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Biomedical subjects

S Higaki

Publications and source records attributed to S Higaki.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

An ultrastructural study of pigmented purpuric dermatitis with special reference to fibrous long-spacing collagen.

A case of pigmented purpuric dermatitis (PPD) in a Japanese man aged 59 years is reported with an interesting ultrastructural finding. Clinically, the lesions, which consisted of telangiectatic puncta and pigmentation, were irregular in shape and occurred predominantly on the lower legs without pruritus. Histologically, lymphocytic perivascular infiltrates and extravasation of red blood cells were observed in the papillary dermis. Ultrastructurally, endothelial cells with ovoid nuclei showed swelling and the lumen of the capillary became narrowed. Several banded structures, so-called fibrous long-spacing collagen (FLSC), were observed in the cytoplasm. They were spindle shaped, about 5 microm in length, and showed crossbands of 300-nm-wide intervals with fine intraperiodic bands. These structures were not observed in dermal connective tissue and fibroblasts. These results suggested that FLSC was synthesized in endothelial cells rather than being phagocytosed by endothelial cells, which might be helpful in investigating the etiology of PPD.

Collagen↗
PubMed2000

Changes in anterior and posterior corneal curvatures in keratoconus.

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively evaluate the changes in anterior and posterior corneal curvatures of eyes with keratoconus. DESIGN: Case-control retrospective and observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-one patients who were clinically diagnosed to have unilateral or bilateral keratoconus and 18 normal subjects. INTERVENTION: The anterior and posterior topographies were obtained using scanning-slit videokeratography and assessed by Fourier series harmonic analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quantitative descriptors of the topography data, spherical power, regular astigmatism, and irregular astigmatism (asymmetry and higher order irregularity) components were compared between the anterior and posterior surfaces and among groups of clinically diagnosed keratoconus (33 eyes), keratoconus suspect (13 eyes), and normal subjects (36 eyes). RESULTS: Spherical power (P = 0.0003, Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni's correction of P values), regular astigmatism (P = 0.0166), and asymmetry (P = 0.0031) of the anterior surface were significantly greater in the keratoconus eyes than in the normal controls. For the posterior surface, spherical power (P<0.0001), regular astigmatism (P = 0.0143), asymmetry (P< 0.0001), and higher order irregularity (P = 0.0032) of the keratoconus group were significantly greater than those of the control group. The keratoconus suspect eyes, when compared with the normal controls, showed a significantly greater amount of spherical power (P = 0. 0166) and asymmetry (P<0.0001) in the anterior surface and spherical power (P <0.0001), regular astigmatism (P = 0.0244), asymmetry (P<0.0001), and higher order irregularity (P = 0.0276) in the posterior surface. All refractive components demonstrated statistically significant correlations between the anterior and posterior surfaces (P<0.0001, Spearman's rank correlation). CONCLUSIONS: Not only the anterior but also the posterior corneal curvature is affected in keratoconus. These changes are observed from the early stage of this disorder.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Correlation between Propionibacterium acnes biotypes, lipase activity and rash degree in acne patients.

We examined the possible correlation between biotypes of Propionibacterium acnes, lipase activity, and rash degree in acne patients. Among 5 P. acnes biotypes, P. acnes biotype 3 (B3) was the most common, followed by P. acnes biotypes 1, 2 and 4; P. acnes biotype 5 was not found. P. acnes B3 was isolated from more severe skin rashes than those of the other biotypes. Production of propionic acid (PA) and butyric acid (BA) by P. acnes B3 was higher than those by the other P. acnes biotypes. As the rash degree in acne patients was more severe, the production of PA and BA elevated. Although only a few P. acnes strains were examined in the present study, P. acnes B3 had the highest lipase activity and might have the greatest influence on skin rash in acne patients.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed2000

Relationship between Propionibacterium acnes biotypes and Jumi-haidoku-to.

