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Biomedical subjects

M Sase

Publications and source records attributed to M Sase.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

NF-kappaB activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in neonatal asphyxia.

Neonatal asphyxia results in hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. Previous studies have demonstrated that brain hypoxia and ischaemia lead to the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-6. Transcription factor NF-kappaB is essential for the expression of these cytokines. We examined whether or not NF-kappaB is activated in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) in neonatal asphyxia by flow cytometry. In addition, we examined the relationship between NF-kappaB activation in PBMC and the neurological prognosis. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that the level of NF-kappaB activation in CD14+ monocytes/macrophages of the patients with asphyxia who had neurological sequelae was significantly higher than in the controls, and in the patients with asphyxia who survived (31.7 +/- 7.2%versus 2.5 +/- 0.9%, P = 0.008, and versus 1.6 +/- 1.4%, P = 0.014, respectively). Our findings suggest that NF-kappaB activation in peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes/macrophages in neonatal asphyxia is important for predicting the subsequent neurological sequelae.

Asphyxia Neonatorum↗
PubMed2002

Fetal gastric size in normal and abnormal pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this observational study was to construct an ultrasound index of fetal gastric size for the prenatal detection of congenital digestive tract obstruction. SUBJECTS: A total of 386 fetal measurements were performed in routine ultrasonographic examinations of women with normal singleton pregnancies between 18 and 39 weeks of gestation. Gastric measurements were also performed in 13 fetuses with digestive tract obstruction. METHODS: The ultrasound plane which included the pylorus and which provided the largest stomach area was used for definition and measurement of gastric area and maximal longitudinal dimension. The transverse section at the center of the gastric corpus was used for transverse and anteroposterior dimensions. Gastric volumes were calculated as a prolate ellipsoid. The gastric area ratio was defined as the gastric area divided by the transverse abdominal area. Biparietal diameter (BPD) and abdominal transverse area were also measured. RESULTS: The fetal gastric area was significantly correlated with fetal gastric volume (r = 0.91) and gestational age (r = 0.74). However, the correlation coefficient for gastric area with gestational age was smaller than those of the BPD (r = 0.97) with gestational age and abdominal transverse area with gestational age (r = 0.97). Gastric area ratio decreased slightly towards term. The gastric area ratio was below the 95% confidence intervals for the predicted values in all five fetuses with esophageal atresia, and exceeded the 95% confidence intervals in seven of the eight fetuses with duodenal atresia or intestinal tract obstruction. CONCLUSION: Fetal gastric area correlates with ultrasound-determined gastric volume measurements and appears to be useful in the assessment of digestive tract anomalies.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2002

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital epulis: a case report.

Congenital epulis or congenital granular cell tumor, is a benign tumor that has rarely been diagnosed prenatally. We report a case of a large congenital epulis diagnosed at 26 weeks of gestation that increased in size during gestation. Color and power Doppler ultrasound examination showed marked blood flow in the tumor. The tumor could be resected completely following Cesarean section and histologically examined. We discuss the prenatal diagnosis and histogenesis of congenital epulis.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Effect of hypoxia on fetal rabbit gastrointestinal motility.

