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N Ando

Publications and source records attributed to N Ando.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Treatment with intravitreal steroid reduces blood-retinal barrier breakdown due to retinal photocoagulation.

The effect of corticosteroid treatment on blood-retinal barrier breakdown caused by argon-laser panretinal photocoagulation was evaluated in the rabbit eye. One day before photocoagulation, eyes were given either a sub-Tenon (20-mg) or intravitreal (2-mg) injection of triamcinolone acetonide. The severity of blood-retinal barrier breakdown was measured after photocoagulation using rapid sequential magnetic resonance imaging following intravenous administration of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. Leakage of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid into the vitreous space was significantly lower in eyes that received intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide than in control eyes (P = .007); however, sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide produced no significant reduction in leakage (P = .65) compared with controls. Fluorescein angiography supported the magnetic resonance imaging findings. We conclude that retinal photocoagulation in the rabbit eye produces blood-retinal barrier breakdown that is partially amenable to corticosteroid treatment.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Bacterial invasion of non-exposed dental pulp.

Anaerobic procedures were adopted to demonstrate the early bacterial invasion of non-exposed dental pulps, and to isolate and identify the bacteria. Of 19 freshly extracted teeth which originally exhibited deep dentinal lesions, clinical examination and electric pulp testing showed that nine of them had no pulpal exposure. Thus the pulps of these teeth were covered by clinically sound dentine beneath the carious lesion. Bacteria were found to have invaded the pulps of six of these nine teeth. The predominant bacteria were obligate anaerobes belonging to the genera Eubacterium, Propionibacterium and Actinomyces. Other obligate anaerobes were Lactobacillus, Peptostreptococcus, Veillonella and Streptococcus. The bacterial composition resembled that of the deep layers of dentinal lesions described previously, suggesting that the bacteria isolated in this study had passed through some individual dentinal tubules, to invade the dental pulp.

Actinomyces↗
PubMed1992

[Mechanism to induce scoliosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy--a study of paraspinal muscle by X-ray computed tomography].

We studied mechanism to induce scoliosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by use of X-ray computed tomography (CT) of paraspinal muscles. CT examination of paraspinal muscles was performed on 15 DMD patients at the following six levels; 1. Th3 vertebrae (upper thoracic spine level) 2. Th6 vertebrate (middle thoracic spine level) 3. Th10 vertebrae (lower thoracic spine level) 4. L1 vertebrae (upper lumbar spine level) 5. L3 vertebrae (middle lumbar spine level) 6. L5 vertebrae (lower lumbar spine level). We evaluated the degeneration of paraspinal muscle by a decrease in radio-density of the muscle which indicates infiltration of fatty tissue. The degeneration of the lateral portion of paraspinal muscle was more marked than that of the medial portion. The muscle was most severely affected at the middle lumbar spine level, showing a tendency to increase degeneration at the lower level of the spine. In cases showing laterality of the degeneration of paraspinal muscle, the less affected muscle on CT was located at the convex site of scoliosis. We speculate that the scoliosis occurs when DMD patients have asymmetrical paraspinal muscle degeneration, leading them to take compensatory posture.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[A new method of gait analysis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy].

We assessed gait in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) mainly by determining alteration of foot pressure using a new gait analyzing procedure. DMD patients showed a characteristic foot pressure pattern according to their degree of dysfunction. In stage I disease, the observed pattern was the same as that of normal controls. In stage II, the period during which the center of foot pressure was seen in the front part of the foot was prolonged. This change became more marked in stage III. In stage IV, the center of foot pressure began at the head of the ossis metatarsalis primi and moved back and toward the lateral side. Thereafter, the center of foot pressure again moved forward along the outside of the foot. These changes were considered to be the result of talipes equinus and waddling gait, which are commonly demonstrated in patients with DMD.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Accurate and precise measurement of blood-retinal barrier breakdown using dynamic Gd-DTPA MRI.

