Biomedical subjects

T Tajima

Publications and source records attributed to T Tajima.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

Gut bacterial translocation during total parenteral nutrition in experimental rats and its countermeasure.

BACKGROUND: The use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is commonly associated with mucosal lining of the intestinal tract, causing degenerative changes within the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). These phenomena are probably caused by the translocation of indigenous intestinal bacteria into other organs and tissues where they induce infections. METHODS: Using TPN model rats, this paper looks at the result of the investigation of the action of PSK (proteoglycan), a biological response modifier, which appears to suppress bacterial translocation and maintain local immunity activity. RESULTS: Culture of mesenteric lymph nodes obtained post-TPN demonstrate a bacterial rate as high as 60%. Immunohistochemical examination indicates a reduction in the number of plasma cells and a decrease in S-IgA production and secretion. A similar reduction in S-IgA within bile and portal venous blood was also confirmed. Continuous oral administration of PSK in a daily dose of 1,000 mg/kg had a protective effect against the degeneration of GALT. A staining in immunocytes of Peyer's patches using immunohistochemical study was performed after administration of PSK and revealed constant levels of MHC-I, MHC-II, T helper cells, and interleukin-2 producing cells, supporting the protective role of PSK against degeneration of GALT with a subsequent reduction in bacterial translocation. CONCLUSIONS: Proteoglycan can restore the impaired local immunity in the intestinal tract to normal levels and suppression of the bacterial translocation to provide an important function for patients receiving TPN treatment.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1998

A new method of evaluating hemorrhoids with the retroflexed fiberoptic colonoscope.

BACKGROUND: The conventional classification of the degree of hemorrhoids does not consider the severity of hemorrhage. The purpose of this study was to establish a new objective method for evaluating hemorrhoids in close relation to the main symptoms, hemorrhage and prolapse, as observed through a retroflexed colonoscope in the rectum. METHODS: The subjects were 531 consecutive patients who complained of symptoms related to the rectum or the anus. The degree of mucosal elevation of the rectal columns, changes in color (the existence and degree of red color sign, dilated vein, and white area), and the existence and size of hypertrophied anal papillae were evaluated by colonoscopy. RESULTS: Red color sign was the finding closely related to hemorrhage (p < 0.0001). Dilated vein, white area, and a large hypertrophied anal papilla were related to prolapse (p < 0.0001). The degree of mucosal elevation of the rectal columns was related to both hemorrhage and prolapse (p < 0.0005, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Retroflexing the colonoscope intrarectally facilitated identification of findings in the anal canal related to hemorrhage and prolapse, which are the clinical manifestations of hemorrhoids.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Spontaneous disappearance of a middle cranial fossa arachnoid cyst after suppurative meningitis.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous disappearance of an arachnoid cyst is very rare, particularly after suppurative meningitis. CASE REPORT: A 2-month-old boy with a high fever was diagnosed with suppurative meningitis by cerebrospinal fluid examination. Computed tomography disclosed a large arachnoid cyst in the left middle cranial fossa. Two months later, the meningitis was cured. The arachnoid cyst disappeared with long-term antibiotic therapy alone. CONCLUSION: Although an infected arachnoid cyst may disappear with antibiotic treatment alone, careful observation and individualized patient management are essential.

Arachnoid Cysts↗

PubMed1998

Inflammatory cytokine production and specific antibody responses against possible causative bacteria in patients with multilesional periapical periodontitis.

We examined the induction of inflammatory cytokines (including interleukin-1, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) by several species of possible causative bacteria in periapical periodontitis. Assays were done on human whole blood cultures from patients with differing numbers of periapical lesions; those having radiographically clear periapical lesions in 10 or more teeth (high lesion group), in one or two teeth (low lesion group), and healthy volunteers having no periapical lesions (no lesion group). Prevotella melaninogenica ATCC 25845 induced interleukin-6 more strongly in subjects from the high lesion group than in the other groups. To ascertain the degree of sensitization by test bacteria, we examined the reactivities of antibodies in serum and saliva from the six subjects to different bacterial species. Porphylomonas gingivalis cells reacted strongly with sera from the high lesion group. Thus, Prevotella melaninogenica and Porphylomonas gingivalis may be involved in multilesional periapical periodontitis by inducing specific cytokines and/or humoral immune responses.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans↗

PubMed1998

A variety of skin responses to ultraviolet irradiation in patients with atopic dermatitis.

