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Biomedical subjects

T Kimoto

Publications and source records attributed to T Kimoto.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Calcium ion as a second messenger for o-nitrophenylsulfenyl-adrenocorticotropin (NPS-ACTH) and ACTH in bovine adrenal steroidogenesis.

o-Nitrophenyl sulfenyl-modified ACTH (NPS-ACTH) stimulated steroidogenesis acutely in bovine fasciculata-reticularis cells without increase in cellular cAMP synthesis. Application of NPS-ACTH to the cultured cells induced Ca2+ signals in individual cells as detected by video-enhanced microscopic fluorescence measurements. The percentage of Ca2+ signaling cells corresponded well with the increase of steroidogenesis induced by NPS-ACTH below 1 nM. Treatment of the cells with nicardipine, a Ca2+ channel blocker, suppressed the Ca2+ signals except for the transient increase just after the addition of NPS-ACTH and also blocked completely the stimulative effect on the steroidogenesis of NPS-ACTH below 1 nM. At a dosage of NPS-ACTH higher than 10 nM, the stimulative effect of steroidogenesis was partly suppressed by nicardipine and also by AA-861, a lipoxygenase inhibitor. The action of NPS-ACTH might be mediated by both Ca2+ and lipoxygenase metabolite(s) of arachidonic acid as dual second messengers. The effect of ACTH in pM range on the steroidogenesis was suppressed completely by the treatment with nicardipine and AA-861 at the same time, indicating that the action was mediated by both Ca2+ and the lipoxygenase metabolite(s) but not by cAMP. cAMP plays a significant role as a second messenger for ACTH action only at ACTH concentrations greater than 10 pM.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1998

Analysis of lipid components in zooplankter individuals by reactive pyrolysis-gas chromatography in the presence of organic alkali.

It has been eagerly requested to develop a highly-sensitive method to characterize extremely minute amounts of natural organic materials occluded in meteorites and/or space dusts in order to confirm the existence of life in the extraterrestrial space. In this article, the reactive pyrolysis-gas chromatography (Py-GC) applied to the analysis of the lipid components contained in every zooplankter individual is introduced for the sake of its potential extension to the characterization of trace amounts of the extraterrestrial organic materials. Here, Py-GC was applied to 1) the discriminative analysis among zooplankter individuals cultured in different food concentrations, and 2) the correlation analysis between the distributions of fatty acid components in the lipids of zooplankter individuals and ingested algae phytoplankton.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

CT-guided biopsy of pulmonary nodules less than 3 cm: usefulness of the spring-operated core biopsy needle and frozen-section pathologic diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to improve the diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided biopsy of small lung nodules with the aid of frozen-section histopathologic diagnosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Since 1993, we have evaluated 52 lung nodules smaller than 3 cm with CT-guided transthoracic biopsy. Thirty-five lesions were malignant and 17 were benign. Biopsy always started with a 20-gauge spring-operated core biopsy needle. Tissue samples were sent to the pathology laboratory immediately after biopsy for histopathologic diagnosis of the frozen sections. RESULTS: In 47 (90%) of 52 lesions, sufficient material for histologic diagnosis was obtained, including 34 (97%) of 35 malignant lesions and 13 (76%) of 17 benign lesions. In the 13 benign lesions for which histologic sampling was successful, a specific diagnosis of benign was made for 10 lesions (77%). In three cases, the sample was too small to make a histologic specimen, but cytologic study using the same sample led to the correct final diagnosis: one as malignant and two as benign. In the remaining two cases, biopsy was unsuccessful. The lesions were both 1 cm in size and were found to be benign on follow-up studies. CONCLUSION: CT-guided biopsy with the aid of frozen-section specimens using small-bore spring-operated core needles is a feasible technique with good results in the histologic diagnosis of small lung lesions.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1998

[A case of miliary tuberculosis with brain tuberculoma, following intraocular tuberculosis].

