Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Y Harada

Publications and source records attributed to Y Harada.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Nephrotic syndrome caused by protein thrombi in glomerulocapillary lumen in Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia.

Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia (WM) is described as a disorder of plasmacytoid lymphocytes. The renal complications of WM are less common and severe than those of multiple myeloma. We present a case of WM complicated by nephrotic syndrome. A biopsy specimen of the kidney revealed the intraglomerular thrombi of immunoglobulin M paraprotein. Corticosteroid pulse therapy and plasmapheresis were effective in improving proteinuria and reducing protein thrombi. The nephrotic syndrome caused by protein thrombi in WM may be reversible, at least in its early stage.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

PAP-1, a novel target protein of phosphorylation by pim-1 kinase.

Protooncogene, pim-1, has been reported to be a predisposition for lymphomagenesis along with myc, and its protein product, Pim-1, has been shown to be a serine/threonine protein kinase, whose activity is involved in proliferation and differentiation of blood cells. The signal transduction pathways neither to nor from Pim-1, however, have been clarified. We have cloned a cDNA encoding a novel Pim-1 binding protein, PAP-1, comprising 213 amino acids with a basic amino-acid cluster near the C-terminus. PAP-1 was colocalized with Pim-1 in human HeLa cell nuclei. The in vitro binding assays using GST fusion proteins of the wild-type and various deletion mutants revealed that the whole molecule of Pim-1 is required for the binding activity to PAP-1 and that Pim-1 binds to the region from amino-acid numbers 1-147 of PAP-1, or to two segments in the region. The association of PAP-1 with Pim-1 was also shown in vivo in transfected cells. Furthermore, PAP-1 was phosphorylated in vitro by Pim-1, but not a kinase-negative Pim-1 mutant. The two serine residues of PAP-1 at amino acids 204 and 206 near the C-terminus were phosphorylated by Pim-1. PAP-1 is thus thought to be a target protein for Pim-1 kinase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Quantitative trait loci for lipid metabolism in the study of OLETF x (OLETF x Fischer 344) backcross rats.

1. The Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat is a model of type II diabetes with accompanying dyslipidaemia and obesity. 2. To define chromosomal intervals associated with obesity (abdominal fat weight and plasma leptin levels), dyslipidaemia (plasma triglyceride, cholesterol and free fatty acids) and hyperglycaemia (plasma glucose levels), we have performed genome-wide quantitative traits loci (QTL) analyses of 115 male OLETF x (OLETF x Fischer 344) backcross animals at 16 weeks of age. 3. The Diabetes Mellitus OLETF type I (Dmo1) locus on rat chromosome 1 showed statistically significant involvement in elevations of plasma levels of triglycerides (P = 4.87 x 10(-6) at D1Rat90) and total cholesterol (P = 1.16 x 10(-5) at D1Rat306). 4. No other loci produced significant linkage to these observed phenotypes. 5. These analyses have confirmed the importance of Dmo1 in lipid homeostasis at younger ages as well as during overt diabetes, which appears later. Thus, alterations at the Dmo1 locus are a major risk factor for pathogenesis in the strain, a finding that agrees with physiological studies that indicate a role for dyslipidaemia in the type II diabetic syndrome of OLETF rats.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide producing cholangiocellular carcinoma with a marked psammoma formation.

Humoral hypercalcemia caused by parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), associated with cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCC), has rarely been documented. There have been no reports of CCC associated with extensive calcification of the tumor with psammoma body formation. A 66-year-old man was admitted with a large calcified tumor in the liver detected on an abdominal X-ray. An ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy specimen of the liver tumor showed evidence of adenocarcinoma. He had hypercalcemia with an elevated PTHrP level. The patient died because of disseminated intravascular coagulation and progressive hepatic failure. A postmortem examination revealed a large poorly differentiated CCC in the liver. Immunohistochemical examination showed the presence of PTHrP-positive tumor cells. The calcified lesion consisted of a number of accumulated psammoma bodies. We present a case of PTHrP producing CCC with a marked psammoma formation.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

High-resolution freeze-etching replica images of the disk and the plasma membrane surfaces in purified bovine rod outer segments.

