Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

R Sugita

Publications and source records attributed to R Sugita.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Gastrointestinal Candida colonisation promotes sensitisation against food antigens by affecting the mucosal barrier in mice.

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS: Controversy still exists as to whether gastrointestinal colonisation by Candida albicans contributes to aggravation of atopic dermatitis. We hypothesised that Candida colonisation promotes food allergy, which is known to contribute to a pathogenic response in atopic dermatitis. We tested this using a recently established murine Candida colonisation model. METHODS: Candida colonisation in the gastrointestinal tract was established by intragastric inoculation with C albicans in mice fed a synthetic diet. To investigate sensitisation against food antigen, mice were intragastrically administered with ovalbumin every other day for nine weeks, and antiovalbumin antibody titres were measured weekly. To examine gastrointestinal permeation of food antigen, plasma concentrations of ovalbumin were measured following intragastric administration of ovalbumin. RESULTS: Ovalbumin specific IgG and IgE titres were higher in BALB/c mice with Candida colonisation than in normal mice. Gastrointestinal permeation of ovalbumin was enhanced by colonisation in BALB/c mice. Histological examination showed that colonisation promoted infiltration and degranulation of mast cells. Candida colonisation did not enhance ovalbumin permeation in mast cell deficient W/Wv mice but did in congenic littermate control +/+ mice. Reconstitution of mast cells in W/Wv mice by transplantation of bone marrow derived mast cells restored the ability to increase ovalbumin permeation in response to Candida colonisation. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that gastrointestinal Candida colonisation promotes sensitisation against food antigens, at least partly due to mast cell mediated hyperpermeability in the gastrointestinal mucosa of mice.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

The connection between QT dispersion and autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

It is controversial whether an increase in the QT dispersion (QTd) on the electrocardiogram (ECG) reflects cardiac autonomic neuropathy in diabetic patients. In the current study, the QTd was compared in 60 type 2 diabetic patients and in 30 healthy subjects, and its association with autonomic neuropathy in diabetic patients was investigated. An increased QTd was found in diabetic patients, compared to healthy subjects. The QTd had significant negative associations with the log of the low and high frequency power (log LF and HF, respectively) of the power spectral analyses (PSA) of heart rate variations and the systolic blood response during standing (Delta BP). There was no significant difference in the QTd between patients with and without sympathetic skin response (SSR), reflecting peripheral sympathetic function. A significant positive correlation was also found between QTd and the systolic blood pressure (SBP). On the other hand, there was no correlation between QTd and serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin (Hb) A (1C) concentrations or body mass index (BMI). By multiple regression analysis, the log HF, which reflects cardiac parasympathetic function, and the SBP alone were significantly associated with QTd as the dependent variable. The Delta BP and log LF, which partially reflect sympathetic nerve function, had no significant associations with QTd. These findings suggest that QTd reflects cardiac autonomic neuropathy (relative parasympathetic neuropathy) and that the QTd is also influenced by SBP, independent of autonomic neuro-function.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Clinical usefulness of corrected QT intervals in diabetic autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: It is recognized that QTc intervals reflect autonomic nerve function. To investigate the clinical usefulness of corrected QT intervals (QTc) in assessing autonomic nerve function in type 2 diabetes, we measured QTc intervals using Bazett's formula in 58 type 2 diabetic patients and 20 age-matched healthy subjects. METHODS: We examined relationships between QTc intervals and the coefficient of variation of RR intervals (CV(RR)), systolic blood pressure response to standing, and sympathetic skin response (SSR) whose tests reflect autonomic nerve function. We also studied the correlation between QTc and blood pressure or serum lipid concentrations. RESULTS: QTc intervals in diabetic patients were significantly longer than those in healthy subjects and showed a significant but weak negative correlation with CV(RR), as well as systolic blood pressure response to standing. No significant difference in QTc intervals was observed between patients with and without a detectable SSR. QTc intervals showed a significant positive correlation with systolic and diastolic blood pressure although it did not correlate with serum lipid concentrations. QTc also tended to be long in obese diabetic subjects (body mass index > 25). CONCLUSION: QTc intervals might also be affected by other factors such as arteriosclerotic macroangiopathy and obesity, and not only autonomic nerve function. Therefore it might be considered as an overall index for complications, and not for pure autonomic impairment.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Screening of soil evidence by a combination of simple techniques: validity of particle size distribution.

