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Biomedical subjects

Y Mori

Publications and source records attributed to Y Mori.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Evaluation of renal biopsy samples of patients with diabetic nephropathy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of renal biopsy in the overall management of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), we examined the relationship between the clinical parameters and histopathological findings of renal biopsy samples. METHODS: Renal biopsy specimens were obtained from 109 type 2 diabetic patients with proteinuria. Samples were divided into the following two groups: Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) group (n=80) had typical diabetic lesions without other renal diseases, complication group (n=29) had diabetic lesions with other renal diseases. Furthermore, DN group was subdivided into two subgroups: slow progressive group (SP group, n=32), the level of serum creatinine (s-Cr) was normal at the time of renal biopsy and three years after renal biopsy, and fast progressive group (FP group, n=14), the level of s-Cr was normal at the time of renal biopsy but more than doubled three years after renal biopsy. RESULTS: The level of total protein was significantly lower and HbA1c significantly higher in the DN group than in the Complication group. However, other clinical parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. Urinary protein, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in FP group were significantly higher than in SP group. The percentage of sclerotic glomeruli, the severity of mesangial expansion, tubular injury and cell infiltration were significantly greater in FP than in SP group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that a complete evaluation of renal pathology in DM could not be made by clinical parameters only, and that the progression of DN could be accurately predicted by histopathological evaluation. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of renal biopsy in the overall management of patients with DM and/or DN.

Adult↗

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver complicated with recurrent gouty arthritis.

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the liver is a rare benign lesion of unknown etiology and is often accompanied by fever. Unexplained persistent fever unresponsive to antibiotics developed in a 70-year-old man suffering from intractable recurrent gouty arthritis. 67Ga-scintigraphy disclosed intense focal uptake in the upper abdomen. The lesion in the left lobe of the liver was an ill-defined hypodensity mass on computed tomographic scan and was enhanced on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging. The tumor was surgically removed and a diagnosis of IPT was made. Fever and arthritis resolved completely after surgery. Possible interaction between IPT of the liver and gouty arthritis was suggested.

Aged↗

Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition of inwardly rectifying K(+) channel in opossum kidney cells.

The effect of intracellular Ca(2+) on the activity of the inwardly rectifying ATP-regulated K(+) channel with an inward conductance of about 90 pS was examined by using the patch-clamp technique in opossum kidney proximal tubule (OKP) cells. The activity of the inwardly rectifying K(+) channel rapidly declined with an application of ionomycin (1 microM) in the presence of 10(-6) M Ca(2+) in cell-attached patches. The application of 10 microM phorbor-12-myristate-acetate (PMA) with 10(-6) M Ca(2+) reduced the K(+) channel activity. Although the channel activity was not influenced by an increase of bath Ca(2+) from 10(-7.5) to 10(-6) M, the activity was inhibited by protein kinase C (PKC, 1 U/ml) with 10(-6) M Ca(2+) in inside-out patches. The inhibitory effect of Ca(2+) with ionomycin on the channel activity was diminished by the pretreatment with a specific PKC inhibitor, GF 109203X (5 microM), in cell-attached patches. By contrast, the application of Ca(2+)/calmodulin kinase II (CaMK II, 300 pM) dramatically increased this channel activity in inside-out patches. In cell-attached patches, the addition of both GF 109203X and cyclospolin A (5 microM), a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2B (calcineurin), instead stimulated the K(+) channel activity with ionomycin and 10(-6) M Ca(2+). The addition of protein phosphatase 2B (calcineurin) (2 U/ml) to the bath with calmodulin (1 microM) and Ni(2+) (10 microM) to stimulate calcineurin inhibited the channel activity in inside-out patches. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of PKC or calcineurin on this channel activity was abolished by a removal of Ca(2+) from bath solution. These results suggest that Ca(2+)-dependent inhibitory effect on the inwardly rectifying K(+) channel in OKP cells was mainly mediated by Ca(2+)-PKC-mediated phosphorylation, and that the Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent phosphorylation process may be counterbalanced by the Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent dephosphorylation process.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

[Brain abscess developed five years after splenectomy in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura].

