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Biomedical subjects

M Usui

Publications and source records attributed to M Usui.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Identification of the second major allergen of Japanese cedar pollen.

We isolated and characterized the second major allergen (Cry j II) from Japanese cedar pollen. We found that most patients with this pollinosis had IgE antibody to this protein in addition to IgE antibody to Cry j I; however, some sera reacted only with Cry j I or Cry j II. IgE-ELISA inhibition studies revealed that Cry j I and Cry j II had no cross-allergenicity. Cry j II did not react with anti-Cry j I monoclonal antibodies. In SDS-PAGE under a non-reducing condition, Cry j II showed a band at the 37 kDa position, compared with the 45-50 kDa bands of Cry j I. N-terminal amino acid sequence of Cry j II was completely different from that of Cry j I.

Allergens↗
PubMed1990

Summation of excitation with a single conditioning stimulus in the canine heart.

A subthreshold stimulus was reported to become effective in producing a propagated ventricular response when preceded by another subthreshold stimulus or stimuli, a phenomenon that is known as summation of excitation but has not been studied systematically. Effect on summation of current intensity and coupling interval of a conditioning stimulus (Sc, protocol #1) and that of stimulation site of Sc (protocol #2) were determined in anesthetized, open-chest dogs. Effective refractory period (ERP) was determined with an extrastimulus (S2) at a ventricular pacing cycle length (S1S1) of 500 msec. Pulse width of S1, S2 and Sc was 2 msec. For pacing protocol #1 (12 dogs), current intensity of S1 and S2 was equal (twice diastolic threshold, 2, 5, or 15 mA), and that of Sc was equal to or lower than that of S1. S1S2 interval was fixed 1 msec shorter than ERP, and Sc was delivered 5 msec prior to S2. The S1Sc interval was shortened in 2 msec steps. Summation was present if Sc plus S2 evoked a propagated response. Prevalence of summation increased along with an increase in current intensity of Sc (P less than 0.01). For pacing protocol #2 (7 dogs), current intensity of S1, S2 and Sc was equal (twice diastolic threshold, 5 or 10 mA). As the distance between site of Sc and that of S2 increased, prevalence of summation decreased (P less than 0.01). Summation did not occur when Sc was delivered at a site only 5 mm away from the site of S2. In conclusion, summation of excitation with a single conditioning stimulus was both time and strength dependent, and limited in development spatially.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1990

Reappraisal of inhibition and summation with a single conditioning stimulus in man.

A noncapturing conditioning stimulus is known to exert inhibitory effect on a subsequent suprathreshold stimulus, while summation occurs rarely in man. The present study was conducted to revaluate whether conditioning stimulus at a relatively low intensity produced inhibition and summation in man. Thirteen patients with various arrhythmias, 47 +/- 19 years old, were studied. Basic ventricular driving stimuli (S1S1 = 600 msec), a conditioning stimulus (Sc), and extrastimulus (S2) were introduced from a catheter electrode. Sc at an intensity of twice the late diastolic threshold inhibited suprathreshold S2 from evoking a response in all 13 patients. The ScS2 interval producing inhibition was from 11 +/- 4 to 38 +/- 26 msec. When Sc preceded S2 by 5 msec, effective refractory period was shortened by 16 +/- 7 msec in 7 of 13 patients, a phenomenon of summation. The present study demonstrates that inhibition and summation are common phenomena with a single conditioning stimulus at relatively low intensities.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in evaluation of anatomical structure and function of the ventricles.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being widely employed for evaluation of cardiovascular anatomies and functions. However, the indications for cardiac MRI to obtain information which cannot be obtained using other conventional methods have not yet been determined. To demonstrate of usefulness of MRI in delineating the apex of the left ventricle and free wall of the right ventricle, end-diastolic short axis MRI images were obtained in 20 patients with apical hypertrophy and in 9 normal volunteers. To compare the accuracy of estimations of left ventricular volumes obtained using the modified Simpson's method of MRI with that using the MRI area length method, 19 patients, in whom left ventriculography had been performed, were studied. The apex of the left ventricle was evaluated circumferentially and distribution of hypertrophied muscles was defined. Sixty-five percent of the length of the right ventricular free wall was clearly delineated. Correlation coefficients of the ejection fraction between MRI and angiography were 0.85 with the modified Simpson's method of MRI, and 0.62 with the area length method of MRI. Three themes were chosen to demonstrate good clinical indications for cardiac MRI.

