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Biomedical subjects

M Fukui

Publications and source records attributed to M Fukui.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

[Usefulness of ultrasonography in a case of spontaneous carotid-cavernous fistula: a case report].

Since spontaneous carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is a dural arterio-venous fistula at the cavernous sinus, which is different from traumatic CCF and CCF associated with a ruptured aneurysm at the cavernous internal carotid artery, cerebral angiography is required in order to differentiate these condition. We here report a case of spontaneous CCF, in which a result of ultrasonographic evaluation of cervical arteries well corresponded with that of cerebral angiography. Ultrasonography showed increased blood flow and decreased pulsatility index in the ipsilateral external carotid artery, contralateral internal and external arteries, and these values in all arteries resolved within normal range after the interventional embolization. Ultrasonography is less invasive examination and can be easily performed even in outpatients for observation of spontaneous CCF.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

[Occipital encephalocele and epilepsy].

We report the incidence of epilepsy in 7 patients with occipital encephalocele (meningocele: 6 cases, meningoencephalocystocele: 1 case). Two cases had epilepsy and a case without the history of epileptic seizure had an epileptic pattern on the EEG. All these 3 cases had cortical dysplasia(CD) such as schizencephaly and subcortical gray matter, and two of them were associated with mental retardation. The location of the prominent CD was correlated with the EEG abnormalities and clinical epileptic pattern in each case. Associated hydrocephalus and placement of VP shunt had no significant influence on the occurrence of the epilepsy. Thus, complicated CD is thought to be epileptogenic in patients with occipital encephalocele.

Adolescent↗

[A case of effective urgent irradiation therapy for metastatic spine tumor].

A 74-year-old man noticed weakness in bilateral lower limbs 2 months prior to admission. The weakness had rapidly progressed and he could not stand by himself on admission. All thoracic vertebral bodies showed mosaic pattern on T 2 weighted-image. At Th 10 and Th 11, two enhanced masses compressed spinal cord posteriorly. Basal-serum tumor markers, such as LDH, ALP, total-acid phosphatase and prostatic acid phosphatase were elevated, metastatic spine tumor from prostatic carcinoma was suspected. Biopsy specimen from its prostate revealed low differentiated adenocarcinoma. Because sphincter dysfunction progressed rapidly after admission, we started 3 Gy/day irradiation within 24 hr from its appearance targeting both Th 10 to L 1 vertebral bodies and the prostate in total 30 Gy. The clinical symptoms started to resolve immediately, and the disappearance completely within 7 months. This case illustrated that urgent irradiation was effective for broad metastatic spinal tumor with rapidly progressive neurological deficits.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Small epidermoid induced trigeminal neuralgia unrecognized by conventional CT and MRI for over 25 years].

A 65-year-old woman had been conservatively treated as idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia for over 25 years, because conventional computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) showed no abnormality in the cerebello-pontine(CP) angle cistern. She received a detailed MRI by constructive interference in steady state and diffusion weighted image(DWI) sequences. Those sequences on MRI well demonstrated a epidermoid tumor in the CP angle cistern, and the removal of the tumor completely resolved the neuralgia. Since a small epidermoid in the CP angle cistern seems to be unrecognized by conventional CT and MRI, detailed evaluation by DWI sequence, which has been widespread recently, is required for patients with trigeminal neuralgia.

Aged↗

[Relationship between cardiac natriuretic peptide (ANP/BNP) and fluid intake in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage].

Several authors described elevated natriuretic peptides, atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH), which were account for inappropriate antidiuretic hormone(SIADH) or cerebral salt wasting syndrome(CSW). Although the secretion of natriuretic peptide depends on the total blood volume, central venous pressure, and cardiac output volume, the volume of fluid intake in patients with SAH had not been taken in consideration in previous report. We here examined the relationship between fluid intake and the natriuretic peptides in two cases without cardiac failure. ANP elevated 2 or 3 days after SAH and remained in normal range for 2 weeks. BNP elevated when the volume of fluid intake was increased, and BNP did not elevate during the periods with lower fluid intake. Several authors proposed the possibility of iatrogenic factor in natriuresis after SAH and these results supported this opinion.