The increased susceptibility to infection following splenectomy has been well documented. We report here, a case of brain abscess developed five years after splenectomy in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). A 65-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of fever, mental disorientation, and weakness in August, 1999. She had been followed with diagnoses of essential hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) since 1988. The patient was diagnosed as having ITP in 1992, and then underwent splenectomy in 1994. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) of IgG, lambda type was found in February 1999. Though high grade fever persisted after admission, blood cultures were negative. Antibiotics were given without a satisfactory effect. Right hemiparesis and worsening of consciousness developed subsequently. Contrast enhanced cranial computed tomography (CT) disclosed a ringed enhanced low density mass in the left parieto-occipital lobe compatible with a diagnosis of brain abscess. Surgical drainage was performed and 20 ml of pus was obtained. No primary infectious focus of the brain abscess was detected with intensive examinations.

Aged↗

Effects of long-term administration of recombinant bovine tumor necrosis factor-alpha on glucose metabolism and growth hormone secretion in steers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of long-term administration of recombinant bovine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rbTNF) on plasma glucose and growth hormone concentrations, and to determine whether treatment with rbTNF causes insulin resistance in steers. ANIMALS: 5 steers treated with rbTNF and 5 steers treated with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control). PROCEDURES: In experiment 1, rbTNF (5.0 microg/kg of body weight) or saline solution (5 ml) was administered SC daily for 12 days. Blood samples were obtained before treatment, and plasma was harvested for determination of glucose, insulin, and growth hormone (GH) concentrations. In experiment 2, insulin, glucose, or growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) was administered IV on days 7, 9, and 11, respectively, after initiation of rbTNF or saline treatment in experiment 1. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured before and at various times for 4 hours after insulin or glucose administration. Plasma GH concentrations were measured at various times for 3 hours after GHRH administration. RESULTS: In experiment 1, administration of rbTNF resulted in hyperinsulinemia without hypoglycemia and decreased plasma GH concentrations. In experiment 2, plasma glucose concentrations were higher in steers treated with rbTNF and insulin than in controls. Plasma GH concentrations were lower in steers treated with rbTNF and GHRH than in controls. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prolonged treatment with rbTNF induced insulin resistance and inhibited GHRH-stimulated release of GH in steers. Results indicate that rbTNF is a proximal mediator of insulin resistance and inhibits release of GH during periods of endotoxemia or infection.

Animals↗

[Ectopic ureter in 54 children].

PURPOSE: We reviewed 54 pediatric patients with ectopic ureter treated at our institution from 1975 to 1999. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our series comprised 40 female and 14 male children, with age from 1 month to 11 years. Clinical records of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Chief complaint was urinary incontinence in 24, high fever in 18, abdominal mass in 6, scrotal swelling in 3 and growth retardation in 2 patients. Two patients were found to have ectopic ureters without symptom during urological work-ups for their anorectal anomaly. The ectopic ureters opened into vagina in 19, vestibulum in 8, bladder neck in 7, urethra in 17, seminal vesicle in 2 and ejaculatory duct in 1 patient (s). Treatment was ureterocystoneostomy in 30, nephroureterectomy in 19, hemi-nephroureterectomy in 2, and ureteral ligature in 1 patient (s). Postoperatively, most of the patients became symptom free except for 6 patients in whom urinary incontinence was not cured due to mal-development of the bladder neck and sphincter, and due to Gartner's duct cyst. CONCLUSION: Urinary incontinence and urinary tract infection are most frequent presentations of ectopic ureter in children. Although most of the patients are cured with ureterocystoneostomy or nephroureterectomy, some incontinent girls continue to have urinary incontinence due to mal-development of the bladder neck and sphincter or Gartner's duct cyst.

