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Biomedical subjects

M Kashima

Publications and source records attributed to M Kashima.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Breast parenchymal activity on scintimammography: comparison between bone-seeking agents and 99mTc-sestamibi.

The aim of this study was to evaluate breast parenchymal activity on scintimammography with bone-seeking agents and 99mTc-MIBI. Scintimammography was performed with bone-seeking agents in 61 patients and with 99mTc-MIBI in 33 patients. Activity in the breast parenchyma contralateral to the suspected lesion was visually assessed by two independent observers. Increased breast parenchymal activity was shown in 19 of 61 patients examined with bone-seeking agents, while it was demonstrated in only two of 33 patients examined with 99mTc-MIBI. Breast parenchymal activity of bone-seeking agents was higher in patients aged 50 years or younger than in those older than 50. Increased parenchymal activity of bone-seeking agents may disturb visualization of primary breast cancer especially in relatively young patients. Low parenchymal activity is suggested to be a favorable characteristic of 99mTc-MIBI as a scintimammographic agent.

Adult↗

Molecular confirmation of a Trichophyton violaceum isolate from human black-dot ringworm.

A clinical isolate from a black-dot ringworm lesion of a 28-year-old female Japanese was investigated by morphological and biochemical analyses as well as molecular analyses. The isolate grew well on thiamine enriched agar and did not produce violet pigment, macro-conidia or micro-conidia on Sabouraud's dextrose agar. Approximately 620-bp genomic DNA fragments of the CHS1 gene were amplified from Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T. tonsurans and T. violaceum by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. The chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) nucleotide sequences of the clinical isolate showed more than 97% similarity to that of T. violaceum and less than 96% similarity to that of T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum and T. tonsurans. The phylogenetic analysis of their sequences revealed that the clinical isolate was genetically close to T. violaceum and distinct from T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum and T. tonsurans. Therefore, the isolate was confirmed as T. violaceum by mycological examination and molecular analyses.

Adult↗

Effects of catechins on superoxide and hydroxyl radical.

Superoxide (O2-.) was reduced by the addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD: O2-. scavenger) and catechins. In competitive reactions utilizing different concentrations of spin-trap agent, the IC50 values of each sample were changed. With regard to the Cu2+/H2O2 and Fe2+/H2O2 reaction systems, metal chelater, hydroxyl radical (.OH) scavenger and catechins eliminated the levels of .OH. For the Cu2+/H2O2 reaction systems, the IC50 for .OH scavenger changed, but that for metal chelater and catechins did not. However, for the Fe2+/H2O2 reaction system, the IC50 for .OH scavenger and catechins changed, whereas that for metal chelater did not. The ESR signal for free Cu2+ was changed by addition of metal chelater and catechins. In the spectrophotometer experiments, it was confirmed that the CuCl2 spectrum was changed by addition of metal chelater and catechins but not by .OH scavenger. Conversely, the FeSO4 spectrum was not changed by addition of .OH scavenger or catechins, but was altered by metal chelater. Lipid peroxidation was inhibited by catechins in a concentration-dependent manner. Therefore, it was suggested that the catechins did not scavenge directly the generated .OH from the Cu2+/H2O2 reaction system, but inhibited the generation of .OH by acting on the Cu2+/H2O2 reaction system. On the other hand, with respect to the .OH generated from the Fe2+/H2O2 reaction system, it was suggested that the catechins had a direct scavenging capacity of the .OH, but had little chelating activity of iron. It was confirmed that catechins have the ability to scavenge for O2-. as well as .OH and to inhibit the generation of .OH by chelation with metal ions.

Adult↗

Effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on lipid peroxidation by hydroxyl radical.

