Biomedical subjects

H Minami

Publications and source records attributed to H Minami.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Genetic variations and haplotype structures of the ABCB1 gene in a Japanese population: an expanded haplotype block covering the distal promoter region, and associated ethnic differences.

As functional ABCB1 haplotypes were recently reported in the promoter region of the gene, we resequenced the ABCB1 distal promoter region, along with other regions (the enhancer and proximal promoter regions, and all 28 exons), in a total of 533 Japanese subjects. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis based on 92 genetic variations revealed 4 LD blocks with the same make up as previously described (Blocks -1, 1, 2 and 3), except that Block 1 was expanded to include the distal promoter region, and that a new linkage between polymorphisms -1,789G>A in the distal promoter region and IVS5 + 123A>G in intron 5 was identified. We re-assigned Block 1 haplotypes, and added novel haplotypes to the other 3 blocks. The reported promoter haplotypes were further classified into several types according to tagging variations within Block 1 coding or intronic regions. Our current data reconfirm the haplotype profiles of the other three blocks, add more detailed information on functionally-important haplotypes in Block 1 and 2 in the Japanese population, and identified differences in haplotype profiles between ethnic groups. Our updated analysis of ABCB1 haplotype blocks will assist pharmacogenetic and disease-association studies carried out using Asian subjects.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B↗

PubMed2006

[Surgical technique of aortic valve replacement for small aortic annulus in elderly patients].

Recent reports have shown that aortic valve replacement in elderly patients over 65 years with atherosclerotic aortic stenosis and a small aortic annulus is possible by using a small sized bioprosthesis (Carpentier-Edwards pericardial valve). Here we present out surgical technique. Firstly, the native calcified aortic valve was removed completely to gain total exposure of the surrounding aortic root and sinus of Valsalva like Bentall procedure. Secondly, a small sized bioprosthesis was implanted with intermittent noneverting mattress 2-0 sutures with spaghetti and small polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) felt. Aortic annulus is the dilated by inserting Hegar dilator sizing from 25 to 27 mm. Therefore, aortic valve replacement for small aortic annulus in intra- or supra-annular position should be easily accomplished. Good surgical results and hemodynamic state were achieved in 25 consecutive cases using this technique.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

[Metastatic lung tumor from uterine leiomyosarcoma].

We herein present 2 cases of metastatic lung tumor derived from uterine leiomyosarcoma. In the case 1, a 59-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital to examine abnormal shadow detected on chest X-ray. She had undergone hysterectomy and oophorectomy for uterine leiomyosarcoma 19 months previously. A round 3 cm mass in the right lung (S10) was seen on chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT). No other distant metastases or local recurrence were found, and the right lower lobectomy was perfomed under the clinical diagnosis of metastatic lung tumor. Postoperative pathologic examination revealed the tumor as a metastatic leiomyosarcoma. The patient recovered uneventfully, and there have been no signs of recurrence for 26 months after the pulmonary resection. In the case 2, a 58-year-old woman, who had undergone hysterectomy and oophorectomy for uterine leiomyosarcoma 7 months previously, was admitted to our hospital for further examination of pulmonary tumors on chest X-ray. Two tumors were recognized in the left lung (S8 and S10) on chest X-ray and CT. No other distant metastases or local recurrence were found, and the left lower lobectomy was performed under the clinical diagnosis of metastatic lung tumors. Pathological examinations revealed smooth muscle cells with nuclear pleomorphism and high mitotic indices. The tumors proved to be lung metastases derived from uterine leiomyosarcoma. Postoperative course was uneventful. However, brain metastasis was found 1 month after the pulmonary resection, and she underwent resection of brain metastasis. Two months after the brain metastasectomy, local recurrence of the brain tumor developed and re-resection followed by stereotactic radiotherapy was performed. Furthermore, intrapelvic recurrence was found 4 months after the pulmonary resection. Exploratory laparotomy revealed the tumor was unresectable, and she received 4 courses of chemotherapy (paclitaxel and carboplatin). For metastatic lung tumor from uterine leiomyosarcoma, surgery has been considered the best choice. However, for patients with uterine leiomyosarcoma who cannot be treated surgically because of multiple metastatic tumors or poor surgical risk chemotherapy (paclitaxel and carboplatin) or stereotactic radiotherapy can be strategies.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMed2005

Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of oral fludarabine phosphate in relapsed indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the tolerability, efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile of oral fludarabine phosphate in relapsed patients with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients received fludarabine phosphate orally for 5 days, for a total of one to three cycles. Tolerability was assessed using the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria. Efficacy was assessed using the International Workshop Criteria for NHL. Pharmacokinetic samples were taken on day 1 and day 5 of the first treatment cycle. RESULTS: Twelve patients were enrolled. One patient at 40 mg/m2/day developed grade 4 hyperuricemia. At 50 mg/m2/day, one patient developed grade 3 febrile neutropenia and grade 4 leukopenia, and another patient showed lasting grade 4 neutropenia. Most common toxicities included grade 3 or 4 lymphopenia (83%), leukopenia (50%) and neutropenia (50%). All the toxicities were reversible. The overall response rate was 67%. The AUC0-24h values on day 5 indicated a dose-dependent increase in systemically available 2-fluoro-arabinofuranosyl-adenine (2F-ara-A). CONCLUSIONS: Oral fludarabine phosphate is safe and effective for relapsed patients with indolent B-NHL. The dose of 40 mg/m2/day is recommended for a following pivotal phase II study.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2005

In vitro evaluation of the bonding of auto-polymerizing soft denture liner to cobalt-chromium alloy.

This study evaluated the effects of surface pre-treatments on the bonding of auto-polymerizing silicone soft denture liner to a Co-Cr alloy denture base after cyclic thermal stressing. The bonding surfaces of Co-Cr alloy cylinders (8 mm diameter and 4 mm high) were polished with a 600-grit silicon carbide paper. The bonding surfaces received one of three pre-treatments, which included either the application of a metal primer, a metal primer after air abrasion, or a resin primer after adhesive resin coating. Tensile specimens were fabricated by polymerizing a 2-mm thickness of soft denture liner between a pair of pre-treated denture base cylinders. Failure loads were measured by tensile testing after subjecting the specimen to 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 thousand thermal cycles. Seven specimens were fabricated for 15 groups, including three pre-treatments and five thermal cycle groups. Failure loads of resin-bonded specimens, which were formerly reported, were used as references. All data were statistically analysed by two-way anova and Bonferroni test at the 95% confidence level. Adhesive resin coating of the metal surface was effective in enhancing the failure loads up to 5000 thermal cycles. However, failure loads of all metal-bonded groups were significantly lower than those of resin-bonded groups at all thermal cycling intervals. The results of this in vitro study implied that polymerizing adhesive resin on the Co-Cr alloy might be a promising method, when the clinicians need to acquire improved bonding of an auto-polymerizing soft denture liner to Co-Cr alloy denture bases.

Air Abrasion, Dental↗

PubMed2004

Monitoring of T-cell repertoire was useful for predicting graft-versus-host disease prognosis in a patient with chronic myelogeneous leukemia after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

We analyzed 24 T-cell receptor (TCR)beta chain subfamilies (Vbeta) and the chimerism of a patient with chronic myelogeneous leukemia who underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT). The patient developed liver dysfunction at day 19 leading to worsening of his condition. He died on day 91 of hepatic failure. Complete donor chimerism was observed after day 19. The average complexity score of TCR-Vbeta, which was low on day 19 (5.50), because much lower on day 82 (3.77). The average value of normal volunteers is 7.69. Neither immunosuppressive therapy nor antiviral therapy was effective to treat his hepatic dysfunction. A liver specimen at autopsy showed necrotic tissue with invasion of lymphocytes under the endothelial cells of the bile ducts. These findings suggest that the liver dysfunction was due to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Careful monitoring of chimerism and TCR-Vbeta complexity may help to predict the prognosis of GVHD after allogeneic BMT.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Expression of ABH/Lewis-related antigens as prognostic factors in patients with breast cancer.

