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Biomedical subjects

M Uchida

Publications and source records attributed to M Uchida.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

[A prospective randomized trial of adjuvant chemotherapy with UFT for head and neck carcinoma. Head and Neck UFT Study Group].

A prospective randomized trial was performed in 67 institutions for the purpose to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy after radical treatment of head and neck carcinoma. A comparison was made between the following two groups; one-year oral administration of UFT, 300 mg/day, after radical treatment (UFT group); and a non-treatment group. Patients were classified under the following three categories; 1) stage II-IV, receiving radical surgery; 2) stage II, receiving radical radiotherapy; and 3) nasopharyngeal cancer. The numbers of cases were 424, 111 and 25, respectively, and they were randomized into two groups. The numbers of eligible cases were 398, 105 and 25, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed in the cases receiving radical surgery and in those receiving radical radiotherapy. As the results, in cases receiving radical surgery no significant difference was observed in 3-year survival rates (77.9% for UFT group vs 72.9% for non-treatment group) or 3-year relapse-free rates (73.4% for UFT group vs 66.2% for non-treatment group) between the two groups. However, the distant relapse rate was significantly lower in the UFT group than in the non-treatment group (7.9% vs 14.6%; p = 0.034). In the cases receiving radical radiotherapy, no significant differences was observed in either 3-year survival rates or 3-year relapse-free rates. Thus it was suggested that UFT maintenance therapy might suppress the distant metastasis after radical surgery. We considered a further confirmative trial for patients at high risk of distant metastasis after radical surgery to be advisable.

Administration, Oral↗

[Endoscopic adrenalectomy by retroperitoneal approach for primary aldosteronism].

Endoscopic adrenalectomy by a retroperitoneal approach through the skin incision less than 5 cm has been performed in 6 patients (3 males and 3 females; 4 right and 2 left side) with primary aldosteronism from December 1992 to June 1993. The treatment was successful in all the cases. As for complications, pneumothorax occurred in one case. The required operation time was from 120 to 330 min (mean: 196 min) and the blood loss was from 20 to 279 ml (mean: 94 ml), which were similar to those in open adrenalectomy. The retroperitoneal approach was thought to be more advantageous than widely adopted laparoscopic adrenalectomy in the following points: (1) No complications such as pulmonary embolism or pneumomediastinum. (2) No injuries to the intraabdominal organs. (3) Two operators using one video system is sufficient.

Adenoma↗

Isolation of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-encoding cDNA from Xenopus laevis: phylogenetic conservation of the functional domains.

The complete nucleotide (nt) sequence of the Xenopus laevis poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-encoding cDNA was determined. The putative X. laevis PARP protein consists of 1008 amino acids (aa) with a molecular weight of 113 kDa. X. laevis PARP shares 74, 83, 73, 78 and 42% aa sequence homology with the human, bovine, mouse, chicken and Drosophila melanogaster PARPs, respectively. Comparison of the PARP aa sequences among these species showed conservation of two zinc-finger motifs in the DNA-binding domain, and an NAD-binding motif and a Rossmann fold in the catalytic domain. The first Leu of the putative leucine zipper of D. melanogaster PARP is substituted to Lys in X. laevis PARP. All the Glu residues in the leucine zipper are conserved in these six species.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification of glutamic acid 204 and aspartic acid 200 in chitinase A1 of Bacillus circulans WL-12 as essential residues for chitinase activity.

Prokaryotic chitinases, class III plant chitinases, yeast chitinases, and endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidases share weak amino acid sequence similarities at the certain region of each enzyme. These regions have been assumed to be important for catalytic activities of the enzymes. To verify this assumption, three amino acid residues (Ser-160, Asp-200, Glu-204) in chitinase A1 of Bacillus circulans WL-12 were chosen, based on the amino acid sequence alignment of the regions sharing sequence similarity, and were replaced by site-directed mutagenesis. Kinetic parameters for 4-methylumbelliferyl-N,N',N"-triacetylchitotriose hydrolysis were determined with wild-type and seven mutant chitinases. Chitinases with Glu-204-->Gln mutation and Glu-204-->Asp mutation were essentially inactive and kcat values of these chitinases were approximately 1/5,000 and 1/17,000 of that of wild-type chitinase, respectively. Asp-200-->Asn mutation decreased the kcat value to approximately 1/350 of that of the wild-type enzyme, while the Km value decreased only slightly. On the other hand, neither the kcat value nor the Km value was affected by Asp-200-->Glu mutation. Thus, it appeared that Glu-204 and Asp-200 are directly involved in the catalytic events of chitinase A1. The role of the carboxyl group of Asp-200 can be fully substituted by that of Glu residue. The Ser-160-->Ala mutant retained 10% activity of the wild-type chitinase indicating that the hydroxyl group of Ser-160 is not absolutely required for the catalytic activity. These results indicate a lysozyme-type catalytic mechanism of the chitinase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation of cDNAs encoding the catalytic domain of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase from Xenopus laevis and cherry salmon using heterologous oligonucleotide consensus sequences.