Molecular organization of the photoreceptor disk membrane was revealed by the freeze-deep etching replica method using purified and successively rinsed bovine rod outer segment (ROS). Various membrane particles with different shape and sizes were found on cytoplasmic surface (PS face) as well as on both P and E fracture faces, which are presumed to be peripheral membrane proteins such as transducin, phosphodiesterase, guanylate cyclase and so on. Membrane particles seen on PS face were catalogued in size. The histogram on their number and size showed that they were classified at least into two major groups, the group of particles about 50 nm2 in size and the group of particles about 115 nm2 in size. The distribution density of the 115 nm2 particle was 1200 microm(-2) in native state, but it decreased to 125 microm(-2) after washing with hypotonic buffer solution. Namely, the group of the 115 nm2-particle seems to be mainly composed of peripheral membrane proteins. Rinsing with the sucrose free buffer at the final step of the purification procedure enabled us to observe three types of filaments localized in ROS (filaments connecting disk to disk at the margin, filaments connecting disk to the plasma membrane, filaments associated with PS face of disk membrane); and also to find characteristic domains with crystal arrangement of particles on the external surface (ES face) of ROS plasma membrane.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Binding of influenza type A viruses to group B Streptococcus and haemagglutination by virus-bound bacteria.

We studied the bindings of human influenza A type viruses to group B Streptococcus (GBS), types Ia, II, III and IV, of sialic acid (SA)alpha2-3 linkage, using A/PR/8/34(H1N1) and A/Memphis/1/71(H3N2). The viruses were found to bind to all types of GBS, with the exception of PR/8/34 for GBSII, and to elute from GBSIa, III and IV at 37 degrees C, except GBSII. Electron microscopy confirmed these behaviours of the influenza viruses. The virus-binding capability of GBS types seemed to depend on the side chain length of the terminal SA. Treatment of GBSIa, III and IV, except enzyme-resistant type II, with bacterial neuraminidase resulted in the loss of virus-binding capability of GBS. These findings confirmed that SAalpha2-3 linkage of GBS capsules functions as receptor for human influenza viruses. When singular bacteria were prepared from mainly chain-like GBS with sonication, viruses were found to bind to them more efficiently. Untreated and sonicated GBS were both aggregated with high doses of virus. Furthermore, using A/Memphis/1/71(H3N2) and GBSII, we found that virus-bound GBS, untreated or sonicated, caused haemagglutination (HA). The morphological evidence that chicken erythrocytes were bridged with virus-bound native GBSII, supporting occurrences of HA, was obtained. Statistical analysis suggested that HA by virus-bound sonicated (singular) GBS was mediated by bacteria bound by at least two or three virus particles.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Acetabular labrum: abnormal findings at MR imaging in asymptomatic hips.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of abnormalities of the acetabular labrum in asymptomatic hips by means of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and to correlate such abnormalities with age and the portion of the labrum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR imaging was performed in 71 asymptomatic hips that were radially sectioned perpendicular to the acetabular labrum at 30 degrees intervals. RESULTS: The shape of the labrum was triangular in 80% (304 of 382) of the labral segments, round in 13% (49 of 382), irregular in 7% (27 of 382), and not identified in 1% (two of 382). A homogeneous low signal intensity was observed in 56% (212 of 382). The frequencies of labral irregularity or its absence and of high signal intensity increased both with subject age and with a more anterior anatomic labral location. CONCLUSION: In asymptomatic hips, abnormal findings regarding the shape and signal intensity of the acetabular labrum can be detected by means of MR imaging. The fact that the findings vary according to age and labral portion should be considered in interpreting MR images in patients suspected of having a labral lesion.