1. Effects of acetaminophen and sodium salicylate on hydoxyl radical elimination were studied using an electron-spin-resonance spin-trapping method. The effects of these agents on lipid peroxidation of the human erythrocyte membrane were also investigated by the thiobarbituric acid method. 2. Acetaminophen and sodium salicylate depressed hydroxyl radical generated by Cu2+/H2O2. 3. Acetaminophen inhibited Cu2+/H2O2-dependent lipid peroxidation; however, sodium salicylate enhanced Cu2+/H2O2-dependent lipid peroxidation.

Acetaminophen↗

Cough threshold for capsaicin increases by azelastine in patients with cough-variant asthma.

To assess the effects of azelastine in patients with cough-variant asthma, we measured the cough threshold for capsaicin (the concentration required to elicit more than five coughs) in 16 patients with cough-variant asthma before and after 4 weeks of treatment with azelastine (2 mg; b.i.d.) or placebo. After treatment, coughing decreased in all patients and the cough threshold for capsaicin increased significantly, from 0.67 +/- 0.30 microM to 4.76 +/- 1.55 microM (P < 0.01) in the azelastine group. However, the cough threshold for capsaicin did not increase significantly, from 0.86 +/- 0.33 microM to 1.11 +/- 0.35 microM (P > 0.10) in the placebo group. These results suggest that azelastine inhibits coughing in patients with cough-variant asthma.

Adult↗

A case of peculiar plantar warts. Human papillomavirus type 60 infection.

BACKGROUND: Various kinds of viral warts have their own typical clinical appearances and histologic properties. From each of them, a corresponding unique type of human papillomavirus (HPV) has been detected. More than 60 types of HPV have been identified from the warts and other squamous cell epithelial tumors. Human papillomavirus type 60 has been identified in an epidermal cyst on the sole. We present a case of a peculiar plantar wart infected with HPV type 60. OBSERVATIONS: A 21-year-old male student complained of yellowish hyperkeratotic slightly elevated nodules on the right plantar arch. The surface of the nodules was not papillary, but a normal ridge pattern of the sole could be traced. Histologic findings included moderate acanthosis, papillomatosis, and eosinophilic intracytoplasmic large granules with or without surrounded vacuoles. These were noted in the middle and upper epidermis, including the hypertrophic stratum corneum. Virologic findings included HPV antigen detected by anti-HPV polyclonal antibody. The DNA of HPV type 60 was detected by in situ hybridization. CONCLUSION: A new type of plantar wart infected with HPV type 60 is reported. It shows unique clinical and histologic findings that can be distinguished from those of ordinary verruca or myrmecia on the sole.

Adult↗

Orthostatic hypotension: with particular reference to experimentally-induced orthostatic hypotension in dogs.

Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured while standing in a stable position for SPF beagle dogs consisting of 4 females with an average weight of 8.73 +/- 0.58 kg and average age of 7.38 +/- 0.12 months. No anesthetic was used during the procedure. These dogs were subjected to a postural change, a 90 degrees-tilt standing position, and BP and HR were measured one minute and ten minutes later. In addition, 20 mg/kg of tetraethyl-ammonium bromide (TEA) as a gangliolytic drug was administered by i.v. injection within 30 seconds, and then BP and HR were measured in the resting state for 20 minutes. When changing from the resting position to the 90 degrees-tilt standing position after administration of TEA, these were significant decreases in systolic BP, diastolic BP and mean arterial BP one minute and ten minutes later. An experimental model of orthostatic hypotension was considered to have been achieved during these methods.

Animals↗

A case of atypical inter-muscular lipoma (Evans).

A case of a 51-year-old woman with a lipoma-like tumor on the right arm which showed rapid recurrence after the first simple excision is reported. On the second surgical operation, a lipoma-like tumor with extensive growth between the biceps muscle and brachialis muscle of the right arm was noted. Histological examination revealed almost mature fat cells and scattered atypical lipoblast-like cells. For the treatment of an atypical inter-muscular lipoma, complete excision is necessary, although very extensive treatment is not recommended.

Adipose Tissue↗

H1 histones contribute to candidacidal activities of human epidermal extract.

