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Biomedical subjects

M Kaneko

Publications and source records attributed to M Kaneko.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Comparison of automated haematology analysers for detection of apoptotic lymphocytes.

Automated haematology analysers can rapidly provide accurate blood cell counts and white blood cell differentials. In this study, we evaluated four different haematology analysers for the detection of apoptotic lymphocytes in peripheral blood: MAXM A/L Retic, H*2, Cell-Dyn 3500 and NE-8000. With the MAXM A/L Retic haematology analyser, the apoptotic lymphocyte cluster appeared below the original lymphocyte cluster on the volume/DF1, and to the right under the original lymphocyte cluster on the volume/DF2 scattergrams. With the H*2 haematology analyser, the apoptotic polymorphonuclear lymphocytes produced a higher lobularity index on the BASO channel. With the Cell-Dyn 3500 haematology analyser, the apoptotic lymphocyte cluster appeared to the right side of the original lymphocyte cluster on the 0D/10D scattergram and to the left side of the polymorphonuclear cluster on the 90D/10D scattergram. With the NE-8000 haematology analyser, the apoptotic lymphocyte cluster was not distinguishable. Thus, apoptotic lymphocytes are readily detected on scattergrams generated by selected haematology analysers.

Apoptosis↗

Impact of respiratory syncytial virus infection as a cause of lower respiratory tract infection in children younger than 3 years of age in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most important viral pathogen for lower respiratory tract infection (LRI) in infants and children. An RSV-specific monoclonal antibody has been developed to provide prophylaxis against RSV associated LRI (RSV-LRI). The objective of this study was to determine the impact of RSV as a cause of LRI in children younger than 3 years of age to provide data to aide in the implementation of forthcoming prophylaxis against RSV. METHODS: We analyzed the viral etiology of LRI in hospitalized Japanese children younger than 3 years of age admitted to Shizuoka Red Cross Hospital from July, 1997 to June, 2000. RESULTS: A total of 535 patients younger than 3 years of age were hospitalized with LRI at Shizuoka Red Cross Hospital from July 1, 1997 to June 30, 2000. Of these, a positive diagnosis of RSV infection was made in 168 patients (31.4%). Most of the patients with RSV infection had been well and had had no underlying disease that was defined as risk factor of RSV infection (94.0%). The peak incidence of LRI was observed in the winter each year and the number of LRI was strongly associated with the epidemic of RSV (r=0.700, P<0.0001). The number of patients with LRI younger than 6 months of age was 116 (21.7%). Of these 116 patients younger than 6 months with LRI, 55 patients (47.4%) were confirmed to have RSV infection. The proportions of RSV infection to total LRI was greatest in early infants younger than 6 months (P<0.0001). The number of patients with which RSV infection was detected in LRI patients younger than 3 years was highest during the first five months of life and there was a dramatic decrease in incidence of RSV infection with increasing age thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of LRI hospitalization is highly affected by RSV infection epidemic. The proportion of RSV infections among early infants younger than 6 months is greater than that of older patients. The prophylaxis against RSV will be needed to be toward early infants.

Age Factors↗

Severe infantile measles encephalitis occurred three months after neonatal measles.

A 3-month-old girl who developed severe measles encephalitis after neonatal measles is reported. Her mother had measles when she was ten days old and she was admitted to our hospital with low grade fever, Koplik spot, and mild exanthema seventeen days after birth, and she recovered in 7 days without any complication. At three months of age, she was readmitted because of intractable seizures. The levels of IgM and IgG antibodies against measles in the cerebrospinal fluid were elevated. The measles virus genome, amplifying the region encoding the nucleocapsid protein, was detected from the brain specimen by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a focal destructive lesion and diffuse cerebral atrophy. The electroencephalogram did not show periodic synchronous discharges. Although the neonatal measles was believed to be relatively mild in severity, the possible development of measles encephalitis should be carefully monitored in an infant who had neonatal measles.

Encephalitis, Viral↗

Localization of cathepsins D, K, and L in degenerated human intervertebral discs.

STUDY DESIGN: Localization of cathepsins D, K, and L in degenerated intervertebral discs was examined by immunohistochemistry. OBJECTIVES: To determine the involvement of cathepsins in the pathomechanism of intervertebral disc degeneration by monitoring the immunolocalization of cathepsins in degenerated intervertebral disc tissue. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cathepsins D, K, and L are enzymes that contribute to the matrix destruction seen in the articular cartilage affected by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, little is known about the contribution of these cathepsins to intervertebral disc degeneration. METHODS: Paraffin-embedded sections of degenerated intervertebral disc tissue collected at the time of surgery (13 discs from 12 patients) were immunohistochemically stained with antibodies for cathepsins D, K, and L. For further characterization of the stained cells, immunohistochemical detection of CD68 and TRAP staining were performed. RESULTS: Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed obvious signs of degeneration in all sections. Cathepsins D and L were immunolocalized in disc fibrochondrocytes at various sites exhibiting degeneration. Cathepsins K were found in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells, in particular near the cleft within the cartilaginous endplate. However, few cells were positive for these cathepsins in anulus fibrosus that maintained the lamellar structure of collagen fibers. CONCLUSIONS: Marked expression of cathepsins D and L was observed at the site of degeneration. Cathepsins D and K localized in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells existed at the cleft between the cartilaginous endplate and vertebral body. The site-specific localization of these cathepsins suggests the association of these proteinases with endplate separation and disorganization of the anulus fibrosus in degenerative spinal disorders.

