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Biomedical subjects

J Sugita

Publications and source records attributed to J Sugita.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Analysis of donor-type chimerism in lineage-specific cell populations after allogeneic myeloablative and non-myeloablative stem cell transplantation.

We analyzed donor-type chimerism in CD3+, CD14.15+ and CD56+ cells from 36 patients who had undergone conventional-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation (CST) and 34 patients who had undergone non-myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation (NST) for hematological malignancies. On day 28 after transplantation, all fractions in NST patients and CD3+ cells in CST patients who received a non-total body irradiation (TBI) regimen showed more frequent mixed chimerism (<90% donor cells) than those in patients who had received TBI. NST patients with acute graft-versus-host disease (grade II-IV) frequently showed more than 50% donor-type chimerism in CD3+ cells on day 14 (P=0.029). NST patients with <50% donor-type chimerism on day 14 and with <90% donor-type chimerism on day 28 in CD56+ cells had significantly poor 1-year overall survival (0 vs 91%, P<0.001 and 20 vs 74%, P=0.002, respectively). Both NST and CST patients with <90% donor-type chimerism in CD14.15+ cells on day 28 had significantly poor 1-year overall survival (14 vs 70%, P=0.005 and 0 vs 66%, P=0.002, respectively). Our data show that the extent of donor-type chimerism in lineage-specific cells appears to have an impact on outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Does carotid artery stenting work on the long run: 5-year results in high-volume centers (ELOCAS Registry).

AIM: Although the first long-term results of Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS) became available only recently, CAS has become an accepted treatment for carotid artery disease. We report CAS data up to 5 years, both late stroke rate and patency rates as observed in 4 high-volume European centers. METHODS: Between February 1, 1993 and December 31, 2004, 2 172 patients were selected over the 4 participating centres, with intention to treat endovascularly. Conscientious follow-up was done according to the in-hospital stipulations of each centre and was entered into a database both retrospectively and prospectively. Long-term restenosis and stroke-death rates were investigated and statistically analysed and stratified using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Of the 2 172 patients with intention to treat 2 165 (99.7%) were technically successful. Of these 306 (14.1%) were performed without and 1 859 (85.9%) with embolic protection device (EPD); 96 patients (4.4%) received balloon dilation only and stenting was performed in 2 069 (95.6%) cases. Kaplan-Meier analysis of major stroke/all death and of significant restenosis (>50%) for the total population showed stroke/death rates of 4.1% (nar=1 356), 10.1% (nar=476) and 15.5% (nar=138); and restenosis rates of 1% (nar=1 363), 2% (nar=480) and 3.4% (nar=139), after 1, 3 and 5 years respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The patency and stroke/death rates resulting from our database analysis are pleasing and indicate that CAS also on longer term is a valuable treatment method for carotid artery disease. Due to the fact that our dataset contains prospective as well as retrospective data, it may have its limitations. Until this moment, data indicating that certain patient subgroups are at increased risk for neurological complications and in-stent restenosis during and after CAS are sparse. Further multivariant analysis on this unique dataset is mandatory in order to identify any potential links in between plaque morphology, preprocedural neurological complications, risk factor distribution, procedural steps and clinical outcome.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Expression of Dax-1 during gonadal development of the frog.

