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Biomedical subjects

S Aoki

Publications and source records attributed to S Aoki.

At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources

Contribution of parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cells to the clearance of hepatocyte growth factor from the circulation in rats.

PURPOSE: The distribution of 125I-hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to either liver parenchymal cells (PC) or non-parenchymal cells (NPC) was investigated in rats. METHODS: After injection of a trace amount of 125I-HGF, the distribution of radioactivity determined by microautoradiography closely resembled that of 125I-epidermal growth factor which distributes mainly to PC. RESULTS: The uptake clearance of 125I-HGF estimated by determining the radioactivity of isolated liver cells was three times higher for PC than for NPC. This suggests that HGF distributes mainly to PC at relatively low doses. On the other hand, the uptake clearance by PC fell on coadministering an excess (80 micrograms/kg) of unlabeled HGF, while no change was observed for NPC, indicating that a saturable process for the hepatic handling of HGF exists only in PC where the HGF receptor is expressed. CONCLUSIONS: At such a dose the uptake clearance was comparable for both PC and NPC showing that HGF distributes to both cell types although NPC have few HGF receptors. Since the distribution to NPC was relatively non-specific and heparin-sensitive, it may be that heparin-like substances, which are believed to exist on PC and/or the extracellular matrix, also exist on NPC.

Animals↗

Serological studies of the antigenic similarity between typhus group rickettsiae and Weil-Felix test antigens.

The sera from two patients with murine typhus reacted with whole cells of Rickettsia prowazekii, R. typhi, and Proteus vulgaris OX19, and with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from the spotted fever group rickettsia strain TT-118 and P. vulgaris OX19 in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sera from these patients reacted with ladder-like bands of LPS from R. prowazekii and R. typhi in the immunoblot, whereas the reactivity of these sera with LPS from P. vulgaris OX19 differed from each other. These results indicate that LPS from the typhus group rickettsiae and P. vulgaris OX19 contain similar epitopes.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

Cerebrospinal fluid levels of S-100b protein and neuron-specific enolase in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

We measured the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of S-100b protein (S-100b) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) using enzyme immunoassay methods in 15 patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), other three patients with chronic neuropathy with demyelination, eight patients with various axonal neuropathies (AN), and 46 controls, to investigate the clinical usefulness of the determination of these two specific proteins in these neuropathies. S-100b levels were elevated (> the mean +/- 2 SD levels of controls) in the majority of patients with clinically progressing CIDP (9/11), but not in the patients with AN (0/8). In parallel with the clinical improvement, S-100b levels were normalized in patients with CIDP (10/10), though total protein levels in the CSF still remained high in some of these patients (5/10). Elevation of NSE levels were seldom seen in clinically worsening patients with CIDP (1/11) or AN (1/8). Thus our results indicated that the level of S-100b in the CSF may be useful to assess the activity of actual disease process in CIDP.

Adolescent↗

Circadian expression of the dnaK gene in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803.

The expression of the dnaK gene in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 was continuously monitored as bioluminescence by an automated monitoring system, using the bacterial luciferase genes (luxAB) of Vibrio harveyi as a reporter of promoter activity. A dnaK-reporting bioluminescent Synechocystis strain was constructed by fusing a promoterless segment of the luxAB gene set downstream of the promoter region of the Synechocystis dnaK gene and introduction of this gene fusion into a BglII site downstream of the ndhB gene in the Synechocystis chromosome. Bioluminescence from this strain was continuously monitored and oscillated with a period of about 22 h for at least 5 days in continuous light. The phase of the rhythm was reset by the timing of the 12-h dark period administered prior to the continuous light. The period of the rhythm was temperature compensated between 25 and 35 degrees C. Thus, the bioluminescence rhythm satisfied the three criteria of circadian rhythms. Furthermore, the abundance of dnaK mRNA also oscillated with a period of about 1 day for at least 2 days in continuous light conditions, indicating circadian control of dnaK gene expression in Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803.