In the study of the purification of candidacidal cationic proteins from human epidermis by using high performance liquid chromatography, it was found that these proteins were composed of several groups. Among them, the most active group was purified. The amino acid compositions of this protein group were almost the same as those of human splenic H1 histones. The results of immunoblotting suggested that the proteins were human epidermal H1 histones. The killing speed of the epidermal H1 histone was very rapid, 8 micrograms of the protein killed 90% of Candida tropicalis (1 x 10(5) CFU) within 10 minutes. The cidal activity increased in lower pH conditions and decreased at higher ionic strengths. Because nuclei of the epidermis disintegrate in the granular layer, it is suggested that, in this layer, nuclear histones may be released from the nuclei. My immunohistochemical results suggest that H1 histones may contribute to form a barrier which inhibits candida from invading deeper than the granular cell layer in cases of skin candidial infection.

Blotting, Western↗

Cutaneous involvement as a presenting feature of monocytic leukemia: morphological and immunohistochemical studies.

The clinical and pathological findings in a patient with monocytic aleukemic leukemia presenting initially as multiple monoblastic tumors of the skin is described. The patient was a 35-year-old Japanese woman, who had first noticed multiple, asymptomatic, reddish-brown papules on her trunk. Asymptomatic enlargements of several lymph nodes were present in the bilateral cervical and axillary areas. There was no hepatosplenomegaly, sternal tenderness, bruising, or bleeding. The skin and lymph node biopsies were originally interpreted as malignant lymphoma. The diagnosis of acute monocytic leukemia was established when bone marrow involvement was detected. Immunohistochemical observation of the skin eruptions revealed the following: Positive staining with lysozyme was noted in almost half of the infiltrating atypical cells. Most of the infiltrating cells reacted positively with antisera to Leu-M5 and some of them reacted to Leu-M1. The helper T cell antibody, Leu-3a+3b, showed weak positive staining of most infiltrating cells. However, there were no reactions with antisera to Leu-6, Leu-7, Leu-14, CALLA, OKT 6, OKT 8, OKT 16, OKB 19, OKM 14, beta F1, or delta TCS1. OKM 5-positive keratinocytes were observed in some parts of the upper epidermis, although no OKM 5 expression could be detected on any tumor cells. Cytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy can aid in the diagnosis of monocytic leukemia. This case illustrates the importance of using an expanded panel of monoclonal antisera in certain hematopoietic tumors.

Adult↗

[General pharmacological properties of an anti-ulcer drug, azuletil sodium (KT1-32)].

Azuletil sodium (AZE, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) did not affect the general behaviors, spontaneous motor activity, pentobarbital-induced hypnosis and body temperature. Furthermore, it did not elicit anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant actions. However, AZE (300 mg/kg, p.o.) elicited a stiff gate and slightly inhibited the spontaneous motor activity and electroshock-induced convulsions. It had no influence on spontaneous EEG activities, even at 30 mg/kg, i.v. AZE inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing moderately at doses above 100 mg/kg. AZE at concentrations up to 10(-5) g/ml did not affect agonist-induced contractions of the isolated ileum, trachea, vas deference and uterus, but inhibited serotonin and oxytocin-induced contraction at concentrations above 3 x 10(-4) and 10(-5) g/ml, respectively; and it also depressed spontaneous movements of the ileum and uterus at concentrations above 3 x 10(-4) g/ml. AZE caused no changes in blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), left ventricular pressure, ECG, tracheal pressure (TP), femoral blood flow (FBF) and coronary blood flow (CBF) at doses up to 10 mg/kg, i.v. in anesthetized dogs, but it caused an increase or a decrease in BP, an increase in TP and an increase in CBF at 30 mg/kg, i.v. However, even at 300 mg/kg, p.o., it caused no changes in BP and HR in conscious rats. AZE moderately promoted the charcoal transport. AZE at doses up to 300 mg/kg, p.o. did not affect urine volume, urinary electrolyte excretion, blood glucose and prothrombin time. These results suggest that AZE at anti-ulcer doses of 10-100 mg/kg, p.o. does not have noticeable effects on general pharmacological properties, and there is no marked differences as compared with those of GAS.

