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Biomedical subjects

T Abe

Publications and source records attributed to T Abe.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

A novel (Pro79Thr) mutation in the FKHL7 gene in a Japanese family with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome.

PURPOSE: To report the ocular and genetic findings of a Japanese family with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome associated with a novel Pro79Thr mutation in the FKHL7 gene. METHODS: Observational case series. Genomic DNA of patients from a family with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome was extracted from leukocytes, and exons of the FKHL7 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction for direct sequencing. RESULTS: Molecular genetic analysis disclosed that one Japanese family with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome had a heterozygous C to A transversion in the first nucleotide at codon 79, designated Pro79Thr mutation in the FKHL7 gene. CONCLUSION: Considering this novel Pro79Thr mutation together with previously reported findings, it is indicated that the clinical features of Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome may depend on the portion of the FKHL7 gene affected by the mutation, although more case reports are needed to clarify genotype-phenotype correlations of the FKHL7 gene.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Infection of a retained permanent epicardial pacemaker lead.

Infection of a retained permanent epicardial pacemaker lead rarely causes mediastinal infection. A 21-month-old boy who had undergone an arterial switch operation at day 6 of life presented with mediastinal infection 3 months after removal of the generator. Removal of the infected pacemaker leads with the inflammatory granuloma was performed under extracorporeal circulation. The mediastinal infection developed from the retained epicardial pacemaker lead infection.

Electrodes, Implanted↗
PubMed2001

Congenital pulmonary vein stenosis associated with cor triatriatum.

We report an 11-year-old boy who underwent surgical correction for stenosis of the right and left lower pulmonary veins at their junction with the left atrium and associated cor triatriatum. The embryology and therapeutic approaches to congenital pulmonary veins stenosis are discussed.

Child↗
PubMed2001

Aneurysmal change in an internal mammary artery-pulmonary artery fistula.

We treated a rare case of aneurysm of the internal mammary artery-pulmonary artery fistula in a 32-year-old woman with unrepaired pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect. This aneurysm communicated with the pulmonary artery system through an aortopulmonary collateral. Aneurysmectomy was successful.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Repair of double-chambered right ventricle: surgical results and long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: We reviewed the outcomes of double-chambered right ventricle repair. METHODS: Between 1969 and 1998, 40 patients underwent surgical repair of a double-chamber right ventricle. The patients ranged in age from 3 months to 52 years (mean, 12.8 +/- 11.6 years). Right ventricular outflow tract pressure gradients were from 20 to 170 mm Hg (mean, 65.0 +/- 38.5 mm Hg) An associated ventricular septal defect was present in 27 patients (67.5%). Four patients were older than 30 years of age. RESULTS: There were no hospital or late deaths. Mean postsurgical follow-up was 16.5 +/- 8.9 years (range, 2.5 to 31 years). No patient required further surgery to relieve obstruction of right ventricular outflow tract. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical repair of a double-chambered right ventricle yields excellent hemodynamic and functional results over both the short and long term.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Characterization of cardiac myocyte and tissue beta-adrenergic signal transduction in rats with heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: The cellular basis of alterations in beta-adrenergic signal transduction in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF) remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine this signal transduction system in isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes of rats with CHF. We focused on changes in the levels of stimulatory (Gs) and inhibitory G-proteins (Gi). METHODS: CHF was induced in male Wistar rats by coronary artery ligation (CAL). Hemodynamic and biochemical parameters were measured 8 weeks after CAL. Alterations in contractile function and Ca(2+) transients via beta-adrenergic receptor signaling of cardiomyocytes isolated from rats with CHF were characterized by simultaneous measurements of cell shortening and fura-2 fluorescence intensity. RESULTS: Coronary artery-ligated rats showed symptoms of CHF, such as decreased contractile function, increased left ventricular volume, decreased chamber stiffness, and about 40% infarct formation of the left ventricle, by 8 weeks after surgery. The contractile function and Ca(2+) dynamics of cardiomyocytes from the rats with CHF remained normal under basal conditions. Only cardiac cell length was increased. The responses of peak shortening, fura-2 fluorescence ratio amplitude, and cAMP content to beta-adrenoceptor stimulation were reduced in cardiomyocytes of the rats with CHF, whereas direct stimulation of adenylate cyclase did not affect the response of these variables. Cardiomyocyte Gsalpha protein was decreased, whereas no changes in Gialpha proteins were seen in these cells. Increases in tissue Gsalpha and Gialpha proteins in the scar zone were detected. The results on tissue levels of collagen and G-proteins in the viable left ventricle appeared to depend on the presence of nonmyocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that impaired contractile function of cardiomyocytes is unlikely to account for global LV contractile dysfunction, and that down-regulation of beta-adrenoceptors occurs in cardiomyocytes per se. The difference in changes of G-protein between the cardiomyocyte and myocardial tissue suggests an appreciable contribution of nonmyocytes to myocardial G-protein levels.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Eosinophils in the cerebrospinal fluid of mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis are resistant to apoptosis.

