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Biomedical subjects

T Kitagawa

Publications and source records attributed to T Kitagawa.

At least 397 records · Page 22Linked to original sources

Screening system for asymptomatic renal disease in children in Japan.

The introduction in Japan of routine urinalysis for pre-school and school age children has greatly facilitated the discovery of renal disease in asymptomatic children. Over the past 8 years at Kitasato University Hospital, we have studied 113 cases of chronic progressive renal disease based on renal biopsy. Thirty-one of these 113 patients were found by routine urinalysis at area schools. It is note-worthy that many of the asymptomatic children were found to have renal diseases such as MPGN, FGS, and IgA nephropathy. Although it is difficult to decide whether or not medical management is required for asymptomatic children, the histological findings may give pertinent guidance for planning an appropriate therapeutic program in the early stages of various types of renal disease. This early detection may enable us to observe these potentially progressive renal diseases from the early phase and to provide clues for the investigation of the pathogenesis of these renal diseases.

Child↗

Descriptive epidemiology of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus detected by urine glucose screening in school children in Japan.

During the period from 1974 through 1988, we annually examined approximately 225,000 to 386,400 school children residing in Tokyo for glycosuria to detect juvenile diabetes. If the first test was positive for glucose, glycosuria was confirmed by a second test. In children who gave a positive result in both the first and second tests 0-GTT were performed. All 124 patients were diagnosed as NIDDM according to the criteria of the WHO Report on Diabetes of 1985. The incidence of NIDDM in children in Japan has increased in recent years and from 1984 to 1986 was approximately 3.8 per 100,000 per year. The frequency of NIDDM increases with age up to 14 years. In about 84% of cases, the body weight at diagnosis is more than 20% above the ideal weight and the height is often above average. There is a high frequency in families with a history of diabetes. Diet and exercise therapy in newly diagnosed patients irrespective of the presence or absence of obesity may result in remission, but some cases may require insulin therapy or oral administration of a hypoglycemic drug to obtain a better glycemic control. Children with NIDDM are more likely to be complicated by incipient retinopathy within two years after diagnosis than those with IDDM. Therefore, it is important to keep strict glycemic control to prevent diabetic complications in NIDDM children just as in juvenile onset IDDM.

Adolescent↗

Headaches in dementia.

We investigated 288 elderly subjects with various degree of dementia, focusing on headaches. Seventy-three of 288 elderly subjects (25.3%) complained of some headaches. The most common type was the tension-type headache, from which 43 of the 73 subjects with headaches (58.9%) suffered. The degree of cognitive disturbances, evaluated by Hasegawa's intelligence scale, significantly correlated to the prevalence of headaches, and indicated that patients with dementia appeared to have less headaches. The methodological issues and views on headache research in dementia were assessed, and it is concluded that the field is a difficult one, with potential for error.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Studies on the optimal immunization schedule of experimental animals. V. The effects of the route of injection, the content of Mycobacteria in Freund's adjuvant and the emulsifying antigen.

The effects of several conditions for the immunization of mice was studied using an aliquot of a viomycin (VM) protein conjugate as the common primary or booster antigen. Responses of the mice were assessed by measuring mouse serum levels of total immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-VM antibody responses using the newly improved two assay methods. The choice of route was found to be a very important factor in immunization and intraperitoneal injection was the most optimal among the four routes studied. The effect of the concentration of Mycobacteria in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) was also studied, and it was found that a diluted FCA was more effective than a commercial FCA. The effect of the controlled release of the antigen was studied and three important phenomena were observed: The mice immunized by the mini-osmotic pump-aided controlled release of the antigen responded with similar small amounts of both total IgG and anti-VM antibody regardless of the presence or absence of FCA in the antigen; emulsifying the antigen with FCA was a very important condition for the effective elicitation of the specific antibody; a mixture of antigen and FCA without emulsifying produced little specific antibody and a large amount of total IgG. The more effectively immunized mice responded with a larger decrease in body weight soon after the primary injection.

Animals↗

Studies on the optimal immunization schedule of experimental animals. VI. Antigen dose-response of aluminum hydroxide-aided immunization and booster effect under low antigen dose.

