Biomedical subjects

H Washida

Publications and source records attributed to H Washida.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1997

Cloning and expression of five myb-related genes from rice seed.

Three elements in the promoter of rice glutelin genes are important for their endosperm specific expression. One of these, an AACA motif, has been shown to be a negative regulator in non-seed tissues and has a similarity to the barley gibberellin responsive element recognized by MYB-like DNA binding proteins. A cDNA library constructed from immature rice seed was screened using two types of myb gene probes to isolate cDNA clones representing genes encoding MYB-like DNA binding proteins that may recognize the AACA motif in rice glutelin gene promoter. We obtained four cDNA clones encoding MYB-related proteins, Oryza sativa MYB (OSMYB) 1-4, using the maize C1 probe. Another myb-like clone, Osmyb5, was obtained by screening a rice seed cDNA library with probes designed to recognize the AACA-like binding domain in GAMYB and PHMYB3. RT-PCR was used to analyze Osmyb expression during rice seed development and their presence in other rice tissues, as it was not possible to detect these mRNAs by conventional Northern analysis. RT-PCR analysis showed that Osmyb2, Osmyb3 and Osmyb5 genes were expressed in all tissues examined. In seed, the mRNA levels of Osmyb1 and Osmyb4 genes reached a maximum at 14 days after flowering (DAF), suggesting that these genes may play a role in seed maturation. As Osmyb5 exhibits a high similarity to the regions in both GAMYB and PHMYB3, which can bind to the AACA motif, there is a possibility that the OSMYB5 protein may bind to the AACA motif of glutelin genes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

A 45-bp proximal region containing AACA and GCN4 motif is sufficient to confer endosperm-specific expression of the rice storage protein glutelin gene, GluA-3.

A 45-bp proximal region of the rice glutelin promoter (-104/-60) containing two putative cis-elements, the AACA motif and GCN4 motifs, was fused to a truncated CaMV 35S promoter (-90/+9; -90 delta 35S)/GUS. The 45-bp fragment specifically enhanced the promoter activity in endosperm tissue of transformed tobacco. A substitution mutation of the GCN4 motif reduced the promoter activity, whereas mutation of the AACA motif increased the activity in the embryo as well as in the endosperm. These results suggest that the GCN4 motif generally enhances the promoter activity but that the combination of the two motifs confers the endosperm specificity. Furthermore, the function of the two motifs was dependent on the orientation and/or distance from a G-box element in -90 delta 35S, suggesting that synergistic interaction between the factors that recognize those motifs and the G-box element is important for transcriptional regulation.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Characterization of common cis-regulatory elements responsible for the endosperm-specific expression of members of the rice glutelin multigene family.

Glutelin is the most abundant storage protein in rice, which is expressed specifically in the endosperm of maturing seed. Glutelin is encoded by about 10 genes per haploid genome, which are clearly divided into two subfamilies (GluA and GluB). Most of them are coordinately expressed during seed maturation in spite of the remarkable divergence in the 5'-flanking regions between members of two subfamilies. In order to identify the common regulatory mechanisms responsible for the endosperm-specific expression, various cis-regulatory elements in the 5'-flanking region of the glutelin GluB-1 gene were characterized by studying the expression of chimeric genes that consisted of the sequentially deleted or mutagenized promoter and a beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene in transgenic tobacco seeds. The essential cis-regulatory elements governing the spatially and temporally specific expression of the glutelin gene expression were located within the first 245 bp of the promoter region of the GluB-1 gene from the site of initiation of transcription. The AACA motif between positions -73 and -61 common to all the six genes for glutelin sequenced to date and is repeated between positions -212 and -200 is implicated in the seed-specific expression. The GCN4 motif between positions -165 and -158 and between positions -96 and -92 that is conserved at homologous sites in all the members of glutelin gene family is also involved in the seed-specific regulation. However, both are required for the high level of seed-specific expression, because deletion of the region containing one set of both elements or substitution mutation of the AACA or GCN4 motif substantially reduced the activity. As a whole, our results suggest the combinatorial interaction of the elements in regulation of the glutelin gene expression.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Types of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus associated with high mortality in patients with bacteremia.