Interleukin-5 (IL-5) transgenic mice were used to assess the immunological features of CSF eosinophils from mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. CSF eosinophils were hypodense by day 14 post infection (p.i.). CSF eosinophils survived longer in vitro than peritoneal eosinophils collected from cadmium sulphate (CdSO(4)) -treated normal IL-5 transgenic mice. Apoptosis was measured by Annexin V binding and the presence of a distinct laddering pattern of DNA fragmentation on agarose electrophoresis. Regardless of the presence or absence of Actinomycin D, CSF eosinophils collected from IL-5 transgenic mice from days 15-36 p.i. exhibited less apoptosis than peritoneal eosinophils collected from uninfected IL-5 transgenic mice. CSF eosinophils collected from A. cantonensis infected C57BL/6 mice at days 15-34 p.i. showed elongation of survival time and less apoptosis during in vitro cultivation. Reduced apoptosis was noted only in CSF eosinophils, but not in peritoneal eosinophils recovered from the same infected IL-5 transgenic mice. CPP32/Caspase 3 activity of cultured peritoneal eosinophils from both infected and uninfected IL-5 transgenic mice was higher than that of cultured CSF eosinophils. Stimulation with A23187 readily induced apoptosis of peritoneal eosinophils, but not CSF eosinophils or peritoneal eosinophils cultured with mouse recombinant IL-5. The latter cells were morphologically identical to hypodense eosinophils. RT-PCR analysis indicated that bcl-2 and bcl-x(L) mRNA expression was higher in CSF eosinophils compared with peritoneal eosinophils and this expression in the latter cells was upregulated after culture with mouse recombinant IL-5. These results suggest that CSF eosinophils, shifting to hypodense status through an accumulation from peripheral blood, are resistant to apoptosis. These changes may explain the long-lasting, helminthotoxic and neurotoxic actions of CSF eosinophils in A. cantonensis infection.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis↗
PubMed2001

Moisture desorption isotherms of medium-grain rough rice.

Moisture desorption isotherms (EMC/ERH) of medium-grain rough rice (Japonica variety) were determined using a constant environment chamber for various combinations of air temperature (11.8-51.0 degrees C) and relative humidity (37.1-89.7%). The initial moisture contents were in the range of 24.7-41.6% dry basis. A thin-layer technique was used to achieve uniform drying. Each test was continued until the moisture content change in 24h was less than 0.1% dry basis. The final moisture content was considered as the dynamic equilibrium moisture content. Four three-parameter EMC/ERH equations, the modified Henderson, modified Chung-Pfost, modified Oswin and modified Halsey equations, were compared for their ability to fit the experimental EMC/ERH data. The residual sum of squares (RSS) and standard error of estimate (SEE) were adopted as the criteria to evaluate the fitting performance of the models. The modified Chung-Pfost equation was identified as the most appropriate equation for representing the EMC/ERH desorption isotherms of rough rice. Coefficients for equilibrium moisture content as a function of equilibrium relative humidity and temperature are given. The EMC/ERH data obtained in this study agreed well with previously published data. However the average isotherm, combining desorption and adsorption data, of ASAE does not predict the desorption EMC of rough rice accurately.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Antibacterial halogenated metabolites from the Malaysian Laurencia species.

Two halogenated C15 acetogenins, named lembyne-A and lembyne-B, have been isolated from an unrecorded Laurencia species collected off the Malaysian waters. Their structures were deduced on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. Previously known elatol and iso-obtusol showed potent antibacterial activity against some marine bacteria.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2001

Halogenated metabolites with antibacterial activity from the Okinawan Laurencia species.

