Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S Kohno

Publications and source records attributed to S Kohno.

At least 469 records · Page 26Linked to original sources

[Different mechanism may underlie respiratory failure of myotonic and Duchenne muscular dystrophies--a pulseoxymetric and spirometric study].

Respiratory failure is an important cause of death in many neuromuscular diseases. We studied the relationship between nocturnal hypoxemia and respiratory muscle weakness by nocturnal pulseoxymetry and spirometry in two major hereditary myopathies, myotonic and Duchenne muscular dystrophies (MD and DMD respectively). In DMD significant nocturnal periodic hypoxemia appears only in cases with vital capacity lower than 20% of its expected value, suggesting that % vital capacity is a useful index of early respiratory failure. In contrast there was no correlation between vital capacity and severity of hypoxemia in MD patients. Therefore, we conclude respiratory muscle weakness is a single important factor which determines the severity of respiratory failure in DMD, while another/other factor (s), such as disturbance of respiratory control or myotonia, may play an important role in MD.

Humans↗

[Differential diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy by the measurement of cytokine concentration in pleural effusion].

Pleural fluids obtained from 26 patients with tuberculous pleurisy (T-group), 11 with parapneumonic pleurisy (B-group) and 21 with malignant pleurisy (M-group) were tested for their biologic parameters and cytokine concentrations. 1) The average age of T-group was over 10 years lower than that of M-group with a statistically significant difference. 2) The average CRP value of B-group and the positivity on PPD skin test of T-group were higher than those of the other groups, respectively. 3) Yellowish pleural fluids were mainly observed in T- and B-group, while bloody pleural fluids were mostly seen in M-group with a statistically significant difference. The average total protein amount and adenosine deaminase value in pleural fluid significantly increased in T-group. The percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes showed a significant increase in B-group, while lymphocytes significantly increased in T-group with a statistically significant difference. 4) Although no significant difference in concentrations of IL-1 beta, IL-2, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha in serum was noticed among the three groups, the average concentrations of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha in pleural fluid in T-group were significantly higher than those in the other groups. 5) TNF-alpha-mRNA of mononuclear cells in pleural fluid was strongly expressed in 3 out of 11 patients of T-group, while no expression was observed in 6 patients of M-group. In conclusion, the measurement of concentrations of two kinds of cytokines in pleural fluid, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, may be clinically useful for the differential diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy from parapneumonic pleurisy and malignant pleurisy.

Adult↗

[Clinical evaluation of sulbactam/cefoperazone for lower respiratory tract infections. Correlation between the efficacy of sulbactam/cefoperazone and beta-lactamase].

The efficacy and safety of sulbactam/cefoperazone (SBT/CPZ) were evaluated in 42 patients with respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia (29 patients) and lower respiratory tract infections (5 patients). Overall clinical efficacy rates (excellent + good) were 79% in pneumonia and 80% in respiratory tract infections in 34 patients evaluated for clinical efficacy. It was excellent that the clinical efficacy rate was 92% in mild and moderate pneumonia. Pathogens isolated from sputa were 31 strains, including 8 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 7 of Streptococcus pneumoniae, 3 of Staphylococcus aureus and 3 of Haemophilus influenzae. Since the isolates were eradicated in 18 strains, replaced in 3, unchanged in 2 and unknown in 8, the overall eradication rate was 91%. The eradication rates were 89% in beta-lactamase producing strains and 100% in beta-lactamase positive sputum, and excellent or good in 19 (83%) of 23 patients with beta-lactamase negative sputum. The eradication rate was 88% in 5 patients with beta-lactamase positive sputum. One patient experienced a moderate rash. Abnormal laboratory test values were observed in 10 patients (26.3%), but these abnormalities were mild and transient. These results suggested that SBT/CPZ was effective and safe for the treatment of respiratory tract infections caused by beta-lactamase producing as well as beta-lactamase non-producing bacteria.

Aged↗

Mechanism of histamine release by endothelin-1 distinct from that by antigen in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells.

