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Biomedical subjects

S Inoue

Publications and source records attributed to S Inoue.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

Autologous dendritic cells or cells expressing both B7-1 and MUC1 can rescue tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes from MUC1-mediated apoptotic cell death.

We attempted to induce MUC1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) by mixed-lymphocyte tumor cell culture (MLTC) using two allogeneic MUC1-positive cancer cell lines, T-47D and MCF7. The induced CTLs exhibited MUC1-specific cytotoxicity 16 days after the initial stimulation. However, these CTLs underwent apoptotic death within 16 days. To examine whether the B7-1 molecule is required for the expansion of the responder cells, a B7-1(+)/MUC1(-) cell line was transfected with MUC1 cDNA, and the resulting transfectant was employed as a stimulator in an autologous MLTC. The CTLs exhibited MUC1 specificity but also continued to propagate. In parallel, autologous dendritic cells (DCs) were added to an MLTC containing peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and the allogeneic MUC1-positive stimulators. The CTLs demonstrated MUC1 specificity and their number increased. This suggests that the B7-1 molecule is required for rescuing CTLs from MUC1-mediated apoptotic death, but not for the induction of MUC1-specific responsiveness. This strategy to obtain the CTLs efficiently may be useful for adoptive immunotherapy against cancer.

Antigen Presentation↗

Acetabular labrum in hip dysplasia evaluated by radial magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To numerically express morphologic conditions and signal intensity in the acetabular labrum of the weight-bearing portion of hip joints in patients with hip dysplasia. METHODS: Using a radial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, where the planes are set radially centered on the midpoint of acetabulum, and which depicts the entire acetabular rim and acetabular labrum, we investigated 60 hip joints of 35 patients with hip dysplasia. RESULTS: The acetabular labrum was larger in dysplastic hips than in normal hips, and the size increased in the posterosuperior portion. All patients had portions with signal intensity changes within the labrum and had impairment on the labrum. When osteoarthrosis due to hip dysplasia was observed, signal intensity changes increased. The changes of intensity varied among the portions observed, and were stronger in the anterosuperior portions than in the superior and posterosuperior portions. CONCLUSION: Radial MRI numerically depicts morphologic conditions of acetabular labrum; the data were usable to evaluate the size difference in acetabular labrum due to hip dysplasia and the degree of impairment.

Acetabulum↗

Right ventricular aneurysm caused by acute myocarditis.

The first case of right ventricular aneurysm caused by acute myocarditis is reported. Positive gallium-67 uptake and contrast enhancement in the gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance images were detected in the apical region surrounding the aneurysm, suggesting transmural myocardial inflammations in the apical portion of the heart. The aneurysm was repaired surgically, and biopsy of the right ventricular myocardium showed replacement fibrosis and inflammatory infiltrate.

Acute Disease↗

Awareness due to disconnection from the fresh gas supply: why could ventilation be achieved in spite of disconnection from the fresh gas supply?

An anaesthesia ventilator of to-and-fro type incorporated into the anesthesia machine was used for mechanical ventilation in a patient undergoing plastic surgery under sevoflurane anaesthesia. During operation, elevation of blood pressure and tachycardia, which suggested inadequate anesthesia could not be managed by adjustment of sevoflurane to higher concentrations. However, the patient's lungs could be well ventilated without problems. Close to the end of anaesthesia, a disconnection at the mixed gas common outlet before the check valve of anaesthesia machine was detected. The patient could recall and recount all the happening during the operation signifying that he was not sufficiently anesthetized. In the case that the fresh gas supply line before the check valve is disconnected, the lungs can still be ventilated if a to-and-fro type of ventilator is used. Because there is no leakage of gas from the check valve every bit of the gas which drives the ventilator begins to work and deliver a flow of gas sufficiently to maintain a tidal volume. As a result, anaesthetic gas is replaced by a driving gas. A ventilator of to-and-fro type is still used in clinical anesthesia due to its simple design. The phenomenon reflects the pitfall in the design of a to-and-fro type anaesthesia ventilator.

Adult↗

[Antimicrobial susceptibility and serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from the patients with respiratory tract infections in Hokusetsu Area of Osaka].

