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M Ushijima

Publications and source records attributed to M Ushijima.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphism using model-based clustering.

MOTIVATION: Single nucleotide polymorphisms have been investigated as biological markers and the representative high-throughput genotyping method is a combination of the Invader assay and a statistical clustering method. A typical statistical clustering method is the k-means method, but it often fails because of the lack of flexibility. An alternative fast and reliable method is therefore desirable. RESULTS: This paper proposes a model-based clustering method using a normal mixture model and a well-conceived penalized likelihood. The proposed method can judge unclear genotypings to be re-examined and also work well even when the number of clusters is unknown. Some results are illustrated and then satisfactory genotypings are shown. Even when the conventional maximum likelihood method and the typical k-means clustering method failed, the proposed method succeeded.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2001

Prenatal stress and postnatal development of neonatal rats--sex-dependent effects on emotional behavior and learning ability of neonatal rats.

Maternal sound stress (800 Hz; 77 dB, every other minute for 15 min/day, from day 10 to 18 of gestation), combined with forced swimming stress (15 min/day), was found to cause potentiation of sound-induced loss of locomotor activity, referred to as emotional behavior, of male offspring, but not that of female offspring, at 4 weeks of age. Maternal stress also caused an increase in the total number of errors by male, but not female offspring in the water-maze test at 6 weeks of age. These effects of stress on emotional behavior and learning behavior were abolished when dams were pretreated with buspirone (30 min before the stress, from day 8 to 18 of gestation). Thus, prenatal stress might have sex-dependent effects on emotional behavior and learning ability of neonatal rats.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed2001

Pharmacologic activities of aged garlic extract in comparison with other garlic preparations.

We investigated the pharmacologic activities of four garlic preparations, raw garlic juice (RGJ), heated garlic juice (HGJ), dehydrated garlic powder (DGP) and aged garlic extract (AGE). The study used three animal models, i.e., testicular hypogonadism (hypospermatogensis and impotence) induced by warm water treatment, intoxication of acetaldehyde and growth of inoculated tumor cells. RGJ was found to be effective only in recovery of testicular function. The efficacy of HGJ was observed in three models; however, it did not improve impotence. DGP was effective in recovery of spermatogenesis and stimulated acetaldehyde detoxification. Significant beneficial effects of AGE were found in all three models. Although all four garlic preparations significantly enhanced natural killer (NK) and killer cell activities of the spleen cells of tumor-bearing mice, only AGE and HGJ inhibited the growth of inoculated tumor cells. These results suggest that different types of garlic preparations have different pharmacologic properties, and among the four garlic preparations studied, AGE could be the most useful garlic preparation.

Acetaldehyde↗
PubMed2000

Activating Gs(alpha) mutation in intramuscular myxomas with and without fibrous dysplasia of bone.

Activating missense mutations in the Arg 201 codon of the gene encoding the alpha subunit of Gs, the G protein that stimulates cAMP formation, have been recognized as the cause of many endocrine diseases, McCune-Albright syndrome and isolated fibrous dysplasia of bone. On the other hand, intramuscular myxomas with fibrous dysplasia, so-called Mazabraud's syndrome, have been sporadically reported, but it has not been confirmed whether intramuscular myxoma, with or without fibrous dysplasia, is associated with the Gs(alpha) mutations. We investigated the presence of the Gs(alpha) mutations in intramuscular myxomas with or without fibrous dysplasia by a PCR-SSCP assay, using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. In five of the six intramuscular myxomas (three with and two without fibrous dysplasia), point mutations were detected as aberrant bands by SSCP, which were confirmed by a subsequent sequence analysis (three Arg to His and two Arg to Cys). This result suggests that the Gs(alpha) mutations are related to tumorigenesis in intramuscular myxoma and that intramuscular myxoma is one of the diseases induced by abnormal Gs(alpha) protein.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Prevention of psychological stress-induced immune suppression by aged garlic extract.

We determined the effect of Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) on damage caused to immune function by a psychological stress using a communication box. After four days of a psychological stress, a decrease in spleen weight and spleen cells was observed in the psychological stress-exposed mice as compared normal mice (non-stress). AGE significantly prevented the decreases in spleen weight and cells. Additionally, AGE significantly prevented the reduction of hemolytic plaque-forming-cells in spleen cells and anti-SRBC antibody titer in serum caused by this psychological stress. Moreover, a reduction in NK activities was observed in the psychological stress-exposed mice as compared with normal mice (non-stress), whereas NK activities in the AGE administered mice were almost the same as normal mice (non-stress). These results indicate that psychological stress qualitatively and quantitatively impairs immune function, and that AGE is extremely useful for preventing psychologically-induced damage.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Molecular detection of EWS-FLI1 chimeric transcripts in Ewing family tumors by nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction: application to archival paraffin-embedded tumor tissues.