Acetabulum↗
PubMed2000

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin perfusion therapy for the treatment of transitional cell carcinoma in situ of the upper urinary tract.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrarenal bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillation as a treatment for transitional cell carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the upper urinary tract. METHODS: Diagnostic criteria of upper urinary tract CIS were (1) positive urinary cytology, (2) negative multiple random biopsy of the bladder and prostatic urethra, (3) negative radiographic findings in the upper urinary tract and (4) two serial positive cytologies in selective ipsilateral urine sampling from the pyeloureteral system. Eleven patients diagnosed as having upper urinary tract CIS were enrolled in this study. Thus, 11 renal units were treated with BCG instillation. After placing a 6-french Double-J stent, BCG (80 mg) in 40 ml saline was instilled into the bladder weekly, 6 times in total as one course. RESULTS: At the end of one course, 9 cases showed negative urinary cytology. Among these 9 cases, 2 showed recurrence in the upper urinary tract after 4 months and 8 months of disease-free interval, respectively. These 2 cases have received an additional course of BCG instillation, but the urinary cytology did not normalize. Mean recurrence-free time was 19.6 months. Of the other 7 cases who responded to the first course of instillation, 6 cases were alive with no evidence of the disease. The remaining patient died of rectal cancer with no evidence of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Of the 2 cases who showed positive urinary cytology even after the first course, 1 underwent nephroureterectomy. The other case was diagnosed as having malignant lymphoma 3 months after the end of this instillation therapy, and he died of malignant lymphoma. As side effects, 8 cases (72.7%) showed bladder irritability, and 4 presented fever higher than 38 degrees C. However, no patient needed antitubercular treatment. CONCLUSION: As for the short-term response, BCG instillation for the treatment of upper urinary tract CIS is considered to be effective and safe. Longer follow-up and further experience with this treatment are required.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2000

Comparative study of brain lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging between strabismus and nonstrabismus in infancy.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the causative factors in infantile esotropia, we evaluated morphological abnormalities in brain structures of esotropia patients showing any abnormal neurological signs in comparison to those of normal controls. METHODS: Sixty-five developmentally normal children participated in this study. Of these 65, 38 demonstrated infantile esotropia and 27 were normal controls. All underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain between 2 and 30 months. RESULTS: Abnormal brain findings were noted in 3 (7. 9%) children in the strabismus group, whereas none of the children in the normal control group showed brain lesions. In these 3 cases, brain lesions involved periventricular leukomalacia, enlargement of the lateral ventricles with hypoplasia of the corpus callosum and myelination delay at the anterior horn adjacent to the lateral ventricles. CONCLUSIONS: Brain lesions that may disturb normal maturation of the visuomotor system and eventually lead to strabismus could be found in some patients without any episode that would cause birth injury.

Arachnoid Cysts↗
PubMed2000

Meloxicam inhibits prostaglandin E(2) generation via cyclooxygenase 2 in the inflammatory site but not that via cyclooxygenase 1 in the stomach.

We studied the effects of meloxicam on prostanoid levels, both in the inflammatory site in rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy and in the rat stomach injected with 1 mol/l NaCl solution, to clarify the relationship between its low gastric toxicity and its relative cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 selectivity. NS-398 (3 mg/kg), a highly selective COX-2 inhibitor, and meloxicam (3 mg/kg) exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in the pleurisy model. Prostaglandin (PG) E(2) thromboxane (TX) B(2) and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) were detectable in the inflammatory site. Anti-inflammatory doses of NS-398 and meloxicam each suppressed the intrapleural PGE(2) level at 5 h as potently as piroxicam (3 mg/kg) as aspirin (100 mg/kg), both of which are nonselective COX inhibitors. NS-398 was much less potent than the other three in suppressing the levels of TXB(2) and 6-keto-PGF(1alpha). These results suggest that PGE(2) may be produced mainly via COX-2 in this model and that meloxicam may inhibit COX-2 in the inflammatory site. Piroxicam completely inhibited the increase in gastric PGE(2) induced by administering 1 mol/l NaCl solution into the rat stomach. Nimesulide (3 mg/kg), another selective COX-2 inhibitor, however, never affected this increase, suggesting that the gastric PGE(2) may be produced via COX-1. The anti-inflammatory dose of meloxicam caused statistically nonsignificant suppression of the PGE(2) level, by approximately 50%. These results suggest that the potent anti-inflammatory effect of meloxicam, accompanied with low gastric toxicity, may be related to its relative selectivity for COX-2 over COX-1.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗
PubMed2000

Constituents of holothuroidea.9. Isolation and structure of a new ganglioside molecular species from the sea cucumber Holothuria pervicax.