The chemical compositions of five species of the red algal genus Laurencia from coastal waters of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, have been investigated. A halogenated C(15) acetogenin, (12E)-lembyne-A, was isolated from L. mariannensis, and a halogenated sesquiterpene, (6R,9R,10S)-10-bromo-9-hydroxy-chamigra-2,7(14)-diene, was first found from L. majuscula as a naturally occurring compound. Laurencia nidifica yielded previously known laurinterol and isolaurinterol. Samples of L. cartilaginea and L. concreta afforded no halogenated metabolites. The structures of these halogenated metabolites as well as their antibacterial activity against some marine bacteria are reported.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2001

Embryonic development assay with Daphnia magna: application to toxicity of aniline derivatives.

An assay system using Daphnia magna embryos was applied to investigate the adverse effects of aniline derivatives. The data were compared with our previous data for chlorophenols. This new assay provides useful information to evaluate the toxicity of chemicals and the differences in sensitivity between the life stages. The effects of 15 aniline derivatives on embryonic development of D. magna embryos were determined. At the start of exposure, 2-6-h old eggs (between stages 1 and 2, round in shape, diameter approx. 400 microm), were used. In control and solvent control groups, embryonic development from an egg to a free-swimming animal proceeded completely within 3 days with more than 90% hatchability. Median effective concentrations (EC50s) to reduce the numbers hatched were determined and gross morphological abnormalities of hatched animals recorded. Anilines induced no obvious morphological abnormalities and no developmental delay although premature deaths occurred. However, they affected the number of embryos hatching in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, this embryo assay was more sensitive to aniline derivatives (except for aniline) than acute juveniles immobilization assay. Ratios of 48-h EC50 (juvenile)/3-day EC50 (embryo) for eight anilines were greater than 5.0. Particularly, the ratios of 4-methyl-, 4-ethyl- and 3-methylaniline were 77, 23 and 11, respectively. EC50s for embryos and juveniles were poorly correlated (r = 0.41). This indicated that the sensitivities of the two life stages were different to the effects of anilines. EC50s were poorly correlated (r = -0.097) with the log Kow (1-octanol/water partition coefficient). These results were compared with previous results for phenols.

Aniline Compounds↗
PubMed2001

High frequency of arrhythmias after Fontan operation indicates earlier anticoagulant therapy.

BACKGROUND: As patients began to survive for longer periods following modified Fontan operations (conventional atrio-pulmonary connection), the late morbidity after this procedure became increasingly apparent. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate late sequelae of modified Fontan operations in long-term survivors (n=14) at our institute. METHODS AND RESULTS: The cohort consisted of patients who underwent a modified Fontan operation between 1981 and 1990. Thus, all patients were examined at least 10 years postoperatively in this study. Early mortality, within 30 days of the operation, was 17.6% (three of 17 patients died from low output syndrome). Excluding these early deaths, the cumulative survival rate at 5 and 10 years was 100 and 79%, respectively. Arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation or flutter were the main late causes of morbidity. The arrhythmia-free rate at 5 and 10 years was 77 and 50%, respectively. Although the quality of life was considered good because all patients (n=11) who survived for 10 years or more were in class I or II according to the New York Heart Association classification, most of them in fact suffered from potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS: Meticulous attention to and utilization of established treatment strategies for arrhythmias including anti-arrhythmics, anticoagulants, catheter ablation or re-operation converting the circulation to the total cavopulmonary connection must be considered in long-term survivors following the modified Fontan operation. The fact that no one knows when the thrombogenic arrhythmias occur suggests anticoagulants should be initiated in the early postoperative period.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Antisense therapy of influenza.

