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Biomedical subjects

F Sakai

Publications and source records attributed to F Sakai.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

[Evaluation of image quality of medical facsimile as a radiological image recording system].

We examined the usefulness of a new medical facsimile (MFAX) system in recording and transmitting various kinds of medical images, including X-ray images and colored histopathologic images. The system consists of an image scanner, a magnetic disk for image storage, a transmission circuit and a thermal image printer. Transmission time for a FCR (Fuji computed radiography) image by super-fine mode was 6 minutes. We used ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curves to evaluate the ability of eight radiologists to detect the small simulated nodules placed on an anthropomorphic chest phantom and shown on MFAX images. The radiologists observed both the FCR films and MFAX copies and determined the presence or absence of simulated nodules using five confidence levels. The results obtained for FCR films and MFAX images showed no statistically significant difference.

Humans↗
PubMed1996

Effect of FR133605, a novel cytokine suppressive agent, on bone and cartilage destruction in adjuvant arthritic rats.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of FR133605, a novel inhibitor of interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), on bone and cartilage destruction in adjuvant arthritic rats and compared it to corticosteroid, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID), and disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD). METHODS: The antiinflammatory responses were evaluated by measurement of hind paw swelling, body weight, femoral bone mineral density, and glycosaminoglycan content (GAG) in femoral condyles in adjuvant arthritic rats. RESULTS: FR133605 inhibited IL-1 and TNF-alpha production stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in human monocytes. FR133605 also inhibited serum IL-1 and TNF-alpha concentrations in LPS treated mice. In contrast, among comparison antirheumatic drugs, only corticosteroid inhibited production at nontoxic concentrations. In adjuvant arthritis, FR133605 significantly inhibited paw swelling, bone and cartilage destruction, and increased body weight. On the other hand, indomethacin significantly inhibited paw swelling, but not bone and cartilage loss. Dexamethasone completely inhibited paw swelling and bone loss, but augmented cartilage breakdown. DMARD weakly restored the loss of GAG contents in articular cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: FR133605 improved bone loss and articular cartilage destruction in adjuvant arthritic rats and the inhibitory effect was closely correlated with the suppressive activity of IL-1 and TNF-alpha production.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1996

[High-resolution CT of epidermoid carcinoma in peripheral lung fields: radiologic-pathologic correlation].

We correlated high-resolution CT (HR-CT) images of 30 surgically resected epidermoid carcinomas in peripheral lung fields with pathologic findings. We classified peripheral epidermoid carcinomas into three types based on HR-CT findings. All tumors showed a notch along their margin. Type 1 shows scanty speculations without the convergence of surrounding lung structures. Type 2, which has two subtypes, shows a spiculated border with the convergence of peripheral lung structures. Type 2a has fine irregularities in its border, while type 2b has few fine irregularities. The convergence of peripheral lung structures seen in type 2 carcinoma is caused by the presence of scar tissue within tumors. Speculations corresponded to tumor extension or lymphocytic infiltration, sometimes along pulmonary vessels or interlobular septa, and fine irregularities seen in type 2a corresponded to summation of fibrous thickening of alveolar septa. Nine tumors showed varying-sized cavities, which were caused by the circulatory disturbance and/or central necrosis seen in tumor nests. In conclusion, HR-CT images were well correlated with pathologic findings of the resected specimens; however, some type 2a tumors may mimic adenocarcinoma on HR-CT findings.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Detectability of simulated nodules on chest phantom by Fuji computed radiography: comparison of different nodule sizes, configurations and tube voltages].

