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Biomedical subjects

M Okano

Publications and source records attributed to M Okano.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Preoperative prism correction in patients with acquired esotropia.

We performed a prospective study of preoperative prism adaptation in 77 patients with acquired esotropia. Sixty-three of them increased their angle of squint when wearing Fresnel press-on prisms for 5-7 days. After the angle had stabilized to a point that did not exceed the press-on prisms by more than 10 prism D, they were randomly divided into two groups. Thirty-two patients underwent surgery based on the prism-adapted angle. The other 31 patients underwent surgery based on their initially measured angle. Fourteen patients who did not respond to prism correction underwent surgery based on the angle before prism correction. Success rates with deviations between 0 and 10 prism diopters measured 1 year after surgery were highest in those in whom surgery was based on the prism-determined angle and were lowest in the nonresponders, who had no fusion response to the prisms.

Adaptation, Ocular↗

A Japanese family of X-linked auto-immune enteropathy with haemolytic anaemia and polyendocrinopathy.

Three cases of X-linked auto-immune enteropathy with haemolytic anaemia and polyendocrinopathy are described from one related Japanese kindred. Two boys had died due to severe diarrhoea accompanied by total or subtotal intestinal villous atrophy. In contrast, although one patient showed the same symptoms and had circulating IgG antibodies against enterocytes, his condition improved dramatically and he developed well following the use of cyclosporin A (CSA). CSA may be beneficial in patients with this rare disorder. Auto-immune enteropathy should be considered as a cause of protracted diarrhoea with unknown aetiology.

Anemia, Hemolytic↗

Bruceanols D, E, and F three new cytotoxic quassinoids from Brucea antidysenterica.

Three new quassinoids, bruceanols D [1], E [2], and F [3], were isolated from Brucea antidysenterica, and their structures were elucidated by spectral evidence and chemical transformation. All of these compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against five human tumor cell lines, malignant melanoma (RPMI-7951), lung carcinoma (A-549), ileocecal adenocarcinoma (HCT-8), epidermoid carcinoma of the nasopharynx (KB), and medulloblastoma (TE-671), and against murine lymphocytic leukemia (P-388).

Animals↗

Dietary fish oil alters rat milk composition and liver and brain fatty acid composition of fetal and neonatal rats.

This study was performed to determine the effects of dietary fish oil rich in docosahexaenoic acid [22:6(n-3)] on the milk composition of maternal rats and tissue fatty acid composition of fetal and neonatal rats. The fatty acid composition of dam's milk was affected by the dietary fat. The level of 22: 6(n-3) in the milk of dams fed the fish oil-containing diet was severalfold higher than that of dams fed the diet that did not contain fish oil, and the levels of 22: 6(n-3) in the phospholipids of the livers and brains of fetuses and pups of the fish oil-fed group were higher than those in fetuses and pups of the group that did not receive fish oil. These findings suggest that a high level of 22:6(n-3) in the livers and brains of fetal and neonatal rats can be achieved by intake of fish oil by the dams.

Animals↗

Clonal analysis of human T-cell responses to fractionated house dust mite antigens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus).

In the present study, we investigated the cellular basis of house dust mite-driven immune responsiveness in an atopic individual with perennial rhinitis. We established 40 human T-cell clones (CD3+, 4+, 8-) reactive to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) antigen under the restriction of HLA-DR. By using the crude Dp antigen and its 14 molecular weight (MW) fractions, we analyzed the distribution of T-cell-recognizing sites in the whole Dp extract. We tested T-cell-mediated immunity through two parameters; the identification of Dp fractions inducing T-cell proliferation, and the ability of T-cell clones to secrete IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-gamma. According to a prominent peak among fraction-driven T-cell proliferation, we observed that T-cell clones that recognized 45,000- to 95,000-MW fractions were common, while clones reactive to 15,000- to 25,000-MW fractions were less frequent. Several clones were also reactive to antigens of Dermatophagoides farinae or other insects. Based on the responses of cloned T cells, we observed at least 9 distinct T epitopes in crude Dp antigen. These T-cell clones had a heterogenous secretory pattern of cytokines. T-cell clones showed no association between their ability to produce regulatory cytokine and their recognition of particular Dp fractions.

