Biomedical subjects

N Suenaga

Publications and source records attributed to N Suenaga.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

Radial osteotomy for late-stage Kienböck's disease. Wedge osteotomy versus radial shortening.

We have reviewed 20 patients with stage-IIIB and stage-IV Kienböck's disease in order to examine the efficacy of two forms of radial osteotomy, namely radial wedge osteotomy and radial shortening. Lateral closing wedge osteotomies and radial shortenings were carried out on 11 and nine patients, respectively. There were no preoperative differences with respect to age, gender, and radiological stage. After a mean follow-up of 29 months, all patients, in both groups, had either a good or an excellent outcome. After the lateral closing wedge osteotomy, the radioscaphoid angle significantly increased and the Ståhl index significantly decreased. Progression of the degenerative changes at the radioscaphoid joint was found in two patients in this group. By contrast, there were no significant changes in any radiological parameters after radial shortening. Both procedures gave acceptable clinical results in stage-IIIB and stage-IV Kienböck's disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Homophilic complex formation of MT1-MMP facilitates proMMP-2 activation on the cell surface and promotes tumor cell invasion.

Activation of proMMP-2 by MT1-MMP is considered to be a critical event in cancer cell invasion. In the activation step, TIMP-2 bound to MT1-MMP on the cell surface acts as a receptor for proMMP-2. Subsequently, adjacent TIMP-2-free MT1-MMP activates the proMMP-2 in the ternary complex. In this study, we demonstrate that MT1-MMP forms a homophilic complex through the hemopexin-like (PEX) domain that acts as a mechanism to keep MT1-MMP molecules close together to facilitate proMMP-2 activation. Deletion of the PEX domain in MT1-MMP, or swapping the domain with the one derived from MT4-MMP, abolished the ability to activate proMMP-2 on the cell surface without affecting the proteolytic activities. In addition, expression of the mutant MT1-MMP lacking the catalytic domain (MT1PEX-F) efficiently inhibited complex formation of the full-length enzymes and activation of pro MMP-2. Furthermore, expression of MT1PEX-F inhibited proMMP-2 activation and Matrigel invasion activity of invasive human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells. These findings elucidate a new function of the PEX domain: regulating MT1-MMP activity on the cell surface, which accelerates cellular invasiveness in the tissue.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Thr226 is a key residue for bioluminescence spectra determination in beetle luciferases.

The comparison of click beetle and railroadworm luciferases (pH-insensitive) with firefly luciferases (pH-sensitive) showed a set of conserved residues differing between the two groups which could be involved with the bioluminescence spectra pH sensitivity. The substitution C258V in Pyrocoelia miyako (Pml) firefly luciferase and V255C in Ragophthalmus ohbai railroad worm luciferase (Rol) had no effect on the bioluminescence spectra. Substitution of Thr226 in the green-light-emitting luciferases of Rol and Pyrearinus termitilluminans (Pyt) click beetle luciferases resulted in red-shifts (12 to 35 nm), whereas the substitution T226N in the red-light-emitting luciferase of Phrixothrix hirtus (PhRE) railroadworm resulted in a 10 nm blue-shift. In PmL the substitution N230S resulted in a typical red mutant (lambda(max) = 611 nm). The bioluminescence spectrum of all these luciferase mutants did not show altered pH-sensitivity nor considerably changed half-bandwidth in relation to the wild-type luciferases. Altogether present data suggest that Thr226 is an important residue for keeping active-site core in both groups of beetle luciferases. The mechanism for bioluminescence color determination between pH-sensitive and pH-insensitive luciferases could be different.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Coracoacromial arch decompression in rotator cuff surgery.

In rotator cuff surgery it is important to obtain adequate decompression of the coracoacromial arch. However, it is difficult to localize the impingement site preoperatively. Based on histological and morphological studies and the clinical findings in 45 patients and 15 cadavers, we have tried to determine the impingement site. In addition, as a part of these investigations, we assessed the clinical outcome for 100 patients. Soft tissue decompression was indicated in 12 shoulders, anterior acromioplasty in 67 and anterior acromioplasty with coracoplasty in 21. According to Neer's criteria there were 92 satisfactory and 8 unsatisfactory results. The mean postoperative UCLA score was 33.4 points and the results were rated excellent in 78, good in 18 and fair in 4.

Acromion↗

PubMed1999

Distally-based free vascularized tissue grafts in the lower leg.

