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Biomedical subjects

A Suga

Publications and source records attributed to A Suga.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Ketamine infusion therapy for refractory neuralgia in spinal disease: report of two cases].

We report two cases of refractory pain in a spinal disease. One case was a 60-year-old male who presented intractable pain in bilateral upper extremities after anterior fusion (C5/6, 6/7) for cervical spondylosis. The other was a 63-year-old female who also had intractable pain in the left anterio-lateral chest wall with no remarkable past history. Both cases were refractory to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or minor tranquilizer or local anesthesia with bupivacaine. However, their pain was significantly relieved by the intravenous administration of a test dose (5mg) of ketamine which is a noncompetitive blocker of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. As for case 1, the effect of the injection of the test dose lasted, so continuing infusion therapy of ketamine was cancelled. In case 2, recurrence of the pain was recognized gradually. She underwent continuing infusion therapy of 2mg/kg of ketamine, and it brought about continued pain relief. We conclude that ketamine infusion therapy should also be considered for therapy of refractory neuralgia in spinal disease.

Analgesics↗

Increased uncoupling protein-2 and -3 gene expressions in skeletal muscle of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic animals are vulnerable to cold stress. Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) play an important role in regulating thermogenesis. We investigated the gene expressions of UCPs in brown adipose tissue (BAT), white adipose tissue (WAT), liver and gastrocnemius muscle of STZ-diabetic rats using Northern blot. UCP-1, -2 and -3 mRNA expressions in BAT were all remarkably lower in STZ-diabetic rats than those in control rats. Both UCP-2 and -3 gene expressions in gastrocnemius muscle were substantially elevated in STZ-diabetic rats and insulin treatment restored UCP gene expressions to normal levels. These results suggest that in STZ-diabetic rats, the overexpression of UCP-2 and UCP-3 in skeletal muscle provides a defense against hypothermogenesis caused by decreased UCPs in BAT.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗

Studies on nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists. II. Synthesis and biological evaluation of 5H-pyrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazole derivatives with a C-linked oxygen functional group at the 6-position.

2,7-Diethyl-5H-pyrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for activity as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Replacement of the C-6 hydrogen with C-linked oxygen functional groups led to derivatives with increased in vitro activities. Among these compounds, 2,7-diethyl-5-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-5H- pyrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazole-6-carboxylic acid (2d) showed potent, insurmountable antagonism, but had poor oral potency against angiotensin II-induced pressor response in rats. In order to improve the oral activity, the carboxylic acid function of 2d was converted into a double ester. This modification afforded (+/-)-1-[(ethoxycarbonyl)oxy]ethyl 2,7-diethyl-5-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-5H- pyrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]-triazole-6-carboxylate (2f), which was orally active in rats, and produced a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure when administered orally to conscious furosemide-treated dogs, with ca. 3-fold increased potency in comparison with the parent C-6 hydrogen compound.

Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists↗

Studies on nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists. I. Synthesis and biological evaluation of pyrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazole derivatives with alkyl substituents.

Alkyl-substituted pyrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for activity as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Molecules with the (methylbiphenylyl)tetrazole moiety and N-5 were the preferred compounds. Ethyl substitutions at both C-2 and C-7 resulted in the optimal compound, 2,7-diethyl-5-[[2"-(1H -tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-5H-pyrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]tria zole (5n), with a pA2 value of 8.774 in rabbit aorta. In the in vivo tests, 5n inhibited the angiotensin II-induced pressor response in rats after oral administration. This compound also produced a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure when administered orally to conscious furosemide-treated dogs, having a longer duration of action as compared to DuP753. These data suggest that 5a may be a useful agent for the treatment of angiotensin II-dependent disease, such as hypertension.

Administration, Oral↗

Studies on nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists. III. Synthesis and biological evaluation of 5-alkylidene-3,5-dihydro-4H-imidazol-4-one derivatives.