Forty-seven strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from 47 patients with bacteremia were analyzed by chromosomal DNA digestion pattern using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and evaluated for serological coagulase type, enterotoxin type, and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 production. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the older patients (> or = 51 years of age) than in the younger patients (< or = 50 years of age) (50% vs. 4%, p = 0.0007). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains of serological coagulase type II were more likely to be associated with mortality in older patients than were strains of the other types (p = 0.037).

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

[Morphological response of urinary bacteria to ceftibuten].

UNLABELLED: The morphological response of urinary Gram-negative bacteria to ceftibuten (CETB) was investigated in four patients with urinary tract infections (one patient: acute uncomplicated cystitis, three patients: chronic complicated urinary tract infection). The daily dose of CETB was 400 mg administered orally and the durations were 3 days for the acute uncomplicated cystitis case and 5 days for the chronic complicated urinary tract infection cases. In the four patients, changes in urinary CETB concentrations, viable bacterial counts, and morphology of the bacteria were studied after the initial administration. The urinary concentrations of CETB were 7.38-60.3 micrograms/ml at one hour after the first administration. The urinary viable cell counts were 1-5 x 10(7) cells/ml before administration, but they were reduced to 1-3 x 10(3) cells/ml at one hour after the first oral administration. Morphological changes of bacteria: Under phase contrast microscopy, filamentous debris and spherical bacteria with severe body damage were observed at 30 minutes after the first administration. By transmission electron microscopy, the cell wall of the filamentous bacteria showed a number of projections with formation of vacuolar structures in the space between the cell wall and the irregularly-shaped cytoplasm. According to the Japanese UTI criteria, the efficacy rate was 100% in the 4 patients. Neither side effect nor abnormal laboratory result was observed in any patient. CONCLUSION: The morphological changes of the bacteria suggested that CETB, in vivo, bounds not only penicillin-binding protein (PBP)-3 but also PBP-1.

Ceftibuten↗

PubMed1995

A case report of inflammatory pseudotumor of the urinary bladder.

A case of an inflammatory pseudotumor of the urinary bladder in a 46-yr-old man is presented. This rare, benign, and presumed non-neoplastic, reactive lesion must be differentiated from sarcomas of the urinary bladder. In the present case, we could demonstrate an inflammatory and reactive nature for the pseudotumor. Histologically, the presence of many Brunn's nests with infiltration of inflammatory cells and proliferation of capillaries in the myxoid stroma indicated a chronic inflammatory background for this lesion. It is apparent from morphology and immunohistochemistry findings that the proliferating spindle-shaped cell is of mesenchymal origin and not malignant in nature. These findings suggest that chronic inflammation can induce an overreaction of the bladder wall resembling tumor formation.

Granuloma, Plasma Cell↗

PubMed1994

[Intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy for superficial bladder cancer].

Intracavitary instillation of Tokyo 172 strain Bacillas Calmette-Guerin was performed on 39 patients with superficial bladder cancer after contact Nd:YAG laser irradiation for tumors. The BCG group received intravesical instillation of 80 mg BCG at two week intervals for 6 months. Recurrence occurred in 7 of the 39 patients. In the 7 recurrent cases instillation of BCG had been discontinued after 2-7 instillations due to bladder irritation, with recurrence seen 6-27 months later. The non-recurrence rate in the group (27 cases) instilled BCG more than seven times was 94.0%. The non-recurrence rate in this group was significantly higher than that in the group (12 cases) with less than six BCG instillations. The non-recurrence rate in the group (26 cases) without BCG therapy was not significantly different from that in the group (12 cases) with less than six BCG instillations. Our findings suggested that frequent (more than seven times) instillation of BCG increased the non-recurrence rate, and that less than six BCG instillations is not significantly effective for preventing the recurrence of superficial bladder cancer.