We have isolated and sequenced cDNAs encoding the catalytic domain of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) from Xenopus laevis and Oncorhyncus masou (cherry salmon). The cDNAs were amplified by polymerase chain reaction using heterologous oligonucleotides corresponding to the conserved sequences of mammalian cDNAs as primers. The deduced amino acid sequences of Xenopus laevis and cherry salmon cDNA showed 84.4% and 75.6% similarities to that of human PARP, respectively. In both species, mRNA for PARP was identified as a single band of 4 kb, and PARP mRNA was abundant in ovary and brain. Thus, mixed oligonucleotide-primed amplification is a useful method in the cloning of cDNAs from different species, and the catalytic domain of PARP is conserved structurally among phylogenetically different species, suggesting an importance of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning of cDNA encoding Drosophila poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase: leucine zipper in the auto-modification domain.

We have isolated cDNA clones for a Drosophila poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP; EC 2.4.2.30) by screening a lambda gt11 cDNA library with a Drosophila partial cDNA fragment. The Drosophila PARP probe was obtained by the polymerase chain reaction with heterologous primers deduced from conserved amino acids in the mammalian, chicken, amphibian, and fish sequences. The Drosophila PARP mRNA is 3.2 kb in length and is expressed in the early stages of development. The PARP protein of 994 amino acids contains two zinc-finger motifs and an NAD-binding motif, which are conserved among different species. Interestingly, the heptad leucine repeat in an alpha-helix was found in Drosophila PARP. Alignments of the auto-modification domains of various species showed the repeated hydrophobic amino acids on the same face of the helix that make the coiled-coil configuration in the mammalian and chicken sequences. The presence of a leucine-zipper motif in the auto-modification domain suggests that this motif might be responsible for protein-protein interaction between PARP and physiological acceptors. PARP may have novel functions, possibly involving its homo- and/or heterodimerization with other nuclear leucine-zipper proteins and its regulation by ADP-ribosylation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Reappraisal of the clinical usefulness of transabdominal ultrasonography for advanced colon cancer--a study of tumor detection].

We evaluated the detectability of colon cancer by using transabdominal ultrasonography (US). Fifty-three cases of proven advanced colon cancer were examined in this study. Screening by US was carried out in 27 of 53 cases and US was performed in all cases after the definite diagnosis. Lesions of the colon were examined by using a 3.5 MHz convex and 5 MHz or 7.5 MHz linear probe (Yokogawa RT-2800, RT-4600). Localized hypertrophy of the irregular wall of more than 10 mm or massive tumor without the normal layered structure was defined as colon cancer on US. The rate of detection by screening test was 52%. The detection rate by US after definite diagnosis was 75%. A high detection rate was obtained in cases with a tumor diameter of more than 4 cm. Eight of 13 cases which were not detected by the screening test were visualized by US after definite diagnosis. US examination is useful for the detection of certain extended lesions of colon cancer. With technical improvements of the examination method, it is considered that cancer in the gastrointestinal tract may be discovered early on screening tests using US.

Adult↗

[Evaluation of the invasion of esophageal cancer to the aorta by cine-MR imaging].

We examined the usefulness of cine-MR imaging for evaluation of the invasion of esophageal cancer to the aorta in 12 cases. We used the technique of field echo pulse sequence. When the low intensity stripe was recognized between the tumor and the wall of aorta, we interpreted it as negative finding of the direct tumor invasion. By using this criteria, 11 of the 12 cases (92%) of the esophageal cancer for aortic wall invasion were correctly diagnosed as compared with 75% correct diagnosis by conventional MR imaging.

