Confirmation of mother-to-child transmission of TT virus.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Child, Preschool↗
Biomedical subjects
H Tajiri
Publications and source records attributed to H Tajiri.
Combination effect of photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy on experimental skin squamous cell carcinoma in C3H/HeN mice.
We studied a combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) for improving tumoricidal effects in a transplantable mouse squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) model. Two sensitizers were utilized: the pheophorbide-a derivative PH-1126, which is a newly developed photosensitizer, and the gallium porphyrin analogue ATX-70, a commonly used sonosensitizer. Mice were injected with either PH-1126 or ATX-70 i.p. at doses of 5 or 10 mg/kg.bw. At 24 (ATX-70) or 36 hr (PH-1126) (time of optimum drug concentration in the tumor) after injection, SCCs underwent laser light irradiation (88 J/cm2 of 575 nm for ATX-70; 44J/cm2 of 650 nm for PH-1126) (PDT), ultrasound irradiation (0.51 W/cm2 at 1.0 MHz for 10 minutes) (SDT), or a combination of the two treatments. The combination of PDT and SDT using either PH-1126 or ATX-70 as a sensitizer resulted in significantly improved inhibition of tumor growth (92-98%) (additive effect) as compared to either single treatment (27-77%). The combination using PH-1126 resulted in 25% of the treated mice being tumor free at 20 days after treatment. Moreover, the median survival period (from irradiation to death) of PDT + SDT-treated mice (> 120 days) was significantly greater than that in single treatment groups (77-95 days). Histological changes revealed that combination therapy could induce tumor necrosis 2-3 times as deep as in either of the single modalities. The combination of PDT and SDT could be very useful for treatment of non-superficial or nodular tumors.
Animals↗
Verrucous carcinoma of the esophagus completely resected by endoscopy.
Verrucous carcinoma of the esophagus is a very rare esophageal cancer. We present a case of verrucous carcinoma of the esophagus, the 14th such case reported. In contrast to the previous cases, our patient had no symptoms and did not have a history of severe or repeated injury of the esophagus. The patient was completely resected by endoscopy and was well after 3 yr of follow-up, without recurrence of the disease.
Adult↗
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy for esophageal carcinoma patients with malignant fistulae.
BACKGROUND: It remains controversial whether chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are/is contraindicated for esophageal carcinoma patients with malignant fistulae. In some case reports, closure of fistulae by chemotherapy or radiotherapy has been reported. The current study investigated chemoradiotherapy for these patients using various primary treatments to manage the pulmonary complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of chemoradiotherapy for patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma with malignant fistulae. METHODS: Patients with endoscopically or radiologically confirmed fistulae were treated with concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Closure of fistulae was assessed by esophagography or endoscopy. Oral food intake also was assessed before and after treatment. RESULTS: Of 202 esophageal carcinoma patients treated at National Cancer Center Hospital East between July 1992 and May 1998, 24 patients (11.9%) developed malignant fistulae. Twelve patients developed fistulae before treatment and the remaining patients developed fistulae during treatment. Closure of the fistulae after chemoradiotherapy was observed in 17 of these patients (70.8%), and 16 of these 17 patients (94.1%) had oral alimentation restored after successful treatment. The median survival time from the diagnosis of the fistula for all patients with fistulae was 198 days; in the patients whose fistulae were present before chemoradiotherapy, the median survival time was 238 days. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the presence of malignant fistulae does not contraindicate chemoradiotherapy. Once the inflammation due to the fistula has been controlled, chemoradiotherapy should be utilized because it may provide the best chance for survival and palliation of severe dysphagia.
Adult↗
Protein kinase C-dependent anti-apoptotic mechanism that is associated with high sensitivity to anti-Fas antibody in ovarian cancer cell lines.
We compared the sensitivities to apoptosis via anti-Fas antibody of two human ovarian cancer cell lines, NOS4 and SKOV-3, both of which strongly express the Fas antigen on their cell surface. Treatment with anti-Fas antibody induced extensive DNA fragmentation in NOS4 cells but none in SKOV-3 cells. However; both cell lines underwent apoptosis in response to calcium ionophore A23187 or sphingomyelinase, demonstrating that the latter cell line is capable of DNA fragmentation. DNA fragmentation was not induced in either cell line by treatment with PKC activator PMA, however treatment with protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor H-7 induced extensive DNA fragmentation in NOS4 cells, but again none in SKOV-3 cells. Protein kinase A inhibitor HA1004 treatment did not induce DNA fragmentation in either cell line. Correspondingly, treatment of cells with PMA before anti-Fas antibody or A23187 treatment partially inhibited induction of DNA fragmentation in NOS4 cells but not in SKOV-3 cells. Both NOS4 and SKOV-3 cell lines expressed isozymes of PKC at comparable levels. These results suggest the presence of a PKC-dependent anti-apoptotic mechanism in association with high sensitivity to anti-Fas antibody in these ovarian cancer cell lines.
