Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to Y Harada.
We report the case of a mediastinocutaneous fistula, 13 years after the total correction of tetralogy of Fallot. During a fistula curettage operation, we unexpectedly extracted a ventricular septal defect patch. An interventricular shunt was not detected after the operation. The patient is well 3 years after the last operation.
Changes in finger positions influence the waveform of CMAP recorded from the muscle that moves that finger. The present study suggested that the muscle length, dependent on the finger position, was a main factor affecting the waveform. On shortening the muscle length, the amplitude of CMAP increased with concomitant reduction in the duration, and on lengthening, the amplitude decreased with concomitant increase in the duration. These changes are considered due to changes in propagation velocities of muscle fibers dependent on the muscle length. In nerve conduction studies, it is important to carefully monitor the finger position to distinguish the waveform changes with muscle length from those due to nerve lesions.
We have isolated a human excision repair gene ERCC5 which complements the defect of the mouse UV-sensitive mutant XL216 (rodent complementation group 5). Here we report cDNA cloning of human and mouse ERCC5 genes using an exon containing an ERCC5 fragment as a probe. The ERCC5 cDNA encodes a predicted 133-kDa nuclear protein that shares some homology with the product of the yeast DNA repair gene RAD2. Transfection with mouse ERCC5 cDNA restored normal levels of UV resistance to XL216 cells. Microinjection of ERCC5 cDNA specifically restored the defect of xeroderma pigmentosum group G cells (XP-G) as measured by unscheduled DNA synthesis, and XP-G cells stably transformed with ERCC5 cDNA showed nearly normal UV resistance.
This study quantified the concentrations of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) in the periapical exudates obtained from 69 single-rooted teeth using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and examined their correlation with clinical findings of the involved teeth. Changes in the levels of these factors during root canal treatment were also investigated. The average levels of IL-1 beta (6.57 ng/ml) in periapical exudates were twice that of IL-1 alpha (3.25 ng/ml). The exudates containing pus showed significantly higher IL-1 alpha levels than those from the canals without pus (p < 0.01). The exudates from the canals with small radiolucent areas contained significantly higher IL-1 alpha levels than those from the canals with large radiolucent areas (p < 0.05). The tendency for there to be an increase in the levels of IL-1 alpha and a decrease in the levels of IL-1 beta was observed following root canal treatment. These observations suggest that IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta are involved in the immunopathogenesis of periapical lesions and that IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta may play different roles in the healing process of periapical lesions during root canal treatment.
The cytoskeletal organization of the guinea pig vestibular sensory epithelial cells were investigated by the use of saponin perfusion method using scanning electron microscopy. The skeletal framework of a cell is composed of thin (actin or intermediate filaments) and thick filaments (microtubules). The membrane bound organelles such as nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, etc. were also well demonstrated. This made it possible to investigate the three-dimensional structures of cytoskeletons as well as their complex interactions with various membranes bound organelles. It is therefore suspected that this technique may provide us further information about distribution, topographic relationships, and the functional role of cytoskeletons.
Vestibular sensory cells were isolated from the utricular macula or crista ampullaris of the guinea pig by enzymatic and mechanical dissociation. Isolated vestibular hair cells, especially type I hair cells, showed an active motile capacity. After exposure to a medium containing high concentration of potassium, or to a hypoosmotic medium, the type I hair cells showed tilting of their hair bundle to about 15 degrees. Given the tight and dense structure of the vestibular epithelium, the changes in shape of the isolated vestibular hair cells may in vivo lead to an influence of the mechano-sensitive stereocilia and modulate stiffness and compliance of the receptor structure as a whole including its cupular or macular relationship. This active mechanical events could be closely related to an active adaptation process.
We present a 68-year-old woman with a vascular leiomyoma of the larynx, a benign tumour that rarely involves that organ. Chief complaints were a feeling of a narrowing of the pharynx and difficulty in breathing in the supine position. A spherical tumour measuring 1.5 cm and covered with normal mucosa was found at the margin of her epiglottis. The patient was administered a general anaesthetic and the tumour was successfully removed via direct laryngoscopy. Histological examination revealed that the tumour lay beneath a layer of stratified squamous epithelium and was encased in a well-defined fibrous capsule. The tumour parenchyma was composed of proliferated fibres that consisted of elongated cells, surrounded by an abundance of blood vessels. Its complete removal is the treatment of choice with care taken to avoid profuse bleeding. Recurrence is rare.
The effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on cytokine production and proliferation of the CD4+ human helper T cell clone SP-B21 were investigated. In cells stimulated with anti-CD3 mAb, PGE2 inhibited cell proliferation and the production of all the cytokines examined. Addition of rIL-2 fully restored the proliferative response and partially restored the production of IL-4 and IL-5, but not that of other cytokines. In contrast, in cells stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)/A23187, PGE2 enhanced the production of IL-4 and IL-5, and only partially inhibited the production of other cytokines. Therefore, the effects of PGE2 vary depending on the mode of T cell activation, and the IL-4 and IL-5 are regulated differently from other cytokines. In a mobility shift assay, only the NF-kappa B (p50/p50) homodimer was observed in a complex formed with the kappa B sequence in unstimulated SP-B21 cells. When cells were stimulated with anti-CD3 mAb or PMA/A23187, a complex formation of NF-kappa B (p50/p65) heterodimer with the kappa B sequence was induced. Interestingly, PGE2 or di-butyryl (Bt2)cAMP abolished the binding of NF-kappa B (p50/p65) heterodimer to the kappa B sequence in cells stimulated with anti-CD3 mAb but not with PMA/A23187. Our results suggest that the target of PGE2 action is a component in the signal transduction pathway leading to the activation of protein kinase C. However, the inhibition of the T cell activation signals by PGE2 is selective. PGE2 enhanced the complex formation with NF-AT, AP-1 and CLE0 sequences when the cells were activated by either anti-CD3 mAb or PMA/A23187 stimulation. It seems therefore that PGE2, by elevating cAMP levels, interferes with the activation pathway for NF-kappa B but not for NF-AT, AP-1 or CLE0 binding protein.
Apoproteins, having various molecular weights, of octopus rhodopsin (oRh, 455 amino acids), which is a typical transmembrane protein, were expressed in Escherichia coli with an inducible expression system using promoter phi 10 of the T7 phage. Fifteen synthetic genes (212-1,365 bp) for oRh (1) were cloned downstream from gene 10 of the T7 phage (846 bp), under the control of promoter phi 10. An expression vector for mature oRh containing no extra peptide resulting from gene 10 was also constructed. Protein productivities were mainly evaluated by ELISA using monoclonal antibodies. The expression level in E. coli of the fused oRh genes varied between 1 and 200 mg/liter of the culture medium (from approximately 0.25 to 50% of the total cell protein, respectively), depending on the fused oRh genes. The amount of mature oRh protein expressed in E. coli was approximately 0.1 to 1 mg/liter. Hydropathy index analysis of gene products showed a significant negative correlation (rho = - 0.63) between expression level of oRh gene products in E. coli and their hydrophobic characteristics. Wavelength shifting of the absorption maximum by exogenous addition of retinal to apoprotein similar to that of authentic oRh was demonstrated in the membrane fraction of E. coli expressing mature opsin.
We have previously described a T helper cell 2-type clone, A3, of rat T cells that provides help for antibody production to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in vitro and in vivo in normal (euthymic) isogeneic Rowett strain recipient rats. Adoptive transfer of this T helper cell clone to euthymic rats also protects them from periodontal bone loss induced by oral infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans. In the present study, to assess the cell requirement for protection, A3 clone T lymphocytes (10(6)) or naive lymph node (6 x 10(4)) T cells, or A3 plus naive lymph node T cells (6 x 10(4)) were adoptively transferred to groups (n = 7-9) of 30-day-old Rowett athymic nude (rnu/rnu) rats. All recipients were also immunized (intraperitoneally) with 10(7) killed A. actinomycetemcomitans on the day of T cell transfer and orally infected with these bacteria on each of the next 5 days. Recipients of the combined A3+lymph node T cell transfer showed significantly increased serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibody to A. actinomycetemcomitans and in vitro proliferation of spleen lymphocytes to A. actinomycetemcomitans as antigen compared with nude animals receiving lymph node T cells only. Although other possibilities are discussed, we inferred that these differences might be due to successful population of the congenitally athymic rats by A3 clone cells given with a small number of normal autologous naive lymph node T cells. The result of this co-transfer of naive T cells with the A3 clone cells seemed to be greatly increased antibody production and protection from periodontal bone loss.
Two cases of benign schwannoma of the esophagus are presented. The tumors were found in the thoracic esophagus of women of 56 and 64 years of age, respectively, who had complained of dysphagia and back pain. Tumorectomies were performed and the tumors were found to be located within the esophageal wall arising from the muscularis propria. The tumors were examined immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally. These tumors were identical in gross, histological and electron microscopic features. Grossly, the tumors showed yellowish-white cut surfaces without hemorrhage or necrosis. Microscopically, they were composed of spindle-shaped cells showing moderate variation in size and shape, and nuclear palisading. Lymphoid aggregates with germinal centers surrounded the tumors. Immunohistochemically, strong reactions for S-100 protein and neuron-specific enolase were observed in the cytoplasm of spindle cells, whereas reactions for muscle actin and desmin were negative. These findings, together with electron microscopic observations, supported the Schwann cell origin of these tumors.
The causes of melena or hematochezia in 48 pediatric patients were examined. Malrotation with volvulus was an important cause of hemorrhage during the newborn period, and intussusception was very typical in patients aged from 1 month to 1 year. Polyps of the rectum and colon were the most common causes of melena or hematochezia in patients older than 1 year. No cause of melena or hematochezia could be identified in 11 children. Ten patients have remained in good health with no further episodes of melena or hematochezia. Localized multiple polyps of the rectum with focal carcinoma were detected in only one patient. In general, although no further investigation is required after detection of the cause of bleeding and its successful treatment, it should be kept in mind that gastrointestinal malignancy can occur in children.
