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Biomedical subjects

S Baba

Publications and source records attributed to S Baba.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

An unusual hyperplastic hepatocellular nodule in a patient with hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis.

Recent advances in diagnostic imaging techniques have increased the likelihood of detecting novel nodular lesions of the liver. We report here a case of unusual hyperplastic hepatocellular tumor found in a 70-yr-old woman with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis. A mass was incidentally detected in the right lobe by abdominal ultrasonography and confirmed by computed axial tomography (CT). Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the tumor had hyperintense signal with a small hypointense region in the center and a thin, hypointense rim on T1-weighted image and a hypointense signal on T2-weighted image. CT during hepatic arteriography showed that the tumor was hypodense with a central hyperdense region, whereas CT during arterial portography revealed that the tumor was isodense and surrounded by a thin circular hypodense band with a central hypodense region. These radiographic findings suggested a diagnosis of dysplastic nodule with malignant foci of hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient underwent tumor resection. Macroscopically, the tumor, 45 x 45 x 30 mm in size, was encapsulated and had a central stellate-like scar with radiating septa. Histological examination showed a hyperplastic hepatocellular tumor without cellular, nuclear or structural atypia. The central fibrous scar contained abundant small, artery-like and vein-like vessels, whereas there were no normal portal triads but rather several portal tract-like structures lacking bile ducts in the parenchyma of the tumor. Some of the portal tract-like structures were composed of artery-like and vein-like vessels, and the others possessed vein-like vessels only. There were no bile ducts in the tumor. The nontumorous liver tissue had evidence of macronodular cirrhosis. Finally, this tumor was regarded as an unusual type of hyperplastic hepatocellular nodule encountered in cirrhotic liver, characterized by the presence of central stellate-like fibrosis and the lack of bile ducts. Although the pathogenesis of the hyperplastic lesion is unclear, it may represent a focal regenerative hepatocellular response to localized circulatory disorder.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Antimicrobial effects of electrolytic products of sodium chloride--comparative evaluation with sodium hypochlorite solution and efficacy in handwashing.

We examined the in vitro bactericidal effects and efficacy on handwashing of water containing electrolytic products of sodium chloride (electrolytic water). The electrolytic water, whose pH and concentration of free residual chlorine were 6.7-6.9 and 20-22 ppm, respectively, showed equal reduction of both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli to dilution of commercially available sodium hypochlorite containing 60 ppm of free residual chlorine. This bactericidal effect was calculated to be due to hypochlorous acid, based on the pH and the amount of chlorine in solution. Handwashing with the electrolytic water reduced the numbers of S. aureus on hands by 1/10(2), while running water and 0.2% benzalkonium chloride with 80% ethanol gave a 1/10 and 1/10(5) reduction, respectively. We conclude that electrolytic water might be applicable for handwashing in place of running water.

Chlorine↗
PubMed1998

Cytosolic ionized Ca2+ modulates chemical hypoxia-induced hyperpermeability in intestinal epithelial monolayers.

We reported previously that ATP depletion induced by glycolytic inhibition or cellular hypoxia increases the permeability of intestinal epithelial monolayers [N. Unno, M. J. Menconi, A. L. Salzman, M. Smith, S. Hagen, Y. Ge, R. M. Ezzell, and M. P. Fink. Am. J. Physiol. 270 (Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 33): G1010-G1021, 1996]. In the present study, we examined the effects of the Ca2+ ionophore A-23187 or the intracellular ionized Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA)-AM on the permeability of enterocytic (T84) monolayers depleted of ATP by metabolic inhibition. Permeability was assessed by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance and the transepithelial flux of fluorescein sulfonic acid. Although neither A-23187 nor BAPTA-AM affected ATP depletion, A-23187 augmented, whereas BAPTA-AM ameliorated, chemical hypoxia-induced hyperpermeability. BAPTA-AM ameliorated chemical hypoxia-induced cytoskeletal derangements. Monolayers subjected to chemical hypoxia but incubated in a low (i.e., 100 microM) [Ca2+] environment showed preservation of junctional integrity, whereas voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel blockers (NiCl2 or verapamil) failed to ameliorate chemical hypoxia-induced hyperpermeability. ATP depletion induces hyperpermeability in intestinal epithelial monolayers via a [Ca2+]i-dependent mechanism. Increased [Ca2+]i under these conditions reflects leakage of Ca2+ from the extracellular milieu via a mechanism unrelated to voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1998

Relationship of p53 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression of clinicopathological factors in human scirrhous gastric cancer.

