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Biomedical subjects

S Chida

Publications and source records attributed to S Chida.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Nurse initiated thrombolysis in the accident and emergency department: safe, accurate, and faster than fast track.

OBJECTIVE: To reduce the time between arrival at hospital of a patient with acute myocardial infarction and administration of thrombolytic therapy (door to needle time) by the introduction of nurse initiated thrombolysis in the accident and emergency department. METHODS: Two acute chest pain nurse specialists (ACPNS) based in A&E for 62.5 hours of the week were responsible for initiating thrombolysis in the A&E department. The service reverts to a "fast track" system outside of these hours, with the on call medical team prescribing thrombolysis on the coronary care unit. Prospectively gathered data were analysed for a nine month period and a head to head comparison made between the mean and median door to needle times for both systems of thrombolysis delivery. RESULTS: Data from 91 patients were analysed; 43 (47%) were thrombolysed in A&E by the ACPNS and 48 (53%) were thrombolysed in the coronary care unit by the on call medical team. The ACPNS achieved a median door to needle time of 23 minutes (IQR=17 to 32) compared with 56 minutes (IQR=34 to 79.5) for the fast track. The proportion of patients thrombolysed in 30 minutes by the ACPNS and fast track system was 72% (31 of 43) and 21% (10 of 48) respectively (difference=51%, 95% confidence intervals 34% to 69%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and administration of thrombolysis by experienced cardiology nurses in A&E is a safe and effective strategy for reducing door to needle times, even when compared with a conventional fast track system.

Emergency Service, Hospital↗
PubMed2001

Haplotype-specific sequence encoding the protein kinase, interferon-inducible double-stranded RNA-dependent activator in the human leukocyte antigen class II region.

The protein kinase, interferon-inducible double-stranded (ds)RNA-dependent activator (PRKRA) is a dsRNA-binding protein which activates a protein kinase participating in the antiviral activity of interferon. Our previous studies indicated that the nucleotide sequence encoding PRKRA, which appeared to be an intronless gene, was present in PAC HS265J14 containing the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR subregion. In this study, we further investigated and characterized the PRKRA gene on the human genome by means of Southern blotting and polymerase chain reaction with homozygous typing cell lines for HLA genes. Results indicated that the presence of PRKRA in the DR subregion was dependent on the DR53 group. Consistently, fluorescence in situ hybridization profiles with PRKRA as a probe showed that the hybridization signal on Chromosome (Chr) 6p21.3 was seen only in the samples carrying the DR haplotypes that belonged to the DR53 group. Interestingly, another hybridization signal, which was mapped on Chr 2q31.2-q32.1, was always detected in the samples examined, i.e., even in the samples negative for the DR53 group. The outcome of a sequence-database homology search further indicated that the PRKRA gene with introns appeared to be present in a recently opened draft-sequence, RP11-65L3 (GenBank accession number AC009948), which is located between D2S335 and D2S2257. Together, the data presented here indicate that the PRKRA gene in the DR subregion is a processed pseudogene (PRKRApsi), which could have been generated only on the DR53 common ancestor's genome, and that the master copy of PRKRApsi is most probably present on Chr 2q31.2-q32.1.

Alleles↗
PubMed2001

Apoptotic epithelial cells in biopsy specimens from infants with streaked rectal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Histologic studies of rectosigmoidal mucosal biopsies of infants with isolated blood-streaked stool have shown many eosinophils and revealed aggregates of small dark granules (nuclear dust). However, no description of the nuclear dust has been made for this condition and the nature of the nuclear dust has not been thoroughly investigated. We determined the characteristics of these particles in biopsies from infants with streaked rectal bleeding. METHODS: Nineteen infants who were younger than 6 months old and had isolated rectal bleeding were studied, as were six age-matched control infants. Rectosigmoidal mucosal biopsies were immunohistochemically assessed using anticarcinoembryonic antigen and macrophage-associated antibodies and examined for apoptotic cells by modified in situ TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labelling. The number of apoptotic epithelial cells was compared between rectal bleeding and control groups. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry showed that at least some of the nuclear dust consisted of apoptotic epithelial cells. Infants with rectal bleeding also showed nodular lymphoid hyperplasia (n = 16), abundant eosinophils (>20/high power field, n = 14) in the mucosa, and a significantly high number of apoptotic epithelial cells relative to the control group. Rectal bleeding disappeared at 6-month follow-up in 14 of 18 infants (one was lost to follow-up) who were fed a different milk formula or breast-fed (their mothers were restricted from having cow's milk and eggs). CONCLUSIONS: The high number of apoptotic epithelial cells in rectosigmoidal mucosal biopsies of infants with streaked rectal bleeding is probably caused by accelerated epithelial cell turnover and apoptosis.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2001

Closed-loop control using a stretch sensor for restoration of standing with functional electrical stimulation in complete paraplegia.

