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Biomedical subjects

T Kawamura

Publications and source records attributed to T Kawamura.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

[A case of bronchogenic cyst which developed from negative findings to a thin-walled cavity for about 6 years].

A 56-year-old man whose chest radiograph in 1993 was normal was referred to our hospital because of a productive cough in 1997. Chest radiographs showed a thin-walled cavity filled with air. We followed his condition radiographically for three years and observed enlargement of the diameter of the lesion and appearance of an air fluid level, and we therefore decided to perform thoracoscopic middle lobe resection in 1999. Histological examination showed a communication between the cavity and a bronchus. As far as we know, there are no previous reports about intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts which on radiographic observation developed from negative findings to a thin-walled cavity filled with air over a 6-year period.

Bronchogenic Cyst↗
PubMed2001

[Multiple focal cortical dysplasias presenting with intractable epilepsy: case report].

A 14-year-old female, who had intractable epilepsy associated with multiple focal cortical dysplasias (FCD), was reported. She developed intractable epilepsy at the age of 7 and was diagnosed as having frontal lobe epilepsy based on the seizure semiology and interictal EEG. MRI revealed multiple lesions in the right frontal, bilateral occipital and left parietal lobes. EEG demonstrated that ictal discharge was preceded by spike on the right frontal region and FDG-PET showed hypometabolic area in the right frontal lobe. Chronic subdural electrode recordings from the right frontal lobe indicated that ictal onset zone was located around the right frontal lesion, especially frontal tip and base, and these areas including the lesion were resected. Postoperatively, residual seizure was noted although seizure frequency was decreased. It is well known that, postoperatively, satisfactory seizure outcome can be obtained in patients with FCD. However, further investigation in terms of surgical indication and strategies for multiple FCD should be needed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Clinical trial of bradykinin-enhancing chemotherapy for a recurrent malignant glioma: a case report].

Patients with malignant glioma undergo a combined treatment with surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Although those treatments usually show some restraining effects on the tumor, a relapse occurs in most of the patients within a few years. We have investigated the feasibility and safety of intra-arterial chemotherapy for malignant brain tumors by enhancing vascular permeability using intra-arterial bradykinin infusion. In 2001, The Committee of Ethics in Kyushu University approved our clinical trial of the bradykinin-enhancing chemotherapy for recurrent malignant gliomas. We here report the first case of our clinical trial. A 31-year-old man, who had undergone surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and irradiation for malignant progression of the left frontal astrocytoma over a period of 2 years, had a relapse of the tumor in the bilateral frontal lobes. After obtaining informed consent, bradykinin and carboplatin were infused through a microcatheter at the left A1 portion under general anesthesia. By dose escalation of bradykinin, the enhanced lesion in the bilateral frontal lobes diminished on magnetic resonance imaging after 3 trials with 3-week intervals, regardless of new lesions outside of the treated area. No neurological or physiological complication including myelosuppression was noted. Bradykinin-enhancing chemotherapy appeared to be effective and safe for malignant glioma. Because it was able to increase drug delivery to the tumor, it was possible to reduce the size of the dose of chemotherapeutic agent, which resulted in minimum complication.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[A case of ileal conduit stenosis 13 years after construction].

A 63-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with the complaint of bilateral hydronephroses. Total cystectomy and ileal conduit construction were performed because of bladder tumor (TCC, G2, pT2N0M0) in 1985. The patient remained asymptomatic, but bilateral hydronephroses was observed by ultrasonography in 1997. DTPA renogram showed the delayed excretion. Conduitgraphy and antegrade pyelography revealed that the conduit was narrow like a pinhole at 2 cm distal region from the anastomotic site of the urinary duct. The stenotic region was inflated by a 24 Fr inflation-balloon-catheter. Chronic inflammation, which was thought to be caused by infection, was detected at the stenotic conduit by biopsy. Hydronephroses disappeared after the operation and the postoperative course was uneventful.

Catheterization↗
PubMed2001

[Hyperdense renal cyst associated with papillary adenoma: a case report].

An abnormal shadow in the chest of a 57-year-old male was detected during a medical checkup and careful investigation revealed a left posterior mediastinal tumor (neurinoma) and a clearly demarcated homogenous mass with dimensions of 16 x 12 mm and computed tomographic (CT) value of 79 H.U. in the superior pole of the right kidney. The content solution was sticky and blackish-green. Neoplastic degenerations of 8 x 4 and 5 x 5 mm were seen in the cyst. Partial nephrectomy, which included the cystic section, was conducted and papillary adenoma was pathologically diagnosed. Nine years after the operation, the patient is alive and neither relapse nor other abnormalities were detected.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2001

Seasonal distribution of enteropathogens detected from diarrheal stool and water samples collected in Kathmandu, Nepal.

