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Biomedical subjects

T Kondo

Publications and source records attributed to T Kondo.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Effects of aflastatin A, an inhibitor of aflatoxin production, on aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway and glucose metabolism in Aspergillus parasiticus.

Aflastatin A inhibits aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus via an unknown mechanism. We found that aflastatin A clearly inhibited production of norsolorinic acid, an early biosynthetic intermediate of aflatoxin, at a concentration of 0.25 microg/ml. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and real-time quantitative PCR (TaqMan PCR) experiments indicated that the transcription of genes encoding aflatoxin biosynthetic enzymes (pksA, ver-1, and omtA) and a gene encoding a regulatory protein for expression of the biosynthetic enzymes (aflR) were significantly reduced by the addition of aflastatin A. We also found that aflastatin A elevated the glucose consumption and ethanol accumulation by A. parasiticus, and repressed transcription of genes involved in ethanol utilization. These results suggest that aflastatin A inhibits a very early step in aflatoxin biosynthesis prior to the transcription of aflR and can influence glucose metabolism in the fungus.

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed2001

Effects of oxygen concentrations on human fibroblasts treated with Fe(3+)-NTA.

Free radicals derived from the reaction of iron and oxygen are thought to be one of the causes of tissue injury. In order to identify whether oxygen concentrations are an important factor in iron-mediated damage to cells, cytotoxic effects of Fe(3+)-NTA on human fibroblasts (KMST-6 line) were studied under the conditions of 1% and 20% oxygen concentrations in an incubator. A comparison of the effects of Fe(3+)-NTA on cells cultured in 1% and 20% oxygen environments showed that the following features were more prominent under the usual culture concentrations of 20% oxygen: i) cytotoxicity, ii) increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species, iii) increase in H(2)O(2) production in the cells, and iv) formation of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine. To elucidate the roles of endogenous antioxidants, the levels of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase were measured by Western blotting. The increase in MnSOD in the presence of Fe(3+)-NTA was greater under the condition of 20% O(2) than under the condition of 1% O(2). The expression of catalase was significantly up-regulated at 20% O(2). However, when the cells were treated with Fe(3+)-NTA, the expression of catalase was markedly down-regulated under the condition of 20% O(2). Hydroxyl radical scavengers such as vitamin E, dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO) and mannitol reduced endogenous ROS generation and alleviated the cytotoxic effects of iron. On the other hand, superoxide dismutase (SOD), vitamin C and catalase did not show any protective effects against Fe(3+)-NTA. These findings suggest that enhanced cytotoxic effects of Fe(3+)-NTA at 20% O(2 )are due to endogenously produced hydroxyl radicals.

8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine↗
PubMed2001

[EEG findings in a case of acute necrotizing encephalopathy of childhood associated with influenza A virus infection].

We reported here a case of symptomatic partial epilepsy following acute necrotizing encephalopathy of childhood associated with influenza A virus infection. This 2-year-old boy underwent repeated EEG recordings, which at the acute stage was dominated by diffuse 1-2 Hz slow waves. The background activity was 5 Hz theta waves on the 49th day. Paroxysmal activities appeared after the 89th day of illness. On the 231st day, EEG showed spike-and-waves on the left and right frontal areas. Interestingly, paroxysmal activities preceded the onset of epileptic seizures by 7 months, and spike-and-waves by 2 months. After 10 months, he had generalized seizures with fever, and partial seizures on awakening without fever. Interictal EEG showed spike-and-waves on the bilateral frontal areas, and diffuse polyspikes and slow waves were occasionally seen. Though the background activity improved, his consciousness level did not recover probably because the thalamus, basal ganglia, brainstem were damaged more severely than the cerebral cortex.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2001

[New approaches for excellent operative field during tracheobronchial anastomoses in sleeve pneumonectomy: cardiopulmonary bypass and diseased lung ventilation].

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and diseased lung ventilation were presented as new methods of oxygenation during carinal reconstruction. Two cases of left sleeve pneumonectomy (SP) were performed for bronchial gland carcinoma through clamshell incisions. Adequate oxygenation and excellent operative fields were provided by CPB in both patients. The postoperative courses of these patients were uneventful, although they developed temporary pulmonary edema that needed mechanical ventilation and appropriate diuretics for several days. One case of patient with squamous cell carcinoma after chemotherapy was successfully treated by right SP through midline sternotomy. Adequate oxygenation and excellent operative fields was obtained by diseased right lung ventilation in this patient. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful without mechanical ventilation support. These procedures of oxygenation in this paper are considered to be safe and effective methods for carinal reconstruction.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Intratracheal gas analysis for volatile substances by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry--application to forensic autopsies.