One hundred and thirteen strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) were isolated from the clinical specimens of patients with respiratory tract infections between January and December 1998 in three hospitals in Hokusetsu area of Osaka. We investigated susceptibility of 113 strains of S. pneumoniae to benzylpenicillin (PCG) and other antimicrobial agents and their serotypes. 1) Of the 113 strains of S. pneumoniae isolated, 25.7% were susceptible (PSSP), 51.3% were intermediate (PISP) and 23% were resistant to benzylpenicillin (PRSP). 2) The MICs of cefaclor, cefditoren, cefpodoxime, cefdinir, erythromycin, clindamycin and minocycline were elevated, but the MIC values of cefditoren ranged from < or = 0.03 to 1.0 microgram/ml. The susceptibility of 113 strains to cefditoren was comparatively high. 3) The MIC values of imipenem, meropenem and vancomycin for 81 strains of PISP and PRSP ranged from < or = 0.015 to 1.0 microgram/ml, from < or = 0.015 to 2.0 micrograms/ml and from 0.13 to 0.5 microgram/ml, respectively. The susceptibility of these strains to three antimicrobial agents was superior to that to the other antimicrobial agents examined. 4) Of the 60 strains examined, 19, 6, and 23 serotypes were 30, 25 and 18.3%, respectively. The three serotypes were observed in PISP and PRSP with a high frequency. 5) Isolates of S. pneumoniae were 37.2% for children under 2 years of age and 30.9% for children from 2 to 6 years of age. Most of the strains isolated from these children were resistant.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

[Two patients with liver metastasis from gastric cancer who responded remarkably to combined therapy of 5'-DFUR and PSK].

Two patients with liver metastasis from gastric cancer who responded remarkably to a combined therapy of 5'-DFUR and PSK are reported. The first patient had liver metastases 8 months postoperatively. Her AFP level was 513 ng/ml and CEA was 30 ng/ml. After the combined therapy, all liver metastases showed a calcified change. Tumor markers of AFP and CEA decreased remarkably to the normal level within 3 weeks after the therapy. The patient had no relapse as of December 1999. The second patient with liver metastases was treated using the same combined therapy for 14 days preoperatively. The size of liver metastases had decreased remarkably by the time of the operation. A small metastasis of S8 (0.5 x 0.5 cm) was resected. No other liver metastasis was detected by intraoperative ultrasonography. The patient had no relapse as of February 2000. It is reported that PSK produces several cytokines which induce thymidine phosphorylase expression. The present report suggests that the upregulation of PyNPase might enhance the antitumor effect of 5'-DFUR.

Aged↗

Facilitatory effect of ritanserin is mediated by dopamine D(1) receptors on olfactory learning in young rats.

The olfactory bulb is critically involved in early olfactory learning. In this study, we examined the effect of intrabulbar infusion of ritanserin, a 5-hydroxytryptamine(2) (5-HT(2)) receptor antagonist on a one-trial aversive olfactory learning in young rats. Ritanserin, a 5-HT(2) receptor antagonist, was continuously infused into the olfactory bulb of postnatal day-11 (PND 11) rat pups during a 30-min training session of pairing citral odor and foot shock. On the following day, the time spent in the part of the apparatus where the odor was present was measured as an index of odor aversion. Consistent with a previous study on olfactory preference learning, 1 nM ritanserin, but not 10 nM, blocked the olfactory aversive learning. We further examined the ability of 10 nM ritanserin to induce olfactory learning in the absence of the unconditioned stimulus foot shock. Pups that received intrabulbar infusion of 10 nM ritanserin in the presence of citral odor developed an aversion to the odor without foot shock. Since ritanserin has been shown to have an affinity for dopamine receptors, we examined the effect of dopamine antagonists on the ritanserin-induced aversive olfactory learning. Co-infusion of the dopamine D(1) receptor antagonist (+/-)-SKF-83566 with ritanserin dose-dependently prevented induced learning. In contrast, the D(2) receptor antagonist spiperone was without effect. These results extend the previous finding on the role of bulbar 5-HT(2) receptors in early olfactory learning and suggest that high concentration of ritanserin facilitates aversive olfactory learning through D(1) receptors in the olfactory bulb.

Animals↗

Epidermal sphingomyelins are precursors for selected stratum corneum ceramides.

