[A case of congenital choledochal dilatation of type II in Alonso-Lej's classification].
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Choledochal Cyst↗
Biomedical subjects
Y Sumi
Publications and source records attributed to Y Sumi.
Direct effect of danazol on endometrial hyperplasia in adenomyotic women: treatment with danazol containing intrauterine device.
It is well known that danazol has a direct effect on endometriosis tissue and cell. We have been treating adenomyotic women with danazol containing intrauterine device (D-IUD) from June 1993 to August 2000 and significant decrease of dysmenorrhea and serum CA-125 levels were observed. Of fifty-nine adenomyotic women, eight women were also diagnosed by endometrial biopsy as endometrial hyperplasia and one woman was diagnosed as atypical endometrial hyperplasia. In these endometrial hyperplastic patients, endometrial tissues were obtained before insertion and at the time of removal or exchange of D-IUD and examined pathologically. In all of the 9 women, histopathological findings of endometrial hyperplasia disappeared after D-IUD treatment. In particular, in one patient, findings of atypical endometrial hyperplasia also disappeared after D-IUD treatment. She is now closely observed at our clinic using D-IUD. By these evidences, we postulate that D-IUD is one of the treatment choices of endometrial hyperplasia given exposure of the endometrium to such an extraordinary high concentration of danazol released by D-IUD and avoidance of adverse effects of oral danazol or general administration of GnRH and progesterone. In particular, in atypical endometrial hyperplasia case, its mechanisms might give great benefit to patient. However, mechanisms of direct effect of danazol on endometrial hyperplasia remain to be elucidated in the future study.
Adult↗
Photic induction of mPer1 and mPer2 in cry-deficient mice lacking a biological clock.
Mice lacking mCry1 and mCry2 are behaviorally arrhythmic. As shown here, cyclic expression of the clock genes mPer1 and mPer2 (mammalian Period genes 1 and 2) in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and peripheral tissues is abolished and mPer1 and mPer2 mRNA levels are constitutively high. These findings indicate that the biological clock is eliminated in the absence of both mCRY1 and mCRY2 (mammalian cryptochromes 1 and 2) and support the idea that mammalian CRY proteins act in the negative limb of the circadian feedback loop. The mCry double-mutant mice retain the ability to have mPer1 and mPer2 expression induced by a brief light stimulus known to phase-shift the biological clock in wild-type animals. Thus, mCRY1 and mCRY2 are dispensable for light-induced phase shifting of the biological clock.
Animals↗
Distribution and retention of mercury in metallothionen-null mice after exposure to mercury vapor.
We studied the role of metallothionein (MT) in the distribution and retention of mercury in the brain, lung, liver and kidney of MT-null and wild-type mice after exposure to mercury (Hg0) vapor. Mice were exposed to Hg0 vapor at 5.5-6.7 mg/m3 for 3 h and killed at 1, 24, 72 or 168 h after exposure. One hour after exposure to Hg0 vapor, there were no differences in mercury concentrations in these organs from MT-null and wild-type mice. However, the elimination rate of mercury from the organs, except the brain, were remarkably faster in MT-null mice than in wild-type mice. MT-I and -II levels in the lung and kidney were increased significantly in wild-type mice but not in MT-null mice at 24 h after exposure to Hg0 vapor. At this time point, over 65% of the mercury was retained in the MT fraction of the cytosol of organs from wild-type mice. In contrast, mercury appeared mainly in the high-molecular-weight protein fractions in the cytosol of organs from MT-null mice. In the brain, a large amount of mercury was bound to MT in both strains of mice immediately after exposure. No difference was observed in the elimination rate of mercury from the brain between both strains of mice. Brain MT levels were elevated slightly in wild-type mice at 168 h after exposure but could not be detected in MT-null mice. These data suggest that no detectable MT-I and -II levels were found in the brain of MT-null mice and that mercury was apparently bound to MT-III. Using MT-null mice, we showed also that MT-III may play an important role in the retention of mercury in the brain.
Administration, Inhalation↗
Circadian rhythms of melatonin-synthesizing enzyme activities and melatonin levels in planarians.
