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Biomedical subjects

M Kikuchi

Publications and source records attributed to M Kikuchi.

At least 523 records · Page 29Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Increased serum angiotensin I-converting enzyme activity in patients with mixed connective tissue disease and pulmonary hypertension.

The relationship between serum angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, a possible marker of pulmonary endothelial injury, and the occurrence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) was investigated. Before corticsteroid therapy, the mean serum ACE level was 26.4 +/- 14.0 mU/ml in patients with MCTD and PH (n = 6), 16.8 +/- 4.1 mU/ml in patients with MCTD but without PH (n = 18), 16.8 +/- 4.1 mU/ml in patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (n = 14), and 16.5 +/- 3.9 mU/ml in controls (n = 18). No significant difference in the enzyme activity was found among the groups. However, 4 patients with MCTD showed increased ACE levels (> 28.3 mU/ml), and all of them had PH. Our results suggest that elevation of serum ACE activity may be related to the occurrence of PH in patients with MCTD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Malignant histiocytosis derived from a common histiocyte clone in a patient with chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has a particular propensity for B lymphocytes, but in a few cases it seems to play a role in histiocytic disorders and EVB DNA has been identified in histiocytes. To determine what kind of cell proliferate clonally, we studied a patient with malignant histiocytosis that developed after chronic EBV infection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for lymphocyte-defined membrane antigen (LYDMA) of EBV, a marker of monoclonality, double stainings of cell markers (B, T lymphocytes; histiocytes), and in situ hybridization for EBV were performed in tissues obtained in 1987 and 1990 before the appearance of malignant histiocytosis and in 1991 after the disease was diagnosed. PCR for LYDMA from multiple samples during the disease showed the same single band, indicating that chronic EBV infection and malignant histiocytosis were caused by the same single virion. We also found a single terminal repeat band of EBV which supports this finding. In the studies of double stainings, EBV was present in histiocytes of the non-neoplastic early stage, and in the neoplastic cells of malignant histiocytosis. The histiocyte, infected with EBV, clonally expanded to result in malignant histiocytosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

An approach to computer aided porcelain forming system.

To examine a new concept for computerized production of dental prostheses, an experimental porcelain forming system was devised. Unlike other dental CAM systems, the system is intended to form porcelain much as human technicians do. The system builds up an object by alternately applying water and droplets of porcelain powder. Test specimens were made by forming porcelain powder into square plates under different forming conditions. Surface characteristics and shapes of formed porcelain were found to be affected by conditions such as quantity of water, forming area and forming thickness. The proper quantity of water for forming was influenced by evaporation. It was concluded that investigation into feedback control of the water supply in response to varying forming conditions is required.

Computer-Aided Design↗
PubMed1995

[The advantage of a thin flexible ureteroscope with a new real-time processing system].

To observe the upper urinary tract more clearly with a thin flexible endoscope, we developed a novel real-time processing system. This system enhances the parts of the dark cladding around the core by individual strong brightness of each image fiber. The upper urinary tract in eight patients was examined using a thin flexible endoscope with this system at retrograde pyelography or at urological operation. Six patients had hydronephrosis and 2 had filling defects in the renal pelvis or calyx. The endoscope was 0.75 mm in diameter and had 300 pixels of image fiber. The objective portion could be assessed successfully in seven of eight. Significantly finer and colorful image could be obtained with this system compared with the conventional method and the epithelium could be clearly observed. We conclude that this real-time processing system remarkably improves the quality of image obtained with the thin flexible ureteroscope and makes it a more promising modality in the diagnosis and treatment of the upper urinary tract.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Outcome of patients with chronic systemic lupus erythematosus].