A 52-year-old woman with visual loss of her left eye consulted a ophthalmology clinic. She was conducted left vitrectomy and administered corticosteroid under the diagnosis of uveitis of unknown cause. But her visual acuity was not improved. Although re-surgery was planned, pus retention was found in her left eye. After her left eye was resected, fever and general malaise appeared suddenly. Her chest X-ray film revealed diffuse micronodular opacities. Acid-fast bacilli were detected from her sputum and identified to be Mycobacterium tuberculosis. She was diagnosed miliary tuberculosis, and then antituberculous chemotherapy consisting of 4 drugs was started. Granulomatous inflammation destructing retina and numerous acid-fact bacilli were found in histologic examination of the resected eye. This case was thought to be miliary tuberculosis disseminated from intraocular tuberculosis. After 2 months of therapy, neurologic symptoms which might be caused by brain tuberucloma appeared and deteriorated rapidly. But by adding corticosteroid to antituberculous therapy, symptoms were diminished gradually.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗
PubMed1997

Therapeutic experience of venomous snakebites by the Japanese viper (Agkistrodon halys Blomhoffii) with low dose of antivenin: report of 43 consecutive cases.

Forty-three consecutive patients of venomous snakebite by the Japanese viper (Agkistrodon halys Blomhoffii, "Mamushi" in Japanese) were treated with an uniformly scheduled therapy from 1990 and 1994. The therapy was mainly composed of minimal dose of antivenin, methylprednisolon and cepharanthin. There were two clinical courses, i.e., the minimal envenomation course (Group A, n = 14) and the severe one (Group B, n = 29). Our treatment was so satisfactory that all patients of both groups fully recovered activities of daily living with neither organic disorders nor sequelae of the bitten extremities. The high appearance ratio of atypical lymphocytes (P < 0.05) and the increased ratio of lymphocyte count to White blood cell count (P < 0.02) could be indicators that predict which clinical courses the patients take.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Clinical application of short hydroxylapatite-coated dental implants to the posterior mandible: a five-year survival study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The surgical and restorative procedures at the posterior region of the maxilla and the mandible present a complex task in the treatment of partially edentulous patients. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability of short hydroxylapatite-coated dental implants to the posterior mandible of partially edentulous patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight and 11 mm implants were evaluated as to their cumulative survival rate, clinical status (plaque index, gingival index, probing depth), and marginal bone loss over a 5-year period. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The verified overall cumulative survival rate was 94% for implants and 91% for prostheses. These results suggest predictable success for the application of short implants to the posterior mandible.

Alloys↗
PubMed1997

Digital fluorescence imaging of elementary steps of neurosteroid synthesis in rat brain glial cells.

With fluorescence microscopic imaging, we have examined Ca2+ signaling, LDL uptake and distribution of cytochrome P450 scc on individual rat brain glial cells in order to investigate the molecular mechanisms of neurosteroid synthesis. Astrocytes and oligodendrocytes were cultured from newborn rat brain. Ca2+ signaling was observed in Calcium Green-1 loaded astrocytes upon neurotransmitter stimulations using video-enhanced microscopy. Upon stimulation of serotonin and glutamate, we observed typically three types of Ca2+ signaling which were Ca2+ oscillations, a transient increase in Ca2+ concentration and Ca2+ oscillations superimposed on a transient Ca2+ increase. On the other hand, histamine and ATP induced only a transient increase in Ca2+ without oscillatory response. Uptake of octadecyl rhodamine (R18) labeled LDL by astrocytes and oligodendrocytes was observed in the time scale of 30 min with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Some localization of LDL in the cytoplasm was observed for astrocytes. For oligodendrocytes, incorporated LDL was distributed over the entire cytoplasmic region of both cell body and multiple branched cell processes. The presence of a significant amount of cytochrome P450 scc was demonstrated with immunofluorescence staining in both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The density of P450 scc in both glial cells was suggested to be around 1% of that in bovine adrenocortical fasciculata cells. The results lead to an improved quantitative picture of neurosteroid synthesis in glial cells.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed1997

US-guided left-sided biliary drainage: nine-year experience.