Child↗

Quantification of flow volume with a new digital three-dimensional color Doppler flow approach: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The quantification of flow stroke volume is important for evaluation of patients with cardiac dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Three-dimensional digital color Doppler flow imaging allows the acquisition of flow data in an orientation approximately parallel to flow and analysis of the Doppler flow velocities perpendicular to flow (cross-sectional flow calculation). This in vitro study assessed the applicability of this method for quantifying cardiac output in a funnel-shaped tube model similar to mitral inflow or the left ventricular outflow tract. METHODS: A new digital three-dimensional color Doppler method was used to acquire Doppler flow information. Raw scan line data with digital velocity assignments were obtained on a conventional Doppler color flow imaging system with a 180 degrees rotating multiplanar transesophageal probe connected to a computer workstation. Nine stroke volumes (20-60 mL) with flow rates ranging from 1.5 to 5.28 L/min in a funnel-shaped pulsatile laminar flow model were studied. Three-dimensional flow rates were compared with standard-of-reference measurements of flow obtained from timed collection in a graduated cylinder and with an ultrasonic flow meter. RESULTS: Within the funnel tube, the flow volumes that were calculated from the first, second, and third depths and the average of all 3 depths correlated well with the actual flow rate (r = 0.97-0.99). Results from the middle and second levels and from the average of all 3 depths provided the closest fit to the actual flow rates (r = 0.99; y = 0.96x + 0.14; and r = 0.98; y = 1.14x - 0.43, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although a work in progress, this digital three-dimensional color Doppler flow measurement method is feasible, accurate, and simple, and it may offer in vivo evaluation of blood volume flow given a favorable orientation between the valve orifice and the scanning device.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

[A case report of Ebstein's anomaly treated with Hetzer's procedure].

A 27-year-old male who had been diagnosed with Ebstein's anomaly was admitted with uncontrollable congestive heart failure. The echocardiogram revealed severe tricuspid valve incompetence and the electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation. He underwent Hetzer's repair procedure for tricuspid valve incompetence and Minzioni's right atrial isolation technique to restore sinus rhythm. His congestive heart failure quickly disappeared and sinus rhythm was restored after operation. He was discharged 3 weeks postoperatively and remains well 22 months after his operation. Hetzer's technique for tricuspid valve repair in Ebstein's anomaly restructures the valve mechanism at the level of the true tricuspid anulus by using the most mobile leaflet for valve closure without plication of the atrialized chamber. We conclude that Hetzer's procedure is an effective operation for Ebstein's anomaly.

Adult↗

[Regulation of appetite by melanocortin and its receptors].

alpha, beta, gamma-MSH and ACTH are derived from the same precursor, POMC(proopiomelanocortin), and are classified as melanocortin. alpha-MSH plays an important role in the regulation of appetite and energy expenditure via central melanocortin receptor, melanocortin 4 receptor(MC4R), which is expressed mainly in hypothalamus. alpha-MSH or its analogue shows inhibitory effect on appetite and inversely MC4R antagonist stimulates appetite. MC4R knock-out mice has adult-onset obesity and decreased energy expenditure. POMC gene expression in hypothalamus is partially regulated by leptin. Agouti-related peptide(AgRP), a homologue of agouti peptide and antagonist of MC3R and MC4R, is expressed in human brain and may act as a inhibitor of alpha-MSH. From the genetical aspect, the region near POMC gene, 2p23, is one of the susceptibility loci of human obesity. POMC gene mutations are found in two families, where mutations in both alleles cause human obesity, red hair, adrenal dysfunction, due to alpha-MSH and ACTH deficiencies. In morbidity obese patients, heterozygous MC4R gene mutations are found among 4% of them. These results suggest the importance of melanocortin and its receptors on appetite regulation in human.

Animals↗

[A case of systemic lupus erythematosus with hemophagocytic syndrome and cytophagic histiocytic panniculitis].

A 23-year-old man, admitted because of high fever, polyarthralgia, butterfly rash and chest pain, was diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from the findings of positive antinuclear antibody and anti-DNA antibody. He was treated with 60 mg prednisolone daily, but as reducing the dose, white blood cell counts and platelet counts were decreased and fever, polyarthralgia, decrease of complements, increase of ferritin, hepato-splenomegaly and liver dysfunction were observed. Bone marrow specimen revealed phagocytosis of blood cells by histiocytes and he was diagnosed as hemophagocytic syndrome(HPS) due to active SLE. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy was effective temporarily, HPS recurred while reducing steroid, and cyclosporin was added. After a temporary remission, marked extensive swelling in the face appeared suddenly. Facial skin biopsy showed necrosis of fat cells and hemophagocytosis by histiocytes. Accordingly, he was diagnosed as panniculitis due to HPS and was treated successfully with intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse therapy and high dose of gammaglobulin. Several cases of HPS due to SLE have been reported recently, but this is a rare case of cytophagic histiocytic panniculitis (CHP) due to SLE.