A double-blind study was performed to evaluate the efficacy, the safety and the usefulness of localized aerosol hyperthermia (LAH) in 57 patients with nasal allergy. We used two localized aerosol hyperthermia devices, the equipment (AH) with an insufflated aerosol of 43 degrees C and a placebo device (PH) with aerosol of 32 degrees C. In the evaluation of clinical efficacy, efficacy rates were 46.4% in AH and 3.7% in PH during 2 weeks, respectively, and 53.3% in AH and 7.7% in PH during 4 weeks, respectively. There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) between the two treatment groups. The usefulness rates were 63.3% in AH and 7.4% in PH for patients with nasal allergy, showing a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01). No patients dropped out of the study due to adverse effects. These results suggest that the LAH is a very useful instrument for the treatment of nasal allergy.
Previously untreated 347 tuberculosis patients newly admitted to our hospital from 1980 to 1991 with positive bacilli and the full record of the drug sensitivity tests were analysed in this study. Among them, 49 cases showed primary resistance to either of major 4 anti-tuberculosis drugs (SM, INH, EB, RFP). The results obtained were as follows: 1. The number of patients with positive bacilli increased with age. The rate of primary drug resistance in patients of age group below 49 were significantly higher than that of age group over 50. 2. The rate of resistance was 8.6% to SM, 4.0% to INH, 1.4% to RFP and 0.6% to EB. These results are consistent with the results of studies of the Tuberculosis Research Committee, Ryoken. EB was frequently substituted to resistant drugs. 3. There was no significant difference between a group with primary resistance and a sensitive group in the various risk and intractable factors, laboratory data as a indicator of risk factors, and in the results of tuberculin skin test. There was also no significant difference in the rate of culture negative conversion of tubercle bacilli and the improvement in radiological findings. 4. We could rarely find the source of infection in 49 cases with primary resistance. In only 5 cases, family contacts were suspected and in another 1 case, the contact in a work place was suspected.
Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) is a plasma enzyme that catalyzes esterification of plasma lipoprotein unesterified cholesterol, and plays a central role in maintaining reverse cholesterol transport through action with high density lipoprotein (HDL) and Cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP). Cloned cDNA sequence of LCAT, consisted of about 1400 base pair which codes 416 amino acids, revealed high content of alpha-helix and beta-sheet, identity of amino acid sequence with various lipases, and putative structure of catalytic sites and mechanism of enzymatic action is proposed. Close relationship between location of gene mutation and severity of clinical and biochemical characteristics revealed by gene analysis in patients of LCAT deficiency and Fish eye disease is summarized.
A 42-year-old male was admitted with nasal bleeding. On admission he showed no abnormal neurological sign. A diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (L1) was made, and modified L-10M protocol was performed. During consolidation chemotherapy, the bone marrow was in remission but he showed left facial palsy. Four days after the onset of left facial palsy, the patient developed bilateral facial palsy followed by left oculomotor and abducens nerve palsy. At this time, bilateral ocular fundus showed papilloedema, exudate, bleeding, Roth's spot and leukemic infiltration to the anterior segment of the eye. Systemic chemotherapy with intrathecal injection of anti-leukemic drugs and whole brain irradiation was partially successful against cranial nervous system (CNS) complaints, but the patient relapsed. Seven month later hypopyon and secondary glaucoma developed and trabeculectomy was performed. The bone marrow revealed an increase of leukemic blasts. Chemotherapy consisting of various drugs was not effective, and he died of pneumonia. In this case, although intrathecal chemotherapy and whole brain irradiation were attempted, leukemia evolved CNS, retina and uvea despite the fact that the bone marrow was in complete remission, allowing various cranial nerve signs and ocular manifestations to occur.
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In order to investigate whether so-called risk factors relating to treatment difficulty are true risk or not, treatment results of 520 in-patients originally treated for pulmonary tuberculosis during 12 years' period from 1980 to 1991 in our hospital were analyzed. The proportion of cases with so-called risk factors among total 520 cases was as follows: Aged patients (70 years of age and over) 31.5%. Cases discharging abundant bacilli in sputum (Gaffky scale VII or above or culture, +3 positive) 29.4%. Adverse reactions to drugs 18.1%. Far advanced cavitary lesions (GAKKAI Classification I or II3) 15.6%. Relative risk of various risk factors in cases of group A (died of tuberculosis), group B (showed delay in the negative conversion of bacilli; namely, cases converted to negative only 4th month of treatment or later) and group C (cases of groups A and B) were calculated comparing with cases of the control group (pretreatment negative bacilli cases or cases converted to negative within 3 months). In cases of group A died of tuberculosis, the results were as follows; pretreatment abundant bacilli discharge 3.1, far advanced cavitary lesions 4.6, emaciation and/or malnutrition 5.1. Other risk factors identified were the following; unhealthy life style 4.0, severe gastrointestinal tract disease 3.9, impaired pulmonary function 3.3, complicated infections 3.2, cerebrovascular injuries including psychosis and nervous system diseases 2.3, diabetes mellitus 2.0, and the adverse reactions to drugs 1.9. In cases of group B showing delay in the negative conversion of bacilli, significant risk factors were pretreatment abundant bacilli discharge, far advanced cavitary lesions, emaciation and/or malnutrition and diabetes mellitus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)