Although scrirrhous cancer has the highest malignant potential among various types of gastric cancer, its pathogenesis is still unclear. The relationship between expression of p53 or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and clinicopathological variables was investigated by immunohistochemical analysis of archival specimens from 40 patients with scirrhous gastric cancer. Staining for p53 and VEGF was observed in the nuclei and cytoplasm of the tumor cells, respectively. There was no significant association between expression of p53 or VEGF and sex, age, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis or histological stage. Peritoneal dissemination was the most frequent mode of recurrence, and the depth of tumor invasion was a crucial factor. The recurrence rate was 83.9% (2/9) in patients without serosal invasion. Only 7 out of 40 patients (17.5%) survived without recurrence. Among them, the VEGF-positive rate was 14.3% (1/7), whereas it was 52.6% (10/19) in the patients with recurrence. There was no correlation between p53 and VEGF staining. These findings suggest that the progression of scirrhous gastric cancer may be promoted by VEGF overexpression, which is not upregulated by p53 mutation.

Adenocarcinoma, Scirrhous↗
PubMed1998

Quantitative analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor in colon cancer. Clinical and experimental.

Although some studies have shown that overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA or protein is correlated with the progression of human malignancies, it is still unknown whether the VEGF level in tumor tissue correlates with tumor growth or metastasis. The present clinical study enrolled 26 patients with colon cancer and revealed that the VEGF level in tumor tissue was significantly higher than in adjacent normal tissue (220.93 +/- 217.64 pg/mg protein in the tumor tissue; n = 26; 38.93 +/- 20.26 in the normal tissue; n = 26) and significantly correlated with tumor size, whereas it did not correlate with other clinicopathological variables. The animal study involved orthotopic transplantation of a human colon cancer strain into nude mice and demonstrated that the VEGF level of transplanted tumor tissue (2,318.5 +/- 1,340.9 pg/mg protein) was significantly correlated with tumor weight (1,856.4 +/- 928.9 mg), but not with the number of the liver metastatic foci. These results indicate that VEGF produced by primary tumors of colon cancers may mainly promote primary tumor growth.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Percutaneous endoscopic marsupialization of a pyelocaliceal diverticulum with milk of calcium stones.

Numerous reports have described the management of pyelocaliceal diverticula associated with milk of calcium renal stones. Traditionally, open surgical techniques to manage such diverticula have included marsupialization and fulguration of the diverticulum, or partial/total nephrectomy. Recently, however, these invasive procedures have been replaced by percutaneous techniques. We report a patient with spontaneous rupture of a pyelocaliceal diverticulum with milk of calcium renal stones, who was successfully treated with endourological procedures.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

The advanced glycation endproduct, pentosidine, in the carpal ligament in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome undergoing hemodialysis: comparison with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a major complication that occurs in the musculoskeletal system in patients on long-term hemodialysis (HD). Pentosidine is an advanced glycation endproduct (AGE) and there is evidence that shows AGEs contribute to the pathogenesis of the complications in patients undergoing HD. The aim of this study is to investigate whether pentosidine accumulates in the carpal ligament in patients undergoing HD with CTS in comparison with idiopathic CTS. METHODS: Carpal ligaments and skin were obtained during surgery from 28 patients with CTS undergoing HD and 13 patients with idiopathic CTS (ID CTS). Pentosidine was measured by HPLC after hydrolysis of the samples, and amyloid deposits in the samples of HD CTS were examined histologically. RESULTS: Pentosidine levels in ligament and skin were significantly higher in HD CTS than ID CTS. On the other hand, there was no difference in pyridinoline which is a physical cross-link between HD and ID CTS. Amyloid deposits were observed in 14 ligament samples, whereas there was none in 14 other samples. There was no significant difference in pentosidine and pyridinoline in ligament, pentosidine in skin, duration of HD and serum beta2-microglobulin between the amyloid+ group and the amyloid- group. CONCLUSION: A greater concentration of pentosidine in the carpal ligament in HD patients compared with idiopathic patients suggests that an accumulation of AGEs contributes to one of the pathologies of occurrence of CTS in patients undergoing HD.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Effects of corticotropin-releasing factor on feeding and pancreatic polypeptide response in the dog.