In most vertebrates and several insects, melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is synthesized enzymatically from serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) by the sequential action of arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT) and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT). In the freshwater planarian Dugesia japonica, which belongs to the most primitive metazoan phylum, activities of NAT and HIOMT, as well as melatonin, were found. The apparent Michaelis constants for substrates of NAT and HIOMT in the planarian were similar to those reported for the mammalian pineal gland and retina. When the planarians were maintained under a 12 h light:12 h dark cycle, the activities of NAT and HIOMT and melatonin levels exhibited a significant diurnal variation, peaking at the mid-dark time. In constant darkness, NAT activity and melatonin levels fluctuated with a circadian (about 24 h) rhythm. These data demonstrate that the planarian synthesizes melatonin through the same pathways as those in most vertebrates and several insects, and that its melatonin synthesis fluctuates in a circadian manner. Thus, it is strongly suggested that the planarian contains a circadian clock controlling melatonin synthesis.
Acetylserotonin O-Methyltransferase↗
Successful culture and sustainability in vivo of gene-modified human oral mucosal epithelium.
Human oral mucosal cells are an attractive site for tissue engineering because they are the most accessible cells in the body and easy to manipulate in vitro. They thus have possibilities for targeting by somatic gene therapy. We examined the efficiency of retrovirus-mediated gene transfer and the construction of mucosal epithelium in vivo. Human oral mucosal cells were transduced with a retroviral vector carrying the lacZ gene at high efficiency and constructed epithelium after G418 selection with 3T3 cells in vitro. The cultured oral mucosal epithelium membrane was then grafted onto immunodeficient mice. Beta-Gal expression was detected histochemically in vivo 5 weeks after grafting. Furthermore, we transduced factor IX cDNA into the mucosal epithelium membrane, and it was then transplanted into nude mice. Between 0.6 and 1.8 ng of human factor IX per milliliter was found in mouse plasma, and the production was continued for 23 days in vivo. These results confirmed that the oral mucosal epithelium is an ideal target tissue for gene therapy or tissue engineering.
Animals↗
Detection of melatonin, its precursors and related enzyme activities in rabbit lens.
Melatonin (N -acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) was detected in extracts of albino rabbit lens using radioimmunoassay. Furthermore, melatonin precursors, tryptophan and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), were found in the lens extracts by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorometric detection. Also, activities of two melatonin-synthesizing enzymes, serotonin N -acetyltransferase (NAT) and hydroxyindole- O -methyltransferase (HIOMT), were found in the lens. The apparent Michaelis constants (K m) for substrates of NAT in the lens were similar to those reported for the pineal gland, although the apparent K m values for substrates of HIOMT in the lens were 10-fold higher than those in the pineal gland. When the rabbits were entrained to a 14-hr light: 10-hr dark cycle, melatonin levels and NAT activity in the lens showed significant day/night changes with high levels during the dark period, but HIOMT activity did not show these changes. These findings strongly suggest that the rabbit lens may synthesize melatonin from serotonin by the sequential action of NAT and HIOMT, and that the melatonin synthesis may fluctuate in a diurnal and/or circadian manner.
Acetylserotonin O-Methyltransferase↗
Tuberculosis peritonitis: gallium-67 scintigraphic appearance.
Tuberculosis peritonitis is a rare manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The results of gallium-67 scintigraphy of three patients with tuberculosis peritonitis were reviewed to assess its usefulness in the diagnosis of this condition. Tuberculosis peritonitis was associated with diffuse or focal abdominal localization and decreased hepatic accumulation of gallium-67. These gallium-67 scan features of tuberculosis peritonitis may help to optimize the diagnosis and management of this disease.
Abdomen↗
Cerebral blood flow-SPECT in a patient with Sneddon's syndrome.
We report a 50-year-old woman diagnosed with Sneddon's syndrome and examined by CBF scintigraphy several times for follow-up of the disease. There were no significant changes in her CBF scintigraphic findings or neurological status during the 6-year follow-up period. Sneddon's syndrome is a slowly progressive disorder in which livedo reticularis precedes cerebrovascular accidents. Because small cortical arteries are predominantly affected in Sneddon's syndrome, MR and conventional angiography often fail to show any abnormal findings, and MR imaging may not visualize decreased CBF in the early stage. Therefore, CBF scintigraphy should be performed in patients who have or are suspected of having Sneddon's syndrome.
Brain↗
Gallium-67 uptake in Bellini duct carcinoma of the kidney.