The detectability of simulated nodules placed on a chest phantom and shown on FCR images has been studied. Different tube voltages (130 kVp, 100 kVp), presence or absence of compensation filter, various sites and different sizes (5 mm/10 mm) and configurations (spherical or broad based) of the nodule were examined. 112 FCR chest phantom images were evaluated by ten radiology specialists utilizing ROC analysis. The detection rate for nodules was influenced in general by the site. The detection rate was as follows in decreasing order: intercostal, overlaid with one rib, two ribs, diaphragm and heart. Detection of nodules of 10 mm in height was mainly influenced by the density of the lung where the nodule was located, whereas that of nodules of 5 mm in height was more dependent on the site of the nodule, probably greatly influenced by the amount of structure mottle. Spherical nodules of 5 mm in height were more frequently recognized than the broad-based ones. High kVp (130 kVp) resulted in a higher detection rate for both sizes of nodules than low kVp (100 kVp). Detection of spherical nodules overlying the heart or diaphragm was improved with the use of a compensation filter.

Humans↗
PubMed1996

[Performance study of teleradiology network systems with CRT monitors: ROC analysis of an observation study of simulated lung nodules].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of commercially available CRT monitors used in a teleradiology system by determining the rate of detection of simulated lung nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three types of CRT monitors were tested in the observation study. They had matrix sizes of 1024 x 768(16 inches, color), 1024 x 768(20 inches, color) and 1600 x 1125(24 inches, black and white). Twenty chest radiographs were obtained by Fuji computed radiography(FCR) of an anthropomorphic chest phantom with ten simulated nodules on its surface. These FCR films were digitized by a film digitizer with 125 DPI(1024 x 1024 matrix sizes)and 12 bit gray scales, and the image data were transferred from Shinshu University Hospital to other hospitals where interpretation was carried out by the radiologists. Ten radiologists of three hospitals were asked to interpret independently both the original FCR films and the images shown on the CRT monitors and to indicate the presence or absence of simulated nodules on the images by using a five-category rating scale. Receiver operating characteristics(ROC)curves were generated, and the results of interpretation on the FCR films and CRT monitors were compared. RESULTS: Performance of the all readers was slightly better with the CRT monitors than on the FCR films, although the differences were not statistically significant. There were no statistically significant differences in performance depending on the type of CRT monitor. CONCLUSION: Performance of the CRT monitors was comparable to that of FCR radiography in terms of interpreting the simulated lung nodules.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMed1996

Clinical analysis of malignant lymphomas of tonsils.

Data of 38 patients with primary tonsil lymphoma, treated during the past 14 years was analysed. All cases were non-Hodgkin lymphomas. There were 11 patients with Stage 1, 14 with Stage II, 8 with Stage III, and 4 with Stage IV tonsillar lymphomas. The applied chemotherapies were CHOP or MACOP-B regimen. The overall 5-year survival rate was 64.4%. Further analysis of the intermediate grade group showed that 5-year survival rates were 72.7%) for patients younger than 60 years old, in contrast to 35.0% for patients aged 60 or older (p 0.0049). Five-year survival rates were 100%) for Stage I, 32.4% for Stage II, 55.6% for Stage III, and 100%) for Stage IV patients (p = 0.0878). In patients with Stage II tonsillar lymphomas, 5-year survival rates were below 100% for CHOP regimen, 100% for MACOP-B regimen, 66.7% for radiation alone, and 0% for radiation followed by chemotherapy (p = 0.1966). In patients with Stage III tonsillar lymphomas, 5-year survival rates were below 100% for MACOP-B regimen, and 0% for initial radiation followed by chemotherapy (p = 0.2568). The factors influencing survival were age, stage, and treatment modality. For Stage I patients without bulky mass, radiation therapy is sufficient. For Stage II patients or Stage I patients with a bulky mass, CHOP regimen (followed by radiation) is the choice of treatment. For Stage III or IV patients,, MACOP-B regimen is promising.

Combined Modality Therapy↗
PubMed1995

Clinical assessment of squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity proper.