Animals↗

Candidacidal activities of proteins partially purified from rat epidermis.

Proteins with approximate molecular weights of greater than 300,000 (EP greater than 300K) and 49,000 (EP 49K) were partially purified from terminally differentiated cells of 2-day-old rat epidermis. They were extracted in 0.34 M sucrose containing 0.01 M citric acid and purified by Sephacryl S-300 chromatography followed by reverse-phase column chromatography. The major constituents of EP greater than 300K and EP 49K were focused around pH 10 to 11 by sucrose gradient isoelectric focusing. Both proteins were effective at inhibiting colony formation of Candida albicans and C. tropicalis, but neither inhibited the growth of C. parapsilosis. The effect was maximum below pH 5.0 and reduced considerably above pH 5.0. The activity of EP greater than 300K on C. albicans TIMM 1623 (group A) was much stronger than that of EP 49K, whereas both proteins similarly inhibited C. albicans TIMM 1604 (group B). Their effects against C. albicans TIMM 1623 were dose dependent and were activated after a longer preincubation time, and NaCl concentration influenced their potency. At a low salt concentration and a 60-min preincubation at pH 4.5, the 50% effective dose for EP greater than 300K was calculated to be 1.7 x 10(-9) M, whereas that for EP 49K was 1.8 x 10(-7) M.

Amino Acids↗

Cysteine protease and its inhibitor in experimentally produced squamous cell carcinomas in hairless mouse skin.

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) were experimentally produced in hairless mouse skin, and cysteine protease and its inhibitor were simultaneously purified from extracts of 1 g of tissue of SCC and normal skin. Activity of cysteine proteinases, Mr greater than 50,000 and Mr 28,000, increased in SCC compared to those in normal skin. SCC also showed elevation of cysteine proteinase inhibitor activity and Mr 13,000 and Mr 82,000 inhibitors were purified. Mr 13,000 inhibitor was found to have biochemical properties which were the same as those of the inhibitor present in normal skin. Mr 82,000 inhibitor was not detectable in normal skin and it differed from a serum inhibitor with a similar Mr in terms of activity and stability at acidic pH. The findings suggest that the increased activity of both cysteine proteases and endogenous inhibitors may be involved in the regulatory mechanisms of malignant cell metabolism and tissue remodeling associated with SCC development.

Animals↗

Limited proteolysis of high molecular weight histidine-rich protein of rat epidermis by epidermal proteinases.

Epidermal proteinases, which may be involved in proteolysis of Mr greater than 300k histidine-rich protein in epidermis, were studied by SDS-PAGE analysis. Mr greater than 300k histidine-rich protein was extracted from granular cells of 2-day-old rats in citric acid-sucrose solution and separated from proteinases and smaller Mr proteins by Sephacryl S-300 column chromatography. The proteinase-free histidine-rich protein was stable in pH 3.5-9 at 37 degrees C for 12 h. Proteinases were partially purified from rat epidermis and inhibitor spectrum determined for each enzyme. Limited hydrolysis of Mr greater than 300k histidine-rich protein yielded a derivative of Mr 56k with cathepsin D at pH 3.5-7.5 and a serine proteinase at pH 7-9. Further proteolysis of Mr 56k protein to Mr 44k and a doublet of Mr 45k and 47k also was detected with cathepsin D at pH 3.5 and 7.5, respectively, while the serine proteinase degraded Mr 56k protein to a number of protein bands. Cathepsins B and L degraded Mr greater than 300k protein but no specific predominant product was identified. We suggest that cathepsin D and the serine proteinase may play a role in in situ processing of histidine-rich protein during cornification.

Animals↗