Biomedical subjects

M Kojima

Publications and source records attributed to M Kojima.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

Engraftment of human myelodysplastic syndrome derived cell line in transgenic severe combined immunodeficient (TG-SCID) mice expressing human GM-CSF and IL-3.

A transgenic SCID (TG-SCID) mouse expressing the human cytokines interleukin-3 (IL-3) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been generated with the aim of making a model system allowing the in vivo proliferation of human hematopoietic cells. Using TG-SCID mice expressing high levels (30-35 ng/ml in the serum) of human GM-CSF and IL-3, we attempted to engraft a human myeloid leukemia cell line, F-36P, derived from a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patient. When F-36P cells were transferred intravenously into sublethally irradiated TG-SCID mice, extensive proliferation of F-36P cells was found 4-6 wk later. Successful engraftment, however, required the preadministration of a monoclonal antibody to mouse interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) beta chain, neutralizing NK activity. Surprisingly, all the transplanted TG-SCID mice engrafted with F-36P cells developed hind leg paralysis approximately 6 wk after transfer. Histological analysis demonstrated extensive invasion and formation of osteolytic lesions by the F-36P cells in the vertebrae. These data indicate that transgenic SCID mice expressing human IL-3 and GM-CSF provide a useful system for the study of human leukemia. In addition, NK cells appear to play an important role in rejection of human cells.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Early lens changes seen in patients with atopic dermatitis applying image analysis processing of Scheimpflug and specular microscopic images.

In order to know the initial lens changes that accompany atopic dermatitis (AD), 99 patients diagnosed dermatologically to have AD without any or with slight external ocular inflammations and with no habit of rubbing the eyelid due to severe itching were examined opthalmologically. Clinically, none of them showed any cataractous changes in their eyes. For the sake of comparison with the above population, 4 AD patients with cataractous eyes, 49 renal transplantation patients who were administered steroids over a long period of time but clinically had no cataractous lenses, and 94 healthy individuals with transparent lenses were also selected as subjects. The crystalline lenses of the subjects were examined using an anterior eye segment analysis system and specular microscopy. From Scheimpflug slit images of the lens, light scattering intensity of different lens layers was measured as an indicator of lens transparency changes. The subcapsular basement membrane and changes in the lens epithelial layers were analyzed from specular images of these areas by image processing. Results and considerations from the investigations were: (1) Initial lens changes in cases with AD which may be occult cataractous findings were often detectable. (2) Cataract associated with AD can be accelerated by steroid administration or the habit of strongly rubbing the eyelid, but this may not be the original cause of cataract formation. (3) Two types of cataract are seen in patients with AD: (a) anterior subcapsular plaque formation and (b) anterior and posterior subcapsular opacity formation. The latter type, however, is also accompanied by epithelial damage from the early stage. (4) Significant numbers of patients with AD who have not yet shown manifest lens changes were found among the subjects.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Adrenal hemorrhage diagnosed by ultrasonically-guided biopsy.

Adrenal hemorrhage in adults is an uncommon disease and is usually associated with systemic diseases, trauma or anticoagulation. When adrenal hemorrhage is discovered in chronic course without any suggestive clinical settings, it is difficult to distinguish adrenal hemorrhage correctly before surgical resection. We present a case of adrenal hemorrhage which was incidentally detected as an adrenal mass and was successfully treated in a conservative way based upon histopathological findings obtained by ultrasonically guided biopsy.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1998

Prevalence and renal prognosis of diagnosed autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in Japan.