Epidermal ceramides (Cer) comprise a heterogeneous family of seven species, including two unique omega-hydroxylated Cer, that are key components of the stratum corneum (SC) intercellular lamellar membranes responsible for the epidermal permeability barrier. Although both glucosylceramide (GlcCer) and the phospho-sphingolipid sphingomyelin (SM) are potential precursors of SC Cer, based on reported chemical structures of epidermal GlcCer and SC Cer, it is assumed that all major subfractions of SC Cer are generated from lamellar body-derived GlcCer. Yet, we and others have shown that SM-derived Cer are required for normal barrier homeostasis. Moreover, two pools of SM, one from plasma membrane, the other from lamellar body-derived contents, are potentially available for Cer production. To clarify the role of SM as a potential precursor of bulk or specific SC Cer, we compared Cer moieties in epidermal SM, Cer generated from epidermal SM by sphingomyelinase treatment, Cer within SC, and Cer that persist in Gaucher SC, where GlcCer cannot generate Cer due to an absence of beta-glucocerebrosidase. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance for Cer characterization, epidermal SM comprise three major subfractions with distinctive amide-linked (N-acyl) fatty acid (FA) compositions: that is, either long-chain FA (SM-1; C(22;-26)), short-chain FA (SM-2; primarily C(16)), and short-chain alpha-hydroxy FA (SM-3; C(16;-18)). In contrast, only trace quantities of omega-hydroxy FA were present. For each SM subfraction, the sphingoid base was either sphingosine or sphinganine, but phytosphingosine was not detected. Comparison of these SM with corresponding sphingomyelinase-generated epidermal Cer and SC Cer revealed that the Cer moieties of SM-1 and SM-3 are equivalent to Cer 2 (NS) and Cer 5 (AS), respectively. Moreover, both Cer 2 and Cer 5 occurred in Gaucher SC, whereas other Cer subfractions did not occur. These results indicate that two epidermal SM, that is, SM-1 and SM-3, are important precursors of two corresponding Cer in mammalian SC, that is, Cer 2 and Cer 5, but other Cer species, including the omega-hydroxy Cer species, do not derive from SM.

Animals↗

Can three-dimensional helical CT cholangiography before laparoscopic cholecystectomy be a substitute study for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography?

The study investigated the usefulness of three-dimensional helical computed tomography (3D-CT) before laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LSC) when compared with that of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). Forty-five patients referred for LSC, who had undergone 3D-CT cholangiography and ERC simultaneously, participated in the study. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and 3D-CT cholangiography were compared in each patient with regard to opacification of the biliary tree, stones, and anatomic variations. Three-dimensional helical CT cholangiography and ERC imaging for predicting operative difficulties in LSC also were compared. The common bile duct and cystic duct were shown in the patients by the images, but the gallbladder was shown in 43 patients (96%) with use of 3D-CT cholangiography and in 36 patients (80%) with use of ERC. A third or more peripheral branches were shown completely with use of 3D-CT cholangiography in 33 patients (73%) and in 32 patients (71%) with use of ERC. Cystic duct stones were found in two of three patients with use of 3D-CT cholangiography and ERC. Common bile duct stones in five of seven patients were detected with use of 3D-CT cholangiography, but all of the common bile duct stones were detected with use of ERC. Anatomic variations of the bile duct were shown in three of four patients by 3D-CT cholangiography and in all patients with use of ERC. No significant differences in findings of the angle of bifurcation and presence of Heister valves between operative easy and complex cases were shown by 3D-CT cholangiography and ERC, despite the more accurate assessment of the cystic duct anatomy with use of 3D-CT cholangiography than with use of ERC. Three-dimensional helical CT cholangiography is useful clinically in preoperative assessment of biliary anatomy, but it is not reliable in the detection of common bile duct stones, and it is not helpful in predicting technical difficulty during LSC.

Adult↗

[Two cases of ischemic changes indicated in the amplitude of motor evoked potentials during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair].

Monitoring of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) is employed to examine functional integrity of descending motor pathway during thoracic aortic surgery. We experienced two cases of intraoperative changes in MEPs during thoracic aortic replacement. In one case, MEPs recovered after the intercostal artery reattachment, and in another case after the release of aortic clamping. No postoperative paraplegia was found in both cases. We conclude that monitoring of MEPs is useful not only because we can detect symptoms of the spinal cord injury from ischemia immediately but also because they give us a clue to decide operative procedures.

Aged↗

Microscopy investigations. Techniques, results, limitations.

This paper critically reviews current microscopy techniques that are used to image resin-dentin interfaces and more in particular to investigate the process of hybridization and resin-tag formation. A short description of the four most commonly used microscopy techniques with their necessary specimen-preparation methodology is provided along with a discussion of their possibilities, limitations and potential artifact formation. With this critical appraisal on microscopy techniques available to study adhesive interfaces, it is hoped to encourage the use of high-resolution analytical tools to further elucidate the mechanisms of bonding at the ultra-structural level. Besides ultra-morphologic characterization, more research should be devoted to study the chemical and physical properties of resin-dentin bonds. The final objective of such fundamental research should be to establish a more durable and reliable adhesive restorative technique.

Artifacts↗

Induced expression, localization, and chromosome mapping of a gene for the TBP-interacting protein 120A.