Skin responses to ultraviolet irradiation in patients with atopic dermatitis were studied to evaluate the role of sunlight in the exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. A total of 15 patients, seven males and eight females, with atopic dermatitis who complained of exacerbation of their dermatitis after sun exposure were examined by photo testing with UVB and UVA irradiation and photopatch tests. Nine out of 15 patients showed abnormal skin reactions. Lowered minimal erythema doses (MEDs) to a single exposure of UVB, papular or erythematous responses after single or repeated exposures to UVB or UVA and positive photopatch test reactions to sunscreen ingredients and fragrances were found. There are apparently multiple mechanisms of photoexacerbation in patients with atopic dermatitis.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Cromolyn sodium prevents bronchoconstriction and urinary LTE4 excretion in aspirin-induced asthma.

BACKGROUND: Inhalation of cromolyn sodium protects against sulpyrine-induced bronchoconstriction and prevents urinary leukotriene E4 (u-LTE4) excretion in aspirin-induced asthma. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of cromolyn sodium on airway responsiveness to the sulpyrine provocation test, and to investigate whether this protective activity is associated with a reduction in aspirin-induced urinary excretion of LTE4, a marker of the cysteinyl leukotriene overproduction that participates in the pathogenesis of aspirin-induced asthma. METHODS: We evaluated the effects of pretreatment with cromolyn sodium on bronchoconstriction precipitated by inhalation of sulpyrine in ten adult patients with mild aspirin-induced asthma. Those who were in stable clinical condition and were hyperresponsive to sulpyrine provocation test were allocated to this study. Urinary leukotriene E4 was measured using combined reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (rp-HPLC)/enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Inhaled cromolyn sodium protects against aspirin-induced attacks of asthma through mechanisms not related to the bronchodilator property, but related to the improvement of the bronchial hypersensitivity, almost completely in all patients (P < .001). By contrast, after cromolyn sodium the maximum level of u-LTE4 was significantly lower than control (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest for the first time that inhaled cromolyn sodium is one of the most useful inhibitors of aspirin-induced bronchoconstriction, probably acting by inhibiting the release of cysteinyl leukotrienes, and possibly other chemical mediators, by bronchial inflammatory cells.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1998

Experimental assessment of endoscopic mucosectomy with a cap-fitted panendoscope.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The use of a cap-fitted panendoscope is one method of carrying out endoscopic mucosectomy in the esophagus, stomach, and large intestine. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal volume of physiological saline for submucosal injection, the rate of mucosal extension after saline injection, the initial size of the resected mucosal specimen, and the most appropriate heights for the fitted caps used in the colon and in the rectum, respectively. METHODS: Endoscopic mucosectomies using cap-fitted panendoscopes were carried out on resected surgical specimens from ten patients with colorectal cancer. RESULTS: It was necessary to inject 12 ml of saline under the mucosa to prevent perforation. Submucosal saline injection extended the mucosa by 1.4 +/- 0.2 times. A cap with a height of 7 mm is suitable for performing mucosectomy in the colon safely, while both 7 mm and 10 mm caps can be used in the rectum. The initial size of the resected mucosal specimens obtained with both caps was 12-20 mm (mean 14 mm) in diameter, with no significant differences. As the sizes of resected mucosal specimens reported in the past have been obtained after submucosal saline injection, it appears that larger specimens can be resected with the cap-fitted panendoscope than with conventional methods. CONCLUSIONS: The conditions under which endoscopic mucosectomy using the cap-fitted panendoscope can be performed safely in the colon and the rectum were suggested by this experimental study using resected specimens. A saline injection of 12 ml under the mucosa is necessary to prevent perforation. A cap with a height of 7 mm is the most suitable size for the colon, while both 7 mm and 10 mm caps can be used in the rectum.