UNLABELLED: The prevalence and renal prognosis of diagnosed autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in Japan were estimated. Hospital-based nationwide surveys were conducted in 1995. The number of ADPKD patients who visited hospitals but were not on chronic dialysis was estimated to be 10,000 (95% confidence interval: 8, 200-11,900) and that of ADPKD patients on dialysis was 4,590, yielding a prevalence of ADPKD of 117 per million population at the end of 1994 (95% confidence interval: 102-132). The prevalence increased with age and reached a peak value of 261 per million population at the age group of 55-59 years. The rate of end-stage renal disease among living patients was calculated based on the assumption that the prevalence of ADPKD in the population under the age of 55 years was 261 per million population. The rate of end-stage renal disease increased with the progression of the patients' age, reaching 49% at the age of 65-69 years and declining thereafter. CONCLUSION: The hospital-based prevalence of ADPKD is lower than the autopsy-based prevalence, suggesting that a fairly large number of these patients do not receive medical care in their lifetime. The probability of end-stage renal disease is at most 50% among ADPKD patients who visit a hospital.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Expression and effect of adrenomedullin on rat granulosa cell.

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a potent hypotensive peptide recently discovered in extracts of human pheochromocytoma. To elucidate the regulation of AM production in the ovary, the effect of gonadotropin on the production of AM was studied in the cultured rat granulosa cells. A Northern blot analysis of the LH receptor and adrenomedullin yielded a major hybridizing band at 5.4 kb and 1.6 kb, respectively. In our culture system of rat granulosa cells, without any stimulus, the LH receptor mRNA was undetectable and the AM mRNA level was stably expressed for 6 days. FSH significantly induced LH receptor mRNA and suppressed AM mRNA for 4 days of culture and with the addition of hCG after 2 days of pretreatment with FSH, AM mRNA levels were markedly suppressed. FSH and 8-Br-cAMP significantly increase LH receptor mRNA and suppress AM mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. These data indicated that the differentiation of granulosa cells mediated by gonadotropins were associated by suppression in AM expression through a cAMP-dependent mechanism. On the other hand, AM stimulated a rapid rise in intracellular cAMP levels, which peaked within 15 min of addition, in a dose-dependent manner with a maximal response seen at 100 nM. Additionally, AM enhanced the effects of FSH, acting additionally to produce cAMP in the cells. AM may play a role in the process of granulosa cell differentiation as a local regulator through an autocrine/paracrine mechanism.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

PubMed1998

Acute antihypertensive effects of calcium channel blockers are not affected by calcium supplementation in patients with essential hypertension.

The study was designed to investigate whether the acute antihypertensive effects of calcium channel blockers are affected by calcium supplementation in patients with essential hypertension. The antihypertensive effects of calcium channel blockers (oral manidipine or intravenous nicardipine) were studied before and during calcium supplementation (1200 mg/day for 8 weeks) in 30 hospitalized patients with essential hypertension. The averages of systolic and diastolic blood pressure during a 24-hour period were not decreased by calcium supplementation. The acute antihypertensive effects of the calcium channel blockers nicardipine (0.25, 0.5, 1.5, 2.0 micrograms/kg/min, intravenous infusion) or manidipine (20 mg, once a day, orally) were not enhanced by calcium supplementation. Thus, calcium channel blockers can be safely combined with calcium supplementation in terms of blood pressure.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1998

Progression of prostatic cancer in relation to age in patients detected by mass screening program.

With the aim of revealing the natural history of prostatic cancer, the distribution of age was examined in relation to disease progression in patients detected by mass screening programs. Between 1975 and 1996, such programs detected a total number of 132 patients with prostatic cancer. The mean ages of patients with Stage B, Stage C and Stage D disease were 71.2, 73.8 and 75.3 years, respectively. This might suggest that the difference of 3 years in mean age between Stage B and Stage C disease reflects the time interval of the progression of prostatic cancer from the early (Stage B) to the advanced (Stage C) stage. These results coincided well with the natural history of prostatic cancer, which we proposed previously based upon the "size of ranking" analysis of latent prostatic cancer and doubling time obtained from ultrasonic measurement of prostatic volume. An epidemiological study of prostatic cancer detected by mass screening would offer data of value for the elucidation of the natural history of that disease.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Kinetic analysis of prostatic volume and prostate specific antigen (PSA) in patients with advanced prostatic cancer treated by castration.