Adult↗

Simple prognostic model for patients with multiple myeloma: a single-center study in Japan.

The range of survival duration in myeloma patients is wide and several percent of patients live longer than 10 years. Therefore, a precise prediction of survival for the individual patient is required to decide treatment. We evaluated possible prognostic factors at diagnosis for 116 Japanese patients with multiple myeloma. Twelve parameters reported to affect survival were analyzed using a log rank test and stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression. Factors identified as adversely affecting survival were age over 60 years, male sex, blood hemoglobin less than 8.5 g/dl, platelets less than 100 x 10(9)/l, serum creatinine level more than 2.0 mg/dl, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level more than 6.0 mg/l, and serum beta2-microglobulin level more than 6.0 mg/l. Among them, only high age and high serum CRP level were independently prognostic for poor survival. In conclusion, we have established a simple prognostic model for Japanese myeloma patients only, using factors that can be determined in routine examinations without the need of subjective information.

Adult↗

Observation of a (6)(LambdaLambda)He double hypernucleus.

A double-hyperfragment event has been found in a hybrid-emulsion experiment. It is identified uniquely as the sequential decay of ( 6)(LambdaLambda)He emitted from a Xi(-) hyperon nuclear capture at rest. The mass of ( 6)(LambdaLambda)He and the Lambda-Lambda interaction energy DeltaB(LambdaLambda) have been measured for the first time devoid of the ambiguities due to the possibilities of excited states. The value of DeltaB(LambdaLambda) is 1.01+/-0.20(+0.18)(-0.11) MeV. This demonstrates that the Lambda-Lambda interaction is weakly attractive.

Journal Article↗

In situ observation of pitting of stainless steel by XAFS.

An in situ observation technique by XAFS (X-ray Absorption Fine Structures) has been developed for observation of metal corrosion. XAFS spectra were obtained with a special electrochemical cell to elucidate pitting: change of concentrations and structures of ions near the interface of solution and metal. It has been successfully shown that the concentrations of Cr and Br are linearly dependent on the distance from the interface. Also, salt formation at the interface and the hydrolysis reaction far from the interface are indicated.

Journal Article↗

CD15 expression in mature granulocytes is determined by alpha 1,3-fucosyltransferase IX, but in promyelocytes and monocytes by alpha 1,3-fucosyltransferase IV.

The CD15 carbohydrate epitope is expressed in mature human neutrophils, monocytes, and promyelocytes. We aimed to determine the alpha1,3-fucosyltransferase responsible for the expression of CD15 in each subpopulation of leukocytes. Three alpha1,3-fucosyltransferases, FUT4, FUT7, and FUT9, are expressed in human leukocytes. We demonstrated that FUT9 exhibits 20-fold stronger activity for CD15 synthesis than FUT4, whereas FUT4 exhibits 4.5-fold stronger activity for CDw65 synthesis than FUT9. By competitive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, FUT9 was found to be strongly expressed in mature granulocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cell, but not in monocytes. CD34(+) and CD15(+) cells in cord blood and myeloid cell lines (HL-60 and U937) did not express FUT9 at all. FUT4 transcripts were ubiquitously expressed in all blood cells and all cultured cell lines, with HL-60 and U937 cells in particular expressing a number of FUT4 transcripts. Transfection of the FUT9 gene into Jurkat and U937 cells demonstrated that FUT9 has the potential to express CD15 in myeloid and lymphoid cells. These findings suggest that the expression of CD15 in mature granulocytes is directed by FUT9, whereas it is determined in promyelocytes and monocytes by FUT4. Measurement of CD15 synthesizing activity in cell homogenates of each cell population using the polylactosamine acceptor further supported these conclusions.

Antigens, CD↗

Identification of two rodent genes encoding homologues to seminal vesicle autoantigen: a gene family including the gene for prolactin-inducible protein.