A total of 334 diarrheal fecal samples (from 210 males and 124 females) collected in Kathmandu, Nepal, were studied for various kinds of enteropathogens. Overall, 33% (111/334) fecal samples were positive for one or more enteropathogens. There was no difference in detection rates between males and females. Enteropathogen detection rates in summer, winter, spring, and autumn were 61% (40/66), 52% (45/87), 31% (25/81), and 25% (25/100), respectively. Altogether eight species of bacteria, three genera of viruses, and five species of protozoan parasites were detected with considerable seasonal variations. Among the bacterial isolates, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli topped the list followed by Vibrio sp. Only one sample had Shigella (S. sonnei). Rotavirus type A was the most frequently detected among the enteric viruses, followed by human enterovirus and human adenovirus, respectively. Among the enteric protozoan parasites, Giardia intestinalis was the most frequently detected followed by Cryptosporidium parvum. Detection of bacterial and protozoan pathogens showed a slightly high tendency in the summer season compared with that in the other seasons (p>0.05), whereas the detection of viruses was significantly high in the winter season (p<0.05). Of the total 57 water samples, 43 (75%) showed one or more bacterial species out of which 51% (22/43) were E. coli. Among the E. coli isolates, 68% were EPEC. Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (O157) was not detected.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[The hygienic examination and quality research of Chinese crude drug scorpion].

We selected the method of hygienic test to determinate the infection of colibacilli, salmonelli, mixed bacteria, mould fungus and yeasts on Chinese crude drug scorpion from 29 commerical samples in different storaged period, habitats and commerical standard. The results showed there were not colibacilli and salmonelli in all 29 samples, but infectious mixed bacteria rate is 100%, which is 2.1 times more than salty scorpion in 29 tested samples, and the infectious fungi rate is 72.4%. The fungi of salty scorpion is 15% more than fresh scorpion. The quantity of infected yeasts on salty scorpion is much more than scorpion. There are 4 species of fungi such as Alternaria neesex Wallroth, Aspergillus fumigatus Fresenius, Nocarcia sp. and Tricophyton violaceum Sabouraud. Because of infectious pathogenic bacteria rate is so high, we suggest to increase the item of hygienic test to control the quality of crude drug scorpion and strengthen the administration of commerical drugs, so as to reduce the contaminative condition.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Candidate microbicides block HIV-1 infection of human immature Langerhans cells within epithelial tissue explants.

Initial biologic events that underlie sexual transmission of HIV-1 are poorly understood. To model these events, we exposed human immature Langerhans cells (LCs) within epithelial tissue explants to two primary and two laboratory-adapted HIV-1 isolates. We detected HIV-1(Ba-L) infection in single LCs that spontaneously emigrated from explants by flow cytometry (median of infected LCs = 0.52%, range = 0.08-4.77%). HIV-1-infected LCs downregulated surface CD4 and CD83, whereas MHC class II, CD80, and CD86 were unchanged. For all HIV-1 strains tested, emigrated LCs were critical in establishing high levels of infection (0.1-1 microg HIV-1 p24 per milliliter) in cocultured autologous or allogeneic T cells. HIV-1(Ba-L) (an R5 HIV-1 strain) more efficiently infected LC-T cell cocultures when compared with HIV-1(IIIB) (an X4 HIV-1 strain). Interestingly, pretreatment of explants with either aminooxypentane-RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) or cellulose acetate phthalate (potential microbicides) blocked HIV-1 infection of LCs and subsequent T cell infection in a dose-dependent manner. In summary, we document HIV-1 infection in single LCs after exposure to virus within epithelial tissue, demonstrate that relatively low numbers of these cells are capable of inducing high levels of infection in cocultured T cells, and provide a useful explant model for testing of agents designed to block sexual transmission of HIV-1.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed2000

Palladium-catalyzed cyanation of propargylic carbonates with trimethylsilyl cyanide

[reaction: see text]An equimolar mixture of propargylic carbonate (1) and trimethylsilyl cyanide (2) in THF under reflux affords cyanoallene (3) in the presence of a catalytic amount (5 mol %) of Pd(PPh3)4. In the reaction, the trimethylsilyl moiety of 2 effectively traps the leaving group of 1. The use of 2 in excess (6 equiv) provides dicyanated products (7 or 8) in high yields.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Keio Mutation Database (KMDB) for human disease gene mutations.

