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Biomedical subjects

Y Hiraga

Publications and source records attributed to Y Hiraga.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

[Expression of integrin molecules in sarcoid lesions].

In order to assess the role of adhesion molecules in sarcoid lesions, we examined the expression of integrin families and extracellular matrix proteins by immunohistochemical techniques in sarcoid lymph nodes. Epithelioid cells exhibited intensive expression of ICAM-1, the alpha 5 and the beta 2 molecules. Lymphocytes exhibited intensive expression of ICAM-1, the alpha 4, the alpha 5 and beta 2 molecules. Laminin and type IV collagen were detected at basement membranes in vessels. Fibronectin was distributed within granulomas with a concentric pattern and around granulomas with a fibrillar pattern. Its distribution was well correspondence with the alpha 5 expression. These data suggest that integrin families might play an important role in granuloma formation and migration of lymphocytes into inflamed sarcoid lesions.

Cell Movement↗
PubMed1994

[Clinical usefulness of Ga-67 scintigraphy and Ga-67 single photon emission computed tomography in sarcoidosis].

Ga-67 scintigraphy was useful in evaluating the extent and relative activity of pulmonary sarcoidosis. It is also helpful detecting the involved lesions in sarcoidosis. The Ga-67 SPECT image was more excellent than planar image, because the SPECT image was able to distinguish abnormal intrapulmonary accumulation, especially, the hilar and mediastinal lymph node accumulation from normal accumulation; sternum, vertebrae, etc, which usually overlap on the planar image. Ga-67 SPECT imaging may also be useful in the diagnosis of myocardial sarcoidosis and in the evaluation of lesions, size and response to corticosteroid therapy. Several data, however, suggest that prediction of the clinical course or the prognosis of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis is not possible by the degree of pulmonary Ga-67 accumulation.

Cardiomyopathies↗
PubMed1994

[Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) and scalene node biopsy in sarcoidosis].

The efficacy of transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis was compared to that of scalene node biopsy (SNB). We performed both TBLB and SNB or in 336 consecutive patients with clinical features of sarcoidosis. In 270 out of 336 patients epithelioid cell granuloma was found. The frequency of granuloma in specimens obtained by TBLB was higher than that of SNB at any radiographic stage. In stage 0 and stage I diseases however, the frequency of epithelioid cell granuloma in the specimens was increased by examining both of TBLB and SNB. We concluded that SNB was useful in consecutive patients with sarcoidosis in whom the epithelioid cell granuloma could not be confirmed by TBLB.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1994

[Corticosteroid treatment in pulmonary sarcoidosis].

Indication, dose and duration of corticosteroids in treating pulmonary sarcoidosis have discussed. Although corticosteroids are effective in improving the chest X-ray findings of sarcoidosis patients with in short term treatment, it is doubtful that corticosteroids affects the clinical course of sarcoidosis and are beneficial with long term treatment. It is agreed that asymptomatic patients with Stage I should not be treated while symptomatic patients with Stage II and Stage III should be treated. Asymptomatic patients with Stage II and Stage III need to be followed closely. The initial dose of treatment is 30 mg prednisone daily, and this is gradually reduced to the maintenance level of 10 to 15 mg. The total duration of prednisolone treatment is about 1.5 year or even more.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1993

Carnitine status and safety after administration of S-1108, a new oral cephem, to patients.

The metabolism and clinical safety of the pivalic acid-containing antibiotic S-1108, an orally active pro-drug cephalosporin, were investigated to assess the clinical effects, with special emphasis on the influence of carnitine consumption in 15 patients with various infectious diseases receiving S-1108 three times a day at a 300- or 600-mg total daily dose for 3 to 7 days. The free carnitine concentrations in plasma were greatly reduced to approximately 65% of pretreatment levels, and the plasma pivaloylcarnitine (the main metabolite of pivaloyloxymethyl ester) concentrations were increased during the 200-mg (three times a day) regimens but returned to the pretreatment levels within 3 to 5 days after the cessation of treatment. In three elderly patients with declining renal function (creatinine clearance rate, 31 to 50 ml/min), the acylcarnitine/free carnitine ratio increased from 0.1 to 0.4 up to 0.7 to 1.5 at day 5 during the 7-day treatment, showed a tendency to decrease, and then returned to the pretreatment ratio 4 days after discontinuation of the drug. The degree of free carnitine reduction and increase of the acylcarnitine/free carnitine ratio depended mostly on the dose and the duration of S-1108 treatment. The increased acylcarnitine/free carnitine ratio in elderly patients was due to reduction of the free carnitine concentration in plasma and mainly to the retardation of nontoxic pivaloylcarnitine excretion. This study indicated that there was a decrease in free carnitine levels in plasma, but there were no clinical symptoms or adverse effects associated with carnitine reduction in patients during the 7-day multiple administration of S-1108.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1993

Improving effects of FG-7080, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, on scopolamine-induced performance deficits of memory tasks in rats.