The subjects were 14 patients with squamous cell carcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasal cavity treated at Nihon University Hospital between October 1984 and November 1991, who were followed for at least 3 years. The site of the tumor origin within the nasal cavity was the lateral wall in 8 patients, the nasal septum in three patients, and unknown in three patients. Histologically, there were 13 squamous cell carcinomas in (3 well differentiated, 7 moderately differentiated, and 3 poorly differentiated) and 1 undifferentiated carcinoma. Treatment was by a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery in 8 cases, a combination of radiotherapy and surgery in 5 cases, and surgery alone in 1 case. The 3-year and 5-year Kaplan-Meier survival rates were 86 and 69%, respectively. A total of 6 patients suffered a recurrence, with local recurrence occurring in 4 patients and pulmonary metastasis in 2 patients. Tumor control was achieved in 3 of the 4 cases of local recurrence by reoperation, and by surgery in 1 of the 2 cases of pulmonary metastasis. The duration of the recurrence-free interval in the patients who developed local recurrences, 18 to 46 months after the completion of the initial course of therapy, was of considerable interest.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1995

Peroxisome assembly factor-2, a putative ATPase cloned by functional complementation on a peroxisome-deficient mammalian cell mutant.

Rat peroxisome assembly factor-2 (PAF-2) cDNA was isolated by functional complementation of peroxisome deficiency of a mutant CHO cell line, ZP92, using transient transfection assay. This cDNA encodes a 978-amino acid protein with two putative ATP-binding sites. PAF-2 is a member of a putative ATPase family, including two yeast gene products essential for peroxisome assembly. A stable transformant of ZP92 with the cDNA was morphologically and biochemically restored for peroxisome biogenesis. Fibroblasts derived from patients deficient in peroxisome biogenesis (complementation group C) were also complemented with PAF-2 cDNA, indicating that PAF-2 is a strong candidate for the pathogenic gene of group C peroxisome deficiency.

ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activitie↗
PubMed1995

Pericranial muscle hardness in tension-type headache. A non-invasive measurement method and its clinical application.

Using a new method to measure the hardness of pericranial muscles, the role of muscle factors in tension-type headache was evaluated. In 223 normal healthy subjects, the hardness of trapezius muscles was 82 +/- 15 kPa/cm (mean +/- SD). The muscle hardness in women, 92 +/- 17 kPa/cm, was significantly greater than that in men, 74 +/- 14 kPa/cm (P < 0.01). Trapezius muscles were significantly harder than paraspinal posterior neck muscles measured at the level of the fifth cervical vertebra (71 +/- 13 kPa/cm; n = 26) but a significant correlation in muscle hardness did exist between these two muscle groups (r = 0.89, P < 0.001). Muscle hardness did not show a significant correlation with advancing age, blood pressure or subjective feeling of stiffness in the shoulder. A significant correlation was noted between the muscle hardness measured by the present method and the stiffness scores evaluated by manual palpation. In patients with tension-type headache (n = 60), the hardness of trapezius muscles, 114 +/- 24 kPa/cm (mean +/- SD), was significantly greater than that in normal subjects (P < 0.01). Twenty-six patients (43% of the total) showed significantly high values which exceeded the mean +/- 2 SD (113 kPa/cm) of the normal value, while the remaining patients (57%) constituted a high normal group. The hardness of posterior neck muscles measured in 27 patients (99 +/- 21 kPa/cm) was also significantly greater than that in normal subjects (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in muscle hardness between episodic tension-type headache and chronic tension-type headache.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Therapeutic efficacy of zinc picolinate in patients with taste disorders].

We studied the therapeutic efficacy of zinc picolinate in patients with zinc-deficient and idiopathic taste disorders. Efficacy was assessed in a double-blind study. The following findings were obtained: 1. There was a significant difference between the zinc picolinate and placebo groups in the grade of improvement shown by the filter-paper disk method. 2. There was a significant difference between the zinc picolinate and placebo groups in the serum zinc concentration. 3. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the degree of total subjective recovery or the grade of improvement, as shown by in the whole mouth method. 4. We conclude that the administration of zinc picolinate is effective for patients with zinc-deficient and idiopathic taste disorders.

Double-Blind Method↗
PubMed1995

Purification and properties of wall-bound endo-1, 4-beta-glucanase from suspension-cultured poplar cells.

