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Biomedical subjects

M Okada

Publications and source records attributed to M Okada.

At least 757 records · Page 42Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

[Susceptibilities of bacteria isolated from patients with respiratory infectious diseases to antibiotics (1994)].

Bacteria isolated from lower respiratory tract infections were collected in cooperation with institutions located throughout Japan, since 1981. IKEMOTO et al. have been investigating susceptibilities of these isolates to various antibacterial agents and antibiotics, and characteristics of the patients and isolates from them each year. Results obtained from these investigations are discussed. In 23 institutions around the entire Japan, 492 strains of presumably etiological bacteria were isolated mainly from the sputum of 421 patients with lower respiratory tract infections from October 1994 to September 1995. MICs of various antibacterial agents and antibiotics were determined against 70 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 101 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, 92 strains of Haemophilus influenzae, 61 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (non-mucoid strains), 25 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (mucoid strains), 48 strains of Moraxella subgenus Branhamella catarrhalis, 14 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae etc., and the drug susceptibilities of these strains were assessed except for those strains that died during transportation. 1. S. aureus. S. aureus strains for which MICs of oxacillin were higher than 4 micrograms/ml (methicillin-resistant S. aureus) accounted for 51.4%, but the frequency of the drug resistant bacteria decreased comparing to the previous year's 56.0%. Vancomycin showed the highest activity against S. aureus with MIC80 of 0.5 microgram/ml. 2. S. pneumoniae. Most of the drugs tested showed potent activities against S. pneumoniae. Imipenem of carbapenems showed the most potent activity with MIC80 was 0.063 microgram/ml. Erythromycin and clindamycin showed low activities with MIC80s > or = 256 micrograms/ml. Among these strains, however, 46.5% and 68.3% of strains, were quite sensitive toward these agents, respectively, with MICs of 0.063 microgram/ml. 3. H. influenzae. The activities of all drugs were potent against H. influenzae tested. Cefmenoxime a cephem, showed the most potent activity, the MICs of this drug against all of the 92 strains were 0.063 microgram/ml. Ofloxacin also showed a potent activity, and inhibited about 96% of strains with MIC of 0.063 microgram/ml. 4. P. aeruginosa (mucoid strains). Tobramycin showed the most potent activity against P. aeruginosa (mucoid strains) with MIC80 of 0.5 microgram/ml. Gentamicin, arbekacin and ciprofloxacin showed next potent activities, and their MIC80s were 2 micrograms/ml. 5. P. aeruginosa (non-mucoid strains). Tobramycin showed the most potent activity against P. aeruginosa (non-mucoid strains) with MIC80 of 2 micrograms/ml. Comparing to the activities against P. aeruginosa (mucoid strains), the activities of all the drugs tested were lower against P. aeruginosa (non-mucoid strains). 6. K. pneumoniae. Carumonam showed the most potent activity against K. pneumoniae with MIC80 of 0.063 microgram/ml. Cefozopran showed the next most potent activity with MIC80 of 0.125 microgram/ml. Ampicillin and cephems except cefpodoxime, cefozopran and cefditoren showed low activities and their MIC80s were > or = 16 micrograms/ml, and their MICs were all higher than > or = 4 micrograms/ml. 7. M. (B.) catarrhalis. Imipenem and ofloxacin showed the most potent activities against M. (B.) catarrhalis, their MIC80s were 0.063 microgram/ml. Erythromycin and minocycline showed the next highest activities with their MIC80s at 0.25 microgram/ml. Also, we investigated year to year changes in the background of patients, the respiratory infectious diseases, and the etiology of bacteria. Patients characteristics, in this period of investigation showed varieties of infectious diseases found in patients in a high age bracket, and the patients over age 60 accounted for 62.0% of all the cases. Different lower respiratory tract infectious were distributed as follows: chronic bronchitis and bacterial pneumonia accounted for the greatest number of cases with 35.6%, 27.1%, respectively, followed by

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Efficacy of oxygenated University of Wisconsin solution containing endothelin-A receptor antagonist in twenty-four-hour heart preservation.

