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Biomedical subjects

Y Aoki

Publications and source records attributed to Y Aoki.

At least 559 records · Page 31Linked to original sources

Antibodies raised against peptide fragments of bovine alpha s1-casein cross-react with the intact protein only when the peptides contain both B and T cell determinants.

In order to compare the immune response to peptides with that to the native protein, we used bovine alpha s1-casein (alpha s1-CN), a major milk protein whose conformation seems to be in a highly disordered state in solution, as the model antigen. Firstly, the T and B cell determinants on this protein were localized by a T cell proliferation assay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using 13 synthetic overlapping peptides encompassing the entire sequence of alpha s1-CN. T cells from alpha s1-CN-primed C3H/He mice, a high responder to alpha s1-CN, strongly proliferated in the presence of peptides 91-110, 61-80 and 46-65. In addition, peptides 151-170, 136-155 and 106-125 were also found to contain T cell determinants. On the other hand, peptides 181-199, 46-65, 76-95 and 106-125 were generally found to be immunodominant B cell determinants, while peptides 121-140, 136-155, 91-110 and 151-170 also had antibody-binding activity. The peptides were then tested for their ability to elicit a specific antibody. This revealed that only peptides 91-110, 106-125, 136-155 and 46-65 were able to produce specific antibodies that bound to the native protein as well as the peptides themselves. These peptides contained both B and T cell determinants on the intact protein. Thus, we confirmed that a peptide corresponding to both T and B cell determinants on alpha s1-CN was capable of eliciting a specific antibody that reacted with the protein as well as the peptide itself.

Allergens↗

Possible direct effect of diethylcarbamazine on the infective larvae of Brugia pahangi.

The direct action of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) on the infective larvae of Brugia pahangi was studied. The larvae were cultured in RPMI 1640 supplemented with foetal bovine serum and antibiotics for 22 days. Most of the larvae remained alive for 8 days, but survival rate of larvae decreased rapidly from day 10 onwards. The larvae did not grow in the culture system. The addition of DEC did not affect the morbidity of the larvae and no difference was observed in the morphological characteristics between the larvae cultured in the presence or absence of DEC. The infective larvae were cultured in vitro for 5 days in the presence or absence of DEC, and inoculated into jirds. The animals were necropsied at intervals, and developing larvae and adult worms were recovered. When the larvae were cultured without DEC and then inoculated subcutaneously into jirds, 29.8% of the inoculum was recovered 3-15 days, and 25% 19-22 weeks, post-inoculation. However, when the larvae were exposed to DEC in vitro and inoculated into jirds, the rate of recovery was reduced to 25% 3-15 days post-inoculation and 2% after 19-22 weeks. When the control larvae cultured in vitro were inoculated intraperitoneally into jirds, 41.3% of inoculum was recovered 3-15 days, and 42.8% 19-22 weeks, post-inoculation. Again the corresponding value for larvae exposed to DEC in vitro was reduced to 19.8% 3-15 days, and 8% 19-22 weeks, post-inoculation. It was observed that the larvae exposed to DEC in vitro were retarded in their development in jirds.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

In vivo effects of recombinant granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in athymic nude mice.

The possible role of T lymphocytes in in vivo regulation of haemopoiesis by recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) was evaluated. Athymic nude (nu/nu) mice and their normal (+/+) littermates were injected subcutaneously twice daily with 100 micrograms/kg per day of rhG-CSF for 5 days. Such parameters as number of neutrophils in blood, spleen weight and cellularity, bone marrow cellularity, and number of stem and progenitor cells (colony forming units in spleen [CFU-S], mix colony forming cells [Mix-CFC], granulocyte-macrophage colony forming cells [GM-CFC] in bone marrow and spleen were evaluated. Some effects of the rhG-CSF treatment were similar in nu/nu and +/+ mice. Others, however, were to some extent different in the two groups of animals. It is concluded that T lymphocytes may be partially responsible for some of the effects of rhG-CSF in vivo activity.

Animals↗

Granulocyte medullasin levels in gingival crevicular fluid from chronic adult periodontitis patients and experimental gingivitis subjects.