The mechanisms of endothelin-1-induced histamine release were examined and compared with those responsible for antigen-induced release by using passively sensitized mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells and various drugs that may influence histamine release. The following results were obtained: (1) Although islet-activating protein potently inhibited endothelin-1-induced histamine release, it did not affect the antigen-induced release. (2) Histamine release induced by endothelin-1 was relatively more sensitive to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid than that induced by antigen, although extracellular Ca2+ is a requisite for both types of the release. (3) (8R*, 9S*, 11S*)-(-)-9- hydroxy-9-methoxycarbonyl-8-methyl-2,3,9,10-tetrahydro-8,11-epoxy-1H,8H, 11H-2, 7b,11a-triazadibenzo[a,g]cycloocta[c,d,e]trinden-1-one and (8R*, 9S*, 11S*)-(-)-9-hydroxy-9-methoxycarbonyl-8-methyl-14-n-propoxy-2,3,9,10-tet rahydro - 8,11-epoxy-1H,8H,11H-2,7b,11a-triazadibenzo[a,g]cycloocta-[c ,d,e] trinden-1-one, which possibly inhibit protein kinases, strongly inhibited antigen-induced histamine release, while these drugs alone did not inhibit endothelin-1-induced release. (4) Staurosporine, a non-selective protein kinase inhibitor, prevented the elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations induced by antigen, whereas that induced by endothelin-1 was not influenced; histamine release induced by either stimulus was greatly inhibited by the drug. These results indicate and/or suggest that some biological events induced by endothelin-1 leading to histamine release are different from those involved in the histamine release induced by antigen.

Alkaloids↗

Plasma (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan measurement in diagnosis of invasive deep mycosis and fungal febrile episodes.

(1-->3)-beta-D-glucan is a characteristic fungal cell-wall constituent. To assess the clinical usefulness of this glucan in screening for invasive fungal infection or fungal febrile episodes, we measured the plasma concentration at the time of routine blood culture in 202 febrile episodes by means of factor G, a horseshoe-crab coagulation enzyme that is extremely sensitive to this polysaccharide. With a plasma cut-off value of 20 pg/mL, 37 of 41 episodes of definite fungal infections (confirmed at necropsy or by microbiology) had positive results (sensitivity 90%). All of 59 episodes of non-fungal infections, tumour fever, or collagen diseases had concentrations below the cut-off value (specificity 100%). Of 102 episodes of fever of unknown origin, 26 had plasma glucan concentrations of more than 20 pg/mL. With those 102 cases taken as non-fungal infections, the positive predictive value of the test was estimated as 59% (37/63), the negative predictive value as 97% (135/139), and the efficiency as 85% (172/202). The positive predictive value should improve if there were a sensitive gold standard that could discriminate fungal from non-fungal infections. Causative fungi included candida, aspergillus, cryptococcus, and trichosporon. Determination of plasma (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan with factor G is a highly sensitive and specific test for invasive deep mycosis and fungal febrile episodes, and will substantially benefit immunocompromised patients.

Adolescent↗

Detection of (1-3)-beta-D-glucan in a rat model of aspergillosis.

The G test containing factor G, fractioned from the Limulus lysate, was used to detect (1-3)-beta-D-glucan in a rat model of aspergillosis. Aspergillus fumigatus strain MF-13, 1 x 10(4) conidia, were inoculated transtracheally into rats treated with cortisone acetate (100 mg/kg) and fed a low-protein (8%) diet. Increased serum (1-3)-beta-D-glucan was found on the sixth day after inoculation in concentrations of 370 +/- 178 pg/ml (mean +/- SD) in untreated controls, and 154 +/- 43 pg/ml in rats treated with 0.5 mg/kg of amphotericin B. On day 11 (1-3)-beta-D-glucan concentrations were 2,590 +/- 2,940 pg/ml and 448 +/- 442 pg/ml, respectively. The elevation in levels of (1-3)-beta-D-glucan increased in correlation with the elevation of galactomannan antigen titers; (1-3)-beta-D-glucan is thus measurable during experimental aspergillosis in rats.

Amphotericin B↗

(1-->3)-beta-D-glucan in culture fluid of fungi activates factor G, a limulus coagulation factor.

Two well-known polysaccharides, (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan and mannan, are major structural components of the fungus cell wall. The G test is a direct method to measure (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan using a (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan-sensitive component, factor G, fractionated from the limulus lysate. The concentration of (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan in culture supernatants of Candida albicans increased to 1,390.0 pg/ml at 24 hours. The concentration of mannan also increased parallel with fungal growth. However, after digestion of supernatants with endo-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucanase, the reactivity to factor G disappeared, although titers of antimannan monoclonal antibody-based latex agglutination were unchanged. Our study demonstrated that cell suspensions of both C. albicans and Cryptoccocus neoformans activated the limulus factor G, and that not only the conidia form but also the filamentous form of Aspergillus fumigatus reacted with factor G. Various Candida spp. (C. paraspilosis, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. krusei), Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodotorula rubra, Trichosporon beigelii, and A. fumigatus released soluble (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan into their culture supernatants, but C. neoformans and Cunninghamella bertholletiae showed only a small reaction to the G test during their culture. Our results indicate that the G test is a good method for serodiagnosis of deep mycosis and also as a screening tool for contamination of medical devices, drugs, and experimental materials with (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan.