Base Sequence↗

Enhancement of the intracranial arterial wall at MR imaging: relationship to cerebral atherosclerosis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between intracranial arterial wall enhancement and atherosclerosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intracranial vertebral arteries of 30 patients and carotid arteries of 62 patients were studied with spin-echo magnetic resonance imaging with contrast enhancement and spatial presaturation. Arterial wall enhancement was graded as follows: stage 1, no substantial enhancement; stage 2, faint or thin area of enhancement; stage 3, definite and thick area of enhancement. RESULTS: In vertebral arteries, stage 3 enhancement was seen in 11 patients (mean age, 73.7 years) and stage 1 in eight (mean age, 56.4 years). In carotid arteries, stage 3 enhancement was seen in 13 patients (mean age, 71.0 years) and stage 1 in 21 patients (mean age, 39.0 years). In both arteries, stage was well correlated with age (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Arterial wall enhancement is related to aging and is probably due to neovascularity in association with atherosclerotic plaques. This finding may permit assessment of intracranial atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases.

Adult↗

Feeding of palm oil carotene to mice did not modify X-ray-induced chromosomal damage in bone marrow cells.

The influence of palm oil carotene treatment on X-ray-induced chromosomal damage in bone marrow cells of mice was studied. Palm oil carotene contains alpha- and beta-carotene in a ratio of 1:3. Mice were fed either a basal diet or carotene diet containing 50 mg of palm oil carotene/100 g for 15 days. On day 13, mice to be X-ray-irradiated received 0.5 Gy of X-ray to their whole bodies, and the chromosomal damage in bone marrow cells was evaluated in terms of the percentages of micronucleated reticulocytes in their peripheral blood on day 15. The chromosomal damage in the X-ray irradiated mice was 10 times higher than that in the unirradiated mice. The feeding of the carotene diet did not prevent the X-ray-induced chromosomal damage. In the bone marrow cells of mice fed the carotene diet, alpha- and beta-carotene were detected, but the concentration of the carotenes was less than one-hundredth of that of vitamin E. In addition, the feeding of carotene diet markedly reduced the concentration of vitamin E in bone marrow cells and serum. The X-ray irradiation reduced the concentration of vitamin C in the bone marrow cells, but did not reduce that of vitamin E or carotene in the cells.

Animals↗

Suppression of pannus-like extension of synovial cells by lipid-derivatized chondroitin sulphate: in vitro and in vivo studies using Escherichia coli-induced arthritic rabbits.

In rheumatoid arthritis, pannus formation resulting from synovial inflammation is a major factor in cartilage destruction. The ability of arthritic synovial cells to undergo pannus formation depends upon their initial adhesion to the partially deformed cartilage surfaces. Our recent studies using various lipid-derivatized glycosaminoglycans have revealed a preeminent inhibitory activity of phosphatidyl ethanol amine-derivatized chondroitin sulphate (CS-PE) toward cell-matrix adhesion. Here we evaluate whether CS-PE may protect articular cartilage from pannus extension in different in vitro and in vivo model systems using Escherichia coli 0:14-induced arthritis in rabbits and the articular cartilage explants, synovial tissues, and synovial cells obtained from them. These studies showed that CS-PE suppressed the in vivo pannus-like extension on cartilage surfaces, as well as the in vitro extension of the synovial cell layer on both CS-PE treated culture plates and cartilage explants. The results suggest that native chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans in the surface of normal articular cartilage play an important role in protecting the tissues from pannus extension and that the CS-PE immobilized onto partially eroded cartilage can mimic the inhibitory action of native chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans.

Animals↗

[Continuation of complete remission by oral administration of cytarabine ocfosfate in a patient with M0, who achieved remission by small doses of cytosine arabinoside with G-CSF].

A 70-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of leukocytosis. The laboratory examination revealed leukocytosis (44,500/microliters) with blasts (99%) in the peripheral blood. Myeloperoxidase staining of the leukemia cells was negative, but the surface phenotype was CD13- and CD33-positive, and negative for all lymphoid antigens. Peroxidase staining using the electron microscope was positive. Thus, the patient was diagnosed as acute myeloblastic leukemia (M0), according to the FAB classification. Although the therapy regimens commonly used for ANLL were effective for some cases with M0, the regimens mainly for ALL were more effective for the others. Thus we cannot determine what is the most effective regimen for M0. Since the patient had many complications, he was treated with low-dose AraC instead of combination chemotherapy. After the beginning of treatment, he became febrile and we added G-CSF to Ara-C. One month later, the patient achieved complete remission without severe infection. After four courses of consolidation therapy, the patient was discharged. He has been maintained in remission for more than 3 years and 8 months with only 5-day oral administration of cytarabine ocfosfate every four weeks.

Administration, Oral↗

[Bence Jones type multiple myeloma showing diffuse infiltration to the dura mater by myeloma cells].

