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Biomedical subjects

T Tashiro

Publications and source records attributed to T Tashiro.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources

Immunological studies on opportunistic infection and the development of adult T-cell leukemia.

Three patients with opportunistic infection preceding adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) are presented: a 66-year-old woman with cryptococcosis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a 46-year-old man with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and a 55-year-old woman with cryptococcosis. Although, at the first examination, the first two had smoldering type ATL and the third case was an HTLV-I carrier, all three developed overt ATL 14-16 months after the onset of opportunistic infection. It is considered that there is immune suppression already present in HTLV-I carriers and in patients with smoldering ATL, and opportunistic infection is predictive of the development of ATL.

Aged↗

[A case of spinal cord glioblastoma multiforme].

A 35-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a 3 month history of progressive paraparesis and impairment of bowel and bladder function. MRI suggested a malignant glioma at the level of T9 to L1. Laminectomy and subtotal removal of the tumor was performed. The surgical specimen was a glioblastoma multiforme. An aggressive adjuvant therapy was scheduled to prevent rapid local regrowth and leptomeningeal dissemination. Radiotherapy with a total dose of 65Gy was delivered with chemotherapy including ACNU (2mg/kg) and vincristine (0.2mg/kg). Lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells were given intrathecally with a total dose of 1.6 x 10(9) LAK cells with 3 x 10(4) units of IL-2. MRI taken 6 months after surgery revealed no residual tumor, and no malignant cell was detected in the patient's CSF. After physiotherapy, she became able to walk with a stick and was discharged. Chemotherapy (ACNU 2mg/kg/8 weeks) had been further continued for 2 years. She did well until 14 months after surgery, when paraparesis recurred and rapidly progressed to completism. MRI revealed a spinal cord swelling with marked edema, suggesting delayed radiation necrosis. Two years after surgery, MRI showed a marked atrophy of the spinal cord, and no residual tumor. But 3 years after surgery, a round tumor at the level of T11 and T12 was revealed on MRI, and she was admitted to our hospital again. A spinal cord amputation was performed, and the tumor was totally removed without worsening her neurological symptoms. Surgical specimen of the tumor was glioblastoma multiforme again.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

[Pulmonary complications in patients with adult T-cell leukemia].

In order to investigate the character of pulmonary complications in patients with adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), a pathological and bacteriological study was performed in 92 autopsy cases with hematologic malignancies including 17 cases of ATL and 103 autopsy cases with solid malignancies from 1981 to 1990. Among 17 cases with ATL, pulmonary complications were seen in 16 cases (94.1%); pulmonary infection in 14 (82.3%), leukemic cell pulmonary infiltration in 9 (52.9%), pulmonary hemorrhage in 5 (29.4%), pulmonary alveolar calcinosis in 2 (11.8%), and idiopathic interstitial pneumonia in 2 (11.8%). The causative microorganisms were virus in 10; 9 of which were cytomegalovirus, followed by bacteria infection in 4 cases, mainly pseudomonas aeruginosa, and fungal infection in 3, mainly cryptococcus. pneumocystic carinii and mycobacterium tuberculosis were not detected. It is suggested that patients with ATL are severely compromised with chiefly cellular immunodeficiency, and administration of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and isoniazid is very effective in prevention of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Cytomegalovirus Infections↗

[A case of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia with cytomegalovirus infection].

A 67-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of fever, dry cough, and exertional dyspnea. The findings of chest X-ray, transbronchial lung biopsy, and bronchoalveolar lavage were compatible with the diagnosis of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. Prednisolone was administered and she felt better for a while. However, she developed severe dyspnea, and marked diffuse infiltrative shadows were observed on chest X-ray after 3 months of steroid therapy. In spite of pulse therapy with methylprednisolone, she died of severe respiratory failure. Complement fixation test and IgG antibody enzyme immunoassay for cytomegalovirus were positive, but there was no change the titers between admission and death. IgM antibody was negative. The lung findings at autopsy compatible with usual interstitial pneumonia and diffuse alveolar damage, moreover, cytomegalovirus infection was observed. We consider that recurrent cytomegalovirus pneumonia had been present due to secondary immunodeficiency caused by administration of steroid hormones.

Aged↗

[Cell culture and its application--in vitro evaluation of anticancer activity using human tumor cell lines].

