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Biomedical subjects

M Seki

Publications and source records attributed to M Seki.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

[Treatment of mediastinal infection by continuous closed irrigation with an antibiotic solution in a new bone baby].

The patient was a three-week-old girl. Four days after thoracic surgery, mild fever developed, and turbid fluid was drained from the incision. Culture of the discharge showed Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens. Débridement was immediately performed and continuous closed irrigation with an antibiotic solution started and maintained for 17 days. During this period, the upper half of the body was elevated. Ten days after irrigation started culture of the drainage fluid became negative. We emphasize early diagnosis, and the usefulness of continuous closed irrigation with an antibiotic solution in neonates.

Drug Therapy, Combination↗
PubMed1997

Fine structure of the semicompact formation of the nucleus ambiguus of the rat.

We investigated the fine structure of the semicompact formation of the nucleus ambiguus (AmS), which was identified by retrogradely labeled pharyngeal (PH) motoneurons. When cholera toxin subunit B-conjugated horseradish peroxidase was injected into the lower pharyngeal muscle, many retrogradely labeled PH neurons were found throughout the AmS. Besides the PH neurons, two types of neurons were recognized in the AmS: unlabeled medium-sized neurons and unlabeled small neurons. The PH neuron was large (27.6 x 44.1 microm) and polygonal, and contained many Nissl bodies and well-developed cell organelles with a prominent spherical nucleus. The medium-sized neuron was dark and oval (19.3 x 33.2 microm), and contained many free ribosomes and much swollen rough endoplasmic reticulum with a distorted oval nucleus. The small neuron was spindle-shaped (12.3 x 20.2 microm), and had poorly developed cell organelles with an irregularly shaped nucleus. The average number of axosomatic terminals in a sectional plane was largest in the PH neurons (32.8), smaller in the medium-sized neurons (23.1), and smallest in the small neurons (6.3). The number of axo-somatic terminals containing round vesicles (Gray's type I) was almost equal to that of terminals containing pleomorphic vesicles (Gray's type II) in the PH neuron, and slightly smaller in the small and the medium-sized neurons. About 60% of the axodendritic terminals were Gray's type I, and 40% were type II. These results indicate that there are two different types of interneurons besides the PH motoneurons in the AmS.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Existence of three regulatory regions each containing a highly conserved motif in the promoter of plastid-encoded RNA polymerase gene (rpoB).

The plastid gene rpoB encodes a plastid-specific, DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. A study of a barley mutant, albostrians, indicated that rpoB itself is transcribed by a nuclear-encoded RNA polymerase. However, the molecular nature of the nuclear-encoded RNA polymerase and mechanisms of the transcriptional regulation of rpoB expression have not been elucidated. Using an in vivo transient assay system for gene expression in plastids, the 5'-flanking region of rpoB from Arabidopsis thaliana in plastids of cultured BY-2 tobacco cells was analyzed. A series of deletion analyses of the 5'-flanking region indicated that there were two positive and one negative regulatory regions for rpoB expression. Comparison of the 5'-flanking sequences of rpoB among several plant species revealed the existence of three conserved motifs in these regions.

Arabidopsis↗
PubMed1997

Rapid construction of a transcription map for a cosmid contig of Arabidopsis thaliana genome using a novel cDNA selection method.

Significant progress has been made on the random sequencing of cDNAs (ESTs) and the genetic and physical mapping of the Arabidopsis thaliana genome. New techniques are now required to identify and map the expressed genes efficiently on A. thaliana chromosomes. A novel method to construct a transcription map of expressed genes or cDNAs in specific regions of the genome using DNA-latex particles has been developed. The region-specific DNA fragments prepared from six cosmid clones that constitute a contig covering the abi1 locus on chromosome 4 were covalently bound to latex particles. The DNA-latex particles were used for the selection of region-specific cDNAs. Sequence analysis of the cDNA clones revealed that ABI1, RPS2, casein kinase 1 (CK1), nucleosome assembly protein I (NAP) cDNAs and T20837 EST, which are situated within the contig near abi1 locus, were selected. These results indicate that the cDNAs in the specific region of the genome were faithfully selected with this method. Sequence analysis also indicated that 11 selected cDNAs were derived from novel genes located near the abi1 locus and that four of the selected cDNAs encode putative proteins that have sequence similarity to cationic peroxidase, phosphatidylserine decarboxylase 2 (PSD2), trans-caffeoyl CoA 3-O-methyltransferase (CCoAMT), and proteasome subunit XC3.

Arabidopsis↗
PubMed1997

The value of LYM-1 cells for examining vacuole formation and loss of cell viability induced by culture supernates of Helicobacter pylori.

