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Biomedical subjects

H Komatsu

Publications and source records attributed to H Komatsu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Increased permeability of phase-separated liposomal membranes with mixtures of ethanol-induced interdigitated and non-interdigitated structures.

It has been suggested by many workers using model membranes that the interdigitated structure formation, in which the acyl chains fully interpenetrate the hydrocarbon chains of the opposing monolayer, plays an important role in regulating many functions of biomembranes. In the present study the control of permeability was focused on as one of the biomembrane functions, and the effects of ethanol on the permeability of large unilamellar vesicles made by the extrusion technique (LUVET) (average diameter: about 250 nm), composed of dipalmitoyl or egg yolk phosphatidylcholines, were studied by monitoring the leakage of fluorescent dye, calcein, entrapped in the inner aqueous phase of the LUVET. The permeability was estimated from the apparent rate constant of calcein leakage at 25 degrees C. Large permeabilities were observed in the region of 0.6 M to 1.3 M ethanol, with a concentration dependence. In this range of ethanol concentrations the normal bilayer and interdigitated structure coexist and the membrane is in a phase-separated state. The large permeability is due to the instability of the boundary regions, the interdigitated membrane being characterized by a thinner structure and more rigid hydrocarbon regions in the layer than its non-interdigitated counter part. These results suggest the possibility of biomembrane-permeability regulation by interdigitated membrane formation.

Ethanol

Wound healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in rats and the effects of cimetidine and calcitonin, with special reference to prolylhydroxylase and collagenase enzyme activity.

The healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in rats and the effects of cimetidine and calcitonin were investigated with reference to the enzyme activity of both prolylhydroxylase and collagenase as related to histological findings. The rats were observed by endoscopy on the 3rd day after the subserosal injection of acetic acid; rats with ulcers were divided into three groups: non-treated, and cimetidine- and calcitonin-treated. The latter two groups were treated for 7 days. Prolylhydroxylase activity in active ulcers in the non-treated group was slightly higher on the 3rd day and significantly higher on the 10th day than the activity in control rats that had received subserosal injections of physiological saline solution on the respective days. In non-treated rats, the healed ulcer on the 10th day showed lower prolylhydroxylase activity than that in the active ulcer on the same day. Cimetidine did not affect prolylhydroxylase activity, but, with calcitonin, there was higher prolylhydroxylase activity in the healed than in the active ulcer, although the difference was not significant. Interstitial collagenase showed the highest activity on the 3rd day and decreased on the 10th day in non-treated rats. Collagenase activity was higher in the cimetidine-treated group, than that in the non-treated group, and numerous peroxidase-positive granulocytes were seen in the mucosa and submucosa. Calcitonin did not affect collagenase activity. The participation of both enzymes is indispensable in the healing process and the effects of anti-ulcer agents on these enzymes must be considered.

Acetates

Response to interferon therapy in children with chronic hepatitis C.

We evaluated the effect of interferon therapy and investigated factors that may influence the outcome in 18 children with chronic hepatitis C. A complete response was obtained in 10 children (56%). The titer for pretreatment serum virus ribonucleic acid (< or = 10(7) copies/ml) was correlated significantly with a complete response to therapy.

Alanine Transaminase

Clinicopathologic study of CD56 (NCAM)-positive angiocentric lymphoma occurring in sites other than the upper and lower respiratory tract.

The expression of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) (CD56, NKH-1) is a rare phenomenon in malignant lymphoma. Recently, several authors, including our group, described the clinicopathologic, phenotypic, and genotypic features of NCAM-positive tumors as a unique subgroup within a larger category of hematolymphoid malignancies. Ten cases of CD56+ angiocentric lymphoma occurring in sites other than the upper aerodigestive tract were studied for evaluating their characteristics. The disease occurred in six men and four women varying from 24 to 85 years (mean age, 53 years) who often exhibited a striking predilection for extranodal sites of involvement, such as the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and muscle, usually in the absence of peripheral lymphadenopathy. Although the cytologic appearances and immunophenotypic profile varied from case to case, these tumors often exhibited azurophilic granules, an angiocentric growth pattern, and surface CD3-, T-cell receptor (TCR) antigens-, and CD56+ phenotype without B-cell phenotype, except for a single case of CD3+, TCR alpha/beta+, and CD56+ phenotype. Genotype investigation exhibited germline configuration of the TCR beta and gamma chain genes and the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene in all five cases of surface CD3- phenotype examined, whereas the case of CD3+ phenotype showed rearrangement of TCR beta. They seem to constitute a distinct entity of the lineage spectrum spanning from natural killer (NK) cell to NK-like T cell.