Intratracheal gas analysis was carried out by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in 20 burned body cases (13 males and 7 females). Volatile aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons were detected by GC/MS using a GS-Q column with the intratracheal gas as well as the blood in 19 cases. The characteristic patterns of mass chromatograms for gasoline, kerosene (gas oil), and liquid petroleum gas could be differentiated from each other using the intratracheal gas. The burned body in one case showed no presence of volatile substances in the intratracheal gas, nor intratracheal soot, although high concentrations (1 microg/g and more) of volatile substances were detected on the clothes. The victim also had normal CO-Hb concentrations (0.1 to 0.2%) in the heart blood. The results of intratracheal gas analysis were consistent with signs of the vital reaction. In conclusion, intratracheal gas analysis provides a supportive method for diagnosing the cause of death in burned bodies, and yields for at least 48 hours valuable information on volatile hydrocarbons (being detected in deliberate or accidental fire cases) to which the body had been exposed just before death.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Experience with fatal interstitial pneumonia after operation for lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The number of patients with lung cancer is increasing. This study was undertaken to realize the probability, fate and management of acute fatal postoperative complications. Since interstitial pneumonia was one of the most fatal postoperative complications, to know its incidence and fate is very important. METHODS: A total of 2667 patients who underwent thoracotomy caused by malignant tumors during the past 17 years were reviewed and studied. We performed investigations on medical records, chest X-rays, whole-body CT films, operative records and pathological specimens for all inpatients. RESULTS: Nineteen patients died in hospital 30 days after thoracotomy (operative death). Nine patients died in hospital more than 31 days after thoracotomy (hospital death). Eight cases out of 28 patients (operative and hospital deaths) developed and finally died by interstitial pneumonia. Each case was treated with steroids, neutrophil-elastase inhibitor, and/or immunosuppressive agents. These patients could not be selected by any preoperative laboratory examination, such as preoperative pulmonary function tests, serum biochemistry tests, and chest X-ray or CT films. Interstitial pneumonia as a complication of postoperative stage, was fatal and once developed, it was very difficult to save their lives. CONCLUSIONS: Since we reported the cases who died from acute postoperative complications, especially interstitial pneumonia, we could not present effective management. However, in this report, several therapeutic trials that may solve the problems of acute postoperative interstitial pneumonia were proposed.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

[Dose-response study of preincisional buprenorphine on emergence time and postoperative analgesic requirement in patients anesthetized with sevoflurane].

The effect of intravenous buprenorphine on emergence time from sevoflurane anesthesia and postoperative analgesic requirement was evaluated after otolaryngeal surgeries. Forty-five patients were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups (n = 15 each): Control-group received saline as a control; 2 micrograms-group received buprenorphine 2 micrograms.kg-1; and 4 micrograms-group received buprenorphine 4 micrograms.kg-1, respectively. Study drug was administered intravenously at the induction of general anesthesia. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane (1.5%) and nitrous oxide (66%) in oxygen. The pain score, postoperative analgesic requirement, and incidence of nausea and/or vomiting were examined. The emergence times were 16.4 +/- 3.5, 14.7 +/- 5.2, and 17.8 +/- 7.7 min [mean +/- SD], in the control-group, the 2 micrograms-group, and the 4 micrograms-group, respectively. There were no differences among the groups in term of the end-tidal sevoflurane concentration immediately before tracheal extubation. In the control-group, the 2 micrograms-group, and the 4 micrograms-group, 10, 1, and 3 patients, requested additional analgesics during the first 24 hours after surgery, respectively (control-group vs. 2 micrograms-group and 4 micrograms-group, P < 0.05). Nausea and vomiting occurred more frequently in the 2 micrograms-group and the 4 micrograms-group. We conclude that buprenorphine (2 or 4 micrograms.kg-1) reduced analgesic requirement during the first 24 hours after surgery without delaying emergence from sevoflurane anesthesia.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Colonic fermentation after ingestion of fructose-containing sports drink.

BACKGROUND: Many commercially available sports drinks contain 5-6% carbohydrates, some of which is fructose. However, a number of studies of abdominal complaints have indicated fructose malabsorption. In the present study, we examined colonic fermentation of a fructose-containing sports drink. METHODS: Colonic fermentation was determined in normal subjects by measuring breath hydrogen after ingestion of 350 ml sports drink, cow s milk, or green tea with a 200 g rice ball. RESULTS: The incidence of colonic fermentation after ingesting sports drink, milk, and green tea was five (62.5%), six (75%), and none (0%), respectively in eight subjects. Peak increases (ppm) after ingestion of sports drink and milk varied from 0 to 6 (3.1 +/- 0.9) and 0 to 12 (6.5 +/- 1.7), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although the increase of breath hydrogen was not associated with abdominal discomfort and its effect on exercise is still unclear, we suggest avoiding a large ingestion of fructose-containing sports drink before and during exercise.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Early replacement of intravenous aminophylline administration with oral theophylline in treating acute exacerbation of asthma].