Chromosomal translocations generating unique chimeric genes are highly characteristic of specific sarcomas, and their use as diagnostic markers has been suggested. From a diagnostic pathologic point of view, detection of such cytogenetic or molecular aberrations applicable to routinely processed archival tissue specimens is considered a powerful tool for tumor diagnosis. To assess the feasibility and reliability of the molecular detection of the transcript originating from the chimeric gene in paraffin-embedded tumor specimens, we performed a nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based assay to detect the EWS-FLI1 chimeric message in a series of Ewing family tumors. Of 24 paraffin-embedded tumor specimens from 23 cases analyzed, the chimeric message was detectable in 20 (83%) specimens from 20 cases (87%) by this nested RT-PCR assay, whereas none of 7 small round cell tumors not from this family (3 alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas, 2 neuroblastomas, 2 malignant lymphomas) showed detectable chimeric messages. In the sequence analysis of the PCR products, the amplified chimeric messages contained the junctions between exon 7 of the EWS gene and any one of exons 5, 6 and 8 of the FLI1 gene. The detection process was usually completed within 3 days, except for the subseqent sequence analysis. Our results endorse the use of this molecular assay as an ancillary technique in the diagnosis of Ewing family tumors using paraffin-embedded material.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Effect of aged garlic extract (AGE) on hyperglycemia induced by immobilization stress in mice].

The effect of aged garlic extract (AGE) on stress induced hyperglycemia was investigated using the immobilization stress model in mice. After the exposure to immobilization stress for 16 hr per day for 2 consecutive days, the adrenal glands of the mice hypertrophied, and their serum glucose level and corticosterone secretion became elevated, but insulin secretion did not change. These results suggest that the elevation of serum glucose was probably due to the stimulation of the pituitary-adrenocortical axis by the stress. Pretreatment of AGE (5 and 10 ml/kg, p.o.) significantly prevented adrenal hypertrophy, hyperglycemia and elevation of corticosterone, but did not alter serum insulin level. The efficacy of AGE was the same as that of diazepam (5 mg/kg, p.o.). From these results, it is suggested that AGE may prevent stress-induced hyperglycemia, which is the risk of suffering from diabetes mellitus and its progression.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1998

Detection of SYT-SSX fusion transcripts in synovial sarcoma by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using archival paraffin-embedded tissues.

The reciprocal translocation t(X;18)(p11;q11) is known to be highly characteristic of synovial sarcoma, and its consequence, an SYT-SSX fusion gene, is expected to be a diagnostic molecular marker. In this study, we conducted a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-based assay to detect the SYT-SSX fusion gene transcripts using archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor specimens from a series of 32 synovial sarcoma cases including 6 tumors found in unusual anatomical sites. The SYT-SSX fusion transcripts could be detected in 30 of 32 paraffin-embedded specimens (94%). A subsequent sequence analysis using the polymerase chain reaction products confirmed that the detected messages were derived from either the SYT-SSX1 (22 cases) or SYT-SSX2 (8 cases) fusion gene. Of 23 SYT-SSX-positive monophasic tumors, 16 tumors had an SYT-SSX1 fusion transcript. Fusion transcripts were detectable in all the 7 biphasic tumors analysed, one of which had an SYT-SSX2 fusion transcript. All of the six tumors at unusual locations (lung; 3, metastasis to the abdominal cavity from a tumor of retroperitoneal origin; 1, sacral region; 1, iliopsoas muscle; 1) contained detectable messages. Our results indicate that this molecular assay can be applied to archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissues as a feasible and reliable molecular technique for the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Detection of TLS/FUS-CHOP fusion transcripts in myxoid and round cell liposarcomas by nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using archival paraffin-embedded tissues.

The reciprocal translocation t(12;16)(q13;p11) has been shown to be highly characteristic of myxoid and round cell subtypes of liposarcoma, and the TLS/FUS-CHOP fusion gene that resulted from the translocation is expected to be a diagnostic molecular marker of these sarcomas. In this study, we conducted a nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based assay to detect the TLS/FUS-CHOP fusion gene transcripts using archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor specimens. Of 18 paraffin-embedded specimens from 16 myxoid and round cell liposarcoma cases, the fusion transcripts could be identified in 16 (89%) specimens from 15 (94%) cases. A sequence analysis using the PCR products confirmed that the detected messages were derived from either type I or type II TLS/FUS-CHOP fusion gene, the latter of which was predominant (80%). The results were consistent in primary and recurrent lesions of the same patients and in paraffin-embedded and snap-frozen samples from the same tumors. In two negative specimens, transcripts of the beta-actin gene could not be detected by RT-PCR, and intact mRNA including the fusion messages might have been degraded. No fusion transcripts were detected in snap-frozen or paraffin-embedded material of other types of tumors with myxoid morphology (seven myxoid malignant fibrous histiocytomas and four lipomas with myxoid change). These results indicate that this molecular assay can be applied to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissues as a diagnostic aid for these subtypes of liposarcoma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and its fibrosarcomatous variant with areas of myoid differentiation: a report of three cases.

