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Biomedical subjects

A Fujita

Publications and source records attributed to A Fujita.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Magnetic-field-induced shape recovery by reverse phase transformation.

Large magnetic-field-induced strains have been observed in Heusler alloys with a body-centred cubic ordered structure and have been explained by the rearrangement of martensite structural variants due to an external magnetic field. These materials have attracted considerable attention as potential magnetic actuator materials. Here we report the magnetic-field-induced shape recovery of a compressively deformed NiCoMnIn alloy. Stresses of over 100 MPa are generated in the material on the application of a magnetic field of 70 kOe; such stress levels are approximately 50 times larger than that generated in a previous ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy. We observed 3 per cent deformation and almost full recovery of the original shape of the alloy. We attribute this deformation behaviour to a reverse transformation from the antiferromagnetic (or paramagnetic) martensitic to the ferromagnetic parent phase at 298 K in the Ni45Co5Mn36.7In13.3 single crystal.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

The GATO gene annotation tool for research laboratories.

Large-scale genome projects have generated a rapidly increasing number of DNA sequences. Therefore, development of computational methods to rapidly analyze these sequences is essential for progress in genomic research. Here we present an automatic annotation system for preliminary analysis of DNA sequences. The gene annotation tool (GATO) is a Bioinformatics pipeline designed to facilitate routine functional annotation and easy access to annotated genes. It was designed in view of the frequent need of genomic researchers to access data pertaining to a common set of genes. In the GATO system, annotation is generated by querying some of the Web-accessible resources and the information is stored in a local database, which keeps a record of all previous annotation results. GATO may be accessed from everywhere through the internet or may be run locally if a large number of sequences are going to be annotated. It is implemented in PHP and Perl and may be run on any suitable Web server. Usually, installation and application of annotation systems require experience and are time consuming, but GATO is simple and practical, allowing anyone with basic skills in informatics to access it without any special training. GATO can be downloaded at [http://mariwork.iq.usp.br/gato/]. Minimum computer free space required is 2 MB.

Biomedical Research↗
PubMed2003

Phase II study of cisplatin, ifosfamide, and irinotecan with rhG-CSF support in patients with stage IIIb and IV non-small-cell lung cancer.

A phase II study of cisplatin, ifosfamide, and irinotecan with recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) support was conducted in previously untreated patients with stage IIIB or IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Between June 1998 and August 2001, 50 patients were registered in this phase II study. Cisplatin (20 mg m(-2)) and ifosfamide (1.5 g m(-2)) were administered on days 1-4 and irinotecan (60 mg m(-2)) was given on days 1, 8, and 15, respectively. This regimen was repeated every 4 weeks. rhG-CSF was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 50 microg m(-2) on days 5-18 except on the days of irinotecan treatment. In total, 49 patients were assessable for toxicity and response and 50 for survival. In all, 33, patients (67.3%; 95% confidence interval 57.4-77.2%) achieved an objective response. The median response duration was 192 days and the median time to progression for 49 patients was 170 days. The median survival time was 540 days with 1- and 2-year survival rates of 63.5 and 30.7%, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia developed in 63.3 and 38.8% of the patients, respectively. In conclusion, the combination of cisplatin, ifosfamide, and irinotecan with rhG-CSF support was highly effective for the treatment of stage IIIB or IV NSCLC with acceptable toxicities.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2003

Administration of anti-interleukin 18 antibody fails to inhibit development of dermatitis in atopic dermatitis-model mice NC/Nga.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin (IL)-18 has been shown to activate basophils to produce histamine and IL-4 and to induce naive T cells to differentiate into T-helper (Th) 2 cells. However, when expressed together with IL-12, IL-18 induces Th1 cell development and inhibits IgE synthesis. Previously we reported that serum IL-18 levels were elevated in the sera from atopic dermatitis-model mice NC/Nga, prior to the onset and during the development of dermatitis. OBJECTIVES: We studied whether neutralization of IL-18 activity might affect dermatitis in NC/Nga mice, to investigate the role of IL-18 on dermatitis. METHODS: NC/Nga mice were given weekly anti-IL-18 antibody starting at 5 weeks of age to 13 weeks and development of dermatitis, scratching behaviour and serum IgE concentrations were evaluated. RESULTS: Continuous injections of anti-IL-18 antibody failed to inhibit the onset and development of dermatitis and IgE elevation. The treatment, rather, tended to lead to an exacerbation of dermatitis and scratching behaviour. In addition, the administration of anti-IL-18 antibody did not ameliorate the responsiveness of lymphocytes to IL-4, which was previously demonstrated as an immunological abnormality in the mouse. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that, at least in NC/Nga mice, IL-18, although excessively expressed before the onset of dermatitis, shows antiallergic actions.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

[Liposarcoma of the pleural cavity; report of a case].

