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Biomedical subjects

A Ishibashi

Publications and source records attributed to A Ishibashi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Rat epidermal cathepsin B: purification and characterization of proteolytic properties toward filaggrin and synthetic substrates.

The aim of this study was to purify epidermal cathepsin B from rat skin and investigate its proteolytic activities on filaggrin and several synthetic substrates. The molecular weight of purified monomeric cathepsin B was estimated to be 30 kDa by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The amino acid composition, similar to that of liver cathepsin B, indicated the enzyme to be an acidic protease. The enzyme had strong hydrolytic activity toward N-benzyloxy-carbonyl-L-arginyl-L-arginine-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin (Z-Arg-Arg-MCA) (152 mU/mg) and N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-arginine-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin (424 mU/mg), but had no proteolytic activity toward L-arginine-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin. The Km value for Z-Arg-Arg MCA was 0.34 mM and pH optimum was 5.5. Cathepsin B degraded rat epidermal filaggrin into small fragments at pH 4.0 and 5.5., and was inhibited by a specific cysteine proteinase inhibitor, N-[N-(L-3-trans-carboxyoxirane-2-carbonyl)L-leucyl]- agmatin. This study demonstrated that filaggrin was susceptible to degradation by cathepsin B. Such an action may have relevance to skin differentiation in which acid proteases are thought to participate.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

A new approach to the evaluation of broad-spectrum sunscreens against ultraviolet and visible light-induced delayed tanning.

Protection against UV and visible light-induced delayed tanning (DT) and immediate tanning (IT) of two broad-spectrum sunscreens with the same sun protection factor was investigated. Protection factors (PFs) against DT (24 h and 7 days) of the sunscreens differed significantly, but PFs against IT did not. This study indicates that using PF against 24 h DT is more appropriate for an evaluation of broad-spectrum sunscreens against UVA and visible light than IT.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Clinical analysis of nineteen patients with traumatic subdural hygromas.

Nineteen patients with traumatic subdural hygroma (TSH) who were admitted between 1988 and 1992, were reviewed. Diagnosis of TSH was made by serial computerized tomography (CT) after initial head injury, and patients were followed for up to 19 months after head injury. The patients ranged in age from 53 to 91 years (mean 75.6 yrs). Fifteen patients were treated conservatively, and 4 patients underwent surgery. Patients had disturbance of consciousness (transient in 5 cases, persisting in 3 cases), headache (10 cases), vomiting (6 cases), and vertigo (2 cases). TSH began to develop within 24 hs in 10 patients after initial head injury, and in 13 (68%) of 19 patients, TSH was demonstrated within 72 hs after the initial head injury. Chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) developed in 5 (26%) of 19 patients and 2 patients underwent surgery. In 15 patients, who were treated conservatively, TSH disappeared in 10 patients, and decreased in 4 patients, but remained unchanged in 1 patient. Clinically, 11 patients improved. Three patients remained unchanged. One patient, who had cerebral contusion, died of pneumonia. In 4 patients, who underwent surgery, including 2 patients with CSH, TSH disappeared in all patients. Two patients improved, and 1 patient was unchanged. Another patient, who had cerebral contusion and normal pressure hydrocephalus, died. In general, clinical outcome was satisfactory, except for the patients who had accompanying parenchymal lesions before or after head injury. Surgical treatment was limited to the patients who had rapidly enlarging TSH and neurological deterioration.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

[Clinical efficacy of sairei-to in various urinary tract diseases centering on fibrosis].

A joint multi-institution study was conducted on the efficacy of Sairei-to, centering on urinary tract fibrosis. The subjects consisted of 18 patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis (including 3 women), 77 patients with plastic induration of penis, 5 patients with sclerotic lipogranuloma (all men), and 67 patients with hemorrhagic cystitis (including 6 men). As a rule, Sairei-to was administered in monotherapy for periods of 4 weeks or longer. Efficacy was most pronounced in the patients with sclerotic lipogranuloma and plastic induration of penis, with overall improvement rates (percentage of patients with ratings of effective or better) of 80% in the former and 77.9% in the latter group. The overall improvement rate in the patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis was 61.1%. In the above diseases, there were numerous patients concurrently administered drugs such as antiinflammatory enzyme preparations and corticoid preparations, and the improvement rates were somewhat higher in these patients treated concurrently with other drugs. Outstanding efficacy was also seen in hemorrhagic cystitis. Dividing the patients into irradiation and non-irradiation groups, respective overall improvement rates of 77.8% and 82.8% were obtained, with the non-irradiation group showing a slightly higher rate. The non-irradiation group showed slightly higher improvement rates in the subjects treated concurrently with drugs such as antibacterial drug. Conversely, the irradiation group showed significantly superior rates for monotherapy. Side effects such as mild gastrointestinal disturbances were seen in only 13 of 167 patients (7.8%), and the utility of this drug in treatment of the above diseases should be held in high regard.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Quantitative evaluation of liver function with 99mTc-GSA scintigraphy using extraction index].

