Biomedical subjects

M Ueki

Publications and source records attributed to M Ueki.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Structure determination of [Arg8]vasopressin methylenedithioether in dimethylsulfoxide using NMR.

The structure of [Arg8]vasopressin methylenedithioether ([AVP]CH2) has been determined in dimethylsulfoxide-d6. Two-dimensional DQF-COSY and NOESY spectra were measured and used to derive angle and distance constraints for restrained molecular dynamics (MD) calculations. In the MD trajectory, two types of beta-turn structure were found in the region from Tyr2 to Asn5, suggesting an equilibrium between type-I and type-II' beta-turn structures. When Halpha chemical shifts were used as an additional constraint, the type-I turn was favoured. To validate this result, an independent energy minimization procedure was used, using differences between calculated and observed chemical shifts. The two approaches gave essentially identical results. It is therefore concluded that the type-I turn predominates in solution. Analysis of calculated chemical shift contributions suggests that the beta-turn structure found in AVP is well preserved in [AVP]CH2, although the pressin ring size is expanded.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Coagulofibrinolytic assessment of effects of bezafibrate on hypertriglyceridemia in postmenopausal women.

The present study investigates the effect of bezafibrate on lipid levels and coagulofibrinolytic factors. Subjects enrolled in the study included 124 postmenopausal women with hypertriglyceridemia. We examined the levels of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), and blood coagulation factors VII and X as parameters of coagulofibrinolysis. After 12 weeks of bezafibrate therapy, mean serum triglyceride (TG) and remnant-like particle lipoprotein cholesterol (RLP-C) levels significantly decreased from baseline. Activated factor X levels decreased significantly by 11.3% (P < 0.01) and the ratio of tPA/PAI-1 (0.146+/-0.07) increased significantly by 37.7% from baseline (P < 0.05). The rates of change in activated factor VII and PAI-1 showed a significant positive correlate with the rates of change in TG and RLP-C (P = 0.001). These present findings suggest that bezafibrate improves triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism and coagulofibrinolytic activity by increasing fibrinolysis in postmenopausal women with hypertriglyceridemia.

Bezafibrate↗

PubMed2000

Tumor angiogenesis and thymidine phosphorylase expression in ovarian carcinomas including serous surface papillary adenocarcinoma of the peritoneum.

To clarify biological and clinical significance of tumor angiogenesis in the development of ovarian carcinoma, we investigated the relationship between tumor vascularity, the expression of thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase), which is an angiogenic factor identical to platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF), and patient outcome in ovarian carcinoma, including serous surface papillary carcinoma (SSPC). Primary tumor specimens (stages I-IV) from 54 patients were examined. Intratumoral microvessel density (IMVD) and dThdPase expression were evaluated immunohistochemically using anti-CD34 and anti-dThdPase antibodies, and results were correlated with clinicopathologic parameters and prognosis. IMVD for the 54 tumors ranged from 22.5 to 120.7 (number/0.73686 mm2/field). Twenty-three tumors were positive, and 31 tumors were negative for dThdPase expression. IMVD positively correlated with the expression of dThdPase (p < 0.01), tumor size, and peritoneal metastases (p < 0.05). However, there was no statistical correlation between IMVD, dThdPase expression, and clinical outcome. Of the 54 patients examined, 30 were diagnosed with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III or IV primary ovarian carcinoma, and 9 were diagnosed with SSPC. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to clinicopathologic features, IMVD, dThdPase expression, or patient outcome. In conclusion, angiogenic activity may be necessary for the growth of metastatic implants in ovarian carcinoma and SSPC.

Cystadenocarcinoma, Papillary↗

PubMed2000

Toxic shock syndrome after suction lipectomy.

We present a case of toxic shock syndrome with necrotizing fasciitis after suction lipectomy. The patient underwent aesthetic suction lipectomy of the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs during an office procedure by a cosmetic surgeon. On postoperative day 2, the patient was referred to the emergency department of our hospital because of pain. On admission, the patient was in toxic shock. She required intensive medical treatment for about 1 month, along with psychiatric help to adapt after the illness. Although toxic shock syndrome is a rare postoperative complication, every plastic surgeon should be acquainted with it. A combination of early recognition, diagnosis, and aggressive supportive therapy is the only successful treatment.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Regulation of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase and pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase activities by growth factors and subsequent effects on 5-fluorouracil sensitivity in tumor cells.