1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗
Tumor-enhancement effect of a Mn3+ metalloporphyrin derivative (ATN-4T) in magnetic resonance imaging.
Magnetic resonance imaging is routinely used for tumor recognition in cancer diagnosis. The tumor image-enhancing characteristics of ATN-4T (THF-Mn-Asp), a Mn3+ metalloporphyrin derivative, were evaluated in rabbits. ATN-4T (10 mM) was diluted in gelatin to final concentrations ranging from 100 to 1 microM. Increasing concentrations of ATN-4T resulted in higher signal intensities. VX2 (squamous cell carcinoma) tumor-bearing rabbits were injected with 50 micromol/kg ATN-4T intravenously and T1 -weighted images were recorded continuously. Tumor images were compared with images of surrounding muscle tissue. T1-weighted images from ATN-4T-treated rabbits showed a marked enhancement of tumor contrast from 30 to 240 min postinjection. Microscopic examination revealed that carcinoma cells were scattered throughout the high contrast area of the tumor and were not seen in the surrounding muscles. ATN-4T appears useful for enhancing the intensity of tumors imaged by magnetic resonance.
Animals↗
Inhibition of complement-mediated immune hemolysis by peptides derived from the constant domain of immunoglobulin.
High-dose administration of intravenous immunoglobulin is reported to be useful for inhibiting complement-dependent immune cytolysis. We have found that, among the proposed C1q-binding sites of the Fc portion of human IgG1, only residues 282-292 inhibited pig red blood cell lysis by human serum. Moreover, a hexadecemeric multiple antigen peptide of residues 282-292 from IgG showed significantly greater activity in suppressing complement-mediated immune cytolysis and can be used in place of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin, which is extracted from donors and thus is expensive.
Complement C1q↗
Microwave Spectrum and Molecular Conformation of delta-Valerolactam.
Microwave rotational spectra for normal and N-deuterated species of delta-valerolactam (2-piperidinone) were observed in the frequency range from 8 to 40 GHz. The spectra of the ground vibrational states for two isotopic species and the excited vibrational states for normal species were assigned, and the rotational constants (MHz) in ground vibrational state were determined using the Watson A-reduced Hamiltonian: A = 4590.96(11), B = 2495.03(2), C = 1731.06(2) for normal species and A = 4436.79(13), B = 2484.49(1), C = 1703.83(1) for deuterated species, respectively. The comparison of the rotational constants and r(s) coordinates of the imino hydrogen atom with ones from the ab initio MO calculation at the MP2/6-31G(d, p) level of theory led to the conclusion that the spectra assigned were due to a half-chair conformer. One vibrationally excited state was observed and its vibrational frequency was 95(64) cm(-1). Copyright 1999 Academic Press.
Journal Article↗
Genetic alterations in the JAG1 gene in Japanese patients with Alagille syndrome.
Alagille syndrome (AGS) is a congenital anomaly syndrome that affects liver, heart, pulmonary artery, eyes, face, and skeleton. Recently, mutations of the JAG1 gene, which encodes a ligand for the Notch receptor, have been identified in AGS patients. We investigated the JAG1 gene for genetic alterations in eight Japanese AGS patients, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, and direct sequencing. Subtle genetic alterations were identified in six of the eight patients, including three frameshift mutations, two splice donor mutations, and one nonsense mutation. All alleles with identified mutations can be expected to produce non-functional truncated proteins without a transmembrane domain. There was no apparent correlation between the genotypes of the patients and their affected organs, although the phenotypes of the patients with mutations at the splice donor site were found to be less severe.
Alagille Syndrome↗
Cloning of translocation breakpoints associated with Shwachman syndrome and identification of a candidate gene.