We examined the relationship between Propionibacterium acnes biotypes and Jumi-haidoku-to (JHT). In all the P. acnes strains tested, the production of propionic acid (PA) and butyric acid (BA) was suppressed in a medium containing 1 mg/ml JHT compared with the control medium without JHT. There were no significant differences in the rates of decreased PA and BA production between P. acnes biotype 3 (B3) and the other biotypes or between isolates from mild skin rash and more severe skin rash. P. acnes B3 was the most commonly identified biotype. The clinical effects on acne due to the anti-P. acnes lipase activity of JHT did not seem to be influenced by the degree of acne rash or the P. acnes biotype.

Acne Vulgaris↗
PubMed1999

Immunohistological study to determine the presence of pericryptal myofibroblasts and basement membrane in colorectal epithelial tumors.

Pericryptal myofibroblasts (PMFs) are thought to be involved in the production of the basement membrane (BM) of the colonic epithelium. To clarify the involvement of PMFs in the formation of the BM during the growth of colon cancer, we conducted an immunohistological study of tumor specimens from 85 patients with colorectal epithelial tumor to detect the presence of PMFs. The tumor specimens were classified as adenoma with low-grade dysplasia, adenoma with high-grade dysplasia, or colon cancer. PMFs were detected in 66.6% of the specimens from patients with adenoma with low-grade dysplasia; 20% of specimens of adenoma with high-grade dysplasia; and 3.2% of specimens of colon cancer. As the degree of dysplasia of the tumor increased, the probability that PMFs existed decreased. We also tested 49 of the tumor specimens for the presence of laminin, a component of the BM, and found that in most of these 49 cases, the BM and PMFs co-existed. This provides further evidence that PMFs are involved in the production of the BM. These findings are important in gaining an understanding of the cause and growth of colorectal epithelial tumors.

Actins↗
PubMed1999

Comparative study of staphylococci from the skin of atopic dermatitis patients and from healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial infections occur frequently on the skin of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the microbiology of the skin of AD patients for staphylococci, the frequency and density of each species, and their susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs. METHODS: To study the staphylococci present on the skin of 21 AD outpatients and of 12 healthy subjects (HS), cutaneous organisms were obtained using the contact-plate method. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 85.7% of AD patients (mild type, 77.8%; moderate type, 87.8%; and severe type, 100%) and in 25% of HS, while Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated in 83.3% of HS and in 38.1% of AD patients. Among the coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) identified, S. epidermidis was the common type and several other CNS were detected in both AD patients and HS. As the eruption grade of dermatitic skin became more severe, the average density of S. aureus increased (severe, 2.68 +/- 0.86; moderate, 2.49 +/- 0.48; mild, 2.28 +/- 0.44). A reversed tendency was seen in S. epidermidis (severe, 1.80; moderate, 1.90; mild, 2.10). Among nine antimicrobial drugs tested against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and some other types of CNS isolates, vancomycin (VCM) and minocycline (MINO) were the most active, gentamycin (GM) was the less active, and ampicillin (ABPC) was the least active. CONCLUSIONS: The skin of AD patients was more frequently colonized with S. aureus than that of normal controls. As the severity of the AD lesions increased, the numbers of S. aureus isolated increased. The skin of HS was more colonized with S. epidermidis. Other species of CNS were isolated from several cases of AD patients and HS. In addition, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and the other CNS showed poor susceptibility to some of the tested antimicrobial drugs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Metaplastic polyp of the colon develops in response to inflammation.

BACKGROUND: The metaplastic polyp of the colon is a non-neoplastic lesion that is generally identified as white, flat and having a smooth surface. In general, this polyp is small, is less than 5 mm in diameter but is occasionally larger than 5 mm in diameter, and forms a swelling. The aims of the present study were to clarify the factors that determine the morphology of protruding metaplastic polyps. More specifically, we investigated whether the metaplastic polyp forms as a result of an abnormality in cell proliferation or inflammation of the region. METHODS: We examined 15 endoscopically resected metaplastic polyps of the colon having a longitudinal diameter of more than 5 mm. To study aspects of cell proliferation, we used proliferating-cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining. For examination of histological changes caused by inflammation, we used alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA) staining, in which myofibroblasts are specifically stained. RESULTS: Metaplastic polyps showed significantly higher expression of PCNA, not only in the deep layer, but also in the intermediate and superficial layers, compared with the normal mucosa of the colon. In the protruding metaplastic polyps, anti-alphaSMA staining revealed bundle-like myofibroblasts in the interstitium. CONCLUSIONS: The factors responsible for the formation of non-neoplastic metaplastic polyps larger than 5 mm with a protruding morphology are: an increased number of epithelial cells due to the movement of these cells toward the ductal epithelium in the proliferating zone; and expansion of interstitial tissues due to infiltration of myofibroblasts and other inflammatory cells in response to inflammation.