We have previously reported that corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a potent stimulator of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol secretion in the dog. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the extrahypophysiotropic actions of CRF in this species. When CRF was injected into the third cerebral ventricle, it failed to inhibit food intake significantly at doses of 1.19, 3.57, and 11.9 nmol. This is in sharp contrast with the results in rodents. At the 3.57 and 11.9 nmol doses, CRF markedly stimulated the secretion of pancreatic polypeptide (PP), a hormone under vagal control, and at the highest dose CRF increased plasma glucose levels. These results suggest species differences in the feeding response to CRF and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system in the dog.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Intravenous immunoglobulin (GB-0998) for prophylaxis of recurrent acute otitis media and lower respiratory tract infection in infancy with IgG 2 deficiency].

The prophylactic effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (GB-0998) on the recurrent acute otitis media, bronchitis and bronchopneumonia in IgG 2 deficient infants was investigated in a multicenter trial. GB-0998 was administered 6 times every 4 weeks. The doses were 300 mg/kg wt. during the first treatment, followed by 5 doses of 200 mg/kg wt. The results indicated that GB-0998 was effective in the prophylaxis of the recurrent infection of acute otitis media, bronchitis and bronchopneumonia in infancy with IgG 2 deficiency and/or IgG 2 antibody deficiency specific for Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1998

Autoimmune pancreatitis: CT and MR characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to elucidate the CT and MR imaging characteristics in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis, which is a reversible chronic pancreatitis with an autoimmune cause. CONCLUSION: On CT and MR imaging, a capsulelike rim, which is thought to correspond to an inflammatory process involving peripancreatic tissues, appears to be a characteristic finding of autoimmune pancreatitis. Also, diffuse pancreatic enlargement along with hypointensity on T1-weighted MR images and delayed enhancement on dynamic CT and MR studies are other features of this disorder.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Evaluation of fasting serum insulin levels among Japanese school-age children.

We examined the physical constitution, serum lipids, fasting serum insulin (IRI), food intake, and physical activity in 1,330 children in three age groups (6-7, 9-10, and 12-13) in Nagao village for the period 1994-1996. Serum total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were positively correlated, and HDL-C and TG were negatively correlated in all age groups. IRI was significantly higher among the elder children, and it was also higher in girls than in boys. IRI was positively correlated with the body mass index (BMI) and triceps skinfold thickness in ages 9-10 and 12-13, but no significant correlation was noted with waist/hip ratio (W/H ratio). In ages 12-13, IRI was positively correlated with TC and TG and negatively correlated with HDL-C. In high-IRI children (above 11.4 microU/mL) ages 12-13, the high-fat diet (fat-energy ratio above 30%) and low physical activity children (physical activity score below 10 points) were more frequent, and the mean levels of triceps skinfold were higher. The positive correlation between TC and HDL-C was not significant among high-IRI children. We concluded that a high-fat diet, low physical activity, and body fat accumulation influence the IRI level, which is closely related to serum lipid levels.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Clinical background and treatment of brain metastasis from renal cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics and the effect of therapy of brain metastasis from renal cell carcinoma. METHOD: Of 306 cases with renal cell carcinoma treated at Keio University Hospital from June, 1976 to May, 1996, 20 (6.5%) developed brain metastasis. Metastasis-free rate and survival rate were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier's method and tested statistically with Long-rank test. RESULT: As for the time of the brain metastasis, it was already at the time of initial diagnosis in 6 cases, and in the other 14, it was after the diagnosis of original disease. The average interval between the diagnosis of original disease and metastasis was 53.9 months. Only 2 cases have no metastasis without brain, and 17 of 20 cases (85.0%) were complicated by pulmonary metastasis and 10 (50.0%) by bone metastasis. It was considered that the brain metastasis was accompanied with other metastases. As for the treatment, cytokine therapy was performed on 18 cases without efficacy. It was supposed that in cases with pulmonary metastasis, IL-2 therapy may have the possibility of increasing the frequency of brain metastasis. 9 of 20 cases were subjected to surgical treatment with significantly better prognosis than the cases without the operation. Two cases were long-term survivors more than 5 years after the diagnosis of brain metastasis and both underwent surgical treatment to brain metastasis. CONCLUSION: Cytokine therapy was not effective to brain metastasis from renal cell carcinoma. On the other hand, however, it was suggested that surgical treatment could improve prognosis if the metastatic lesions could be resected.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Learning curve and conversion to open surgery in cases of laparoscopic adrenalectomy and nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: We examine how the level of experience acquired by the laparoscopist affects the outcome of laparoscopic adrenalectomy and nephrectomy, and what is necessary to avoid complications in these surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the experience levels of 8 urological laparoscopists between 1991 and 1995. In addition, other cases that were converted to open surgery were collected from the institutes with which the 8 laparoscopists were affiliated. RESULTS: The rates of conversion to open surgery were 6.4% in 204 cases of adrenalectomy and 14.3% in 63 of nephrectomy. Conversion rates were related to blood loss volume but not operative time. The major causes of conversion were bleeding in 45% of cases and adhesion in 34%. There were no mortalities. Mean operative time decreased significantly, reaching that of open surgery as the number of procedures increased up to 20 adrenalectomies and 10 nephrectomies. The volume of blood lost remained low from the early experience. Blood transfusion rates were 4.4% for adrenalectomy and 11.1% for nephrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Operative time of these procedures decreased significantly with surgeon experience and reached that of open surgery. Cases in which adhesion is anticipated should be restricted to avoid conversion. These laparoscopic procedures are acceptable as a standard operative techniques for adrenal and renal diseases.