Agglutination↗

Chromosome elimination in three Baltic, south Pacific and north-east Pacific hagfish species.

We have confirmed that chromosome elimination occurs in the cells of Myxine glutinosa, collected from the Baltic Sea off Sweden, Eptatretus cirrhatus from the south Pacific Ocean off the east coast of New Zealand, and E. stoutii from the north-east Pacific Ocean off Canada, similar to cells of four Japanese hagfish species. In M. Glutinosa, E. cirrhatus type A, E. cirrhatus type B and E. stoutii, the differences in chromosome number between spermatogonia (44, 72, 80 and 48) and somatic cells (28, 34, 34 and 34) were 16, 38, 46 and 14 respectively. The amount of DNA eliminated from presumptive somatic cells averaged 43.5%, 48.7%, 54.6% and 52.8% respectively. Euchromatic chromosomes and/or parts of chromosomes in addition to heterochromatic chromosomes were clearly eliminated in E. cirrhatus and E. stoutii. Adding our previous observations of four Japanese hagfish species, chromosome elimination occurs in all seven of the hagfish species. These results suggest that this phenomenon, chromosome elimination, generally occurs in the order Myxinida. In addition, B-chromosomes were observed in the germ cells of E. cirrhatus and E. stoutii, similar to the cells of E. okinoseanus, E. burgeri and Paramyxine atami (E. atami). This fact suggests that B-chromosomes might exist generally in the family Eptatretidae.

Animals↗

Choledochal cysts: special emphasis on the usefulness of intraoperative endoscopy.

Long-term complications after excisional surgery for choledochal cyst include stone formation within the intrahepatic bile duct (IHBD) and within the intrapancreatic portion of the bile duct (IPBD). The authors reviewed 180 patients with choledochal cysts (137 women) seen during a 30-year period and report their recent experience with intraoperative cyst endoscopy. Primary cyst excision with hepaticoenterostomy was performed in 150 cases, and a secondary cyst excision, after various lesser drainage procedures, in 24. Six children were treated early in the series with a cyst enterostomy. The mean age and follow-up period were 4.3 and 9.4 years, respectively. At surgery, dilatation of the IHBD was identified in 96 patients, and protein plugs or stones were observed in 31 common pancreaticobiliary channels. Fifty-five common channels were noted to be dilated. Hepaticojejunostomy was performed in 123 patients without intraoperative endoscopy. Late stone formation occurred within the IHBD in 4 of these cases and within residual segments of intrapancreatic cyst in 2 (mean age and follow-up period were 4.9 and 13.0 years, respectively). Intraoperative endoscopy was performed in 51 patients (mean age and follow-up period 3.6 and 4.3 years), and stone formation has not been observed in any patients in this group. Intraoperative cyst endoscopy is recommended as a valuable adjunct to choledochal cyst excision.

Adolescent↗

T cell-dependent activation of macrophages and enhancement of their phagocytic activity in the lungs of mice inoculated with heat-killed Cryptococcus neoformans: involvement of IFN-gamma and its protective effect against cryptococcal infection.

Previous investigations have demonstrated that macrophages play a critical role in the first-line cellular defense mechanism against infection with Cryptococcus neoformans. In the present study, to elucidate the way in which anticryptococcal activity of macrophages is regulated at the site of infection, pulmonary intraparenchymal macrophages were directly analyzed for expression of their surface molecules and their phagocytic activities against the organism, and the effects of depletion of T cells and endogenous IFN-gamma in vivo on these parameters were examined. In the lungs of mice intratracheally inoculated with heat-killed C. neoformans, macrophages were activated, as indicated by augmented expression of MHC class II, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and Fc receptor (FcR), and about two-thirds of macrophages were found to have ingested an average of 3.77 +/- 0.12 yeast cells per macrophage. In mice depleted of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells by injecting the specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or anti-IFN-gamma mAb, not only augmentation of the expression of macrophage activation markers but also phagocytosis of C. neoformans was significantly reduced. These results suggest that anticryptococcal activity of macrophages is regulated by IFN-gamma endogenously produced by T cells. Additionally, treatment with IFN-gamma were shown to significantly prolong the survival time of mice infected with viable C. neoformans. Additionally, preimmunization with heat-killed C. neoformans significantly prolonged the survival time of mice which received the following infection.