We analyzed data on 69 Japanese patients who had been affected with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for more than 10 years to clarify the clinical and social features of the chronic phase of this disease. There were 3 men and 66 women. Mean age at disease onset was 24.3 years, and the mean duration of disease was 17.4 years. In these patients, the mean number of relapses was 1.5, and the mean duration of the relapse was 4.7 years. These patients were receiving prednisolone at a mean dosage of 9.2 mg/day. While only 4 patients were thought to be in the active disease stage at the time of evaluation, hypercholesterolemia was present in 33.3% (20 patients out of 60) and 64. 3% (27 patients out of 42) showed a decrease in bone mineral content by DEXA method. Ten patients out of 69 patients (14.5%) had aseptic necrosis of the head of the femur (ANF). ANF was related to the relapse and the administration of immunosuppressant in the initial therapy. Seventeen female patients had gotten married after the onset of SLE and 14 patients became pregnant and gave birth. Of the 9 deaths that occurred, only 3 cases were thought to be due to SLE. Two patients died suddenly, and there was 1 case of acute heart failure. Mean age at death was 39.8 years old. However, data suggest that many patients in the chronic phase of SLE may have a reasonably high quality of life, despite the disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Transcutaneous blood glucose monitoring system based on an ISFET glucose sensor and studies on diabetic patients.

A transcutaneous blood glucose monitoring system consists of an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) glucose sensor unit and a suction effusion fluid (SEF) collecting unit. The SEF is directly collected by a weak suction (400 mmHg absolute pressure) through the skin from which the corneum layer of the epidermis has been previously removed. An ISFET glucose sensor unit is able to measure glucose concentrations in a microliter order sampling volume. The system was applied to three diabetic patients during a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test for monitoring blood glucose levels. During the experiments, glucose changes in the SEF followed actual blood glucose levels with 10 min delays. Results suggest the feasibility of utilizing quasi-continuous, transcutaneous blood glucose monitoring for individual patients with various diabetic histories or diabetic complications.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Inhibitory effect of FUT-175 on the production of interleukin 8 and polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase.

We investigated the inhibitory effects of a protease inhibitor, FUT-175, on the production of interleukin 8 (IL-8) and polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase (PMNE) by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and vascular endothelial cells. IL-8 production by PMN and vascular endothelial cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was inhibited by FUT-175. This compound also inhibited PMNE production by PMN following LPS stimulation.

Benzamidines↗
PubMed1995

Protective action of zinc against glutamate neurotoxicity in cultured retinal neurons.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of Zn2+ on glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in cultured retinal neurons. METHODS: Primary cultures obtained from fetal rat retinas (16 to 19 days gestation) were used. The neurotoxic effects of excitatory amino acids were quantitatively assessed using the trypan blue exclusion method. RESULTS: A brief exposure of retinal cultures to glutamate or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) induced delayed cell death. Zn2+ at concentrations of 3 to 30 microM ameliorated glutamate- and NMDA-induced neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. By contrast, neurotoxicity induced by a 1-hour exposure to kainate was not affected by Zn2+. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that Zn2+ protects retinal neurons from NMDA receptor-mediated glutamate neurotoxicity.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

[A case of spontaneous rupture of the stomach].

We experienced a case of rupture of the stomach which was a 80-year-old female, and had suffered from vomiting after lunch followed by abdominal pain and distention. Physical examination revealed muscle guarding and radiography depicted massive free gas in the abdominal cavity. At laparotomy, a rupture was located close by the anterior wall of the greater curvature of the stomach. There was no evidence of ulceration, tumorigenesis, or traumatic history. The operation consisted of debridement around the rupture site and subsequent closure. The rupture was considered to have occurred at a fragile site due to circulatory disturbance of the gastric wall.

Abdomen, Acute↗
PubMed1995

[A non-invasive portable blood-glucose monitoring system: sampling of suction effusion fluid].

We developed a new portable transcutaneous blood glucose monitoring system using non-invasive collection of suction effusion fluid (SEF) from human skin. A ion sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) sensor was employed to measure glucose concentration in a very small quantity of the SEF. The system was composed of a couple of portions. One structure was a suction cell, and the other was a main frame. The suction cell included the ISFET glucose sensor, a dilution mechanism, and a sucking interface to human skin. The main frame contained a dilution solution reservoir, a liquid waste reservoir, a fluid pump, a vacuum pump, a micro processor, batteries, and a user interface. The system is self-contained for portable usage during up to 6 hrs monitoring. This system may be the first blood glucose monitoring equipment which does not use blood sampling.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Primary gastric Hodgkin's disease. Morphologic, immunohistochemical, and immunogenetic analyses.