A wall-bound endo-1, 4-beta-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4) was obtained from a preparation of the cell walls of suspension-cultured poplar cells and purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by cation-exchange, hydrophobic, and gel-filtration chromatography. The molecular mass was estimated to be 47 kDa by SDS-PAGE and 48 kDa by gel filtration on Superdex 200 pg. The isoelectric point (pI) was 5.6. The purified enzyme catalyzed the endo-hydrolysis of carboxymethylcellulose with an optimal pH of 6.5, a Km of 1.2 mg ml-1, and a Vmax of 280 units. The purified enzyme specifically hydrolyzed the 1, 4-beta-glucosyl linkages of carboxymethylcellulose, phospho-swollen cellulose, lichenan, xylan and xyloglucan. The activity of the enzyme was strongly stimulated by cysteine-HCl. The N-terminal sequence of the enzyme was similar to that of an extracellular endo-1, 4-beta-glucanase found in suspension cultures of poplar cells and some homology was recognized to avocado fruit-ripening and bean abscission endo-1, 4-beta-glucanases.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

[Trial of a small image network system in a radiology department of an university hospital].

This paper describes the construction of an image network system in Shinshu University Hospital, and some of its current issues and advantages. Our discussion is based on our experience with a PACS system. SAIPACS, which was installed in 1990 for use in clinical conferencing and pre- and post-graduate education, and with a new CT and MRI network, which was subsequently introduced in 1993. The SAIPACS interconnects eight digital imaging modalities, including CT, MRI, XTV-DR (including digital tomosynthesis), FCR, nuclear medicine (RI), DSA, US, and a film digitizer (FD), with a workstation. Transmission time from the magnetic disk of each imaging modality to the SAIPACS image disk is not rapid enough. Therefore, we need to select images for transfer that are pertinent to our specific purpose, to complete image transmission within a practically acceptable period of time. The new CT/MRI network is composed of two CT units, two MRI systems, an image processing unit and a Universal Gateway. It provides faster image transmission than the SAIPACS system, because there is no need to reform image data to send them in a reversible compressed form. A versatile network system connected to the SAIPACS and CT/MRI network enables digital image data to be processed and edited and images to be transferred back to SAIPACS for clinical or educational use.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMed1995

[Whole mouth gustatory test (Part 1)--basic considerations and principal component analysis].

The whole mouth method gustatory test is a simple gustatory test. It can be applied easily, and can be used to assess overall taste which a subject is supposed to be feeling. In the present study, a new series of taste solutions for the use in the whole mouth gustatory test was prepared. In order to determine the normal range of gustation and relationships between each taste solution, gustatory threshold tests were conducted on 123 healthy volunteers (17-22 years old). The series of taste solutions represented 4 tastes, i.e., sweet, salty, sour, and bitter, and was prepared using sucrose, salt, tartaric acid and quinine, respectively. Recognition thresholds measured for each taste solution yielded normal ranges i.e., 0.0165 mol/l for the sweet solution, 0.0316 mol/l for the salty solution, 0.000734 mol/l for the sour solution, and 0.0000203 mol/l for the bitter solution which were almost the same as those published. The average thresholds obtained for all solutions were at almost always at the middle concentration level, i.e., level 6. Thus, this method can serve as a standard method of performing the whole mouth taste test. Principal component analysis of the thresholds obtained revealed that the primary component mainly demonstrated taste detection function, and that it could more or less be represented by the simple sum of each detection threshold. The analysis also showed that approximately 90% of taste threshold variation is explained by the 4 principal components. These findings provide further evidence that these four tastes comprise the basic elements of taste.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[High-resolution teleradiology system based on ISDN and small computer].

A high-speed, high-resolution teleradiology system based on the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is described. The LAN at Saku Central Hospital and the Radiological Department at Shinshu University Hospital (60 km) are interfaced to a Macintosh computer with an image digitizer, interactive display, and network interface. The transmission time for a digitized high-resolution radiographic image with 4.39 megabytes was 358 seconds using a 128 kbps (kilobit-per-second) channel (B1 + B2), and the mean transmission rate was 98.1 kbps. Teleradiology conference is also available using this system. Radiologists can observe the same high-resolution images on the CRT screen simultaneously at two different remote hospitals, indicating a point of interest on the image by means of a mouse cursor. Graphical data of interest to the radiologists are also transmitted and displayed on the CRT.

