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Biomedical subjects

S Nishio

Publications and source records attributed to S Nishio.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Effects of tea catechin inhalation on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in elderly patients in a hospital ward.

We investigated the effects of inhalation of tea catechin on MRSA in the 24 elderly in patients, who were known to carry MRSA in sputum. The patients in the catechin group (N=12) were administered an inhalation of tea catechin extracts (in saline/bromhexine) (3.7 g/L catechins, 43% of them are composed of epigallocatechin gallate), three times daily with hand nebulizer for four weeks. The clinical effects were compared with the control group (N=12) who were given an inhalation of saline/bromhexine alone. After a week of the course, the numbers of the patients with decreased or disappearance of MRSA in their sputum was significantly higher in the catechin group, compared with that in the control group (seven vs. no patients; P<0.05). The number of patients discharged during the study was significantly increased, and the days of hospital stay were significantly decreased in the catechin group compared with those in the control group (six vs. one patient; P<0.05, 51+/-22 vs. 85+/-50 days, mean+/-S.D.;P <0.05, respectively). No adverse effects were observed in any patients during the study. Catechin inhalation seemed to be safe, and at least temporarily effective in the reduction of MRSA and shortening of hospitalization.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2003

A new method using a bacterium for dissolution of urinary stones.

PURPOSE: A bacterium, Thiobacillus thiooxidans, oxidizes inorganic sulfur compounds to sulfuric acid to obtain energy for growth. We examined dissolution of urinary stones by the bacteria and studied optimal conditions for the dissolution in human urine. METHODS: Thiobacillus thiooxidans (IFO No. 13 701) was purchased from Hakko Kenkyujyo, Co., Osaka, Japan. The bacteria were grown stationary for 7 days at 30 degrees C in medium. The pH of the medium was changed from pH 4.82 to 1.95 for 28 days. Growth of the bacteria was also examined in human urine by addition of different amounts of sodium thiosulfite. The dissolution of human urinary stones was examined in the bladder of Wistar rat containing the bacteria (1 x 10(8)) for 7 days. 20 ml of 5 % sodium thiosulfite were injected intraperitoneally once a day. Histological changes of urinary tracts and blood test were also examined. As a control, two rats were examined in the same methods without the bacteria. RESULTS: The number of bacteria was increased in human urine depending on the concentration of sodium thiosulfite. Among different kinds of urinary stones, calcium phosphate stone was most dissolved, 78 % reduction of dry weight in the rat bladder. Calcium oxalate, uric acid and magnesium phosphate stones were not well dissolved. But the stone weights in the control rats were increased twice. Slight inflammation was found in the rat bladder. There were no abnormal findings in the blood test. CONCLUSIONS: Thiobacillus thiooxidans can be used for dissolution of urinary stones. This new technique may be useful for dissolution of fragments after ESWL and crystals covered by a urinary stent. Optimal conditions and safety methods should be developed for clinical use.

Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans↗
PubMed2003

Serum carvedilol concentration and its relation to change in plasma brain natriuretic peptide level in the treatment of heart failure: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of carvedilol dose and concentration in serum on plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), a measure of heart failure progression. METHODS: 12 patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II-III chronic heart failure were enrolled in the study. They received carvedilol at daily doses of 1-20 mg with a 1-2 weekly adjustment. Serum carvedilol trough concentrations were measured in steady-state using a specific fluorescence HPLC method. The degree of improvement in heart failure was assessed from the ratio of change in the plasma BNP concentration, 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months after the commencement of carvedilol administration. RESULTS: From the pharmacokinetic aspect, there was no valid correlation between the trough serum carvedilol concentration (Cmin) and daily dose per body weight (Dd/BW), indicating that there was a wide difference in the carvedilol elimination capacity among individuals. A significant decrease in the BNP was observed at the 3rd month in patients treated with the high dose (> 750 mg/3 months). On the other hand, in patients with a mean serum carvedilol level (Cmin) of less than 2.5 nmol/l up to 2 weeks after the start ofcarvedilol therapy, the degree of reduction in the BNP value after the 3rd month was significantly larger, relative to the patient group with Cmin over 2.5 nmol/l. CONCLUSIONS: The total carvedilol dose was confirmed to be one of the determinants for improvement in heart failure, and it was suggested that the initial serum level also plays an important role in therapeutic outcome. Therefore, it may be important to monitor the serum carvedilol level at the introductory period to determine the daily dose requirements because of the wide inter-individual variability in its metabolic clearance.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed2002

Astrocytoma of the pituitary gland (pituicytoma): case report.