Dynamic T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after the injection of Gd-DTPA is a promising method for investigating breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). Previously, the authors demonstrated that in a T1-weighted image, the initial rate of change in the vitreous water MRI signal as gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) enters the vitreous space strongly correlated with the extent of BRB breakdown. Here, a practical approach to measuring a more relevant physiologic parameter is presented: the permeability surface area product (PS). The theory is a development of earlier work used in investigating the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier. The accuracy and precision of this approach was investigated in rabbits pretreated with sodium iodate (30 mg/kg intravenously). The MRI-derived PS normalized to the area of leaky retina (5.65 +/- 0.25 x 10(-4) cm/min, mean +/- standard error of the mean; n = 6) was compared to a similarly normalized PS calculated using a classical physiologic method (4.12 +/- 0.73 x 10(-4) cm/min; n = 6). Good agreement between the two methods was found (P = 0.09). This result demonstrates that the MRI-derived PS is an accurate and precise measure of BRB breakdown under these conditions. The mathematical model of Gd-DTPA distribution in vivo also is validated. Based on these results, several potential sources of error are discussed, including the effect of back-flow of Gd-DTPA from the vitreous space to the plasma, the underlying vascular patency, and MRI slice selection.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

In vivo imaging of breakdown of the inner and outer blood-retinal barriers.

Real-time contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to distinguish between experimentally induced breakdown of the vascular (inner) and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE; outer) blood-retinal barrier (BRB) in vivo. Pigmented rabbits were treated with intravenous sodium iodate 30 mg/kg, (a specific RPE cell poison), intravitreal N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) 10(-3) mol/l (which specifically disrupts the vascular BRB), or retinal diode laser photocoagulation. Coronal T1-weighted proton images were acquired in a timed sequence after intravenous injection of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA). Images were analyzed to localize leakage of Gd-DTPA and determine the permeability surface area product normalized per unit area (PS). The pattern of enhancement observed in eyes treated with sodium iodate differed clearly from that in eyes treated with NECA. PS' values were significantly higher in eyes treated with sodium iodate than with NECA. Simultaneous leakage from the outer and inner BRB in eyes treated with dense retinal laser photocoagulation could be localized and quantitated independently.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1992

[Rapid detection of mecA gene by nested PCR for diagnosis of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus].

In recent years, the most common causative organism of hospital infections has been methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The major mechanism of beta-lactam resistance in MRSA is attributed to the production of a specific penicillin binding protein (PBP2'), which is a product of mecA gene, with extremely low binding affinities to beta-lactams. In the present study, we have established a rapid identification method of MRSA by sensitive detection of mecA gene using nested PCR. Nested PCR method amplifying the target DNA in two steps enhanced the efficiency of the second round amplification. By means of this method, mecA gene was successfully detected in clinical samples, such as blood, pus, sputum and feces within 3-4 hrs. Rapid diagnosis of MRSA-bacteremia is particularly important for prevention of sever systemic infection. There are some strains of S. aureus which possess mecA gene in spite of low minimal inhibitory concentration of DMPPC. In these strains expression of mecA gene is induced by contact of beta-lactams and they obtain methicillin resistance. Using nested PCR method, these latent MRSA are rapidly and certainly detectable. This method should be useful for early and effective detection of MRSA hospital infections.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed1992

[Prolactin disorders in patients with habitual abortion].

To evaluate the significance of prolactin (PRL) disorders as one of the etiologic factors in habitual abortion, one hundred and six couples with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion were assessed clinically and endocrinologically. A high rate of PRL disorders (eight patients with hyperprolactinemia and 31 patients with occulted hyperprolactinemia) was observed (36.8%) in habitual aborters, and only nine of these patients showed clinically detectable luteal insufficiency. These patients who had PRL disorders without luteal insufficiency were further analyzed with immunological examinations. Immunological evaluations revealed that there was no significant difference between the subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in patients with PRL disorders and normal controls while the PHA-stimulated blastogenic activity of PBL and ConA-induced IL-2 synthesis by PBL was slightly suppressed as compared with that of normal controls. And the incidence of HLA sharing in couples with PRL disorders was demonstrated to be higher than that of the normal control couples without abortion. Patients with PRL disorders without impaired corpus luteum function were treated with bromocriptine only, and this therapy was very effective in maintaining pregnancy. The results of this study have allowed us to suggest that PRL disorders might be some of the etiologies in the so called "unexplained" habitual abortion.

Abortion, Habitual↗
PubMed1992

Phase II evaluation of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: a Japanese Esophageal Oncology Group Trial.