The dose-response relationships of a viomycin (VM) immunogen for total immunoglobulin (Ig) G and anti-VM antibody response of mouse using aluminum hydroxide as adjuvant was studied. The condition required to absorb a protein on aluminum gel was first established. The effective immunogen dose for total and specific IgG response of mouse using aluminum hydroxide as the adjuvant was found to be in the narrow range of 5 to 20 micrograms, and 10 micrograms per mouse was optimal. The most effective number and intervals of booster injections were studied; when mice were immunized with a lower antigen dose than the optimal, both the number and interval period of booster injections greatly affected the immune response; the more boosters were given, the higher was the response level of specific IgG. The results are contrary to those obtained by immunizing with the optimal or a higher antigen dose.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Studies on the optimal immunization schedule of experimental animals. IV. The optimal age and sex of mice, and the influence of booster injections.

To establish the optimal condition for preparing mouse antiserum specific to a drug, the optimal age and sex of mice for the immune response were studied by measuring the mouse serum levels of total immunoglobulin G (IgG) and specific antibody to viomycin, as well as the changes in weight of mice immunized with a viomycin immunogen. It was observed that age was a more important factor than sex, and strongly affected productions of both total and specific IgGs of mice. The mice aged 8 weeks yielded the highest levels of both total IgG and the specific antibody. In the study on the influence of booster schedule, the number of boosters given had a larger influence on the immune response than the interval between priming and boosters. The greater the number of booster shots given, the less was the production of total and specific antibodies. The decrease in the weight of mice after immunization was also studied in more detail; it was found that it only occurred in the first week after priming but not after a booster injection. The mice aged eight weeks showed the largest weight loss.

Aging↗

The fine structure and elemental analysis of keratinized epithelium of the filiform papillae analysis on the dorsal tongue in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).

The filiform papillae of subadult alligator (120 cm-260 cm total length) tongues are examined by scanning electron microscopy and electron microprobe analysis. The filiform papillae form cone-like structures and are observed over the entire dorsal surface of a relatively long tongue with a round tip. The filiform papillae are composed of four layers; outer, upper intermediate, lower intermediate, and basal layer. The keratinized epithelial cells are analysed by the sulphur (S), and nitrogen (N) content levels. The S content is higher than that of N. In the anterior side of the filiform papillae, this content is lower than that in the posteriors. The S content is highest of all at about 2 microns in depth from the surface. These results suggest that the use of S concentration measurements may serve to be an effective tool for a simple, offhand evaluation of keratinization.

Alligators and Crocodiles↗

Fine structure and histochemistry of the teeth of the tree frog (Hyla japonica).

Observations were carried out on the morphology of the teeth of the adult tree frog (Hyla japonica) at an ultrastructural level. Many small crystals pile up in the enamel layer which do not typical enamel rods. At the thin layered buccolingual region of the tooth, the matrices of crystals are arranged either regularly in the enamel layer or randomly in the dentine layer. In particular, the apical portion of the enamel layer is more regularly and mineralized. ATPase activity is located in multivesicular bodies, the round mitochondria and the lateral borders forming the infolding of the interdigitation of the ameloblast. The reaction is also found in small round vesicles in the enamel layer and the distal cell membrane during the maturation stage. During enamel formation of teeth of Hyla japonica, there is no Tomes' process. Instead secretory granular bodies contain ATPase, may control calcium entry into developing enamel of the ameloblasts. The content of ATPase is less than that of mammals. In contrast, the Tomes' process, containing much ATPase, is related to the pattern and arrangement of the enamel matrices in mammals.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

[Clinical study of proton radiotherapy in urological cancers].

Therapy with proton beam is superior to that with photon beam in concentrating the dose within a lesion. Fifteen patients with urinary malignant tumors were treated by proton irradiation during the period from June, 1985 to March, 1989 at Particle Radiation Medical Center, University of Tsukuba. Four patients were with renal cell carcinoma, five with prostatic cancer and six with bladder cancer. Treatment results were assessed by change in tumor size either three or six months after the irradiation. In all the four cases with renal cell carcinoma, the tumor sizes were found to be unchanged without any enlargement. Of the five cases with prostatic cancer, two showed that the treatment was effective and the tumor sizes in the other three cases were found to be unchanged. In three of the six cases with bladder cancer the tumors disappeared while the treatment was found effective in two other and it did not cause any enlargement of the tumor in the remaining one. Although local control of the tumor was successful in all the cases, one patient with prostatic cancer and three with bladder cancer died of cancer. Various side effects, such as radiation cystitis, were observed. This prospective therapy is expected to replace the conventional photon therapy. However, some improvement is needed to make full use of the advantageous properties in dose distribution. Combination therapy with other general therapy is required for some cases.