Animals↗

Mean power frequency shift during fatigue and recovery in patients with craniomandibular disorders.

EMG spectral shifts of anterior temporal and medial masseter muscles were evaluated. Mean power frequency (MPF) shift during fatigue and recovery of 46 healthy subjects and 46 patients with craniomandibular disorder were recorded at the beginning and the end of fatiguing clenching, then 3, 8, 13 and 18 min following the fatiguing clenching. The reference clenching force was 80% of each subject's maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Recording was stopped when subjects felt pain or discomfort. Significance was found between the healthy group (N) and the diseases group (CMD) in the three following points: (i) the mean of MPF values of the masseter muscles at the end of fatiguing clenching; (ii) the recovery pattern of the temporal muscles; and (iii) MPF shift induced by fatiguing clenching. Our results therefore suggest that MPF reflects several aspects of craniomandibular disorders. Thus, measuring fatigue and recovery MPF could be useful in the screening of CMD.

Adult↗

[Yearly changes of isolated organisms from the respiratory tract in Hokusho Central Hospital].

Isolated organisms from the respiratory tract have been studied in our hospital from 1986 to 1993. The total number of samples were 18,345 and samples which showed 10(5) cfu/ml organisms were 8648 in our hospital for 8 years. Enterobacteriacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and glucose nonfermenting gram-negative rods were major isolates in 8 years. Haemophilus influenzae, which used to be the commonest isolate, decreased from 10.9% in 1993 while Enterobacteriacae increased from 8.9% in 1986 to 17.6% in 1993. S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae were major isolates from out-patients consisting of 50%, followed by Enterobacteriacae, P. aeruginosa and MSSA. Enterobacteriacae and P. aeruginosa were major isolates from in-patients, followed by MRSA and beta-Streptococcus. Streptococcus agalactiae, Serratia marcescens and Corynebacterium spp. prevailed especially in the geriatric ward. S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis were major isolates from patients with pneumoconiosis, especially in winter.

Bacteria↗

[A case of fulminant psittacosis necessitating mechanical ventilation diagnosed by chlamydial isolation form BALF].

A 51-year-old female was admitted with complaints of fever and general fatigue. Chest X-ray showed diffuse bilateral fine nodular shadows and infiltrates. Complication of hepatic and muscular injury was suspected from increased levels of GOT, GPT and CPK in the serum. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed hypoxemia. Because hypoxemia aggravated despite treatment with intravenous minocycline (200 mg/day), corticosteroids and mechanical ventilation were started, and the administration of minocycline (400 mg/day) and sparfloxacin was added. Consequent, chest X-rays and several laboratory data improved gradually. The final diagnosis was established with a significant rise of both IgG and IgM antibody against Chlamydia psittaci with MIF and identification of Chlamydia with the cell culture method. Chlamydia was successfully isolated from BALF of this patient obtained 5 days after commencement of minocycline treatment. Psittacosis should be considered as a possible cause of severe respiratory failure necessitating emergency care including mechanical ventilation.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid↗

[Basic and clinical evaluation of lysis centrifugation in candidemia].

Basic and clinical evaluation of lysis centrifugation using Isolator 10 was performed and compared with culture bottle methods. Blood, which was inoculated with C. albicans, C. tropicalis or C. parapsilosis, was cultured using lysis centrifugation or culture bottle method. The culture duration of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis by lysis centrifugation was shorter than that by the culture bottle (BHI release). C. albicans, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis became culture-positive within 1 or 2 days after culture by lysis centrifugation. C. albicans and C. parapsilosis became positive 4 days and C. tropicalis 6-8 days after culture by the culture bottle (BHI super). Clinical evaluation of both blood culture method as performed from April 1990 to March 1994. Sixty samples (4.4%) were positive out of 1370 samples. Twenty eight samples (7.2%) were positive out of 389 samples, which were examined by both methods. Twenty two samples were positive by both methods and the rest of the 6 samples was positive only by Lysis centrifugation.

Blood↗

[A report to 2 cases where Stenotrophomonas maltophilia with a mucoid phenotype was isolated from the sputum].

Mucoid Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was isolated from the sputum of 2 women. Case 1 which we reported recently was primary pneumonia caused by S. maltophilia. However, in Case 2, mucoid S. maltophilia represented part of the transient flora. Interestingly, colonization of mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa on respiratory tract occurred in both cases after mucoid S. maltophilia was isolated from their sputum.

Female↗