A 43-year-old-woman who had sever anterior chest pain visited our hospital on April 3, 2000. A well-defined abnormal shadow was seen in the middle and lower field of the right lung on chest X-ray. Computed tomography showed a large fat density mass in the right pleural cavity with a septum enhanced by contrast medium. Percutaneous needle biopsy revealed lipoma or liposarcoma. Complete resection could be done with combined resection of right lung, lpericardium, parietal pleura and diaphragm. Final histologic diagnosis was well differentiated liposarcoma. There are few reports of liposarcoma arising in the thoracic cavity, we present our case and review the 23 cases reported from the Japanese literatures.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Prevention of parenchymal air leakage after lung resection; comparison of effectiveness in drug formation of fibrin adhesive].

We investigated the comparative effectiveness of the seat and glue types of fibrin adhesive, to clarify which is more useful in preventing postoperative parenchymal air leaks after lung resection. One hundred sixteen patients received fibrin adhesive to prevent postoperative air leakage after lung resection carried out by the same surgeon. Ninety-two lobectomies and 24 partial resections were assessed. There were 29 patients with emphysematous lung. In the seat type group, an average of 2.6 postoperative days elapsed before chest drain removal. In the glue type, this average was 3.2 days, a significant difference. This difference was also evident in the lobectomy group. However, among emphysematous lung patients and the partial resection group, there was no apparent difference. Prolonged air leakage was seen in 2 patients with emphysematous lung, but no difference in terms of drug formation could be seen. The seated type of fibrin adhesive was more useful than the glue type in preventing postoperative air leaks, but in emphysematous lung patients, better surgical technique would seem to be the critical factor.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Haemodynamic assessment in patients with dural arteriovenous fistulae: dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MRI.

Cerebral haemodynamics in patients with dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) have not been fully investigated and their effects are not clear. Our purpose was to assess impaired haemodynamics in patients with DAVF using dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MRI (DSC-MRI). We used this technique in eight control subjects (group I) and 17 patients with DAVF who were scheduled to undergo or had already undergone endovascular embolisation and/or surgical excision. There were seven patients with cavernous sinus DAVF (CSDAVF) and the other ten had unilateral transverse/sigmoid sinus DAVF. All patients with CSDAVF underwent DSC-MRI preoperatively (group II) and those with transverse/sigmoid sinus DAVF underwent preoperative DSC-MRI (group III) and postoperative (group IV) assessment. The ratios of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and mean transit time (rMTT) were calculated relative to contralateral values. Patients in group II had no significant haemodynamic impairment in grey (GM) or white matter (WM), but cerebellar rMTT were significantly prolonged ( P<0.05). Group III showed haemodynamic impairment characterised by significant increase in rCBV, prolongation of rMTT and decrease in rCBF in GM ( P<0.05). Significantly increased rCBV and prolonged rMTT in the GM ( P<0.05) were obvious in group III patients irrespective of retrograde leptomeningeal venous drainage (RLVD). In group IV, rCBV and rCBF returned to normal values, whereas rMTT was still significantly prolonged in GM ( P<0.05). Our study indicates that patients with CSDAVF may have impaired cerebellar perfusion, and that those with transverse/sigmoid sinus DVAF can have disturbed cerebral haemodynamics, even in the absence of RLVD.

Arteriovenous Fistula↗
PubMed2002

Oral administration of persimmon leaf extract ameliorates skin symptoms and transepidermal water loss in atopic dermatitis model mice, NC/Nga.

BACKGROUND: We have previously shown that persimmon leaf extract and its major flavonoid constituent, astragalin, inhibited histamine release by basophils and that oral administration of these substances prior to the onset into an atopic dermatitis (AD) model mouse, NC/Nga, prevented development of dermatitis. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to assess the clinical therapeutic effect of persimmon leaf extract and astragalin in NC/Nga mice suffering from dermatitis and the dose-response preventive effects of persimmon leaf extract on dermatitis and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). METHODS: The efficacy of persimmon leaf extract or astragalin in NC/Nga mice was judged by measurement of skin severity, scratching behaviour, serum IgE levels or TEWL. RESULTS: Oral administration of persimmon leaf extract (250 mg kg(-1)) or astragalin (1.5 mg kg-1) for 4 weeks into NC/Nga mice with overt dermatitis resulted in a decrease in the severity of the condition. The preventive effect of persimmon leaf extract on the dermatitis was dose-dependent and continuous intake of persimmon leaf extract significantly decreased its onset and development. In addition, TEWL was also suppressed at a persimmon leaf extract dose of 250 mg kg(-1). No significant adverse reaction by these substances could be observed. CONCLUSIONS: These observations suggest that persimmon leaf extract or the flavonoid astragalin may be alternative substances for the management of AD.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2001

NGF induces neurite outgrowth via a decrease in phosphorylation of myosin light chain in PC12 cells.

