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Biomedical subjects

Y Miki

Publications and source records attributed to Y Miki.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Laparoscopic diagnosis of blunt abdominal trauma in children

This study evaluates the safety and role of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of blunt abdominal trauma in children. Laparoscopy was performed in five patients aged 3 to 13 years because of persistent abdominal pain after blunt trauma. A laparotomy was not indicated from the physical examination, laboratory data, or radiologic findings. With the patient under general anesthesia, a 10-mm trocar was inserted through the umbilical fossa and the intra-abdominal organs were observed for 10 - 60 min under an insufflation pressure of 10 - 12 mmHg. The patients remained hemodynamically stable without pneumothorax development. Three patients underwent laparatomies: one, who had blood in the omental sac, had a duodenal injury with hemorrhagic necrosis and underwent a resection; one with ascites and high amylase levels had an injury of the main pancreatic duct and underwent resection of the pancreatic tail; and one who had fresh blood in the upper abdomen and Douglas' pouch had a splenic hemorrhage and underwent hemostasis. The other two had serous or serosanguinous ascites and recovered without surgery. In patient 1, the same amount of information might have been obtained from a barium study. In patient 2, the pancreatic transection might have been diagnosed from ascites shown on serial computed tomograms. Patient 3 might also have been treated successfully non-surgically. It hus appears that laparoscopy may be a safe diagnostic method for blunt abdominal trauma in children, however, this small series has yielded insufficient information to assess its usefulness in making the diagnosis and the decision for laparotomy. Further studies are required to ascertain whether it will make any significant difference in the form of management.

Journal Article

Necrotizing enterocolitis in a term infant with coarctation of the aorta complex.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) sometimes occurs in term infants with congenital heart disease. This article reports a rare case of a term infant with coarctation of the aorta complex who developed NEC on the 8th day after birth. Spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus in the 1st week of life may cause intestinal ischemia and hypoxia with resultant NEC.

Aortic Coarctation

Functional and possible physical association of scavenger receptor with cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase Lyn in monocytic THP-1-derived macrophages.

Acetyl LDL (modified low-density lipoprotein), which is thought to be taken up through scavenger receptor A (SR-A), rapidly induced the appearance of phosphotyrosine proteins in monocytic THP-1-derived macrophages in vitro. The two alternative forms of Lyn (p53 and p56) were found to be tyrosine-phosphorylated within 30 s after the stimulation with acetyl LDL. The catalytic activity of Lyn measured by an in vitro kinase assay had also increased in acetyl LDL-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages. Furthermore, Lyn could be co-immunoprecipitated with SR-A from the cell lysate. These observations suggest a functional and possible physical association of SR-A with Lyn in THP-1-derived macrophages, and also imply a possible involvement of Lyn in SR-A signal transduction.

Amino Acid Sequence

Determination of amikacin in human plasma by high-performance capillary electrophoresis with fluorescence detection.

A selective and reproducible high-performance capillary electrophoretic (HPCE) method for the quantification of amikacin (AMK), an aminocyclitol antibiotic, in human plasma, has been developed for use in clinical laboratory tests. The method involves ultrafiltration (UF) of plasma before derivatization with the fluorescence derivatization reagent 1-methoxy-carbonylindolizine-3, 5-dicarbaldehyde at room temperature for 15 min in the dark. An aliquot of the derivatives is directly introduced into the fused-silica capillary [75 cm (effective length) x 50 microns I.D.] at the anode side by dynamic compression injection (50 hPa for 6 s). After electrophoresis with 40 mM SDS-20 mM phosphate-borate buffer (pH 7) in the micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) mode at 30 kV, the derivative had a retention time of 16.7 min and was detected by fluorescence intensity at 482 nm (with irradiation at 414 nm). The precision (n = 5) of the method is 4.08 and 1.59% (C.V.) at the 50 and 100 micrograms AMK/ml plasma levels, respectively. Linearity (r = 0.998) was established over the concentration range 5-100 mg of AMK/ml plasma and the detection limit (at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3) is 0.5 microgram AMK/ml plasma. This assay method could potentially have wider application in the determination of other aminocyclitol antibiotics, such as arbekacin, dibekacin, kanamycin, in human plasma as well as of AMK.

Amikacin

Mutations in the BRCA2 gene in hepatocellular carcinomas.

To investigate whether the BRCA2 gene plays a role in carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinomas or pancreatic cancers in view of frequent losses of heterozygosity on chromosome 13q12-13 in those tumors, we screened the entire coding region of this gene for mutations in 60 hepatocellular carcinomas and 36 pancreatic cancers. No alteration was found in any of the pancreatic cancers examined, but three mutations were identified in hepatocellular carcinomas; one was a 6-bp somatic deletion within intron 6. The other two mutations we identified in hepatocellular carcinomas were missense mutations in the germ line, although all BRCA2 mutations thus far detected in patients with familial breast cancers likewise have been deletions. None of 194 other patients with cancers or 44 normal controls exhibited either mutation. Combined with our demonstration of BRCA2 expression in adult liver tissue, the evidence implies that inactivation of BRCA2 may play some role in development or progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and might predispose carriers of mutant alleles to liver malignancies.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular

Generation of an integrated transcription map of the BRCA2 region on chromosome 13q12-q13.