BACKGROUND: The University of Wisconsin solution has been proven to be effective for prolonged heart preservation. However, 24-hour heart preservation by simple cold immersion in University of Wisconsin solution has been disappointing. We have performed hypothermic low-pressure continuous coronary perfusion with oxygenated University of Wisconsin solution for experimental prolonged heart preservation. However, the high potassium concentration of University of Wisconsin solution combined with prolonged ischemia has detrimental effects on endothelial function, which increases coronary tone during preservation and after reperfusion. The severe vasoconstriction and tissue edema result in damage to the coronary microcirculation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether hypothermic low-pressure continuous coronary perfusion technique with oxygenated University of Wisconsin solution containing a selective endothelin-A receptor antagonist (FR139317) would increase the effectiveness of the perfusion technique and improve postischemic cardiac function, both minimizing tissue edema and suppressing vasoconstriction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Preischemic and postischemic cardiac function of isolated rabbit hearts was evaluated with a Langendorff apparatus. The hearts were divided into three groups (n = 7 each): group I (hypothermic low-pressure continuous coronary perfusion with University of Wisconsin solution), group II (hypothermic low-pressure continuous coronary perfusion with oxygenated University of Wisconsin solution), and group III (hypothermic low-pressure continuous coronary perfusion with oxygenated University of Wisconsin solution containing 10 mg/L of FR139317). Preservation was performed for 24 hours. The initial perfusion pressure for continuous coronary perfusion was set at 5 mm Hg. Measurement of percentage of tissue water content and ultrastructural examination of the myocardium was then performed. In groups I, II, and III, the perfusion pressures at the end of the 24-hour preservation period increased from 5 mm Hg to 12.2 +/- 2.5, 8.1 +/- 1.3, and 5.4 +/- 0.8 mm Hg (p < 0.05), respectively. Percent recovery rate of cardiac output was 56.6 +/- 2.8, 82.3 +/- 8.2, and 93.3 +/- 6.0 (p < 0.05), respectively. And percent recovery rate of coronary flow was 55.5 +/- 8.1, 80.0 +/- 8.0, and 94.3 +/- 9.4 (p < 0.05), respectively. A significant inverse correlation was found between continuous coronary perfusion pressure at the end of preservation and the recovery rate of cardiac output (r = 0.85, p < 0.05). Tissue water content was significantly higher in group I than in groups II and III. These effects were inhibited by oxygenation of the University of Wisconsin solution (group II) and by the addition of the selective endothelin-A receptor antagonist (FR139317) (group III). Damage to coronary circulation was reduced by oxygenation and the addition of endothelin-A receptor antagonist during prolonged heart preservation. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that hypothermic low-pressure continuous coronary perfusion technique with oxygenated UW solution containing endothelin-A receptor antagonist (FR139317) maintained coronary circulation by suppressing tissue edema and vasoconstriction during preservation, which improved postischemic functional recovery.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1996

[Clinical experience of laser angioplasty for the peripheral and coronary arterial diseases].

In recent years, laser angioplasty has been widely performed in the world. Since the 1980's we have investigated anigoplasy using Argon laser for patients with peripheral and coronary arterial diseases. This technique aims to open the obstructive arterial lumen. Based on the excellent results of experimental studies, this technique has been clinically applied. Laser angioplasty was carried out in 98 patients with stenotic or occlusive lesions of the peripheral arteries and 10 patients with anginal attack. Argon laser and an optical fiber delivery system with metal tip probe with thermal feedback control system were used for laser angioplasty. This procedure was performed under angioscopic and intravascular ultrasound imaging. Primary clinical success was achieved in 97 (82%) of all 119 lesions, that is, 53 (91%) of 58 in the stenotic lesions and 44 (72%) of 61 in the occlusive lesions. There were no complications required emergency operation. At 95 months of follow-up, the cumulative patency rate was 80% in 83 limbs with primary success. In the 43 stenoses and 40 occlusions, the cumulative patency rare were 87% and 71%, respectively. On the other hand, laser was simultaneously applied at the time of operation for 10 patients with anginal attack in addition to coronary artery bypass grafting. Thus, laser angioplasty was safe and effective to increase the initial success rate for the lesions that were difficult to treat by balloon anigoplasty. Angioscopy and intravascular ultrasound imaging were useful for the observation of the newly recanalized channel by lasing and selection of the recanalization technique, such as laser angioplasty, atherectomy and stent, according to the characterization of the lesions. These results suggested that laser angioplasty might be a useful treatment for patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusion and improve the long-term patency rate by eliminating restenosis more than conventional balloon angioplasty.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Development of coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic heterozygous patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.