The clinical usefulness of the kinetic analysis of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in patients with advanced prostatic cancer treated by castration has not yet been evaluated. The reduction of both prostatic volume and PSA was monitored in 37 patients with Stage C and Stage D prostatic cancer. The change of prostatic volume was measured frequently by transrectal ultrasonography (TRS) after castration, as was the change of PSA. A kinetic analysis of both prostatic volume and PSA was made by comparing the reduction time tau(PSA) (speed of the reduction of PSA) and tau prostatic volume (PV). There was a statistically significant correlation between tau(PSA) and tau(PV) in patients with a tau(PV) of less than 30 days. However, no correlation was observed in patients with a tau(PV) of more than 30 days, because the tau(PSA) in this group fell into a relatively low range similar to the group with a tau(PV) of less than 30 days. It was assumed that the change of PSA after castration reflected mainly the response of the hormone dependent portion of the total cancer volume. However, all data of tau(PV) with a tau(PSA) less than 10 days were within 30 days. In conclusion, tau(PSA) might be promising as a prognostic factor after castration in patient with advanced prostatic cancer, although tau(PSA) was not a direct substitute for tau(PV).

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1998

Significant changes in volume of seminal vesicles as determined by transrectal sonography in relation to age and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

We evaluated the changes in volume of the seminal vesicles as determined by transrectal sonography in terms of the possible relationship with aging, lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in community based populations in Japan. In 641 men (55-86 year, mean 67) on a mass screening program for prostatic diseases, the maximum horizontal area of the seminal vesicles (MHA) was compared with age, American Urological Association (AUA) symptom index scores and transrectal ultrasonic parameters of the prostate including prostatic volume, transition zone (TZ) volume, TZ index and presumed circle area ratio (PCAR). Simple regression analyses demonstrated that MHA correlated significantly with age, prostatic volume, TZ volume, TZ index and PCAR, but not with AUA symptom index scores. Multiple regression analysis revealed age, prostatic volume and PCAR to be independent determinants of MHA. There was a difference in MHA between subjects with BPH (7.1+/-2.5 cm2) and those with a normal prostate (5.6+/-2.1 cm2) with a statistical significance. In the morphological evaluation of the seminal vesicles, the significant influence of age and BPH has to be taken into account.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Clinical importance of c-Met protein expression in high grade astrocytic tumors.

The clinical importance of the expression of c-Met protein, the receptor of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor, was evaluated in neuroepithelial tissue tumors. c-Met immunohistochemistry was performed using the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method with anti-c-Met polyclonal antibody. Specimens were classified as c-Met negative (< 30%) or c-Met positive (> or = 30%) according to the proportion of immunopositive cells under microscopic examination. All c-Met-positive cases occurred in high grade astrocytic tumors, not in other neuroepithelial tissue tumors. Most c-Met-positive astrocytic tumors were classified histologically as high grade tumors. Epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGFR) and MIB-1 immunohistochemistry were also performed for high grade astrocytic tumors. Survival analysis was performed for patients with these tumors with variables including c-Met positivity, EGFR positivity, and MIB-1 labeling index. Positivity of c-Met was independent from EGFR positivity and MIB-1 labeling index, and the c-Met-positive group showed a significant shorter survival (p < 0.05). c-Met immunopositivity may be a parameter of biological aggressiveness in high grade astrocytic tumors. Examination of c-Met expression in astrocytic tumors provides significant clinical information, especially as a prognostic factor.

Astrocytoma↗

PubMed1998

Estimated number of patients with chronic renal failure but not with end-stage renal disease in Japan: comparisons between two estimation methods.

We estimated the number of patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) but not with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Japan by two methods: a nationwide survey and an estimation using incidence rates of ESRD among CRF patients as well as the number of incident ESRD. The former estimated the number of patients with CRF but not with ESRD as 154,000 (95% confidence interval 139,000-168,000), while so did the latter as 142,000 (133,000-150,000). It follows that the number of CRF patients including ESRD could amount to more than 300,000, which would give a substantial impact on public health in Japan. Despite some own methodological issues in estimation, the two estimates were reasonably in good agreement: supporting their methodological validity in estimation, since sources of errors appeared to be quite independent of each other.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Descriptive epidemiology of pancreatic cancer in Japan.