Shwachman syndrome is an autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, bone-marrow dysfunction, and metaphyseal chondrodysplasia. A de novo balanced translocation was recently documented in a patient with this disease. Toward isolating the gene(s) responsible for Shwachman syndrome, we cloned and sequenced the translocation breakpoints in the DNA of this patient. The nucleotide sequences around the breakpoints contained neither repetitive elements nor motifs reported to be implicated in recombination events, although we did detect gains or losses of oligonucleotides at the translocation junctions. By large-scale genomic sequencing and in silico gene trapping, we identified two novel transcripts in the vicinity of the breakpoints that might represent candidate genes for Shwachman syndrome, one on chromosome 6 and the other on chromosome 12. The gene on chromosome 12 was actually disrupted by the translocation.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Antibacterial activity of multiple antigen peptides homologous to a loop region in human lactoferrin.
An 11-residue peptide (FQWQRNMRKVR) homologous to just over half the loop region of human lactoferricin is thought to be responsible for antimicrobial properties of human lactoferricin. Multiple antigen peptides (MAP) of the 11-residue peptide exerted significant antibacterial effects against a broad spectrum of bacteria including MRSA. More than eight branching was favourable for increasing its antibacterial activity. Our report shows a novel possibility for MAP to increase the activity of antibiotic peptides other than simply to stimulate antibody production, as reported so far.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
The histological basis of detection of adenoma and cancer in the colon by autofluorescence endoscopic imaging.
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The reason for the difference in fluorescence between normal and diseased tissues (carcinoma and adenoma) in the colon observed on autofluorescence endoscopy is unclear, flavins, NADPH and collagen being regarded as possible major sources of fluorescence. The purpose of this study was to identify the reason for this difference in fluorescence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Samples of human colonic tissues (adenoma: n = 6, cancer: n = 11, normal: n = 11) were obtained from resected specimens. The flavin content of human colonic tissue was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Fluorescence microscopy under blue light excitation (400-440 nm) was performed using frozen sections of normal, adenomatous and cancerous tissues, and examining them for the presence and characteristics of fluorescence. RESULTS: The flavin content of normal and diseased tissue was not significantly different. Fluorescence microscopy of normal colonic tissue revealed strong fluorescence in the submucosal layer, which corresponded to collagen. Tissue fluorescence did not decrease in reducing agent or acid solution. No difference in fluorescence was detected in normal mucosa, adenoma or cancerous tissue on fluorescence microscopy. These findings indicate that flavins and NADPH do not affect tissue fluorescence, and that submucosal collagen is the main source of tissue fluorescence in the colon. CONCLUSION: The reason for the decreased fluorescence in diseased tissues appears to be a decrease in collagen fluorescence due to the screening effect of mucosal thickening or replacement of submucosa by cancer cells.
Adenoma↗
Clinical significance of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for the diagnosis of cystic tumor of the pancreas compared with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and computed tomography.
BACKGROUND: Cystic tumor of the pancreas has been investigated by a variety of imaging techniques. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is being widely used as a non-invasive diagnostic modality for investigation of the biliary tree and pancreatic duct system. The purpose of this study was to compare MRCP images with those of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and computed tomography (CT) in order to clarify the diagnostic efficacy of MRCP for cystic tumor of the pancreas. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 15 patients with cystic tumor of the pancreas that had been surgically resected and histopathologically confirmed. There were five cases of intraductal papillary adenocarcinoma, five of intraductal papillary adenoma, two of serous cyst adenoma, two of retention cyst associated with invasive ductal adenocarcinoma and one of solid cystic tumor. RESULTS: In all cases MRCP correctly identified the main pancreatic duct (MPD) and showed the entire cystic tumor and the communication between the tumor and the MPD. On the other hand, the detection rate by ERCP of the cystic tumor and the communication between the cystic tumor and the MPD was only 60%. Although the detection rates by CT for the septum and solid components inside the cystic tumor were 100 and 90.0%, respectively, those of MRCP for each were 58.3 and 20.0%. CONCLUSION: MRCP is capable of providing diagnostic information superior to ERCP for the diagnosis of cystic tumor of the pancreas. Although MRCP may provide complementary information about the whole lesion of interest, the characteristic internal features of cystic tumor of the pancrease should be carefully diagnosed in combination with CT.
Adenocarcinoma↗
Computed tomography under endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP-CT) to investigate the drainage area of the pancreatic head.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the drainage area of the pancreatic head with computed tomography under endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP-CT). ERP-CT was performed in 26 patients without lesions of the pancreatic head. By comparing ERP-CT images with ERP images, we evaluated the drainage area of the inferior branch of the pancreatic head. In 77% of these cases, the drainage function of Santorini's duct system (including the accessory papilla) was impaired. In 13 cases with the normal duct pattern, all inferior branches from Santorini's duct drained the anterior inferior area and all inferior branches from Wirsung's duct drained the posterior inferior area. In six cases with an ansa-type duct pattern, all inferior branches from Wirsung's duct drained the posterior inferior area, and inferior branches from Santorini's duct were divided into branches draining the anterior inferior area and branches draining the posterior inferior area. ERP-CT is a useful method for evaluating the three-dimensional anatomic variations of the pancreatic duct.