To determine whether coronary atherosclerosis develops with age in asymptomatic patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and whether long-term cholesterol-lowering therapy is effective for primary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD) in such patients, 13 patients with heterozygous FH (10 men, 3 women, aged 34 to 66 years) were examined by coronary angiography, and followed up for 5.8 +/- 3.4 years. The extent of coronary atherosclerosis was expressed as the coronary score (CS) by scoring (0 to 5) points in each of 15 American Heart Association segments. The mean CS was 2.4 times higher in men than in women (11.5 +/- 7.9 vs 4.7 +/- 4.2) although the mean age was lower in the former than in the latter (51.2 +/- 8.4 vs 57.7 +/- 0.6 years). In men, CS correlated significantly with age (CS = 0.682 x age-24.4; r = 0.800, p < 0.01). All patients except one had received cholesterol-lowering agents throughout the follow-up period. The untreated patient developed CAD 7 years later. One treated patient also developed CAD, but within 6 months of enrollment in this study. The other 11 treated patients did not develop CAD. Reexamination by coronary angiography in two of these patients revealed no significant progression after 6-year treatment. Coronary atherosclerosis develops with age in asymptomatic FH patients and long-term cholesterol-lowering therapy may be effective for primary prevention of CAD in such patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Denervation of the cervical sympathetic nerve inhibited the splenic natural killer cell activity in rats].

Repeated applications of stellate ganglion block (SGB) are known to improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis but the mechanism of the effects is not clear. Correlation between nervous system and immune system has been reported. To examine if the blockade of a part of the sympathetic nervous system like SGB could affect immune system activity of whole body, YAC 1 cell lytic activities of the splenic natural killer cell (NK activity) were compared between the sham operation group (n = 12) and the cervical sympathetic denervation group (n = 10) 4 weeks after the operation. NK activity of denervation group was significantly lower than that of sham group. The result suggests the possibility of modulation of the immune activity of individuals by partial blockade of the sympathetic nervous system.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Susceptibilities of bacteria isolated from patients with respiratory infectious diseases to antibiotics (1992)].

Bacteria isolated from lower respiratory tract infections were collected in cooperation with institutions located throughout Japan since 1981, and Ikemoto et al. have been investigating susceptibilities of the isolates to various antibacterial agents and antibiotics, and the relationships between the isolates and characteristics of the patients and so forth each year. We discuss the results in detail. In 20 institutions around the entire Japan from October 1992 to September 1993, 690 strains of bacteria were isolated mainly from sputa of 549 patients with lower respiratory tract infections and presumed to be the etiological bacteria. MICs of various antibacterial agents and antibiotics were determined against 101 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 121 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, 122 strains of Haemophilus influenzae, 92 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (non-mucoid), 32 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (mucoid), 52 strains of Moraxella subgenus Branhamella catarrhalis, 28 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae etc., and the drug susceptibilities of these strains were measured except the strains which died during transportation. 1. S. aureus S. aureus strains for which MICs of methicillin were higher than 4 micrograms/ml (methicillin-resistant S. aureus) accounted for 61.4% and the frequency of the drug resistant bacteria was higher than the previous year's 58.3%. MICs values indicated that arbekacin was as active as vancomycin against all the strains on S. aureus. 2. S. pneumoniae Benzylpenicillin among the penicillins showed potent activities against S. pneumoniae. Cefuzonam, cefazolin, cefotaxime and cefmenoxime among the cephems showed excellent antimicrobial activities against S. pneumoniae. Imipenem; carbapenems, showed the most potent activity, and MIC80 was 0.015 microgram/ml. 3. H. influenzae All the drugs tested were potent against H. influenzae. Ampicillin among the penicillins showed MIC80 1 microgram/ml against H. influenzae. Cefotaxime, cefmenoxime, cefuzonam and cefixime showed the most potent activities, and MIC80s were 0.063 microgram/ml. The antimicrobial activity of ofloxacin was equivalent to those of cephems. 4. P. aeruginosa (mucoid) Ciprofloxacin showed the most potent activity against P. aeruginosa (mucoid), and MIC80 was 1 microgram/ml. Cefsulodin, aztreonam, carumonam and tobramycin showed the next most potent activities with an MIC80s of 2 micrograms/ml. 5. P. aeruginosa (non-mucoid) Tobramycin and ciprofloxacin showed the highest activities against P. aeruginosa (non-mucoid) with an MIC80s of 2 micrograms/ml. Norfloxacin also showed some activity, and MIC80 was 4 micrograms/ml. Comparing to activities against P. aeruginosa (mucoid), all the drugs tested showed lower activities against P. aeruginosa (non-mucoid). 6. K. pneumoniae The activities of all drugs except penicillins were high activities against K. pneumoniae. Carumonam showed the most potent activity with an MIC80 of 0.063 microgram/ml, followed by flomoxef, cefixime and cefozopran with their MIC80s of 0.125 microgram/ml. 7. M.(B.) catarrhalis Imipenem; carbapenems, showed the most potent activity against M.(B.) catarrhalis with an MIC80 0.063 microgram/ml. Minocycline and ofloxacin showed MIC80s 0.125 microgram/ml, respectively. We also investigated year to year changes in the background of patients, as well as types of respiratory infectious diseases, and the etiological bacteria. As for patients backgrounds, there were many infectious diseases found among patients in a high age bracket, and the patients over age 60 accounted for 60.8% of the diseases. The distribution by lower respiratory tract infections was as follows: bacterial pneumonia and chronic bronchitis accounted for the greatest numbers of cases with 30.4%, 29.5%, respectively, followed by bronchiectasis with 12.2%. As for frequencies of etiologic bacteria for respiratory tract infections, H. influenzae: 22.2%, and S. pneumoniae: 15.1% in chronic bronchitis; S. pneumoniae: 2