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) and pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase) are the first and rate-limiting enzymes that regulate 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) metabolism, and tumoral DPD activity appears to be a promising predictor of 5-FU sensitivity. However, the regulatory mechanisms determining these enzyme activities have not been fully understood. We investigated the biological effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha on cell growth and tumoral DPD and PyNPase activities, and the subsequent effects on 5-FU sensitivity in uterine cervical carcinoma SKG-IIIb cells. The treatment of tumor cells with EGF or TGF-alpha resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in tumor cell growth and PyNPase activity, whereas tumoral DPD activity was inhibited. Their stimulatory effects on tumor cell growth correlated well with PyNPase activity, but were inversely related to DPD activity (P < 0.01). 5-FU sensitivity of tumor cells increased in the presence of EGF or TGF-alpha. These growth factors were shown to stimulate the first, rate-limiting enzyme activity in 5-FU anabolism and to inhibit that in 5-FU catabolism, leading to enhancement of the antiproliferative action of 5-FU at achievable therapeutic levels. The tumor environmental factors, EGF and TGF-alpha, may act as intrinsic regulators of DPD and PyNPase activities that affect the 5-FU sensitivity of individual tumors.

Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic↗

PubMed2000

Prolapsing gyrus rectus as a cause of progressive optic neuropathy.

The pathogenesis of optic neuropathy caused by neurovascular compression or by similar mechanisms is unclear. Thin-slice magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed in 69 patients with optic neuropathy without demonstrable ophthalmological lesions (57.0 +/- 17.1 years of age) and 102 normal subjects (57.7 +/- 13.9 years of age). The MR imaging features were classified into "no compression" by the internal carotid artery (ICA), "compression" by the ICA, "no contact" with the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) or the gyrus rectus, "contact" with either or both, "compression" by the ACA, and "compression" by the gyrus rectus. The Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated between patients or controls, the MR classification, and the age, and the number of patients in each MR classification were evaluated by the chi 2 test. Five of the 69 patients with rapidly progressive symptoms were operated on via the frontotemporal approach. The MR imaging feature of "compression" by the gyrus rectus was the best predictor of optic neuropathy (Spearman correlation coefficients rho = -0.23646, p < 0.0018). This MR imaging feature was observed in 38 of 69 patients and in 32 of 102 controls (p = 0.002). Compression of the nerve by the gyrus rectus or the ACA was confirmed in all five operated cases. Decompression of the nerve was fully achieved in four of the five patients, and their symptoms have not progressed since then. Optic neuropathies due to compression by the prolapsing gyrus rectus are not well understood. Such neuropathies may be detected by MR imaging.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

[Supplement of ulinastatin on renal function after cardiopulmonary bypass].

The effects of Miraclid (ulinastatin) on renal tubular function after open thorax surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass were investigated. On the 3rd day after open thorax surgery, which had lasted more than 127 min under cardiopulmonary bypass, the levels of urinary ulinastatin in the Miraclid group and control (without Miraclid) were 170 IU.mg Cr-1 and 95 IU.mg Cr-1, respectively. In the Miraclid group, 300,000 units.day-1 of Miraclid was administrated for three postoperative days. N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase in urine as a marker of tubular function rose significantly on the seventh postoperative day in the control group but not in patients with Miraclid group. These data suggested that Miraclid 300,000 units.day-1 was needed to protect renal tubular function and more than that dose was needed to prevent the deterioration of renal function after open thorax surgery after cardiopulmonary bypass lasting more than 127 min.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

PubMed2000

Clinical efficacy of clenbuterol and propiverine in menopausal women with urinary incontinence: improvement in quality of life.