We cloned two new paralogous genes that encode proteins homologous to seminal vesicle autoantigen (SVA) in rodents. The open reading frame of one mouse gene encodes a polypeptide consisting of 151 amino acid residues which has 43% identity to SVA. RT-PCR analysis showed selective expression in the colon, and thus the protein was tentatively named "SVA-like protein in the colon (SLP-C)". The other mouse gene has an open reading frame encoding 144 amino acid residues with 46 and 65% identity to SVA and SLP-C, respectively. Expression of this gene was detected in the mammary, submaxillary, parotid, and lacrimal glands, and this protein was named "SLP in the mammary gland (SLP-M)". Orthologs of both genes were also found in rats. The three homologous genes coding for SVA, SLP-C, and SLP-M may have been generated by gene duplication with divergence of tissue expression in the course of evolution. They comprise a unique structurally-related gene family. Moreover, these genes share significant sequence homology with that of another secretory glycoprotein, prolactin-inducible protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Protective effects of SM-20302, an orally active GPIIb/IIIa antagonist, in an ADP/epinephrine-induced guinea pig model of transient cerebral ischemia.

The potential benefits of SM-20302, (2S)-3-(3-(4-amidinobenzoylamino)propanoylamino)-2-(4-ethyl)benzensulfonylaminopropionic acid hydrochloride, a nonpeptide GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist, were compared with those of aspirin and ticlopidine in a transient cerebral ischemia model in guinea pigs. Transient cerebral ischemia was induced in guinea pigs by an infusion of ADP/epinephrine into the left internal carotid artery. Each compound was orally administered 1 h (SM-20302 and aspirin) or 3 h (ticlopidine) before the ADP/epinephrine infusion. The ischemic area in coronal brain slices was assessed 1 min after the cessation of ADP/epinephrine infusion by a carbon black perfusion method. In a separate experiment, neurological deficits and lactate contents of ipsilateral hemispheres were evaluated 60 min after the cessation of ADP/epinephrine infusion by neurological scores and the standard enzymatic method, respectively. SM-20302 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg p.o.) significantly reduced the ischemic area, neurological deficits and lactate contents in comparison with the vehicle control. Aspirin (100 mg/kg po) had no significant effect on either parameter. Ticlopidine (300 mg/kg p.o.) reduced the lactate content. Although a combination of aspirin (100 mg/kg p.o.) and ticlopidine (300 mg/kg po) also reduced the lactate content, no additive effect was observed. These results suggest that SM-20302 is of potential clinical benefit in the treatment of thromboembolic diseases.

Administration, Oral↗

Lymphoid chemokine B cell-attracting chemokine-1 (CXCL13) is expressed in germinal center of ectopic lymphoid follicles within the synovium of chronic arthritis patients.

A unique feature in inflammatory tissue of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the formation of ectopic lymphoid aggregates with germinal center (GC)-like structures that can be considered to contribute to the pathogenesis of RA, because local production of the autoantibody, rheumatoid factor, is thought to be a causative factor in tissue damage. However, the factors governing the formation of GC in RA are presently unknown. To begin to address this, the expression of B cell attracting chemokine (BCA-1) (CXCL13), a potent chemoattractant of B cells, was examined in the synovium of patients with RA or with osteoarthritis (OA). Expression of BCA-1 mRNA was detected in all RA samples, but in only one of five OA samples. Lymphoid follicles were observed in four of seven RA samples and in two of eight OA samples, and in most of them BCA-1 protein was detected in GC. BCA-1 was not detected in tissues lacking lymphoid follicles. Notably, BCA-1 was detected predominantly in follicular dendritic cells in GC. CD20-positive B cells were aggregated in regions of BCA-1 expression, but not T cells or macrophages. These data suggest that BCA-1 produced by follicular dendritic cells may attract B cells and contribute to the formation of GC-like structures in chronic arthritis.

Adult↗

Clinical and pathologic findings in 52 consecutively autopsied cases with multiple myeloma.

We studied clinical features and pathologic findings in 52 consecutively autopsied patients with multiple myeloma in our center between 1979 and 1998. Distant extraosseous involvement was found in 33 patients (63.5%). Thirty-one patients (59.6%) were proven to have infection at autopsy, among which pneumonia was most common site of infection. Amyloidosis was shown in 8 patients. Second malignancies were observed in 4 cases. The three major causes of death were hemorrhage, infection, and renal failure, which accounted for death in approximately 70% of the patients. Advances in the anticancer and antimicrobial chemotherapies might have decreased deaths due to myeloma itself or infection.

Aged↗

Histopathologic impact of TT virus infection on the liver of type C chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis in Japan.