Thirty-nine patients with advanced measurable squamous cell carcinomas were treated with two or more courses of 70 mg cisplatin/m2 on day 1 and 700 mg infused 5-fluorouracil/m2 on days 1-5 every 21 days. The overall response rate was 35.9 (95% confidence limits, 24.8-55.1%). Responses were seen in primary sites in the esophagus of five patients, in the lung of seven, the liver of one and the mediastinal lymph nodes of one. The average response duration was 3.5 (range 1-12) mo for patients who achieved partial response. The average survival time after the first administration was 9.5 mo for patients who responded to the treatment whereas, for those who did not, it was 5.6 mo. The major form of toxicity was myelosuppression and there were six patients with grade 3 toxicity and one with grade 4. The present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of combined cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil for advanced squamous cell carcinoma, and the results showed that it had a reasonable effect and might possibly be used as a postoperative chemotherapy because of its mild side effects.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[MELAS associated with diabetes mellitus and point mutation in mitochondrial DNA].

Point mutation of mitochondrial DNA has been described in the blood from a MELAS patient. The 39-year-old patient developed progressive dementia, stroke-like episodes, heart conduction defect (Lown-Ganong-Levin syndrome) and cortical blindness. CT scan revealed brain atrophy and low density areas in the bilateral occipital lobes. Laboratory tests showed hyperglycemia and lactic acidosis. Muscle biopsy showed ragged red fibers on Gomori trichrome staining. He was clinically diagnosed as having MELAS and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Onset of diabetes mellitus and MELAS was almost same. Family history showed his mother's brother and sisters had also insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. We amplified the leucine (UUR) tRNA gene from the patient's blood with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analysed it by restriction enzyme analysis and sequencing. Genetic analysis showed A-to-G substitution at the nucleotide position 3243 in the leucine (UUR) tRNA gene. This substitution made a new restriction site Apa I. Mutant DNA coexisted with wild type DNA (heteroplasmy). It is shown that in some types of mitochondrial encephalomyopathies, especially patients of Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS), diabetes mellitus is often complicated. And in KSS patients insulin receptor in normal, but insulin secretion from beta cells of pancreas is decreased. In MELAS patients, however, has diabetes mellitus been reported to be rarely complicated and relationship between MELAS and diabetes mellitus is not done. As far as we know, two cases, including ours, with genetically diagnosed MELAS have been reported to have diabetes mellitus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[A case of endometrioid carcinoma arising from endometriosis of the rectum].

A very rare case with rectal endometriosis heterotopic transformed into carcinoma is reported. A 44-year-old female patient underwent colostomy due to ileus. Postoperative examinations revealed submucosal tumors all around the rectum. Low anterior resection and the closure of the colostomy were performed. Thickening in the muscular layer and serosa were observed in the resected specimen, but the mucosal surface was maintained. Histopathological observation revealed glands of the endometrium and connective fibers with glandular adenocarcinoma in the periphery. Transformation of the benign endometrial tissues into carcinoma and squamous metaplasia were observed. A diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma in the rectum was made.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1991

Significance of int-2/hst-1 coamplification as a prognostic factor in patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma.

The correlation between the clinical outcome in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and coamplification of the proto-oncogenes int-2 and hst-1, which are partially homologous to angiogenesis-inducing fibroblast growth factor, was analyzed retrospectively. Coamplification of these genes was examined by slot-blot hybridization using DNAs extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded blocks of tissues. These tissues were obtained from 107 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who had undergone radical surgery. Int-2/hst-1 coamplification greater than 3-fold was observed in the primary tumors of 30 of 107 cases (28%), and in the metastatic lymph nodes of 12 of 40 cases (30%). The cumulative survival rate of patients with int-2/hst-1 coamplification in the primary tumors was significantly lower than that of the patients without coamplification (P less than 0.001), and there were no significant differences between the clinicopathological backgrounds of the 2 groups. Int-2/hst-1 coamplification was also significantly correlated with a high incidence of eventual metastasis in distant organs in these patients. These results suggest that int-2/hst-1 coamplification is a new biological indicator of prognosis and distant organ metastasis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1991

Does heparin inhibit renin activity?

Although heparin was reported in the 1960s to inhibit renin activity, this has not always been confirmed by other investigators. Hence, we re-examined whether heparin really inhibits renin or not. Renin activities were determined by radioimmunoassay of angiotensin I generated at pH 7.4. (i) No significant difference was found between the two kinds of plasma samples obtained with heparin and with EDTA as anticoagulant, in ARC (renin activity with addition of sheep renin substrate), TRC (ARC after activation of inactive renin by trypsin), or PRA (plasma renin activity without additional substrate). (ii) Even in higher concentrations of heparin up to 500 U/mL, neither PRA, ARC, nor TRC of plasma was affected significantly. (iii) Heparin, in concentrations up to 500 U/mL, exerted no significant effect on TRC of the media of human vascular smooth muscle cell culture. In conclusion, heparin does not exert any significant inhibitory effect on human renin nor does it affect activation of inactive renin by trypsin in the range of concentration of practical use, under the conditions employed in this study.