A 62-year-old man with aleukemic Bence Jones type multiple myeloma who developed neurologic abnormalities is reported. After admission, consciousness disturbance appeared and a lumbar puncture obtained M-protein. Though brain CT showed no abnormal findings except a punched out lesion of the temporal bone, MRI disclosed remarkable enhancement of the dura mater. Meningeal involvement by myeloma cells without leukemic blood picture is very rare though it is common in other lymphoproliferative disorders such as acute lymphocyte leukemia and malignant lymphoma. We report a case of BJ type multiple myeloma with meningeal involvement due to diffuse infiltration to the dura mater and discuss a possible mechanism of meningeal involvement in this patient.

Bence Jones Protein↗

[Allogenic bone marrow transplantation for Fanconi's anemia with leukemic transformation from an HLA identical father].

We report a case of a 19-year-old male with congenital aplastic anemia and multiple abnormalities; short stature, hypoplastic thumb, skin pigmentation and mental retardation. He was admitted to our hospital because of severe pancytopenia. Bone marrow aspiration showed markedly hypocellular marrow with 42% myeloblasts. He was diagnosed as AML (M2) transformed from Fanconi's anemia and underwent allo-BMT from an HLA-identical father. The conditioning regimen consisted of high dose Ara-C, high dose etoposide and 12Gy fractionated total body irradiation. Severe toxicity associated with the conditioning regimen was not observed. Cyclosporin A and short-term methotrexate were administered for prophylaxis of acute GVHD. Neither acute nor chronic GVHD were observed. He is well and free of disease for 15 months since BMT. Very few cases of Fanconi's anemia with leukemic transformation treated by BMT have been reported. Long-term observation will be necessary to evaluate our conditioning regimen for Fanconi's anemia with leukemic transformation.

Adult↗

[Anemia and hemostatic abnormalities associated with multiple myeloma].

Anemia and bleeding are commonly observed in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Anemia in MM is multifactorial in origin. Three common causes are marrow replacement by the malignant cells, thereby reducing the available number of BFU-E, chronic renal failure and shortening of the half life of erythrocytes. Some patients with anemia but without renal failure show a good response to erythropoietin (Epo) with full correction of anemia. This indicates that human Epo is a promising therapeutic tool or treating myeloma-associated anemia. The incidence of severe bleeding complications is low, despite the diversity of abnormal hemostatic tests in patients with MM. These patients frequently show abnormal coagulation tests, including thrombin time, fibrin degeneration products, platelet aggregation tests and bleeding time. The most effective therapeutic approach to bleeding is to treat the underlying malignancy. Supplemental to this, plasma exchange is useful.

Anemia↗

[Diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndorme with trans-bronchial lung biopsy].

A 69-year-old woman was hospitalized several times because of asthma attacks. Laboratory data revealed an increase in eosinophils and elevation of serum IgE. Both chest radiographs and computed tomography showed fine nodular shadows in both lung fields. Tissue samples obtained by trans-bronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) revealed extra-vascular granuloma. The patient complained of numbness of the extremities and neuron conduction velocity was low. Based on these findings, Churg-Strauss syndrome was diagnosed. Prednisolone improved the patient's symptoms. Patients with this syndrome reportedly respond well if it is diagnosed and treated with corticosteroids early. Chest roentgenography reveals various abnormal shadows in patients with this syndrome. For early diagnosis, TBLB is helpful and comparatively safe. This case was unusual because extra-vascular granuloma was found by TBLB.

Aged↗

[Bacteriological and clinical studies of SY5555 in pediatric field].

Clinical studies were carried out on SY5555, a new oral penem, in the field of pediatrics. The results obtained are summarized below. The clinical efficacies were examined in a total 31 patients consisting of 4 patients with pharyngitis, 10 with purulent tonsillitis, 4 with scarlet fever, 7 with impetigo, one with balanitis, one with cellulitis and 4 with UTI. The clinical efficacy rate was 96.8% (30/31). Bacteriological efficacies of SY5555 were examined on identified pathogens including 7 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 6 of Streptococcus pyogenes, 3 of Enterococcus faecalis, 3 of Haemophilus influenzae, one of Escherichia coli and one of Citrobacter freundii. The bacteriological eradication rate was 81.0%. As for side effects, loose stool in one patient was noted. Abnormal laboratory findings test results included eosinophilia in 2 patients, eosinophilia and elevation of serum transaminase in one patient, and thrombocytosis in another.