Biopsy, Needle↗

PubMed1998

Immunohistochemical detection of tumor cells in the bone marrow of breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Contamination of bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells with tumor cells is a problem that may be encountered when autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is conducted concurrently with high-dose chemotherapy. METHODS: Using monoclonal antibodies to a variety of tumors, the detection of tumor cells in the bone marrow of breast cancer patients was studied by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: KL-1 and CAM5.2 were strongly reactive with breast cancer cells, but not with normal bone marrow cells. The reactivity of the tumor cells with EMA was not strong, and DF-3 and 115D8 yielded only slightly positive reactions. These latter antibodies also exhibited some reactivity to normal bone marrow cells. When tumor cells were admixed with normal cells, the sensitivity of CAM5.2 and EMA permitted the detection of one cell in 10(4), but with KL-1, the detection of one in 10(5) cells was possible. When immunohistochemical staining was used in testing 40 patients with advanced or recurrent breast cancer, positive reactions were obtained in four of 27 patients (14.8%) with KL-1, four of 26 (15.4%) with CAM5.2, and nine of 37 (23.7%) with KL-1 + CAM5.2, figures similar to those reported by others who studied stage IV patients. CONCLUSIONS: Immunohistochemical staining with KL-1 and CAM5.2 is therefore considered to be a useful technique for detecting contamination by tumor cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1998

Halothane and isoflurane attenuate the relaxant response to nonadrenergic and noncholinergic nerve stimulation of isolated canine cerebral arteries.

UNLABELLED: Stimulation of nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) nerves elicits relaxation of canine cerebral arteries via the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP pathway. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of halothane and isoflurane on the relaxant response of isolated canine cerebral arteries to NANC nerve stimulation. The isometric tension of isolated canine cerebral arteries, which had been denuded of endothelium, was measured in a tissue bath. The application of transmural electrical stimulation (TES) at a frequency of 5 Hz elicited a transient relaxation of arteries partially contracted with prostaglandin F2alpha. This effect was abolished by treatment with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (3 x 10[-5] M), 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (10[-5] M), or tetrodotoxin (10[-6] M). Treatment with halothane (2.3%) or isoflurane (2.3% and 3.5%) attenuated the relaxant response to TES (P < 0.05). Halothane (2.3%) but not isoflurane (2.3% and 3.5%) attenuated relaxation induced by s-nitro-N-acetylpenicillamine. We suggest that halothane and isoflurane inhibit cerebroarterial vasodilation mediated via NO-cGMP pathway activated by stimulation of the NANC nerves. The sites of action of halothane and isoflurane on the NO-cGMP pathway may differ. IMPLICATIONS: Nonadrenergic noncholinergic nerves play a role in the regulation of vascular tone in cerebral arteries via the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway. This study showed that, in isolated canine cerebral arteries, halothane and isoflurane inhibit the relaxation caused by nonadrenergic noncholinergic nerve stimulation, but their sites of action may differ.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Optimal MR cholangiopancreatographic sequence and its clinical application.

PURPOSE: To determine the appropriate acquisition parameters for magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with a half-Fourier rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) sequence; to determine the optimal MRCP technique by comparing half-Fourier RARE, steady-state free precession (SSFP) two-dimensional (2D) fast spin-echo (SE), and three-dimensional (3D) fast SE sequences; and to clarify the usefulness and limitations of MRCP in diagnosing pancreatic abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Half-Fourier RARE MRCP images with varying parameters were compared by using a phantom. Duct conspicuity and contrast-to-noise ratios (C/Ns) were compared for the four MRCP techniques in a phantom and healthy volunteers. The optimal MRCP technique was used to study healthy volunteers and clinical cases. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created for data analysis. RESULTS: A 5-mm-thick section without intersection gap was appropriate for half-Fourier RARE MRCP. Only half-Fourier RARE MRCP could depict a 1-mm duct. C/N was the highest with half-Fourier RARE, followed by 3D fast SE, 2D fast SE, and SSFP sequences. ROC curve analysis revealed no interobserver differences, and the area under the curve for detection of strictures of the main pancreatic duct was as high as 0.89. CONCLUSION: Half-Fourier RARE MRCP has the highest contrast and spatial resolution among the four techniques studied and may play an important role in diagnosing pancreatic abnormalities.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Novel CYP11B1 mutations in congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to steroid 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency.

