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Biomedical subjects

Y Kawada

Publications and source records attributed to Y Kawada.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

[The effect of recombinant human colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) on the function of human blood and urinary leukocytes].

To study the function of leukocyte in urinary tract infection (UTI), the effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and various osmolarities on the function were studied. The superoxide production of blood leukocytes increased by treatment of G-CSF with its dose dependency. This effect was not observed in urinary leukocytes. This increased function was well preserved even in higher osmotic atmosphere when previously treated by the G-CSF. Therefore, urinary leukocyte activated by G-CSF and migrating from the blood through the tissue may still have its function and work in the patients with UTI.

Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor↗
PubMed1996

Quinolone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae: correlation of alterations in the GyrA subunit of DNA gyrase and the ParC subunit of topoisomerase IV with antimicrobial susceptibility profiles.

Fifty-five clinical strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were examined for mutations in the gyrA and parC genes and for antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. The MICs of quinolones for 31 strains with alterations in GyrA were significantly higher than the MICs for 24 strains without such alterations. Eleven strains with alterations in both GyrA and ParC were significantly more resistant to fluoroquinolones than those with alterations in GyrA alone. The MICs of cephalosporins for these strains were also significantly higher than those for other strains.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Comparison among performances of a ligase chain reaction-based assay and two enzyme immunoassays in detecting Chlamydia trachomatis in urine specimens from men with nongonococcal urethritis.

We evaluated the performances of a ligase chain reaction (LCR)-based assay and two enzyme immunoassays (Chlamydiazyme and IDEIA) in the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in urine specimens. We compared the results of testing urine specimens by these assays with those of urethral swab culture by examining samples from 131 men with nongonococcal urethritis. Discrepant results were analyzed by testing urethral swab specimens for C. trachomatis by a PCR-based assay. After the resolution of discrepant results, the sensitivity of urethral swab culture was 85.3%, whereas those of the LCR assay, Chlamydiazyme, and IDEIA with urine specimens were 94.1, 82.4, and 94.1%, respectively. The LCR assay and IDEIA were more sensitive than was urethral swab culture. In addition, the LCR assay, with a sensitivity equal to that of IDEIA, was more specific. Overall, the LCR assay proved to be superior to the enzyme immunoassays in detecting C. trachomatis in urine specimens. Testing urine specimens by LCR assay should be a helpful alternative method for diagnosing C. trachomatis urethral infection in men with nongonococcal urethritis.

Chlamydia Infections↗
PubMed1996

Rapid detection of point mutations of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae gyrA gene associated with decreased susceptibilities to quinolones.

Mutations in the gyrA gene resulting in amino acid changes at Ser-91 and Asp-95 are significantly associated with decreased susceptibilities to quinolones in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. To detect these mutations, we developed a rapid and simple assay based on amplification of the region of the gyrA gene containing the mutation sites by PCR and digestion of the PCR product with a restriction enzyme. A naturally occurring HinfI restriction site was present in the region containing the Ser-91 codon, and an artificial HinfI restriction site was created in the region containing the Asp-95 codon by the method of primer-specified restriction site modification. The mutations generating alterations at Ser-91 and Asp-95 were detected as restriction fragment length polymorphisms of the PCR products digested with HinfI. Fifty-five clinical strains of N. gonorrhoeae were examined for mutations in the gyrA gene by this method. Mutations at Ser-91 and/or Asp-95 were detected in all the 31 strains in which the mutations had been confirmed by DNA sequencing. Our method allows simultaneous testing of a large number of strains and provides results within 8 h. This rapid and simple assay could be a useful screening device for genetic alterations associated with decreased susceptibilities to quinolones in N. gonorrhoeae and could facilitate epidemiological studies on clinical isolates of N. gonorrhoeae with decreased susceptibilities to quinolones.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium in men with gonococcal urethritis.

A significant association of Mycoplasma genitalium with non-gonococcal urethritis has been reported, but the prevalence of this mycoplasma in men with gonococcal urethritis has not been so well studied. In this study, we examined urethral swab specimens from 45 Japanese male patients with gonococcal urethritis for the presence of M. genitalium by using a polymerase chain reaction-based assay. We also sought Chlamydia trachomatis by an enzyme immunoassay (Chlamydiazyme). Of the 45 specimens, 2 (4.4%) were positive for the mycoplasma and 12 (26.7%) were positive for C. trachomatis. The findings suggest that M. genitalium may be a cause not only of non-gonococcal urethritis but also of postgonococcal urethritis.