The concentration of medullasin, an elastase-like serine proteinase, in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from chronic adult periodontitis patients and experimental gingivitis subjects was determined by the highly sensitive immunoassay method. In periodontitis patients, the medullasin content increased with increase of the GCF volume and then attained a maximum value at a relatively mildly inflamed stage. The value was maintained through more serious stages of disease activity. However, the medullasin content was independent of the probing depth. The medullasin content of the patients was markedly decreased after periodontal treatment, indicating that the enzyme participates in the development of the chronic periodontitis. Large amounts of medullasin were also detected in GCF from experimental gingivitis subjects, although it was not detected by the activity measurements. There was a rapid increase in the medullasin content during the 4-day period after abstention from oral hygiene measures, which corresponded to those of severely inflamed periodontitis patients. The peak value decreased up to the 7th-d followed by a gradual increase during the 21-d experimental period. The increased medullasin level rapidly decreased following resumption of oral hygiene measures. The results suggest that medullasin plays important roles both in the defence mechanism against the gingival inflammation and in the development of the acute inflammation.

Adult↗

[Significance of nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by medical staff in nosocomial infection].

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most important microorganisms in nosocomial infection. Healthy medical staff working in MRSA endemic wards are known to have MRSA in their nasal cavity, swabs, but the significance of their positive nasal swab cultures in infections among the patients has not been confirmed. The purpose of this study was to compare the antibiotic susceptibility and coagulase typing of strains isolated from the infected patients and from nasal swab cultures of medical staff working in ICU. Twenty-six nurses and 20 doctors working in ICU where MRSA was endemic were examined. Six nurses and 10 doctors gave positive nasal swab cultures for S. aureus, and 2 of the nurses' strain and 5 of the doctors' strains were methicillin-resistant. These strains were sensitive to IPM, GM, MINO and OFLX, while the strains clinically isolated from infected patients were resistant to these antibiotics. MRSA isolated from nasal swab cultures from medical staff developed marked resistance to IPM, GM, MINO, and OFLX by incubating with these drugs, whereas they remained sensitive to VCM when they were incubated in VCM-containing medium. Methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) isolated from nasal swab cultures of medical staff became resistant to DMPPC, CMZ, in addition to IPM, GM, MINO, and OFLX, but these strains did not develop resistance to VCM. Resistance to these drugs developed by incubating with these drugs did not diminish by incubating in drug-free medium for 3 weeks. The patients infected by MRSA had been previously given several kinds of antibiotics, whereas the medical staff had not been exposed to any kind of antibiotics during the same period. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Discriminant analysis of cellular fatty acids of Candida species, Torulopsis glabrata, and Cryptococcus neoformans determined by gas-liquid chromatography.

We used discriminant analysis of cellular fatty acid compositions determined by gas-liquid chromatography to differentiate yeastlike fungi (a total of 190 strains; including 37 Candida albicans strains, 21 Candida krusei strains, 13 Candida guilliermondii strains, 37 Candida tropicalis strains, 10 Candida pseudotropicalis strains, 24 Candida parapsilosis strains, 32 Torulopsis glabrata strains, and 16 Cryptococcus neoformans strains). Previous results with a standard strain of C. albicans indicated that reproducible fatty acid chromatograms can be obtained with cells grown in a medium of 2% Sabouraud glucose agar at 35 degrees C for between 48 and 72 h. These conditions were also maintained in cultures of the other organisms that we studied. The cellular fatty acid compositions of the organisms were determined quantitatively by gas-liquid chromatography and analyzed by discriminant analysis. The total correct identification expressed as relative peak percent was 95.8% (89.2% for C. albicans to 100% for C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, C. pseudotropicalis, T. glabrata, and C. neoformans). The total correct identification expressed as the common peak (palmitic acid) ratio was 94.7% (87.5% for C. parapsilosis to 100% for C. pseudotropicalis, T. glabrata, and C. neoformans). Both results suggest that cellular fatty acid compositions can be differentiated by this method.

Candida↗

Utility of angiograms in patients with catamenial hemoptysis.

Pulmonary endometriosis is the likely cause in patients with hemoptysis during menses. While we describe two cases of catamenial hemoptysis, which were localized with chest CT scanning, angiograms revealed normal appearance. We suggest that angiograms may have little value in the evaluation of patients with pulmonary endometriosis.

Adult↗

[Three-month oral subacute toxicity study of mofezolac (N-22) in rats].