The present study evaluated the effects of clenbuterol and propiverine therapy on postmenopausal urinary incontinence. The patients consisted of 89 postmeopausal women with stress or urge incontinence who had consulted our out-patient clinic between March 1994 and February 1999. Patients were treated with either clenbuterol for stress incontinence or propiverine for urge incontinence. The administration period for both drugs was eight weeks. The cure rates for clenbuterol and propiverine were 41.2% and 52.6%, respectively. Both treatments significantly decreased the frequencies of incontinence, 24-h. voiding and nocturnal voiding, and both resulted in an overall clinical improvement. Furthermore, the two treatments resulted in significant subjective improvements in quality of life. We conclude that both medical treatments resulted in an improvement in urinary incontinence and contributed to overall quality of life. The present study demonstrated the necessity of contributed urinary incontinence with improvement in quality of life of postmenopausal women.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Prevalence, incidence, and awareness in the treatment of menopausal urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of urinary incontinence and to evaluate the awareness of treatment in postmenopausal women. METHODS: The study group was comprised of 3026 postmenopausal women consulting the outpatient clinic. One component of the urological questions was formulated to determine the voiding habits and presence or absence of urinary incontinence. The incontinent responders were questioned further regarding the nature of the urine loss to determine the severity of incontinence. RESULTS: It was reported by 26.3% (795/3026) of the respondents that they currently had urinary incontinence. They were classified by types as follows: stress 64.9%, urge 18.6%, and mixed incontinence 7.3%. The incidence of women who desired medical treatment for incontinence was only 2.9% (87/3026), while the incidence of women who actually received medical treatment for urinary incontinence was 1.9% (56/3026). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that urinary incontinence was prevalent to a significant extent among postmenopausal women, but that few affected individuals in this group consulted the medical center desiring clinical treatment. The present study demonstrated that it is necessary to improve the awareness of postmenopausal women concerning the benefits of seeking treatment for urinary incontinence, in order to improve their quality of life.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Synchrotron radiation study of yttria-stabilized zirconia, Zr0.758Y0.242O1.879.

The fluorite-related cubic structure of yttria-stabilized zirconia, Zr(0.75)(8)Y(0.24)(2)O(1.87)(9), has been studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation and by EXAFS. Two diffraction data sets obtained at X-ray energies of 512 and 10 eV below the Y K edge revealed that in the average structure Zr atoms are displaced from the origin of the space group Fm3;m along <111> by 0.19 Å, while Y atoms reside at the origin. Approximately 48% of the O atoms occupy the ideal position in the fluorite-type structure, while 43% of O atoms are displaced from the ideal position along <001> by 0.31 Å. The remaining 9% of O atoms are presumably sited at interstitial positions. Local structures around Zr and Y are investigated by combining the results of single-crystal X-ray diffraction and EXAFS studies.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1999

Solid phase synthesis and biological activities of [Arg8]-vasopressin methylenedithioether.

Solid phase synthesis of [Arg8]-vasopressin methylenedithioether, an analog of vasopressin which contains an extra methylene group between the two sulfur atoms of Cys1 and Cys6, is described. Methylene insertion occurred easily when the thiol free peptide on a solid support was treated with tetrabutylammonium fluoride in dichloromethane at room temperature for 3 h. The uterotonic in vitro, pressor, and antidiuretic activities of the compound were reduced in comparison to [Arg8]-vasopressin by one order of magnitude.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Analysis of exogenous dehydroepiandrosterone excretion in urine by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

A detailed procedure for the analysis of exogenous dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in urine by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) has been established for detecting doping with DHEA. The average delta-value (parts per thousand difference of (13)C/(12)C ratio from the isotope ratio standard) of 26 synthetic steroids commercially available was -30.1 +/- 2.6, and was significantly lower than that of human endogenous DHEA in urine of the world class athletes who had participated in the XVIIth Olympic Winter Games (-20.3 +/- 2.1, n = 446). Although large inter-individual variations of urinary DHEA excretion were observed following a single oral administration of 50 mg of DHEA, no significant inter-individual difference was found when the excretion of exogenous DHEA was monitored in terms of delta-values using GC/C/IRMS; the minimum delta-values were observed around 6-8 h after the administration, and the values returned to the base level at over 72 h after the dosing. Thus, the deviations in delta-values of DHEA and its diol metabolites are considered to be conclusive evidence for detecting doping with DHEA. Some successful cases of detection of doping with DHEA from athletes are also reported.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1999

Correlation between tumor angiogenesis and expression of thymidine phosphorylase, and patient outcome in uterine cervical carcinoma.