Adult↗

Intraoperative suspension-recession technique for treatment of vertical strabismus in thyroid myopathy.

Ten patients underwent extraocular muscle surgery with an intraoperative suspension-recession technique for diplopia induced by vertical strabismus in thyroid myopathy. The average ratio of the reduction of vertical deviation to the amount of surgery was 1.8 degrees/mm (range, 1.0 degrees/mm-2.8 degrees/mm). Eight (80%) patients had single binocular vision restored in the primary position without prism or compensatory torticollis after surgery. One patient who showed evidence of abnormal thyroid function at surgery developed an overcorrection postoperatively.

Adult↗

Iodine 125-phenylpentadecanoic acid and its beta-methyl substitute metabolism in cultured mouse embryonal myocytes--iodine-labelled fatty acids as tracers of myocardial high energy phosphate.

Iodine-labelled fatty acids have been proposed as new tracers of cardiac metabolisms. However, it is not clear how these tracers would reflect the intracellular metabolism. Therefore, we measured the uptake and release of iodine 125-labelled phenylpentadecanoic acid (IPPA), its beta-methyl substitute (BMIPP) and 201Tl in cultured myocytes of mouse embryos, and compared these values to intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content after metabolic inhibitions of oxidative phosphorylation by sodium cyanide (CN), glycolysis by 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) or fatty acid beta-oxidation by lactate. The uptake and release of BMIPP was not changed by any inhibitors suggesting BMIPP would not be metabolized in the myocytes. The uptake of IPPA was significantly reduced by 2DG and 60-80% of IPPA was metabolized to hydrophilic catabolites. The correlation of BMIPP and IPPA uptake to intracellular ATP content were high (r = 0.89, p < 0.05; r = 0.86, p < 0.1), but there was poor correlation of 201Tl to ATP values (r = 0.53, n.s.). These results suggested that iodine-labelled fatty acids could be used as better tracers of myocardial metabolism than 201Tl.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Characterization of erythropoietin isolated from rat serum: biochemical comparison of rat and human erythropoietins.

We isolated erythropoietin (Epo) from anemic-rat serum with 1.3 x 10(6)-fold purification and 38% recovery using immunoaffinity chromatography. The isolated Epo migrated in SDS polyacrylamide gel with a molecular size of 37 kDa. Biological properties of rat Epo were compared with those of human Epo using target cells of primate and murine origins. When murine cells were used as target cells for assaying Epo, rat Epo stimulated proliferation of the cells with a 50% lower potency than did human Epo. The activity of rat Epo on human cells was only 25% of that of human Epo. Studies of Epo binding to the receptor indicated that rat and human Epos were not distinguishable in binding to murine cells; however, rat Epo bound to the receptor on human cells with an affinity much lower than that of human Epo. Rat Epo was digested with N-glycanase. Complete removal of N-linked sugars converted the native Epo to the deglycosylated form with 18 kDa. The in vitro activity of deglycosylated Epo was 2.5-fold higher than that of the native Epo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

High Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) susceptibility of both lymphoblastoid and lymphoma cell lines derived from a Japanese patient with EBV genome-positive Burkitt's lymphoma.

A Lymphoma cell line from the tumor tissue was established spontaneously from a Japanese patient with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome-positive Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). Additionally lymphoblastoid cell lines from peripheral blood of this patient were established either spontaneously or by in vitro infection with B95-8 EBV. Lymphoma cells showed monoclonal surface immunoglobulins (kappa and gamma) with specific chromosomal translocations, t (8; 14). In contrast, lymphoblastoid cells expressed polyclonal surface immunoglobulins without specific chromosomal abnormalities. Lymphoma cells made colonies in soft agarose approximately 10 times more than those of the lymphoblastoid cells. When each cell line was cultured at lower temperature of 33 degrees C, treated with 12-O-tetradecanoyl- phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), and superinfected with P3HR-1 EBV, all cell lines expressed 5 to 10 times higher levels of EBV early antigens (EA) and viral capsid antigen (VCA) than lymphoblastoid cell lines from healthy controls. Furthermore, lymphoblastoid cell lines obtained from peripheral blood of this patient during the period of remission also exhibited high EA and VCA inducibility and superinfectibility. These findings suggested that the lymphoid cells in this patient were genetically highly susceptible to EBV infection, and this evidence possibly linked to the lymphomagenesis of EBV genome-positive BL.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Seasonal change in maximal expiratory flow-volume pattern in patients with Japanese cedar pollenosis.