Dax-1, a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of transcription factors, is known to be involved in gonadal development in mammals. To date, Dax-1 has only been isolated in reptiles, birds and mammals. The expression of Dax-1 is down-regulated in the developing testis, but persists in the ovary of mice (Swain et al., Nat. Genet. 12 (1996) 404) and chicken (Smith et al., J. Mol. Endocrinol. 24 (2000) 23). Curiously, there is no sex difference in the expression patterns of Dax-1 in the American alligator (Western et al., Gene 241 (2000) 223). To understand its role(s) in gonadal development in vertebrates, molecular cloning of Dax-1 in amphibians is required. In this study, we cloned an amphibian Dax-1 homologue of the frog Rana rugosa and examined its expression profile during gonadal development. Cloned Dax-1 cDNA encoded a protein of 287 amino acids. Unlike mammalians that possess the three and one half repeat elements representing the putative DNA binding domain in the predicted sequence of Dax-1 protein, the frog had a single poorly conserved copy of the repeat unit. By RT-PCR analysis, the Dax-1 mRNA was detected in the liver and pancreas, but not in the testis and ovary of adult frogs. However, Dax-1 expression was seen first in the embryo at stage 12 and became stronger in tadpoles until stage X. The Dax-1 was transcribed in the testis stronger than in the ovary of frogs at stage XXV (just after completion of metamorphosis). In the gonad of frogs 2 months after metamorphosis (at this stage postmeiotic cells can be seen in the seminiferous tubules), the Dax-1 was expressed only in males. In addition, the Dax-1 transcription declined gradually as ovarian development proceeded, but its expression was down-regulated and then up-regulated rapidly when female-to-male sex reversal was caused by administration of testosterone into female tadpoles. Taken together, the results suggest that the Dax-1 may be closely involved in testicular development of amphibians.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

LST-2, a human liver-specific organic anion transporter, determines methotrexate sensitivity in gastrointestinal cancers.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: One approach to the development of targeted cancer chemotherapy exploits increased uptake of the agent into neoplastic cells. In this scenario, higher concentrations of the agent in cancer cells are responsible for differential killing, whereas the low concentration in normal human cells decreases side effects. The aim of this study was to isolate an organic anion transporter that is weak in normal cells, but abundantly expressed in cancer cells, to deliver the anticancer drugs to the cells. METHODS: A human liver complementary DNA (cDNA) library was screened with liver-specific transporter (LST)-1 cDNA as a probe. Northern blot analyses were performed using the isolated cDNA (termed LST-2). An LST-2-specific antibody was raised, and immunohistochemical analyses including immunoelectron microscopy were performed. Xenopus oocyte expression system was used for functional analysis. We also established a permanent cell line that consistently expresses LST-2 to examine the relationship between methotrexate uptake and sensitivity. RESULTS: The isolated cDNA, LST-2, has 79.7% of overall homology with human LST-1. LST-2 exclusively expressed in the liver under normal conditions and its immunoreactivity was highest at the basolateral membrane of the hepatocytes around the central vein. Although its weak expression in the liver, LST-2 is abundantly expressed in the gastric, colon, and pancreatic cancers. On the other hand, the LST-1 was only detected in a hepatic cell line. LST-2 transports methotrexate in a saturable and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, introduction of the LST-2 gene into mammalian cells potentiates sensitivity to methotrexate. CONCLUSIONS: LST-2 is one of the prime candidate molecules for determining methotrexate sensitivity and may be a good target to deliver anticancer drugs to the gastrointestinal cancers.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

The detection of bacteria and bacterial biofilms in punctal plug holes.

PURPOSE: An investigation into bacterial biofilm formation on and in punctal plugs. METHODS: The study involved 21 patients with severe dry eye whose puncta were occluded by the use of punctal plugs. Of these, 15 had Sjögren's syndrome, 3 had non-Sjögren's syndrome, 2 had Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and 1 had graft-versus-host disease. From 17 of the 21 subjects, 18 samples of material were extracted from the holes of the punctal plugs (16 unilateral and 1 bilateral) and were subjected to enrichment culture. Nineteen punctal plugs were removed and processed for electron microscopy: 15 by scanning electron microscopy, and 4 by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Positive cultures were found in 8 of 18 (44%) samples of the material extracted from the holes of punctal plugs. In six of these eight cases (75%) the cultured bacterial species was Staphylococcus epidermidis, whereas in the other two cases (25%) it was S. aureus. In 8 of the 15 punctal plugs examined by scanning electron microscopy and in the material extracted from 1 plug that was examined by transmission electron microscopy, there was clear evidence of bacterial colonization. CONCLUSION: Careful observation of patients with punctal plugs is important. If material accumulates in or on a punctal plug, it may contain bacteria and may form a bacterial biofilm. In these cases, replacement of the plug, clearing of the hole, or an alternative treatment should be considered.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Observation of corneal epithelial disturbance through soft contact lens using fluorescein dextran.