Aorta↗

Lack of intratumoral heterogeneity in DNA ploidy pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: From biological and clinical perspectives, it is important to clarify tumor heterogeneity. This study was aimed to investigate whether or not intratumoral heterogeneity of DNA ploidy pattern exists in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Using fresh materials resected from 31 untreated patients, DNA ploidy was analyzed at different sites of the same HCC by means of flow cytometry. The tumor size ranged from 1.7 to 25.0 cm. RESULTS: There was no case in which euploid and aneuploid HCCs coexisted in the same tumor. The DNA ploidy pattern was euploid in 15 and aneuploid in 16 instances. Of 15 euploid tumors, the areas analyzed were all diploid in 12 and tetraploid in 2 but diploid/tetraploid in 1. Among 16 aneuploid tumors, the DNA indices (DI) at different sites were similar in 9, but apparently, different aneuploid subclones coexisted in 7 cases. The incidence of DI heterogeneity in aneuploid HCCs was similar between small (< 5 cm) and large (> or = 5 cm) tumors; 3 of 7 (42.9%) versus 4 of 9 (44.4%). CONCLUSIONS: It is assumed that euploid and aneuploid HCCs develop in their own ploidy pattern and that the evolution of aneuploid subpopulations from euploid HCC is rare, but new aneuploid subclones can evolve from aneuploid HCC due to increased instability of its karyotype.

Adult↗

Incidence and factors associated with intrahepatic recurrence following resection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The long-term survival rate after liver resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is far from satisfactory, mainly because of high intrahepatic recurrence (IHR) rates. This study was aimed to clarify clinicopathologic factors relevant to IHR after resection of HCC. METHODS: The 10-year cumulative intrahepatic recurrence rates were analyzed in terms of seven clinical and eight pathological factors in 201 patients with curative hepatic resection. RESULTS: IHR was found in 121 patients during the follow-up period. The overall IHR rates were 22% at 1 year, 43% at 2 years, 62% at 3 years, 72% at 4 years, 75% at 5 years, and 75% at 10 years. Age, sex, and serum alpha-fetoprotein level, hepatitis B virus markers, and extent of liver resection were not significantly related to the IHR rate. Postoperative chemotherapy mainly with anthracycline tended to suppress IHR (P = 0.0889), but preoperative chemoembolization did not affect IHR. The presence of cirrhosis, satellite nodules, and venous invasion and the absence of capsule formation were associated with higher recurrence rates throughout the observation. Positive surgical margin (< or = 5 mm) was also associated with a higher IHR rate. Although not significant, well-differentiated HCCs showed a higher recurrence rate in comparison with poorly differentiated tumors. Size and number of tumor did not influence the IHR rate. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate patient selection and adequate hepatic reserve are important considerations in the management of HCC by resection.

Aged↗

Thermostable farnesyl diphosphate synthase of Bacillus stearothermophilus: molecular cloning, sequence determination, overproduction, and purification.

The structural gene for thermostable farnesyl diphosphate synthase from Bacillus stearothermophilus was cloned, sequenced, and overexpressed in Escherichia coli cells. A 1,260-nucleotide sequence of the cloned fragment was determined. This sequence specifies an open reading frame of 891 nucleotides for farnesyl diphosphate synthase. The deduced amino acid sequence shows a 42% similarity with that of E. coli FPP synthase [Fujisaki et al. (1990) J. Biochem. 108, 995-1000]. Comparison with prenyltransferases from a wide range of organisms, from bacteria to human, revealed the presence of seven highly conserved regions. In contrast to thermolabile prenyltransferases, which have four to six cysteine residues, the thermostable farnesyl diphosphate synthase carries only two cysteine residues. This enzyme is also unique in that some of the amino acids that are fully conserved in equivalents from other sources are replaced by functionally different amino acids. Construction of an overproducing strain provided a sufficient supply of this enzyme and it was purified to homogeneity. The purified recombinant enzyme is immunochemically identical with the native B. stearothermophilus enzyme, and it is not inactivated even after treatment at 65 degrees C for 70 min.