Two cases of primary gastric Hodgkin's disease were examined morphologically and immunohistochemically. Immunogenetic studies were also made in one of the cases. Case 1 was diagnosed as nodular sclerosis and case 2 as mixed cellularity Hodgkin's disease. Large atypical mononuclear or multinucleated giant cells were immunohistochemically positive for BerH2, whereas they were negative for LCA, L26, DAKO CD3, MT1, UCHL-1, S100 protein, and MAC387. In case 1, large atypical cells examined immunohistochemically on frozen tissue specimens were positive for Ki-1 and negative for T- and B-cell markers. Southern blot hybridization studies performed on material from case 1 revealed germline configuration of immunoglobulin JH and T-cell-receptor beta-chain genes. To our knowledge, this is the first report in which primary gastric Hodgkin's disease has been studied immunogenetically. Although rare in incidence, the existence of Hodgkin's disease in the stomach must be noted.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Early gastric carcinoma after gastrojejunostomy: clinical and pathological aspects.

Two rare cases of early gastric carcinoma that followed gastrojejunostomy without gastrectomy are reported. The time intervals between the initial gastrojejunostomy and resection of the distal stomach with the formation of a gastrojejunal stoma were 30 yr and 33 yr, respectively. The Japanese classification confirmed both lesions as type IIc type mucosal early gastric cancer. In these two cases, with coexisting gastric ulcers, atrophic gastritis and diffuse intestinal metaplasia were observed in the lesions of the carcinomas. The potential correlation between the exposure of tissue to duodenal juice and the subsequent development of a gastric carcinoma is discussed. Literature regarding gastric carcinoma after gastrojejunostomy is reviewed.

Carcinoma↗
PubMed1994

Hyperglycemia as a major determinant of distal polyneuropathy independent of age and diabetes duration in patients with recently diagnosed diabetes.

In an attempt to identify the potential risk factors for diabetic neuropathy in patients recently diagnosed as diabetics, 742 non-insulin-dependent diabetics under 70 years of age who had been diagnosed as diabetics less than 5 years before the initial visit were examined in a cross-sectional study conducted at a university hospital. Neuropathy was defined as the presence of symptoms consistent with distal polyneuropathy, or the absence of tendon reflexes. Of the patients, 21% displayed neuropathy in this study, with no differences between the genders. Age was higher, duration of diabetes was longer, body mass index was lower, and fasting plasma glucose level was higher in patients with neuropathy than in those without neuropathy, for both genders. Body height, maximal body mass index, ethanol use, smoking status, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and serum cholesterol level did not differ between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that fasting plasma glucose level (chi 2 = 28.2) was a major determinant for neuropathy independent of diabetes duration (9.5), age (6.2) and maximal body mass index (3.9). Tight glycemic control from the onset of diabetes was concluded to be essential for the prevention of diabetic distal polyneuropathy.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Functional analysis and modeling of a conformationally constrained Arg-Gly-Asp sequence inserted into human lysozyme.

To examine the effect of a conformational constraint introduced into the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence on cell adhesion activity, we have constructed mutant proteins by inserting RGD-containing sequences flanked by two Cys residues between Val74 and Asn75 of human lysozyme. CRGDC-, CRGDSC-, and CGRGDSC-inserted mutant lysozymes were expressed in yeast, purified, and designated as Cys-RGD3, Cys-RGD4, and Cys-RGD5, respectively. In baby hamster kidney cells, these mutants were shown to possess high cell adhesion activity by interaction with vitronectin receptor (integrin alpha v beta 3), and this activity is 2-3-fold higher than that of the RGDS-inserted mutant lysozyme, RGD4. The mutant proteins also inhibited the binding of human fibrinogen to its receptor (integrin alpha IIb beta 3) at a lower concentration than the RGD4 protein. Peptide mapping and mass spectrometric analyses showed that the two inserted Cys residues in these mutants are linked to each other without any effects on the mode of the four disulfide bonds present in native human lysozyme. These results suggest that the introduction of a conformational constraint into the RGD region significantly increases the cell adhesion activity. The conformation of the RGD region in Cys-RGD4 was modeled by a Monte Carlo simulation. Most of the sampled conformations were grouped into three classes; the first is characterized by an extended Gly conformation, the second assumes a type II' beta turn, and the third has a salt bridge between Arg and Asp.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