Computer Communication Networks↗
PubMed1995

Cloning and sequencing of a cDNA for poplar endo-1,4-beta-glucanase.

A cDNA for poplar endo-1,4-beta-glucanase was cloned by use of a synthetic oligonucleotide as probe. The probe was designed on the basis of the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the beta-glucanase from suspension-cultured poplar cells (Populus alba L.), and by complete nucleotide sequence of the cDNA was determined. The 1,614-bp cDNA contained an open reading frame of 1,482 base pairs, encoding 494 amino acids. Removal of a putative signal sequence from the deduced amino acid sequence of the polypeptide yielded a mature protein of 467 amino acids. Comparison of deduced amino acid sequences revealed that the poplar endo-1,4-beta-glucanase was 80% and 70% identity to avocado fruit and bean abscission endo-1,4-beta-glucanases, respectively. Hydropathy plot analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence suggests that poplar endo-1,4-beta-glucanase belongs to family E in terms of the cellulase catalytic domain, and avocado fruit and abscission bean endo-1,4-beta-glucanases also belong to this family. 2,4-D markedly increased the level of the endo-1,4-beta-glucanase mRNA in cultured cells, while GA3, benzyladenine and abscisic acid each repressed transcription of this mRNA. The transcript was also detected in the roots and stems of intact plants, although the level of mRNA was much lower in intact tissues than in cultured cells. Genomic Southern analysis indicated that a small family of gene for endo-1,4-beta-glucanase exists in poplar.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

[Regional cerebral blood flow during migraine].

Previous studies have shown that migraine with aura is associated with the reduction of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). However, the question of whether the reduction of rCBF during migraine aura is caused by cerebral vasospasm or is secondary to the neural depression (spreading depression) is still disputed. We measured rCBF by high resolution SPECT method during the attack of migraine and examined whether the reduction in flow corresponds to the cerebral vascular territory. Fourteen patients with migraine with aura (7 men and 7 women, 34.7 +/- 17.8 years) were studied. In all the patients rCBF was measured during the interictal period and in four patients rCBF was measured during the aura of migraine. SPECT measurements of rCBF was performed using Tc-99m-PAO (740 MBq) as a tracer. During the aura of scintillation scotoma in the unilateral visual field rCBF was reduced in the opposite occipital, temporal and thalamic regions which corresponded clearly to the region of the posterior cerebral arterial territory. The reduction of rCBF was by 31 approximately 49% compared with the opposite hemisphere. Cerebral spinal fluid lactate level during the headache measured in one patient was higher (38 mg/dl) than the interictal period (12 mg/dl). Our data indicated that the reduction of rCBF during the aura is caused by ischemia probably due to the cerebral vasospasm and is not secondary to the neuronal depression. It was also suggested that the primary site of rCBF reduction during the visual aura is the occipital association cortex which is reported to be responsible for the visual hallucination.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Study of X-ray filter and peak kilovoltage in film-screen chest radiographs in regard to detection of simulated pulmonary nodules: comparison between film-screen combination and FCR].

We compared the ability of standard film-screen chest radiographs to detect simulated pulmonary nodules. The radiographs were taken with different X-ray filters and tube voltages. Detection capability was analyzed utilizing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves formed from the interpretation of six readers. Nodule detection was slightly better in images obtained with a tube voltage of 135 kVp than with one of 100 kVp (not statistically significant). Approximately equal detection performance was shown by a conventional film-screen system and FCR with three X-ray filter sets: a copper filter backed by aluminium, a tungsten filter backed by yttrium and aluminium, and a lead filter backed by yttrium and aluminium. Results showed less X-ray exposure with the two latter filter sets. Unenhanced FCR images taken with approximately the same X-ray exposure as conventional radiographs showed nearly equal ability to detect the simulated nodules.

Humans↗