The second most common cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia is 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency, an autosomal recessive disorder. We performed genetic analysis of CYP11B1, the gene encoding steroid 11 beta-hydroxylase, in three patients with classic 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency. Herein we describe the first splice donor site mutation, a new nonsense mutation, and a new missense mutation in this disorder. An African-American patient was found to be a compound heterozygote for a codon 318 + 1G --> A substitution at the 5'-splice donor site of intron 5, in combination with Q356X, a nonsense mutation previously reported in an African-American patient. A Caucasian patient was found to be a compound heterozygote with a novel missense mutation, T318R, in combination with a previously reported 28-bp deletion in exon 2. A different mutation at codon 318 (T318M) has been described previously. A Caucasian patient was heterozygous for a novel nonsense mutation (Q19X) in exon 2. The second mutation was not identified in this patient. Multiple apparent polymorphisms were also observed. Two of these polymorphisms in CYP11B1 represent sequences from CYP11B2, suggesting that gene conversion may have occurred. In summary, we have identified three novel mutations and two previously reported mutations in CYP11B1 patients with 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency. Our data suggest the presence of a mutational hot spot at codon 318 of CYP11B1, and the possibility of a founder effect in frequently identified mutations.

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital↗

PubMed1998

Long-term effect of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I on metabolic and growth control in a patient with leprechaunism.

Leprechaunism is the most severe form of insulin resistance, manifesting with abnormal glucose metabolism and retarded growth. In the present study, we investigated the biological actions of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I (rhIGF-I) in fibroblasts derived from a patient with leprechaunism. In the same patient, we also investigated the pharmacokinetics of IGF-I and the long-term effect of rhIGF-I treatment on metabolic control and physical growth. The patient's fibroblasts showed normal binding of IGF-I, normal phosphorylation of the beta-subunit of the IGF-I receptor, and normal [3H]thymidine incorporation in response to IGF-I. The fibroblast studies suggested that the patient would respond to IGF-I therapy, but certainly did not exclude the possibility of IGF-I resistance in vivo. Administration of recombinant human GH at the dose of 2.0 IU/kg for 3 consecutive days induced a minimal response of serum total IGF-I and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), suggesting partial GH resistance. To increase the serum total IGF-I level, we administered rhIGF-I with combination therapy of intermittent and continuous s.c. injection. This sustained the serum total IGF-I level, but not the serum IGFBP-3 level, within the normal range. The patient was treated with combination therapy of rhIGF-I by both s.c. injection and continuous s.c. infusion for 6 yr and 10 months. Administration of rhIGF-I at total daily dose of 1.6 mg/kg maintained her growth rate and hemoglobin A1c level nearly within the normal range. These findings suggest 1) that this leprechaun patient has an IGF-I-deficient state and partial GH resistance, as reflected by impaired production of IGF-I and IGFBP-3; 2) that rhIGF-I treatment works effectively for preventing postnatal growth retardation and normalizing glucose metabolism in patients with extreme insulin resistance; 3) that this treatment requires relatively higher dose of rhIGF-I; and 4) that treatment appears to be safe and devoid of adverse effects.

Blood Glucose↗

PubMed1998

Serological relationship among porcine cytomegalovirus Japanese isolates and a UK isolate.

We isolated porcine cytomegaloviruses (PCMVs) from lung samples of fattening pigs collected in the slaughter houses of 4 prefectures of Japan. Seven isolates were obtained and used for a comparison of serological characteristics by ELISA. J1, the first field isolate in Japan, and B6 which was isolated in the UK were also used in the study. The serological relationships between the isolates were analysed by the method of Archetti and Horsfall. OF1 showed serological differences with Chiba2 and Hiroshima. Differences were also observed between Chiba2 and ChibaC, ChibaC and Kagawa. B6 showed differences with OF2, Chiba3, ChibaC and Hiroshima.

Abattoirs↗

PubMed1998

Reactivity of native conglutinin in bovine serum with rabbit antibody against recombinant bovine conglutinin with deletion of the N-terminal and collagen-like regions.