The validity of the determination of particle size distribution for forensic soil identification was studied using 73 soil samples collected from a 20 km x 15 km area. Soil particles were first divided into two fractions by wet sieving with a sieve with a 0.05 mm aperture size. Dry sieving was used to analyze the coarse particle fraction and a particle size analyzer was used for the fine particle fraction. The number of particle size classes measured by sieving could be reduced to three, <0.05, 0.05-0.2, and 0.2-2 mm, which enabled 87.9% of the soil samples to be discriminated. Measurements made with the particle size analyzer on the fine particle fraction increased the discriminating power to 95.9%. The use of particle size analysis by sieving in combination with color examination allowed us to discriminate 99.5% of the soil samples, even when particle size analysis of the fine particle fraction was not carried out.

Forensic Medicine↗
PubMed2001

Low concentrations of mupirocin in the pharynx following intranasal application may contribute to mupirocin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

We describe a patient with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonizing the pharynx. The MIC of mupirocin was 0.25 microg/ml before treatment and increased after treatment to 8 microg/ml. Using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, we confirmed that the genotypes of MRSA that colonized the pharynx before and after the use of mupirocin were identical. We measured the delivery of mupirocin to the pharynx in three normal volunteers and two patients. Low concentrations of mupirocin were present in the pharynx in all cases 10 min to 3 days after intranasal application. Our data suggested that low concentrations of the drug in the pharynx after intranasal application of mupirocin ointment might explain the selection of mupirocin resistance in MRSA.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Intrapleural bronchogenic cyst.

We report the first case of a 14-year-old male presenting with intrapleural bronchogenic cyst investigation by CT and MRI. Our findings emphasize the value of the combination of CT and MRI for differential diagnosis of intrapleural tumors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Effect of low-dose sulpiride on dopamine metabolism in rat nucleus accumbens and locomotor activity: studies with intracerebral dialysis].

Changes in the concentration of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites, 3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl-acetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), were determined sequentially in freely moving rats by using a brain dialysis method. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between changes in the dopamine metabolism in the nucleus accumbens and locomotor activities following low-dose (5 mg/kg) sulpiride administration. The DA content in the dialysis fluid rose significantly 4 to 6 h after sulpiride administration. The DOPAC content rose significantly 6 h after sulpiride administration. The HVA content did not show a significant change. A slight increase of locomotor activity was found, but it was not statistically significant. The elevation of DA release in nucleus accumbens by sulpiride might relate to the clinical efficacy of low-dose administration of this drug for mood disorders.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗
PubMed1999

[A clinicobacteriologic study on clavulanic acid/amoxicillin in pediatric acute otitis media].

We carried out clinical and bacteriological studies on clavulanic acid/amoxicillin and amoxicillin in pediatric acute otitis media at 14 general practice settings. The results are summarized as follows. 1. The major isolated organisms from content of middle ear effusion were Streptococcus pneumoniae 31.8%, Haemophilus influenzae 35.8% and Moraxella subgenus Branhamella catarrhalis 1.5%. Similar results were observed for the major isolates organisms from content of nasopharynx Streptococcus pneumoniae 31.1%, Haemophilus influenzae 33.9% and Moraxella subgenus Branhamella catarrhalis 19.2%. 2. 42.2% of S. pneumoniae isolated from middle ear effusion were drug resistant S. pneumoniae (PISP, PRSP) and they were increasing year by year. 3. 46.7% of S. pneumoniae isolated from nasopharyngeal swab were drug resistant S. pneumoniae (PISP, PRSP) and they were increasing year by year. The incidence of drug resistant S. pneumoniae isolated from all cases and organisms were 26.3% and 14.5%, respectively. 4. On MIC90, antimicrobial activity of CVA/AMPC against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella subgenus Branhamella catarrhalis was superior to SBTPC. 5. In the evaluation of clinical efficacy, bacteriological efficacy and utility, CVA/AMPC-treated group was significantly superior to AMPC-treated group. 6. Adverse reactions were observed in 22% of CVA/AMPC-treated group, involving diarrhea and loose stool.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

[A clinicobacteriologic study on clavulanic acid/amoxicillin in pediatric sinusitis].