Cardiac Volume↗
PubMed1990

Correlation between haptoglobin and sialic acid or mucoprotein in diseased bovine serum.

The correlation between haptoglobin (Hp) and mucoprotein or sialic acid in sera from diseased cattle was examined to evaluate the clinical application of serum Hp. First, the ranges of mucoprotein, sialic acid and hemoglobin binding capacity (HbBC) of 46 healthy cattle were determined. Then, levels of these reactants in 35 cattle suffering from various diseases were measured. The frequency of the abnormal values was 94.3% in mucoprotein, 45.7% in sialic acid and 82.9% in HbBC in diseased cattle. There was a significant correlation between mucoprotein and sialic acid, and between HbBC and mucoprotein or sialic acid. Some correlation between mucoprotein and neutrophils or alpha-globulin was also observed. In spite of high levels of mucoprotein and sialic acid, lower HbBC than expected levels were often observed in inflammatory disorders. Such cases might be complicated with some hemolytic disorders such as piroplasmosis. Determining serum HbBC together with other acute phase reactants might be useful for evaluating inflammatory diseases complicated with hemolytic disorders.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Effect of transpupillary argon laser cyclophotocoagulation on anterior chamber oxygen tension in rabbit eyes.

We measured anterior chamber O2 tension and intraocular pressure (IOP) in normal, untreated controls and in rabbits treated with transpupillary argon laser cyclophotocoagulation. Normal anterior chamber O2 tension was 35 +/- 6 mmHg in room air and increased slowly when the rabbits breathed 100% O2. Between 3 days and 6 weeks after cyclophotocoagulation, O2 tension dropped 54%. Between 12 and 19 weeks after cyclophotocoagulation, changes in O2 tension were not statistically significant compared with the control. Normal IOP was 12 +/- 1 mmHg. Between 3 days and 6 weeks after cyclophotocoagulation, changes in the IOP were not statistically significant compared with the control. Light microscopy showed laser damage to the capillaries in the ciliary body as well as to the ciliary epithelium, particularly between 3 days and 6 weeks after treatment. We conclude that anterior chamber O2 tension under normal conditions reflects at least uveal vascular delivery of O2 and that cyclophotocoagulation, by destroying the ciliary epithelium-capillary complex, causes a decrease of oxygenation of the aqueous humor in the anterior chamber.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Biological and immunological properties of Sugi basic protein-pullulan conjugate. II. Is the reduced ability to elicit the Arthus reaction based on the poor activation of complement by immune complex consisting of anti-Sugi basic protein and Sugi basic protein-pullulan?

Ability of Sugi basic protein (SBP)-pullulan conjugate to elicit the Arthus reaction was found to be markedly reduced, about 100 times lower than that of native SBP. To analyze this reduced ability, activation of complement by immune complex consisting of SBP-pullulan and anti-SBP antibodies was studied. Tests for complement consumption, C3 conversion and cleavage of factor B revealed that immune complex formed with SBP-pullulan is incapable of supporting efficient activation of the complement system. Previously, we have shown data suggesting that SBP-pullulan conjugate would be a good candidate for desensitization therapy against cedar pollinosis. The results presented in this paper provide additional support for the suggestion.

Allergens↗
PubMed1990

[A case of a pulmonary large cell carcinoma patient who has still been surviving for four years even with triple carcinoma developed on different occasions (rectum, stomach: resected; lung: nonresected)].