Aged↗

[First-stage palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome--experience in three cases].

We administered palliative procedures for hypoplastic left heart syndrome in three cases. One case underwent Van Prragh's procedure and two cases were subjected to Jonas's modification of Norwood's procedure. One of the latter cases with AS and MS survived. The pulmonary blood flow of the survivor was secured through a hole of 3 mm in diameter made between the posterior wall of the newly constructed pulmonary-aortic common tract and the heterogeneous pericardial patch used to close the distal end of the transected main pulmonary artery. The pulmonary blood flow had been maintained adequately for 15 months after the operation but the flow was decreased thereafter. Consequently, a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt was added at the age of 21 months. The patient is now waiting for Fontan procedure in the near future. We used a heterogeneous pericardium to supplement an anastomosis connecting ascending aorta, aortic arch, and proximal descending aorta with transected proximal main pulmonary artery. This procedure also served to supplement the defect of the distal end of the transected main pulmonary artery. The sufficient removal of coarctation of aorta is very important. No aneurysmal change of this pericardium has been recognized. However there still remains a slight stenosis at the proximal anastomosis between the pulmonary artery and the newly constructed common tract. To avoid this stenosis, we recommend an anastomosis of the transected proximal main pulmonary artery to the ascending aorta and then to the proximal end of the heterogeneous pericardial tract.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Suppressor T-lymphocyte dysfunction in MCNS: role of the H2 histamine receptor-bearing suppressor T lymphocytes.

To evaluate the number and function of suppressor T cells in children with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), we performed an inhibition test of rosette formation and measured leukocyte procoagulant activity. The number of histamine H2 receptor-bearing T lymphocytes (histamine H2 R+ lymphocytes) was markedly decreased at the onset of MCNS but gradually increased and was normalized following steroid therapy. The production of leukocyte procoagulant activity by normal T lymphocytes was abolished by incubation with patient's lymphocytes. However, pretreatment of the normal T lymphocytes with cimetidine markedly decreased the suppression. The results suggest an abnormality in the histamine H2 receptors on the patient's suppressor T lymphocytes.

Blood Coagulation Factors↗

Advanced carcinoma of the stomach treated with definitive proton therapy.

We report the case of a 72-yr-old man who suffered from severe chronic emphysema with poor pulmonary function, and who had advanced cancer of the stomach. Proton beam radiotherapy was applied to the lesion, since surgery was contraindicated. The total dose to the stomach lesion was 61 Gy in 7 wk. The tumor on the stomach regressed, with flattening of the round wall of the lesion. The reactive changes of the proton beam radiotherapy, based on the histopathological examination, revealed extensive tumor necrosis and sparing of vital architecture of normal tissue around the irradiated tumor tissue. Only small clusters of vital or devitalized tumor cells with less than approximately 5% of the whole tumor tissue remained after treatment. We suggest that a high dose of radiation delivered by well-defined proton field could result in an improved therapeutic outcome without undue risk of injury to normal tissue.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Hereditary fructose intolerance caused by a nonsense mutation of the aldolase B gene.

The nucleotide sequence of a patient's aldolase B gene was determined and showed a substitution of a single nucleotide (C----A) at position 720 in the coding region, which resulted in the 240th amino acid, a cysteine, being changed to a stop codon (TGC----TGA). By an allele-specific oligonucleotide probe and polymerase chain reaction, the patient was shown to be homozygous for the mutation. To examine whether this mutation causes functional defect of the enzyme, the activity of the aldolase B from the patient, expressed in Escherichia coli by using expression plasmid, was measured. No activity was observed, and the predicted product was recovered from E. coli expression plasmid, indicating that this nonsense mutation was the cause of aldolase B deficiency.