A 34-year-old man presented with a 4-month history of visual obscuration. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a solid, discrete, contrast-enhancing pituitary mass with suprasellar extension. Surgery, which was performed via a transsphenoidal approach, disclosed the pituitary tumor to be a fibrillary astrocytoma (pituicytoma). This case report contains the clinical and neuroimaging features of this rare tumor of the neurohypophysis, which masqueraded as a pituitary adenoma.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Effect of serum depletion on centrosome overduplication and death of human pancreatic cancer cells after exposure to radiation.

The tumor microenvironment is one of the key factors affecting the cellular response to radiation; however, the influence of serum concentration on tumor radiosensitivity remains poorly understood. We recently discovered that gamma-irradiation of tumor cells causes centrosome overduplication, which may lead to lethal nuclear fragmentation through the establishment of multipolar mitotic spindles. In the present study, we investigated the effect of serum depletion on radiation-induced cell death in relation to the centrosome dynamics in human pancreatic cancer cells. Exposure of Capan-1 cells to gamma-irradiation resulted in a time-dependent increase in cells containing multiple centrosomes in association with the appearance of mitotic cell death. Treatment of irradiated cells with serum depletion drastically accelerated centrosome overduplication and the formation of multipolar spindles, resulting in increased nuclear fragmentation and cell death. Cell cycle analysis of irradiated cultures revealed that the reduced serum level increased the population of cells arrested in the G2/M phase, which might be responsible for the abnormal centrosome accumulation. These findings suggest that serum concentration can influence radiation-induced cell killing through modulating cell cycle progression and possibly centrosome overduplication.

Cell Death↗
PubMed2001

The role of hinge domain in heterodimerization and specific DNA recognition by nuclear receptors.

Four structural domains are characteristic of the members of the nuclear receptor superfamily. The hinge (D) domain which is located between the DNA binding (C) domain and the ligand binding (EF) domain, is less conserved among the nuclear receptors. In this study, we investigated the effects of the D domain on receptor function with regard to ligand binding, protein-protein interaction and DNA recognition. We found that EF domain of TR lacked T3 binding activity and additional D domain was required for its ligand binding. Using pull down assays and two-hybrid assays, we also demonstrated that the EF domain of TR did not dimerize with TR or RXR in solution, while the DEF domain was able to homo-and heterodimerize with RXR. In contrast, the RXR EF domain alone was able to heterodimerize with TR. The D domain of TR is required but that of RXR is not necessary for the interaction. We further demonstrated that the D domain was required for receptor specific DNA recognition. The ABC domain of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and TR(DEF) chimeric receptor could not bind to VDR response element (VDRE). Addition of own D domain of VDR to the ABC domain enables the chimeric receptor to bind VDRE and transactivate. The D domain of TR cannot substitute for that of VDR in context of specific DNA recognition. These data suggest that the D domain is important to maintain the integrity of the functional structure of the nuclear receptors.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Correlation between centrosome abnormalities and chromosomal instability in human pancreatic cancer cells.