The reactivity of native bovine conglutinin (Kg) with antibody against recombinant Kg (rKg), with deletion of the N-terminal and collagen-like regions of the native Kg molecule, was studied by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. With anti-recombinant Kg antibody as the coating antibody, rKg reacted with biotinylated homologous anti-rKg and heterologous anti-Kg antibodies as probing antibodies, while native Kg did not. With anti-native Kg antibody as coating antibody, native Kg reacted with biotinylated homologous antibody as probing antibody, while recombinant Kg reacted weakly with both biotinylated homologous and heterologous antibodies. Consequently the N-terminal and collagen-like regions of native Kg molecule are essential to express the complete immunogenicity and/or antigenicity of the native Kg molecule.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Analysis of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli serotype O157:H7 by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies.

To develop a rapid and specific method to detect and/or identify enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7, two mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were prepared. Specificities of these two MAbs (1D9 and 3E8) were determined by flow cytometry method (FCM). MAbs 3E8 and 1D9 were found to react with E. coli O157:H7, Citrobacter freundii and Salmonella group N (O:30), but not with Escherichia hermannii. With a mixture containing strains of E. coli O157:H7 and E. coli O6:H1, two different peaks appeared in FCM with MAbs, whereas a single peak appeared with polyclonal rabbit antiserum. From these findings, FCM with MAb is suggested to be a rapid, specific, and useful method to detect and identify strain(s) of E. coli O157:H7 in food ingredients.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Production of a monoclonal antibody reacted broadly with feline calicivirus field isolates.

A monoclonal antibody (MAb) reactive with 36 field isolates and 2 laboratory strains of feline calicivirus (FCV) was produced by immunizing mice with the mixture of FCVs. The MAb (4D7) reacted with FCVs in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), but had no neutralizing activity against the F4 strain of FCV. MAb 8G1, previously produced against the FCV F4 strain, also reacted in ELISA with all FCVs used in the present study. However, the epitopes recognized by 4D7 and 8G1 were different. Using these two MAbs and a polyclonal rabbit antibody, we attempted to develop a sandwich ELISA for detection of FCV antigen. The combination of 4D7 and the polyclonal rabbit IgG was most sensitive. Using this system, all the field isolates of FCV cultured in vitro were detected. However, among the 36 swab samples, from which FCV was isolated, 4 were negative.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Reactivities of feline calicivirus field isolates with monoclonal antibodies detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Reactivities of feline calicivirus (FCV) field isolates with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The reactivities of the viruses in ELISA were different from our previous results using the neutralization tests (NT). Many isolates were positive in ELISA with MAbs which recognized neutralizing epitope 3B and/or 4. However, most were negative in NT in our previous study. After absorption of two FCV strains with host cells, the non-infectious virus fluid still reacted with MAb, which recognized epitope 3B and/or 4 in ELISA. These results indicated the possibility that neutralizing epitopes are expressed on non-infectious virus particles or exist as proteinaceous molecules in virus fluid.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Prenatal diagnosis of steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency by the modified polymerase chain reaction to detect splice site mutation in the CYP21 gene.

A splicing junction mutation at nucleotide 656 (A-> G substitution, I2G) in the steroid 21-hydroxylase gene (CYP21) is the most frequently detected mutation in patients with the salt-wasting and simple-virilizing forms of steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency (approximately 60%). In this disease, prenatal diagnosis and treatment to minimize the effects of excess androgen in affected females has been advocated. Therefore, to detect the I2G mutation rapidly, accurately, and without the use of radioisotope, we developed a modified polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a mismatched 3' nucleotide primer to introduce a new restriction site upon PCR amplification of the mutant allele. This allowed the mutant allele to be identified readily by restriction enzyme digestion of the PCR product, and subsequently this PCR product was subjected to restriction enzyme digestion for diagnosis. Chorionic villus biopsy samples (CVS) were obtained at 10 to 11 weeks gestation from two females carrying fetuses at risk for steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Prenatal diagnosis was successful in both cases. One affected female was treated with dexamethasone to term. In the other case, treatment was withdrawn at an early stage when testing revealed a normal fetus. The results demonstrate the rapid and accurate detection of the I2G mutation by this method, thereby indicating the feasibility of for prenatal diagnosis of the I2G mutation.

Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital↗