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Biomedical subjects

H Ohara

Publications and source records attributed to H Ohara.

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

[Application of laser spectroscopy for 13C-breath tests].

A new device Tunable Diode Laser Spectroscopy (LS) was developed for the analysis of isotope ratios of 13CO2/12CO2. Its applicability for breath tests was validated. The exhaled breath is collected in a 2 l aluminum bag, of which CO2 is separated by cryogenic system and introduced into LS. Repeat measurements (8 times) of two kinds of gases (delta 13C:-2.62 and - 1.14%) revealed 0.045% and 0.065% variation (IS.D.), from which precision of measurement was estimated as 0.2% (3S.D.). Seven healthy volunteers were given orally different dose of 13C-glycine (50 mg-200 mg in 5 subjects) and 13C-methacetin (30 mg and 150 mg in 2 subjects). One patient with gastric ulcer with helicobacter pylori (HP) infection was given 100 mg of 13C-urea. Serial breath samples (9-15) were taken and measured both by LS and mass spectrometer (MS) thereafter. Appreciable peaks were obtained at 30-50 min. after glycine and methacetin ingestions. The height of the peaks were dose dependent. Increased excretion of 13CO2 characteristics to HP infection was obtained in 13C-urea breath test. Measured values with LS were identical with those measured with MS (60 samples) with the range of difference within 0.2% (3S.D.). [Y (LS) = 1.02X (MS) + 0.55, r = 0.996] We conclude the LS is suitable for various 13C-breath tests.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis patients by mode of detection--comparison of patients detected between 1993-94 with those detected between 1986-88].

In a previous study it was concluded that pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients who were detected at a hospital, excluding those detected by mass screening (group A), should be classified into three distinct groups. Namely some patients were detected only after the onset of TB symptoms (group B), with the others being treated for other diseases before being diagnosed as having TB (group C). In group C, some patients were detected because of manifesting additional symptoms related to TB such as cough (group C-1), while the remaining patients were detected by chance while being examined for other diseases (group C-2). Four groups respectively had specific characteristics which differentiated each other. The aim of this study is to elucidate changes of proportion and characteristics of group C compared to the former results. Pulmonary TB patients, who were registered between 1993 and 1994, in the area served by Kochi Prefectural Chuo Health Center (N = 332) were compared with those registered between 1986 and 1988 in the area. The results were as follows. 1) The proportion of group C was significantly higher in the period of 1993-94 than during 1986-88. The proportion of elderly people in group C was higher in the period of 1993-1994 than in 1986-88. The proportion of group C is projected to continue increasing as the proportion of elderly among the population increases. 2) The proportion of smear positive cases by sputum was lower in group C-2 than in group B and group C-1. The proportion of either inactive TB or non TB cases was estimated to be higher in group C-2 than in group B and group C-1. 3) In group C-1, the proportion of bacillus positive cases was higher in the period of 1993-94 than 1986-88. The elongation of the interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis (total delay) was related to the severity of bacillus finding.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[Supporting roles of health centers in community health practice by municipalities].

Staff of community health centers are expected to support those of municipalities so that they can identify health relevant issues in their communities, plan strategies to resolve the issues, implement them and evaluate the action. To illustrate the role of community health centers, the authors report the process of health promotion practice in Taisho-cho, Kochi prefecture, which was supported by Kubokawa health center. The health center took the initiative in identifying issues in community health through analyzing available information. In a practice setting, the health center facilitated involvement and participation by the residents and cooperated with other community resources. The process of support is discussed from the point of view of community organization practice.

Ambulatory Care Facilities↗
PubMed1995

Reduction of drug ketones by dihydrodiol dehydrogenases, carbonyl reductase and aldehyde reductase of human liver.

In this study, we compared the enzymatic reduction of 10 drugs with a ketone group by homogeneous carbonyl reductase, aldehyde reductase and three dihydrodiol dehydrogenases of human liver cytosol. At least one and in some cases all of the three dihydrodiol dehydrogenases reduced each of the ten drugs. Among these naloxone, naltrexone, befunolol, ethacrynic acid and ketoprofen were substrates specific for the dehydrogenases. The other drugs--haloperidol, metyrapone, loxoprofen, daunorubicin and acetohexamide--were highly reduced by carbonyl reductase and/or aldehyde reductase. The dihydrodiol dehydrogenases also showed lower Km values for haloperidol and loxoprofen than did carbonyl reductase. The results indicate that the three dihydrodiol dehydrogenases, as well as the two reductases, are implicated in the reduction of ketone-containing drugs in human liver cytosol.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1995

Germanium intoxication with sensory ataxia.