Adult↗

cDNA cloning, expression and characterization of human prostaglandin F synthase.

A cDNA clone of prostaglandin F synthase (PGFS) was isolated from human lung by using cDNA of bovine lung-type PGFS as a probe and its protein expressed in Escherichia coli was purified to apparent homogeneity. The human PGFS catalyzed the reduction of prostaglandin (PG) D2, PGH2 and phenanthrenequinone (PQ), and the oxidation of 9alpha,11beta-PGF2 to PGD2. The kcat/Km values for PGD2 and 9alpha,11beta-PGF2 were 21000 and 1800 min(-1) mM(-1), respectively, indicating that the catalytic efficiency for PGD2 and 9alpha,11beta-PGF2 was the highest among the various substrates, except for PQ. The PGFS activity in the cytosol of human lung was completely absorbed with antihuman PGFS antiserum. Moreover, mRNA of PGFS was expressed in peripheral blood lymphocytes and the expression in lymphocytes was markedly suppressed by the T cell mitogen concanavalin A. These results support the notion that human PGFS plays an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases such as asthma.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Solitary fibrous tumor in neurosurgical practice.

Solitary fibrous tumors most often affect the pleura, but examples are increasingly being reported in a wide variety of sites including the central nervous system. This tumor shows characteristic expression of CD34, which facilitates histopathologic differentiation of this lesion from other more common and better recognized spindle-cell tumors such as fibrous meningioma, hemangiopericytoma, or nerve sheath tumors. In this paper, we review current information on cranial and paracranial solitary fibrous tumors and emphasize the need for clinical recognition of this lesion as a distinct entity.

Journal Article↗

Distinct pattern of PCR-SSCP analysis of p53 mutations in human astrocytomas.

Clarification of somatic mutations during the progression of human astrocytomas is important in order to understand the mechanisms underlying the development of these tumors. We analyzed surgical specimens of human astrocytomas for mutations in the p53 gene using single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis of polymerase chain reaction product (PCR-SSCP analysis) at a low pH. Klenow fragment treatment after PCR amplification was an effective means to get rid of some extra bands on the SSCP gel. Five mutations in three of 24 astrocytomas were identified by this improved SSCP method. The frequency of p53 gene mutations in astrocytomas examined was 12.5%. Further examination by direct sequencing showed that all five mutants had single-base substitutions resulting in missense mutations. The present studies revealed a loss of heterozygosity and two point mutations on the remaining allele in one of the fibrillary astrocytomas. Finally, the improvement of PCR-SSCP analysis using Klenow treatment and low pH showed a distinct electrophoresis gel pattern and could be relevant for the prognosis of human astrocytomas.

Astrocytoma↗

Characterization of a renal medium chain acyl-CoA synthetase responsible for glycine conjugation in mouse kidney mitochondria.

Glycine conjugation of a series of benzoic acid derivatives was investigated in mouse kidney mitochondria. The chlorine and methyl substitutions in the para- and meta-positions of the benzene ring yielded an increase in glycine conjugation. The acids with a methoxy group showed a low degree of glycine conjugation. In addition, the acids with nitro or amino groups were conjugated to a slight extent with glycine. The in vitro conjugation of salicylic acid with glycine occurred not in liver but in kidney. The specificity of the renal medium chain acyl-CoA synthetase catalyzing the first reaction of glycine conjugation was also examined. The enzyme accepted not only medium chain fatty acids but also aromatic and arylacetic acids. The highest activity was shown with hexanoic acid. High activities were observed for benzoic acid derivatives with alkyl and alkoxyl groups in the para- and meta-positions of the benzene ring. An ortho-substituted acid exhibited no activity. In addition, the enzyme was less active with valproic acid, tranexamic acid, indomethacin and ketoprofen. The enzyme was inhibited by diflunisal, 2-hydroxydodecanoic acid and salicylic acid, which did not act as substrates. There was a poor correlation between the activity of the medium chain acyl-CoA synthetase and glycine conjugation of eleven substituted benzoic acids. These findings suggest that the present medium chain acyl-CoA synthetase is involved in glycine conjugation of the substituted acids in mouse kidney mitochondria, but there may be a larger contribution of another isoenzyme.