In the field of orthopaedic surgery, the lower leg is often treated by free vascularized tissue grafts. In performing these grafts for reconstruction of the lower leg, the anterior tibial artery and its venae comitantes are frequently selected as anastomosing recipient vessels. However, due to the deep location of the anterior tibial vessels, it is extremely difficult to accomplish antegrade microsurgical anastomoses between the donor vessels and the anterior tibial vessels. This technical difficulty often leads to the possibility of immediate postoperative arterial and venous occlusion. To resolve this problem, the idea of a reverse-flow island flap has been applied to the free vascularized tissue grafts for reconstruction of the lower leg, based on both artery and vein reconstructed with retrograde blood flow. To evaluate clinical outcomes of the procedure mentioned, the postoperative results of 14 patients were reviewed. The free vascularized grafts consisted of seven vascularized fibular grafts with peroneal flaps, six vascularized latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps, and one vascularized groin flap. Venous congestion of the flap was not observed and all flaps survived. Bone union was obtained in seven patients treated with vascularized fibular grafts. There were no serious postoperative complications. Distally-based free vascularized tissue grafts in the lower leg are useful procedures in reconstruction of massive bone defects and osteomyelitis of the tibia, and for skin defects on the anterior aspect of the lower leg.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

[Clinical study of MRSA carrier in sputum].

We studied the clinical aspects of 25 patients (17 male, 8 female, median age 79.4 y.o.) whom MRSA was colonized in sputum from 1989 January to 1994 December. Main underlying diseases were 16 chronic bronchitis and 15 Cerebrovascular damage. Nineteen cases (76%) had catheters, for example 15 urinary tract catheters and 8 nasogastric tube. Twenty-two cases (88%) used previous antimicrobial agent. Fifteen cases (60%) were dead during previous period, and that 14 cases were dead because of respiratory failure within a year after MRSA was colonized in sputum. Nine cases (36%) were able to remove MRSA in sputum, but mortality rate was not different whether MRSA disappear or continue, MIC50 against MRSA (19 strains) were minocycline 12.5 micrograms/ml, arbekacin 6.25 micrograms/ml, vancomycin 0.78 microgram/ml and 16 cases (84.2%) were coagulase type II.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Effect of caffeine on the mental calculation.

The double blind study of the effect of caffeine on the mental calculation has been carried out every year in the undergraduate course of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical School, Kyushu University. The results obtained from 1980 to 1996 are summarized and evaluated.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Clinical results of treatment of triangular fibrocartilage complex tears by arthroscopic debridement.

In order to determine indications for arthroscopic debridement and the management of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears, we reviewed 16 wrists retrospectively. The mean patient age was 30 years, with a range of 20 to 53 years. The follow-up period averaged 35 months. Two groups were identified: post-traumatic tears (n = 11) and degenerative tears (n = 5). The results of arthroscopic debridement were compared and analyzed based on the preoperative and postoperative evaluation of pain, range of motion, grip strength, return to work, patient acceptance, and complications. Failures were further evaluated to determine identifiable lesions or anatomic defects associated with poor results. Patients with positive ulnar variance and lunotriquentral interosseous ligament tears had a poor clinical outcome. Good results correlated with grip strength; all patients with post-traumatic TFCC tears had excellent results, while those with degenerative TFCC tears did poorly.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Clinical study of 18 patients whom MRSA was detected from stool--especially about comparison enterocolitis with colonization].

We studied the clinical aspects of 18 patients from whom MRSA was detected from the stool and compared with 9 enterocolitis cases (7 male, 2 female, median age 72.4 y.o.) with 9 colonization cases (5 male, 4 female, median age 70.2 y.o.) from 1991 June to 1995 May. Cases of postoperative, use of anti-peptic ulcer drugs and administration of antibiotics for enterocolitis were more than that of colonization. On the other hand, eatable patients in the colonization group who could take food orally were more in number. Many patients of both enterocolitis and colonization were colonized in the respiratory tract. Drug sensitivity of MRSA in both cases were almost the same and the coagulase type were all that of II. Three courses on how MRSA enterocolitis occurs is considered. At first, colonization in the respiratory tract, second, proliferation of MRSA in the higher pH gastric juices as a result of gastrectomy or use of anti-peptic ulcer drugs, and third, selection of MRSA after administration of antibiotics.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Hemiresection-interposition arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint.

Hemiresection-interposition arthroplasty of the distal radioulnar joint has been carried out in 12 men. The indication was osteoarthritis with an intact triangular fibrocartilage, or when the fibrocartilage could be reconstructed. The average age was 41 years and average follow up for 53 months. In all the patients, there was relief of pain and a significant increase in movement and in grip strength.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint.