PURPOSE: The prognostic value of altered blood group factor and Lewis-related carbohydrate antigen expression in breast cancers has not been fully determined. METHODS: To this end, breast carcinoma samples from 87 radical mastectomy patients with primary cancer were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for the ABH factors, Le(a), sialyl Le(a), Le(x), and sialyl Le(x). RESULTS: It was found that ABH, Le(a), sialyl Le(a), Le(x), and sialyl Le(x) antigens were expressed in 25 (21.8%), 26 (22.6%), 26 (22.6%), 36 (31.3%), and 37 specimens (32.2%), respectively. Tumors with lymph node metastasis expressed Le(x) or sialyl Le(x) antigens more frequently than those without lymph node metastasis ( P=0.0020 or P=0.039, respectively). The survival time of patient s after surgery was significantly shorter for those whose tumors expressed Le(x) or sialyl Le(x) than for those without Le(x)- or sialyl Le(x)-positive tumors ( P=0.0028 and P=0.0029, respectively). Cox's multiple regression analysis revealed that sialyl Le(x) expression was an independent prognostic factor for patient survival regardless of primary tumor (T factor) and lymph node (N factor) status (hazards ratio, 3.80). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, expression of sialyl Le(x) antigen in tumor cells is associated with poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer and must be considered in the design of future therapeutic trials.

ABO Blood-Group System↗

PubMed2002

Primary embryonal carcinoma of heart with SVC syndrome.

We present a case report of a 25-year-old man with embryonal carcinoma of right atrium and multiple lung metastases featuring SVC syndrome. We resected the cardiac tumor which occupied the right atrium and performed left upper lobectomy. No tumor mass or vestige was detected in the testes. Cis-platinum based combination chemotherapy was performed for residual lung tumors, which leads to the complete remission.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[An elderly case of ruptured aortic arch aneurysm 3 years after coronary artery bypass grafting].

We reported a case of trans-aortic endovascular stent grafting (open stent method) for ruptured true aneurysm of the aortic arch. A 83-year-old female, who had suddenly complained back pain and been diagnosed as the ruptured aortic arch aneurysm by computer tomography, was admitted for an emergent surgery. We performed emergent trans-aortic endovascular stent grafting (open stent method). Postoperatively she had no complication and recovered uneventfully.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

[Cardiac surgery for chronic dialysis patients].

Chronic dialysis patients who received open heart surgery were examined, and main concern was perioperative management. There were 12 chronic dialysis patients and open heart surgeries were performed between October 1990 and June 2000. The patients were comprised of 7 men and 5 women with the average age being 64 with plus or minus 7.9. The operative procedure of 6 coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) [on-pump], 1 CABG + mitral valve replacement (MVR), 3 aortic valve replacement (AVR), 1 mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) and 1 ascending aorta replacement were performed. All patients were discharged from the hospital with good conditions 27.1 days after operation. There were no hospital deaths. One postoperative complication of mediastinitis of the sternum has been found. A conventional dialysis was performed the day before the operation and an intra-operative hemodialysis (HD) was performed, placing a dialyzer into a cardiopulmonary system during the operation. For the perioperative management, HD was started the day or 2 days after the operation with no immediate postoperative hemocatharsis and returned to the normal HD 7 days after the operation. The result of the perioperative management has been good.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Prognostic value of performance status assessed by patients themselves, nurses, and oncologists in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Accuracy in the assessment of performance status by oncologists has not been well evaluated. We investigated possible discrepancies in the assessment of performance status among patients, nurses, and oncologists, and evaluated the prognostic importance of each assessment. Two hundred and six inpatients with inoperable, advanced non-small cell lung cancer were investigated prospectively. Weighted Kappa statistics for inter-observer agreement were 0.53 between oncologists and patients and 0.63 between oncologists and nurses. There was a significant difference among the assessments by the three groups (P < 0.001). Oncologists gave the healthiest performance status assessment, nurses an intermediate assessment, and patients the poorest. When included separately in the Cox model, the assessment by each group was significantly correlated with survival. However, the assessment by the patients themselves failed to distinguish survival of patients with performance status 1 and 2. Among the three models including patient-, nurse-, and oncologist-assessed PS, that including oncologist-assessed PS best fitted to the observed survival data. These results showed that the assessment by the patients themselves is different from those by the nurses and the oncologists and provided additional support for the use of the assessment by oncologists in clinical oncology.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

2-Alkynyl-8-aryl-9-methyladenines as novel adenosine receptor antagonists: their synthesis and structure-activity relationships toward hepatic glucose production induced via agonism of the A(2B) receptor.