Administration, Intravesical↗

PubMed1993

[Clinical evaluation of pressure-flow test to male patients with micturition disturbance].

We examined pressure-flow test results in 28 male patients with micturition disturbance in whom it is difficult to determine whether bladder outlet obstruction or impaired detrusor contractility is the cause. One reason that some patients do not improve after prostatectomy is that detrusor contractility was not estimated before preoperatively. The degree of infravesical obstruction and of detrusor function were assessed by the method of Griffiths' diagram (maximum flow rate versus corresponding detrusor pressure). Three patients showed infravesical obstruction, 11 equivocal obstruction, and 14 no obstruction. No patients showed strong detrusor function, 14 normal function, and 14 weak function. Eleven patients underwent TU-procedure. Two patients with normal detrusor function and infravesical obstruction showed good postoperative improvement of uroflowmetry results, but 4 patients with weak detrusor function and no infravesical obstruction showed no improvement. Preoperative assessment of the degree of infravesical obstruction and of detrusor function by pressure-flow testing is therefore considered useful. We emphasize that preoperative evaluation of detrusor function is an important aspect of treatment of male micturition disturbance.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

[Torsion of the undescended testis: report of two cases].

We report the torsion of the inguinal undescended testis seen in two boys 9 and 11 years old. Orchiopexy was performed in each case. We discussed the preoperative diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Orchiectomies are still frequently performed, because the preoperative diagnosis is often delayed.

Child↗

PubMed1993

[A clinical study of lomefloxacin on the patients with urinary tract infections--focused on lomefloxacin-induced photosensitivity reaction].

Between April and October 1990, photosensitivity reactions were observed in 19 out of 338 patients who were administered lomefloxacin (LFLX) for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI) in our hospital. To certify the effectiveness and safety of LFLX to UTI, we carried out a controlled study with fixed dosages and durations. Patients with acute uncomplicated UTI and chronic complicated UTI were enrolled and LFLX dosages of 200 mg b.i.d. for 7 days and 14 days, respectively, were administered. The overall efficacy rates were 100% and 84% respectively. Concerning the bacteriological effect, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were eliminated in every case, while 3 strains of Enterococcus faecalis 2 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and one strain of Enterobacter cloacae persisted. No photosensitivity reaction or noteworthy severe adverse reactions were observed among 200 cases enrolled in this study of restricted dosages and durations. We, urologists, need to be well-informed about photosensitivity reactions induced by quinolone antimicrobial agents. LFLX was proven to be effective in UTI without showing any photosensitivity reactions when administered by our fixed dosages and durations.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Lectin immunohistochemical evaluation of human bladder carcinomas. A comparison of Carnoy's and formalin fixation.

A lectin immunohistochemical analysis of 51 human bladder carcinomas, including 44 cases of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) (G1, 15 cases; G2, 17 cases; G3, 12 cases) and 7 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), was performed. Tissues were obtained by cold punch biopsies, fixed in Carnoy's or 10% formalin solution, stained for binding of 10 different lectins, and evaluated under the light microscope. The lectins used were concanavalin agglutinin (Con A), soybean agglutinin (SBA), Lotus tetragonolobus agglutinin (LTA), Dolichos biflorusa agglutinin (DBA), peanut agglutinin (PNA), Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA1), Ulex europaeus agglutinin I, II (UEA-I, II), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), and Pisum sativum agglutinin (PEA). TCC prepared with Carnoy's fixation tended to show moderately positive Con A, UEA-I, and WGA reactions for G1, and strongly positive reactions for G2 and G3 lesions. UEA-II was mainly negative in G1, but tended to increase to become moderate in G3. DBA tended to show a moderately positive reaction in G1 and G2, but was mainly negative in G3. With formalin fixation, only RCA1 demonstrated grade specific variation, tendency to react moderately in the G1 and G2 cases, and strongly in G3. There were no further differences among the histopathological grades of TCC for other lectins. Thus, Carnoy's fixation appears superior for distinguishing between grades of lesions. SCC tended to react more strongly than TCC with all the various lectins except PEA, independent of fixation.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Renal cortical scarring in acute pyelonephritis.