A novel serotonin reuptake inhibitor, (-)trans 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenoxy-methyl)piperidine hydrochloride (FG-7080), was investigated for its effects on scopolamine-induced impairments in memory tasks of rats. In the radial-arm maze task, FG-7080 (3 mg/kg, p.o.) improved the impaired performance. FG-7080 (1 mg/kg, p.o.) administered before the acquisition trial reduced the acquisition deficits in the passive avoidance task. Thus, the compound showed improving effects in the appetitive and aversive memory tasks. These findings suggest that FG-7080 may ameliorate the cognitive impairments caused by the cholinergic dysfunction.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[Treatment of hemifacial spasm with botulinum toxin].

We injected botulinum toxin to treat hemifacial spasm, and investigated the effects and the patient's impression of this treatment. Average duration of improvement lasted about 3.5 months in both the initial treatment group and the recurrent group. However the patients in the recurrent group received fewer units of botulinum toxin than those in the initial treatment group. Except for local paralysis that disappeared within a month, there were very few complications. Most patient were satisfied with this treatment. We conclude that the treatment of hemifacial spasm with botulinum toxin is both simple and useful.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Effect of the rice bran-derived phytosterol cycloartenol ferulic acid ester on the central nervous system.

In order to investigate the effect of cycloartenol ferulic acid ester (CFE, CAS 21238-33-5), a component of gamma-oryzanol which is a phytosterol derived from rice bran, on the central nervous system, a variety of pharmacological tests were performed. It was shown that CFE had a suppressant effect on the central nervous system, but its properties were different from those of existing major and minor tranquilizers. In addition, its efficacy in several models of cerebral dysfunction was demonstrated. Since any clear effects could not be obtained under the treatments with gamma-oryzanol, CFE seems to be more useful than gamma-oryzanol. Thus the results of this study suggest that CFE may serve as a new plant-derived cerebral activator possessing a wide range of pharmacological actions.

Amnesia↗
PubMed1992

Bury-and-knot suturing method.

An innovative bury-and-knot suturing method for firm fixation of a graft through a small skin incision is described and two clinical cases presented.

Dermatologic Surgical Procedures↗
PubMed1992

Cardio-respiratory changes with increased intra-bladder pressure in prone position during anesthesia.

Twenty non-obese patients, 13-29 years of age, operated on for scoliosis were examined for cardio-respiratory changes that occur during positioning on bolsters, and the effect on the cardio-respiratory system of raised intra-abdominal pressure was evaluated. Hemodynamic and respiratory responses were measured when the position was changed from supine to prone and back to supine during anesthesia. We measured the intra-bladder pressure using a transurethral catheter (IBP) as an index of the intra-abdominal pressure. When the position was changed from supine to prone, the cardiac index (CI) decreased by 10-30% and the systemic vascular resistance index increased by 8-14%. IBP rose significantly ( P < 0.001), but it remained below 5 mmHg. These changes continued to be mild until the patient was returned to the supine position. Pa(O)(2), A-aD(O)(2)and Qs/Qt remained unchanged. CI decreased significantly ( P < 0.001) when IBP was increased to 10 mmHg by abdominal compression, but was not affected when IBP was increased to only 5 mmHg. It was concluded that mild abdominal compression in the prone position during anesthesia has little effect on the cardio-respiratory system in lean young subjects.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1992

[Dose finding study of cefepime for chronic respiratory infections].

In order to determine the optimal dose of cefepime (CFPM) for respiratory tract infections, a dose finding study was conducted in patients with chronic respiratory tract infections, and the clinical properties of the drugs were compared with those of ceftazidime (CAZ). Each drug was administered by intravenous drip infusion at the dose of 2 g/day of CFPM, 4 g/day of CFPM or 2 g/day of CAZ for 14 days. 1. The overall efficacy rates evaluated by the committee were 82.6% (19/23) for the CFPM 2 g/day group, 85.0% (17/20) for the 4 g/day group and 79.3% (23/29) for the CAZ 2 g/day group, with no statistically significant difference among the three groups. 2. The overall efficacy rates evaluated by the attending physicians were 91.3% (21/23) for the CFPM 2 g/day group, 78.9% (15/19) for the CFPM 4 g/day group and 75.9% (22/29) for the CAZ 2 g/day group, with no significant difference among the three groups. 3. Bacteriological eradication rates were 88.2% (15/17) for the CFPM 2 g/day group, 68.8% (11/16) for the CFPM 4 g/day group and 63.2% (12/19) for the CAZ 2 g/day group, with no statistically significant difference among the three groups. 4. The incidences of adverse reactions were 3.8% (1/26) for the CFPM 2 g/day group, 9.1% (2/22) for the CFPM 4 g/day group and 3.4% (1/29) for the CAZ 2 g/day group, with no significant difference among the three groups. The incidences of abnormal laboratory findings were 37.5% (9/24) for the CFPM 2 g/day group, 15.0% (3/20) for the CFPM 4 g/day group and 3.4% (1/29) for the CAZ 2 g/day group. There was a significant difference among the three groups. 5. Utility rates assessed by the committee were 81.8% (18/22) for the CFPM 2 g/day group, 76.2% (16/21) for the CFPM 4 g/day group and 75.9% (22/29) for the CAZ 2 g/day group. Utility rates assessed by attending physicians were 90.9% (20/22), 78.9% (15/19) and 72.4% (21/29), respectively. There was no significant difference among the three groups. From the above results, it is concluded that the optimal dosage of CFPM is 2 g/day for chronic respiratory tract infections.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Compression of the graft during the corrective surgery for scoliosis in a patient who has undergone a Rastelli's operation: a case study].

