Biomedical subjects

Masahiro Nakayama

Publications and source records attributed to Masahiro Nakayama.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Congenital cervical immature teratoma arising in the left lobe of the thyroid gland.

We report on a fetal autopsy case in which a congenital cervical immature teratoma was diagnosed. A 24-year-old Japanese woman had carried a male fetus that was aborted because of a cervical tumor at 20 weeks 5 days of gestation. The cervical tumor weighed 93 g and measured 7.5x5.5x5 cm. The soft tumor was encapsulated by a fibrous layer, was solid with small cysts on the cut surface, and showed a brain-like appearance. The tumor was composed of neoplastic cells derived from the three germ cell layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. The cells showed both immature and mature features. Small areas of thyroid tissue were detected in the cervical tumor. The left lobe of the thyroid gland was not observed, but the right lobe of the thyroid gland was present laterally between the trachea and the esophagus. Therefore, we concluded that the cervical tumor had arisen in the left lobe of the thyroid gland rather than from the soft tissue of the neck.

Abortion, Eugenic↗

PubMed2006

Anti-annexin A2 IgM antibody in preterm infants: its association with chorioamnionitis.

Intrauterine infection is associated with chorioamnionitis (CAM), which can lead to preterm delivery. We previously reported that the levels of IgM and the incidence of CAM were elevated in preterm infants with neonatal pulmonary emphysema. The pathogen and target of this IgM remain unclear. By using Western blot and amino acid sequences, we have determined one of the target proteins: annexin A2. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that annexin A2 was expressed at fetal chorion and amnion membranes. Among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with hyper-IgM (> or = 30 mg/dL), 58.8% showed a high titer against annexin A2 (more than x 16), which accounted for about 20%-40% of the total IgM. Anti-annexin A2 IgM antibody inhibited plasmin generation. Furthermore, the median of anti-annexin A2 IgM titer from preterm infants who were delivered with high-grade (grade III) CAM was significantly higher than those from preterm infants without CAM (p = 0.011) and with low-grade CAM (grade I and II) (p = 0.010). Here, we indicate the fetal autoimmunoreactivity against the fetomaternal interface in preterm infants.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2006

Adiponectin concentration in umbilical cord serum is positively associated with the weight ratio of fetus to placenta.

CONTEXT: Adiponectin (APN) concentration in umbilical cord serum is higher than that in adult serum. Except for the positive association between birth weight and cord APN concentration, little is known about the pathophysiological function of APN in fetal development. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of cord serum APN and IGF-I concentrations with the development of the fetoplacental unit. DESIGN AND METHODS: Umbilical cord serum APN and IGF-I concentrations were measured in term singleton deliveries (n = 94). The association of cord APN and IGF-I concentrations was evaluated in relation to fetal weight, placental weight, and fetoplacental (F/P) weight ratio. RESULTS: Mean concentrations and sd of APN and IGF-I were 36.1 +/- 14.0 microg/ml and 58.6 +/- 27.0 ng/ml, respectively. Cord APN concentration was positively associated with F/P weight ratio (r = 0.375, P < 0.001) as well as fetal weight (r = 0.389, P < 0.001) but not placental weight. Cord IGF-I concentration was positively associated with fetal weight (r = 0.405, P < 0.001) and placental weight (r = 0.400, P < 0.001) but not F/P weight ratio. In multiregression analysis, only APN concentration resulted in a significant determinant of F/P weight ratio among variables (beta = 0.376, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In cord hyperadiponectinemia, fetuses tend to be disproportionately larger for their placental weight and vice versa in cord hypoadiponectinemia. APN is shown to be the first biomarker positively associated with F/P weight ratio.

Adiponectin↗

PubMed2006

Influence of age on flurbiprofen axetil requirements for preventing pain on injection of propofol in Japanese adult surgical patients: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group, dose-ranging study.