AIMS: We describe three examples of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans which demonstrated focal myofibroblastic differentiation, and discuss the nature of myofibroblastic differentiation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied three cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, two of which had fibrosarcomatous portions containing myoid areas, and one which showed myoid areas in ordinary dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Myoid areas were recognized histologically as randomly distributed, scattered bundles or small nodules of spindle cells with deeply eosinophilic cytoplasm. Myofibroblastic differentiation was demonstrated immunohistochemically by positive staining for smooth muscle actin and muscle-specific actin, and ultrastructurally by the presence of microfilament bundles with focal dense bodies and pinocytic vesicles. The myoid areas occasionally contained intraneoplastic blood vessels. CONCLUSION: The presence of myoid areas may be related to reactive hyperplasia of stroma, and its relation to the histogenesis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is uncertain.

Actins↗
PubMed1997

Expression of c-met proto-oncogene product (c-MET) in benign and malignant bone tumors.

The expression of c-met proto-oncogene product (c-MET) has been reported to be related to invasive growth or tumor stage in some tumors, but little is known concerning the significance of c-MET expression in bone tumors. With use of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens and polyclonal antibody for c-MET, we studied the expression of c-MET in 122 cases of malignant bone tumors (43 osteosarcomas, 24 chondrosarcomas, 21 malignant fibrous histiocytomas of bone, 16 Ewing's sarcoma versus primitive neuroectodermal tumors, 18 chordomas), 65 cases of benign tumors and tumor-like lesions (including 8 giant cell tumors of bone, 8 chondroblastomas, 12 enchondromas, 7 osteochondromas, 10 fibrous dysplasias), 7 cases of articular cartilaginous tissue, and 10 cases of fetal vertebral tissue consisting of foci of enchondral ossification and notochordal tissue. In malignant tumors, c-MET expression was most frequently detected in chordoma (94.4%), followed by chondrosarcoma (54.2%) and osteosarcoma (23.3%). Among the osteosarcoma specimens, c-MET expression was frequently detected in the chondroblastic subtype (66.7%), but the incidence was low in the cases with other subtypes of osteosarcoma. We found no significant correlation between the c-MET expression and the histologic grade of malignancy in either osteosarcoma or chondrosarcoma. c-MET expression was either rarely observed or completely negative in malignant fibrous histiocytomas of bone (4.8%) and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (0%). In benign tumors and tumor-like lesions, c-MET expression was frequently detected in cartilaginous tumors, such as chondroblastoma (62.5%), enchondroma (66.7%), and osteochondroma (71.4%), but no expression was observed in giant cell tumors of bone or any other benign tumors or tumor-like lesions. In normal tissue, c-MET expression was frequently detected in the articular cartilage (100%) and notochord (70.0%) specimens examined. We conclude that c-MET expression as frequent as that observed in the notochordal tissue, chordomas, articular cartilage, and cartilaginous tumors is related to the development of both normal tissue and chondroid tumors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Plasma levels of granulocyte elastase-alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor complex in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation: pathophysiologic implications.

To investigate the role of neutrophil activation in the pathophysiology and sequelae of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), we measured plasma levels of granulocyte elastase-alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor complex (GEPIC) in 41 patients with DIC and 27 patients with similar underlying conditions but without DIC. Mean GEPIC levels were significantly higher in patients with DIC (421.0 +/- 45.6 ng/ml) than in patients without DIC (246.1 +/- 41.9 ng/ml, P < 0.01). Significant differences were also noted in DIC patients with or without infection (474.7 +/- 61.2 ng/ml vs. 302.4 +/- 48.9 ng/ml, P < 0.04), with or without organ dysfunction (546.6 +/- 72.7 ng/ml vs. 305.6 +/- 42 ng/ml, P < 0.01), and with or without respiratory failure (640.0 +/- 91.2 ng/ml vs. 328.1 +/- 55.1 ng/ml, P < 0.01). No significant difference was found in mean GEPIC levels in DIC patients with or without renal failure, heart failure, hepatic failure, or gastrointestinal bleeding. The frequency of respiratory failure correlated with rising plasma levels of GEPIC. Mortality was higher in patients with GEPIC levels > 500 ng/ml (53.8%) than in patients with GEPIC levels < 500 ng/ml (28.6%). This correlation was particularly strong in patients with DIC, infection, and respiratory failure. Based on these data, we suggest that neutrophil activation, triggered by the coagulation cascade and perhaps augmented by endotoxin or cytokine release with infection, significantly contributes to respiratory failure and mortality in patients with DIC.