Sensory ataxia in inorganic germanium intoxication is rare. A 63-year-old housewife had taken inorganic germanium preparations at a dosage of 36 mg a day for about 6 years (total dose about 80 g). She subsequently developed difficulty in writing and gait disturbance with peripheral neuropathy and renal involvement. Germanium, which is not usually detected in the non-germanium user, was accumulated in her hair and nails, permitting a diagnosis of inorganic germanium intoxication. The peripheral neuropathy and renal injury were not reversible after discontinuing the preparation. Pneumonia and sepsis then supervened and the patient died. Autopsy findings showed degeneration and loss of the dorsal root ganglion cells and degeneration of the dorsal column of the spinal cord. Two previously reported cases presented with ataxia. These patients took germanium for long periods and/or large quantities like our case. It was supposed that sensory ataxia was induced by chronic and dose dependent toxicity of inorganic germanium.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

13C-UBT using an infrared spectrometer for detection of Helicobacter pylori and for monitoring the effects of lansoprazole.

The stable isotope [13C]-labeled urea breath test (13C-UBT) is very useful for detecting Helicobacter pylori. Conventionally, a mass spectrometer is used to measure the presence of 13CO2 in breath. However, this technique is complex and expensive. Therefore, we carried out the 13C-UBT using an easy-to-operate infrared spectrometer, and we studied its usefulness. The 95 subjects included 35 patients with gastric ulcers, 32 with duodenal ulcers, 13 with gastroduodenal ulcers, some patients with nonulcer gastroduodenal disease, and normal controls. The 13C-UBT was negative in normal controls and positive in 86 of 91 (95%) patients with illness. Peaks appeared 15 to 30 min after [13C]urea administration. The 33 patients who were 13C-UBT-positive were then given lansoprazole 30 mg/day and the 13C-UBT was repeated after 8 to 16 weeks. Lansoprazole was found to be effective in patients who exhibited peak 13CO2 values that were at least two-thirds less than the pretreatment values. This effect was seen in 16 patients (48%), 13 of whom (81%) had gastric ulcers. Thirteen of the 17 patients (76%) who exhibited no effect had duodenal ulcers, and there were clear treatment response differences between the two types of ulcers.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗
PubMed1995

[Life satisfaction and its related factors among institutionalized patients at a Hansen's disease sanatorium].

We conducted a questionnaire survey on life styles and health status for 293 patients with Hansen's disease. They were admitted to the wards for disabled and physically able patients of Ohshima Seishoen, in Kagawa prefecture, in 1991. This institution is one of Japan's national leprosy sanitarians. We measured patients' life satisfaction with the Delighted-Terrible Scale. In this report, the distribution of life satisfaction and its associated factors were examined for 210(71.7%) respondents. Factors examined were length of treatment, physical health, and social aspects of life at the sanatorium. The major findings were as follows; 1. The patients aged under 60 had lower proportions of being satisfied with life than those aged 60 or older. The proportions of life satisfaction of the 40-59 age group were 17% for men and 22% for women, while for the 60 or older age groups were 33-44% for men and 41-45% for women. The proportions of life satisfaction in the 60 or older age groups were lower than those of community dwelling elderly persons. 2. We examined factors associated with life satisfaction for the respondents aged 60 or older. Dependence on activities of daily living (ADL) was associated with life satisfaction in some ADL items. Care and aid provided by the staff of the sanatorium may modify the relationship between ADL impairment and life satisfaction. For social aspects of life at the sanatorium, both having networks with family members and having resources other than family were associated with life satisfaction. Going out and positively spending their daily lives were associated with life satisfaction, too. These associations were significant for men. Similar patterns of association were observed for women, but were insignificant. This finding suggests that it is important for the health and medical care staff to pay attention to the social aspects of the life of elderly patients with Hansen's disease.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1995

Work-related factors of low back pain among nursing aides in nursing homes for the elderly.

This survey was performed in December 1991 on 555 nursing aides (NAs) in 32 Special Nursing Homes for the Elderly (SNHs) in Kochi Prefecture, Japan. The purpose of the survey was to establish the relationship between low back pain among NAs in SNHs, and the degree of dependency in the activities of daily living (ADL) of the patients under their care. In order to investigate the work-related factors of low back pain, a questionnaire was sent to the NAs, requesting information on the NAs' low back pain condition. Another questionnaire was sent to the 32 SNHs, concerning the status of patients in the respective SNHs. Of the 463 NAs questionnaires which were returned, 443 female NAs' responses were analyzed. The following findings were observed. The prevalence of low back pain among the NAs was high (the one month prevalence was 77.0%), and of the afflicted NAs, 98 (24.5%) were visiting a health care provider. The NAs with low back pain experienced difficulty in completing their care-giving tasks, and complained about their working conditions and working environment more often than the NAs without low back pain. In addition, this study showed that, at SNHs where the proportions of dependence in patients' ADL were high, the prevalence of low back pain among their NAs was high. This fact was also confirmed by multiple logistic regression. We, therefore, suggest in this study that patients' care needs are associated with low back pain among NAs.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1995

Squamous cell carcinoma of the pancreas with massive invasion of the retroperitoneum.