A new ganglioside molecular species, HPG-7 (1) was obtained from the polar fraction of the chloroform/methanol extract of the sea cucumber, Holothuria pervicax. On the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence, the structure of 1 was determined, and the major component was 1-O-[alpha-L-fucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-(N-acetyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl) - (2-->11)-(N-glycolyl-alpha-D-neuraminosyl)-(2-->4)-(N-acetyl -alpha-D- neuraminosyl)-(2-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-(2S,3S,4R)-2-[(2R)-2- hydroxytetracosanoylamino]-14-methyl-hexadecane-1,3,4-triol. This is the first report on the isolation and structure elucidation of trisialo-ganglioside from sea cucumber. 1 showed neuritogenic activity toward the rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC-12 cell.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Correlation between bone marrow edema and collapse of the femoral head in steroid-induced osteonecrosis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to clarify whether bone marrow edema is detectable on initial MR imaging of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight hips with osteonecrosis were examined consecutively with MR imaging and radiography. In a previously reported screening program, osteonecrosis was diagnosed on MR imaging when subchondral bands of abnormal signals were present. In the screening program, the MR images of 200 hips of 100 patients receiving high-dose steroid therapy were examined prospectively. Subchondral bands were detected in 48 hips at a mean of 14 weeks after the initiation of steroid therapy. RESULTS: On follow-up MR imaging of 47 hips (one hip excluded) bone marrow edema was initially observed in 13 hips after the onset of hip pain. MR imaging of the remaining 34 hips did not reveal bone marrow edema and the patients were all asymptomatic. MR imaging of 31 of the 34 hips continued to show subchondral bands and MR imaging of the other three hips indicated that the subchondral bands had disappeared. When bone marrow edema was detectable, abnormal findings on radiography were slight but 11 (85%) of the 13 hips progressed to advanced osteonecrosis. Bone marrow edema was highly correlated with the subsequent collapse of the femoral head (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Bone marrow edema was not present on initial MR imaging of osteonecrosis. Bone marrow edema should be considered a marker for potential progression to advanced osteonecrosis, and careful examinations for osteonecrosis are necessary when bone marrow edema is seen.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Rapid detection of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli O6 in water by using monoclonal antibody and a photon-counting television camera.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) raised against Escherichia coli O6:H16 were screened against 15 strains of E. coli and 19 non-E. coli bacteria. A MAb-luminescence assay using MAb-5.8, which shows no cross-reactions with non-E. coli bacteria, and a photon-counting television camera were developed for rapid enumeration of E. coli O6:H16 in water. The membrane filter that retained bacteria was boiled for 5 min in a buffer and incubated with biotinylated MAb-5.8. After incubation with streptavidin-peroxidase conjugate, it was reacted with luminol-based reaction mixture. Luminous image and light intensity of the filter was recorded with a Biocell Counter. Levels of E. coli O6 higher than 7 x 10(3) CFU were detected by the MAb-luminescence assay when E. coli O6 was spotted onto the membrane filter. The sample that contained E. coli O6:H16 was filtered through a membrane filter, and the filter that retained bacteria was incubated on a filter paper soaked with nutrient broth supplemented with 0.5% NaCl at 37 degrees C for 6 h. The number of light emission points on the filter correlated well with initial E. coli O6:H16 counts within the range of 1 to 3 x 10(2) CFU. The correlation coefficient was 0.89.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2000

An application of apo(a) isoforms for the clinical assessment of Lp(a).

To examine whether or not Lp(a) is applicable as a diagnostic marker for atherosclerosis, we studied the correlation between Lp(a) levels and molecular weights of apo(a) isoforms in sera from both normal healthy adults and diabetic patients. Serum Lp(a) level was measured by turbidimetric immunoassay (TIA) and the molecular weight of apo(a) isoform was determined by Western blotting analysis. The serum Lp(a) levels of the diabetic patients (25.0 mg/dl +/- 2.2 [mean +/- SE], n = 54) were significantly higher than those of the normal subjects (14.4 mg/dl +/- 0.57, n = 500). With respect to the correlation between serum Lp(a) levels and the molecular weights of apo(a) isoforms, there was an inverse correlation in sera from normal subjects (n = 298), whereas there was no correlation in sera from the diabetic patients. Statistical significant inverse correlation (r = -0.91, y = 224.25 - 3.07x) was especially observed in 50 representative apo(a) isotypes from the normal subjects. By applying a standardized curve based on the significant inverse correlation to serum Lp(a) levels, 40.7% (22/54) of the diabetic patients were revealed to have an abnormally high value of serum Lp(a). Moreover, it was found that the significantly higher mean value of serum Lp(a) in the diabetic group was caused by the 22 patients with higher value of Lp(a). The present findings suggest that determination of apo(a) isoform size provides estimation of the serum Lp(a) value and that the inverse correlation curve between serum Lp(a) level and the molecular weight of apo(a) isoform may be applicable to the clinical use of Lp(a).