BACKGROUND: Pain on injection is a recognized adverse event (AE) of propofol administration for the induction of general anesthesia. Preceded by venous occlusion, flurbiprofen axetil, a prodrug of the NSAID flurbiprofen, has been associated with a reduction in pain induced by propofol injection. A review of the literature determined that no published data were available on the influence of age on the requirements for flurbiprofen axetil dose. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to examine the influence of age on flurbiprofen axetil requirements for the treatment of propofol-induced pain on injection in Japanese adult surgical patients. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group, dose-ranging study was conducted at the Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan. Young (age 20-40 years) and older (age 60-80 years) Japanese patients scheduled for various types of surgery (eg, cholecystectomy) were eligible. Patients were randomized to receive flurbiprofen axetil at 1 of 2 doses (25 or 50 mg, regardless of body weight) or inactive vehicle (saline), preceded by manual venous occlusion with a rubber tourniquet for 2 minutes and followed by the infusion of the first 25% of calculated propofol dose (0.5 mg/kg at room temperature, 23 degrees C) into the largest dorsal vein of the hand through a 20-G IV cannula (without local anesthesia), followed by the release of the occlusion and delivery of propofol 2 mg/kg. An investigator blinded to treatment questioned each patient about pain intensity during propofol injection which was assessed using a verbal rating scale: 0 = none; 1 = mild; 2 = moderate; and 3 = severe. The overall prevalence of pain was calculated in each group. AEs at the injection site (pain, edema, wheal, inflammation) were assessed by the study investigator for 24 hours after surgery using spontaneous reporting and patient interview. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients, 75 young adults (38 men, 37 women; mean [SD] age, 31 [5] years; mean [SD] height, 163 [7] cm; mean [SD] body weight, 58 [9] kg) and 75 older adults (38 men, 37 women; mean [SD] age, 70 [6] years; mean [SD] height, 154 [8] cm; mean [SD] body weight, 53 [10] kg), were enrolled. Each treatment group comprised 25 patients. No differences in demographic characteristics were observed among the 3 study groups. In young patients, the overall prevalence of propofol-induced pain was significantly lower in patients who received flurbiprofen axetil 50 mg (12 [48%]) compared with that in patients who received flurbiprofen axetil 25 mg (20 [80%]) or vehicle (22 [88%]) (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). The median pain intensity score was significantly lower in patients who received flurbiprofen axetil 50 mg (0) compared with that in patients who received flurbiprofen axetil 25 mg (1) or vehicle (2) (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). In older patients, the overall prevalences of pain on propofol injection were 9 (36%) in the flurbiprofen axetil 50-mg group and 11 (44%) in the flurbiprofen axetil 25-mg group compared with 21 (84%) in the vehicle group (both, P < 0.01). The median pain score was significantly lower in patients who received flurbiprofen 50 mg (0) or 25 mg (0) than in those who received vehicle (1) (both, P < 0.01). All treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: In this small clinical trial in Japanese surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia, flurbiprofen axetil requirements for the reduction of pain during injection of propofol were found to be 50 mg in young adults (age 20-40 years) and 25 or 50 mg in older adults (age 60-80 years), regardless of weight, preceded by venous occlusion for 2 minutes.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Cow's milk protein allergy presenting with Hirschsprung's disease-mimicking symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric surgeons often encounter neonates who present with Hirschsprung's disease (HD)-like symptoms and plain x-ray findings, but respond well to conservative treatment. During our investigation of the etiology of this condition, which we named "benign transient nonorganic ileus of neonates" (BTNIN), we noticed that BTNIN included cases of cow's milk allergy (CMA). Therefore, a prospective study of the identity of BTNIN and CMA was conducted. METHODS: Cow's milk allergy was diagnosed when a baby showed HD-like symptoms after oral feeding, and a drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation test was positive for cow's milk with a titer of more than 300%. MATERIALS: Of 38 neonates with suspected HD, a surgical disorder was excluded by plain x-ray in 9, intestinal atresia was diagnosed in 3, and the remaining 26 were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Of 26 cases, 9 were diagnosed as HD by manometric studies and 17 as CMA. Thirteen of 17 CMA cases had been fed with breast milk and 4 with formula milk. CONCLUSION: The proportion of CMA in the cases presenting with HD-like symptoms in the neonatal period is much higher than what we expected, and most cases of BTNIN are caused by CMA. If HD is ruled out, CMA should be considered.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed2006

Huge pericardial rhabdomyoma with hypoplastic left ventricle and lung.

We describe the clinical course and autopsy findings of a female fetus with hydrops fetalis due to a huge pericardial rhabdomyoma. Fetal echocardiography at 21 weeks gestation demonstrated a huge tumor in the left ventricle. The fetus died of hydrops fetalis due to cardiac dysfunction at 24 weeks gestation. Autopsy demonstrated that the tumor protruded from the epicardial region of the apex into the pericardial cavity and induced a hypoplastic left ventricle and lung. Microscopically, the cardiac tumor showed characteristics of rhabdomyoma. This localization of cardiac rhabdomyoma is rare, but we remain aware of the possibility of an unusual and rapid progression of cardiac rhabdomyoma.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

PubMed2006

Neonatal myocardial infarction due to thrombotic occlusion.