Alkyl and Aryl Transferases↗

Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. Results of 229 consecutive patients during 11 years.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the results in 229 patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who were treated by radical hepatic resection in the past 11 years. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Due to marked advances in diagnostic and therapeutic methods, the therapeutic strategy for HCC has changed significantly. However, there are still many problems to be solved when hepatic resection is to be performed for HCC associated with chronic liver disease. A satisfactory result may be possible only when all of accurate operative indication, skillful surgical technique, and sophisticated postoperative management are met. METHODS: There were 188 men and 41 women. Age ranged from 32 to 79 years averaging 60.8. Underlying cirrhosis of the liver was found in 177 patients, and chronic hepatitis was found in 47 instances. Before surgery, 114 patients had 157 associated conditions; diabetes mellitus in 66, esophageal varices in 42, cholelithiasis in 22, peptic ulcer in 12, and miscellaneous in 15 cases. In addition to various types of hepatic resection, 69 patients underwent concomitant operations such as cholecystectomy, the Warren shunt, splenectomy, partial gastrectomy, and so forth. RESULTS: The 30-day (operative) mortality rate was 7.0%, and there were eight additional late deaths (3.5%). Child's class, bromosulphalein (BSP) test, and the estimated blood loss during surgery were good predictors for operative death. The cumulative 5- and 10-year survival rates for all patients were 26.4% and 19.4%, respectively. At present, 110 patients are alive; 2 more than 10 years and 21 more than 5 years. Younger age, absence of cirrhosis, smaller tumor, and postoperative chemotherapy were associated with increased survival. CONCLUSIONS: The results of hepatic resection in 229 patients with HCC were analyzed. Child's class, BSP test, and blood loss during surgery were good predictors for operative death. The 5- and 10-year survival rates were 26.4% and 19.4%, respectively. Age, liver cirrhosis, tumor size, and postoperative chemotherapy were prognostic factors. Multidisciplinary approach with liver resection, postoperative chemotherapy, and liver transplantation will be a realistic direction for the surgical treatment of HCC in future.

Blood Loss, Surgical↗

Clam nail deformity of the little finger.

A case of a 2-month-old infant who had an extremely rare congenital nail deformity of the right little finger was reported. The nail looked like a clam, wrapping three-quarters of the distal phalanx. A neurovascular pedicle island flap was transposed to reconstruct the pulp and lateral nail fold with good results. Early surgery is justifiable to avoid growth disturbance of the fingertip.

Fingers↗

[Quantitative analysis of deacylgymnemic acid by high-performance liquid chromatography].

A method of the quantitative analysis was established for the determination of deacylgymnemic acid (DAGA) in the alkaline hydrolysate of the sample containing gymnemic acids which are ingredients of Gymnema sylvestre R. BR. leaves, by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. This method was used for comparing the contents of gymnemic acids in various samples. The amount of gymnemic acids analyzed as DAGA in 70% ethanol extract of dry leaves was about twice that in hot water extract. The commercial health-supplemental foods of five companies were investigated for the contents of gymnemic acids as DAGA and there were large differences from 38 to 251 mg in the dosage per day recommended by each company.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Use of biplane transesophageal echocardiographic guide in radiofrequency catheter ablation of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome with left side Kent bundle.

We report 2 patients with Wolff-parkinson-White Syndrome, who underwent radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation under observation by biplane transesophageal echocardiography. One of the patients had Kent bundle in the lateral wall of the left ventricle, and the tip of the catheter could be easily confirmed with transverse views. Since perforation was observed where the valve was attached to the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve during the 39th administration of RF energy, ablation was discontinued. The other patient had Kent bundle in the posterior septum of the left ventricle. The tip of the catheter could be easily confirmed with sagittal views. Ablation was successful after the 4th administration of RF energy, but particulate contrast echoes appeared from the site of the tip of the electrode which had been used for ablation during the 4th RF delivery. When the delivery of RF energy was discontinued, the contrast echo disappeared, and a thrombus was found at the tip of the removed catheter. TEE in RF catheter ablation was helpful for confirming the site of the tip of the catheter and for early detection of complications.

Adult↗

Involvement of CGRP, substance P and blood circulation in aggravating mechanism of absolute ethanol-induced antral lesions by capsaicin treatment in rats.

The effects of capsaicin-sensitive nerve degeneration (capsaicin-treatment) on the corpus and the antrum was investigated in the absolute ethanol-induced lesion model in rats. The gastric lesion in the antrum were significantly aggravated by the capsaicin-treatment, while those in the corpus were not affected. To clarify the different susceptibility between the antrum and the corpus, the effects on gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF), mucus secretion and levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or substance P (Sub P), were investigated by the hydrogen gas clearance method, histochemical methods and immunohistochemical methods, respectively. The GMBF in the antrum was significantly decreased by the capsaicin-treatment, but that in the corpus was not. Moreover, capsaicin-treatment increased the mucus secretion in the antrum, but not in the corpus. Capsaicin-treatment significantly decreased CGRP- and Sub P-immunoreactive substances in the vascular smooth muscle in the antrum, but not in the corpus. On the 4th day after absolute ethanol, antral ulcers were observed. From the above results, it was suggested that capsaicin-treatment decreased the gastroprotective ability in the antrum to a greater extent than in the corpus and this may be caused by the decrease of GMBF through the decrease of CGRP- and Sub P-immunoreactive substances.

Animals↗