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma with initial deafness.

In July 1995, a 43-year-old Japanese man presented with deafness in the right ear. On hospital admission, he had deafness in both ears and right facial palsy. Variously sized lymphoid cells with convoluted nuclei were observed in the cerebrospinal fluid. Surface marker analysis revealed monoclonality of T lymphocytes in the spinal fluid. Similar abnormal cells were observed in peripheral blood and bone marrow. Biopsy specimens of the stomach and prostate showed tight proliferation of large lymphoid cells in the interstitium and epithelium. Antibody against human T-lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) was present. The diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, diffuse type, was made. Seven months later, the patient died of sepsis. Autopsy revealed multiple lymphadenopathy in the abdomen and the infiltration of atypical lymphocytes to the pancreas, kidneys, and other organs. A monoclonal band of HTLV-1 provirus was detected by Southern blot analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma with auditory nerve abnormalities as the initial symptom.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Clinical efficacy of low-dose weekly docetaxel combined with oral 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR) in advanced or metastatic breast cancer: a pilot trial].

Docetaxel (TXT) has been shown to be an up-regulator of human pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase) in tumors. We have tried to use the combination of low-dose weekly TXT with 5'-DFUR (LD + D) in patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer. In this study, we compared the clinical efficacy of LD + D with that of conventional full-dose TXT (FD) and that of low-dose weekly TXT (LD). Twenty-one patients received 3 or 4 cycles of FD 60 mg/m2 every 3 or 4 weeks (group I), 14 patients received 8 cycles of LD 20-30 mg/m2 every week (group II) and 25 patients received 8 cycles of LD 20-30 mg/m2 weekly with oral 5'-DFUR 600-1,200 mg per day (group III). The overall response rates of groups I, II and III were 29%, 29% and 52% (p = 0.24), respectively. Grade 3-4 neutropenia was observed in 91% of group I, 6% of group II and 3% of group III. Nausea was present in 27% of group I, 28% of group II and 40% of group III. Higher incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms was found in LD + D, but the symptoms abated when the doses of 5'-DFUR were reduced. Low-dose weekly TXT with oral 5'-DFUR produced a higher response rate, but less hematologic toxicity than full-dose TXT, suggesting that this combination therapy is clinically useful and may be effective for patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗
PubMed2000

[Evaluation of CT appearance of Mycobacterium avium complex infection--comparison with bronchiectasia].

We compared computed tomographic pictures (CT) of primary pulmonary mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection with bronchiectasia (BE). These patients were examined during the period from 1988 to 1996. There were 51 patients of pulmonary MAC infection group (13 males and 38 females) with a mean age of 67.5 years and 27 patients of BE group (8 males and 19 females) with a mean age of 53.9 years. The results were as follows: 1. In both groups, bronchiectasis was most commonly found in the middle lobe and in the lingula. In pulmonary MAC infection group, 38 patients (74.5%) had bronchiectasis in the middle lobe, and 40 patients (78.4%) had them in the lingula. In BE group, 18 patients (66.7%) had them in the middle lobe and in the lingula respectively. In the lower lobe, bronchiectasis of BE group was observed more frequently. And in pulmonary MAC infection group, 15 patients (29.4%) had bronchiectasis in the central zone, 42 patients (82.4%) had them in the intermediate zone, and all 51 patients had them in the peripheral zone. On the other hand, in BE group, 18 patients (66.7%), 27 patients (100%) and 21 patients (77.8%) had them in the central zone, in the intermediate zone and in the peripheral zone respectively. Bronchiectasis of pulmonary MAC infection was observed in peripheral zone more frequently than that of BE group. 2. By the type of bronchiectasis, saccular bronchiectasis was observed more frequently in BE group than in pulmonary MAC infection group. 3. Nodules were seen in pulmonary MAC infection group significantly more than in BE group. They were seen in 96% of lobes with bronchiectasis, and 50% of lobes without bronchiectasis in pulmonary MAC infection group. It was thought that the bronchiectasis with nodules predominantly in the peripheral zone was a characteristic CT finding of primary pulmonary MAC infection. As this finding was different from that of BE, it is suggested that primary pulmonary MAC infection caused this type of bronchiectasis.

Aged↗