Gonorrhea↗
PubMed1996

Relation between the instrumental activities of daily living and physical fitness tests in elderly women.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to quantitatively evaluate the relationship between the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and various physical fitness tests in elderly women living at home. The study focused on the total population of those women aged 65 years and over living in Y Town, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, who visited a nursing home for day services. A total of 128 subjects were divided into two groups: dependent in IADL group (n = 49) and independent in IADL group (n = 79). The magnitude of the relation was evaluated by the odds ratio (OR). The following tests showed a significant decrease in IADL: knee-raising test [age-adjusted OR = 4.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.81-9.87], height (age-adjusted OR = 4.09, 95% CI 1.75-9.56), grip strength (age-adjusted OR = 3.68, 95% CI 1.57-8.60), sit-and-reach test (age-adjusted OR = 2.76, 95% CI 1.20-6.34), and standing on one leg with closed eyes (age-adjusted OR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.09-5.97). Multivariate analysis using Hayashi's quantification method I indicated that knee-raising was the test most highly correlated with decreased IADL. These results suggest that measurement of knee-raising ability, muscle strength of the lower extremities and flexibility of hip joint could be the most useful factors to assess the level of instrumental self-support ability.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1996

[Enhancement of cytotoxic effect of anticancer agents of renal cell carcinoma].

BACKGROUND: Human renal adenocarcinomas do not adequately respond to cancer chemotherapy. Their multidrug resistance is mainly conferred by the P-glycoprotein (P-gp). In this study, we analyzed effects of P-gp modulators on enhancement of anticancer activities against human renal cell carcinomas. METHODS: ACHN/ADM human renal adenocarcinoma cells with a high level expression of P-gp and 28 surgical specimens of renal cell adenocarcinomas were recruited. Adriamycin (ADM) and vinblastin (VLB) were used as anticancer drugs, and verapamil (Ver) and cyclosporin A (CsA) were as P-gp modulators. The chemosensitivity was determined by the ATP-assay. RESULTS: Ver and CsA exhibited 1.5-fold and 6-fold increase, respectively, in the anticancer activities of ADM against ACHN/ADM cells. The anticancer activities of VLB were also enhanced by the modulators; 7-fold for Ver and 11-fold for CsA. In the chemosensitivity test of clinical specimens, the cancer for which the viability of the cells assessed by the ATP-assay was 50% or less than 50% after exposure to the anticancer drug with or without a P-gp modulator was defined as sensitive to the drug. Of the 14 clinical specimens exposed to anticancer drugs without Ver, only 3 tumors and 1 tumor were sensitive to ADM and VLB, respectively, whereas with Ver, 6 tumors and 4 tumors were sensitive to ADM and VLB, respectively. Of the other 14 clinical specimens exposed to anticancer drugs without CsA, only 3 tumors and no tumor were sensitive to ADM and VLB, respectively, whereas, with CsA, 9 tumors and 6 tumors were sensitive to ADM and VLB, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study indicate that Ver and CsA have effects on enhancement of the anticancer activities of ADM and VLB against human renal adenocarcinomas. The addition of Ver or CsA to chemotherapy will be a potential circumvention of P-gp-mediated multidrug resistance of renal cell adenocarcinomas.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗
PubMed1996

[Leiomyosarcoma of the scrotum: a case report].

A case of leiomyosarcoma of the scrotum is reported. A 44-year-old man referred to our hospital with the complaint of swelling of the left scrotal contents. The lesion was about 3 cm in diameter, isolated from testis, epididymis and spermatic cord. Ultrasonography revealed hypoechoic and slightly heterogenic area in the lesion. Surgical resection was easily done. Histological examination showed leiomyosarcoma. Adjuvant therapy was not performed. Three years after the resection, he is alive without any sign of recurrence or metastasis.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney in an adult: report of a case].

A case of unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney in a 52-year-old woman is reported. Two abnormal round-like calcifications in left upper quadrant abdomen were found on upper gastrointestinal roentgengraphy for health screening. The computerized tomographic (CT) scan revealed a very small left kidney which was not enhanced and the ring and diffuse calcifications in it. It was not visualized by drip infusion pyelography. Left nephrectomy was performed. The kidney, which was very small, had two cysts the walls of which were calcified. The left ureter and renal vessels were absent. Histological appearance shows typical multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK). Literature is reviewed. However, the therapy for MCDK is still controversial.

Calcinosis↗
PubMed1996

[Transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis with cystic formation: a case report].

A 75-year-old man consulted our hospital complaining of gross hematuria. Retrograde pyelography revealed a filling defect and deformity of the upper calix of the left kidney. Abdominal echography and computed tomography revealed a left renal cystic tumor with irregular wall thickness measuring 7 by 5 cm. As left renal pelvic tumor or left renal cell carcinoma was suspected, left total nephroureterectomy was performed. Macroscopically, the cystic tumor contained a papillary tumor connected to the renal pelvis and histopathological diagnosis was grade 1 transitional cell carcinoma. Cystic formation caused by obstruction of the upper calix was suspected. After adjuvant chemotherapy, he has been well without recurrence or metastasis for 19 months after the operation. This is the 15th case of renal pelvic tumors with cystic formation including tumors in the pyelocaliceal diverticulum reported in Japan.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

[Intermittent administration of 15-deoxyspergualin for acute on chronic rejection after renal transplantation].