We carried out clinical and bacteriological studies on clavulanic acid/amoxicillin and amoxicillin in pediatric sinusitis at 11 general practice settings. The results are summarized as follows. 1. The major isolated organisms from content of middle meatus were Streptococcus pneumoniae 32.2%, Haemophilus influenzae 32.0% and Moraxella subgenus Branhamella catarrhalis 25.1%. Similar results were observed for the major isolates from nasopharynx. 2. 62.1% of S. pneumoniae isolated were drug resistant S. pneumoniae (PISP, PRSP) and they were increasing year by year. 3. Drug resistant S. pneumoniae was isolated from 38.6% of all cases. 4. Regarding MIC90, CVA/AMPC showed superior antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella subgenus Branhamella catarrhalis. 5. The clinical efficacy, bacteriological efficacy and utility of CVA/AMPC-treated group were 78%, 58% and 72.8%, respectively, and they were significantly superior to AMPC-treated group. 6. Adverse reactions were observed in 11.2% of CVA/AMPC group, involving diarrhea and stool loose and there was no statistical deference from those of AMPC group.

Amoxicillin↗
PubMed1998

The usefulness of computed tomography in the diagnosis of impacted fish bones in the oesophagus.

The usefulness of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of fish bone impaction in the oesophagus was evaluated. Thirty-two patients were examined by plain X-ray followed by direct oesophagoscopy for suspected fish bone impaction. Among 25 cases in which fish bones were actually removed, foreign bodies were not clearly demonstrated by plain X-ray in 14 cases (56 per cent). Eleven cases underwent CT prior to the oesophagoscopic examination. Fish bones were clearly demonstrated by CT in all patients. CT also clearly visualized secondarily-induced inflammatory changes in the neighbouring structures. In order to confirm this result, we made a simulation model of oesophageal fish bone impaction, using fish bones of three different species surrounded by a water bag. In comparison with plain X-ray, CT depicted a superior image of fine fish bones and provides extremely useful information for the management of impacted fish bones in the oesophagus.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Isoform-specific activation and structural diversity of calmodulin kinase I.

We earlier confirmed that there are isoforms of Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase I (CaM kinase I) (CaM kinase Ibeta1 and Igamma) beside CaM kinase Ialpha by cDNA cloning (Yokokura, H., Terada, O., Naito, Y., and Hidaka, H. (1997) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1338, 8-12). Here, we demonstrate the existence of an isoform-specific activation mechanism of CaM kinase I and alternative splicing specifically regulating CaM kinase I (CaM kinase Ibeta2) in the central nervous system. To cast light on isoform structure-enzyme activity relationships, CaM kinase Ibeta1, Ibeta2, and Ialpha were expressed separately using a baculovirus/Sf9 cell expression system. The novel CaM kinase Ibeta2 isoform demonstrated similar catalytic activity to those of CaM kinase Ibeta1 and Ialpha. Interestingly, CaM kinase Ibeta1 and Ibeta2 both can activate CaM kinase Ialpha activity via phosphorylation at Thr177. Reverse transcribed-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that CaM kinase Ibeta2 is dominant in the cerebrum and cerebellum, whereas CaM kinase Ibeta1 is present in peripheral tissues such as liver, heart, lung, kidney, spleen, and testis. CaM kinase Ibeta2 was also detected with an anti-CaM kinase Ibeta2 antibody in PC12 cells. The results indicate that alternative splicing is a means for tissue-specific expression of CaM kinase Ibeta. Thus the Thr177 residue of CaM kinase Ialpha is phosphorylated by not only CaM kinase kinase but also CaM kinase Ibeta for activation of the enzyme.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

[Clinical efficacy in pediatrics sinusitis infections of cefditoren pivoxil granule therapy and its in vitro antibacterial activity against clinically isolated strains].