Selective toxicity against cancer cells is a most important determinant for anticancer agents. Therefore, we have preferably evaluated anticancer effects in vivo using murine tumor models for several decades. Approximately 50 anticancer agents are currently available for clinical therapy, but very few agents are effective against some types of cancer. Much progresses in cell culture techniques resulted in establishment of various human tumor cell lines. Currently, we are able to use human tumor lines as well as murine ones for the examination of drug sensitivity. A number of assay methods to evaluate anticancer activity have been developed. In the beginning, growth inhibitory activity was evaluated by counting cell numbers after drug exposure. Then, human tumor clonogenic assay (HTCA) was designed to measure only proliferative cells. Recently colorimetric MTT assay and SRB assay in 96-well microplates were developed, which were adopted in the screening system in the NCI, based on a new idea, that is, disease-oriented screening (DOS) using about 60 human tumor cell lines. In this paper outline of each method was described, adding especially several comments on disease-oriented screening.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Enzymatic synthesis of PAPS with an ATP-regeneration system.

Sulfate activating enzymes, ATP sulfurylase and APS kinase, were newly isolated from a thermophile, Bacillus stearothermophilus. Adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) was synthesized by these enzymes. The reaction proceeded more efficiently when an ATP-regeneration system, using acetate kinase, was coupled to the reaction system.

Acetate Kinase↗

[Studies on stable control of blood sugar by continuous administration of insulin through isolated intestinal loop].

Insulin (INS) has been known to be absorbed through the intestine in small amounts and to decrease blood sugar (BS) levels. However, stable control of BS has not been attained by intestinal intake of INS. To elucidate the possibility of a surgical approach to control hyperglycemic states, Thiry-Vella loops or upper jejunal loop fistulae were constructed in mongrel dogs in hyperglycemic states. Hyperglycemic states (around 400mg/dl) were induced by injecting streptozotocin. Lente insulin was administered every day to control hyperglycemia, except for the days for studies. As we confirmed that co-administration of aprotinin (TR) or nafamostat mesilate (FT) was necessary, to decrease BS by infusing INS into the intestinal loops, safe and effective dose levels were determined by series of preliminary infusion studies in the intestinal loops of diabetic dogs. By continuous infusion of these doses into the jejunal loop fistulae, a long term stable blood sugar control was attained in the diabetic dogs as long as 7 days. These results suggest that continuous infusion of INS with antiproteolytic adjuvants like TR or FT into the isolated small intestinal loop can control BS in hyperglycemic states.

Animals↗

[A case of foreign body granuloma due to aspiration of a twig of Cryptomeria].

A 65-year-old man was admitted to Oita Medical School Hospital with complaints of hemoptysis and left anterior chest pain. Chest X-ray film showed a nodular shadow, about 1 cm in diameter, in the left S8 area. A specimen obtained by transbronchial biopsy showed no malignant findings. However, left lower lobectomy was performed because of the possibility of malignancy. The resected specimen contained a twig of cryptomeria within dark-red lung tissue. Histologically, the foreign body granuloma was surrounding a vegetable fiber. We had no information of an episode of pruning a cryptomeria and aspiration of a twig before the operation. Cryptomeria is an extremely rare bronchopulmonary foreign body, and the present case suggests that bronchopulmonary foreign body granuloma is an important disease in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules.

Aged↗

[A case report of simultaneous procedure of Cabrol's operation and aortic arch replacement: method to reduce the duration of ischemic cardiac arrest].

A 57-year-old female underwent simultaneous Cabrol's operation and aortic arch replacement for aortic dissection. She was admitted with complaint of back pain. Aortography demonstrated acute dissecting aneurysm of the ascending, arch and descending aorta (DeBakey type I) as well as aortic valve regurgitation (Seller's II degree). The operation was undertaken using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) under hypothermia with selective cerebral perfusion. A new method to reduce the duration of ischemic cardiac arrest was applied. Initially a low-porosity woven Dacron tube graft (8 mm) was anastomosed to coronary arteries. Blood of CPB was perfused to this graft. This coronary perfusion contributed to shorten ischemic cardiac arrest time and cardiac function was favorable. This method to reduce the duration of ischemic cardiac arrest brought about good result.

Aortic Dissection↗

[Adequate requirements of energy and protein in postoperative total parenteral nutrition].