The present investigation compared the histological findings in the liver of chronic hepatitis C patients who were or were not co-infected with TT virus (TTV) to determine the histological and clinical characteristics of TTV infection. One hundred eighty patients with chronic hepatitis or liver cirrhosis type C were included in this study. Serum samples were tested for the presence of TTV DNA by a nested polymerase chain reaction. The liver biopsy specimen of each patient was examined, and scores were assigned to indicate the severity of each of the following features: inflammatory cell infiltration in the periportal, parenchymal, and portal areas; fibrous stage; lymphoid reaction in the portal area; portal sclerotic change; perivenular fibrosis; pericellular fibrosis; damage of bile duct; and irregular regeneration of hepatocytes. Sixty-four (34.4%) of the 180 patients were positive for TTV DNA. The histological features of the liver and the blood biochemical parameters of the TTV DNA-positive and TTV DNA-negative patients, did not differ significantly except for the score of irregular regeneration (IR) of hepatocytes. Among those in the F4 stage of fibrosis, the score of IR of the TTV DNA-positive patients was significantly higher than that of the TTV DNA-negative patients. In conclusion, chronic TTV infection does not modify the biochemical features of chronic hepatitis type C patients. TTV may be a risk factor, however, for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with type C liver disease in the F4 stage.

Adolescent↗

Promotion of chemically induced rat esophageal tumorigenesis with post-initiation ethanol modification.

Post-initiation ethanol modification on N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA)-induced rat esophageal carcinogenesis model was investigated in male, 6-week-old, F344 rats that received s.c. injections, 3 times per week, of 0.5 mg/kg NMBA for the first 5 weeks and then were treated with 0% (Group 1), 3.3% (Group 2), and 10% (Group 3) ethanol in the drinking water for up to 20 weeks. Group 4 received 10% ethanol without NMBA administration and Group 5 was maintained without any chemical treatment. There were no statistical differences in the incidence and multiplicity of esophageal tumors among Groups 1 to 3. However, the multiplicity of hyperplasias was statistically greater in Group 3 than in Groups 1 or 2. Esophageal epithelia of all rats in Groups 4 and 5 demonstrated a normal histology. BrdU labelling indices of tumors and hyperplasias in NMBA-treated groups were essentially similar, although cycline D1 was overexpressed to a greater extent in tumors and also hyperplasias of Group 3 than in Groups 1 or 2. The results indicated ethanol to exert weak promotion effects through cycline D1 overexpression on rat esophageal tumorigenesis initiated with NMBA.

Animals↗

Is the molecular composition of K(ATP) channels more complex than originally thought?

ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channels are abundantly expressed in the heart and may be involved in the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia. These channels are heteromultimeric, consisting of four pore-forming subunits (Kir6.1, Kir6.2) and four sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) subunits in an octameric assembly. Conventionally, the molecular composition of K(ATP) channels in cardiomyocytes and pancreatic beta -cells is thought to include the Kir6.2 subunit and either the SUR2A or SUR1 subunits, respectively. However, Kir6.1 mRNA is abundantly expressed in the heart, suggesting that Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 subunits may co-assemble to form functional heteromeric channel complexes. Here we provide two independent lines of evidence that heteromultimerization between Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 subunits is possible in the presence of SUR2A. We generated dominant negative Kir6 subunits by mutating the GFG residues in the channel pore to a series of alanine residues. The Kir6.1-AAA pore mutant subunit suppressed both wt-Kir6.1/SUR2A and wt-Kir6.2/SUR2A currents in transfected HEK293 cells. Similarly, the dominant negative action of Kir6.2-AAA does not discriminate between either of the wild-type subunits, suggesting an interaction between Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 subunits within the same channel complex. Biochemical data support this concept: immunoprecipitation with Kir6.1 antibodies also co-precipitates Kir6.2 subunits and conversely, immunoprecipitation with Kir6.2 antibodies co-precipitates Kir6.1 subunits. Collectively, our data provide direct electrophysiological and biochemical evidence for heteromultimeric assembly between Kir6.1 and Kir6.2. This paradigm has profound implications for understanding the properties of native K(ATP)channels in the heart and other tissues.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Localization and expression of osteopontin in the rotator cuff tendons in patients with calcifying tendinitis.

Calcifying tendinitis of rotator cuff tendons is a common and painful condition caused by ectopic calcification in humans. To examine the involvement of osteopontin (OPN), a potent regulator of calcium deposition on connective tissues, localization and expression of OPN protein and messenger (m)RNA were investigated in human tissue samples of calcified rotator cuff tendons. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that OPN was localized in cells surrounding the calcified area. OPN was localized in two distinct cell types, i.e., fibroblast-like cells negative for CD68 and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and multinucleated macrophages positive for CD68 and TRAP. In situ hybridization revealed that the mRNA expression of OPN in these cells coincided with the immunohistochemistry results, and these results were supported by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis using human OPN-specific oligonucleotides. Cells located away from the calcified area did not express OPN. The present findings indicate the involvement of OPN in the process of calcification of rotator cuff tendons and suggest that OPN plays a role in such painful disorders through the actions of at least two cell types.

Acid Phosphatase↗