Neonatal myocardial infarction is rare and its prognosis is poor. We describe the clinical course and autopsy findings of a newborn female with myocardial infarction. Her clinical course was rapidly progressive, becoming fatal before we could detect the cause. Autopsy demonstrated significant occlusion of the left coronary artery as well as evidence of new infarction, suggesting that the event occurred at birth. This case illustrates myocardial infarction as a possible cause of early neonatal death.

Autopsy↗

PubMed2005

Cow's milk allergy presenting Hirschsprung's disease-mimicking symptoms.

The authors present a neonatal case of allergic colitis, which manifested the difficulty of spontaneous defecation and irregular narrowing of distal rectum in contrast enema. Rectal suction biopsy showed positive acetylcholinesterase activity. These clinical, radiological and histological findings were indistinguishable from Hirschsprung's disease. Gastrointestinal symptoms were improved by the cessation of cow's milk formula. The present findings may impact on the less recognizable gastrointestinal manifestation of allergic colitis.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

A lidocaine/metoclopramide combination decreases pain on injection of propofol.

PURPOSE: Injection pain is a well-known adverse effect of propofol which distresses patients. Lidocaine pretreatment is the most popular method for reducing this pain but this drug cannot entirely eliminate the problem. The purpose of this study was to examine the analgesic effect of lidocaine/metoclopramide combination, compared with lidocaine alone, during propofol injection. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 90 patients, 40 males and 50 females, scheduled for elective plastic surgery received either lidocaine 20 mg plus metoclopramide 10 mg iv, lidocaine 20 mg iv, or placebo (saline); (n = 30 in each), with venous occlusion for one minute, followed by administration of propofol 0.5 mg.kg(-1) into a dorsal hand vein. Pain was assessed on a four-point scale (0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe) during propofol injection. RESULTS: 25 patients (83%) complained of pain in the placebo group, compared with 12 (40%) in the lidocaine group (P < 0.05) and three (10%) in the combination group (P < 0.05). Pain score (median) was less in the lidocaine (0) and combination (0) groups than in the placebo group (2); (P < 0.05). The difference in the incidence of pain between the combination and lidocaine groups was significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A lidocaine/metoclopramide combination is more effective than lidocaine alone for reducing pain on injection of propofol in a peripheral vein.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Effects of dexamethasone in preventing postoperative emetic symptoms after total knee replacement surgery: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial in adult Japanese patients.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative emetic symptoms (nausea, retching, and vomiting) are common following total joint replacement, with an incidence as high as 83% when no prophylactic antiemetic is provided. However, most antiemetics currently used in Japan, such as antihistamines (eg, hydroxyzine), butyrophenones (eg, droperidol), and dopamine receptor antagonists (eg, metoclopramide), have been associated with adverse effects (AEs), such as excessive sedation, hypotension, dry mouth, dysphoria, hallucinations, and extrapyramidal symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of 3 doses of intravenous dexamethasone monotherapy versus vehicle in preventing emetic symptoms after total knee replacement performed under combined general and epidural anesthesia. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Anesthesiology, University of Tsukuba Institute of Clinical Medicine, Tsukuba, Japan. Adult Japanese patients scheduled to undergo total knee replacement were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: dexamethasone 4, 8, or 16 mg, or vehicle (control). Patients received combination anesthesia with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide in pure oxygen (general) and lidocaine (epidural). Study drugs were administered intravenously after the completion of surgery. An investigator blinded to treatment assignment monitored patients for emetic symptoms for 24 hours after the patient awoke. Patients rated their satisfaction with the study drug using a linear, 11-point scale (0 = complete satisfaction to 10 = complete dissatisfaction). Tolerability was assessed by the study investigator using spontaneous reporting and patient interview. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were enrolled (58 women, 22 men; mean [SD] age, 59 [10] years; mean [SD] height, 154 [7] cm; mean [SD] body weight, 55 [7] kg; 20 patients per treatment group). The demographic, clinical, and surgical data were comparable between the 4 treatment groups. The rates of emesis-free patients were 35% (7 patients), 70% (14), and 75% (15) with dexamethasone 4, 8, and 16 mg, respectively, compared with 30% (6) with vehicle (P = NS, 0.013, and 0.005, respectively). Median (range) patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the groups receiving dexamethasone 8 and 16 mg (both, 0.0 [0-9]) compared with controls (6.0 [0-10]) (P = 0.013 and 0.008, respectively). This effect was not found with the 4-mg dose. No clinically serious AEs attributed to the study drug were observed in any of the 4 treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this study of a small, select group of adult Japanese patients undergoing total knee replacement, the rates of emesis-free patients were higher with dexamethasone 8 and 16 mg compared with vehicle 24 hours after anesthesia induction. This effect was not found with the 4-mg dose. All treatments were well tolerated.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Profile of neuroblastoma detected by mass screening, resected after observation without treatment: results of the Wait and See pilot study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Neuroblastoma (NB) detected by mass screening (MS) usually shows favorable prognosis and sometimes regresses spontaneously. Therefore, the authors started an observation program for these patients to avoid overtreatment. In this study, the authors analyzed the profile of NB resected after observation to elucidate the nature of NB detected by MS. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2004, 22 NB patients matched the following criteria and entered the observation program after obtaining informed consent: stage I or II, less than 5 cm in diameter, and without involvement of large vessels or organs. If increase in size, elevation of tumor markers, or evidence of metastasis was observed, the tumor was immediately resected. RESULTS: Thirteen (59%) of 22 cases showed spontaneous regression. In the remaining 9 cases, tumors were resected because of parents' request, increase in size, and/or elevation of tumor markers. Four tumors had at least one unfavorable biologic feature, and 3 of them had more than 2. According to Shimada's system, 2 had unfavorable histology. One was diploid tumor, 3 had 1p deletion, and Trk-A expression was low in 4 tumors. All patients survived without evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The observation program has shown that at least one third of the NB detected by MS regressed spontaneously. On the other hand, MS may detect some cases with unfavorable tumor in early stage, which benefit from screening.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