This paper aimed to explore descriptive epidemiological features of pancreatic cancer in Japan, by examining secular trends in mortality (1950-1995) and incidence rates (1975-1991), and also to discuss background factors possibly ascribable to the recent variation in mortality and incidence rates. The age-adjusted mortality rate (adjusted by the 1985 model population) has increased by approximately 9-fold in both males (from 1.4 to 12.5 per 100,000 population) and females (from 0.8 to 6.8 per 100,000 population) between 1950 and 1995. But it began to level off in both sexes since 1985. The age-adjusted incidence rate has remained plateau in both sexes, but likely showed a downward trend since 1988 in females. The older age groups showed the most steep increasing gradient in both age-specific mortality and incidence rates in both sexes, whereas a little or no apparent increase was observed in young age groups. Diagnostic improvement and increased cigarette consumption were believed to be the two major factors contributing to the increased mortality and incidence rates in Japan, but further epidemiological studies will be required to clarify possible background factors for the recent levelling-off of the mortality and incidence rates.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Clinical significance of serum lipoprotein(a) in elderly patients with aortic valve sclerosis].

BACKGROUND: Calcified aortic value disease is increasing with explosively in the elderly. Elevated serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Thus, we investigated the relationship between aortic valve sclerosis and serum Lp(a) levels in elderly patients. METHODS: Echocardiography was performed in 97 subjects (77 +/- 7 years, 48 males and 49 females), Lp(a), fasting plasma glucose, and blood pressure were measured at the time of the study. Aortic valve sclerosis was assessed using echocardiography. RESULTS: Aortic valve sclerosis was observed in 63 patients (sclerosis group; 24 males and 39 females) and not in 34 subjects (non-sclerosis group; 24 males and 10 females). Univariable analysis revealed that age, Lp(a) level, and the number of females were higher in the sclerosis group than in the non-sclerosis group (age; 78 +/- 7 vs 74 +/- 7 years, p = 0.0090, Lp(a); cholesterol, triglyceride, and fasting blood glucose did not seem to affect aortic valve sclerosis. In all of 9 patients with serum Lp(a) greater than 60mg/dl aortic valve sclerosis was present. In discriminative analysis, gender (female) (lambda = 0.9038, p = 0.0020) and Lp(a) (lambda = 0.8316, p = 0.0053) were related to aortic valve sclerosis. CONCLUSION: Elevated serum Lp(a) was observed in elderly patients with aortic valve sclerosis.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

[Acupuncture for urinary incontinence in patients with chronic spinal cord injury. A preliminary report].

PURPOSE: We investigated the possible use of acupuncture for the treatment of urinary incontinence caused by detrusor hyperflexia in patients with chronic spinal cord injury. METHOD: A total of 8 male chronic spinal cord injured patients with urinary incontinence were treated by acupuncture. Their ages ranged from 20 to 33 years (mean 27). The level of lesion was cervical in 4 and thoracic in 4. Detrusor hyperreflexia with uninhibited bladder contraction was confirmed by urodynamic studies in all of them. Acupuncture was performed using a disposable stainless needle (0.3 mm in diameter, 60 mm in length), which was inserted into bilateral BL-33 (Zhongliao) points and was rotated manually for 10 minutes. The treatment was conducted every week for 4 weeks. Urodynamic studies were repeated, immediately after the beginning of and a week after the completion of the treatment. Urinary symptoms were also checked before and after the treatment. RESULTS: No side effects were recognized throughout the treatment period. Among 8 patients, incontinence was controlled completely in 3 (38%) and partially in 3 (38%). The average maximum cystometric bladder capacity increased significantly, from 42.3 +/- 37.9 ml to 148.1 +/- 101.2 ml by the treatment (p < 0.05), while the average maximum bladder pressure was not changed. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that acupuncture could be a promising alternative for conventional therapies for urinary incontinence caused by detrusor hyperreflexia in patients with chronic spinal cord injuries.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

PubMed1998

[Clinical effect of propiverine hydrochloride on urinary incontinence].