The liposomally encapsulated and the free antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (S-ODNs) with four target sites (PB1, PB2, PA, and NP) were tested for their abilities to inhibit virus-induced cytopathogenic effects by a MTT assay using MDCK cells. The liposomally encapsulated S-ODN complementary to the sites of the PB2-AUG initiation codon showed highly inhibitory effects. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of the liposomally encapsulated S-ODN targeted to PB1 was considerably decreased in comparison with those directed to the PB2 target sites. The liposomally encapsulated antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides exhibited higher inhibitory activities than the free oligonucleotides, and showed sequence-specific inhibition, whereas the free antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides were observed to inhibit viral absorption to MDCK cells. Therefore, the antiviral effects of S-ODN-PB2-AUG and PA-AUG were examined in a mouse model of influenza virus A infection. Balb/c mice exposed to the influenza virus A (A/PR/8/34) strain at dose of 100 LD(50)s were treated i.v. with various doses (5-40 mg/kg) of liposomally (Tfx-10) encapsulated PB2-AUG or PA-AUG before virus infection and 1 and 3 days postinfection. PB2-AUG oligomer treated i.v. significantly prolonged the mean survival time in days (MDS) and increased the survival rates with a dose-dependent manner. We demonstrate the first successful in vivo antiviral activity of antisense administered i.v. in experimental respiratory tract infections induced with influenza virus A.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Surgical treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm after repairs of descending thoracic or infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: The outcome of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair after operations for descending thoracic or infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm was investigated. METHODS: Between May 1982 and July 2000, 102 patients underwent thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Of these patients, 36 had previously undergone operations for descending thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysm. To evaluate the influence of previous descending thoracic or infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair on the results of TAAA replacement, patients were divided into two groups: one group of patients who had previously undergone descending thoracic or infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (group I, n=36) and one group of patients who had not previously undergone descending thoracic or infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (group II, n=66). RESULTS: Patients with previous descending thoracic or infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair had more chronic dissection and extensive thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. The distal aortic perfusion time and total aortic clamp time were both longer in group I. The total selective visceral and renal perfusion time and operation time did not differ significantly between the two groups. In 30-day mortality rates were 5.5% in group I and 13% in group II. Major postoperative complications included paraplegia in 14% of patients in group I and 3.1% in group II, renal failure requiring hemodialysis in 22% of patients in group I and 19% of patients in group II, respiratory failure in 36% of patients in group I and 30% of patients in group II, postoperative hemorrhage in 11% of patients in group I and 16% of patients in group II. CONCLUSION: The presence of a previous descending thoracic or infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm did not adversely affect the outcome of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Tricuspid valve surgery for functional tricuspid valve regurgitation associated with left-sided valvular disease.

OBJECTIVES: We have reviewed 260 patients who underwent initial tricuspid valve surgery for functional tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) and analyzed independent predictors for early and late unfavorable results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1981 and 1998, 260 tricuspid valve operations were performed for functional TR. There were 94 males and 166 females with a mean age of 55 years. The tricuspid valve surgery procedures consisted of De Vega tricuspid annuloplasty in 240 patients, ring annuloplasty in four patients, and tricuspid valve replacement in 16 patients. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.8 years. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 8.9% (23 patients). Late deaths occurred in 34 patients including cardiac-related late deaths in 26 patients. The survival rates were 83+/-2% at 5 years and 78+/-3% at 10 years. Late tricuspid valve reoperation was performed on 13 patients due to residual or recurrent TR in 12 patients and thrombosed tricuspid bileaflet mechanical valve in one patient. The tricuspid valve reoperation-free survival rate was 90+/-2% at 5 years and 84+/-3% at 10 years. The only predictor of hospital mortality was preoperative highly elevated right atrial pressure (P=0.01). Variables predictive of cardiac-related late death were preoperative New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV (P=0.01) and poor left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P=0.02). Residual TR of more than grade 2+ early after tricuspid annuloplasty was a significant risk factor for late tricuspid valve reoperation (P=0.01). Preoperative TR of grade 4+ was predictive of early residual TR (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Tricuspid valve surgery for functional TR can be performed with acceptable levels of early mortality. Cardiac-related late mortality after tricuspid surgery may be improved by earlier surgical treatment before NYHA class IV or deterioration of LVEF occurs. To prevent late tricuspid reoperation, it is important not to leave residual TR of grade 2+ or more after tricuspid annuloplasty.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Endoventricular circular patch plasty for end-stage valvular cardiomyopathy.

We present here a case of end-stage non-ischemic valvular dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) associated with mitral regurgitation (MR). The patient underwent surgery where left ventricular volume reduction using endoventricular circular patch plasty (EVCPP) and mitral valve replacement (MVR) were performed. He has improved much after the operation and is now in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II.

Aged↗