The relationship between phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) and neurite outgrowth induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) was studied in PC12 cells. Inhibitors of Rho kinase, HA-1077 or Y-27632 also induced neurite outgrowth. As already reported botulinum exoenzyme C3 which inactivates Rho protein also induced neurite outgrowth. Calyeulin A, an inhibitor of phosphatase counteracted both NGF- and C3- induced neurite outgrowth. Treatments of both NGF and C3 resulted in significant and transient decrease in phosphorylated MLC. These results suggest that NGF induces neurite outgrowth of PC12 by a transient decrease in phosphorylated MLC which is brought about by activation of MLC phosphatase via inhibition of Rho-Rho kinase pathway.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Possible role of orexin A in nonadrenergic, noncholinergic inhibitory response of muscle of the mouse small intestine.

The effect of a novel peptide, orexin A, on longitudinal muscle of ICR mouse small intestine was examined in vitro. Exogenous orexin A induced a transient contraction in duodenal, jejunal and ileal segments. Atropine and tetrodotoxin completely inhibited the contractions. Contraction of longitudinal muscle of jejunal segments induced by electrical field stimulation was still observed after the jejunal segment had been desensitized to orexin A, suggesting that orexin A is not a final neurotransmitter to induce the contraction. On the other hand, in the presence of atropine and guanethidine, orexin A induced a transient gradual relaxation in duodenal, jejunal and ileal segments. Electrical field stimulation also induced significant relaxation of the muscle in jejunal segments. The electrical field stimulation-induced relaxation was inhibited by 55% after the desensitization of the segments to orexin A. Although the electrical field stimulation-induced relaxation was inhibited by 47% by a nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG), orexin desensitization did not affect the relaxation which persisted after L-NOARG treatment. The exogenous orexin A-induced relaxation was completely inhibited by L-NOARG. The results suggest that orexin A partially mediates nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) relaxation via activation of nitrergic neurones in longitudinal muscle of ICR mouse small intestine.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Functional Kir7.1 channels localized at the root of apical processes in rat retinal pigment epithelium.

1. The inwardly rectifying K+ channel current (IK(IR)) recorded from isolated retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells showed poor dependence on external K+ ([K+]o) and low sensitivity to block by Ba2+. We examined the molecular identity and specific subcellular localization of the KIR channel in RPE cells. 2. The Kir7.1 channel current heterologously expressed in HEK293T cells (human embryonic kidney cell line) showed identical properties to those of the RPE IK(IR), i.e. poor dependence on [K+]o and low sensitivity to Ba2+ block. 3. Expression of Kir7.1 mRNA and protein was detected in RPE cells by RT-PCR and immunoblot techniques, respectively. 4. Immunohistochemical studies including electron microscopy revealed that the Kir7.1 channel was localized specifically at the proximal roots of the apical processes of RPE cells, where Na+,K+-ATPase immunoreactivity was also detected. 5. The middle-distal portions of apical processes of RPE cells in the intact tissue exhibited immunoreactivity of Kir4.1, a common KIR channel. In the isolated RPE cells, however, Kir4.1 immunoreactivity was largely lost, while Kir7.1 immunoreactivity remained. 6. These data indicate that the only IK(IR) recorded in isolated RPE cells is derived from the functional Kir7.1 channel localized at the root of apical processes. Co-localization with Na+,K+-ATPase suggests that the Kir7.1 channel may provide the pathway for recycling of K+ to maintain pump activity and thus is essential for K+ handling in RPE cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Identification of sperm-specific proteins that interact with A-kinase anchoring proteins in a manner similar to the type II regulatory subunit of PKA.

The cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is targeted to specific subcellular compartments through its interaction with A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). AKAPs contain an amphipathic helix domain that binds to the type II regulatory subunit of PKA (RII). Synthetic peptides containing this amphipathic helix domain bind to RII with high affinity and competitively inhibit the binding of PKA with AKAPs. Addition of these anchoring inhibitor peptides to spermatozoa inhibits motility (Vijayaraghavan, S., Goueli, S. A., Davey, M. P., and Carr, D. W. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 4747-4752). However, inhibition of the PKA catalytic activity does not mimic these peptides, suggesting that the peptides are disrupting the interaction of AKAP(s) with proteins other than PKA. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we have now identified two sperm-specific human proteins that interact with the amphipathic helix region of AKAP110. These proteins, ropporin (a protein previously shown to interact with the Rho signaling pathway) and AKAP-associated sperm protein, are 39% identical to each other and share a strong sequence similarity with the conserved domain on the N terminus of RII that is involved in dimerization and AKAP binding. Mutation of conserved residues in ropporin or RII prevents binding to AKAP110. These data suggest that sperm contains several proteins that bind to AKAPs in a manner similar to RII and imply that AKAPs may have additional and perhaps unique functions in spermatozoa.