Adult↗

Radioimmunoassay for somatostatin receptor type 2.

OBJECTIVE: To develop radioimmunoassay for somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2) and search for its presence in certain rat tissues. METHODS: Anti-SSTR2 antiserum has been raised in New Zealand white rabbits immunized with a conjugate of synthetic SSTR2 with bovine serum albumin. Radioiodination of SSTR2 was performed by chloramin T method followed by purification of radioiodinated material on Sephadex G-25 column. RESULTS: The obtained antibody did not crossreact with SSTR1, SSTR3, SSTR4, SSTR5, hypothalamic hormones, pituitary hormones, neuropeptides or gut hormones. The assay was performed with a double antibody system. SSTR2 was extracted from the tissues with acid acetone. The dilution curve of acid acetone-extracts of rat hypothalamus in the radioimmunoassay system was parallel to the standard curve. The recovery of tissue SSTR2 was about 89 %, and the intra-assay and inter-assay variations were 4.9 % and 7.8 %, respectively. SSTR2 was found in the hypothalamus, cerebrum, cerebellum, pituitary, stomach and testis. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that this assay system is suitable for the estimation of SSTR2 in the tissues.

Acetone↗

Mechanical properties of human articular disk and its influence on TMJ loading studied with the finite element method.

The present study was designed to investigate the elastic modulus of human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disk under tension and its influences on TMJ loading. Seven human TMJ disks served as specimens. Continuous tensile stress was applied to each specimen, and the elastic moduli of human TMJ disks were calculated at 2% strain. Furthermore, using a three-dimensional finite element model of the mandible including the TMJ, changes in the TMJ stresses during clenching were evaluated in association of varying elastic moduli of the articular disk determined by the tensile tests. The elastic moduli at 2% strain varied from 27.1 to 65.2 MPa with a mean of 47.1 MPa. A significant correlation was found between the elastic moduli and age (P < 0.01). On the surface of condyle, compressive stress in the anterior area and tensile stress in the posterior area increased when the elastic moduli of the TMJ disk was varied from 25 to 65 MPa. In the TMJ disk, shear stresses in all the areas became larger with greater stiffness. In conclusion, it is shown that the elastic modulus of human TMJ disk is increased with age and that higher stiffness of the disk exerts substantial influences on mechanical loading for the TMJ structures.

Adult↗

[Development of the chromatography analysis of liquid trapping 99mTc-Technegas using Jikei impinger].

We developed the equipment which collected 99mTc-Technegas into liquid (saline) and named this equipment an impinger of Jikei University Style. We further developed a technique using this impinger to evaluate its formation qualitatively by paper chromatography. Utilizing this technique we investigated various factors that caused environmental contamination by 99mTc-Technegas, including changes over time in a Technegas generator. It was demonstrated that upon getting mixed with oxygen gas to the argon gas, the Technegas generator induced contamination of 99mTc-Pertechnegas easily, leading to changes in its formation. The change of formation quality of the Technegas generator with the lapse of time was also revealed. These findings indicated that the maintenance and inspection of the equipment were important. This method is a simple and easy technique for the evaluation of 99mTc-Technegas formation, making it possible to perform the quality control of examination agent and the Technegas generator.

Chromatography, Paper↗

[A case of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome with variable renal histological change despite of poor changes in urinalysis].