Cardiac Output, Low↗
PubMed1994

Pharmacokinetics of the garlic compound S-allylcysteine.

The pharmacokinetic behavior of S-allylcysteine (SAC), one of the biologically active transformation products from garlic, was investigated after oral administration to rats, mice, and dogs. SAC was rapidly and easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and distributed mainly in plasma, liver, and kidney. The bioavailability was 98.2, 103.0, and 87.2% in rats, mice, and dogs, respectively. SAC was mainly excreted into urine in the N-acetyl form in rats; however, mice excreted both SAC and the N-acetyl form. The half-life of SAC was longer in dogs than in rats and mice.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Clinical effects and safety of granisetron administration against CDDP chemotherapy in lung cancer. Lung Cancer Study Group].

Granisetron (3 mg/body) was administered immediately before single CDDP administration (80 mg/m2 or more) to 53 patients with lung cancer. This chemotherapy was performed a total of 73 times. Concerning Grade 2 or 3 nausea and vomiting, good conditions were observed on day 1 (day of treatment), most marked aggravation on day 2, and initiation of improvement on day 4. Vomiting was slight on day 1, most aggravated on day 2, but began to improve on day 3; good results were generally observed thereafter. Decreased appetite was slight on day 1, but was most aggravated on day 3 and 4; its recovery was delayed even until day 7. In the treatment for delayed emesis, comparison was made among the group treated with granisetron alone who did not require treatment for delayed emesis, the group with delayed emesis treated with granisetron, and the group with delayed emesis treated with drugs other than granisetron. Slightly better results were observed in terms of nausea, vomiting, and the frequency of vomiting in the group treated with granisetron alone on days 2 and 3. However, no significant difference was observed in decreased appetite among the 3 groups. Granisetron had no side effects and was safe. It inhibited vomiting, but measures to improve decreased appetite are needed.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Primary rhabdomyosarcoma of the iliac bone in an adult: a case mimicking fibrosarcoma.

Primary rhabdomyosarcoma of bone is exceedingly rare. We present a case of rhabdomyosarcoma of the iliac bone in a 32-year-old male. Histologically, the tumour consisted mainly of a uniform proliferation of elongated spindle cells arranged in a herring bone pattern, simulating fibrosarcoma. Focally there was a conventional embryonal pattern with scattered rhabdomyoblasts possessing an eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical studies disclosed expression of muscle markers such as desmin and muscle-specific actin, in both the embryonal and spindle-cell areas and myoglobin only in the embryonal areas. Such histological features are unusual for classical embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. The anatomical site and age of the patient are also atypical.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

An immunohistochemical study of regenerating newt retinas.

Light-microscopical examination was carried out to investigate the emergence and development of several classes of immunoreactive cells in regenerating retinas of the adult newt (Triturus pyrrhogaster) after total retinal ablation. Immunoreactive proliferating cell nuclear antigen (ir-PCNA, a marker for replicating cells) was present in nuclei of all neuroblasts in the early mono-layered to several-layered stages (15-20 days after retinal ablation; days 15-20), but was lost progressively in an intermediate-to-central/peripheral order as cells and layers increased (days 20-25). Cells, which had lost ir-PCNA, began to separate to form the outer nuclear, inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers around days 25-30 (the cell separation stage). Finally, the location of ir-PCNA was restricted to a band of neuroblast cells at the retinal margin (days 30-35) as seen in intact adult retinas. Visinin-immunoreactive (ir) cells, mainly destined to be cones, appeared first singly or as clusters at the most distal layer in the intermediate region of retinas multi-layered with PCNA-ir neuroblasts, which was followed by appearance of opsin-ir rod outer segments and tyrosine hydroxylase-ir amacrine cells around the cell separation stage. Shortly later, cells respectively immunoreactive to glutamic acid decarboxylase, neuropeptide Y, serotonin, glucagon, glutamine synthetase, glial fibrillary acidic protein, substance P and protein kinase C were found to emerge also in an intermediate-to-central/peripheral sequence. Some of the glucagon-ir cells appeared to be of an interplexiform type.

Animals↗