Adrenal Gland Diseases↗
PubMed1998

[A case of Prader-Willi syndrome accompanied with a renal stone].

Little information is available regarding the correlation between Prader-Willi syndrome and urolithiasis. We report a patient with Prader-Willi syndrome with a renal uric acid (UA) stone. A 23-year-old male patient was admitted to our department with gross hematuria and left flank pain. The blood and urine examination demonstrated hyperuricemia with the presence of UA crystals in the urine. Excretory urography revealed a radiolucent stone (17 x 27 mm) in the left renal pelvis suggesting a UA stone. The stone was removed successfully using extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) combined with medication for UA metabolism. The stone was thought to have formed as a result of overeating associated with Prader-Willi syndrome, and accompanying overproduction of purine.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Exposure to tobacco smoke in a Japanese urban population. An analysis using biochemical markers of smoking].

An epidemiological study in an urban population was conducted to investigate exposure to tobacco smoke using two biochemical markers of smoking. In 1993 and 1994, expired air carbon monoxide (EACO) concentrations were determined with a small portable CO monitor for 4,619 subjects aged 30 and over, who had been randomly selected from residents of S-city in Osaka Pref, and who had received a health examination for cardiovascular disease at the National Cardiovascular Center. Urinary cotinine (UCOT) concentrations were determined using gas chromatography for 480 subjects, who were nonsmokers, and who had received a health examination during Sep. and Nov. in 1994. They also completed a questionnaire about smoking habits and potential of passive smoking. In this study smoking prevalences were 45% in men and 11% in women according to the questionnaire. Among nonsmokers 55% of men and 46% of women reported some degree of exposure to tobacco smoke. The EACO levels were related to the number of cigarettes smoked per day in a dose-response fashion. The time elapsed since last smoked and the usual depth of inhalation, in addition to the number of cigarettes, had effects to EACO level. The optimal EACO cut-off points selected to differentiate smokers and nonsmokers were between 6 and 7 ppm for men, and 5 and 6 ppm for women with a sensitivity and a specificity of about 90%. The hours spent with tobacco smoke at home, whether there was a smoking spouse or not, and the time elapsed since last inhalation of smoke affected EACO level in nonsmokers. The frequency of going to an amusement place, a bar or a restaurant, and the hours spent with tobacco smoke in a work place had effects on UCOT level in non-smokers. The proper use of biochemical markers for tobacco smoke may be of value in developing more effective strategies for smoking problems control.

Adult↗