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1996

Effects of 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone on growth-factor-induced proliferation and migration in human female aortic smooth muscle cells in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: The significantly low prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women has been noted, and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is associated with protection from this disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of estrogen and progestin on growth-factor-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration in vitro. METHODS: Two cell lines of human female aortic smooth muscle cells (AOSMCs) were used for the study. DNA synthesis was evaluated by [3H]thymidine incorporation into cells. Migration assay was performed using modified Boyden chambers. RESULTS: The presence of estrogen receptors was determined by Western and Northern blot analyses. [3H]Thymidine incorporation into AOSMCs was induced by 10 ng/ml EGF alone, the combination of 10 ng/ml EGF with 2 ng/ml b-FGF-induced and 1 nM PDGF-BB alone. Migration of AOSMCs was induced by PDGF-BB. Since 17 beta-estradiol (E2, 10(-9) M approximately 10(-6) M) inhibited the [3H]thymidine incorporation into AOSMCs stimulated by above mitogens and the 1 nM PDGF-BB-induced AOSMC migration in a dose-dependent manner, estrone (E1), estriol (E3) and progesterone (P) had no significant effects. The combination of P (10(-9) M approximately 10(-6) M) did not show any effect on these inhibitory effects of 10(-7) M E2. Preincubation of AOSMCs with the anti-estrogenic agent, tamoxifen (10(-6) M), significantly antagonized these inhibitory effects of 10(-7) M E2. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of E2 on VSMC proliferation and migration might be one of the factors involved in the decreased incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women and postmenopausal HRT, and P might not affect these estrogenic responses.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Remnant-like particles (RLP) from NIDDM patients with apolipoprotein E3/3 phenotype stimulate cholesteryl ester synthesis in human monocyte-derived macrophages.

We tested the ability of remnant-like particles (RLP) from NIDDM patients to stimulate cholesteryl ester synthesis in human monocyte-derived macrophages. Six NIDDM patients were studied together with 7 non-diabetic subjects. All had apolipoprotein (apo) E3/3 phenotype. RLP were isolated using an immunoaffinity gel mixture of anti apo B-100 and anti apo A-1 monoclonal antibodies coupled to Sepharose 4B. Plasma levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol (chol) and high density lipoprotein-chol were not statistically different, but plasma levels of RLP-chol were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in NIDDM patients (10.5 +/- 2.2 mg/dl) than in non-diabetic controls (5.0 +/- 1.7 mg/dl). The effects of RLP from NIDDM patients on macrophage cholesteryl ester synthesis were estimated. 14C-oleate incorporation into cholesteryl esters in macrophages was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in NIDDM patients with apo E3/3 (0.326 +/- 0.037 nmole/mg cell protein) than in non-diabetic controls with apo E3/3 (0.181 +/- 0.011 nmole/ mg cell protein). It is suggested that RLP from NIDDM play a role in the accumulation of cholesteryl esters and are one of the risk factors for the acceleration of atherosclerosis in NIDDM.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1996

[Postural change and within-day variation in total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels].