A closed-loop control system for standing with functional electrical stimulation (FES) using percutaneous intramuscular electrodes in complete paraplegia is described. The system consisted of ultrafine percutaneous intramuscular electrodes, a 32-channel stimulator and a stretch sensor with active current control to detect knee buckling. The closed-loop control system was applied in a T8 completely paraplegic patient. Compared to the stretch sensor with a wide use flexible goniometer for direct current control during standing, the stretch sensor was superior to the flexible goniometer in both ease of use and response. The average time delay from the start of knee buckling until the sensor turned on was 0.56+/-0.19 seconds (Mean+/-S.D.) in the goniometer and 0.21+/-0.06 seconds in the stretch sensor. The average time delay from the start of knee buckling until the recovery from knee buckling was 1.01+/-0.05 seconds in the goniometer and 0.78+/-0.06 seconds in the stretch sensor. The continuous standing ability of the patient increased from 12 minutes with open-loop stimulation to 30 minutes with the closed-loop control. No complications such as falling occurred during clinical use. This system prevented falling due to knee buckling during standing and prolonged upright activities in complete paraplegics.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Telehealth in the Pacific: current status and analysis report (1999-2000).

From the summer of 1999 to the spring of 2000, we undertook an on-site investigation of the management and operational status of telehealth in the Pacific. The writers also gathered additional materials upon returning to Japan to provide as detailed a report as possible on the current status and analysis of telemedicine in the Pacific. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, various regions around the world has sought a gentler alternative to "deterrence by arms." The writers of this paper believe one such means is telemedicine. We believe telemedicine services may help offset the emotional stress and sense of inequality experienced by "islanders and civilians living around military bases," which the financial benefits of the so-called "base-economy" alone has never been able to remedy. There are numerous medical support activities currently operating in the Pacific region, and telecommunications is the most effective tool for connecting and unifying such a vast region. We believe that projects for this region must have a clear focus and objective and be able to demonstrate concrete results in order to win subsidies or aid.

Developing Countries↗
PubMed1999

Molecular analyses of the possible RNA-binding protein gene located in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)--DR subregion.

We have previously found the sequence having potential for encoding a new protein in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II region. The predicted amino acid sequence showed a significant sequence homology to the Xenopus double-stranded RNA-binding protein (Xlrbp) and the human cellular protein bound to the transactivation response (TAR) of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) RNA (TRBP). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with poly(A)(+) RNA prepared from human peripheral lymphocytes and direct sequencing analyses in this study showed that the transcripts of the gene encoding the putative RNA-binding protein occurred in human cells: the gene was provisionally named Homo sapiens RNA-binding protein (hsRBP). From the result of Southern blot analyses, it appears that multiple copies of hsRBP are present in the human genome. Together with the known cDNAs having a high sequence homology to hsRBP, the data presented here suggest that the multigene family of the double-stranded RNA-binding protein exists in the human genome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Morphology and function of pulmonary surfactant inhibited by meconium.

The pathophysiology of neonatal meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is related to mechanical obstruction of the airways and to chemical pneumonitis. It has also been suggested that meconium causes inhibition of surfactant function. To assess its in vitro effect on surfactant function and morphology, we used a pulsating bubble surfactometer to measure the dynamic surface tension of meconium-surfactant mixtures and observed their electron microscopic structures. The mixtures were prepared by adding serial dilutions of human meconium to various concentrations of Surfactant-TA (Surfacten) that had been used for the prevention and treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Inhibition of the surface tension-lowering properties of Surfactant-TA was caused by the addition of meconium and depended on the concentration of the surfactant; the inhibition could be overcome by increasing the surfactant concentration. When meconium was added to Surfactant-TA, the characteristic ultrastructural features of the latter, the loosely stacked layers, changed to a spherical lamellar structure and folded linear structures. These results suggest that meconium inhibits surfactant function by altering surfactant morphology. Our morphologic and functional findings support the new concept that surfactant inhibition may play a role in the pathophysiology of MAS.