A three-month oral subacute toxicity study of mofezolac (N-22), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, was performed using dose levels of 6, 20, 60 and 200 mg/kg in rats, and recovery was also assessed one month after withdrawal. 1. Toxic signs caused by N-22 administration, observed only in the 200 mg/kg group, were as follows: soiling around the mouth and/or nose, piloerection, anemia, diarrhea, emaciation and decreased spontaneous locomotor activity. Nine males and thirteen females in the 200 mg/kg group excreted bloody diarrhea and died of general exhaustion between weeks four and thirteen of study. 2. In the 200 mg/kg group, decrease in food consumption and suppression of body weight gain were noted in males from about week four and in females from about week six after initiation of administration, and increase in water consumption was noted in males from about week seven. 3. Urinary examination revealed a decline in urinary pH in males of the 20 mg/kg and above groups and elevation of urobilinogen levels in males of the 60 and 200 mg/kg groups. 4. Hematological examination showed decreases in erythrocyte count (RBC), hematocrit value (Ht) and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and increase in reticulocyte rate in both sexes of the 200 mg/kg group and an increase in neutrophil rate in males of the 200 mg/kg group. 5. Biochemical examination demonstrated a decrease in chloride (Cl-) in males receiving the 20 mg/kg or above doses and a decrease in calcium (Ca++) in males of the 60 and 200 mg/kg groups. Moreover, there were decreases in cholinesterase (ChE) activity, total protein (TP) and albumin (Alb) values, as well as increases in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA) and potassium (K+) in both sexes of the 200 mg/kg group, along with elevations in GOT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in females of the 200 mg/kg group. 6. The absolute and/or relative organ weights for liver, kidneys, spleen and adrenals were increased in the 200 mg/kg group. 7. On pathological examination, perforating ulceration in the jejunum and ileum, turbid ascites, adhesion and inflammatory changes in capsules of the abdominal organs, splenomegaly, mesenteric lymph node hyperplasia and inflammatory changes in the thoracic cavity were observed in dead animals of the 200 mg/kg group. Similar pathological changes were observed in a few survival cases of the 200 mg/kg group. 8. After a one month recovery period, the above-mentioned changes had mostly recovered, indicating that they were reversible.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Oral↗

Low molecular weight peptide inhibitors of medullasin: purification and structure.

Two low molecular weight peptide inhibitors of medullasin were isolated from human bone marrow cells. Determination of their amino acid composition and amino acid sequence revealed that one inhibitor was composed of 36 amino acid residues and the other 34 amino acid residues which are identical with the C-terminal portions (Formula; see text) of the beta-chain of human hemoglobin. These two peptides when synthesized also showed the same degree of inhibitory effect on medullasin activity as the natural products. Neither the N-terminal portion of the inhibitor, composed of 21 amino residues, nor the C-terminal peptide, composed of 20 amino acids, inhibited medullasin activity. Medullasin was inhibited reversibly and non-competitively against by these inhibitors and was the most effectively inhibited serine protease among several tested.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[O-serotypes, biochemical properties and antimicrobial susceptibilities of Serratia marcescens isolated from clinical specimens (2nd report)].

O-serotypes, biochemical properties and drug resistances of Serratia marcescens (129 strains) isolated from clinical specimens in Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital from April 1985 to March 1987, were compared with those of the previous results (Jpn J Clin Pathol 35:555-560, 1987). The isolation frequencies of serotype O 3 and O 23 strains were 35.7% and 8.5%, respectively. These strains with serotype O 3 or O 23 were wide-spread in the hospital. The urea-positive strains which occupied 61.2% of all isolates tended to increase more than those of the previous report. The isolation frequency of gelatin-positive and melibiose-negative strains was 85.5%. The resistance rate of all isolates to latamoxef and aminoglycosides significantly increased, comparing with the previous report (p less than 0.01, chi 2-test). The susceptibility of serotype O 3 strains to gentamicin and minocycline significantly increased (p less than 0.005). All of serotype O 23 strains were urea-negative. The resistance rate to kanamycin, tobramycin, gentamicin and nalidixic acid was higher than that of the other serotype strains. Furthermore, the resistance rate to ofloxacin showed the lowest (8.6%) among pyridonecarboxylic acids.

Aminoglycosides↗

Praziquantel-induced secretion of proteolytic enzyme from Schistosoma mansoni cercariae.

The effect of praziquantel (PZQ) on secretion of proteolytic enzyme by Schistosoma mansoni cercariae was examined using an azocoll assay. The cercariae secreted proteolytic enzyme in various concentrations of PZQ (0.1, 1, and 10 micrograms/ml), but secretion of enzyme was highest at the lowest concentration. PZQ-induced secretion of proteolytic enzyme was partially inhibited by treatment with verapamil and ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)N,N,N',N'-tetra-acetic acid but not by calmodulin antagonist W-7 and protein kinase C inhibitor H-7.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

[Treatment of nausea and vomiting induced by a 24-hour i.v. infusion of cisplatin].