A database of mutations in human disease-causing genes has been constructed and named as Keio Mutation Database (KMDB). This KMDB utilizes a database software called MutationView which was designed to compile various mutation data and to provide graphical presentation of data analysis. Currently, the KMDB accommodates mutation data of 38 different genes for 35 different diseases which are involved in eye, heart, ear and brain. These KMDBs are accessible through http://mutview.dmb.med.keio.ac.jp with advanced internet browsers.

Computer Graphics↗
PubMed2000

Eye disorder database "KMeyeDB".

The KMeyeDB (http://mutview.dmb.med.keio.ac.jp) has been developed as a database of mutations in human eye disorder genes using software called MutationView which provides graphical presentation of various data analysis. Here, we present several display windows from the KMeyeDB for data analysis of mutations in the RB-1 gene, which is responsible for the pathogenesis of retinoblastoma, a malignant tumor in the retina.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Activation of hepatic NKT cells and subsequent liver injury following administration of alpha-galactosylceramide.

It has been established that alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer), a glycolipid, is recognized by natural killer T (NKT) cells together with the monomorphic MHC-like antigen, CD1d, in mice and humans. In this study, we examined how NKT cells are modulated by in vivo administration of alpha-GalCer in mice. When 2 microg (or more)/mouse of alpha(-GalCer was injected i.p., the majority of NKT cells disappeared in the liver and spleen, possibly undergoing apoptosis, on day 1. At this time, NKT cytotoxicity seen in liver lymphocytes also disappeared. In parallel with this numerical and functional change of NKT cells, there was always concomitant hepatocyte damage, as shown by histology and elevated levels of transaminases. Subsequently, the number and function of NKT cells continued to increase from day 3 to day 7. The response seen in hepatic (and splenic) NKT cells did not occur in thymic NKT cells. All these phenomena induced in the liver did not appear in NKT-deficient mice such as beta2-microglobulin(-/-) and CD1d(-/-) mice. These results shed further light on the in vivo interaction between NKT cells and alpha-GalCer in mice.

Aging↗
PubMed2000

Nationwide epidemiological survey of chronic pancreatitis in Japan.

The aim of this study was to estimate the number of patients treated for chronic pancreatitis in 1994 in Japan and to explore the clinico-epidemiological features of chronic pancreatitis. Two surveys were conducted. Stratified random sampling was used to select departments in which patients with chronic pancreatitis were treated, and two different questionnaires were administered to obtain relevant information. From the first survey, the total number of patients treated for chronic pancreatitis in Japan in the year 1994 was estimated as 32,000 (95% confidence interval, 25,000-39,000). Clinico-epidemiological features, based on the 2,523 patients reported from the second survey, were subsequently clarified. The sex ratio (male/female) of the patients was 3.5. Alcoholic pancreatitis was the most common type in males (68.5%), and idiopathic pancreatitis in females (69.6%). Compared with the findings in the last survey in 1985, the proportion of patients with alcoholic pancreatitis has decreased slightly, from 58.7% to 55.5%, while that of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis has increased in both males and females. Patients diagnosed by advanced techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) accounted for 68.1% of the total. The number of patients with chronic pancreatitis treated in 1994 in Japan, was estimated as 32,000, with an overall prevalence rate of 45.4 per 100,000 population in males and 12.4 per 100,000 population in females.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Nitrite/nitrate (NOx) levels and hemodynamics during septic shock.

Nitric oxide (NO) acts as a vasorelaxant. We investigated the relationship between nitrite/nitrate (NOx), which are the final metabolites of NO, and hemodynamics during septic shock. We also examined tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and endotoxin. A significant negative correlation was observed between NOx levels and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP; r = -0.6075, P = 0.0028). A significant positive correlation was noted between NOx levels and the cardiac index (CI; r = 0.5934, P = 0.0038). A significant negative correlation was found between NOx levels and the systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI; r = -0.4354, P = 0.0485). A significant positive correlation was observed between NOx levels and the stroke volume index (SVI; r = 0.5040, P = 0.0186). A significantly close positive correlation was also observed between TNF-alpha levels and NOx levels (r = 0.7848, P < 0.0001). These findings suggest that NOx levels are closely associated with hemodynamics during septic shock, resulting in a vascular relaxing effect.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Neonatal thrombocytopenia induced by maternal anti-HLA antibodies: a potential side effect of allogenic leukocyte immunization for unexplained recurrent aborters.