Aged↗
Clinicopathological differences between colonic and rectal carcinomas: are they based on the same mechanism of carcinogenesis?
BACKGROUND: There is a difference in the location of colorectal mucosal lesions and invasive cancers. AIMS: To ascertain whether the location of colorectal neoplasms reflects the carcinogenesis pathway. METHODS: The subject material consisted of 4147 neoplastic lesions that had been resected endoscopically or surgically from 5025 patients. Mucosal lesions and submucosal cancers were classified into depressed and non-depressed types endoscopically or histologically. The relations between macroscopic type, size, histology, and location were investigated. RESULTS: (a) Non-depressed type. A total of 1774 of 3454 (51%) mucosal lesions were located in the right colon, 1212 (35%) in the left colon, and 468 (14%) in the rectum. The incidence of mucosal lesions larger than 10 mm was 10% (185/1774) in the right colon, 21% (254/1212) in the left colon, and 27% (127/468) in the rectum. The incidence of mucosal lesions with villous components was 2% (32/1774) in the right colon, 5% (63/1212) in the left colon, and 13% (62/468) in the rectum. The ratio of submucosal cancers to mucosal lesions was significantly higher in the rectum (0.064, 30/469) than in the left (0.034, 43/1279) or right (0.010, 18/1857) colon. (b) Depressed type. The incidences of depressed type mucosal lesions and submucosal cancers were 5% (83/1857) and 17% (3/18) in the right colon, 5% (67/1279) and 5% (2/43) in the left colon, and 0.2% (1/469) and 0% (0/30) in the rectum, respectively. CONCLUSION: There may be some mechanisms that promote the progression of mucosal lesions to invasive cancers in the left colon and rectum, whereas a de novo pathway from depressed type lesions may be implicated in some cancers of the right colon.
Adenoma↗
Molecular analysis of a 21.1-kb fragment of wheat chloroplast DNA bearing RNA polymerase subunit (rpo) genes.
The entire nucleotide sequence of a 21.1-kb fragment of wheat chloroplast (ct) DNA was determined. This fragment carries 18 intact genes and parts of two additional genes, including the three RNA polymerase genes rpoB, rpoC1, and rpoC2. The gene arrangement of this region is conserved in wheat, rice, and maize, but not in non-grass species. Comparison of these 20 genes in wheat, rice, and maize showed that tRNA genes evolved more slowly than protein-coding genes in the chloroplast genome. Intergenic regions evolved much faster than both types of genes. Although the 19 genes of wheat, except for orf42, showed high identity to those of other plants, there were three novel structural features in the wheat rpoC2 gene; a deletion of 81 bp in the middle region, a variable insertion (408 bp), and a nonsense mutation in the 3' terminal region, resulting in truncation of a sequence of ca. 10 amino acids. An intermolecular recombination between the stretches of CTTAT and CTTTT was suggested as the mechanism of the 81-bp deletion in the wheat rpoC2 gene. Evolutionary distance between the chloroplast genomes of wheat and maize was larger than those between wheat and rice and between rice and maize.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Minute invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus associated with head and neck cancer: a case report.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
Changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations related to PDT-induced apoptosis in photosensitized human cancer cells.
For photodynamic therapy (PDT), human squamous cell carcinoma cells (HSC-2) were treated with 3 microg/ml of photofrin 24 h prior to irradiating the cultures with the excimer dye laser at a dose of 2 J/cm2. Extensive DNA fragmentation was recognized within 2 h of PDT. The proportion of cells with DNA fragmentation on flow cytometric analysis was significantly increased to 44 and 78% at 1 and 2 h after PDT, respectively, compared to control groups. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed a slight change in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration occurring at 30 min after PDT and a subsequent marked increase in the Ca2+ concentration 1-2 h after PDT, but no change was observed in the cells exposed to laser irradiation alone and to photofrin alone and in the cells immediately after PDT. These findings suggest that an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration may play an important role in the induction of PDT-induced apoptosis.
Antineoplastic Agents↗