5-Alkylidene-3,5-dihydro-4H-imidazol-4-one derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for activity as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Substitutions at C-2 and C-5, respectively, with a propyl group and a 1-methylethylidene group resulted in the optimal compound, 3,5-dihydro-5-(1-methylethylidene)-2-propyl-3-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol - 5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-4H-imidazol-4-one (2b), with a pA2 value of 8.85 in rabbit aorta. When administered orally to rats, 2b showed a greater inhibitory effect on angiotensin II-induced pressor response than DuP 753. Compound 2b also showed a good antihypertensive effect when administered orally to conscious sodium-depleted spontaneously hypertensive rats, with a duration of action of 24 h. These data suggest that 2b may be a useful agent for the treatment of angiotensin II-dependent diseases such as hypertension.

Angiotensin II↗

Studies on nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists. IV. Synthesis and biological evaluation of 4-acrylamide-1H-imidazole derivatives.

A novel series of nonpeptide angiotensin II antagonists containing the acrylamide group at the 4-position of the imidazole ring was synthesized and their antagonistic activity was examined by functional assay in rabbit aorta. The acrylamide group was selected as a large lipophilic surrogate for the chloro group of EXP3174. A structure-activity relationship study of the acrylamide moiety has shown that substitution at the 4-position with the N-methyl-3,3-dimethylacrylamide group resulted in the optimal compound, 2-butyl-4-[(3,3-dimethylacryloyl)methyl-amino]-1-[[2'-(1H-tetra zol-5- yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid (1), which was superior to EXP3174 in vitro. Since 1 showed only poor activity against angiotensin II-induced pressor response in rats after oral administration, the carboxylic acid function of 1 was converted into prodrug esters (13). Among these, the 1-[(ethoxycarbonyl)oxy]ethyl ester (13a) showed the most potent and longest-lasting activity when given orally to rats. When administered orally to conscious furosemide-treated dogs, 13a showed an approximately 3-fold increased hypotensive activity in comparison with DuP 753. These data suggest that 13a may be an useful agent for the treatment of angiotensin II-dependent diseases, such as hypertension.

Acrylamides↗

[Urolithiasis associated with Crohn's disease: a case report].

We report a case of urolithiasis caused by surgical treatment for Crohn's disease. A 28-year-old woman was referred to our department for further examination of renal stones from the medical department in September, 1995. She suffered from Crohn's disease and had a history of jejuno-ileal resection because of perforation of the ileum in 1988. Radiographs revealed multiple bilateral renal stones, and the urine oxalate concentration was elevated. She was treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and the administration of sodium bicarbonate and citrate, but these treatments did not prevent recurrence and enlargement of stones. Renal function was gradually worsened and we performed transurethral lithotomy and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. The stones were mainly composed of oxalate calcium monohydrate. A renal biopsy was performed at the operation, showing deposition of crystals in almost all renal tubules. Diet therapy (low oxalate and low fat) and the administration of sodium bicarbonate and citrate were performed strictly and recurrence was not recognized 10 months after complete removal of the stones.

Adult↗

Transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis with vena caval tumor thrombus.

We report a case of transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis with vena caval tumor thrombus. To our knowledge only 14 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis protruding into the vena cava have been reported. The literature regarding these cases is reviewed, and the differential diagnosis of this tumor from renal cell carcinoma is discussed.

Carcinoma, Transitional Cell↗

Effect of oral adsorbent AST-120 on cyclosporin absorption in rats.

The oral adsorbent AST-120 is used to inhibit the progression of renal failure by adsorbing uraemic toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. When AST-120 is administered to patients receiving immunosuppressive medicines, it is important to study the effect of AST-120 on the amount of these and other drugs absorbed. We have, therefore, studied the in-vitro adsorption of cyclosporin by AST-120 and investigated the effect of oral administration of AST-120 on the absorption of cyclosporin in rats. The in-vitro adsorption ratios of AST-120 for cyclosporin were more than 80%. When pure cyclosporin powder was administered with AST-120, blood cyclosporin concentrations were significantly higher than when cyclosporin was administered alone. When cyclosporin dissolved in medium-chain triglyceride was administered to rats by intramuscular injection there was no significant difference in the blood cyclosporin concentration of rats given combined AST-120 and cyclosporin and those given cyclosporin alone. There was no significant difference between the serum concentration of total bile acids, in rats receiving combined oral AST-120 and cyclosporin dissolved in olive oil, and those receiving orally solely a solution of cyclosporin dissolved in olive oil. These results suggest that oral administration of AST-120 accelerates the absorption of orally administered cyclosporin from the gastrointestinal tract and does not affect the metabolism of cyclosporin. When a solution of cyclosporin in olive oil is administered orally, however, oral administration of AST-120 has no influence on cyclosporin absorption and does not affect the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids.