We investigated the clinical efficacy in pediatrics sinusitis infections of cefditoren pivoxil granule therapy and its in vitro antibacterial activity against clinically isolated strains. The results are summarized as follows. The specimens from 343 patients were cultured and 595 strains of bacteria were isolated and identified. Oral doses of 3 and 5 mg/kg of CDTR-PI were clinically effective at high percentages, 85.1% and 89.5%, respectively, of treated patients. CDTR-PI at 3 mg/kg orally was clinically effective in 80.8% of patients with PCG intermediate S. pneumoniae (PISP) infections, 80.0% of those with PCG susceptible S. pneumoniae (PSSP) infections, 81.8% of those with H. influenzae infections and 78.3% of those with M. (B.) catarrhalis infections among the infections by major causative agents. The frequent isolates included S. pneumoniae accounting for 33.1%, H. influenzae accounting for 32.1%, M. (B.) catarrhalis accounting for 17.6% and S. pyogenes accounting 3.7% of all the isolates. PISP accounted for 16.1% of all the isolates and for 49.8% of the isolates of S. pneumoniae, and were isolated from 28.6% of the 343 patients. The isolation of PISP was frequent from children of 4 and under especially, and especially frequent from those below age 2. Of the isolates of S. pneumoniae, the biotype frequencies among PSSP were in the order of type I > type II > type III, while those among PISP were in the order of type I < type II with none of type III. Bacteriologically, an eradication rate of 89.4% was achieved with 3 mg/kg and 93.5% with 5 mg/kg of CDTR-PI.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1996

["Vertigo" the fact analysis of clinical practice by ENT physicians of Chiba Prefecture by "send-out" questionnaires].

Despite the fact that vertigo has been one of the most frequent complaints encountered in daily practice in an ENT outpatient clinic, it is believed to be the most unwelcome subject for ENT physicians. The reasons are diverse; e.g., the understanding of vertigo is still a difficult task for most physicians and requires time-consuming multiple studies. However, answers to those questions, although speculated a posteriori, are yet to be substantiated. Therefore, we have analyzed the data obtained from multiple questionnaires that were addressed to ENT physicians practicing in Chiba Prefecture in November of 1993. However, those who work in publicly run hospitals were excluded from the study. The study included otorhinolaryngologists who were members of the Society of Otorhinolaryngology of Japan. We received filled questionnaire forms from 76 of 155 members (49%). The age ranged from 33 to 82 years (mean 55.8 years, 68 men and 8 women). From these questionnaires, it became apparent that physicians are not necessarily reluctant to see patients with vertigo. Instead, most ENT physicians appeared to be actively paying attention to this symptom and to be making efforts to approach its diagnosis and treatment. Although we are not certain if the data obtained here represent the majority of ENT physicians, the positive attitudes toward the patients with vertigo/dizziness would certainly encourage those of us who are interested in this particular symptom category.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Efficacy of cefditoren pivoxil in the treatment of acute otitis media due to benzylpenicillin-insensitive Streptococcus pneumoniae].

Clinical and bacteriological studies were carried out on cefditoren pivoxil (CDTR-PI) granule in infantile purulent acute otitis media treated at general practice settings and the following findings were obtained: 1. Two hundred forty eight strains were isolated from 210 patients, almost all of which (81.1%) harbored the following two strains: Streptococcus pneumoniae (42.3%) and Haemophilus influenzae (38.8%). Among S. pneumoniae, benzylpenicillin (PCG)-insensitive S. pneumoniae, (PISP) or PCG-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP) was 36.2%, corresponding to 15.3% of all the isolates and found in 18% of all patients. 2. The bacteria in the middle ear discharge and the nasopharyngeal swabs were correlated with conformity rate of more than 80% with regard to Streptococcus pyogenes, S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae but no Staphylococcus aureus was detected simultaneously from the two sources in any of the patients. S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were considered to be contaminants that were originated from the external auditory meatus at the time of sampling. 3. Frequencies of isolation of S. pneumoniae from different age groups were higher in a lower age group between 0 and 4 years and those of PISP or PRSP had the similar tendency. 4. Antibacterial activities were determined for CDTR and related oral antibiotics against the strains of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae as representative isolates. CDTR had stronger antibacterial activities against both bacteria than the reference antibiotics. CDTR was found to be transferred into the otorrhea at a mean concentration of 0.58 micrograms/ml after single administration of CDTR-PI granule formulation at 3 mg(potency)/kg. 5. As for bacterial eradication efficacies in the middle ear cavity and the nasopharynx, eradication rates were higher than 80% in the middle ear cavity in all cases without large differences among bacterial species but eradication rate of PISP was 30% in the nasopharynx, and it was significantly lower than those of PSSP and other bacteria. 6. In view of clinical effectiveness, the efficacy rate was 89.4% and bacteriological effects was 92.2%; in view of safety, adverse reactions were; observed in 9.5% and the rate of usefulness was 89.4%. 7. From above-stated results, CDTR-PI was considered as a useful oral antibiotic for infantile acute otitis media including PISP infections.

Acute Disease↗