To clarify whether the effect of the postural change on lipid levels can be corrected after the adjustment of albumin levels, and if so, whether there is within-day variation in corrected lipid levels, we measured total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and albumin levels before and after 60 min of the supine posture in 6 volunteers. We also measured the same variables before and after meals and at midnight in 30 inpatients with diabetes mellitus. We found that TC levels decreased by -7.7 +/- 2.7% (p < 0.005), and HDL-C by -5.8 +/- 5.3% (p < 0.05) after 60 min of the supine posture. The decreases disappeared after the adjustment of albumin to the baseline levels (TC; -0.2 +/- 1.0%, HDL-C; -1.7 +/- 4.2%, not significant). The within-day variation decreased from 10.9 +/- 4.9% to 5.8 +/- 2.2% in TC, and from 13.8 +/- 4.7% to 9.5 +/- 3.9% in HDL-C after the albumin adjustment. Corrected TC levels were, however, significantly lower after breakfast through at midnight than those before breakfast. This study indicates that the postural changes in lipid levels can be corrected after the adjustment of albumin levels, and that there is within-day variation in corrected TC levels. These findings suggest that the timing of sampling should be standardized for TC measurement in the management of diabetes mellitus with hypercholesterolemia.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Abnormality of HDL subfractions in cholesteryl ester transfer protein deficiency].

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) in cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) deficiency is deficient in reverse cholesterol transport although HDL-cholesterol levels markedly increase in such patients. This may be responsible for the abnormal metabolism of pre beta 1-HDL, the initial acceptor of cell-derived cholesterol. To answer this question, we determined HDL subfraction levels in 8 CETP deficiency and 21 normolipidemic subjects. We also measured the rate of decrease in pre beta 1-HDL level by LCAT activity during the incubation at 37 degrees C for 90 min. We found that HDL2b was 2.4 times higher in CETP deficiency than in control [52.2 +/- 14.3, vs. 21.5 +/- 9.8% of plasma apoA-I(%AI), p < 0.005] while HDL2a and HDL3 were significantly lower in the former than in the latter (HDL2a; 25.5 +/- 8.0 vs. 40.4 +/- 6.5% AI, p < 0.005) (HDL3; 10.0 +/- 6.8 vs. 28.3 +/- 5.9% AI, p < 0.005). There were no significant differences in pre beta 1-HDL level between 2 groups (4.9 +/- 3.0 vs. 4.5 +/- 2.3% AI, NS). However, the rate of decrease in pre beta 1-HDL was significantly less in CETP deficiency than in control (-33.2 +/- 22.9 vs. -73.7 +/- 12.2%, p < 0.005). In conclusion, the metabolism of pre beta 1-HDL is delayed in CETP deficiency. It is suggested that the esterification of cell-derived cholesterol removed by pre beta 1-HDL may be deficient in CETP deficiency.

Apolipoproteins↗
PubMed1996

[A case report of closing aortic dissection with cardiac tamponade].

A 64-year-old man was hospitalized with severe chest and back pain. A computed tomography (CT) demonstrated an acute type A aortic dissection with cardiac tamponade. Emergency pericardial drainage was performed. Then he was referred to our hospital. An enhanced CT showed an acute type A aortic dissection with thrombosed false lumen. A digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed no intimal tear and false lumen. He received the medical treatment. Marked elevation of fibrinogen, thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT), plasmin-alpha(2) plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC), fibrin degradation products (FDP), and D-Dimer indicated the activation of both coagulation and fibrinolysis in the false lumen. These thrombotic and fibrinolytic parameters were completely normalized 6 weeks after admission. He was discharged in good health 7 weeks after admission.

Aortic Dissection↗
PubMed1996

[Quality of life in patients with advanced ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery followed by chemotherapy].

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of cytoreductive surgery followed by chemotherapy on quality of life (QOL) in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. A total of 33 patients, who underwent the treatment after telling the truth and gave us the information on QOL 11 to 42 months after the discharge, were entered into the present study. Survival and length of hospital stay were calculated. QOL including emotional and physical well-being were assessed with a structure questionnaire which gives 110 points as full marks. The estimated 5-year survival rate was 49.6%. The mean survival time and length of hospital stay were 1,257 and 382 days, respectively. The mean QOL score was estimated to be 93.2. THe scores for both sociality and mentality showed a tendency to increase after completion of the treatment. Thirty-two of 33 cases (97.0%) obtained a good response for telling the truth. Alopecia and emesis due to chemotherapy were serious problems for patients. The present study showed that telling the truth was useful for well-informed consent and the QOL of patients with advanced ovarian cancer was not disturbed by cytoreductive surgery or chemotherapy.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1996

[Successful surgical treatment for distal arch aneurysm involving an aberrant right subclavian artery].