The Sauvé-Kapandji procedure has been performed in 15 patients with primary and secondary osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint. The average age of the patients was 45 years (range, 31-63 years). There were 12 men and 3 women. The follow-up period averaged 2 years and 11 months. Postoperative pain relief was good in all wrists. The preoperative range of motion of the wrist joint averaged 50 degrees extension and 44 degrees flexion. Forearm motion averaged 66 degrees pronation and 64 degrees supination. Postoperatively, the range of motion improved to 55 degrees extension and 51 degrees flexion at the wrist and forearm motion improved to 78 degrees pronation and 82 degrees supination. Although all wrists also showed an increased grip strength and improved range of motion over preoperative values, these did not have statistical significance. Postoperative x-ray evaluation showed an unstable proximal stump and radioulnar convergence in 12 wrists. Our clinical and x-ray film findings suggest that the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure is a satisfactory procedure for patients with osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Degradation of humoral host defense by Candida albicans proteinase.

The effect of an extracellular proteinase from the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans on the bactericidal and opsonizing activities of human serum was studied. The ability of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes to kill Staphylococcus aureus was greatly reduced when the bacteria were opsonized with human serum treated with the proteinase. The reduction in the opsonizing activity of human serum was attributed to degradation of the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G by the action of C. albicans proteinase as determined by immunoprecipitation reaction. However, the Fab portion of immunoglobulin G was resistant to proteolysis by the proteinase. A clear reduction in the bactericidal activity of human serum against Escherichia coli was observed when the serum was treated with C. albicans proteinase. The reduction of serum bactericidal activity was attributed to the degradation of complement C3 by proteolysis by the proteinase as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, while C5 resisted the action of the proteinase. As determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the proteinase also degrades endogenous proteinase inhibitors, such as alpha 2 macroglobulin and alpha 1 proteinase inhibitor, which are involved in regulating inflammation. These results suggest that destruction of a host's defense-oriented or regulatory proteins facilitates debilitation of the infected host.

Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases↗

PubMed1994

Activation of blood clotting factors by microbial proteinases.

There are very few reports on the involvement of bacterial proteinases on the blood clotting system using both human plasma and purified clotting factors. We studied whether microbial proteinases from the opportunistic pathogens Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens activate the blood clotting cascade by using normal human plasma, human plasmas deficient in clotting factor XII or X, and also by using purified clotting factors XII, X and prothrombin. All proteinases tested activated either clotting factor XII or prothrombin in vitro, thus resulting in generation of thrombin. Clotting factor X was converted to the active form (Xa) by both Candida and Pseudomonas proteinases, but not by Serratia proteinase. These results suggest that peripheral and systemic blood circulation may be impaired by activation of the blood clotting cascade by microbial infections, especially in septic patients, which would enhance disseminated intravascular coagulation and multi-organ failure.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1993

[Sulpyrine inhalation challenge test monitored continuously by respiratory impedance and 81mKr ventilation image].

Continuous changes of respiratory impedance by the oscillation method using Asthograph and 81mKr ventilation image during saline and sulpyrine solution (100 mg/ml, 250 mg/ml) provocation were simultaneously measured in 15 adult asthmatics and 7 normal individuals. Estimation of airway obstruction by respiratory impedance using Asthograph was difficult during sulpyrine inhalation, since respiratory impedance increased gradually. In addition to the measurement of respiratory impedance, images of 81mKr ventilation were also obtained to estimate the regional ventilatory distribution. Estimation of the airway obstruction was easily obtained. Another advantage of 81mKr ventilation image is that it can estimate the regional ventilatory distribution. The site of airway obstruction provoked by sulpyrine was observed predominantly in the lower lung field. The results of our present study were as follows. 1) In 3 patient, increase of respiratory impedance and defect of 81mKr ventilation image were observed. Two cases in this group were clinically diagnosed as having aspirin-induced asthma. 2) In 7 patients, a defect of 81mKr ventilation image was observed, but no increase of respiratory impedance was observed. Five cases in this group could not be clinically diagnosed as having aspirin-induced asthma. 3) In 5 patients, neither defect of 81mKr ventilation image nor increase of respiratory impedance could be detected. These results suggest that 81mKr ventilation image on sulpyrine inhalation challenge test is a useful method for evaluating regional ventilatory distribution, but should be further investigated for application to aspirin-induced asthma.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1992

[A case of alveolar hydatid disease of the lung in the Kansai district of Japan].