Adequate requirements of energy and protein in post operative total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were determined by studying the effects of energy and protein dose on nitrogen retention at varying levels of surgical stress assessed by urinary excretion of total catecholamines. Fifty-two patients received esophagectomy (severe stress), and gastric or colorectal operations (moderate stress) fed exclusively by TPN perioperatively were divided into 6 groups according to the dose level of protein and energy; Group I: 40 kcal, 1.0 g.protein/kg.day (9 patients), Group II: 40 kcal, 1.5 g.protein/kg.day (11 patients), Group III: 40 kcal 2.0 g.protein/kg.day (8 patients), Group IV: 40 kcal, 3.0 g.protein/kg.day (7 patients), Group V: 30 kcal, 2.0 g.protein/kg.day (11 patients), and Group VI: 50 kcal, 2.0 g.protein/kg.day (6 patients). Daily nitrogen balance (NB) and urinary excretion of total catecholamines (U-CA) were determined everyday pre- and post-operatively. Significantly negative correlations between U-CA and NB were observed. Statistically significant differences among the correlations of all groups were recognized. In moderate stress, increasing dose of protein and energy improved NB, and positive NB was achieved when 1.5-2.0 g.protein/kg.day with 35-40 kcal/kg.day was provided. Protein dose exceeding 3.0 g/kg.day caused the rise of BUN. In severe stress, such as following esophagectomy, NB was not improved by increasing dose of nutrients.

Aged↗

[Arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries without use of prosthetic material].

For transposition of the great arteries (TGA), arterial switch operation (ASO) is theoretically preferable to atrial switch operation, since the left ventricle is established as the systemic ventricle and sinus node function is maintained. However, ASO is a delicate operation requiring the transfer of the coronary arteries. Use of prosthetic material for reconstruction of the neo-pulmonary artery causes postoperative supra-valvular pulmonary arterial stenosis. Five neonates and young infants with TGA underwent ASO without the use of prosthetic material by the technique reported by Pacifico et al. Three patients with simple TGA ranged in age from 10 to 27 days, and in weight from 2.9 to 3.9 kg. Two patients with TGA and ventricular septal defect ranged in age from 41 to 63 days, and in weight from 2.8 to 4.2 kg. There were no deaths, either early or late, and all patients are well 7 to 21 months after surgery. Catheterization and Doppler echocardiographic studies performed in all patients showed that pressure gradient between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery decreased significantly during mean follow-up period of 14 months. These results suggest excellent growth of the pulmonary artery after surgery.

Aorta↗

[A case of hypothalamic astrocytoma with precocious puberty].

A case of hypothalamic astrocytoma with precocious puberty is presented. In July 1989, a 2-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital because of vaginal bleeding and enlargement of breasts. Breast development was Tanner's stage 3 and no pubic hair was present. Endocrinological evaluation revealed a slightly high level of LH, but the responses of LH and FSH to LH-RH test resulted in exceedingly high values similar to those in adults. Plain CT scan showed an isodense mass in the suprasellar cistern which was not enhanced following administration of contrast medium. MR imaging revealed the precise location of the mass attached to the posterior hypothalamus between the pituitary stalk and the mamillary bodies in sagittal view. The signal intensity of the mass was homogenous and isointense relative to the gray matter on T1 weighted image. But on T2 weighted image, it showed high signal intensity compared with the normal brain parenchyma. A right fronto-temporal craniotomy was performed and the tumor was partially removed. Histological examination disclosed moderate hypercellularity of glial cells but no neurons were visible. This appeared to be astrocytoma grade II. In the literature, CT and MRI behaviour of hypothalamic hamartomas are almost similar to our case. Therefore we think it is not possible at the present time to differentiate a low grade astrocytoma from hamartoma when using CT and MRI alone. In this case, the mechanism of development of precocious puberty seemed to be due to hypothalamic compression by the tumor.

Astrocytoma↗

Molecular cloning of the human histamine H2 receptor.

We utilized the technique of polymerase chain reaction with oligonucleotide primers based upon the nucleotide sequence of the canine H2 histamine receptor gene which we recently isolated to clone its human homologue. Transfection of a construct of this gene in Colo-320 DM cells led to the expression of a receptor that bound to [methyl-3H] tiotidine and was linked to 3',5'cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) generation in response to histamine. Both cAMP generation and [methyl-3H] tiotidine binding were inhibited with the H2 histamine receptor selective antagonist cimetidine but not diphenhydramine or thioperamide which are, respectively, H1 and H3 histamine receptor antagonists. These data confirm that we have successfully cloned a novel gene encoding the human H2 histamine receptor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Retinofugal projections in the house musk shrew, Suncus murinus.