Intravenous (i.v.) administration of aminophylline has been used to relieve acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma for almost a century. Despite confidence in its effectiveness, controversy has arisen about its efficacy. We currently use aminophylline in the routine treatment of asthma since the drug is essentially useful. Continuous aminophylline infusion tends to be used rather haphazardly in hospital wards, and the criteria for termination of an infusion have not been clarified. We therefore attempted to determine: 1) whether continuous aminophylline infusion is actually beneficial, 2) whether the TDM (treatment drug monitoring) system can be used to establish a protocol for prescribed dosing after an early switch from i.v. to oral administration, and 3) whether adherence to the protocol would contribute to decreases in the duration of hospitalization and in medical expenses. Seventeen patients with acutely exacerbated asthma were enrolled in this study. Nine patients were prescribed oral theophylline on the second hospital day (p.o. group), while eight received continuous i.v. aminophylline (i.v. group). The serum theophylline concentrations were maintained in the therapeutic range in both groups. Peak flow, symptom scores, and QOL scores showed significant improvements in the p.o. group on the third hospital day. It might therefore be possible, by using the TDM system, to set the dosage of theophylline so that hospitalization is shortened.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2001

[Fundamental study on the sensitivity test inhibiting fibroblast proliferation].

Although many kinds of chemosensitivity test are available for the selection of suitable anticancer agents, the results of in vitro tests against solid tumors have been generally influenced by mixed in fibroblasts, as have SDI tests. We demonstrated that the influence of fibroblasts can be excluded by performing the SDI test on an agar layer, thus significantly inhibiting the growth of fibroblasts in the liquid top layer. The sensitivity of the agar SDI test was determined on the 3-4th day after incubation because cell proliferation tended to be delayed, and there were also somewhat higher cell counts of about 40,000 per well. The inhibition indices with and without agar in vitro were the same, showing no significant differences. With nude mice, the transplanted tumor index value of the agar SDI test is higher than that of SDI, and approaches in value the SDI of a pure tumor cell, which means that the sensitivity of a solid tumor might be more accurately shown by an agar SDI test than by an SDI test.

Agar↗
PubMed2001

[A case of pneumonectomy for lung cancer associated with scleroderma].

A 60-year-old female, diagnosed as scleroderma, was referred to our hospital because of symptoms of common cold and abnormal findings on a chest X-ray. The chest X-ray and CT scan revealed a mass in the left upper field, suspected to invade left anterior chest wall. Moreover, fibrotic changes were observed in the lung field. Cytology by bronchofiberscopy showed squamous cell carcinoma. Evaluation of pulmonary function, including unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion test (UPAO), revealed possibility of lung resection. Subsequently, pneumonectomy with combined resection of left 1st rib was performed. Postoperative course was uneventful and she was discharged. She was admitted again four months after the operation with appetite loss and body weight loss. Further examinations revealed arrhythmia, renal failure, pancreatitis and liver metastasis. Her general conditions grew worse and she died five months after the operation. In conclusion, UPAO was a useful method to determine the functional lung resectability for the case with scleroderma. However, effects of surgical stress for the development of scleroderma remain to be elucidated.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed2001

[Reevaluation of bronchoplasty for central-type lung cancer].

The outcome, anastomotic complications, and recurrence rate after bronchoplasty carried out in 198 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma in our institutions were evaluated retrospectively. The outcome of bronchoplasty was reasonable (5-year survival rate of 58%), but that of patients with adenocarcinoma was poor (5-year survival rate of 13%) because of their advanced stage and less complete resection. The complications of anastomosis occurred in 8.2% after bronchoplasty. Postoperative pneumonia significantly increased the risk of complications. There was no difference in the incidence of complications between patients who received end-to-end and telescope-type anastomosis. Local recurrence at the anastomosis occurred in 4.9% who underwent bronchoplasty, but in 28% who underwent carinal resection. Lymph node metastasis was a risk factor for local recurrence. Twenty patients with early superficial squamous cell carcinoma in the central bronchus were treated with photodynamic therapy without local recurrence. This new modality may be of benefit to selected patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

[Chemoradiotherapy and salvage surgery in a patient with advanced esophageal cancer].

We report a case of advanced esophageal cancer, which was treated by chemoradiotherapy combined with surgical treatment. Moreover, 14 advanced esophageal cancer patients treated by chemoradiotherapy are discussed. The chemoradiotherapy showed beneficial control of the tumor; however, it sometimes leads to esophageal stenosis and ulcer. We conclude that additional salvage surgery is needed for such complications.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed2001

[Ultrasonographical approach for the diagnosis on the depth of invasion in early bronchogenic squamous cell carcinoma].

It is important to evaluate the depth of invasion to determine the appropriate treatment for roentgenographically occult bronchogenic squamous cell carcinoma (ROSCC). In order to evaluate the actual significance of TUS as a diagnostic tool of intraluminal carcinoma invasion, we have conducted a prospective trial. TUS was performed on 29 lesions of ROSCCs. We ultrasonographically classified the degree of the depth of intraluminal invasion into 2 groups; A: "inside of cartilaginous layer" and B: "cartilaginous layer or over". The patients were treated by irradiation, photodynamic therapy (PDT) or surgical resection. Clinicopathological findings and response to the treatment were compared with this ultrasonographical classification. In the evaluation of invasion within cartilage, the sensitivity was 88.2%, the specificity was 77.8%, the accuracy was 84.6%, and the positive predictive value was 88.2%. With TUS, the decision of treatment modality would be more appropriate.

Carcinoma, Bronchogenic↗