During fetal hypoxic stress, blood flow is shunted from nonvital to life-preserving organs, including the heart and brain. Reduced oxygen to the small intestine (SI) induces mucosal injury and may contribute to neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). As little is known about the relationship between fetal hypoxia and GI motility, we assessed potential effects in a rabbit model. Twenty-one pregnant rabbits were randomized into two groups, hypoxia (Hyp) and control (Cont). Seven litters were studied at Gestational Days 24, 27, and 30 of their normal 31-day gestation. Under ultrasound guidance each fetal stomach was percutaneously accessed. Fluorescein, labeled with color-coded microspheres for precise fetal identification, was injected. Hyp rabbits breathed 11% oxygen for 1 h after recovery from anesthesia; Cont rabbits breathed room air. Two hours after injection, fetuses were delivered and weighed. The SI was harvested, the length recorded, and the distance fluorescein traveled measured by UV light optical density. Results were analyzed by the unpaired Student test. All injected fetuses (N = 167) survived. The length fluorescein traveled was shorter in Hyp than Cont at all gestational days studied (P < 0.01): Day 24, Hyp = 6.7 +/- 2.0 vs Cont = 8.4 +/- 2.1 cm; Day 27, Hyp = 10.1 +/- 2.9 vs Cont = 19.1 +/- 4.4 cm; and Day 30, Hyp = 16.8 +/- 3.5 vs Cont = 23.1 +/- 5.2 cm. The percentage motility, defined as the length of fluorescein travel divided by total SI length, was also significantly less at all gestational days. Fetal rabbit GI motility was significantly decreased by maternal hypoxia during the last third of gestation. Hypoxia-induced reduction in GI motility may contribute to neonatal NEC.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Ontogeny of fetal rabbit upper gastrointestinal motility.

BACKGROUND: The gastrointestinal (GI) tract performs the digestion, propulsion, and absorption of nutrients both pre- and postnatally, although little is known about the development of fetal motility. We evaluated the development of GI motility using a novel fetal rabbit model. METHODS: Nine pregnant rabbits were obtained and three litters were studied at day 24 (n = 24), 27 (n = 29), and 30 (n = 24) of their 31-day gestation. Under ultrasound guidance fetal position was identified, a spinal needle was percutaneously inserted into each fetal stomach, and fluorescein, labeled with color-coded microspheres, was injected. Two hours later, fetuses were delivered and weighed, and the small intestine was harvested. The absolute length of fluorescein traveled was measured by ultraviolet light optical density and the percentage motility was calculated by dividing the absolute length of fluorescein traveled by the total small intestinal length. RESULTS: All injected fetuses survived. The length of fluorescein traveled significantly increased from day 24 (8.1 +/- 2.1 cm) to day 27 (18.8 +/- 4.6 cm) and 30 (22.6 +/- 5.2 cm). The length of fluorescein traveled significantly correlated with body weight on day 27 and 30. Calculated percentage motility significantly increased from day 24 to 30. However, percentage motility showed no correlation with fetal weight. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a novel rabbit model for the assessment of in vivo fetal GI motility. Motility matured during the last third of gestation when assessed by the absolute length of fluorescein travel and the percentage motility. These results confirm that late-gestation fetuses have developed sufficient motility to propel potential nutrients, drugs, or gene therapy vectors to the small intestinal absorptive surface area.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Human parvovirus B19 in cord blood of premature infants.

We investigated whether intrauterine parvovirus B19 infection is associated with premature birth by evaluating parvovirus B19 antibodies and DNA in umbilical cord blood from 76 premature infants. We performed enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect B19-specific IgM antibodies and parvovirus DNA. No parvovirus DNA was detected in cord blood sera, and no sample was positive for anti-parvovirus B19 IgM antibodies. Parvovirus appears unlikely to lead to premature birth.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed2000

Ontogeny of insulin-like growth factor 1 in a rabbit model of growth retardation.