Bellini duct carcinoma is a rare variant of renal cell carcinoma and usually has a poor prognosis. In this article, we report the Gallium-67 citrate (Ga-67) uptake in Bellini duct carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of Bellini duct carcinoma in which Ga-67 uptake was positive. We suggest that Ga-67 scintigraphy has potential utility in detecting Bellini duct carcinoma of the kidney. And if a hypovascular tumor of the kidney shows Ga-67 uptake, Bellini duct carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis.
Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗
Highly sensitive chelating agents for histochemical staining of rare earth metals.
In tissues, bromopyridylazo-diethylaminophenol has been found to be capable of staining very small amounts of rare earth metals, particularly praseodymium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, ytterbium, and lutetium. Differentiation of a target metal from interfering metals was achieved using masking agents, polyphosphates and aminopolycarboxylic acids.
Animals↗
Pulmonary toxicity caused by acute exposure to mercury vapor is enhanced in metallothionein-null mice.
This study examined the protective role of metallothionein (MT) against pulmonary damage caused by acute exposure to metallic mercury (Hg0) vapor using MT-null and wild-type mice. Both strains of mice were exposed to Hg0 at 6.6 to 7.5 mg/m3 for 4 hr each day for 3 consecutive days. This dosing protocol was lethal to over 60% of MT-null mice but did not kill any wild-type mice. More severe pulmonary damage was found by histopathological observation in MT-null mice than in wild-type mice. MT levels in the lung were elevated in wild-type mice after Hg0 vapor exposure, and gel filtration of the lung cytosol revealed that most of the mercury was associated with MT. In MT-null mice, MT levels were below the limit of detection (0.2 microg/g tissue) for the MT assay even after exposure. After exposure to Hg0 vapor for 3 consecutive days, the pulmonary mercury levels in wild-type mice were significantly higher than in MT-null mice. These findings suggest that MT plays a protective role against the acute pulmonary toxicity of Hg0 vapor.
Administration, Inhalation↗
Purification of the antigenic components of pigeon dropping extract, the responsible agent for cellular immunity in pigeon breeder's disease.
BACKGROUND: Pigeon breeder's disease (PBD) is a lung disease caused by inhalation of antigens derived from pigeons. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to characterize the responsible component of pigeon dropping extract (PDE) for PBD. METHODS: First, crude PDE was applied to SDS-PAGE followed by immunoblotting by using antibodies in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Second, 9 bands of PDE were separated by SDS-PAGE and used for antigen-induced PBMCs. Finally, amino-terminal sequencing was conducted on an isolated 21-kd protein by 2-dimensional electrophoresis. RESULTS: Immunoblots with BAL fluid from patients with PBD identified 9 bands. Similar patterns were observed by using BAL fluid from 10 control patients (9 with summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 1 asymptomatic breeder), except for the 21-kd protein, which was detected in 10 patients with PBD and 1 asymptomatic breeder. The stimulation indices of PBMCs determined by using proteins electroeluted from the 9 bands were higher in patients with PBD than in the 10 control patients. The 21-kd protein was separated into 5 spots by 2-dimensional electrophoresis; these spots were all reactive with BAL fluid from patients with PBD as determined by immunoblotting. The sequence of the 21-kd protein had 57% identity to a Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome X reading frame. A synthetic peptide, derived from the amino acid sequence of the N-terminal of the native protein, induced significant proliferation of PBMCs obtained from 5 patients with PBD, but not with PBMCs obtained from control patients. CONCLUSION: The 21-kd protein is the only protein that identified individuals exposed to pigeons by immunoblotting. Only PBMCs from patients with PBD showed significant proliferation to the 21-kd protein and to the synthetic peptide on the basis of the N-terminal sequence of the native peptide. The 21-kd protein will be an important antigen for studies on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and pathogenesis of PBD.
Animals↗
Application of titanium-alloy endodontic implants in conjunction with periradicular surgery.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of placement of titanium-alloy endodontic implants in conjunction with periradicular surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-four teeth were treated with endodontic implants with corresponding periradicular surgery by using SuperEBA cement (Harry J Bosworth Co, Skokie, Ill) as a sealer. The results of the endodontic implant surgery were evaluated clinically and radiographically from 2 to 4 years after treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-two teeth were treated successfully, whereas 2 teeth were treated unsuccessfully, for a success rate of 92%. CONCLUSIONS: Titanium-alloy endodontic implants in conjunction with periradicular surgery may provide good short-term results. Sealing between the endodontic implant and the dentin is likely an important factor for success.