Absorption↗

[Decrease of nosocomial bacteremia and nosocomial pneumonia after introduction of preventive measures of hospital infection].

In the early 1980's methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was reported as a major pathogenic organism of geriatric hospital infection in Japan. At the same time in the A geriatric hospital MRSA infection was prevalent. To decrease nosocomial infections some active preventive measures against hospital infection were taken since Oct. 1991. About a year before introduction of prevention of hospital infection in the geriatric ward (190 beds) of A hospital 193 episodes of nosocomial bacteremia were observed. However a year after introduction of preventive measures episodes of nosocomial bacteremia were decreased to less than a half (45.6%) in comparison to the number before introduction of prevention. As a causative organism gram-positive bacteria including MRSA were markedly decreased. Major portals of entry of bacteremia (74.9%) were urinary-tract system, intravenous hyperalimentation (IVH) catheter, and pressure sores. MRSA-positive pressure sores were decreased to 20.4% of those before prevention. On the other hand 87 episodes of nosocomial pneumonia were observed before prevention. However a year after introduction of preventive measures episodes of nosocomial pneumonia were decreased to less than a half (44.8%) in comparison to the number before introduction of prevention. After prevention MRSA and mixed infection of P. aeruginosa and MRSA were markedly decreased. The decrease of bacteremia and nosocomial pneumonia were caused by cleaning hands, the preventive measures for decrease and improvement of pressure sores, cleaning the upper respiratory tract for prevention of lower respiratory-tract infection cleaning floors and education of the staff, etc.

Adult↗

[Clinical study of radiation pneumonitis over 10 years].

We studied clinical aspects of radiation pneumonitis from 1983 to 1992. Fifty seven patients admitted to our hospital because of lung cancer were treated with radiotherapy, and radiation pneumonitis developed in 20 (35.1%). The incidence of radiation pneumonitis was closely related to male sex, chronic obstructive lung disease, and chemotherapy. Pneumonitis was not related to age, or to the area or amount of radiation. Eighteen cases (90%) of pneumonitis occurred during or within one month after radiotherapy. In all but five cases (25%), pneumonitis was limited to the area of radiation. Treatment was mainly with steroids. In 4 cases (20%), pneumonitis recurred when steroid therapy was reduced, and five patients (10%) died.

Aged↗

Predictive factors for the histologic nature of residual tumor mass after chemotherapy in patients with advanced testicular cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To further improve the accuracy of the prediction of histologic findings in the residual mass after chemotherapy in patients with metastatic germ cell tumors, various predictive factors were investigated. METHODS: A total of 23 patients with advanced testicular cancer underwent combination chemotherapy based on cisplatin following surgical removal of residual tumor mass in 20 patients and observation in 3. RESULTS: Complete fibrosis and/or necrosis was found in 6 (30%) operative specimens, teratoma in 3 (15%), and viable malignant tumor in 11 (55%). Three patients had no evidence of disease for a mean follow-up of 45 months. Five of the 6 patients and all of the 11 patients' results could be predicted by a combination of 4 factors, including absence of teratomatous element in the primary tumor, greater than 85% tumor reduction rate after chemotherapy, normal alpha-fetoprotein and beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin levels after chemotherapy, and actual half-life of alpha-fetoprotein less than 7 days. Among these factors the tumor reduction rate and the actual half-life of alpha-fetoprotein were the most important predictions statistically on multivariate analysis. With the use of these criteria, the sensitivity rate, specificity rate, and overall predictive value of diagnosis for existence of viable malignant tumors were 83.3%, 100%, and 94.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: By determining these factors it seems possible to avoid surgical removal of the postchemotherapy residual mass in approximately 30% of patients with advanced metastatic testicular cancer.