Some strains of Helicobacter pylori are known to produce an extracellular cytotoxin that causes vacuolation in cultured mammalian cells. Screening for such strains makes use of HeLa cells which may not be sensitive enough to detect minimal changes. The aim of this study was to develop a more sensitive cell line. Vacuole formation was examined in HeLa cells, as well as four other cell lines established in this laboratory by ammonium chloride induction. Among five cell lines tested, LYM-1 cells were most sensitive for the detection of intracellular vacuolation with this agent. Loss of cell viability of LYM-1 and HeLa cells induced by H. pylori culture supernates was also examined: LYM-1 were more sensitive than HeLa cells. Cell death was not always accompanied by vacuole formation. This suggests that the mechanism whereby cell death occurs must be different from that for vacuole formation. LYM-1 cells may be useful when measuring vacuole formation and cell death of the cultured cells induced by culture supernates of clinical isolates of H. pylori.

Ammonium Chloride↗
PubMed1997

The efficacy and safety of one-week triple therapy with lansoprazole, clarithromycin, and metronidazole for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Japanese patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of 1-week, low-dose triple therapy with lansoprazole, clarithromycin, and metronidazole (LCM) for the cure of H. pylori infection and to establish the adequate dosage of a new triple therapy for Japanese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred four H. pylori-positive Japanese patients were assigned alternatively to one of two groups: one to receive either 30 mg lansoprazole once in the morning, 200 mg clarithromycin twice daily, and 250 mg metronidazole twice daily for 1 week (LCM1; n = 52); the other to receive 30 mg lansoprazole once in the morning, 200 mg clarithromycin twice daily, and 500 mg metronidazole twice daily for 1 week (LCM2; n = 52). H. pylori infection was assessed by smear, culture, and histological assessment (Giemsa stain) performed before and 4 weeks after cessation of the therapy. RESULTS: The overall cure rates of H. pylori infection were 92.3% (48 of 52; 95% confidence interval (CI), 85% to 100%) in LCM1 and 92.3% (48 of 52; 95% CI, 85% to 100%) in LCM2. The cure rates in the patients without prior treatment were 95.7% (44 of 46; 95% CI, 89%-100%) in LCM1 and 95.7% (45 of 47; 95% CI, 89%-100%) in LCM2. Minor side effects were observed in 7.7% of LCM1 and 9.6% of LCM2, respectively. CONCLUSION: The LCM1 regimen consisting of 30 mg lansoprazole once daily, 200 mg clarithromycin twice daily, and 250 mg metronidazole twice daily (the regular doses in ordinary use in Japan) is a highly effective and safe regimen for Japanese patients. LCM1 as a new triple therapy is a promising regimen for the first-line treatment of H. pylori infection in Japanese patients.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗
PubMed1997

Induction of eosinophil chemotactic factor production from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by solubilized BALL-1, a B cell lymphoma line.

We have previously shown that irradiated BALL-1, a B lymphoma line, stimulates OKT4 T cells to produce a unique eosinophil chemotactic factor (ECF) which suppresses the respiratory burst of eosinophils. In the present experiments, we found that solubilized BALL-1 also stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to produce ECF activity in a dose-dependent manner. PBMC treated with solubilized BALL-1 produced ECF within 24 h. ECF production-inducing factor (ECF-IF) had affinity with lentil lectin beads, suggesting that ECF-IF has glucose or mannose as carbohydrate moieties. Furthermore, we found that ECF-IF activity was comprised of at least four ECF-IF with different isoelectric points (pI): ECF-IF1 had a pI of 4-5, ECF-IF2 a pI of about 6, ECF-IF3 a pI of about 7, and ECF-IF4 a pI of about 8. ECF-IF1 stimulated PBMC to produce mainly an ECF with a pI of about 7-8, whereas the rest of ECF-IF induced an ECF with a different pI. The present results suggest that the membrane glycoproteins of some tumors, at least, partly contribute to tissue eosinophilia in the stroma of the malignant tumor by inducing ECF production from PBMC.

Chemotactic Factors, Eosinophil↗
PubMed1997

Effects of food restriction on reproductive and toxicological parameters in rats--in search of suitable feeding regimen in long-term tests.

Eighty Sprague-Dawley rats, consisting of 40 animals of each sex, were examined for age-related lesions after a 13-week food restriction. From 6 weeks of age, four groups of 10 male and 10 female rats each were fed normal pelleted chow, ad libitum for the control group and approximately 85%, 70% and 55% of feed consumption in the control group, for 13 weeks. Estrous cycles in females were examined during the 3rd through 12th week of the study, and hematological, blood biochemical and pathological examinations of all animals were carried out after the 13-week feeding. Estrous cycles were prolonged or stopped in most females of the 55% feeding group from the 7th week of restricted feeding and atrophy of the theca granulosa cells with decreased cytoplasmic lipid droplets was found in the ovaries at necropsy. In the males of the 55% feeding group, Leydig cell atrophy was found in the testes. The groups at 70% and 85% feeding showed no abnormality in hematological, blood biochemical and pathological observations. On the other hand, decreases in plasma lipid peroxide levels were noted in the 70 and 85% feeding groups. These results suggest that 70% and 85% feedings seem suitable for minimizing development of age-related changes without nutritional disorders.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Direct and indirect thalamic afferents arising from the vestibular nuclear complex of rats: medial and spinal vestibular nuclei.