PURPOSE: The feasibility and safety of left-sided biliary drainage with ultrasound (US) guidance were studied prospectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 1987 to July 1996, 208 consecutive patients underwent US-guided biliary drainage; all were evaluated for left-sided drainage. Drainage procedure was begun with puncture of the hepatic duct branch of the lateral segment of the left lobe when the branch was well visualized with US; otherwise, a right-sided approach was used. When the hepatic duct branch diameter was greater than 3 mm, puncture was performed with an 18-gauge needle; smaller branches were punctured with 21-gauge needles. RESULTS: In 147 (71%) patients, the left hepatic duct branch was well visualized with US, and the branch diameter was greater than 3 mm. In these patients, left-sided drainage with use of an 18-gauge needle was successful. In 26 (12%) patients, the left hepatic duct branch diameter was less than 3 mm, and drainage was initiated with a 21-gauge needle. In six (23%) of these 26 patients, left-sided drainage was unsuccessful, but five of these patients underwent successful US-guided drainage from the right hepatic duct branch. Two patients died of septic shock within 72 hours of completed drainage. Three patients experienced severe hemobilia. CONCLUSION: US-guided left-sided biliary drainage is a highly successful and safe method when the left hepatic duct branch diameter is greater than 3 mm.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Evaluation of middle lobe syndrome: bronchial washing cultures testing positive for Mycobacterium avium complex].

From 1988 to 1995, a bronchial washing was performed on 118 cases of middle lobe syndrome at the National Himeji Hospital. Twenty cases (16.9%) were positive for Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). All cases were middle-aged (mean age 54.8), non-smoking women. Fourteen cases were asymptomatic and showed only abnormal shadow on chest X-ray film, while others complained cough, sputum or hemosputum. CT examinations were done on 13 patients, and pulmonary infiltrations were found in addition to right middle lobe or lingula in many cases. It is important to note that MAC infection might be one of causes of middle lobe syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Effect of herpes simplex virus on the DNA of human papillomavirus 18.

Some types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) appear to be associated with carcinoma of the cervix or other tissues, but patients infected with HPV do not necessarily develop carcinoma. Some epidemiological studies of risk factors for cervical carcinoma have indicated the involvement of herpes simplex virus (HSV). To study the effect of HSV on the genome of HPV, total DNAs were extracted and analyzed after HeLa cells, or A431 cells, transiently transfected with HPV18 DNA, were infected with HSV-1 or -2 for 24 hours. In HeLa cells, integrated HPV18 DNA was amplified almost threefold. In A431 cells, HPV 18 DNA fragments, sensitive to the restriction enzyme Mbo I, indicated newly replicated DNA. Replication intermediates were detected when the DNA was resolved by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. This study showed that HSV caused some amplification of HPV and indicated the possibility of HSV involved in the integration and amplification of HPV in host cells.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1997

[A clinical study of 5 cases of acute eosinophilic pneumonia--the relationship between beginning to smoke and acute eosinophilic pneumonia].

We encountered 5 cases of acute eosinophilic pneumonia. All cases were young men who had recently begun smoking, and they showed an acute onset hypoxemia, diffuse shadows on chest X-ray, an elevation of eosinophils in the peripheral blood and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid, and rapid recovery. One of the 5 cases showed a re-elevation of eosinophils in the peripheral blood and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid after a smoking challenge test. It appears that one of the causes of acute eosinophilic pneumonia is beginning to smoke.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Adrenocorticotropin induces calcium oscillations in adrenal fasciculata cells: single cell imaging.

With fluorescence microscopic imaging, we have demonstrated that the Ca2+ signaling occurred in individual Calcium Green-1 loaded bovine adrenal fasciculata cells upon stimulation with adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) at physiological concentration of 0.1-100 pM. We observed three patterns of Ca2+ signaling which were Ca2+ oscillations (33%), step-like increase in Ca2+ concentration (10%), and Ca2+ oscillations superimposed on step-like increase in Ca2+ (57%). The oscillation in intracellular Ca2+ concentration occurred with a frequency around 0.04 Hz. When Ca2+ signaling upon ACTH stimulation was inhibited by the treatment with EGTA, the corticoid production was considerably suppressed. The results suggest that the Ca2+ signaling is a probable candidate of the second messenger for ACTH-induced steroid hormone synthesis in zona fasciculata cells.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1996

[Characteristics and limitations of three-dimensional spiral CT--experimental evaluation].

We evaluated the image quality of three-dimensional (3D) spiral CT using a Somatom Plus CT scanner (Siemens, Germany). A T-shaped acrylate plastic model was made and scanning was performed with a table speed of 5 mm/sec for 24 seconds. The thickness of the X-ray beam was 5mm with one second per rotation. The various images of the model were created based on the shaded surface display (SSD) method and the effect of threshold and rotation (spin and tilt) on the quality of the 3D images was studied. The increase of threshold caused a rapid decrease in the diameter of the stick observed on the film, and this phenomenon was particularly remarkable on the transverse stick and the junctional portion of the longitudinal stick. The change of spin or tilt did not affect the diameter of the stick on the film. It was found that the depth perception of the stick could be achieved with the gray scale technique. We concluded that the interpretation of the 3D spiral CT image obtained with SSD needs caution and the diagnosis should not be made only on this image.