Many cases of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) result from placental insufficiency, but the molecular signals accompanying this event are unknown. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a potent mitogen for fetal tissues and is lowered in the serum of human infants with IUGR. The rabbit provides an optimal model for the study of IUGR based on fetal position. To determine if IGF-1 expression is altered in the growth-retarded fetus, this naturally occurring rabbit model of IUGR was used. Four fetal rabbit pairs were harvested on Days 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31 of their normal 31-day gestation; they were identified based on uterine position as normal or growth retarded. Fetal weight was recorded and the serum, amniotic fluid, liver, kidney, and small intestine (SI) were collected. The SI was divided into three equal segments: proximal, middle, and distal. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure IGF-1/beta-actin mRNA densitometric band ratios in all tissues. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to measure IGF-1 protein levels in the serum and amniotic fluid. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and the paired Student's t test. Weights were decreased in fetuses with IUGR at all time points (P < 0.05), further validating this rabbit model in the study of IUGR. Liver, proximal, and distal SI IGF-1 mRNA decreased during late gestation (P < 0.01). Kidney IGF-1 mRNA increased throughout late gestation (P < 0.01). Compared with their normal counterparts, fetuses with IUGR had a trend toward decreased IGF-1 mRNA in the kidney, liver, and SI at all time points, reaching significance in the liver on Day 27 (P = 0.002). Serum IGF-1 decreased throughout gestation in all fetuses (P < 0.05). Compared with normal fetuses, fetuses with IUGR had lower serum IGF-1 at all time points, reaching significance at Day 27 (P = 0.02). Amniotic fluid IGF-1 was lower in fetuses with IUGR than in normal fetuses, though not quite reaching significance. Compared with normal fetuses, growth-retarded fetal rabbits trend toward depressed liver, kidney, and intestinal expression of IGF-1 mRNA and lower serum and amniotic fluid IGF-1 protein. Serum IGF-1 levels correlate with fetal weight change. Further studies and potential manipulation of fetal IGF-1 are warranted to investigate potential prenatal intervention in the treatment of IUGR.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed2000

Development of gastric emptying in the human fetus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate stomach size and the development of gastric emptying in human fetuses using ultrasound. DESIGN: Clinical observational study. METHODS: The motility and peristalsis of the fetal stomach were studied in 80 normal fetuses between 12 and 39 weeks of gestation. Fetal gastric motility was assessed by analysis of videotaped recordings of ultrasound images of the stomach taken in real time. RESULTS: Fetal maximum gastric area gradually increased and minimum gastric areas gradually decreased after 20 weeks of gestation. At term, the maximum and minimum gastric area ratios were approximately 13 and 5%, respectively. The change in fetal gastric area, defined as the difference of maximum and minimum gastric area ratios, was relatively constant at 3% from 12 to 15 weeks of gestation to 20-23 weeks of gestation. It increased significantly (to 8%) after 24-27 weeks of gestation until term. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal gastric emptying was quantified and its development assessed during pregnancy. A critical point of gastric development, associated with an increase in the change of gastric volume, was identified at 24-25 weeks of gestation.

Fetus↗
PubMed2000

Effect of dexamethasone on insulin-like growth factor-1 expression in a rabbit model of growth retardation.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The maternal administration of steroids promotes fetal maturative effects in the gastrointestinal tract. To determine if fetal insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) expression is altered in response to maternal dexamethasone administration, this rabbit model of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) was utilized. METHODS: Eight pregnant rabbits received either dexamethasone (Dex 0.1 mg/kg/d intramuscular), or normal saline (Cont) on gestational days 26 and 27. Fetuses were harvested on gestational day 28 or 29 and were identified as favored (Fav) or runt (Runt): DexFav, DexRunt, ContFav, and ContRunt. Fetal weight was recorded and the serum, amniotic fluid, liver, kidney, and small intestine (SI) were collected. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure IGF-1/beta-actin mRNA densitometric band ratios in all tissues. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to measure IGF-1 protein levels in the serum and amniotic fluid. RESULTS: Weight was decreased in the Runt fetuses at all time-points (P < .08). The percent weight accretion from day 28 to 29, was greatest in the DexRunt fetus (P < .001), suggesting "catch-up" growth. All Dex fetuses (Fav and Runt) had increased liver and proximal, middle and distal SI IGF-1 mRNA at day 28 and elevated levels in the liver, proximal and distal SI at day 29 compared with control fetuses. The DexRunt fetuses had serum IGF-1 protein surpassing that of the DexFav fetus at day 28. CONCLUSIONS: This report provides the first description of maternal steroid administration effecting a marked increase in fetal IGF-1 mRNA expression and IGF-1 protein levels in an in vivo rabbit model of IUGR. The growth-retarded fetus appears to be particularly responsive.