Adult↗
Melatonin, its precursors, and synthesizing enzyme activities in the human ovary.
The presence of melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) and its precursors, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) and N-acetylserotonin, was demonstrated in extracts of human ovary using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorometric detection. In addition, activities of two melatonin-synthesizing enzymes, arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT) and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT), were found in human ovary homogenates. The apparent Michaelis constants for the substrates of NAT and HIOMT in the human ovary were similar to those reported for the pineal glands of humans and other mammals. These findings strongly suggest that the human ovary, like the pineal gland, may synthesize melatonin from serotonin by the sequential action of NAT and HIOMT.
Acetyl Coenzyme A↗
Unidirectional olfactory hallucination associated with ipsilateral unruptured intracranial aneurysm.
PURPOSE: We describe a patient with complex partial seizure with unidirectional olfactory aura associated with ipsilateral unruptured aneurysm. METHODS AND RESULTS: The patient felt a sweet pleasant smell coming from behind her right side every time before the attack. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed a large aneurysm at the bifurcation of the right middle cerebral artery and compression of the right orbitofrontal cortex. Small spikes were recorded from the right orbitofrontal and superior temporal gyri and from the uncus by the cortical electrodes during clipping of the aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: The orbitofrontal cortex may have a function related to the ipsilateral directional olfactory sensation.
Electroencephalography↗
Clinical application of cultured oral epithelium for palatal wounds after palatoplasty: a preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE: Mucoperiosteal defects of the hard palate after palatoplasty scar causing scar contraction, leading to poor growth of the maxilla. The promotion of wound healing in these cases through cultured epithelial allografting has been reported. Cultured epithelial allografting was done using allogeneic cultured cells, in the hope of improving growth of maxilla. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Clefts of the soft and hard palate (seven patients), and a cleft of the soft palate (two patients) were present. Average patient age was 1 year 4 months. Palatoplasty was done by a conventional push-back operation. Oral epithelial cells from healthy adults were cultured using 3T3 cells as the feeder layer. After 3 weeks, cultured oral mucosal epithelium was grafted on a raw surface following palatoplasty. RESULTS: The result was compared in two patients who had undergone push-back operation only. In all patients, the grafted areas underwent re-epithelialization after about 1 week and did not exhibit any clinical signs of graft rejection. Grafted areas healed completely after 2-3 weeks in all cases. CONCLUSION: Cultured epithelial allografts serve as a temporary biological dressing, and accelerate epithelialization and wound healing. Allografting by cultured oral epithelium has proved to be a very useful therapeutic modality in palatoplasty, as well as effective augmentation materials in cases of oral mucosal defects.
3T3 Cells↗
[The economic evaluation of group examination for gastrointestinal disease in an electronics corporation--the cost-benefit analysis of follow-up study for peptic ulcer].
To investigate the usefulness of gastrointestinal fiberscope examination (GIF) for peptic ulcer in the health care station (station), a cost-benefit analysis was performed from the standpoint of the company, the health insurance society (insurance society), and workers. Before the analysis, the clinical course of the peptic ulcer, direct cost of the examination, and indirect cost due to time taken for the examination at the station were compared with those in a private hospital (hospital). In 1994, 202 cases of gastric ulcer (GU) (194 male cases, 8 female cases) and 199 cases of duodenal ulcer (DU) (195 male cases, 4 female cases) underwent GIF examination at the station. Cases of admission and emergency operation due to GU and DU at the station were less than those at the hospital. The benefits obtained for the company, the insurance society and the workers were as follows: we saw a decrease in the loss of working time, a decrease in the medical care cost, a decrease in patient cost sharing and a prevention of income loss due to admission (or prevention of the loss of a paid holiday). The time spent for GIF at the station was also less than at the hospital. This was a direct benefit for the company (a decrease in the loss of working time) and for the workers (prevention of the loss of a paid holiday). A further benefit for the company was a decrease in the cost of the miniature gastrointestinal mass survey of the workers who were followed up by GIF examination at the station. Total of more than 30 million yen in cost benefits was obtained. The economic evaluation of follow-up studies at the station was necessary to demonstrate the importance of health care to the company, and to the workers. A cost-benefit analysis was suited to this purpose, creating easily understandable results even if productivity did not count.
Cost-Benefit Analysis↗