TBP-interacting protein 120A (TIP120A) is a novel eukaryotic transcriptional regulator and has been suggested to be involved in the general regulation of transcription because of its ability to potentiate transcription of all classes of genes and to interact with common transcriptional machineries. In the present study, we investigated the expression of the tip120a gene. TIP120A transcripts were expressed abundantly in the heart and liver, moderately in the brain and skeletal muscle, and only slightly in the spleen and lung. This ubiquitous expression pattern was similar to that of TBP. Gene expression of TIP120A in the rat liver was not stimulated by hepatocarcinogenesis or liver regeneration. TIP120A was thus suggested not to be a growth-related protein. On the other hand, in P19 mouse embryonal carcinoma cells, TIP120A expression was elevated upon retinoic acid treatment, which induces differentiation. Notably, the foci-like nuclear localization pattern of TIP120A was transformed into a speckle-like pattern. The level of TIP120A was also elevated in such stem-like cells as F9 and HL60 after each differentiation procedure, retinoic acid and DMSO, respectively. In HEp-2 cells, TIP120A was observed as a limited number of nuclear foci, and the localization coincided with that of the PML oncogenic domain. FISH detection revealed that the human tip120a gene was located at 12q14, the position to which a myopathic type scapuloperoneal syndrome locus also mapped. Our study suggests that, contrary to an early assumption, TIP120A is involved in tissue-specific and/or differentiation-related gene expression.

Animals↗

The alpha1-6-fucosyltransferase gene and its biological significance.

GDP-L-Fuc:N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide alpha1-6-fucosyltransferase (alpha1-6FucT) catalyzes the transfer of fucose from GDP-Fuc to N-linked type complex glycoproteins. This enzyme was purified from a human fibroblast cell line, porcine brain, a human gastric cancer cell line and human blood platelets. cDNA cloning of porcine and human alpha1-6FucT was performed from a porcine brain and gastric cancer cell cDNA libraries, respectively. Their homology is 92.2% at the nucleotide level and 95.7% at the amino acid level. No putative N-glycosylation sites were found in the predicted amino acid sequence. No homology to other fucosyltransferases such as alpha1-2FucT, alpha1-3FucT and alpha1-4FucT was found except for a region consisting of nine amino acids. The alpha1-6FucT gene is located at chromosome 14q24.3, which is also a different location from other fucosyltransferases reported to date. The alpha1-6FucT gene is the oldest gene family in the phylogenic trees among the nine cloned fucosyltransferase genes. alpha1-6FucT is widely expressed in various rat tissues and the expression of alpha1-6FucT in the liver is enhanced during hepatocarcinogenesis of LEC rats which develop hereditary hepatitis and hepatomas. In cases of human liver diseases, alpha1-6FucT is expressed in both hepatoma tissues and their surrounding tissues with chronic liver disease, but not in the case of normal liver. Serum alpha1-6-fucosylated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has been employed for an early diagnosis of patients with hepatoma. The mechanisms by which alpha1-6 fucosylation of AFP occurs in the hepatoma is not due to the up-regulation of alpha1-6FucT alone. Interestingly, when the alpha1-6FucT gene is transfected into Hep3B, a human hepatoma cell line, tumor formation in the liver of nude mice after splenic injection is dramatically suppressed. In this review, we focus on alpha1-6FucT and summarize its properties, gene expression and biological significance.

Animals↗

Involvement of sympathetic activation and brown adipose tissue in calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced heat production in the rat.

We previously reported that microinjection of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP; 1.6-8.0 pmol, 0.2-1.0 microliter) into the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) increased oxygen consumption (VO(2)), heart rate (HR), colonic temperature (T(co)), and temperature of interscapular brown adipose tissue (T(IBAT)). In the present study, we investigated whether the autonomic nervous system is involved in the CGRP-induced heat production in urethane-anesthetized rats. Intraperitoneal administration of the ganglion blocker hexamethonium (20 mg/kg) or the beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol (5 mg/kg) suppressed the CGRP-induced increases in VO(2), HR, T(co), and T(IBAT). Pretreatment with the alpha-adrenergic antagonist phentolamine (5 mg/kg) partly attenuated the heat production response but did not affect the tachycardiac response. Bilateral sectioning of the nerves supplying the IBAT attenuated the CGRP-induced increase in T(IBAT) but not significantly that in VO(2) or T(co). In rats with adrenal demedullation, the effects of CGRP were similar to those in intact rats. These results suggest that the CGRP-induced heat production is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system and, at least in part, by the BAT through the alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗

Diabetes alters neurite regeneration from mouse retinal explants in culture.

We examined the effect of experimental diabetes on neurite regeneration from adult mouse retinal explants cultured in the presence of different concentrations of glucose. The numbers of regenerating neurites at 3, 6 and 10 days in culture at normal glucose concentration (7 mM) were significantly smaller in streptozotocin-induced diabetic C57BL/6 mice than in normal control mice. In contrast, treatment of retinal explants with high glucose concentration (57 mM) significantly diminished the number of regenerating neurites in the control mice, but not in the diabetic mice. These results suggest that retina in diabetic mice has impaired capability of neurite regeneration in a normal glucose environment, but is adaptable to a high glucose environment in vitro.

Animals↗