We used 15-deoxyspergualin (DSG) to treat acute on chronic rejection (AOCR) in six kidney transplant recipients. DSG was administered intermittently at a dose of 200-300 mg per body every 2 or 4 weeks for more than 6 months. The efficacy of DSG was evaluated by the changes in serum creatinine values during the rejection therapy. Four (67%) of the six patients responded with the suppression of the increase in serum creatinine values. On the other hand, one patient did not respond at all and developed advanced pancytopenia. These findings suggested that intermittent administration of DSG would be efficient therapy on AOCR in the renal allografts if the patients were treated carefully to prevent severe side effects.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

No evidence of linkage or association between tyrosine hydroxylase gene and affective disorder.

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of dopamine and norepinephrine, and therefore is of significant interest as a candidate gene in studies of affective disorders. We have carried out the linkage study between the susceptibility gene for affective disorder and tetranucleotide polymorphism of TH gene in five Japanese pedigrees. In addition to the linkage approach, we have undertaken an allelic association study using 74 patients with affective disorder and 78 controls with polymorphisms at the TH gene and the nearby dopamine D4 receptor gene. No evidence for linkage or associations were found. These results indicate that TH gene is less likely to contribute to the genetic component of affective disorders.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Neuropeptide levels in discrete brain regions in the iminodipropionitrile-induced persistent dyskinesia rat model.

To clarify the role of neuropeptides in dyskinesia induced by iminodipropionitrile (IDPN), the levels of five representative neuropeptides were examined in discrete regions of the rat brain 4 weeks after intraperitoneal injection of IDPN. The five neuropeptides examined were methionine-enkephalin (Met-Enk), substance P (SP) and somatostatin, which are closely related to extrapyramidal function, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8), which are closely related to the neural mechanism of the dopamine system. IDPN pretreatment significantly increased Met-Enk in the basal ganglia but not SP or somatostatin; however, all three neuropeptide levels were increased in the hindbrain. In IDPN-treated rats, TRH and CCK-8 levels were increased in the nucleus accumbens, and the frontal cortical CCK-8 level was extremely increased. These findings, together with previous reports, suggest that neuropeptides in the basal ganglia, hindbrain and cerebral cortex play important roles in the manifestation of dyskinetic symptoms.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Expression of estrogen receptor in diseased human prostate assessed by non-radioactive in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

To understand the role of estrogen in the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia, expressions of estrogen receptor (ER) mRNA and ER protein by in situ hybridization and by immunohistochemistry, respectively, were investigated in human prostatic tissues. In non-malignant region, ER mRNA and ER protein were found in cytoplasm and nucleus, respectively, of stromal cells, but not in glandular epithelial and basal cells. In benign regions, ER mRNA/ER protein positive cells were found in fibromyoadenomatous and myoadenomatous hyperplasia, but not in adenomatous hyperplasia. A striking feature was periacinar arrangement of ER mRNA/ER protein positive stromal cells in all prostate carcinoma treated with androgen withdrawal. The ER mRNA/ER protein positive cells were immunohistochemically identified as fibroblasts, myoblasts, and smooth muscle cells. These results indicate that stromal cells are the primary target of estrogen in prostate, and that androgen withdrawal upregulates the expression of ER gene.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

DNA gyrase mutations in quinolone-resistant clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Eight quinolone-resistant clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were shown to carry mutations in their GyrA proteins. Six isolates had a single amino acid change of serine to phenylalanine at the position corresponding to Ser-83 in Escherichia coli. In addition to the change of serine to phenylalanine, two isolates had another change of aspartic acid to asparagine at the position corresponding to Asp-87 in E. coli.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Siblings with ACTH insensitivity due to lack of ACTH binding to the receptor.

We report two siblings, a 9-year-old boy and 4-year-old girl, with ACTH insensitivity. They were referred to our hospital because of pigmentation of the skin. They had normal plasma cortisol and urinary 17-OHCS levels despite markedly high plasma ACTH, and these did not respond to consecutive 3-day ACTH-Z administration, but plasma aldosterone responded normally to increased plasma renin activity after a low sodium diet. We examined the characteristics of ACTH receptors in peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (MNLs) obtained from the patients and their family. Adenylate cyclase generation caused by an addition of ACTH did not occur in MNLs from the patients. In studies on ACTH binding to MNLs, a lack of high-affinity ACTH binding was observed in the patients. These results suggest that the patients have a defect in ACTH binding to the receptors, resulting in ACTH insensitivity. The reason for this defect in ACTH binding remains unclear because no significant mutation in the ACTH receptor DNA sequence was detected in the MNLs of these patients.

17-Hydroxycorticosteroids↗