A 68-year-old woman with an aneurysm of the distal arch involving an aberrant right subclavin artery was surgically treated successfully. Computed tomography suggested distal arch aneurysm with the abnormal branching of the arch vessels, which was confirmed as an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) by angiogram. ARSA originated from Kommerell's aortic diverticulum and its orifice developed an aneurysmal change, which severely compressed esophagus and was thought to be the cause of preoperative dysphagia. Distal arch reconstruction was performed with woven Dacron graft using retrograde cerebral perfusion technique under deep hypothermia. Esophageal compression was satisfactorily released by resection of the aneurysm of ARSA which was reconstructed with the same material. Dysphagia disappeared postoperatively. Esophagogram showed no stenosis, and angiogram indicated successful distal arch and ARSA reconstructions.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

A formal study on summary table handling with application to health care statistical databases.

There is an ever-increasing demand for statistics in the health care field. Various surveys are conducted every year, and a huge number of summary tables are created. To share information and to make the most of the summary tables, we present a method for storing and transforming summary tables with special application to the health care field. A database management system being developed is also presented.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1996

[The relation of retinal vascular occlusion and carotid artery stenosis].

We evaluated carotid ulceration and stenosis in 16 patients with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), 13 patients with branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO), and 27 patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). One of three kinds of angiography was selected according to the patient's condition. These included conventional cerebral angiography, intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IVDSA), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Carotid artery stenosis (50% or greater) was noted in 37.5% (6/16) of the patients with CRAO and in 23.1% (3/13) of the patients with BRAO. Only one of 27 patients with CRVO had a contralateral 50% carotid artery stenosis. In order to detect an underlying systemic disease in evaluating patients with retinal artery occlusion, examination of the carotid vessels is essential. It may also be helpful to estimate the risk of cerebral stroke for patients with retinal stroke.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Acute myelogenous leukemia with ins(21;8) expressing AML-1-MTG8 fusion transcript].

Here we report a case of acute myelogenous leukemia (M2, FAB classification) presenting with cytogenetic abnormalities of ins(21;8), +del(8) without t(8;21). A 8;21 chromosome translocation is frequently found in acute myelogenous leukemia, especially in the M2 subtype. The translocation results in a fusion transcript between AML1 and MTG8 (ETO), assigned on chromosomes 21 and 8, respectively. Among patients with a t(8;21) abnormality, solid leukemic tumor deposits outside the marrow or good response to chemotherapy are observed frequently. Decrease in neutrophil alkaline phosphatase score and positive rate, and eosinophilia in bone marrow or the blast cells with Auer rods expressing CD19, CD56 antigens occur at a relatively high rate. Although our case lacked these clinical, cytological and cytochemical features, expression of chimeric AML1-MTG8 mRNA was detected. AML1-MTG8 fusion transcript may play a critical role in leukemogenesis of AML M2. Studies on this case may help to reveal the oncogenic function of the AML1-MTG8 fusion gene in AML M2.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Pre beta 1-high-density lipoprotein increases in coronary artery disease.

Pre beta 1-HDL promotes cholesterol efflux from cell membranes. Its plasma concentration is regulated by lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). To clarify whether the concentration of pre beta 1-HDL changes in coronary artery disease (CAD), we determined the distribution of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) among HDL subfractions in 20 CAD patients and 20 healthy controls, using nondenaturing two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. We found that CAD patients had significantly higher concentrations of pre beta 1-HDL than the controls [7.6% +/- 3.4% vs 4.6% +/- 2.3% of apoA-I (P < 0.01)]. Even after correcting for apoA-I concentrations, this increase remained significant [87 +/- 37 vs 63 +/- 28 mg/L apoA-I (P < 0.05)]. The mean LCAT concentration was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in CAD patients than in controls. These findings, that pre beta 1-HDL concentrations increase in CAD, strongly suggest that the process of reverse cholesterol transport could be altered in CAD.

Aged↗