The case occurs on an 86-year-old man. In May 1977, Miles' operation was performed for rectal cancer (papillary tubular adenocarcinoma), together with additional proctostomy. In March 1984, subtotal gastrectomy was performed for an early stomach cancer (moderately-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma). In September 1985, chemotherapy with 3 courses of CDDP (50 mg x 1) plus VDS (3 mg x 3) and liniac irradiation (60 Gy in total) were performed for pulmonary large cell carcinoma. Restiform shadows and fibrosed foci were left behind, but thereafter only the former was persisted without anticancer therapy. Now in December 1989, he has still been surviving without any sign of local recurrence of remote metastasis. Neither anticancer therapy was tried for the first and second cancers nor a cancer family history was found about him.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1990

[The possible association of Epstein-Barr virus and uveitis].

The possible association of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) with uveitis was investigated in 28 subjects with various types of uveitis. Serum or aqueous humor (AH) EB viral antibodies were measured in 28 uveitis patients and in 28 cataract patients as controls. Significant rises in EBV antibody levels were seen in 3 cases from the uveitis group. There was an 8-fold increase of the serum antibody titer in an infant subject, a 16-fold increase in the AH EB viral antibody titer in an adult subject, and a higher antibody quotient (10.2) compared with the serum and AH antibody titers in another adult case. No antibodies to EBV were detected in the AH in the control group. It appeared that EBV might have been involved in the pathogenesis of these 3 cases of uveitis. The clinical features of these cases were as follows. (1) A common cold-like prodrome was noted. (2) Severe acute anterior uveitis with fibrinous exudate was present at the onset. (3) A transition to chronic granulomatous anterior uveitis was seen in the 2 adult cases. (4) Little vitreous inflammation was present. (5) Marked hyperemia and swelling of the optic discs was noted. (6) At the onset there were no abnormal chorioretinal findings, except slight retinal vasculitis in the infant case. (7) Sunset-glow fundus appeared earlier in comparison with Harada disease in the adults and a retinal pigment epithelium disorder developed in the infant. (8) Bilateral involvement was seen in adults. (9) Good final visual acuity was recognized. (10) No systemic changes occurred in the course of the uveitis. This constellation of clinical features appears to comprise a new entity, i.e., EBV-associated uveitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Replantation of the distal part of the leg.

We successfully replanted five amputated legs in five patients and followed the patients for two years or more (average, six years and three months). Although some patients found it impossible to squat and to run because of joint contractures, muscle weakness, or deformities of the foot, all patients could perform other activities without difficulty. None had important pain or any intolerance to cold, and all were satisfied with the results of the replantation.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Metastatic lung tumor of a thyroid cancer origin detected by a periodic health examination--a case of a complete response].

Reports is the case of a 21-year-old student, who received a medical examination at our Department for an abnormal chest shadow that had been detected during a periodic health examination at his university. No special subjective symptoms such as a cough and/or sputa, pyrexia, pectoralgia, and dyspnea were noted. A thyroid tumor was palpable and a 99mTc thyroid scintigram and a 201Tl thyroid tumor scintigram gave cause to suspect thyroid cancer and a metastatic lung tumor. A total thyroidectomy and a right modified neck dissection revealed a tumor (histologically, a papillary cancer), 3.5 cm in diameter, that mainly involved the right lobe. It was found that 131I-100 mCi internal irradiation was very effective for the metastatic lung tumor, and no abnormal shadow was subsequently revealed by chest X-ray. Now, 6 years later, he is alive with no manifestations of a local relapse nor any abnormal chest X-ray findings.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Adjuvant chemotherapy of osteosarcoma].

Osteosarcoma is the one of the tumors that's prognosis have been improved dramatically by the introduction of chemotherapy consisting mainly of adriamycin, high-dose methotrexate with Leucovorin rescue and cisplatinum. Now, the purpose of the treatment for osteosarcoma are assurance of their life and functional and beautiful limb-sparing. Recently, preoperative chemotherapy for limb saving is given to patients with osteosarcoma of the extremities. The five year survival rate increased to 65% and limb sparing rate became above 50%. It is generally accepted that pre- and post-operative chemotherapy can inhibit pulmonary micro metastasis and prove to be of great significance in improving the survival rate of patients with osteosarcoma of extremities and achieve limb salvage operation.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Functional characterization of lymphocyte response to fractionated house dust mite antigens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) in atopic and non-atopic individuals.