The relationship between tumor angiogenesis and the expression of thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase) in uterine cervical carcinoma tissues, as well as patient outcome, were investigated. Primary tumor specimens surgically obtained from 54 patients (stages Ib to IIIb) receiving neither chemotherapy nor radiation therapy before surgery were examined. Intratumoral microvessel density (IMVD) and dThdPase expression were evaluated immunohistochemically using anti-CD34 and anti-dThdPase antibodies and were correlated with clinicopathologic parameters and prognosis. IMVD for the 54 tumors ranged from 24.8 to 118.6, with a median value of 57.7 (number/0.7386 mm2/field). For immunoreactivity of dThdPase, 16 tumors were graded as -, 20 as 1+, and 18 as 2+. IMVD was significantly associated with the expression of dThdPase (P<.01). Both IMVD and dThdPase expression were well correlated with depth of myometrial invasion, endometrial invasion, and pelvic lymphnode metastasis (P<.05). Overall survival rates for 18 patients with strong dThdPase-staining tumors, assessed as 2+, were lower than those for 36 with weak dThdPase staining tumors (P = .0108). However, there was no statistical correlation between IMVD and patient outcome. The expression of dThdPase plays a role in the promotion of angiogenesis and affects the patient's survival in uterine cervical carcinomas.

Antigens, CD34↗

PubMed1999

Evidence for attenuation of gonadotropin pulse frequency in hypergonadotropic women with estradiol secretion in the menopausal transition.

To investigate neuroendocrine interventions for climacteric symptoms in peri- and post-menopausal periods, the association between endocrine status and symptoms was examined in 519 peri- and post-menopausal women with climacteric symptoms. Furthermore, we evaluated the nature of putative disturbances in pulsatile gonadotropin (FSH and LH) secretion in 14 hypergonadotropic women with estradiol secretion and 16 hypergonadotropic women with hypoestrinism. We observed that 68.6% (356/519) of women with climacteric symptoms and 49.2% (121/246) of women in good health showed hypergonadotropinemia, and that 39.3% (140/356) of hypergonadotropic women with climacteric symptoms and 23.1% (28/121) of healthy women (controls) showed estradiol secretion (p < .002). In particular, the endocrinological profile of hypergonadotropinemia with estradiol secretion was observed in 67.1% (60/92) of pre-menopausal women with climacteric symptoms, approximately 2 x higher than that in healthy women (p < .005). Mental symptoms were observed at a significantly higher incidence in women with the endocrinological profile of hypergonadotropinemia with estradiol secretion compared with that in women with hypergonadotropic hypoestrinism showing a symptomatic profile, namely 25.0 versus 6.9% for mood lability (p < .001), and 21.4 versus 9.3% for anxiety symptoms (p < .001). Moreover, in vivo FSH and LH pulse frequencies were observed in only 14.3 and 18.6% of women with hypergonadotropinemia with estradiol secretion whereas such pulses were observed in all women with hypergonadotropic hypoestrinism. We also observed FSH and LH pulse frequencies in hypergonadotropinemia with estradiol secretion 0.14 +/- 0.35 and 0.29 +/- 0.45/3 h, respectively compared with those in hypergonadotropinemia without estradiol secretion 2.25 +/- 0.91 and 2.81 +/- 0.73/3 h, respectively (p < .001). Such findings are considered to be consistent with diminished hypothalamic GnRH impulse strength. In summary, we infer that decreased pulse frequencies in FSH and LH secretion are due to decreased hypothalamic GnRH impulse strength in women with the endocrinological profile of hypergonadotropinemia with estradiol secretion. As the potential mechanisms of this finding, it should be considered that specific endocrine environments damage the pulse generator mechanism in the diencephalon, and that changes occur in the pituitary responsiveness to GnRH (changes in receptor function).

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Relationship between stimulating current and accelographic train-of-four response at the great toe.