Adult

The positive nuclear staining observed with monoclonal antibody against PRAD1/cyclin D1 correlates with mRNA expression in mantle cell lymphoma.

Recently, we produced a monoclonal antibody, 5D4, against the PRAD1/cyclin D1 product and suggested positive nuclear staining to be associated with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Now we have further characterized the specificity of this antibody and studied the relation of immunohistochemical detection to PRAD1/cyclin D1 mRNA expression and DNA rearrangement. Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting studies demonstrated the 5D4 antibody to be crossreactive with cyclin D2, but not cyclin D3. On immunostaining, 15 of 19 MCL cases (79%) presented the nuclear staining pattern and PRAD1/cyclin D1 mRNA expression was detected by Northern blot analysis in 12 of 15 MCL cases studied (80%): all cases with the mRNA expression showed the nuclear staining pattern. Southern blot analysis with 11q13 BCL-1 probes detected DNA rearrangements in 8 of 19 MCL cases (42%), all 8 exhibiting PRAD1/cyclin D1 mRNA expression. In 21 lymphoma cases of types other than MCL, neither the mRNA expression nor the nuclear staining were observed, although cytoplasmic staining was often apparent. These results indicated that positive nuclear staining of lymphoma cells by 5D4 antibody reflects PRAD1/cyclin D1 mRNA expression, and showed that this monoclonal antibody has diagnostic value for differentiating MCL from other types of lymphomas.

Animals

Ichthyosiform eruption in a patient with Dubowitz syndrome.

Dubowitz syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, microcephaly, moderate mental retardation, typical craniofacial anomalies, and eczematous skin lesions. We report a case of Dubowitz syndrome associated with ichthyosiform skin changes.

Child, Preschool

Pharmaceutical characterization of commercially available intravenous fat emulsions: estimation of average particle size, size distribution and surface potential using photon correlation spectroscopy.

Particle profiles such as the average diameter, size distribution and dispersion, as well as the zeta potential, of commercially available intravenous fat emulsions of high-calorie nutrient fluids (6 products) and drug carriers (4 products) were examined using photon correlation spectroscopy (dynamic light scattering). Wide variations were observed in number-weighted (dn), weight-weighted (dw) and z-average diameters, and dw/dn ratios as a measure of polydispersity. Average size is not sufficient for the pharmaceutical characterization of particles and the determination of size distribution or dw/dn value is essential for more precise information. Although measuring the zeta potential of fat emulsions is of considerable value in estimating their stability on long-term storage, a medium which accurately reflects the environment of the droplets in the system of interest should be chosen when diluting the emulsion.

Absorptiometry, Photon

[Benefits and adverse effects of post-operative radiation therapy after radical cystectomy for patients with advanced bladder cancer].

BACKGROUND: The benefits and adverse effects of post-operative irradiation for advanced bladder cancer patients were investigated. METHODS: Ten patients with pT3b, pT4 or pN+ bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy at Yamanashi Medical University hospital during 7 years and 3 months from October 1983 to December 1991 received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy (Group 1). During the same period, six patients with recurrent tumor after radical cystectomy were treated by radiotherapy (Group II). Stages of the primary tumors were pT2 in 1, pT3a in 2, pT3b in 6 and pT4 in 7 cases. In addition, 10 of 16 patients (63%) had positive nodes. RESULTS: During the follow up period, seven patients died of cancer, and one died of other cause. As a result eight patients (5 in Group I, 3 in Group II) are alive. The cumulative 5-year survival rate is 50%. However, nine of the 16 patients (56%) suffered from the small bowel obstruction as an adverse effect of irradiation. Six patients required resection of the small bowel or bypass surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation after radical cystectomy seemed to be effective for the local control of the tumor, but the adverse effect to the digestive system was very severe and common.

Aged

[Successful surgical treatment of total cavopulmonary connection on a 4-year-old boy with complete transposition of the great arteries and hypoplastic left ventricle].

A four-year-old boy with complete transposition of the great arteries, intact ventricular septum and hypoplastic left ventricle, underwent total cavopulmonary connection after two palliative operations; B-T shunt and central shunt. He had undergone cardiac catheterization three times; four months after birth, and at two and four years of age. LVEDV (% normal) were calculated 31%, 26%, 27%, and RVEDV (% normal) were 226%, 115%, 105% respectively. PA index increased from 178 to 230 and further to 380. This case indicates that intracardiac repair is possible, if appropriate palliative operations suitable for patient's cardiac function and pulmonary artery morphology are applied.

Cardiac Catheterization

[A case report of the atypical tuberculosis associated with AIDS].