This study investigated the cellular response of human lymphocytes to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus crude antigen and 14 molecular weight (MW) fractions. The cells were derived from atopic patients and healthy individuals who were skin test-positive or skin test-negative to mite antigen. When stimulated with crude antigen, the group of patients showed elevated proliferation and production of lymphokine in comparison with the healthy skin test-negative individuals (P less than 0.01). By stimulation with fractions, there was a remarkable variety in the responding patterns to each fraction. However, when expressed as a mean value, the patient group exhibited a sharp and high peak at 95,000 MW, which is different from IgE responses. In the other two groups, no apparent peak response was observed. Lymphokine production by fraction stimulation was studied in six distinct individuals. The most important fractions for inducing lymphokine production differed in each individual tested. Moreover, fractions which induced active lymphokine production were not necessarily the main targets of proliferative response in atopic patients.

Allergens↗
PubMed1989

Restoration of sensibility in fingers repaired with free sensory flaps from the toe.

The sensibility of 25 fingers reconstructed with three different types of free sensory flaps from the toe was evaluated. The relationships between sensory restoration and the patient's age, type of sensory flap, selection of sutured nerves, and circulatory complications in the flap were analyzed. Wrap-around flaps were used in 5 fingers, hemipulp flaps in 11, and toe-to-finger transfers in 9. The follow-up period ranged from 16 to 79 months. Restoration of sensibility in the flap was closely related to the patient's age and vascular insufficiency of the flap. Therefore, establishing and maintaining and adequate circulation in the flap at operation is essential for good sensory restoration.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Free vascularized fibular grafts.

Postoperative results in 21 patients with bone defects that had been treated with a free vascularized fibular graft (FVFG) were evaluated. Pathogeneses in 21 patients were bone defect or pseudarthrosis after trauma in eight, massive bone defect after resection of bone and soft tissue tumor in six, congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia in six, and congenital arteriovenous fistula in the forearm in one patient. The follow-up ranged from 15 months to 12 years, with an average of four years and six months. At final review, 12 patients went on to primary bony union, and six additional patients obtained union following an additional conventional bone graft. Three FVFGs resulted in a non-vascularized fibular graft. However, two patients obtained union with additional bone graft. Only one patient failed to obtain bony union and eventually required an above-knee amputation. Bony union rates in congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia treated with the FVFG were lower than those in other diseases. Variables related to the surgical procedures and other factors affecting results and complications were also evaluated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Biological and immunological properties of Sugi basic protein-pullulan conjugate. I. Suppressive effect on IgE antibody production and on IgE-mediated reactions.

Sugi basic protein (SBP), a major allergen of Japanese cedar pollen, conjugated to pullulan acquires suppressive activities for IgE, but not for IgG antibody production, and for IgE-mediated PK reactions in a SBP-specific manner. When either normal or IgE anti-SBP antibody-producing mice were treated with the conjugate, IgE anti-SBP antibody levels scarcely increased even after immunization with SBP + alum. This suppression was shown to be SBP specific and IgE selective. The ability of SBP-pullulan conjugate to elicit PK reactions on passively sensitized rat skin was markedly reduced. Furthermore, the conjugate inhibited the reactions mediated by the IgE antibodies and native SBP when it was injected into the IgE antibody-sensitized sites 2 h prior to SBP challenge. The reduced ability of the conjugate to elicit PK reactions was not due to loss of antigenic determinants during the conjugation procedures because binding activity of the conjugate to anti-SBP antibodies was as strong as that of native SBP. These results indicate that SBP-pullulan conjugate may be useful for 'desensitization therapy' against the pollinosis.

Allergens↗