A series of 14 patients with acute pyelonephritis was evaluated for the formation of renal scarring by serial computed tomography (CT) and intravenous urography. Although the urography results were normal, CT showed renal parenchymal atrophy (cortical scarring) in 6 patients. Cortical scarring was observed to occur after 61 to 187 days, and it was slower to develop in the patients with recurrent fever lasting for 2 weeks or more in total than in those with fever for less than 2 weeks. Scarring was significantly more frequent in patients with severe renal involvement than in those with mild involvement, and scars developed at the sites of the most extensive lesions seen on the initial CT scans. Cortical scars were detected in 6 of the 7 patients in whom the lesions occupied 30% or more of the renal parenchyma. We conclude that the extent of the initial renal parenchymal involvement was the most important determinant of eventual scar formation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

[Application of video endoscope system (EVIS200) in endourology].

We began clinical studies in April, 1989 for the purpose of utilizing the video endoscope system in the field of urology, termed the Urological Video Information System (UVIS). The UVIS is made up of an image assembling and recording system and an image filling system. Since we started using the first generation video endoscope system (EVIS-1, Olympus Optical Co.) as an image assembling system, we have encountered several major obstacles such as 1) the absolute insufficiency for the amount of light, and 2) the unclearness of frozen images. As we have been able to use as second generation video endoscope system (EVIS200, Olympus Optical Co.) since September 1990, the major components of the UVIS have been modified. In this report, we describe our clinical experience with the re-designed UVIS; EVIS200, which we have used, is composed of a video-processor (CL-200, Olympus Co.), a video converter and rigid urological scopes. The EVIS200 has been evaluated not only for the endoscopic examination but also for transurethral surgery. No problems were noticed in manipulating the EVIS200. Marked improvements were achieved in image quality. Images both on the television monitor and hard copies from the color video printer had optical quality in good agreement with the gross findings. The UVIS was a great contribution to both the authors and the patients; the findings both of the examination and the surgery could be explained to the patient and family during and/or immediately after the procedure. We believe that the UVIS may replace conventional urologic endoscopy and become an excellent date-base for endourology.

Endoscopes↗

PubMed1992

[3 cases of müllerian duct cyst].

We report 3 cases of müllerian duct cyst. Percutaneous puncture, aspiration and instillation of a sclerosing agent under ultrasound guidance was performed in each case. Ultrasound is valuable in the diagnosis is of cysts in the region of the prostate and seminal vesicles. Aspiration under ultrasound guidance would also be of therapeutic value.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

[Initial clinical experience with video-cystoscope].

The endoscopic image processing system which has a very small change coupled device (CCD) at the distal tip of an endoscope, can give us a quite different imaging information from the conventional optical endoscopes, of which the main functions were just to "see inside the human body". The advantage of this endoscopic image processing system has been well recognized but, since the scope diameter could not be made smaller due to the size limitations of the CCD chip itself, the system has not been utilized in the field of Urology. In cooperation with Olympus Optical Co., we have studied a system called Urological Video Information System (UVIS) in order to utilize the image processing system for Urology. In our system a special light source with RGB light output is utilized together with a conventional optical cystoscope and a video converter is connected to the eyepiece of the scope in order to observe endoscopic images on the monitor. Endoscopic images can be stored in an image filing system when necessary. The image quality of UVIS is inferior to that of the conventional cystoscopes at the moment and there are several other technical problems to solve but, as witnessed in the field of Gastroenterology, it is expected that this kind of electronic system will become much more important in the future. This report covers the current problems and some considerations of them as an initial study.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1991

[Clinical studies and morphological response on ST-95 (fosfomycin)].