Humans↗
PubMed1996

Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction detection and sequence analysis of small round-structured viruses in Japan.

Between 1985 and 1995, mass outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis caused by small round-structured virus (SRSV), occurred in eight prefectures in Japan. Fecal samples from 59 patients ill during these outbreaks were recently examined in our laboratory by electron microscopy (EM) and by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For RT-PCR, we prepared two sets of primers, a set corresponding to the polymerase region of open reading frame 1 (ORF-1) and a set corresponding to the capsid region of ORF-2 of Norwalk virus (NV). The SRSV nucleic acid detection rate with these primers was more than double that achieved with EM. Most samples found by EM to contain virus particles were also positive by PCR. When the two sets of primers were used separately, the virus detection rate differed depending on the primer used, suggesting that the viral strains examined were not genetically not homogeneous. We then selected nine strains of the virus, cloned their PCR products and analyzed their base sequences. The base sequences of these strains were compared with those of reference strains including prototype NV and Snow Mountain agent (SMA). This comparison yielded the following findings: (1) SRSVs that cause mass outbreaks of gastroenteritis in Japan are genetically variable; (2) SRSV strains that are genetically similar to SMA and SRSV-OTH 25/89/J(OTH25) are dominant in Japan, but strains similar to NV are also present in this country; and (3) a strain (MI1/94) which is genetically identical to Southampton virus (SHV) was detected. Detection of SRSV using sensitive RT-PCR and analysis of the sequences of the amplification products seems to provide a useful means of studying the molecular epidemiology of SRSV.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Technegas ventilation SPECT for evaluating silicosis in comparison with computed tomography.

To compare the subtle pulmonary parenchymal morphologic changes with ventilation function in patients with silicosis, the conventional CT, high resolution CT and technegas ventilation SPECT were performed. In 25 silicotic patients and six controls, the pulmonary ventilation state was evaluated by an index called the coefficient of variation (CV), which expresses the subliminal heterogeneous distribution of technegas in the lungs. The results showed that with silicosis the CV value is significantly higher than that without silicosis. The CV value was proved by multifactorial analysis to independently reflect the extent of the appearance of small scattered interstitial findings such as nodules, septal thickening and bulla, which were typical findings for silicosis. The CV value calculated from the technegas SPECT correlated well with the severity of silicosis. It is considered that the CV value can also express the functional state of the silicotic lung.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Cloning and expression of a putative alcohol dehydrogenase gene of Entamoeba histolytica and its application to immunological examination.

To clone and express the genes encoding major antigens of Entamoeba histolytica, we constructed a lambda gt11 cDNA library for E. histolytica HM1:IMSS and screened it with pooled sera from patients with amoebiasis. A 1,223-bp cDNA was cloned (clone 1223), and its nucleotide sequence was determined. The amino acid sequence predicted to be encoded by the open reading frame of clone 1223 consisted of 396 residues and showed 32.5 and 32.3% homology to the NADH-dependent butanol dehydrogenases I and II (bdhA and bdhB) of Clostridium acetobutylicum, respectively. In addition, 29 of the 34 consensus positions of bdhA and bdhB were also well conserved in clone 1223. The recombinant protein expressed from clone 1223 had an estimated molecular mass of 43.5 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The antigenicity and specificity of the recombinant protein were evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using sera obtained from two clinical groups of patients with amoebiasis and a group of healthy controls. The recombinant protein had potent and specific antigenicity. In all, 53 serum samples (88.3%) from 60 patients with amoebiasis were positive for immunoglobulin G antibody against the recombinant protein, with a mean optical density value of 0.42. In contrast, 53 of 54 healthy control serum samples were negative, with only 1 positive serum sample showing the lower optical density value. These results suggested that clone 1223 is promising in terms of providing a useful antigen for the accurate serodiagnosis of amoebiasis and that the gene encodes a putative alcohol dehydrogenase of E. histolytica.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