A 79-year-old woman with a rare form of pancreatic carcinoma with massive invasion of the retroperitoneum presented with upper abdominal pain and vomiting. Although examination (computed tomography, barium enema, upper gastrointestinal series) suggested peritonitis carcinomatosa due to pancreatic cancer, a primary lesion of the pancreas was not confirmed by endoscopic retrograde pancreatography. Autopsy ultimately revealed a small tumor (5 x 8 mm) of the uncinate process of the pancreas near the duodenum with peritonitis carcinomatosa. Microscopically, the tumor and its metastasis consisted of poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma without adenocarcinomatous change, a rare form of pancreatic tumor.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Improving workplace environments and working conditions at worksites providing school lunch service in Japan.

With the cooperation of All Japan Prefectural and Municipal Workers' Union, we have started an overall program on occupational safety and health from 1984. This program has several strategies aimed at preventing occupational injuries and work-related diseases. At first, we analyzed the relationship between work-related hazards and occupational factors, and to identify dangerous or hazardous factors in the workplace. Second, we have conducted a couple of intervention studies at worksites and evaluated these improvements. Third, we discussed the priority, feasibility and cost of improvements with Workers' Union members and school lunch workers. Fourth, during the last decade, Workers' Union and many researchers have demanded that regulations be implemented which would establish comprehensive safety and health programs. Fifth, we provided the workers with procedures on how to improve working environments and conditions. These education and training programs are provided for small-group working ("safety and health circle"), and demonstrate to workers their abilities to solve occupational safety and health problems and to empower them with respect to health-related issues. Finally, we discussed and evaluated the preventive effects of improving workplace environments and working conditions. The overall program on occupational safety and health at worksites is developing nationwide and is gradually taking effect.

Cooking↗
PubMed1994

Reduction of prostaglandin D2 to 9 alpha,11 beta-prostaglandin F2 by a human liver 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid/dihydrodiol dehydrogenase isozyme.

Prostaglandin (PG) specificity of two 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid/dihydrodiol dehydrogenase isozymes, DD2 and DD4, of human liver was examined. DD2 exhibited NADPH-linked reductase activity for 9-,11- and 15-ketoprostaglandins at a pH optimum of 6.0, whereas DD4 reduced only 15-ketoprostaglandin F2 alpha. DD2 showed the highest Vmax/Km value for PGD2 of the PG substrates, and the reduced product of PGD2 was identified to 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2 by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In the reverse reaction with NADP+ as a cofactor, the two enzymes slowly oxidized several PGs with 9-, 11- and/or 15-hydroxy groups, except that DD2 showed high activity for 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2 at a pH optimum of 10.0. The Km and Vmax values of DD2 for PGD2 were 57 microM and 250 nmol/min per mg, respectively, at pH 7.0 and 37 degrees C, and the respective values for 9 alpha,11 beta-PGF2 were 72 microM and 10 nmol/min per mg. PGD2 11-ketoreductase activity in human liver cytosol was recovered in 30-75% saturated ammonium sulfate fraction. More than 77% of the PGD2 11-ketoreductase activity in the ammonium sulfate fraction was immunoprecipitated by antibodies against DD2, and inhibited by known inhibitors of the enzyme. These results suggest that DD2 is a major soluble PGD2 11-ketoreductase species in human liver.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗
PubMed1994

The effect of 17 beta-estradiol treatment on the mass and the turnover of bone in ovariectomized rats taking a mild dose of thyroxin.