Animals↗

Physiology, phylogenetic relationships, and ecology of filamentous sulfate-reducing bacteria (genus desulfonema)

Microscopy of organic-rich, sulfidic sediment samples of marine and freshwater origin revealed filamentous, multicellular microorganisms with gliding motility. Many of these neither contained sulfur droplets such as the Beggiatoa species nor exhibited the autofluorescence of the chlorophyll-containing cyanobacteria. A frequently observed morphological type of filamentous microorganism was enriched under anoxic conditions in the dark with isobutyrate plus sulfate. Two strains of filamentous, gliding sulfate-reducing bacteria, Tokyo 01 and Jade 02, were isolated in pure cultures. Both isolates oxidized acetate and other aliphatic acids. Enzyme assays indicated that the terminal oxidation occurs via the anaerobic C(1) pathway (carbon monoxide dehydrogenase pathway). The 16S rRNA genes of the new isolates and of the two formerly described filamentous species of sulfate-reducing bacteria, Desulfonema limicola and Desulfonema magnum, were analyzed. All four strains were closely related to each other and affiliated with the delta-subclass of Proteobacteria. Another close relative was the unicellular Desulfococcus multivorans. Based on phylogenetic relationships and physiological properties, Strains Tokyo 01 and Jade 02 are assigned to a new species, Desulfonema ishimotoi. A new, fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide probe targeted against 16S rRNA was designed so that that it hybridized specifically with whole cells of Desulfonema species. Filamentous bacteria that hybridized with the same probe were detected in sediment samples and in association with the filamentous sulfur-oxidizing bacterium Thioploca in its natural habitat. We conclude that Desulfonema species constitute an ecologically significant fraction of the sulfate-reducing bacteria in organic-rich sediments and microbial mats.

Journal Article↗

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy at the anterior fontanelle.

We describe a 4-month-old girl presenting with a melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy at the anterior fontanelle. According to the neuroimaging findings, this tumour was found to lie epidurally, adherent to the dura mater, with thickening of the adjacent frontal bone. The tumour was dense on CT, while MRI showed a major part of the tumour to be isointense with cerebral cortex on both T1- and T2-weighted images. The neuroimaging and clinical features are briefly discussed.

Cerebral Cortex↗

Serial MRI of cerebral infarcts before and after removal of an atrial myxoma.

We describe a cerebral infarct caused by atrial myxoma. A 30-year-old woman with an atrial myxoma presented with a right hemisensory deficit. MRI carried out before and after removal of the myxoma, showed multiple small bilateral white-matter infarcts which increased in number up to the surgery. A lesion in the left thalamus, which enlarged and showed contrast enhancement 4 months before surgery, resembled an old cerebral infarct by the time the myxoma was removed. The number of lesions stopped increasing after surgery. We suggest that atrial myxomas should be removed even in asymptomatic patients, to prevent cerebral infarcts due to embolism of tumour or thrombus.

Adult↗

Possible role of an endovascular provocative test in the diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia as a vascular compression syndrome.

We utilized endovascular provocative techniques to identify the indications for microvascular decompression surgery in a serious case of glossopharyngeal neuralgia. This is the first reported case in which an endovascular provocative test was applied for diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia as a vascular compression syndrome. A 68-year-old woman presented with severe paroxysmal facial pain which could not be controlled by medical therapy. Partial effectiveness to carbamazepine led us to wonder whether or not the selection of microvascular decompression surgery would be appropriate. Pre-operative angiography was performed. During the examination a microcatheter was inserted into the right posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), and an attack of typical glossopharyngeal neuralgia occurred. The patient thus underwent microvascular decompression surgery. The PICA was verified to compress the glossopharyngeal nerve and therefore was moved to induce decompression. The patient has since experienced no further pain for one year postoperatively. The diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia is sometimes complex and it is difficult to select the most appropriate surgical modality. In such cases this endovascular provocative technique may thus be useful for making a definitive decision or microvascular decompression surgery.