A 49-year-old Japanese male who had been imprisoned for five years then lived with other men complained of fever, constitutional symptoms and a 12 kg weight loss over four-month period. He was referred to us as his gastric washings were positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). Chest X-ray showed patchy, infiltrative small shadows primarily in the right upper lung field without hilar adenopathy. Before transfer to our hospital, tuberculosis chemotherapy composed of SM, INH, RFP and PZA was initiated. Over the next three weeks, fever dropped, and the above described abnormal shadows on the chest X-ray improved, leaving small cystic lesions. Although a sputum smear was negative for AFB, M. tuberculosis was isolated from cultured samples and sensitive to all standard anti-tuberculous drugs. AFB were also demonstrated on a touch imprint of biopsied cervical lymph nodes. Sputum samples turned negative one month later both on smear and culture. Moreover, high fever developed and another abnormal shadow indicative of Pneumocystis carinii (PCP) appeared in the left lung field one month after the admission. White plaque was noted in the oral cavity. Dark red nodules were observed on the upper extremities and chest wall, and diagnosed histologically as Kaposi's sarcoma. Serologic testing for HIV was positive both by PA and Western blot methods, thus AIDS was diagnosed according to the CDC surveillance case definition for AIDS with the diagnosis of tuberculosis. The patient died of wasting syndrome on the 90th hospital day. On autopsy, small thin-walled cavities were observed in the right upper lung, correlating with earlier X-ray and CT findings.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections

[A comparative study of the effect of granisetron and a combination of granisetron plus steroids on cancer chemotherapy induced emesis].

Effects of 40 micrograms/kg of granisetron monotherapy (K group) and concurrent therapy with a steroid (KS group) on acute and delayed emesis induced by cancer chemotherapy which included CDDP at a dose of 60 mg/m2 or more were compared in random clinical trials under the central registration method. In KS group, either 500 mg of methylprednisolone succinate or 8 mg of dexamethasone phosphate was given prior to granisetron administration. Clinical symptoms such as vomiting, nausea and anorexia were better in KS group than in K group, on any day from day 1 to day 7, and there was a statistically significant difference on day 1 and day 2. The cumulative total control rate throughout the period of seven days was also significantly higher in KS group. KS group was rated higher in the final clinical evaluation based on doctor's impressions, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Augmented antiemetic effect of granisetron by concurrent therapy with a steroid was most notably demonstrated in male patients under 60 years of age. The antiemetic effect at the acute stage was proven to influence the final clinical effectiveness, thus suggesting the importance of antiemetic therapy of acute emesis. Adverse reactions were seen in two out of 122 patients (1.6%). They were slight headache and moderate diarrhea in 1 case each, both of which disappeared soon, confirming the high safety profile of granisetron.

Adult

Effect of glass ionomer manipulation on early fluoride release.

PURPOSE: To determine the amount of fluoride released from several glass ionomer products [Fuji Cap II, Fuji Ionomer Type II, Ketac-Silver, Chelon-Silver, and Miracle Mix (hand-mixed and encapsulated)], and to compare them between triturated (5, 10, 15 seconds) encapsulated and hand-mixed glass ionomers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The amount of fluoride released at 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after the start of immersion in deionized-distilled water at 37 degrees C was determined with a fluoride ion selective electrode. Rates of fluoride release and cumulative amounts of fluoride release were calculated. RESULTS: Each glass ionomer released the greatest amount of fluoride during the first 24-hour period. Although there was some variation between products, generally the hand-mixed specimens released significantly (P < 0.05) less fluoride than those prepared by mechanical trituration (10 and 15 seconds). The cumulative amounts of fluoride released from the mechanically triturated glass ionomers were significantly (P < 0.05) greater than the amounts released from the hand-mixed glass ionomers. No significant differences in the cumulative amounts of fluoride released from triturated materials were found among the different trituration times.

Analysis of Variance

[Effects of thromboxane on pulmonary arterial response to platelet activating factor in rabbit].

The aim of this study is to clarify whether thromboxane mediates hemodynamic and airway changes induced by PAF in rabbits. Rabbits were divided into 4 groups. In No group rabbits (n = 5), PAF was intravenously injected. In Indo group rabbits (n = 5), indomethacin was infused intravenously 20 min prior to PAF administration. In KT2 group rabbits (n = 4), selective thromboxane antagonist; KT2-962, or in CV group rabbits (n = 3), selective PAF antagonist; CV6209 was injected intravenously 5 min prior to PAF administration. After PAF administration, pulmonary arterial and airway pressures increased transiently, and blood pressure, and leukocyte as well as platelet counts decreased. These hemodynamic and airway changes induced by PAF were almost totally blocked by CV6209 administration, but not by indomethacin and KT2-962 administrations. Similarly, decreases in leukocyte and platelet counts induced by PAF were blocked by CV6209 and KT2-962, but not by indomethacin. We conclude that thromboxane does not mediate hemodynamic and airway changes induced by PAF. PAF is likely to directly induce these changes.