We performed the dosing experiment to establish whether estrogen administration has any beneficial effects on the mass and the turnover of bone in ovariectomized rats taking a mild dose of thyroxin. Thirty-five Wistar rats, 28 weeks of age, received ovariectomies (OVX) or sham operations and were divided into five groups. Group 1 was the sham group, Groups 2-5 were ovariectomized. Group 2 was the OVX-control, Group 3 treated with thyroxin 30 micrograms/kg/day (T4), Group 4, 17 beta-estradiol 0.3 mg/kg/week (E2), and Group 5, the combination of T4 and E2. The duration of the experiment was 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, serum chemistries were measured. Bone minerals in the femur were determined with single photon absorptiometry and bone turnover was assessed histomorphometrically. Alkaline-phosphatase increased in Group 3 (OVX-T4), but it reduced in Groups 4 (OVX-E2) and 5 (OVX-T4 + E2). Bone minerals decreased in Groups 2 (OVX) and 3. In Group 4, it was preserved at the same level as in Group 1. Group 5 showed a significant increase of bone mass compared with Group 1. Eroded surface and osteoid surface increased in Groups 2 and 3 and they were reduced in Groups 4 and 5. Bone volume and mineral apposition rate were at a maximum in Group 5. This study demonstrated that 17 beta-estradiol was capable of preventing the bone mass decrease by regulating the turnover in ovariectomized rats taking a mild dose of thyroxin. Osteoblast function appeared to be stimulated in combination with 17 beta-estradiol and thyroxin.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Relationship of AIDS-related knowledge with attitudes of nursing students toward HIV-infected persons].

The relationship of AIDS-related knowledge of nursing students to their attitude toward HIV-infected persons was examined, and the effect of a 90-minute educational seminar on their knowledge and attitudes was evaluated. A survey of 72 nursing students was performed in Kochi prefecture in October, 1992 using a questionnaire. Eighty-six mothers whose children received medical examinations at the health center of the surveyed area during the same period functioned as the control group. Although the students had more knowledge about HIV/AIDS, their attitudes toward HIV-infected persons were no more positive than those of the control group. However the higher their level of knowledge was, the more positive their attitudes toward people with AIDS were. Two items of knowledge: symptoms of infection and safety in sharing utensils appeared to be related to positive attitudes. Those students who thought that "the number of HIV-infected persons will rapidly increase" tended to respond that "they are worried about getting AIDS in the future"; "they will not change their attitudes to their HIV-infected friends"; and "the persons who got AIDS through coagulation factor products should be supported." The results also show that a seminar about HIV/AIDS that provides information in a short period of time is effective in reducing prejudice and improving attitudes toward HIV-infected persons.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1994

Renal transplantation in selective IgA deficiency.

We report a case of selective IgA deficiency in a girl who received a successful renal transplant from a donor with normal serum IgA level. Although the recipient serum was negative for anti-IgA antibody, the donor kidney was washed with a sufficient volume of perfusate and the amount of corticosteroid given to the patient immediately after the revascularization was increased to twice the normal dose. Serum complement level transiently decreased, but recovered during the first week after surgery. Although the patient suffered from acute pyelonephritis of the graft during the fourth month, there has been no evidence of infection thereafter.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[A reevaluation of the criteria for initiating medical treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis patients].

In Japan some registered tuberculosis (TB) patients have had medical treatment initiated for the purpose of preventing development of inactive TB into active stages, or due to differential diagnosis. A reevaluation of the necessity of commencing medical treatment was performed on 91 TB patients to elucidate the special characteristics of TB patients who do not necessarily need medical treatment. The results are as follows: 1) Among the 91 patients, 67 patients were judged to be 'confirmed cases', while 24 patients were judged to be 'suspect cases', with either inactive TB or possibly without TB. 2) The rates of 'suspect cases' were higher in the tubercle bacillus negative groups as well as the X-ray mild cases compared to the tubercle bacillus positive cases and X-ray severe cases. 3) The patient's self-diagnosed symptoms proved to be useful in evaluating the TB patient's severity. It is thought that this information should be used to judge the necessity of commencing medical treatment in TB patients.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗
PubMed1993

Depressive states in workers using computers.

There have been few reports investigating the depressive states in workers using computers. We describe the depressive states observed in workers using computers and discuss the sources of their occupational stresses. The first subject is a 34-year-old male manager of a manufacturing company who had customarily worked until 9 PM. In 1985, it become necessary for him to work until midnight; symptoms of depression began to appear during this period, exacerbated after trouble with a computer. In 1986, he visited a psychiatrist and his condition was diagnosed as Major Depression according to DSM-III. The second subject is a 26-year-old male VDT (visual display terminal) operator in a general hospital. Before the onset, he had had to work until 8 PM and, at the end of each month, until midnight. Two months later, he became depressed and his condition was diagnosed as Major Depression according to DSM-III. The third subject is a 32-year-old male chief in the computer programming section of a bank. He had had to work until 8 PM, became depressed, and visited a psychiatrist who diagnosed his condition as Major Depression according to DSM-III. The authors discuss these cases from the standpoint of occupational stresses, as they are associated with work overload, and the important role these stresses played in the onset of the workers' depressive states.

Adult↗