Clinical effects of ST-95 (fosfomycin) on infections of the urinary tract were studied on the basis of morphological changes of the urinary bacteria. The subjects were 22 inpatients with complex infections of the urinary tract. ST-95 was dissolved in physiologic saline (2 g/100 ml) and administered intravenously by drip infusion over a 1-hour period twice daily for 5 days. According to the UTI criteria, the treatment was effective in 13 (81%) of the 16 evaluable cases. The present effectiveness in 8 patients with chronic catheterization was 75%. No side effects were observed in any patient. Among the laboratory data, GOT and GPT were slightly increased in 1 patient, but their relations with the treatment were unknown. In one patient (P. vulgaris; MIC: 12.5 micrograms/ml), changes in the urinary ST-95 concentration, viable bacterial count, and morphology of the bacteria were studied after the initial administration. The urinary viable cell count was 1.5 x 10(7) cells/ml before administration, but it was reduced to 1.6 x 10(4) cells/ml at the end of the 1-hour infusion, and decreased progressively thereafter to complete disappearance after 12 hours. Under differential interference microscopy, filamentous debris of bacteria and spherical bacteria with irregular surface were observed from immediately after the end of the administration. By transmission electron microscopy, the cell wall showed a number of projections with formation of vacuolar structures in the space between the cell wall and the irregularly-shaped cytoplasms. In conclusion, the results of administration of ST-95 in complex infections of the urinary tract were satisfactory. The morphological changes of the bacteria suggested that this agent acts at an early stage of cell wall synthesis.

Bacteria↗

PubMed1990

Computerized tomography in acute pyelonephritis: the clinical correlations.

Computerized tomography was performed on 19 patients diagnosed as having uncomplicated acute pyelonephritis. The relationship was investigated among the laboratory findings, presence of flank pain, clinical course and severity of the lesions detected by computerized tomography. In patients febrile for less than 2 weeks healing as assessed by computerized tomography took an average of 76 days. However, in patients with repeated febrile episodes occurring for longer than 2 weeks healing was delayed until an average 232 days after onset. Computerized tomography findings generally correlated well with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, and presence of pyuria and flank pain. However, in patients with a prolonged course computerized tomography proved to be a more reliable indicator of progress than either the results of laboratory tests or the symptoms. In conclusion, computerized tomography was useful in the diagnosis, assessment of severity and evaluation of healing of acute pyelonephritis.

Blood Sedimentation↗

PubMed1990

Immunohistochemical analysis of c-erbB-2 oncogene product and epidermal growth factor receptor expression in human urinary bladder carcinomas.

Expression of the product of the c-erbB-2 gene, a proto-oncogene related to, but distinct from c-erbB-1 encoding the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), was investigated in human urinary bladder carcinomas. In addition, levels of EGF-R and transferrin receptor were also analyzed using an immunohistochemical approach, and the results compared with histological pattern and grading, and tumor staging. Increased expression of c-erb B-2 product was found in 32% of cases (7/22), a positive reaction being observed in 60% of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) Grade 3 lesions (3/5), 20% of Grade 2 TCCs (2/10) and 100% of adenocarcinomas (AC) (2/2), but in none of the cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Although no statistical correlation with staging was evident, TCCs or SCCs of high grade and stage often showed EGF-R-positive staining, whereas other well differentiated lesions and normal bladder epithelium were generally negative. Most cases of urinary bladder carcinoma were positive for the transferrin receptor, which was not detected in normal bladder. The results thus suggested that a positive reaction for c-erbB-2 product is correlated with TCC histological grading or AC morphology. A high intensity of EGF-R staining in human bladder carcinomas may be associated with poor differentiation and invasion, whereas transferrin receptor expression might reflect tumor growth.

Adenocarcinoma↗