PURPOSE: To confirm the usefulness of fluorescein dextran as a vital dye for observing corneal epithelial disturbance through a medical-use soft contact lens. METHODS: Ten percent fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-dextran) was used as the staining dye. Patients with corneal epithelial disturbance who were wearing therapeutic soft contact lenses were observed using FITC-dextran. RESULTS: Through the soft contact lens, FITC-dextran enabled corneal disturbance observation similar to that seen with sodium fluorescein. In a case of corneal perforation, as well, positive Seidel's test was confirmed through the soft contact lens using this technique. CONCLUSION: FITC-dextran is considered a useful dye for examining the corneal epithelial condition without contact lens removal.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Comparison of primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome].

PURPOSE: We studied the difference in severity between primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two groups of patients (all females, mean age: 58 years), 31 with primary SS and 18 with secondary SS were studied. We performed the following dry eye tests: fluorescein score and Rose Bengal staining, grading of tear lipid layer interference patterns, measurement of fluorescein break up time, cotton thread test, and Schirmer-I test. Auto antibodies were also investigated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between primary and secondary SS with respect to any dry eye tests or auto antibodies. In primary SS, however, the presence of anti SS-A antibody was significantly correlated with Rose Bengal scores (p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: The severity of SS is independent of the primary or secondary type. In primary SS, the presence of anti SS-A antibody may be correlated with the severity.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Tear meniscus changes during cotton thread and Schirmer testing.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the effect of the cotton thread test (CT-T) and Schirmer test (S-T) on the tear reservoir by evaluating the radius of tear meniscus curvature. METHODS: The radii (R) of the central lower tear menisci were measured by a newly developed video meniscometer in 11 eyes of 11 normal volunteers (6 men, 5 women; mean age, 27.7 +/- 3.6 years [SD]) and 9 eyes of 9 patients with tear deficiency and severe dry eye in whom the puncta had been therapeutically occluded (9 women; mean age, 50.6 +/- 10.4 years). In this dry eye group, the absence of reflex tearing, coupled with the absence of lacrimal drainage due to punctal occlusion allowed more precise observation of the removal of tears from the meniscus. A 1-minute CT-T was performed, followed after an interval of 10 minutes by a 1-minute S-T. Tear meniscus curvature was documented before (R:(0)) and during the tests at 30 seconds (R(30)) and 60 seconds (R:(60)). RESULTS: In the normal group, respective R values (CT-T; S-T; mean +/- SD mm) were R(0) (0.26 +/- 0.11; 0.26 +/- 0. 07), R(30) (0.27 +/- 0.16; 0.20 +/- 0.13), and R(60) (0.29 +/- 0.15; 0.23 +/- 0.21); and in the dry eye group, respective R: values (CT-T; S-T) were R(0) (0.59 +/- 0.23; 0.51 +/- 0.19), R(30) (0.52 +/- 0.25; 0.22 +/- 0.09), and R(60) (0.51 +/- 0.19; 0.21 +/- 0.08). It was demonstrated in the dry eye group that R was diminished more by the S-T than by the CT-T in the time course of the measurement (P = 0.01). In the dry eye group alteration of R occurred within the first 30 seconds, and in this group significant correlation was found between R(0) and the S-T result (r = 0.67; P = 0.05), and between R(60)- R(0) and the S-T result (r = -0.81; P = 0.01). Also, there was a significant correlation between R(60)- R(0) and the S-T result in the normal group (r = 0.71; P = 0.02). There were no significant correlations between R(0) or R(60)- R(0) and the CT-T results in either group. CONCLUSIONS: These studies afford some insight into the dynamics of the Schirmer test, suggesting that wetting is influenced by the negative hydrostatic pressure within the tear meniscus. With the protocol used, no conclusion could be drawn about the relation between meniscus radius and wetting of the cotton thread.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Deep lamellar keratoplasty with complete removal of pathological stroma for vision improvement.