Fifteen patients with Japanese cedar pollenosis were examined for lower airway function. Flow-volume patterns obtained from flow-volume and volume-time curves during the pollen season (March) and outside of the pollen season (June) were evaluated. In a previous report we classified maximal expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves in five patterns from A to E. In the present study, the patterns did not vary between the two periods except in one patient. Eleven patients out of 15 showed type E patterns, in which the flow-volume curve was concave along its entire course. In most of the patients with severe or moderate symptoms of allergic rhinitis only during the pollen season, the curve shifted to the right, but the parameters of the curves did not increase significantly outside of season. These findings suggest that patients with Japanese cedar pollenosis suffer from continuous latent peripheral airway obstruction. Extremely slight changes in the flow rate were detected by comparing the curves obtained during the two periods.

Adolescent↗

[Renin-secreting renal tumor. A case report].

We reported a case of juxtaglomerular cell tumor, which excessively produced renin, resulting in secondary hypertension. A 25-year-old woman complained of headache and nausea. Hypertension and elevation of plasma renin activity were found by physical and laboratory examination. US and CT showed a space occupying lesion at upper pole of the right kidney. Angiography showed a hypovascular area at the corresponding area of the right kidney. Renin-secreting renal tumor of the right kidney was diagnosed and right nephrectomy was performed. Postoperatively, blood pressure and plasma renin activity became normalized and symptoms ameliorated. The juxtaglomerular cell tumor was pathologically confirmed and localization renin in the tumor cells was shown by immunohistochemical study. Forty one cases of juxtaglomerular cell tumor have been reported, since Robertson reported the first case. We discussed the clinical and pathological characteristics of the disease in this report.

Adult↗

[A study of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in urological field].

Out of 110 strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from 1985 to 1990, isolation rate of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was investigated. Nineteen strains of 59 S. aureus from outpatients and 20 strains of 51 S. aureus from inpatients were determined as MRSA. Isolation frequency of MRSA from inpatients was increasing in the recent two years. Coagulase type, enterotoxin type and production of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) were examined in 22 strains of MRSA. Coagulase type II (86%), enterotoxin type C (68%) and TSST-1 positive strain was most dominant. Susceptibility of MRSA to 4 antimicrobial agents were measured, MRSA were sensitive to vancomycin (VCM), arbekacin (ABK) and minocycline, but resistant to flomoxef. Thirty-four patients from whom MRSA was isolated including 20 patients from urine, 13 from pus and 1 from blood, were analyzed clinically. Pyuria was not recognized in some cases in whom MRSA was isolated from their urine. Concomitant polymicrobial infection was frequently noted in those patients with MRSA in their urinary tract. These facts show that the pathogenic role of MRSA in the urinary tract infection was not significant. On the other hand, when MRSA was isolated from pus or blood, serious infections could be caused by MRSA, especially in compromised host. Regarding the treatment in these cases, administration of VCM or ABK was though to be necessary.

Aminoglycosides↗

A case of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in a child.

We report an additional case of histopathologically confirmed xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in a 9-year-old boy. He was admitted to hospital with a two-day history of sustained fever. Physical examination revealed tenderness in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Results of a complete blood count and serum biochemical investigations showed slight anemia and positive C reactive protein. Culture of urine failed to grow any bacteria. Excretory urography revealed deformity of the right renal calyces. Computed tomography showed a focal area of low density in the right kidney. Nephrectomy was carried out as fever had been sustained despite intensive treatment with antibiotics. Sectioning revealed that the renal parenchyma had been replaced by a butter yellow nodule, which was histopathologically confirmed as xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. This is the nineteenth reported case in children in Japan to our knowledge.