Actins↗
PubMed1999

Double anterior chamber deep lamellar keratoplasty: case report.

PURPOSE AND METHODS: We report a case in which, although we planned to perform a penetrating keratoplasty for corneal stromal opacity with normal corneal endothelium, the host's Descemet's membrane became inadvertently detached and the operation resulted in double anterior chamber deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLKP). RESULT: After surgery, the patient's corrected visual acuity was 20/30. CONCLUSION: Double anterior chamber DLKP is safe and valuable.

Anterior Chamber↗
PubMed1999

Characteristics of Streptococcus species isolated from infectious skin diseases.

During the period from January of 1995 to June of 1998, 27 beta-hemolytic streptococci were isolated from 25 cases of infectious skin diseases including secondary infections, impetigo, phlegmone, and paronychia. The rate of beta-hemolytic streptococci among all kinds of the isolates was found to be similar during those 4 years, ranging from 3.5% to 5.6%. Staphylococcus aureus were found to coexist with beta-hemolytic streptococci in 20 (80%) out of 25 cases. beta-hemolytic streptococci were also often associated with coagulase-negative staphylococci, gram-positive rods, or other species. Twelve cases (48%) carried beta-hemolytic streptococci predominantly. Most beta-hemolytic streptococci showed high susceptibilities to all antimicrobials tested; however S. agalactiae showed no susceptibility to gentamicin. The evaluation of characteristics of Streptococcus species is very important for selecting the right antimicrobial agents and the proper term of chemotherapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Pyloric stenosis due to Crohn's disease.

Gastroduodenal involvement by Crohn's disease is relatively rare and occasionally causes pyloric stenosis, for which medical therapy may be ineffective and surgery may be required. We report on a 44-year-old man patient in whom corticosteroids had a marked effect in reducing pyloric stenosis caused by Crohn's disease. A proton-pump inhibitor was not effective, and Helicobacter pylori was negative.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Corneal infiltration and CMV retinitis in a patient with AIDS.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical features of stromal keratitis in a patient with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: Human CMV genome was detected in plasma, urine, and aqueous humor by polymerase chain reaction. CMV retinitis subsided and the corneal infiltrate was scarred within 4 weeks of systemic ganciclovir treatment. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of the corneal infiltration seen in an AIDS patient with CMV retinitis. Etiological significance of the finding is discussed.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1997

99mTc-HSA-D scintigraphy in the diagnosis of protein-losing gastroenteropathy due to secondary amyloidosis.

Secondary amyloidosis frequently involves the gastrointestinal tract and may result in ulceration, hemorrhage, and protein-losing enteropathy. We report a patient with severe hypoalbuminemia in whom endoscopy revealed widespread ulceration of the small intestine. The protein-losing site was detected by 99mTc-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid human serum albumin (99mTc HSA-D) scintigraphy. This evidence suggests that the ulcers and mucosal lesions associated with amyloidosis contribute to abnormal protein loss from the gastrointestinal tract.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Effectiveness of local endoscopic resection of rectal carcinoid tumors.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: In the treatment of rectal carcinoid tumors, confusion arises in the choice between radical surgery and local endoscopic resection, since the malignancy of individual tumors differs widely. We investigated the appropriateness of using endoscopic therapy for this disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients were diagnosed with rectal carcinoid tumors at the First Department of Internal Medicine, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine and its affiliated hospitals, from 1977 to 1994. The tumors were resected and examined regarding their size, depth of invasion, and histological atypia. The post-treatment course in patients whose tumors were completely resected without atypia was observed by colonoscopy and ultrasonography at yearly intervals. RESULTS: In 21 patients, tumor invasion did not extend beyond the submucosal layer, and there were no signs of atypia. The size of the tumor varied from 2.2 mm to 10.0 mm in diameter, with an average of 5.4 mm. After endoscopic resection of the tumors in 18 patients and surgical local resection in three patients, no local recurrences or liver metastases were experienced. The patients survived for a minimum of 29 months and a maximum of 237 months; the mean survival period was 72.8 months. In one patient, the tumor showed cellular atypia invading into the tunica muscularis, and measured 25 mm in diameter. The patient underwent surgery, but died ten months later due to liver metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment of rectal carcinoid tumors was found to be appropriate when the tumor measured 10 mm or less in diameter, did not infiltrate beyond the submucosal layer, and had no histological atypia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Treatment of pathological fractures caused by metastatic bone cancer].