AIMS/BACKGROUND: Deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLK) was performed to restore visual acuity in 120 eyes with corneal stromal opacification. DLK is believed to be an effective treatment in eyes in which endothelial cell function had been preserved, and in which there was no epithelial or stromal oedema. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment. METHODS: The stroma was excised to the extent that only Descemet's membrane remained, at least in the optical zone. Donor corneas of full, or almost full, thickness with Descemet's membrane removed, or which had been lathed to a thickness of 0.4 mm from the endothelial side, were attached by suturing. RESULTS: In 113 eyes which were observed for 6 months or more postoperatively in which average prospective visual acuity was 0.09, average postoperative visual acuity improved to 0.6. Specular microscopy 1 month postoperatively revealed average endothelial cell counts of 2225 (SD 659)/mm2, while 24 months postoperatively this value was 1937 (642)/mm2 (cell loss 13%). Puncturing of Descemet's membrane during surgery occurred in 47 of 120 eyes (39.2%), but after 12 months, there was no difference in visual acuity or number of endothelial cells between these eyes and those in which no puncturing had occurred. CONCLUSIONS: There was no postoperative endothelial rejection reaction with DLK, and restoration of postoperative visual acuity was quite adequate. Compared with penetrating keratoplasty, DLK allows endothelial cell counts to be maintained for a longer period. In addition, results can be expected to be more consistent over the long term with DLK.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Changes in metabolism and peritumoral circulation after radiosurgery of metastatic brain tumors: evaluation by three dimensional dual isotope SPECT].

Concurrent use of two different isotopes, 201T1C1 and 123I-IMP, in SPECT is useful in separative evaluation of tumor metabolism and peritumoral circulation. Three dimensional SPECT employed in our study has an obvious advantage over two dimensional SPECT for its accurate imaging of tumors and peritumoural areas. Changes of tumor metabolism and regional circulation in peritumoral edematous tissues were investigated by fused 3-D SPECT images using 201T1C1 and 123I-IMP. In this study, the volume of isotope accumulative and isotope defective regions were measured. Fusion of SPECT images was performed by the use of panning visualization software; Application Visualization System Medical View (K.G.T.). The threshold of 3-D rendering was determined by conforming the volume of the hemisphere and of the tumor estimated on CT to the volume of 123I-IMP and 201T1C1 accumulating area respectively. Accumulative volume of 201T1C1 in the tumor decreased remarkably at 7 days after radiosurgery (p < 0.01). Defective volume of peritumoral hypoperfusion was measured on 3-D SPECT. The average volume was 80.5 + 32.5cm3 before radiosurgery. It decreased by approximately 60% at 7 days after radiosurgery (p < 0.05). Analysis of 3-D SPECT images using two different isotope tracers is reliable and useful to evaluate early the changes of metabolism and peritumoral circulation in or around intracerebral tumors.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Clinical application of three-dimensional myocardial imaging: evaluation of efficacy of medical treatment on myocardial perfusion.

To investigate the clinical applicability of the three-dimensional (3D) myocardial imaging using a newly developed system (the Application Visualization System-Medical Viewer), thallium-201 myocardial single photon emission computed tomography was performed in 19 patients with previous myocardial infarction before and after treatment with nisoldipine. We have developed a new method for automatically reconstructing 3D imaging for the stereoscopic evaluation of myocardial perfusion. The left ventricular myocardial volume with a radioisotope count > or = 50% of maximum was calculated by using the conventional surface rendering method. With these images, the effect of nisoldipine on myocardial perfusion was assessed and the myocardial volume with a radioisotope count > or = 50% of maximum was compared. In fifteen (88%) of 19 patients, myocardial perfusion increased in the infarct areas after nisoldipine treatment. Nisoldipine significantly increased the myocardial volume with a radioisotope count > or = 50% of maximum from 141 +/- 17 to 153 +/- 18 ml on the stress 3D imagings. These findings indicate that nisoldipine improved myocardial perfusion during exercise. 3D imaging provided stereoscopic assessment of the changes in myocardial perfusion following treatment with nisoldipine and also detected transient enlargement of the left ventricular lumen induced by exercise.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

[Late results of the subclavian flap repair for aortic coarctation-effects on the left upper limb].