Extraction index (EI5) was introduced to evaluate liver function quantitatively with 99mTc-GSA (GSA) scintigraphy, and it was compared with conventional indices; receptor index (LHL15) and clearance index (HH15). EI5 is expressed as following equation: EI5 = (L5 - L3)/(H3 + H5) * PH/PL where L3, L5: counts at 3 or 5 minutes after the injection in the liver ROI, respectively, H3, H5: counts at 3 or 5 minutes in the heart ROI, respectively; PL, PH: numbers of pixels in the liver- and heart-ROI, respectively. We performed GSA scintigraphy in 40 patients with liver dysfunction and calculated values of the indices. Good correlations were observed between EI5 and liver function tests. Correlation coefficients were almost equal to or higher than those between conventional parameters and liver functional tests. EI5 was thought to be a practical index, and it could be calculated in a short time without aid of computer. Evaluation of local liver function may be possible, because EI5 was corrected with numbers of pixels in the liver- and heart-ROI; which was not considered in the conventional parameters.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Immunohistochemical study of the prostatic tissues with monoclonal antibody against gamma-seminoprotein. Analyses of benign prostatic hyperplasia, metastatic foci from adenocarcinoma of the prostate and malignant neoplasms other than adenocarcinoma of the prostate].

The immunohistochemical specificity of the monoclonal antibody (43-21-1-1) against gamma-seminoprotein (gamma-Sm) in the prostatic tissues was evaluated by avidin-biotin peroxidase complex method. The normal tissues of various organs, other than male genitourinary organs already examined in the previous study, the brain, skin, spinal cord, tongue, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, rectum, trachea, lung, pleura, diaphragm, liver, spleen, pancreas, mesentery, kidney, lymph node, bone, bone marrow and striated muscle were examined for control study. The prostatic tissues obtained by surgery or biopsy, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; 72) urethral polyp with prostatic-type epithelium (1), bone (3) or testicular (2) metastases from adenocarcinoma of the prostate and malignant neoplasms other than adenocarcinoma of the prostate, including primary small-cell carcinoma (1), secondary embryonal carcinoma (1) and secondary mucinous adenocarcinoma (1) of the prostate were then examined. Since all but 2 (97%) specimens of BPH were obtained by transurethral resection (TUR), which might cause non-specific staining due to electro-mechanical effects, the tissue of BPH obtained by suprapubic prostatectomy were examined simultaneously, serving as a control for immunostaining. The normal tissues of various organs were never stained positively for gamma-Sm. Positive reactions of gamma Sm with this monoclonal antibody were recognized in the cytoplasms of urethral polyp with prostatic-type epithelium, bone or testicular metastases from adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The malignant neoplasms other than adenocarcinoma of the prostate examined in this study, were never stained positively. There was obviously evidence of non-specific staining in the TUR tissues of BPH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1993

[Method for evaluating pulmonary clearance in mice and its pharmacological applications].

The purpose of this study was to develop a method for evaluating pulmonary clearance in mice that inhaled aerosolized 99mTc-labeled human serum albumin (33mTc-HSA). Mice were ventilated with an aerosol of 99mTc-HSA for 10 min with an ultrasonic nebulizer in an acrylic chamber. Pulmonary clearance was estimated from lung retention ratio at various times after inhalation of 99mTc-HSA. Lung retention ratios in mice were 72.4 +/- 3.3% at 1 hr, 60.1 +/- 2.3% at 3 hr and 34.8 +/- 2.0% at 24 hr after inhalation of 99mTc-HSA, similar to the previous results obtained in humans by cinescintigraphy. The data were analyzed on the basis of two-compartment model. Mabuterol, a beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist, stimulated the pulmonary clearance. In contrast, metyrapone, an adrenal 11-beta steroid hydroxylase inhibitor, suppressed the clearance with a decreased corticosterone content in plasma. These findings suggest that the developed method is useful for evaluating the pharmacological effects on pulmonary clearance.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed1992

Localized cutaneous nocardiosis in Japan. A new case.

We report a case of localized cutaneous nocardiosis due to Nocardia asteroides, appearing on the anterior surface of the right forearm of a 29-year-old woman. Examination of the skin revealed a firm subcutaneous nodule measuring 32 x 20 mm and accompanied with a small ulcer. The histology of the lesion showed granulomatous changes interspersed with large numbers of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. On Gram staining, a few bacillary bodies were found scattered through the lesion, but no grains were detected. The classification of the clinical types of cutaneous nocardiosis is discussed, and the Japanese literature on localized cutaneous nocardiosis is examined.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

The comparison of sun protection factor values with different light sources.

