneum.

Animals↗

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 associated with spinal ependymoma.

A 51-year-old man was hospitalized with a gait disturbance and hypoesthesia below the level of his chest. These symptoms were due to a spinal tumor which was surgically resected and identified as an ependymoma. Additionally, the patient had hypercalcemia and a family history of insulinoma. An endocrine evaluation revealed parathyroid hyperplasia and a pancreatic islet cell tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a pituitary microadenoma. He was diagnosed with spinal ependymoma and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1). A review of the literature revealed that chromosome 11q13 abnormalities have been reported in both ependymoma and MEN 1. We discuss the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Chromosome Aberrations↗

CBFB/MYH11 fusion transcripts in a case of acute myelogenous leukemia (M1) with partial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 16.

Pericentric inversion of chromosome 16 [inv(16)(p13q22)] is seen in patients with acute myelomonocytic leukemia with bone marrow eosinophilia. This inversion juxtaposes the MYH11 gene on p13 and the CBFB gene on q22, resulting in the formation of a chimeric mRNA transcript. We describe a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia (M1), with del(16)(q22), who expressed the chimeric transcript. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and the sequencing of its product showed fusion of 5'CBFB at position 495 to 3'MYH11 at position 1201. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an AML (M1) case with del(16) and CBFB/MYH11 rearrangement.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Precursor directed biosynthesis of aureobasidins.

The antifungal antibiotic aureobasidin A (AbA) is a cyclic depsipeptide composed of eight amino acids and a hydroxy acid. New Ab analogs were produced by feeding various amino acids to Aureobasidium pullulans R 106 c-712 in a chemically-defined medium containing glucose and ammonium sulfate. The constituent amino acids of AbA at positions 3 (L-phenylalanine), 4 (N-methyl-L-phenylalanine), 5 (L-proline), 6 (L-allo-isoleucine) and 8 (L-leucine) were replaced by respective analogous amino acids such as o-fluoro-L-phenylalanine, 4-hydroxy-L-proline, L-norleucine and L-norvaline, resulting in the production of eight new Ab analogs. This is the first paper to describe amino acid replacements at positions 3, 5 and 8. L-[1-13C]-Valine exogenously added was incorporated into the three valine-related moieties of AbA at positions 2, 7 (both N-methyl-L-valine) and 9 (beta-hydroxy-N-methyl-L-valine), but these moieties were never replaced by exogenous amino acid analogs. The comparative antifungal activities of AbA and the eight new Ab analogs were determined.

Amino Acid Sequence↗