PubMed2005

Identification of the motilin cells in duodenal epithelium of premature infants.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to examine the presence of motilin in the duodenal epithelial cells of premature infants of < 32 weeks gestation. METHODS: Specimens from 10 deceased infants (gestational age: 26.4 +/- 2.7 weeks and birthweight: 808 +/- 303 g) were examined as subjects. All infants died of severe cardiopulmonary disorder or intraventricular hemorrhage (grade IV). The average survival period was 3.1 +/- 1.9 days. Autopsies were performed and formalin-fixed duodenums were immunostained with rabbit antiserum to motilin by the labeled streptavidin-biotin (LSAB) method. An adult duodenum obtained by pancreatoduodenectomy was also examined for the presence of motilin as a positive control specimen. An absorption test using motilin peptide was performed to prove the specificity of the binding with rabbit antiserum to motilin. RESULTS: Motilin-containing cells were detected in the adult specimen, and the binding by rabbit antiserum to motilin was completely inhibited by excess amounts of motilin peptide, indicating that this binding was specific to motilin. All 10 infants had presence of motilin antigen in the epithelial cells of their duodenums. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study indicates that the immunohistological analysis is specific to detect motilin-containing cells, and certifies the presence of motilin in duodenal epithelial cells of premature infants of < 32 weeks gestation, including one at only 22 weeks gestation.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Fetal hydrops associated with congenital pulmonary myofibroblastic tumor.

Abstract We report on a fetus with a congenital pulmonary myofibroblastic tumor, the prenatal detection of which with imaging modalities has not been reported up until now. A 32-year-old woman was referred to our hospital at 29 weeks' gestation because of severe fetal hydrops. Sonograms and magnetic resonance imaging showed a large solid tumor in the left thorax. The fetus died in utero the next day. Autopsy confirmed that the tumor was confined to the lower lobe of the left lung, and circulatory insufficiency from compression by the tumor was considered to be the cause of fetal hydrops and demise. Histologic examination revealed that the tumor was composed of uniform short spindle cells with no atypia and a large number of vessels. In addition, with immunohistochemical studies, the tumor cells were stained for calponin but not for cluster differentiation (CD)-31, CD-34, alpha-smooth muscle actin or S-100.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Correlation of neuron-specific enolase and S100B with histological cerebral damage in fetal sheep after severe asphyxia.

Experimental brain damage was induced in 16 fetal sheep by umbilical cord occlusion, and the correlation of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) or S100B with the damage grade was investigated in seven fetuses. Significant correlations of damage degree with NSE (p = 0.016) and S100B (p = 0.018) in serum 2 h after insult were shown by Spearman's test. These findings suggest that they represent potentially useful markers for detecting brain damage at early stage after ischemic insult.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Silencing of imprinted CDKN1C gene expression is associated with loss of CpG and histone H3 lysine 9 methylation at DMR-LIT1 in esophageal cancer.