Biological Products↗
PubMed1997

Surfactant proteins and stable microbubbles in tracheal aspirates of infants with respiratory distress syndrome: relation to the degree of respiratory failure and response to exogenous surfactant.

UNLABELLED: Surfactant proteins (SP-A and SP-BC), albumin (ALB), and stable microbubble (SM) count were measured in tracheal aspirates from infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receiving single-dose Surfactant-TA (surfactant group, n = 32) or no surfactant (control group, n = 12), and those without RDS (non-RDS group, n = 8) to determine biochemical and biophysical status of surfactant in the course of RDS after surfactant replacement. Surfactant therapy resulted in immediate and sustained elevations of SP-BC/ALB and SM count with a rapid fall in ventilatory index to levels measured in the non-RDS group, whereas these indices improved slowly in the control group. The SP-A/ ALB was initially low in both RDS groups and increased to levels measured in the non-RDS group by age 48 h. Multiple regression analysis showed that SP-BC/ALB, postnatal age, SM count, SM count/SP-A plus SP-BC, and surfactant therapy were independently associated with the severity of RDS as assessed by ventilatory index (r = 0.75, P < 0.0001; number of samples = 256). Infants with a relapse response to surfactant (n = 9) had levels of SP-A/ALB and SP-BC/ALB similar to those measured in the sustained group (n = 23), but had significantly lower SM count and SM count/SP-A plus SP-BC between 24 and 96 h of age. CONCLUSION: Surfactant therapy normalizes the surfactant and respiratory status of infants with RDS. Surfactant dysfunction rather than depletion may explain the relapse response seen in some surfactant recipients.

Albumins↗
PubMed1997

A case of congenital Listeria septicemia associated with high levels of inflammatory cytokines.

A case of congenital Listeria septicemia is reported. A 2256 g male infant suffering from respiratory and circulatory failure with shock-like symptoms and high levels of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, -6, and -8), was admitted to the Morioka Red Cross Hospital. Listeria monocytogenes was cultured from cord blood, contents from the external ear canal, rectum and stomach. The infant was treated with surfactant replacement as well as conventional therapy. The high levels of interleukin-1 beta decreased with the improvement of the circulatory function, which might have been the major cause of the poor clinical state.

Cytokines↗
PubMed1996

Ethanol resistive microbubble test: a modification of the stable microbubble test used to predict respiratory distress syndrome.

The stable microbubble (SM) test on gastric aspirate obtained at birth proved useful in identifying infants who would develop respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). This test involves only the count of stable microbubbles of < or = 15 microns in diameter. Larger bubbles (> 15 microns in diameter) are not necessary for the test and may interfere with stable microbubble counting. The aims of the present study were to determine: (i) if larger bubbles could be selectively removed by adding ethanol, a potent bubble breaker; and (ii) if the predictive value of this modified test, the ethanol resistive microbubble (ERM) test, on the development of RDS was similar to that of the SM test. Varying amounts of different concentrations of ethanol-water solutions were added to the top of the bubble crop generated by the SM test procedure, and the mean counts of stable microbubbles and larger bubbles in five regions were calculated. A volume of 10 microL of 47.5% ethanol was effective in defoaming larger bubbles generated by the SM test procedure without altering the stable microbubble counts. When concurrently performed on 43 samples of gastric aspirate obtained at birth from infants of less than 35 weeks gestation, the RDS predictive value of the ERM test was similar to that of the SM test. It was concluded that the ERM test may serve as an alternative to the SM test.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed1996

Application of a new perchloric acid treatment method to measure endotoxin in both amniotic fluid and cord blood by an endotoxin-specific chromogenic Limulus test in intra-amniotic infection.

Endotoxin in both amniotic fluid and cord blood was measured to detect intra-amniotic fetal infection. Both amniotic fluid and cord blood plasma were pretreated by a perchloric acid treatment, and the endotoxin level was measured by Endospecy test. Cut off values for endotoxin in amniotic fluid and cord blood were 8.5 pg/mL and 7.6 pg/mL, respectively. Escherichia coli intra-amniotic infection caused respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)-mimicking pneumonia. Abnormally high values of endotoxin in both amniotic fluid and cord blood were detected. Intra-amniotic infection caused by Gram-positive bacteria (group B streptococci, Enterococcus fecalis) was shown to be endotoxin negative in both amniotic fluid and cord blood. In cases of negative amniotic fluid culture, measurement of the value of endotoxin in the amniotic fluid is useful in identifying intra-amniotic fetal infection.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed1996

Is direct cell-to-cell contact needed to improve embryonic development in co-culture?