The diagnosis of metastatic bone cancer is usually easy but in some cases the metastatic lesion is found before primary lesion is diagnosed. In such cases, the diagnosis is essential before treatment is begun. For these cases, bone scintigraphy and MRI are useful. Since curative treatment for metastatic bone cancer is impossible in most cases, it is important to decide the purpose of the treatment before starting. The aims are elongation of the life, decrease of pain, recovery from paralysis, attainment of stability, treatment and prophylaxis of the pathological fracture, and improvement of QOL. As for treatment of the pathological compression fracture of the spine combined with paralysis, the decompression operation should be done as early as possible, because at 48 hours after the paralysis is completed, recovery can not be expected even if complete decompression is performed. The decompression operation is performed with complete resection of the affected vertebrae anteriorly and then by rigid fixation with instrumentation posteriorly. As for the treatment of the pathological fracture of the extremities, in most cases operative treatments are indicated. Most pathological fractures of the extremities occur in the femur and humerus. In case of a proximal femur and humerus, wide excision of the tumor combined with the affected bone is performed, and the defect is then replaced with the prosthesis. When the shaft of the bone is affected, segmental resection of the bone is done in most cases and the defect is then replaced with ceramics and bone cement and fixed with intramedullary nails.

Bone Cements↗
PubMed1996

ErbB-2 expression is correlated with poor prognosis for patients with osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that the c-erbB-2 protooncogene is frequently amplified and overexpressed in many types of cancers, except sarcomas and hematological malignancies. METHODS: Expression of ErbB-2 in the tumors of 26 patients with conventional osteosarcoma was evaluated by immunoblotting. DNA from osteosarcoma tissues that expressed ErbB-2 were analyzed by Southern blot hybridization to examine gross rearrangement of the gene. The DNA was also surveyed for the presence of genetic mutation in the transmembrane domain of ErbB-2 by polymerase chain reaction-single-stranded DNA conformation polymorphism analysis. In addition, possible correlation of ErbB-2 expression with gender, age, histopathologic subtype, and response to chemotherapy was analyzed. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier test using the approximate chi-square statistic for the log-rank test. RESULTS: The ErbB-2 protein was detected in 11 of 26 osteosarcoma tissues (42%) by immunoblot analysis. Expression of ErbB-2 was confirmed by immunohistochemical studies using specific anti-ErbB-2 monoclonal antibody. However, neither amplification of the c-erbB-2 gene nor evidence of significant genetic mutation was found in these osteosarcomas. Expression of ErbB-2 examined by immunoblotting was most strongly correlated with early pulmonary metastases (P < 0.05). Among the entire group of 26 patients in this study, Kaplan-Meier life table survival of the patients with apparent ErbB-2 expression was significantly worse than that of the patients with little ErbB-2 expression (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In 42% of the osteosarcomas, the tumor cells expressed ErbB-2. Expression of ErbB-2 was strongly correlated with early pulmonary metastasis and poor survival rate for the patient. These data suggest that ErbB-2 plays a significant role in aggressive tumor growth and in the promotion of metastatic potential in osteosarcomas. ErbB-2 in the osteosarcoma tissues would be a useful prognostic marker for patients.

Adolescent↗