Novel adenosine antagonists, 2-alkynyl-8-aryl-9-methyladenine derivatives, were synthesized as candidate hypoglycemic agents. These analogues were evaluated for inhibitory activity on N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA)-induced glucose production in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. In general, aromatic moieties at the 8-position and alkynyl groups at the 2-position had significantly increased activity compared to unsubstituted compounds. The preferred substituents at the 8-position of adenine were the 2-furyl and 3-fluorophenyl groups. In modifying the alkynyl side chain, change of the ring size, cleavage of the ring, and removal of the hydroxyl group were well tolerated. The order of the stimulatory effects of adenosine agonists on rat hepatocytes was NECA > CPA > CGS21680, which is consistent with involvement of the A(2B) receptor. In Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with human A(2B) receptor cDNA, one of the compounds potent in hepatocytes, 15o (IC(50) = 0.42 microM), antagonized NECA-induced stimulation of cyclic AMP production (IC(50) = 0.063 microM). This inhibitory effect was much more potent than those of FK453, KF17837, and L249313 which have been reported to be respectively A(1), A(2A), and A(3) selective antagonists. These findings agree very well with the result that, compared to 15o, these selective antagonists for each receptor subtype showed only marginal effects in rat hepatocytes. These results suggest that adenosine agonist-induced glucose production in rat hepatocytes is mediated through the A(2B) receptor. Furthermore, 15o showed hypoglycemic activity in an animal model of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, the KK-A(y) mice. It is possible that inhibition of hepatic glucose production via the A(2B) receptor could be at least one of the mechanisms by which 15o exerts its in vivo effects. Further elaboration of this group of compounds may afford novel antidiabetic agents.

Adenine↗

PubMed2001

Impending rupture in an aortic arch aneurysm by Candida infection.

A 68-year-old man was hospitalized with the complaints of left back pain and fever. He had a history of using steroids to treat uveitis for about thirty years. Computed tomography on the chest demonstrated an impending rupture in an aortic arch aneurysm, which was consequently surgically excised. Candida albicans was identified in the wall of the aneurysm, so fluconazole and itraconazole were administered. The patient was discharged at 120 days after surgery without recrudescence of the candida. To our knowledge, this is the fifteenth case of a successfully treated aneurysm caused by candida infection.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Preconcentration by coprecipitation of arsenic and tin in natural waters with a Ni-pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate complex and their direct determination by solid-sampling atomic-absorption spectrometry.

A method for the determination of trace amounts of arsenic and tin in natural waters is described. Trace amounts of arsenic and tin were preconcentrated by coprecipitation with a Ni-ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC) complex. The coprecipitates obtained were directly analyzed by graphite-furnace atomic-absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) using the Ni-APDC complex solid-sampling technique. The coprecipitation conditions used for the trace amounts of arsenic and tin in natural water were investigated in detail. It was found that arsenic and tin at sub-ng mL(-1) levels were both coprecipitated quantitatively by Ni(PDC)2 in the pH range 2-3. The concentration factors by coprecipitation reached approximately 40,000 when 2 mg nickel was added as a carrier element to 500 mL of the water sample. The proposed method has been applied to the determination of trace amounts of arsenic and tin in river water and seawater reference materials, and the detection limits for arsenic and tin, which were calculated from three times of the standard deviation of the procedural blanks, are 0.02 ng mL(-1) and 0.04 ng mL(-1), respectively, for 500-mL volumes of water sample.

Arsenic↗

PubMed2001

Direct determination of silicon in powdered aluminium oxide by use of slurry sampling with in situ fusion graphite-furnace atomic-absorption spectrometry.

A direct method for determination of silicon in powdered high-purity aluminium oxide samples, by slurry sampling with in situ fusion graphite-furnace atomic-absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS), has been established. A slurry sample was prepared by 10-min ultrasonication of a powdered sample in an aqueous solution containing both sodium carbonate and boric acid as a mixed flux. An appropriate portion of the slurry was introduced into a pyrolytic graphite furnace equipped with a platform. Silicon compounds to be determined and aluminium oxide were fused by the in situ fusion process with the flux in the furnace under optimized heating conditions, and the silicon absorbance was then measured directly. The calibration curve was prepared by use of a silicon standard solution containing the same concentration of the flux as the slurry sample. The accuracy of the proposed method was confirmed by analysis of certified reference materials. The proposed method gave statistically accurate values at the 95% confidence level. The detection limit was 3.3 microg g(-1) in solid samples, when 300 mg/20 mL slurry was prepared and a 10 microL portion of the slurry was measured. The precision of the determination (RSD for more than four separate determinations) was 14% and 2%, respectively, for levels of 10 and 100 microg g(-1) silicon in aluminium oxide.