A Kinase Anchor Proteins↗
PubMed2001

Surgical management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

We report surgical resections in 3 patients with active multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. All cases involved strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin and patients who were poor candidates for medical therapy alone. We conducted pulmonary resections (partial resection in case 1, lobectomy in case 2, and segmentectomy in case 3). The optimum multiple-drug regimen, based on drug susceptibility studies, was used preoperatively and postoperatively. In all cases, sputum smears and cultures yielded negative results postoperatively, and continue to be negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis to date. It is recommended that, if localized disease is present and medical treatment is likely to fail, pulmonary resection be conducted for multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 activity in apical plasma membranes from the rat parotid gland.

An apical-enriched plasma membrane fraction (A-PM) was prepared from rat parotid gland by Mn2+ precipitation. In this fraction, phosphatidylcholine (PC) labelled at the sn-2 position was mainly decomposed into two labelled compounds (free fatty acid and 1,2-diacylglycerol) under Ca2+-free conditions. Studies using double-labelled PC and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (as a phospholipase D inhibitor) showed that they were produced through different pathways: free fatty acid was released by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) while 1,2-diacylglycerol may be produced by sequential action of phospholipase D and phosphatidate phosphatase. The PLA2 in A-PM did not require Ca2+ for its activity and was highly activated by Triton X-100 and ATP. The inhibitor of the well-documented Ca2+-independent PLA2, bromoenol lactone, did not inhibit the PLA2 activity in A-PM. Although PLA2 activity was detected in other subcellular fractions, the highest specific activity was in A-PM. Its distribution among various fractions was roughly similar to that of the marker enzyme of apical plasma membranes. These findings suggested that Ca2+-independent PLA2 activity is present in apical plasma membranes from rat parotid gland. In addition, to clarify the involvement of the PLA2 in exocytosis, the fusion of exogenous PLA2-treated membranes with secretory granules was examined by fluorescence dequenching assay. This study clearly demonstrated the facilitation of fusion by PLA2 treatment, which suggests some involvement of apical PLA2 in saliva secretion.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

A tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula successfully treated with interruption of leptomeningeal venous drainage using microvascular Doppler sonography: case report.

BACKGROUND: Complete interruption of a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) has been confirmed intraoperatively by visual inspection and intraoperative angiography. To confirm complete interruption of the shunt flow during the surgical treatment of a tentorial DAVF, we used intraoperative microvascular doppler monitoring. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 71-year-old man suffered from severe subarachnoid hemorrhage. Angiography showed a tentorial DAVF with pure leptomeningeal drainage associated with a venous pouch. After the patient's neurologic condition had improved, he underwent interruption of the draining vein via a right suboccipital approach. An arterialized drainage vein was easily identified by applying the microvascular doppler probe to the shunting vessels and was completely obliterated by clipping. There were no complications associated with use of the microvascular doppler. The postoperative course was uneventful and follow-up angiography showed complete obliteration of the DAVF. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative microvascular doppler monitoring is a useful technique not only for evaluating arterialized leptomeningeal drainage veins but also for confirming the complete obliteration of these vessels.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Post-traumatic high flow priapism: demonstrable findings of penile enhanced computed tomography.

Post-traumatic high flow priapism is a rare disease. A review of English published reports revealed 63 cases. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the penis has not previously been used as a diagnostic method for post-traumatic high flow priapism. We present a case of post-traumatic high flow priapism diagnosed with enhanced CT of the penis. Additionally, diagnostic modalities for post-traumatic high flow priapism are discussed with review of published work.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Atraumatic hemarthrosis caused by a large mediopatellar plica.

Hemarthrosis of the knee has various etiologies and is classified into atraumatic or post-traumatic. Among atraumatic factors, hemarthrosis due to synovial plica is extremely rare. We report a case of atraumatic hemarthrosis caused by the mediopatellar plica. A 21-year-old male truck driver was referred to our hospital, because of swelling and pain of the right knee without history of trauma. Bloody synovial fluid was aspirated by arthrocentesis. However, his symptoms recurred and persisted. The range of motion was normal, but the patient complained of anteromedial knee pain during maximum flexion. Routine biochemical analyses were within normal limits. Plain radiographs were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee showed the hypertrophic mediopatellar plica and an irregular signal of the infrapatellar fat pad. Arthroscopy revealed a voluminous mediopatellar plica trapped between the patella and the medial femoral condyle. It attached to the center of the infrapatellar fat pad, the so-called tongue. When the tourniquet was released, fresh bleeding was observed from the region between the mediopatellar plica and the tongue. Because that region was considered to be the cause of the hemarthrosis, the mediopatellar plica and the tongue were excised. A histologic examination of the tongue showed evidence of bleeding with nonspecific synovitis. After the procedure, the patient was asymptomatic and there were no clinical signs of recurrence.

Adult↗