A 78-year-old man was admitted to hospital because of episodes of high grade fever and multiple nodular shadows on chest roentgenogram. He had a past history of percutaneous drainage and partial resection of the left lobe of the liver for liver abscess of unknown origin in 1987. The high grade fever was secondary to sepsis due to Citrobacter freundii. The sepsis improved with antibiotic therapy, but the abnormal shadows on chest roentgenogram did not improved. Immunoserological tests indicated a probable diagnosis of alveolar hydatid disease of the lung, which is very rare in the Kansai district of Japan. Open lung biopsy was performed and the diagnosis of alveolar hydatid disease of the lung was confirmed.

Aged↗

PubMed1991

[A case of sustained-release theophylline (Theodur)-induced asthma].

Theophylline is used as a prophylactic agent for controlling bronchospasm in patients with asthma. Sustained-release theophylline (Theodur) is widely used for this purpose. In this report, we describe a patient who developed asthma due to administration of Theodur. A 38-year-old man was referred to our hospital for assessment of the relationship between his respiratory symptoms and theophylline. He had been admitted to the hospital several times for dyspneic attacks. Theophylline ethylenediamine (Aminophylline) and hydrocortisone sodium succinate had been administered intravenously for the acute phase, followed by Theodur orally. Following administration of Theodur, he had developed dyspnea, chest tightness and dizziness. An inhalation challenge test with sulpyline showed a negative reaction. Although an oral challenge test with theophylline also showed a negative reaction, that with Theodur evoked an asthmatic response. We were unable to determined any possible cause or the mechanism for this reaction. We concluded that the vehicle or preservative (i.e., inactive ingredients) contained in Theodur were likely to be related to his asthmatic response.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

[A case of hypereosinophilic syndrome associated with pulmonary infarction and hepatic vein obstruction (Budd-Chiari syndrome)].

A 21-year-old man was admitted in March 1987 with low grade fever and chest pain. Eosinophilia had been pointed out and PIE syndrome was diagnosed in another hospital a month before admission. Steroid therapy had been started. On the first admission, the chest roentgenogram showed bilateral pleural effusion and a nodular shadow in the left lower lung field. Open lung biopsy was performed and a diagnosis of pulmonary infarction was made. Eosinophilia, low grade fever and chest pain were improved by steroid therapy. He was discharged in April 1987. He was readmitted in September 1987 because of fever, back pain and abdominal distension. On the second admission, eosinophilia (4,510/mm3) was pointed out. The case was diagnosed as hepatic vein obstruction by hepatic vein angiography, liver biopsy and ultrasonic examination. He had transient remission on corticosteroid and anti-coagulant therapy. This case was considered as a rare case of hypereosinophilic syndrome associated with pulmonary infarction and Budd-Chiari syndrome.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Effects of hydrocortisone and aminophylline on plasma leukotriene C4 levels in patients during an asthmatic attack.

To study the role of leukotriene C4(LTC4) and the effect of hydrocortisone and aminophylline on plasma LTC4 levels in patients with asthmatic attacks, we measured LTC4 in plasma of 18 asthmatics during a wheezing attack and of 7 normal subjects. Blood samples were obtained before and after treatment with aminophylline and/or hydrocortisone injections. We extracted LTC4 using a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge for the measurement of LTC4 by radioimmunoassay. The plasma levels of immunoreactive LTC4 (i-LTC4) of the normal subjects were 142 +/- 25 pg/ml (n = 7), while those of nonatopic type asthmatic patients with wheezing attacks were 208 +/- 68 pg/ml (n = 15) (p less than 0.01). Before and after treatment with both hydrocortisone succinate (100 mg) and aminophylline (250 mg), 6 asthmatic patients with wheezing attacks had a mean plasma level of i-LTC4 181 +/- 24 and 132 +/- 18 pg/ml (p less than 0.01), respectively. On the other hand, the treatment with aminophylline 250 mg alone increased the i-LTC4 levels from 178 +/- 19 pg/mg to 213 +/- 16 pg/mg (n = 6)(p less than 0.05), while treatment with hydrocortisone succinate 100 mg decreased the i-LTC4 level 0.05 from 284 +/- 99 pg/ml to 249 +/- 85 pg/ml (n = 4)(p less than 0.05). In conclusion, the present study shows that the i-LTC4 level in venous blood of patients with asthmatic attacks is decreased significantly by treatment with hydrocortisone succinate.

Adult↗