Actins↗
PubMed1999

A supernumerary ovary of the omentum with cystic change: report of two cases and review of the literature.

A supernumerary ovary is a rare gynecological anomaly. Particularly rare is the presence of cystic changes within the supernumerary ovary. We report two cases of neonates found to have a supernumerary ovary resembling an omental cyst. To the best of our knowledge, this report describes the first antenatal diagnosis of an omental cyst with a supernumerary ovary. To explain this unusual occurrence, it is suggested that an omental cyst becomes detached from the ovarian tissue and implants itself in the greater omentum, and that these supernumerary ovaries are of true embryologic origin, and not due to post-surgical or post-inflammatory implantation.

Choristoma↗
PubMed1999

Sonographic evaluation of antepartum development of fetal gastric motility.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the development of fetal gastric motility and emptying. The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of gastric motility sonographically in the human fetus. METHODS: The motility and peristalsis of the fetal stomach were sonographically studied in 76 normal fetuses at 12-39 weeks of gestation. Fetal gastric motility was assessed by videotaping real-time ultrasonic images of the stomach for periods of 60 or more minutes. RESULTS: Gastric peristalsis appeared as early as 14 weeks of gestation, and was detected in all fetuses by 23 weeks. The frequency of peristaltic waves was constant, and was 2.2-3 times per minute at 14-39 weeks of gestation. The onset of fetal gastric peristalsis was sporadic and the period with no peristaltic waves was dominant before 24 weeks of gestation. Fetal gastric peristalsis increased and consolidated into long-term clusters from 24 weeks of gestation. The mean duration of peristalsis increased from 4.1 +/- 1.2 min (n = 6) at 20-23 weeks to 14.1 +/- 3.2 min (n = 14) at 32-35 weeks of gestation, and remained constant thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal gastric motility was quantified and its development during pregnancy was assessed in this study. There was a critical point of development at around 24-25 weeks of gestation when grouped peristalsis was observed in all fetuses.

Embryonic and Fetal Development↗
PubMed1998

Prune belly syndrome with penile and urethral agenesis: report of a case.

The authors report the case of an infant born with prune belly syndrome associated with penile and urethral agenesis. At 15 weeks' gestation, antenatal ultrasonography showed a fetal giant bladder, congenital hydronephrosis, and oligohydramnios, and at 17 weeks' gestation, a fetal vesicoamniotic shunt operation was performed. A boy was born at 33 weeks' gestation with prune belly syndrome, an anocutaneous fistula, and penile agenesis. A cystostomy and cut-back operation were performed immediately, showing urethral agenesis, no urethral opening, and left renal hypoplasia. Thereafter, his renal system began functioning normally, and a urinary tract infection resolved. The authors speculate that the prune belly syndrome in this patient was caused by penile and urethral agenesis.

Fetal Diseases↗
PubMed1997

Neural network-based PET image reconstruction.

In PET image analysis, conventional deconvolution alone will not give sufficient information for a precise study of a localized brain function. In the deconvolution process, which is a type of inverse problem, it is important to confine the solution space by incorporating a priori knowledge such as the tissue distribution given by MR images as well as smoothness in the blood flow distribution profile. An MR-embedded neural-network model is described to reduce the partial volume effect in the restoration of blood flow profiles from PET images.

Brain↗
PubMed1996

Diffuse cystic renal dysplasia: nonsyndromal familial case.

We report on a family in which three individuals, a male and two females were affected with nonsyndromal diffuse cystic dysplasia of the kidneys. The parents had no renal abnormality. The occurrence of diffuse cystic dysplasia in three sibs born to normal parents suggests autosomal recessive inheritance.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Skeletal manifestations in Fryns syndrome.

We report on a female baby with Fryns syndrome who died soon after birth. The patient had short limbs, coarse face, hypoplastic lungs, diaphragmatic hernia, and acral hypoplasia. Literature review disclosed varying degrees of skeletal manifestations in Fryns syndrome; short limbs may be a component of Fryns syndrome.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