Edetic Acid↗
PubMed1991

[Eosinophil cationic protein in patients with bronchial asthma].

To evaluate the role of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, we measured eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), one of the eosinophil granule proteins. Serum ECP levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in asthmatic (n = 59) and non-asthmatic (n = 47) patients. Preliminary study showed that ECP levels were time-dependently increased in the blood samples until 3 hr. Based on the findings, we determined to measure serum ECP levels at 30 min after blood sampling. Serum ECP levels and blood eosinophil counts in asthmatic patients were significantly higher than those in non-asthmatic patients (p less than 0.01). There was also a positive correlation between serum ECP levels and blood eosinophil counts in patients with asthma (r = 0.46, p less than 0.001). No significant difference was observed in either serum ECP levels or blood eosinophil counts in asthmatic patients classified by clinical type and severity. Blood eosinophil counts in patients with asthma attacks were significantly greater than in those in remission (p less than 0.05), but no significant difference was observed in serum ECP levels between these groups, suggesting an enhanced elimination of ECP during attack. Serum alpha-2 macroglobulins, which bind to ECP and may function as scavengers for ECP, were not significantly different in these group. These results suggest that serum ECP levels may not be a direct indicator of eosinophil activation or degranulation in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Phase II evaluation of combined cisplatin and vindesine in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: Japanese Esophageal Oncology Group Trial.

In the present phase II study, 31 patients with advanced measurable esophageal carcinomas were treated with a combination of 30 mg vindesine/m2 and 70 mg cisplatin/m2. The overall response rate was 16.1% (95% confidence limits, 7.1-32.6%). Responses were seen in metastatic sites, including the liver in two patients, a lung in one, neck or mediastinal lymph nodes in two and primary sites in two. The response durations were between one and two months for patients achieving partial response. The average survival time after first administration was 5.5 months for patients who responded to treatment, whereas, for those who did not, it was 7.3 months. The major form of toxicity was myelosuppression, 14 patients developed grade 2-3 toxicity and one sepsis which led to death. No superiority of the combined chemotherapy over either cisplatin or vindesine therapy alone was suggested for cases of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus by the present study.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

[Cancer metastasis and recurrence from the standpoint of amplification and expression of oncogenes in human malignant tumors].

We investigated the amplification and expression of oncogenes in human malignant tumors. The survival rates of patients with c-erbB, c-erbB-2, and int-2 oncogene amplification/expression were significantly lower than those of the patients without gene amplification/expression. Many distant organ metastases were observed in esophageal cancer patients with int-2 amplification, in gastric cancer patients with c-erbB-2 over-expression, and in breast cancer patients with int-2 and c-erbB-2 amplification. These results suggest that the amplification/expression of these oncogenes may serve as good markers for determining the biological malignancy of cancers.

Gene Amplification↗
PubMed1991

[Spontaneous rupture of the ascending aorta--a case report of successfully treated by surgery].

We experienced a case of spontaneous rupture of the ascending aorta, which seems to be the second case reported in the Japanese literature. A 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of severe anterior chest pain and collapse. Dilatation of the ascending aorta associated with pericardial effusion was demonstrated on CT and echocardiography. There was, however, no evidence of intimal flap in the aorta. Emergency pericardiocentesis was done for cardiac tamponade which developed in spite of aggressive hypotensive therapy. But, persistent tamponade necessitated median sternotomy, and then, it was found that left lateral aspect of the ascending aorta was covered with fresh blood clot. Inspection from inside of the aorta after aortotomy under cardiopulmonary bypass revealed a small transmural perforation at the left side of the aorta at approximately 15 mm distal to the aortic anulus. The perforated wall was directly closed with a running 4-0 polypropylene suture, and the aortic root was wrapped around with a sheet of Teflon felt. Postoperative course was uneventful. When acute intrapericardial or intrapleural bleeding develops with no evidence of aortic aneurysm or dissection, presence of spontaneous aortic rupture should be taken into consideration, although it happens very rarely.

Aorta↗