We examined the afferent pathways and terminations in the thalamus from the medial vestibular nucleus (MVe) and the spinal vestibular nucleus (SpVe) with anterograde transport of Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHAL) and retrograde transport of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP). Following PHAL injection into the MVe, many anterogradely labeled fibers and terminal-like boutons were recognized in the central lateral nucleus of the thalamus. Sparse projections were found in the zona incerta, the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus and the compact region of the laterodorsal thalamic nucleus. When PHAL was injected into the SpVe, labeled ascending fibers ran along the lateral lemniscus forming a loose bundle, and terminated in the medial part of the rostrocaudal extent of the medial geniculate body, and the posterior and ventral thalamic nuclei. Furthermore, a few fibers projected to the central lateral nucleus. In order to confirm the indirect thalamic afferents via the spinal trigeminal nucleus, we injected WGA-HRP into the submedius nucleus of the thalamus after PHAL injection into the SpVe. Many anterogradely labeled terminal-like boutons from SpVe were recognized apposing retrogradely labeled spinal trigeminal neurons. Thus, the present results indicate the existence of dual vestibulo-thalamic pathways; a direct projection to the thalamus, and an indirect projection to the submedius nucleus via the spinal trigeminal nucleus.

Afferent Pathways↗
PubMed1997

Innovation in nursing education: development of computer-assisted thinking.

In order to enhance students' active thinking, faculty members at International University of Health and Welfare developed the CAT (Computer Assisted Thinking) program. The CAT program is different from CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction), which mainly asks users to choose correct answers. Instead, the CAT program asks users to type in short sentences. There are two functions in the CAT program: one is to keep the students' action log each time they use the program and the other is to serve as medical dictionary. An analysis of the action log revealed that the students demonstrated little skill in inferential thinking. Their observations were very concrete. In order to help the students to develop their abstract thinking skills, we need to review our curriculum.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗
PubMed1997

[A case of Ellis-van Creveld syndrome with partial atrioventricular septal defect and double orifice mitral valve].

Ellis-van Creveld Syndrome (ECS) is characterized by chondrodysplasia, ectodermal dysplasia, polydactyly, and congenital cardiac defects. As congenital cardiac defects, single atrium and endocardial cusion defect are frequent in literatures. We described a case, a 68-year-old woman, presenting with ECS with partial atrioventricular septal defect and double orifice mitral valve. The partial atrioventricular septal defect was repaired by closure with a Dacron patch. The accessory orifice was located at the anterior cusp of the mitral valve, which was left, untouched, because no regurgitation had been detected preoperatively. Her postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on 25th postoperative day.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

[Chest wall reconstruction with pasteurized autogenous bone grafts after resection of desmoid tumor--a case report].

We reported a case of twenty-two years old woman who underwent seventh operation for recurrent desmoid tumor of posterior area of the lower zone of the left chest wall. For complete resection of the tumor, wide resection of the chest wall including 6th to 12th ribs was done. We used autobone grafts at the tumor site to reconstruct her bony thorax. The sixth, seventh, and ninth ribs were used as pasteurized autogenous bone grafts; they were heated in water at 60 degrees C for 30 minutes then cool, and replaced to the bony thoracic area. Her postoperative state was good and no complication was observed. Pasteurization process makes tumor tissue necrotic, and pasteurized bone has osteoinductive activity and have mechanical strength similar as that of fresh bone graft. So, we concluded that pasteurized autogenous bone grafting may be a useful method for chest wall reconstruction.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[A study on sexual dysfunction in female patients with alcoholics].

Few investigations have been made concerning hormonal changes and dyspareunia in fertile aged women with alcoholics experiencing sexual dysfunction. Twenty-seven Japanese woman with alcoholics under 40 years of age excluded with liver cirrhosis were studied to describe alcohol drinking related to sexual dysfunction. Among 21 sexually active women, 20(95.2%) had both symptoms of dyspareunia and vaginal dryness, and only one had neither symptom. Most of patients have lower estradiol levels and 92.0% of patients have the moderately elevated prolactin levels. Eleven of them were having the second grade amenorrhea associated with hyperprolactinemia and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and 14 were having the first grade amenorrhea. In this study alcoholic abuse women may have deeply related to the hyperprolactinemia, dyspareunia, amenorrhoea, vaginal dryness, ovarian dysfunction and fetal alcohol syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[A case of mediastinal angiomyolipoma].

A 53-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for further evaluation of a mediastinal tumor. The tumor was diagnosed as a mediastinal angiomyolipoma by computed tomography and angiographic findings. Transarterial embolization was performed three times, then the tumor was completely organized. Although angiomyolipomas are often found in the kidney, those in the mediastinum are very rare. Angiomyolipoma is a benign tumor, then small asymptomatic tumor may be conserved. When the tumor is large in size and has a high risk of spontaneous rupture, arterial embolization is valuable for treatment of the tumor.

Angiomyolipoma↗