The putative tumor suppressor CDKN1C is an imprinted gene at 11p15.5, a well-known imprinted region often deleted in tumors. The absence of somatic mutations and the frequent diminished expression in tumors would suggest that CDKN1C expression is regulated epigenetically. It has been, however, controversial whether the diminution is caused by imprinting disruption of the CDKN1C/LIT1 domain or by promoter hypermethylation of CDKN1C itself. To clarify this, we investigated the CpG methylation index of the CDKN1C promoter and the differentially methylated region of the LIT1 CpG island (differentially methylated region (DMR)-LIT1), an imprinting control region of the domain, and CDKN1C expression in esophageal cancer cell lines. CDKN1C expression was diminished in 10 of 17 lines and statistically correlated with the loss of methylation at DMR-LIT1 in all but three. However, there was no statistical correlation between CDKN1C promoter MI and CDKN1C expression. Furthermore, loss of CpG methylation was associated with loss of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation at DMR-LIT1. Histone modifications at CDKN1C promoter were not correlated with CDKN1C expression. The data suggested that the diminished CDKN1C expression is associated with the loss of methylation of CpG and H3K9 at DMR-LIT1, not by its own promoter CpG methylation, and is involved in esophageal cancer, implying that DMR-LIT1 epigenetically regulates CDKN1C expression not through histone modifications at CDKN1C promoter, but through that of DMR-LIT1.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

PubMed2004

Changed expression of heat shock proteins in various pathological findings in placentas with intrauterine fetal growth restriction.

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are activated in the cells of most organisms in response to sublethal heat shock and other stressors. It has been reported that HSP27, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 are expressed in normal human placenta, and it was thought that these HSPs play a role in the demonstration of cell viability and function. In this study, we performed an immunohistochemical (IHC) study of these HSPs for 27 placentas that had complicated intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR) and compared the IHC findings with the pathological findings. To quantify HSP27, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90, immunoreacted cells in the chorionic villi, syncytiotrophoblasts (ST), and cytotrophoblasts (CT) were counted. In thrombus, excessive syncytial knots, and avascular villi, the expression of HSPs was higher in the pathological sections compared to control in both ST and CT. In contrast, all HSPs decreased in both ST and CT around the infarction region. The data suggested that chorionic villi cells locally responded to some stresses, e.g., hypoxia and increase or decrease in the expression of HSPs. Although the villous cells around the infarction histologically appear viable, they may have received lethal damage, and as a result the expression of HSPs was decreased. These results are expected to improve our understanding of the pathological findings of IUGR in placentas, including the quality, damage, and function of the chorionic villi.

Chorionic Villi↗

PubMed2004

Immunohistochemical distribution of Toll-like receptor 4 in term and preterm human placentas from normal and complicated pregnancy including chorioamnionitis.

Recently discovered Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are essential for the induction of innate immune responses. One member of the TLR family, TLR4 mediates lipopolysaccharide (bacterial endotoxin)-induced inflammatory responses. Although the innate immune system appears to be important in the pathogenesis of infection-induced preterm delivery, the distribution of TLRs in human placenta is poorly understood. Here we investigated the expression of TLR4 protein in 43 human placentas obtained from normal and complicated pregnancies delivered in the second and third trimesters, using immunohistochemistry. TLR4 was localized to the extravillous trophoblasts, intermediate trophoblasts/X cells in the degenerative villi, and villous Hofbauer cells of all preterm and term placentas examined and to the inflammatory cells in placentas with chorioamnionitis (CAM). The villous Hofbauer cells of preterm CAM placentas demonstrated increased TLR4 immunoreactivity compared with those of preterm placentas without CAM or those of term placentas with or without CAM. These results suggest an important role of the villous Hofbauer cells in the activation of innate immune system in response to infectious pathogens in preterm placentas. Elucidation of biological functions of placental TLR4 under physiological conditions requires further investigation.

Chorioamnionitis↗

PubMed2004

Differential clinical manifestations of congenital cytomegalovirus infection between dizygotic twins: a case report.

To understand a mechanism for the difference in clinical manifestations of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection between dizygotic twins, the placentas of the dizygotic twins were evaluated for the number of the cells infected with CMV by immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization studies. A Japanese woman with dizygotic twin pregnancy had immunoglobulin M antibodies to CMV at 15 weeks gestation. Intrauterine growth retardation was noted only in the first twin. At birth, CMV was isolated from urine culture in both twins. Clinical manifestations for CMV, such as petechiae, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, and deafness were more pronounced in the first twin than in the second twin. Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization studies showed CMV-positive cells two or three times more densely distributed in the placenta of the first twin compared with the second twin. These data suggest the severity of CMV manifestations of dizygotic twins may be in accord with the number of CMV-positive cells in the placenta.

Adult↗