In vitro co-culture of embryos and somatic cells is used to obtain well-developed embryos of humans and other species. However, it is not known whether direct cell-to-cell contact is essential to embryonic development. To elucidate this mechanism, we cultured mouse embryos using rabbit oviductal cell as a somatic cell. To avoid the direct contact we used a microporous membrane cell-culture insert. This cell-culture insert permits only the liquid portion of the culture medium to pass through it and was interposed between mouse embryos and cultured rabbit oviductal cells. When mouse embryos were placed on the cultured oviductal cells directly, 52.2% of two-cell-stage embryos developed to the blastocyst stage. In contrast, when the cell-culture insert was interposed between the embryos and the cultured oviductal cells, 50.0% of two-cell-stage embryos developed to that stage. There was no difference between the rate of blastocyst development in co-culture system with and without cell culture insert. Results indicate that oviductal factor (s), rather than a direct contact with oviductal cells, is essential to the enhancement of embryonic development in vitro.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Effect of egg white on serum cholesterol concentration in young women.

In a previous study we observed favorable effects of egg white on serum lipids in rats and mice. The present study was designed to elucidate these effects in 24 female university students with moderate hypercholesterolemia. About 30% of total protein was supplied with egg white, tofu or cheese. The experiment was conducted for a complete menstruation cycle of each subject. Lipid intake was about 30% of total energy intake. The energy intake of each subject was constant throughout the experiment. Body weight was measured every morning. Daily activity was measured by a pedometer. Blood was withdrawn after an overnight fast on the first, 15th and last days and serum lipids were measured. Body weight was measured every morning. Daily activity was measured by a pedometer. Blood was withdrawn after an overnight fast on the first, 15th and last days and serum lipids were measured. Body weight and daily activity were maintained in all the groups throughout the experiment. The egg white group showed a similar decrease in the total cholesterol (Total-C) concentration but a greater increase of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration as compared to the tofu group and a greater decrease in Total-C and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations and a greater increase in the HDL-C concentration as compared to the cheese group (p < 0.05). The results indicate the favorable effects of egg white in the control of hypercholesterolemia.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Molecular aspects of pulmonary surfactant in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and surfactant replacement therapy].

A success in surfactant therapy for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in Japan in 1980 has led to the introduction of scientific randomized controlled trials on the one hand, and a great interest in the constituents of the exogenous surfactant on the other. It contains 2% hydrophobic surfactant proteins B and C that are now known to be critical components in surface-active properties of lung surfactant. The application of molecular biology has fostered rapid progress in the elucidation of the structure, function and metabolism of the surfactant. The introduction of surfactant therapy has had a major impact on neonatal mortality and morbidity. Although various surfactant preparations are already in the market and a new generation of totally synthetic surfactant is under clinical evaluation, further studies are required to address the issue regarding optimization of surfactant therapy.

Biological Products↗
PubMed1995

Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia involving HPA-5b (Br(a)): a rare Japanese case.

Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is caused by platelet antigen incompatibility between the mother and fetus. The frequency of NAIT varies among ethnic groups. In Caucasians, HPA-5b (Br(a)) is the antigen that is second most frequently implicated. In Japan, NAIT due to anti-HPA-5b antibody is quite rare. The present case is the second case of Br(a)-NAIT in Japanese and the first case serologically confirmed by monoclonal antibody-specific immobilization of platelet antigens.

Antigens, Human Platelet↗
PubMed1995

Application of a new perchloric acid treatment method to measure endotoxin by an endotoxin-specific chromogenic Limulus test in neonatal septicemia.

The endotoxin in blood was measured to establish both the cut-off value and to detect Gram-negative septicemia. We employed a new perchloric acid treatment method using an endotoxin-specific chromogenic Limulus test (Endospecy test). The cut-off value of endotoxin in blood was 11.2 pg/mL. All cases of septicemia (n = 7) showed high values of endotoxin. Three cases were Group B streptococci, and two cases were Escherichia coli. The others were showed to be negative in blood cultures. The paired values of endotoxin titers during a 48 h interval were useful to evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Bacteremia↗