Allogenic leukocyte immunization is one of several treatments tried for unexplained recurrent aborters, and is reported to have few maternal and neonatal side effects after the immunotherapy having been reported to date. In the present study, we report a rare case of neonatal thrombocytopenia (41000 cells/microl) observed in a female infant delivered by an unexplained habitual aborter. The mother was immunized with her husband's leukocytes once before pregnancy and twice at the 5th and 6th week of her successful pregnancy. Serological studies using mixed passive hemagglutination assays (MPHA) showed that maternal serum did not contain any antibodies which were reactive to 11 platelet-specific antigens, or to granulocyte antigens extracted from 9 persons. Lymphocyte cytotoxicity tests, however, showed that maternal serum but not infant serum had anti-HLA antibodies against both paternal and infant lymphocytes. Moreover, the maternal serum was found to have anti-HLA IgGs against platelet antigens extracted from the father and the infant. It is highly likely that this case of neonatal thrombocytopenia was caused by transplacental perfusion of maternal anti-HLA antibodies whose production was induced or enhanced by the allogenic leukocytes immunizations.

Abortion, Habitual↗
PubMed2000

HLA DPB1*0201 gene confers disease susceptibility in japanese with childhood onset type I diabetes, independent of HLA-DR and DQ genotypes.

HLA is an important etiologic genetic factor in Type I diabetes and specific HLA-class II genes are closely related to the onset of the disease. Many differences in the patterns of susceptible and resistant DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1 genes have been observed among various ethnic groups. We have previously shown that DRB1*0405, DRB1*0901 and DQA1*0301-DQB1*0302 were the major susceptible alleles or haplotype to Type I diabetes while DR-DQ haplotype studies suggested the important role of DR and DQ alleles in susceptibility and resistance in Japanese patients. Based on the analysis of 90 Japanese patients with childhood onset Type I diabetes and 136 unrelated healthy Japanese controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP), we report here the association of Type I diabetes with DPB1*0201 (relative risk = 2.29; Pc = 0.027) in this population. Comparison of linkage disequilibrium patterns between patients and controls showed that the significantly high prevalence of DPB1*0201 among patients cannot be attributed simply to linkage disequilibrium with susceptible DRB1 alleles and DQA1-DQB1 haplotypes. Our results suggest that in addition to alleles at the DRB1, DQA1, DQB1 loci, polymorphism at DPB1 locus also influences the risk of Type I diabetes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Significantly high regional morbidity of MPO-ANCA-related angitis and/or nephritis with respiratory tract involvement after the 1995 great earthquake in Kobe (Japan).

Within a 3-year period after the Great Earthquake of Kobe (Japan) resulted in more than 6,000 deaths and complete destruction of the central area of Kobe City, 14 patients (group 1 [G1]) with myeloperoxidase (MPO)-antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-related angitis and/or nephritis presented to Nishi-Kobe Medical Center in western Kobe City. On the other hand, only 15 patients with this disease were encountered between 1990 and 1997 at Kyoto University Hospital in Kyoto City, which is located 80 km from Kobe City and was only minimally affected by the earthquake. These 15 patients and 1 patient who presented to Nishi-Kobe Medical Center before the Great Earthquake were classified as group 2 (G2). Although the average MPO-ANCA titer in G1 was almost the same as that in G2, G1 showed a significantly greater average value for white blood cells than G2 (11,321 +/- 4,369 versus 8,116 +/- 2, 389/microL; P < 0.05). Concerning renal function, a significant elevation in creatinine (Cr) levels at diagnosis (7.4 +/- 3.8 versus 2.1 +/- 1.4 mg/dL; P < 0.01) and rapidly declining rates of reciprocal Cr levels were noted in G1 (0.325 +/- 0.304 versus 0.087 +/- 0.069 dL/mg. wk; P < 0.01). The number of patients who required emergency hemodialysis was significantly greater in G1 than G2 (nine versus three patients; P < 0.02); however, the incidence of renal death and mortality were not significantly different between the groups. The number of patients who reported upper respiratory tract inflammation as an initial symptom was also significantly greater in G1 than G2 (eight versus two patients; P < 0.01). Moreover, patients in G1 experienced a significantly greater rate of severe pulmonary involvement during the hospital course than G2 (pulmonary hemorrhage, five versus no patients; interstitial pneumonitis, four versus two patients, respectively; P < 0.01). The relatively uniform and distinctive clinical features of the disease after the Great Earthquake, in conjunction with a high morbidity, suggest a relationship between disease development and this urban type of earthquake. Severely provoking air pollution caused by massive destruction and reconstruction of the city may have caused high frequencies of upper respiratory tract inflammation as an initial symptom and severe pulmonary involvement.

Aged↗