We investigated the accelographic train-of-four response evaluated at the great toe at varying stimulating currents. Fifteen adult patients undergoing elective general anaesthesia were studied. The mean current at which a supramaximal T1 value could be elicited was > 49 (9) mA [mean (SD)]. Ratios of accelographic T1 values at 50, 40, 30, 20 and 10 mA to accelographic T1 value at 60 mA were 0.90 (0. 18), 0.58 (0.37), 0.38 (0.37), 0.19 (0.26) and 0.00 (0.00), respectively [mean (SD), p < 0.05 for 50 mA vs. 30, 20 and 10 mA, p < 0.05 for 40 mA vs. 20 and 10 mA, and p < 0.05 for 30 vs. 10 mA]. Threshold currents for train-of-four (the lowest currents at which any train-of-four response could be elicited) before and after induction of anaesthesia were 30 (10) and 31 (10) mA, respectively. The train-of-four ratio (T4/T1) measured at varying currents did not differ significantly. However, in the patients in whom threshold currents for train-of-four were 40, 30 and 20 mA, the train-of-four ratio recorded at the threshold current was significantly less than at 50 mA. We conclude that at the great toe, the mean current at which a supramaximal response to train-of-four can be yielded is as high as > 49 mA. The mean threshold currents for TOF before and after induction of anaesthesia were 30 and 31 mA, respectively. Train-of-four ratio measured at the threshold current is less than that at 50 mA.

Anesthesia, General↗

PubMed1999

Electromyographic assessment of neuromuscular block at the gastrocnemius muscle.

We have assessed neuromuscular block electromyographically at the gastrocnemius muscle and compared it with that at the abductor digiti minimi muscle in 60 adult patients undergoing cervical spine surgery under general anaesthesia. All patients were in the prone position. After vecuronium 0.2 mg kg-1, times to onset of neuromuscular block at the gastrocnemius and abductor digiti minimi muscles were mean 147 (SD 24) and 145 (14) s, respectively (ns). Times to return of the first response of the post-tetanic count (PTC1) at the gastrocnemius and abductor digiti minimi muscles were 27.7 (5.6) and 37.0 (5.9) min, respectively (P = 0.0001). Times to return of the first response of the train-of-four (TOF) at the gastrocnemius and abductor digiti minimi muscles were 41.0 (9.1) and 49.9 (8.7) min, respectively (P = 0.01). Recovery of PTC, T1/T0 and TOF ratio at the gastrocnemius muscle were significantly faster than at the abductor digiti minimi muscle.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Tactile evaluation of fade of the train-of-four and double-burst stimulation using the anaesthetist's non-dominant hand.

We have studied detection of fade in response to train-of-four (TOF), double-burst stimulation3,3 (DBS3,3) or DBS3,2, assessed tactilely by the anaesthetist using the index finger of the non-dominant hand and the thumb of the patient, compared with that assessed when the index finger of the dominant hand was used. The probability of detection of any fade in response to TOF or DBS3,3 using the non-dominant hand was significantly less than when the dominant hand was used (P < 0.05). The probability of identification of fade in response to DBS3,2 assessed using the non-dominant hand was comparable with that evaluated using the dominant hand when TOF ratios were 0-0.9, but when TOF ratios reached 0.91-1.00, detection using the non-dominant hand was significantly less common than with the dominant hand (12% vs 33%; P < 0.05). Using the non-dominant hand, the probability of detection of fade in response to ulnar nerve stimulation was less than that with the dominant hand and only the absence of DBS3,2 fade ensured sufficient recovery of neuromuscular block.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Fas ligand, Fas antigen and Bcl-2 expression in human endometrium during the menstrual cycle.

In this study, we investigate Fas ligand expression in the human endometrium during the menstrual cycle in relation to Fas antigen and Bcl-2 expression, using immunoelectron microscopy and Western blotting. Endometrial samples were obtained from 54 pre-menopausal non-pregnant women who underwent laparotomies for benign diseases. The Fas ligand, as well as the Fas antigen, were expressed on the surface of endometrial glandular cells throughout the menstrual cycle, whereas Bcl-2 showed a cyclic expression pattern, peaking during the late proliferative phase. A noteworthy finding was that both the Fas ligand and the Fas antigen were localized on Golgi apparatuses and vesicles, in addition to the cell membranes, during the late proliferative phase. These results indicate that the Fas ligand and Fas antigen which are localized on Golgi apparatus and vesicles during the late proliferative phase are incorporated into the cell membranes during the secretory phase, and are co-expressed on the cell membranes of endometrial glands throughout the menstrual cycle. The factors regulating Fas-mediated apoptosis in the human endometrium, including the level of expression of the Fas ligand and Bcl-2 are discussed.

Adult↗