Airway Resistance

[Effects of ulinastatin on postoperative renal function after cardiopulmonary bypass].

The effects of ulinastatin on postoperative renal function after the open cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were studied. N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase in urine as a marker of tubular function and serum creatinine rose significantly after CPB in the control group but not in the ulinastatin group. Ulinastatin was considered to be effective in protection of tubular function after CPB. In patient with poor preoperative renal function, ulinastatin prevented the deterioration of postoperative renal function by protecting tubular function.

Acute Kidney Injury

Primary pulmonary lymphoma: relationship between clinical features and pathologic findings in 24 cases. The Japan National Chest Hospital Study Group for Lung Cancer.

To elucidate the relationship between the clinical features and pathologic findings of primary pulmonary lymphoma, we reviewed 24 patients with this disease. The pulmonary lymphomas were divided into four groups: (1) B-cell lymphoma composed of small to medium-sized lymphoid cells (19 cases); (2) B-cell lymphoma composed of large lymphoid cells (three cases); (3) T-cell lymphoma (one case); (4) malignant lymphoma of lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) type (one case). Radiographs of the first group revealed a predominance of infiltration associated with ill-defined tumor margins upon gross pathology, corresponding histologically to lymphangitic spread. Air bronchogram and pleural tail or abutment were additional radiographic features. Characteristics of the second group were a nodule or mass evident on radiographs and well-circumscribed tumor margins upon gross pathology. Lack of air bronchogram was an another radiographic feature in this group. Seventeen patients in these two groups underwent complete resection of the tumors and survived without recurrence, whereas four received chemotherapy after biopsy and survived with disease. These results indicate that primary pulmonary B-cell lymphoma is a low-grade malignancy and that complete resection is the only therapy which leads to cure. In a single patient with T-cell lymphoma, the radiographic and pathologic features of the tumor were indistinguishable from those in the first group, but the patient had an unfavorable prognosis. We consider that, from a prognostic viewpoint, it is important to determine the T- or B-immunophenotype of the tumor cells for diagnosis of primary pulmonary lymphoma. The only patient in this series with pulmonary lymphoma of LYG type showed distinctive clinicopathologic findings. We consider that this uncommon disease should be separated from other types of primary pulmonary lymphoma.

Adolescent

Scintigraphic changes in bone metastasis from prostate cancer after hormonal therapy--comparison with tumor markers and bone X-ray.

Bone scintigraphy is often performed to assess the response to systemic therapy of bone metastasis from prostate cancer. We examined the changes in bone scintigraphic findings and the agreement with AIP, AcP, or other tumor markers measured in the follow-up of patients with known bone metastasis after hormonal therapy. Out of 32 patients, 22 (69%) showed improved scintigraphic findings on the first follow-up bone scintigraphy after hormonal therapy. However, 7 out of 22 patients who showed improvement on the first follow-up scintigraphy, deteriorated thereafter. Changes in the scintigraphic findings were closely correlated with those in the measured tumor markers except for patients with small bone metastasis. Though there were no significant differences in the agreement ratios of the 6 tumor markers evaluated, AIP might be a practical and acceptable indicator. Bone X-ray findings did not change at all in almost half of the cases though the scintigraphic findings showed improvement or deterioration.

Acid Phosphatase

Japanese doctors' preferred treatment choices for their hypothetical non-small cell lung cancer: how they would wish to be treated. National Chest Hospital Study Group for Lung Cancer.

We conducted a trial to clarify what Japanese clinical doctors think about the present status of therapy for non-small cell lung cancer, as well as to clarify which problems are still unresolved. One-hundred five Japanese doctors who treat lung cancer patients were asked how they would choose to be treated, if they suffered from non-small cell lung cancer. Six scenarios were presented and the doctors had to choose one treatment method for each of the six scenarios. Adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy after complete resection, increase with progression of the pathological stage. Ninety-three per cent of Japanese doctors wanted surgery, even if mediastinal lymph node metastases were present. In the scenario of only one distant metastasis to the brain, 44% of doctors wanted surgery while 39% wanted chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. In the scenario of multiple bone metastases, 33% wanted chemotherapy, 77% did not. It was concluded therefore that Japanese doctors choose surgery as the number one treatment modality when all lesions are considered resectable.

Adult