Adolescent↗

Influence of shear stress on endothelial cell shapes and junction complexes at flow dividers of aortic bifurcations in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

We studied the effects of hemodynamic forces on endothelial cell shape and junction complexes in sudanophilic and non-sudanophilic regions at flow dividers of aortic bifurcations in normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic rabbits by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the freeze fracture method. Flow profiles and shear stresses were obtained by tracing the paths of particles in a transparent vessel in steady flow. No apparent differences between normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic rabbits were observed by SEM. The tip of the apex of flow dividers, a point of stagnated flow, and the leading edge, which was exposed to laminar, high shear stress, were non-sudanophilic, and were covered by, respectively, round and long fusiform endothelial cells. The tight junctions were continuous and gap junctions had a regular shape. The hip of the flow dividers of branchings, a relatively low shear stress region, was sudanophilic and was covered by ellipsoidal cells with discontinuous tight junctions and irregularly shaped gap junctions. Our results suggest that endothelial cells exposed to relatively low wall shear stress, but not to high shear stress, may be functionally activated, leading to an increased intercellular permeability, which may make these regions vulnerable to atherosclerosis.

Animals↗

Characterization of clonality of Epstein-Barr virus-induced human B lymphoproliferative disease in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency.

To improve the diagnostic accuracy and understanding of the pathogenesis of lymphoproliferative diseases (LPDs) occurring in immunosuppressed transplant recipients (post-transplantation LPD), clonality of Epstein-Barr virus-induced human LPDs in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency was examined by analyzing: 1) human immunoglobulin genes and their products, 2) the clonality of Epstein-Barr virus DNA, and 3) genetic alteration of c-myc or bcl-2 genes. A spectrum of clonality was found in the LPDs comparable with that reported for post-transplantation LPDs, although rearrangements of c-myc or bcl-2 genes were not detected. It is confirmed that this system is useful in terms of clonality for understanding the early phases in the pathogenesis of post-transplantation LPD or LPD in immune deficient patients.

Animals↗

[Pathology of arteriosclerosis--an overview].

Arteriosclerosis is vascular disease characterized by thickening, hardening and remodelling of the arterial wall and classified into following three categories: atherosclerosis, Mönckeberg's medial calcific sclerosis, and arteriolosclerosis. Fibromuscular intimal thickening starts its development in the fetal age of the 6th month and continues to grow with aging. The specific topography of early atherosclerotic lesions is primarily attributed to wall shear stress, one of hemodynamic forces. The lesion will proliferate to form atherosclerosis when complicated by hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and/or other clinical risk factors. The major complications of atherosclerosis, stenosis of the arterial lumen and thrombus formation at ulcerated arterial walls, frequently cause such lethal diseases as ischemia of various pivotal organs or rupture of aneurysms.

Animals↗

[Passive length-tension curves of extraocular muscles after botulinum toxin injection].

Botulinum A toxin was injected into the superior rectus muscles of albino rabbits. Length-tension curves of detached superior rectus muscles were continuously measured with a length and tension measuring device developed by the author. The device consists of a strain gauge for measuring passive length-tension, and a position encoder equipped with an eddy current motor. The passive load of the muscle injected with Botulinum A toxin was significantly less than that of control muscle a week after the injection, however, it was greater than that of control muscle in 2 or 3 weeks after the injection. The compliance of the treated muscle was significantly less than that of control muscle at 3 weeks after the injection.

Animals↗

Nucleotide sequence of rat erythropoietin.

The cDNA for the rat erythropoietin (EPO) has been cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequence consists of 166 amino acid residues, which has a 79% and 95% homology with human and mouse EPOs, respectively. Many short stretches, highly conserved in primate and rodent EPOs, are found in the 3'-noncoding region when insertions and deletions are taken into consideration.

Amino Acid Sequence↗