Base Sequence↗

[Reconstructive surgery for supravalvular aortic stenosis after arterial switch operation for simple transposition in the early neonate].

Recently, many papers have reported the development of severe pulmonary stenosis after an arterial switch operation (ASO) for the transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with intact ventricular septum (IVS) in the early neonate. However, supravalvular aortic stenosis after the same procedure is very uncommon. We experienced supravalvular aortic stenosis which developed gradually after successfully performing the Lecompte maneuver for TGA with IVS in a 6-day-old baby. We underwent Doty's extended aortoplasty in his 11th-month. We approached the aorta through the transection of the pulmonary trunk which was located just before the aorta. At the stenotic parts of the aorta, a discrete projection of cicatricial tissue was observed mainly at the posterior wall. The projection of the cicatricial tissue seemed to be induced as a consequence of the contraction of the aortic wall where a continuous suture was tied too tightly with non-absorbable suture materials. To prevent this complication after the Lecompte maneuver for TGA with IVS in the neonate, it is important to take care not to tie the suture too tightly and to use absorbable suture materials for construction of the aorta. There are the recommendations which we observed would prevent the post-operative complication of supravalvular aortic stenosis. As a final note, in repairing the supravalvular aortic stenosis, an approach through the transection of the pulmonary trunk was very useful.

Aortic Stenosis, Subvalvular↗

[Clinicopathological studies of 10 cases with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis].

The clinical picture, histopathological findings, therapy and prognosis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) were investigated in a retrospective study involving 10 cases. The age of patient at the time of detection ranged from 3 to 19 years, 11 years on the average, being 9 years or above in 6 cases. There was noted a slight tendency toward predominance of males in this series. The disease was detected casually on the occasion of mass survey of urine at school in 6 cases (60%), while by clinical examination on visiting us with nephrotic syndrome in the other 4 (40%). Of the former 6 cases, 5 developed nephrotic syndrome while placed under medical surveillance. Nine of the 10 cases were treated mainly with corticosteroids, to which 5 (50%) were unresponsive and 4 (40%) responsive, with 1 (10%) of these 4 becoming unresponsive since a recurrence. Corticosteroids were not used in 1 case (10%). During follow-up period (which ranged from 1 to 10 years) 6 experienced an elevation of serum creatinine above 2.0 mg/dl, with 5 of them being unresponsive to corticosteroids and 3 begun on hemodialysis therapy. Histologically, cases in which the sum of the proportions of glomeruli affected with segmental sclerosis and with global sclerosis exceeded 30% and, in addition, there were severe tubulointerstitial lesions tended to have a poor prognosis, while those in which sclerosis involved less than 30% of glomeruli and no interstitial damage was discernible had a relatively favorable prognosis and were more frequently responsive to corticosteroids. These findings led us to conclude that FSGS has an ominous prognosis as reported previously and notably, the prognosis is much poorer for the non-steroid-responding type than for the responding type. The study also suggests that the degree of severity of histological changes is determinant of the prognosis of the disease.

Adolescent↗

Molecular pathology of hemoglobin M Saskatoon disease.

Absorption spectra of erythrocyte hemolysate from a normal subject, the Hemoglobin (Hb1) M Saskatoon patient and the Hb M Boston patients were investigated. Difference spectrum between the hemolysate from either freshly obtained or 37 degrees C-incubated blood of the Hb M Saskatoon patient and that of the normal blood suggested that about 50% of the abnormal chain were in the ferrous state in the patient's blood. In contrast, no abnormal chain containing the ferrous heme was detected in the hemolysate from the fresh blood of the Hb M Boston patient. Resonance Raman (RR) studies indicated that methemoglobin (metHb) M Saskatoon with a weak Fe-tyrosinate interaction contained the six-coordinate heme like normal metHb A whereas metHb M Boston had the five-coordinate heme. Studies on effects of pH on absorption and RR spectra of these three hemoglobins suggested that the coordinated tyrosinate in the abnormal chain of Hb M Saskatoon was dissociated at pH 5.0. This unique heme structure of Hb M Saskatoon may relate to the susceptibility for the reduction by erythrocyte methemoglobin reductases, which is responsible for mild cyanosis of Hb M Saskatoon disease.

Ferrous Compounds↗