Late results of the subclavian flap repair for the aortic coarctation and effects on the left upper limb were evaluated on 9 patients who were operated on and had been continuously followed up at Hyogo Kenritsu Amagasaki Hospital. Their mean age at operation was 2.3 years (range 9 days-5.7 years), and mean follow-up period 5.9 years (range 3.1 years-8.3 years). Reoperation for restenosis was necessary in one patient and it proved the initial aortotomy and patch angioplasty had not been extended sufficiently beyond the stenotic segment. In the remaining 8 patients, the mean values of arm-to-leg systolic pressure gradient and peak flow velocity at the descending aorta by Doppler echocardiogram were 2.5 mmHg and 1.9 m/sec respectively. Length and arm circumference of the left upper limb were all significantly shorter than those of the right side. The left systolic brachial pressure and core temperature of the hand were also significantly low comparing with those of the right side. No patients, however, complained the ischemic symptoms of the left upper limb. In conclusion, the subclavian flap repair is thought to be a safe and long effective procedure for the aortic coarctation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Tuberculosis on regular hemodialysis--a case of pericardial tamponade.

The patient presented in this paper had been stable for 3 months after the induction of hemodialysis, when nausea, vomiting and hepatomegaly suddenly developed. A chest film revealed rush cardiomegaly, and massive pericardial effusion was demonstrated by echocardiography. One liter of hemorrhagic fluid was removed by pericardiocentesis and subsequent pericardial drainage under echocardiography. The patient received chemotherapy against pulmonary tuberculosis 30 years ago and calcification on chest film was apparent. Although sputum smear and pericardial effusion was negative for acid-fast organisms, combination therapy was initiated for suspected tuberculosis. The patient recovered completely and 2 months later it was demonstrated that cultures of sputum grew mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculin skin test (PPD), which was negative 2 months previously, converted to positive. Tuberculosis must be considered as a potential cause of pericardial tamponade in patients on regular hemodialysis, and prompt therapy for both cardiac tamponade and the occult infection is warranted.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Acute conjunctivitis associated with biofilm formation on a punctal plug.

BACKGROUND: Punctal plugs are used for the treatment of tear-deficient type dry eye. We recently examined a case of acute conjunctivitis associated with bacterial biofilm formation on a punctal plug. CASE: A 63-year-old woman diagnosed as having tear-deficient type dry eye came to our hospital with a complaint of soreness in her right eye. Punctal plugs had been inserted into this eye 5 1/2 months previously. On the day of her visit, she presented with acute conjunctivitis. OBSERVATIONS: In biomicroscopical examination, the top of the punctal plug was seen to be covered with a whitish soft material. Microbiological analysis performed on a part of this material was positive for Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Candida tropicalis. Scanning electron microscopy of the removed punctal plug revealed widespread bacterial colonization embedded within an extensive extracellular matrix. Treatment consisted of the replacement of the plug, and administration of a combination of antibacterial eyedrops and preservative-free artificial solution. As a result, the acute conjunctivitis cleared up within 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests that a punctal plug poses a potential risk of causing the formation of bacterial biofilm. In such a case, replacement of the plug and/or removal of the accumulated materials should be considered.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Estimation of anterior nucleus of lens by Scheimpflug image before and after pupil dilatation.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of lens transparency evaluations by Scheimpflug image in the anterior nucleus of the lens before and after pupil dilatation. METHODS: Scheimpflug lens images were recorded in 70 eyes of 38 subjects (age: 28-75 years) before and after pupil dilatation, and light scattering intensity measurements before and after dilatation were compared. RESULTS: There was a significant positive correlation between the light scattering intensity before and after dilatation at the anterior cortex, anterior nucleus, and central clear zone of the lens (r > 0.9, P <.0001). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to estimate the transparency in the anterior nucleus of the lens from the Scheimpflug image without pupil dilatation. If nuclear type cataracts are regarded as a structural marker of aging in epidemiological studies, measuring the light scattering intensity in the anterior nucleus of the lens without dilatation seems to be a safe, useful, and quantitative method.

Adult↗