Retinofugal projections in the house musk shrew (Suncus murinus) were studied with the WGA-HRP method. After WGA-HRP injection into the vitreous cavity of one eye, terminal labeling was seen in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, dorsal and ventral lateral geniculate nuclei, pretectum and superficial layer of the superior colliculus. The terminal labeling in the suprachiasmatic nucleus was more marked on the side ipsilateral to the injection than on the contralateral side, whereas that in other regions was seen mainly on the contralateral side. A retino-intergeniculate leaflet projection was observed. No unequivocal terminal labeling was found in the lateroposterior thalamic nucleus.

Animals↗

Maturation and aging of the axonal cytoskeleton: biochemical analysis of transported tubulin.

Changes in solubility and axonal transport of tubulin during maturation and aging have been investigated using sciatic motor fibers of rats at 4, 7, 14, 30, and 80 weeks of age. One to six weeks after injection of L-[35S]methionine into the spinal cord, labeled cytoskeletal proteins in consecutive segments of the sciatic nerve and the ventral roots were fractionated into soluble and insoluble forms by extraction in 1% Triton at low temperature. In 4-week-old rats, the two forms of tubulin were transported coordinately in a single wave with the average rate of 2 mm/day. At 7 weeks of age, two components in tubulin transport were observed to develop, possibly reflecting the maturation of the axonal cytoskeleton. The slower main component (1.5 mm/day) contained most of the insoluble form together with the neurofilament proteins and the faster component (3 mm/day) was enriched in the soluble form. Though significantly different in composition, the two components correspond to slow component a (SCa) and slow component b (SCb) originally defined in the optic system. A progressive decrease in transport rates of both SCa and SCb was observed with rats at 14, 30, and 80 weeks of age. In addition, there was a large decrease in the proportion of insoluble tubulin during the course of transport in animals older than 30 weeks. This loss of the insoluble form seems to be accounted for partly by the proteolytic degradation of the severely retarded SCa proteins. Changes in axonal transport of tubulin may thus reflect age-related changes in dynamics and turnover of the axonal cytoskeleton.

Aging↗

Prediction of efficacy of antidepressant by 1-week test therapy in depression.

Forty patients suffering from depression were treated with fixed doses of clomipramine for 4 weeks. The most effective predictor of efficacy during the 4 weeks was the percentage improvement in the Hamilton rating scale for depression during the first week. Baseline severity did not show any predictive ability. The Beck depression rating scale had only low predictive ability, and the dexamethasone suppression test did not predict the outcome at all. These results suggest the benefit of 1-week test therapy for predicting the efficacy of antidepressants.

Adolescent↗

Distribution of axons showing calcitonin gene-related peptide- and/or substance P-like immunoreactivity in the sensory trigeminal nuclei of the cat.

Distribution of axons with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-like and/or substance P (SP)-like immunoreactivity (LI) within the sensory trigeminal nuclei was examined in the cat before and after trigeminal rhizotomy. Axons with CGRP-LI or SP-LI were seen throughout the principal sensory trigeminal nucleus (Vp) and spinal trigeminal nuclei, including the medullary dorsal horn (MDH). They were densely distributed particularly in the dorsolateral part of the dorsal subnucleus of the Vp, ventromedial marginal zone of the ventral subnucleus of the Vp, dorsomedial and ventromedial parts of the oral spinal trigeminal nucleus, ventromedial and lateral marginal zones of the interpolar spinal trigeminal nucleus, and lamina I, outer part of lamina II and lamina V of the MDH. Most of the CGRP-LI axons exhibited SP-LI, while many SP-LI axons did not show CGRP-LI. After trigeminal rhizotomy, almost all CGRP-LI axons disappeared from the ipsilateral sensory trigeminal nuclei, while a considerable number of SP-LI axons remained intact throughout the nuclei; these SP-LI axons did not show CGRP-LI. The results indicate that CGRP-LI axons within the sensory trigeminal nuclei exhibit SP-LI and are of peripheral origin, and that SP-LI axons without CGRP-LI are of central origin.

Animals↗