A 14 year-old male who had undergone Rastelli's operation for the tetralogy of Fallot had general anesthesia for the corrective spinal instrumentation and posterior fusion. The patient also suffered from the complication of Klippel-Feil syndrome. During the operation, right ventricular pressure gradually increased from 34 mmHg to 60 mmHg and systolic blood pressure decreased from 110 mg to 80 mmHg when the maneuver to correct spinal deformity was done. The hemodynamics returned to its former level after the maneuver was resumed. This change was presumably attributed to the fact that the external conduit was compressed by the sternum and vertebral bodies. In order to prevent this hazardous incidence, it is crucial to understand both the three-dimensional configuration of the thoracic structure and the influence of spinal correction on it. In the prone positioned patients with scoliosis, especially lordoscoliosis, compression or dysfunction of the artificial valve might occur and we have to be aware of the possibility of the compression during general anesthesia and after corrective surgery.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Differential effects of intracerebroventricular AF64A injection, nucleus basalis of Meynert lesion, and scopolamine on place navigation and open-field behavior of rats.

The present study was conducted to compare the behavioral effects of intracerebroventricular AF64A injection, electrolytic lesion of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM), and systemic scopolamine treatment, all of which are typical experimental models of central cholinergic system dysfunction, on place navigation performance and open-field behavior in rats. The animals were trained in a circular pool to escape from opaque water onto the hidden platform fixed at a particular location for 5 days. Significant performance deficits were observed in all the models tested. However, it is of importance that any impairments relating to information storage within a day or across days were not obtained. Choline acetyltransferase activity was decreased in the hippocampus of AF64A-injected rats and in the cortex of NBM-lesioned rats, respectively, but those changes did not simply associate with the reductions of the performance. These results suggest that the central cholinergic system is only partially involved in cognitive process. In the open-field test, ambulation, rearing, defecation, and urination were measured for 5 min. Patterns of changes in the open-field behavior were clearly different among the 3 models, indicating variability of the effects of these cholinergic manipulations on motor activities and emotionality.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Effect of botulinum A toxin injection in the management of hemifacial spasm].

The present study was carried out on the effect of botulinum A toxin, made in Japan, in the management of 30 hemifacial spasm patients. In almost all cases, alleviation of hemifacial spasm reached its peak in a few days. Availability was 93.3% and its effect lasted about 4 months. Side effects were observed in 12 patients (40%), but no serious complications were observed.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Pulmonary vascular involvement in sarcoidosis: granulomatous angiitis and microangiopathy in transbronchial lung biopsies.

To evaluate the occurrence of granulomatous angiitis and microangiopathy in the lung with sarcoidosis, transbronchial lung biopsy specimens were examined from 174 cases with sarcoidosis. Granulomatous angiitis was seen in 72 cases, which corresponded to 53% of the cases with granulomata. Granulomatous angiitis showed venous involvement (65%), both venous and arterial involvement (24%) or arterial involvement only (11%). There was no significant difference in occurrence of granulomatous angiitis between upper and lower lobes. The cases with granulomatous angiitis in the lung had a higher frequency of ophthalmic symptoms and elevated serum angiotensin converting enzyme level. Basal lamina layering in the microvasculature was more often observed in the bronchial mucosa than in the alveolar walls and is not exclusively related to granulomata. Endothelial proliferation and basal lamina alterations in granulomatous angiitis may be closely associated with granulomas. The present study revealed coexistence of granulomatous angiitis and microangiopathy in the lung with sarcoidosis and suggests that both may participate in the development of pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1991

Detection of endogenous cytokines in sera or in lymph nodes obtained from patients with sarcoidosis.

To investigate the possible role of endogenous cytokines in the immunopathogenesis of sarcoidosis, a study of cytokines in lymph nodes obtained from patients with active pulmonary sarcoidosis was carried out using immunoperoxidase staining and radioimmunoassays (RIA). Cells stained for interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which appeared to be CD3+ cells and CD14+ cells, respectively, were seen scattered around granulomas. In contrast, cells positive for interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) were located in CD11c+ cells within granulomas. Lymph nodes of patients with sarcoidosis contained significantly higher amounts of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta than control lymph nodes. The levels of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha in extracts of lymph nodes were correlated with the histological status of the granulomas. IFN-gamma was detected in all stages, while the highest level of TNF-alpha was obtained from lymph nodes containing many active granulomas. The level of serum IFN-gamma was always lower than in lymph node extract and correlated significantly with either serum angiotensin-converting enzyme or serum lysozyme. Patients with positive gallium-67 uptake or bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy had high levels of either serum IFN-gamma or lysozyme. These results suggest that quantitative analyses of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha in sera and lymph nodes may serve to elucidate the pathophysiology of sarcoidosis.

Cytokines↗