Administration, Oral↗

[The evaluation of cerebral oxygen balance during moderate hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass].

The aim of this study was to evaluate cerebral oxygen balance during moderate hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We measured jugular bulb venous oxygen saturation (SjO2), oxygen extraction ratio (O2 ER), glucose extraction ratio (Glu ER), and lactate production ratio (Lac PR) in 20 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Fentanyl and midazolam anesthesia, alpha-stat blood gas management, non-pulsatile flow of 2.0-2.4 l.min-1.m-2, and moderate hypothermia were used in all cases. During cooling (at 34 degrees C of nasopharyngeal temperature), jugular-arterial blood difference of carbon dioxide partial pressure and O2 ER decreased, and SjO2 increased significantly. On the other hand, O2 ER increased, and SjO2 decreased significantly during rewarming (at 34 degrees C). There were no significant changes in oxygen-glucose index, lactate-glucose index, lactate-oxygen index, lactate production ratio, and lactate-pyruvate ratio. Ten (50 %) of 20 patients who met reduced saturation criteria (defined as SjO2 < 55 %), showed significantly higher O2 ER and lower SjO2 than the non-reduced saturation group from postinduction to rewarming period. We conclude that cerebral venous reduced saturation represents a global imbalance in cerebral oxygen supply-demand-utility that may occur during rewarming period, and that the reduced saturation group represents a significant difference in cerebral oxygen balance during even stable hypothermic CPB. These episodes, however, are not associated with the acceleration of anaerobic glycolysis.

Adult↗

[A new system for classifying bronchial asthma].

Classification of bronchial asthma with Rackemann's system or Swineford's system is too simple to be clinically useful. We developed a new system for classifying patients with asthma. Patients were assigned a "0" or a "1" for each of five criteria: the presence or absence of (1) steroid dependence, (2) allergy, and (3) sensitivity to aspirin, and whether or not their asthma was judged to be (4) hereditary and (5) infectious. For example, patients who were sensitive to aspirin and whose asthma was judged to be of the infectious type were classified as 00101. A total of 434 patients with asthma were studied (185 males and 249 females, ranging in age from 10 to 93 years). The patients were classified into 32 subtypes (shown in an accompanying table), and the data were compared to the results of classification by other methods. The present system may be more useful than those of Rackeman or Swineford, because it takes heredity and sensitivity to aspirin into account. A total of 103 patients could not be classified by Swineford's system: those in classes 00000, 00010, 00100, 00110, 10000, 10010, 10100, and 10110. We expect this new system for classifying bronchial asthma to be clinically useful.

Adolescent↗

Prediction of survival in patients with suspected recurrent cerebral tumors by quantitative thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography.

PURPOSE: To assess whether quantitative 201Tl single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can be used as a prognostic test in patients with suspected recurrent cerebral tumor, regardless of various combined therapies given. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study population consisted of 22 patients with grade 4, 3, or 2 glioma and 7 patients with solitary cerebral metastasis. All patients had undergone combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy after or during surgical debulking. Each patient underwent 201Tl brain SPECT to differentiate recurrent tumor from cerebral radiation necrosis, because the prior computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass lesion with an irregularly enhanced rim in the irradiation field. RESULTS: Higher values of 201Tl index (L/N ratio) showed a tendency for shorter survival (r = -0.502, p < 0.05). In patients with grade 3 glioma or solitary cerebral metastasis, survival time was definitely dependent upon 201Tl index values, that is, above or below the baseline index of 2.5. Grade 4 glioma patients, however, had a very short-term survival independent of 201Tl index values. CONCLUSION: Quantitative 201Tl SPECT may be a useful tool for predicting survival of patients with suspected recurrent cerebral tumor and may be used in place of fluorine-18-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) scan.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Evidence for glucokinase translocation by glucose in rat hepatocytes.

By an immunohistochemical technique, we examined changes in the subcellular distribution of rat liver glucokinase in response to external stimuli. Glucokinase immunoreactivity was found predominantly in the nucleus of hepatocytes. In situ perfusion of the liver with 20 mM glucose for 10 min caused a marked decrease in nuclear immunoreactivity and an increase in cytoplasmic immunoreactivity. Insulin (10 nmol/l) potentiated this glucose effect. However, no change took place when 5 mM glucose was perfused. These results indicate that glucokinase is translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in response to a high concentration of glucose.

Animals↗