Aluminum Oxide↗

PubMed2001

Phase I/II and pharmacologic study of irinotecan and carboplatin for patients with lung cancer.

PURPOSE: To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of irinotecan combined with carboplatin, to evaluate its efficacy and toxicity for patients with lung cancer, and to examine its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. METHODS: The dose of irinotecan was escalated from 40 mg/m2 per week in increments of 10 mg/m2. Carboplatin was fixed at 300 mg/m2. Multivariate regression models with an interaction term were used to evaluate synergistic pharmacodynamic interactions. RESULTS: The MTD and recommended dose of irinotecan were 60 and 50 mg/m2, respectively. Dose-limiting toxicities were grade 4 neutropenia and grade 3 or 4 diarrhea. In phase II studies, response rates were 81.3% (95% confidence interval 61.8-100%) in 16 patients with small-cell lung cancer and 22.2% (2.7-41.8%) in 18 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. Two patients (6%) experienced grade 4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and grade 3 diarrhea. The area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) of carboplatin ranged from 2.87 to 9.31 mg x min/ml, with a median of 4.66 mg x min/ml. In pharmacodynamic analyses, the log-transformed surviving fraction in platelet count (SFp) showed a significant association with the AUC of carboplatin (P=0.010), while that in neutrophil count (SFn) was not significantly correlated with any pharmacokinetic parameter. The interaction term was not significant in either case. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that AUC-based dosing of carboplatin is still rational in combination chemotherapy. A more sensitive method for predicting life-threatening toxicities is needed, however, because traditional pharmacokinetic parameters were not adequate tools for identifying patients at high risk of severe neutropenia and diarrhea. This combination regimen has only modest activity, and further studies are necessary to evaluate a different dose schedule.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Triterpene and flavanone glycoside from Rhododendron simsii.

Antioxidative substances were isolated from the leaves of Rhododendron simsii. These were a triterpene and flavanone glycoside, together with the known matteucinol and two known benzoic acid derivatives. Their structures were characterized as 19,24-dihydroxyurs-12-en-3-one-28-oic acid and 7-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosylmatteucinol by spectroscopic analysis.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed2001

Factors affecting the pharmacokinetics of CPT-11: the body mass index, age and sex are independent predictors of pharmacokinetic parameters of CPT-11.

This study was conducted to describe the relationship between pharmacokinetics of CPT-11 and its active metabolite SN-38, and clinical values with special emphasis on the influence of relative weight referring to the appropriateness of a conventional dose adjustment method by body surface area (BSA). Thirty-six patients received 100 mg/m2 of CPT-11 intravenously over 90 min. Body Mass Index (BMI) was used as a measure of relative weight which is calculated from the equation: BMI=weight(kg)/[height(m)]2. The area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of CPT-11 was significantly correlated with sex, age, poorer creatinine clearance and indocyanine green retention test (ICG). The peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of CPT-11 was significantly correlated with sex a larger BMI, BSA and age. The AUC of SN-38 was significantly correlated with ICG. The volume of distribution at steady state of CPT-11 inversely correlated with BMI. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the best fitting model with significant independent predictors for AUC of CPT-11 included age and sex (F=6.93, R2=0.29). That of Cmax of CPT-11 included sex and BMI (F=8.96, R2=0.35). The only independent predictor of AUC of SN-38 was ICG (F=7.75, R2=0.19). These results indicated that several factors affect pharmacological behaviors of CPT-11 even in patients with normal organ functions. The dose modification method based solely on BSA is not sufficient to reduce interpatient variability of cancer chemotherapy. The influence of relative weight, sex and age on pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics should be taken into consideration in every pharmacological approach to establish the ideal dose modification method.

Adult↗