Chromosomal instability, characterized by abnormal numbers or structures of chromosomes, is a common feature of human cancers, but the mechanisms behind these changes are still unclear. Since centrosomes play a pivotal role in balanced chromosomal segregation during mitosis, we attempted to investigate the association between centrosome abnormalities and chromosomal instability in a large number of human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed centrosomes that were highly atypical with respect to their size, shape, and number in most cell lines. These abnormal centrosomes contributed to the assembly of multipolar spindles, resulting in defective mitosis and chromosome mis-segregation. Interestingly, a high frequency of centrosome defects inversely correlated with the growth rate of cells in culture. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed a dramatic variation of chromosome numbers in cell lines with the defective centrosome phenotype. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation existed between the level of centrosome defects and the level of chromosomal imbalances. These results indicate that centrosome abnormalities can lead to spindle disorganization and chromosome segregation errors, which may drive the accumulation of chromosomal alterations. Thus, defects in centrosome function may be an underlying cause of genetic instability in human pancreatic cancers.

Centrosome↗
PubMed2001

Expression of dominant negative form of PAX4 in human insulinoma.

The paired-homeodomain transcription factor PAX4 is expressed in the early pancreas, but is later restricted to beta cells and not expressed in mature islets, suggesting an important role of PAX4 in differentiation and development of pancreatic islet. Here we show that PAX4 mRNA was highly expressed in human insulinoma tissues, whereas little if any mRNA was expressed in normal islets. Furthermore, this insulinoma associated expression of PAX4 mRNA was accompanied with expression of its novel variant form (PAX4v). PAX4v was generated by alternative splicing lacking the exon 7, and containing intact paired and homeo domain followed by novel 35 amino acids. PAX4v reversed the wild-type PAX4 mediated repression of the insulin promoter in cotransfection assays. PAX4v may play a role to antagonize the wild-type PAX4 function in human insulinoma. These data imply a role of PAX4 and PAX4v expression in tumorigenesis and development of insulinoma.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Cerebral ganglioglioma with epilepsy: neuroimaging features and treatment.

Gangliogliomas are an increasingly recognized cause of epilepsy in children. In this study the clinical, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological data of five patients with cerebral ganglioglioma and epilepsy are reviewed retrospectively. The average age of these patients was 4.4 years at onset and the average duration of seizures before diagnosis was 11 months. Tumors were located in the frontal (3), parietal (1), and occipital (1) lobes. While one cystic and four solid tumors showed various densities on CT and MRI, one frontal lesion was not demonstrated by CT scan but clearly shown by MRI. Scalp electroencephalography (EEG) showed neither localized nor epileptiform abnormalities in three patients, while the remaining two had these abnormalities. In one patient, invasive chronic electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings with subdural electrodes revealed an ictal onset zone located in the hand motor area. In all patients, intraoperative ECoG failed to reveal any epileptiform activities, and tumor removal alone was performed. For a mean of 3.4 years after surgery, all patients are alive and seizure-free, with stable imaging findings. Tumor resection may be the most important factor for optimal seizure control and prevention of tumor recurrence despite the fact that EEG and ECoG findings may conflict on tumor location.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Fetal germinal matrix and intraventricular haemorrhage diagnosed by MRI.

Subependymal germinal matrix haemorrhage and intraventricular haemorrhage (GMIVH) is a common complication of delivery in preterm neonates but has rarely been observed in the fetus. We report two cases of GMIVH in fetuses of 36 weeks gestation, clearly demonstrated by antenatal MRI. In both cases progressive ventriculomegaly was observed, and ventriculoperitoneal shunts were placed at 19 and 6 months of age, respectively. Prenatal GMIVH may be a cause of congenital hydrocephalus, for which no aetiology has yet been found.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Cerebral abnormalities in lumbosacral neural tube closure defect: MR imaging evaluation.