Aged↗

Functional imaging in periventricular nodular heterotopia with the use of FDG-PET and HMPAO-SPECT.

We analyzed the interictal [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FGD-PET) and single photon emission computed tomography with technetium-99m-hexamethyl-propyleneamine oxime (HMPAO-SPECT) in two epileptic patients with periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH). In both cases, we found both the glucose metabolism and the perfusion of PNH to be almost identical to those of the normal cerebral cortex. The metabolic activity and perfusion in the heterotopic gray matter in a subependymal white matter area probably represent the glucose metabolism and perfusion of the abnormally located gray matter rather than a subclinical ictal phenomenon. FDG-PET and HMPAO-SPECT were thus found to be a useful complement to magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of PNH.

Adult↗

Fibroxanthoma arising from the cranial dura mater.

A primary xanthomatous tumor is very rare in the central nervous system (CNS). Here we report the case of a fibroxanthoma arising from the dura mater of the cerebrum that demonstrated no systemic disease or metabolic abnormalities. A 19-month-old, otherwise healthy boy was found to have an enlarged head. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a left occipital dural mass lesion and an enlarged left cerebral hemisphere with ipsilateral ventricular enlargement. Subtotal removal of the tumor was performed through the left parieto-occipital craniotomy. The tumor was composed of a central fibrous portion, a peripheral xanthomatous area, and a boundary. The peripheral area of the tumor showed abundant uniform xanthomatous cells with a thin fibrous stroma and the mass was diagnosed as fibroxanthoma involving the dura. This may represent a distinct category of tumor, which is different from the previously reported cases of fibrous xanthoma and fibrous histiocytoma. Intracranial xanthomatous tumors may be heterogeneous in their origin and histological features. However, further studies are needed to elucidate their clinical features, biological behavior, and optimal treatment strategies.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Functional imaging in schizencephaly using [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and single photon emission computed tomography with technetium-99m-hexamethyl-propyleneamine oxime (HMPAO-SPECT).

We analyzed interictal [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FGD-PET) and single photon emission computed tomography with technetium-99m-hexamethyl-propyleneamine oxime (HMPAO-SPECT) in a 23-year-old female with schizencephaly. She had epilepsy and mild left hemiparesis, but was otherwise developmentally normal. We found the glucose metabolism and perfusion of the wall of the schizencephalic cleft to be identical to those of normal cerebral cortex. The wall of the transcerebral clefts, which were observed to be lined by abnormally organized gray matter as a result of a migration disorder, demonstrated gray matter metabolic activity and perfusion. FDG-PET and HMPAO-SPECT were thus found to be a useful complement to magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating schizencephaly.

Adult↗

Combining steady-state constructive interference and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the surgical treatment of epidermoid tumors.

We describe the usefulness of three-dimensional Fourier transformation-constructive interference in steady-state (CISS) imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of intracranial epidermoid tumors. Two surgically proven epidermoid tumors in the cerebellopontine (CP) angle were not identified in conventional T1- and T2-weighted images because of a signal intensity similar to that of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CISS images clearly demonstrated displacement of the cranial nerves and a shift caused by a lesion in the cistern, but the signal intensity of the tumor by CISS was not sufficiently different from that of CSF to demonstrate the tumor directly. Using DWI, the tumor in the cistern was shown clearly by its increased signal intensity. Together, CISS and DWI compensated for each other's disadvantages, and this combination was useful in guiding surgical treatment of epidermoid tumors in the CP cistern.

Adult↗