Nine advanced gastric cancer patients were given 17 courses of cisplatin administrations by means of a 24-hour intravenous infusion at a dose of 100 mg/m2. For an anti-emetic, 40 mg of metoclopramide was administered 5 times at 6-hour intervals, along with a 500 mg hydrocortisone administration at the start of the cisplatin infusion. Despite this preventative treatment, nausea and/or vomiting occurred in over one-third of all the courses. Thus, to combat this nausea and/or vomiting, a combination of lorazepam (1.5 mg/day, divided into 3 p.o.), dexamethasone (20, 10 and 10 mg by i.v. at 3, 8, and 24 hours, respectively, after start of the cisplatin infusion), and a 60 mg intravenous administration of metoclopramide (5 times at 6-hour intervals) was given, and it was found that this new method (Method IV) prevented both nausea and vomiting.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

[Therapeutic effects by implantable infusion pump for hepatic malignant tumors].

Chemotherapy and chemoembolization using implantable infusion pump were performed in fifteen cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and one case of cholangioma. The following results were obtained; (1) Complete response (CR) was obtained in two cases (12.5%) and partial response (PR) in three cases (18.8%) with HCC. (2) Tumor thrombus in the portal vein disappeared in two of four cases with HCC. (3) The followup period ranged from 54 to 768 days and administration from one to 33 times. These results suggest that good therapeutic effects and quality of life can be obtained by implantable drug delivery system.

Adult↗

[Hepatocellular carcinoma with a complete remission of bone metastasis achieved by arterial chemotherapy].

Reported is the case of a hepatocellular carcinoma with a complete remission of the bone metastasis by arterial chemotherapy. The patient was 60 year old male, with the chief complaint being a tumor at the right side of the chest. The diagnosis was a hepatocellular carcinoma with a bone metastasis at the right 10th rib. The bone tumor showed no decrease in size after an intra-arterial injection of adriamycin, and radiation and or hyperthermia. Therefore, intra-arterial injections of mitomycin C mixed with lipiodol were instituted through the intercostal artery, and no bone tumor was noted after start of this therapy. Although the patient subsequently died, microscopic examination of a specimen obtained at autopsy revealed no malignant cells at the right 10th rib. Intra-arterial injections of anticancer agents mixed with lipiodol therefore are thought to be useful for the treatment of a bone metastasis.

Bone Neoplasms↗

[A case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and bullous pemphigoid-like skin lesion combined with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura].

A case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and bullous pemphigoid (BP)-like skin lesion combined with Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is reported. A 25-years-old male, who had been diagnosed as ITP and treated at another hospital, was admitted in this hospital recently complaining of disseminated bullous-vesicular eruptions on the whole body and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Examinations, disclosed that RBC was 364 X 10(4)/microliters, reticulocyte 40, platelet 3000/microliters, direct and indirect Coombs test positive, and platelet Coombs consumption test was positive leading to the diagnosis of AIHA and ITP, known as "Evans syndrome." Vesicular biopsy-findings and immunofluorescence study showed suspicion of BP, but clinical course and blister was not improved though the administration of prednisolone was performed. Reports of cases of BP complicated by Evans syndrome are very few. AIHA, ITP and BP are considered to have autoimmune disorders and their pathogenetic mechanism are discussed. This patient consulted another hospital one year later, when we heard that skin eruptions already had disappeared.

Adult↗

[A case of adult T-cell leukemia with diffuse panbronchiolitis].

We have reported an adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) patient with a 3-year history of diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB). The patient, a 62-year-old woman, had been complaining severe cough and purulent sputa for 2 years. In 1984, she was admitted to Saga Medical School, where her clinical diagnosis, DPB, was made. One year later, it was revealed that she suffered from ATL, confirmed by the presence of ATL cells in peripheral blood and anti-ATLA antibody. This case suggests that ATL may play an important role in the pathogenesis of some DPB patients.

Bronchiolitis↗

[Perioperative renal function of patients with chronic renal diseases].

Perioperative renal function was studied in the patients with compensated renal failure whose values of BUN and serum Cr were above 30 and 2mg.dl-1 respectively, and those with chronic renal diseases whose values of BUN and serum Cr were normal. Serum and urine electrolyte, urea N, beta 2 microglobulin, Cr, Ccr, FENa and urine N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase were checked before, during and after operation for 2 weeks. Anesthesia mainly chosen was neuroleptanesthesia with vecuronium. In both groups, the function of glomeruli was not influenced during perioperative period. In both groups, during operation and 5 to 8 days after operation the value of FENa increased and returned to the preoperative value on the 14th postoperative day. The value of urine beta 2 microglobulin increased on the 5th postoperative day in both groups. During perioperative period renal tubular function was mainly influenced and returned to preoperative value 5 to 14 days after the operation. The perioperative care of the patients with chronic renal diseases including compensated renal failure is different from that of the patients with renal failure treated by hemodialysis.

Adult↗