Propiverine hydrochloride was given to patients with subjective symptoms of urinary incontinence and its effect was evaluated in relation to the pathogenesis of incontinence. High improvement rates were obtained in patients with stress incontinence as well as those with urge incontinence. There was no significant difference between the two patient groups in the degree of improvement of subjective symptoms or objective findings. Under the present circumstances, where urinary incontinence is often treated by medical doctors other than urologists, this drug may be useful for the treatment of urinary incontinence since it would produce high therapeutic effects irrespective of the pathogenesis of incontinence.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[A case of pheochromocytoma with a large pseudocyst].

We report a case of pheochromocytoma with a markedly large pseudocyst. A 51-year-old man with the complaint of headache and palpitation was referred to our hospital. Ultrasonography (US) revealed a right adrenal cystic mass. Computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed an adrenal cyst. MRI showed a high intensity mass in both T1 and T2-weighted-images, suggesting an adrenal hemorrhagic cyst. 131I-meta-iodo-benzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy showed a prominent accumulation at the right adrenal lesion. Considering the abnormal elevation of cathecholamines in blood and urine samples, we performed right adrenolectomy with the clinical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. 131I-MIBG scintigraphy was the most important diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.

3-Iodobenzylguanidine↗

PubMed1998

[Progress of clinical application for prostatic ultrasound].

In 1967, in our laboratory the first clinically available prostatic sonogram was obtained from the rectal cavity with a patient in the lithotomy position. Thereafter, transrectal sonography (TRS) visualized the internal architecture as well as the entire contour of the prostate, and was readily applied to the investigation of prostatic diseases. Currently, TRS occupies a central position among the diagnostic modalities for the prostate. Along with accumulating evidences indicating the clinical usefulness of TRS in the diagnosis of prostatic diseases, recent development has confirmed it to be indispensable for daily practice in urology clinics. This chapter will describe an overall review of the development and diagnostic criteria of TRS.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed1998

Noninvasive evaluation of bladder compliance in children using ultrasound estimated bladder weight.

PURPOSE: In healthy children as well as those with urinary disturbance we determined ultrasound estimated bladder weight with the aim of revealing its possible usefulness as a measure of bladder compliance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured ultrasound estimated bladder weight in 71 healthy children with a mean age of 10.3 years, and determined a standard value. A total of 82 patients with a mean age of 9.6 years with urinary disturbance also underwent ultrasound estimated bladder weight measurement as well as conventional urological examinations, including filling cystometry. RESULTS: In healthy children ultrasound estimated bladder weight increased with age, showing a significant linear correlation (r = 0.80, p < 0.0001). Using the formula for linear correlation, 0.86 x patient age + 6.9 gm., we obtained an age matched estimated weight. In 82 patients the percent deviation of the estimate from age matched values was calculated using the formula, (measured ultrasound estimated bladder weight -age matched ultrasound estimated bladder weight)/age matched ultrasound estimated bladder weight x 100, and then correlated with bladder compliance. In 75 of 77 patients (97%) with compliance of 10 ml./cm. water or more the estimate was within 100% deviation. In contrast, 4 of 5 patients (80%) with a low compliant bladder (less than 10 ml./cm. water) had an ultrasound estimated bladder weight greater than 100% deviation. When the estimate was within 100% deviation, all but 1 patient (75 of 76, 98.7%) had compliance of 10 ml./cm. water or more compared to 33.3% (2 of 6) of those with an estimate greater than 100% deviation. As a result, with the use of a cutoff value of 100% deviation ultrasound estimated bladder weight predicted a low compliant bladder with a diagnostic accuracy as high as 96.3% (79 of 82 cases). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound estimated bladder weight may be used to evaluate bladder compliance in children. It seems to be a suitable noninvasive urodynamic test in children with suspected urodynamic abnormalities.

Adolescent↗