Sun protection factors (SPFs) were evaluated with three light sources (sunlight, a xenon arc solar simulator, and fluorescent lamps) in indoor and outdoor studies. Two types of light, UV-A+B and UV+Visible, were obtained from the solar simulator. The untanned backs of twenty-four healthy male volunteers were used as test sites. A broad spectrum sunscreen containing SPF 6, according to the manufacturer, was used. The sunscreen tested was applied at 2 mg/cm2. The actual SPF values were 4.8 with sunlight, 6.0 with UV-A+B, 4.9 with UV+Visible, and 11.8 with fluorescent lamps. There were no significant differences between the SPF values with sunlight and those with the solar simulator; the SPF value for fluorescent lamps was significantly higher. The SPF with UV-A+B of the solar simulator was similar to that with sunlight; the use of this light served to reduce pain on tested subjects. Therefore, UV-A+B from the solar simulator seems to be the most appropriate artificial light source for evaluating sunscreens.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Angiokeratoma of the clitoris: a subtype of angiokeratoma vulvae.

A 24-year-old married woman had an angiokeratoma of the vulva measuring 3 x 3 x 4 mm localized at the clitoris. The nodule was noticed when she was pregnant with her first child. This tumor grew with occasional tenderness and bleeding during pregnancy, but its size did not change after delivery. The growth of this tumor might be attributable to an increase in venous pressure or serum progesterone levels; therefore this disorder might be classified as a subtype of angiokeratoma of the vulva. This is the first case of angiokeratoma localized at the clitoris.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Incidentally identified multiple low-intensity areas on T2-weighted images by MR imaging.

Multiple small lesions of low intensity on T2-weighted images identified by MR imaging were observed in four patients. There were no definite associations between the patients' clinical symptoms and the lesions. MR imaging showed multiple, small areas with slightly high and/or low-intensities on T1-weighted images, and low intensities on T2-weighted images. IN two patients these low intensity areas were increased in size with field echo images. These MR studies indicate that multiple ruptures and/or hemorrhagic infarctions of microaneurysms may occur in the brain without any clinical manifestations.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

[Anti-bacterial zeolite balloon catheter and its potential for urinary tract infection control].

We present here a production of anti-bacterial zeolite balloon catheter and investigated its potential for controlling urinary tract infection. This anti-bacterial balloon catheter showed a bactericidal effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in vitro studies. The antibacterial effects were correlated with the concentration of anti-bacterial zeolite and size of catheter. We tried this catheter for 11 various urological patients who needed a long-term indwelling of a balloon catheter for lower urinary tract obstruction and neurogenic bladder. All patients were already indwelled silicon balloon catheter for 3 to 6 months and suffered with complicated urinary tract infection. Nine patients who had this anti-bacterial zeolite balloon catheter indwelled for 3 to 7 months and exchanged every 2 to 4 weeks, and no patient was taking antibiotics during this trial. Two patients (22.2%) showed good results by the urinary tract infection (UTI) criteria and 5 patients (55.4%) showed good effects by doctor's judgment. This anti-bacterial zeolite balloon catheter might be useful for patients who need long-term balloon catheter indwelling.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

[Clinical study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from the urine of patients with urinary tract infections].

We studied the characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from the urine specimens of the patients with urinary tract infections (UTI), in the urological unit at Kitasato University Hospital, between April, 1989 and March, 1990. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in 8.0% of the total urine specimens (1.1% from outpatients, 6.9% from inpatients). Serotype of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was F (33%), G (17%), M (14%) and others (36%). In sensitivity tests, imipenem (IPM) had the lowest MIC among 8 antimicrobial agents tested, which were imipenem, piperacillin, cefsulodin, ceftazidime, aztreonam, gentamicin, amikacin, and ofloxacin with 5.0%, 82.0%, 74.0%, 69.0%, 92.0%, 67.0%, 79.0% and 82.0% resistant strains, respectively. Bladder cancer was the most common underlying disease in the urological patients with Pseudomonas infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is still an annoying problem in UTI among compromised patients suffering from advanced urinary tract malignancies.

Bacteriuria↗
PubMed1991

Inhibition spectra of solar urticaria: a case report and a review of the Japanese cases.

A 34-year-old Japanese female with solar urticaria is described, who had an episode of urticarial response when she was exposed to indoor fluorescent light first and sunlight later. The action spectrum was found to range from 480 to 520 nm with an inhibition spectrum above 650 nm in the visible light by both postirradiation and preirradiation. Injection of in vitro-irradiated serum did not produce an urticarial wheal on the patient. In the Japanese literature, 17 cases of solar urticaria with inhibition spectra have been reported. The wavelength of the inhibition spectrum was longer than that of the action spectrum in each case.

Adult↗