OBJECTS: It was decided that patients with caudal neural tube closure defect should be evaluated by means of cranial MR scans, with special attention devoted to cerebral malformations other than craniospinal abnormalities. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with lumbosacral neural tube closure defects, classified into myeloschisis (MS, 9 cases), meningo(myelo)cele (MMC, 10 cases) and spina bifida occulta with lumbosacral lipoma (LL, 5 cases), were evaluated in this way, and cerebral anomalies were found to be present in all MS patients, 8 with MMC and 2 with LL. The cerebral hemispheres were mildly to moderately hypoplastic in 6 patients, and hydrocephalus was present in 6 patients with MS and in 5 with MMC; LL was not associated with ventriculomegaly in any patient. Polymicrogyria was present in 6 patients with MS, in 3 with MMC, and in none of those with LL. Heterotopic gray matter was observed in only 2 patients with MS. Partial agenesis of the corpus callosum was found in 6 MS patients and in 6 patients with MMC, but was not seen in patients with LL. Cervicomedullary anomalies, such as herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum, were found in 7 patients with MS, in 4 with MMC and in 2 with LL. While patients with LL were accompanied by only mild forebrain anomalies, cerebral abnormalities in MS and MMC were generally more severe in degree than those in LL. Among 21 patients in whom intellectual and performance status was evaluated, 9 of the 17 patients with cerebral anomalies had some degree of retardation, and the 4 without cerebral anomalies were normal. CONCLUSIONS: Caudal neural tube closure defect is not a single developmental abnormality, and can be regarded as one part of the spectrum of malformations causing primary insults that are as yet unidentified to the developing central nervous system.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Multiple palisading granulomas in the scalp of an infant: a case report.

BACKGROUND: We describe an unusual lesion that represents an uncommon but important element in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous scalp nodules in a child. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 1-year-old boy presented with two clusters of subcutaneous scalp nodules. The lesions increased in size and number. Computed tomography showed no changes in underlying bone. Findings on magnetic resonance imaging were nonspecific. Serologic and clinical evaluation showed no evidence of rheumatic disease. Complete excision of the nodules, together with adjacent fascia and galea, was performed. Histopathologic examination showed the lesions to be palisading granulomas; given the absence of rheumatic disease, these represented deep granuloma annulare, a benign condition. No recurrence has been observed in our patient. CONCLUSION: While we chose total excision because of preoperative concerns about a possible malignant tumor, some other authors have suggested that surgery be limited to confirmatory biopsy when a benign lesion such as palisading granuloma is strongly suspected.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed2001

Calcium phosphate crystal-associated proteins: alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, prothrombin fragment 1 and osteopontin.

To study the inhibitory effects of calcium phosphate-associated proteins on calcium oxalate crystallization and urinary concentrations of proteins in people who form stones and healthy controls. From 60 L of urine from healthy men, calcium phosphate-associated proteins (alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, prothrombin fragment 1 and osteopontin) were obtained. The effects of the proteins on calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystallization were studied with a mixed suspension mixed product removal system. To examine urinary concentrations of the proteins, urine samples were collected from 17 healthy subjects and 15 stone formers and analyzed using anion-exchange chromatography and an enzyme immunoassay. Prothrombin fragment 1 (PTF1) and osteopontin (OPN) had strong inhibitory effects on CaOx crystallization, while alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein had a mild inhibitory effect. Urinary concentrations of PTF1 and OPN were lower in stone formers than in healthy controls. Low urinary concentrations of PTF1 and OPN might be one of the reasons for stone formation.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Corpora amylacea replace the hippocampal pyramidal cell layer in a patient with temporal lobe epilepsy.

A 39-year-old woman, with a 23-year history of medically intractable seizures of the complex partial type, underwent a left anterior temporal lobectomy and hippocampectomy. Histologic examinations revealed a massive occurrence of corpora amylacea, neuronal loss, and gliosis in the pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus. The distribution of corpora amylacea in this case was quite distinctive and unlike the patterns of "nonspecific" corpora amylacea formation seen in aging or other neurodegenerative conditions. The pathogenetic aspects of the accumulation of these peculiar bodies are discussed in relation to hippocampal sclerosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Prolactinoma with preferential infrasellar extension: a report of two cases.

The authors describe two male patients with prolactinomas which were incidentally found either during the course of a complete work up for headache or after minor head trauma. Since these tumours were located mainly in the sphenoid bone and did not show any upward growth to the suprasellar region, they were initially thought to be a primary skull base tumour; however, the serum prolactin levels of these patients were 1,179 ng/ml and 3,260 ng/ml, respectively. The authors thus emphasise the need to recognise this peculiar infrasellar growth pattern of prolactinoma.

Adult↗