An integrated approach involving physical mapping, identification of transcribed sequences, and computational analysis of genomic sequence was used to generate a detailed transcription map of the 1. 0-Mb region containing the breast cancer susceptibility locus BRCA2 on chromosome 13q12-q13. This region is included in the genetic interval bounded by D13S1444 and D13S310. Retrieved sequences from exon amplification or hybrid selection procedures were grouped into physical intervals and subsequently grouped into transcription units by clone overlap. Overlap was established by direct hybridization, cDNA library screening, PCR cDNA linking (island hopping), and/or sequence alignment. Extensive genomic sequencing was performed in an effort to understand transcription unit organization. In total, approximately 500 kb of genomic sequence was completed. The transcription units were further characterized by hybridization to RNA from a series of human tissues. Evidence for seven genes, two putative pseudogenes, and nine additional putative transcription units was obtained. One of the transcription units was recently identified as BRCA2 but all others are novel genes of unknown function as only limited alignment to sequences in public databases was observed. One large gene with a transcript size of 10.7 kb showed significant similarity to a gene predicted by the Caenorhabditis elegans genome and the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome sequencing efforts, while another contained a motif sequence similar to the human 2',3' cyclic nucleotide 3' phosphodiesterase gene. Several retrieved transcribed sequences were not aligned into transcription units because no corresponding cDNAs were obtained when screening libraries or because of a lack of definitive evidence for splicing signals or putative coding sequence based on computational analysis. However, the presence of additional genes in the BRCA2 interval is suggested as groups of putative exons and hybrid selected clones that were transcribed in consistent orientations could be localized to common physical intervals.

BRCA2 Protein

Inhibitory mechanisms of H(+)-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1 and carbonic anhydrase II inhibitor acetazolamide on experimental bone resorption.

The effects of the vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1 (baf.A1) and the carbonic anhydrase II inhibitor acetazolamide (AZ) on bone resorption and procathepsin L secretion of rat osteoclasts were investigated using the bone slice assay method, pit formation test. Baf.A1 completely suppressed osteoclastic bone resorption stimulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH), but did not affect procathepsin L secretion, while AZ suppressed both bone resorption and procathepsin L secretion. These findings suggest that bone resorption by procathepsin L secretion and its processing are regulated by proton production and proton secretion.

Acetazolamide

Mutations in the BRCA1 gene in Japanese breast cancer patients.

Predisposing germline mutations in the BRCA1 gene were identified recently in families with 17 q-linked breast and ovarian cancers. Using single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, we examined primary breast cancers for mutations in coding exons of BRCA1 in a panel of 103 patients, of whom all either represented early-onset cases (< 35 of age), were members of multiply-affected families, and/or had developed bilateral breast cancers. Mutations were detected in tumors from four patients, all of whom had developed breast cancers bilaterally: a frame-shift due to a 2-bp deletion at codon 797; a nonsense mutation at codon 1214; and two missense mutations, one at codon 271 leading to Val-->Met substitution, and the other at codon 1150 leading to Pro-->Ser substitution. In each case the same mutation was present in constitutional DNA. The mean age of onset was 49 years among the Japanese carriers of BRCA1 mutations identified in this study, in contrast to the mean age of 35 observed among carriers of BRCA1 mutations in a similar U.S. study (Futreal et al., 1994). The evidence reported here supports a rather limited role of BRCA1 in breast carcinogenesis.

Adult

Congenital multiple intestinal atresia successfully treated with multiple anastomoses in a premature neonate: report of a case.

We report herein the case of a 2080-g premature male infant born at 34 weeks' gestation with multiple intestinal atresia, for whom multiple anastomoses were successfully performed. A total of 11 atresias were found in the small bowel, and five anastomoses were performed to preserve 59 cm of small bowel and the ileocecal valve. Postoperatively, he developed several episodes of sepsis caused by persistent enterostasis, but was able to be weaned from total parenteral nutrition (TPN) by postoperative day (POD) 106. Thus, multiple anastomoses may be the appropriate procedure to prevent short-gut syndrome for congenital multiple intestinal atresia, even in premature infants.

Abnormalities, Multiple

Mutation analysis in the BRCA2 gene in primary breast cancers.