We experienced a case of lupus nephritis with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. A renal biopsy specimen from this patient showed various renal histological changes, but the results of urinalysis were almost normal. The patient was a 56-year-old woman diagnosed as having systemic lupus erythematosus with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in 1983. In 1998, she had diarrhea and blood gas analysis showed metabolic acidosis. Therefore, she was admitted to our hospital and underwent renal function examination. The glomerular filtration rate was reduced(GFR: 40/ml/min), but urinalysis was almost normal. To examine her renal dysfunction, we performed open renal biopsy. Her renal tissues showed global glomerular sclerosis, mesangial cell proliferation and infiltration of cells in the tubulointerstitial area(WHO II). Furthermore, some arterioles showed organized thrombus formation and recanalization due to the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Renal biopsy of patients with lupus nephritis is useful not only for precise diagnosis, but also for the selection of appropriate treatment.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome↗

Mitochondrial gene mutations in the tRNA(Leu(UUR)) region and diabetes: prevalence and clinical phenotypes in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial gene mutations play a role in the development of diabetes mellitus. We have assessed the frequency of the A3243G and other mitochondrial mutations in Japan and in the relationship to clinical features of diabetes. METHODS: DNA was obtained from peripheral leukocytes of 240 patients with diabetes mellitus (39 with type 1; 188 with type 2; 13 with gestational diabetes) and 125 control subjects. We used PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (ApaI) for A3243G and PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis to determine the mutations in the mitochondrial gene including nucleotide position 3243. RESULTS: The A3243G mutation was found in seven patients, and an inverse relationship was observed between the degree of heteroplasmy and the age at onset of diabetes. A3156G, G3357A, C3375A, and T3394C were detected in addition. Those who shared the same mutation showed similar clinical characteristics, thus representing a putative clinical subtype. The patients with A3156G had a sudden onset of hyperglycemia and showed a rapid progression to an insulin-dependent state with positive anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody. Those with T3394C showed a mild defect in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, and hyperglycemia appeared after adding such factors as aging or obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of mitochondrial gene mutations allows preclinical diagnosis of diabetes and prediction of the age at onset by evaluating the degree of heteroplasmy in cases with A3243G. Mutation detection may also be important for patient management and identification of affected family members.

Adult↗

[Evaluation of efficiency of a multi-crystal scintillation camera Digirad 2020tc Imager using a solid-state detectors].

Digirad 2020tc Imager is the movable scintillation camera, consisting of combining multi-crystal scintillators (CsI(Tl)) and photo-diodes. Total numbers of element are 4096, which are further divided into 16 x 16 modules. Each module contains 4 x 4 elements. We have examined Digirad 2020tc according to NEMA (National Electrical Manufactures Association), and the following results are obtained; the maximum count rate; 221 kcps, total system uniformity; 1.3% (integral uniformity), 0.9% (differential uniformity), system spatial resolution; 6.97 +/- 0.72 mm (the LEHR collimator to 99mTc source at 10 cm), intrinsic energy resolution; 12.8%, total system sensitivity; 3270.8 cpm/MBq (with LEHR collimator using 99mTc source at 10 cm). Further more, we determined the contrast of an imaging using the pin-hole (100 microns phi) 99mTc source in order to know the signal per noise (S/N) ratio among the pixels (S/N; 93.4 +/- 46.2 (first pixels)). Although the physical dimension of the camera has a smaller field of view, comparing with the standard camera, Digirad 2020tc has the equivalent characteristics as well as that of the standard camera and its field view is enough to measure the adult lung perfusion using a diverging collimator. We will further examine Digirad 2020tc with its movable portability and expect applications in nuclear medicine.

Gamma Cameras↗

[Implication on thyroid function tests].

We tried to investigate the present problems, concerning the reference individual and interval in thyroid function tests and find the solutions for them. We are now using healthy adults for the reference individual and interval. Recently, we found the sex-difference and age-related changes for reference individual and interval in free T3 measurement. We raised the questions on whether there are any sex-differences and/or age-related changes or not. Surprisingly, there were almost no detailed data about them especially in Japan. Therefore, we examined the Europe data, and found out some kind of sex-differences and age-related changes. We propose the following examinations using many Japanese population in order to provide a precise and proper reference individual and interval: 1. Whether there are any sex-difference in thyroid function tests? 2. Whether there are age-related change in thyroid function tests, for instance, simply dividing population into the immature, adult and the aged?

Adult↗