Adult↗

A "bubble-tip" (Airguide) tracheal tube system: its effects on incidence of epistaxis and ease of tube advancement in the subglottic region during nasotracheal intubation.

Epistaxis and tubal obstruction in the subglottic region are difficulties encountered during nasotracheal intubation. Trauma to the nasal airway must be avoided, especially in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy. In addition, smooth passage of the tracheal tube through the larynx is desired. The tip of an Airguide tracheal tube system has a soft, round, glossy balloon head which should be less traumatic to the nasal mucosa than other more commonly used tubes. We, therefore, determined whether the Airguide reduces the incidence of epistaxis and increases smooth passage of the tracheal tube in the subglottic region during nasotracheal intubation. Sixty-six patients were divided into two groups, Airguide (n = 39) and Standard (n = 27). Each group was divided into two subgroups, topical epinephrine application as a mucosal decongestant and non-epinephrine. The incidences of epistaxis and smooth passage were compared between the two groups. The Airguide group had a significantly lower incidence of epistaxis (9/39 vs 13/26; P < 0.05; bleeding was not checked in one patient in the Standard group) and provided a significantly smoother passage in the subglottic region than the Standard group (tube impingement in the subglottic region, 0/39 vs 11/27; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the incidence of epistaxis between the subgroups with and without topical application of epinephrine. The Airguide helps to minimize epistaxis and increases navigability in the subglottic region during nasotracheal intubation.

Epistaxis↗

Determination of the distance between the laryngoscope blade and the upper incisors during direct laryngoscopy: comparisons of a curved, an angulated straight, and two straight blades.

We compared visibility and dental complications from a variety of blades during tracheal intubation. Ninety-eight patients who received tracheal intubation were enrolled. They were divided into two groups: Study 1 (n = 50) and Study 2 (n = 48). Four laryngoscopic evaluations were planned for each patient using Miller and Wisconsin straight blades with different heel heights, a Macintosh curved blade, and a Belscope angulated straight blade (Study 1: Miller No. 3, Wisconsin No. 3, Macintosh No. 4, and Belscope medium; and Study 2: Miller No. 2, Wisconsin No. 2, Macintosh No. 3, and Belscope medium, respectively). All laryngoscopies were performed by the same anesthesiologist. The distance between the blade and the upper central incisors was measured when the optimum visibility of the glottis was obtained. The visibility was determined according to the Cormack and Lehane grading. Analysis of the distance between the blade and upper incisors was performed using the results of the 44 patients (166 distances) in Study 1 and the 48 patients (181 distances) in Study 2 who had a visibility of two or better. The Belscope blade provided a significantly greater visual field than the other types of blade. Two patients sustained a fracture of the central incisor and subluxation of the central incisor, respectively, during laryngoscopy in which a Wisconsin blade was used. The average incidence of dental injury was 1/191. The Belscope blade may contribute to a reduced likelihood of upper dental injuries during laryngoscopy.

Adult↗

[Clinical study of sonography and percutaneous nephrostomy in pyonephrosis].

Sonography and percutaneous nephrostomy (PNS) were performed on 16 patients with pyonephrosis and the following results were obtained. Sonography revealed a dilated collecting system in all cases within which, however, neither debris nor gas was observed in any case, the pelvocaliceal system appeared hypoechoic in 2 cases and anechoic in 14 cases. From the clinical symptoms and the dilated collecting system demonstrated by sonography, pyonephrosis was diagnosed in 14 cases. The purulent fluid aspirated from the collecting system confirmed the diagnosis in all cases. The clinical condition was stabilized by PNS and antibacterial therapy in all cases. However, in 5 of the patients with pyrexia for more than 6 days before PNS, sepsis developed in 3 cases and pyrexia continued for more than 3 days after the treatment in 4 cases. The affected 11 kidneys showing recovery of renal function following PNS were all salvaged by elective surgery. These findings suggest that prompt diagnosis by needle aspiration is necessary, even in the absence of any sonographically characteristic findings, whenever pyonephrosis is suspected. Our experience suggests that PNS is a useful therapeutic procedure for pyonephrosis.

Adult↗