Breast cancer, one of the most common and deleterious of all diseases affecting women, occurs in hereditary and sporadic forms. Hereditary breast cancers are genetically heterogeneous; susceptibility is variously attributable to germline mutations in the BRCA1 (ref. 1), BRCA2 (ref. 2), TP53 (ref. 3) or ataxia telangiectasia (ATM) genes, each of which is considered to be a tumour suppressor. Recently a number of germline mutations in the BRCA2 gene have been identified in families prone to breast cancer. We screened 100 primary breast cancers from Japanese patients for BRCA2 mutations, using PCR-SSCP. We found two germline mutations and one somatic mutation in our patient group. One of the germline mutations was an insertion of an Alu element into exon 22, which resulted in alternative splicing that skipped exon 22. The presence of a 64-bp polyadenylate tract and evidence for an 8-bp target-site duplication of the inserted DNA implied that the retrotransposal insertion of a transcriptionally active Alu element caused this event. Our results indicate that somatic BRCA2 mutations, like somatic mutations in the BRCA1 gene, are very rare in primary breast cancers.

BRCA2 Protein

Extracellular calcium causes the release of calcium from intracellular stores in chick osteocytes.

We have recently demonstrated that a rise in the extracellular divalent cation concentration induces a rapid elevation of cytosolic calcium in chick osteocytes. Here, we demonstrate that cytosolic calcium elevation that occurs in osteocytes on exposure to elevated extracellular calcium is independent of membrane voltage and is insensitive to modulation by organic calcium channel modulators, namely, BAY K 8644, nicardipine, and nifedipine. However, the calcium elevation was sensitive to modulation by an intracellular calcium antagonist, TMB-8, suggesting that the cytosolic calcium elevation was due to mobilization of this cation from an intracellular store.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy

Remarkable activity enhancement of thermolysin mutants.

Most attempts to modify the properties of enzymes by amino acid substitution around the active sites have resulted in suppression of the biological activity, suggesting that the structure of natural enzymes should be almost optimized evolutionally to show the highest activity. In contrast, we found an interesting site of a well-known metalloendopeptidase, thermolysin (EC.3.4.24.4), where almost all the amino acid replacement causes a remarkable increase in the hydrolytic activity. Negative correlation between the activity and the thermal stability was observed. The flexibility around the substrate binding site is suggested to be a key to the correlation. Nature may have selected the amino acid at this site, which suppresses the flexibility of the molecule, to get the highest thermal stability at the expense of the activity.

Enzyme Activation

A physical map encompassing GP2B, EPB3, D17S183, D17S78, D17S1183, and D17S1184.

The q21 region of chromosome 17 contains the gene BRCA1, which is involved in familial early-onset breast and ovarian cancers. A physical map of a region that extends from a distal boundary of the BRCA1 region, D17S78, to GP2B has been constructed. The map consists of 30 STSs, including 2 new short tandem repeat polymorphic markers. The contig is composed of a mixture of 7 YACs, 5 P1 plasmids, and 14 cosmids and was ordered by STS-content mapping.

BRCA1 Protein

A case of achondroplasia with downward displacement of the brain stem.

We report a case of achondroplasia with downward displacement of the brain stem. Although upward displacement and anterior angulation deformity of the brain stem are common findings in achondroplasia, they were not observed in this case, because of a coexistent Chiari malformation.

Achondroplasia

Chronic expanding epidural haematoma. Case report.

An encapsulated fluid epidural haematoma in a 9-year-old boy was successfully evacuated by a simple burr hole procedure 5 months after a minor head injury. Clinicopathological findings suggested that chronic expansion of an initially unsuspected epidural haematoma occurred as a result of repeated haemorrhages from the haematoma membrane, resulting in an unusually long delayed appearance of clinical evidence. This case demonstrates that a chronic expanding process similar to that seen in chronic subdural haematoma needs to be considered as a possible complication of epidural haematoma and indicates an important role for the haematoma membrane in the chronic expansion of epidural haematoma.

Child

Comparison of the positional cloning methods used to isolate the BRCA1 gene.

A critical step in positional cloning is the identification of candidate genes from a large, genetically defined region. Candidate gene isolation by hybrid selection, genomic sequencing, and direct cDNA library screening identified 45 candidate gene fragments (CGFs) from a 600 kb genomic region that contains the BRCA1 gene. These CGFs define a minimum of 15 genes, six of which are newly localized to the BRCA1 region. We present an analysis of the efficiency and the sequences generated for each of these methods. We also compare our CGF set to those reported for the BRCA1 region by three other groups, revealing a surprising lack of overlap among the sets.

Breast Neoplasms

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma originating on the eyelid.

An 89-year-old woman presented a rapidly growing red nodule of 5 years' duration on her left eyelid. Histologically, the entire dermis was occupied by multiple lobules of atypical tumor cell nests surrounded by inflammatory cells and fibrous stroma. The tumor cell nests were connected with the overlying epidermis and extended into the subcutaneous fat and muscles. There were no tendencies towards squamous or glandular differentiation of the tumor cells. Immunohistochemistry showed the tumor cells to be positive for keratin/cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen, but negative for neuron specific enolase and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. S-100 protein-positive Langerhans cells were also found within the tumor nests. There was no apparent evidence of a primary lesion elsewhere.

Aged