Long-term outcome of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis: report of a case.
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Publications and source records attributed to H Tanaka.
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AIM: In Japan, acute pulmonary thromboembolism (APTE) is still rare, but the number of patients with APTE has been steadily increasing. It is important for early diagnosis and early management of APTE to recognize epidemiological characteristics of this condition. METHODS: We investigated the epidemiological characteristics of 252 patients with APTE who were admitted to our institutions between 1975 and 2001. APTE was more prevalent in women that in men. It was observed the most in the age group between 50s to 70s, especially in women. Many patients had prolonged immobilization, recent major operation, obesity, or cancer, as risk factors for venous thromboembolism. One hundred and thirty-eight patients developed APTE in hospital; 60 patients were in Department of Internal Medicine, 28 in General Surgery, 15 in Orthopedics, 15 in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and 20 in other services. RESULTS: Among 58 patients with malignancy, 43% had cancers in digestive organs, 21% in gynecological, and 17% in urological. Among 61 patients who were examined for the presence of thrombophilia, 13 patients had inherited thrombophilia (8 protein C deficiency, 4 protein S deficiency, and 1 antithrombin III deficiency) 11 had antiphospholipid antibodies which indicated thrombophilia. Five out of the above 61 patients (8%) had no obvious risk factors including thrombophilia. CONCLUSION: The findings in our patients were almost the same as those in Western patients, except for some points. These results might be useful to establish a preventive approach for APTE in Japan.
A 53-year-old man was admitted to hospital because of an anterior mediastinal mass. For definite diagnosis, needle biopsy was performed under ultrasonic examination. The histopathological diagnosis was thymoma and thymo-thymectomy was performed. The tumor recurred in the right anterior chest wall 10 years later. It is suggested that the thymoma tissue had been implanted in the needle tract. To our knowledge, this is the 2nd reported case of thymoma which has been implanted in the needle tract.
A 52-year-old man was admitted to our hospital on October, 1997 with complains of left anterior chest pain. A chest X-ray and computed tomography on admission showed evidence of a mass in the left anterior mediastinum. The patient was treated with combination chemotherapy [cisplatin (CDDP), etoposide (VP-16)] and radiation therapy (2 gray x 25 days), preoperatively. Median sternotomy revealed a tumor invading into the left anterior chest wall, the pericardium, and partial pleura. The tumor was extirpated with combined resection of invaded organs. Microscopically and immunohistochemically, the tumor was diagnosed mixed small cell and undifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma documented by Snover et al. The patient was discharge on March 1998, but 2 years later after operation, he was dead by recurrent. We reported a rare case of thymic carcinoma.
INTRODUCTION: The efficacy and toxicity of salvage chemotherapy with a combination of irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11) and mitomycin C (MMC) for platinum-and paclitaxel-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer are reported. CASE REPORT: Three consecutive patients with platinum- and paclitaxel- resistant epithelial ovarian cancer were treated with 120 mg/m2 of CPT-11 (days 1 and 15) and 7 mg/m2 of MMC (days 1 and 15) every four weeks. In all three cases partial responses were achieved and overall survivals were 17 months or longer. Most of the adverse side-effects were manageable. CONCLUSIONS: This regimen could be administered even in heavily pretreated patients with platinum- and paclitaxel- resistance. Phase I and II studies are needed to confirm the feasibility of this treatment. The efficacy of most salvage treatments for platinum- and paclitaxel-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer is disappointing, and our cases might be of interest from the perspective of treating platinum- and paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer.
There are two major routes through which fish are exposed to endocrine disruptors (EDs); one route is through water that is a habitat; the other is through aquatic food such as algae and benthos. Few studies on the bioaccumulation of EDs in food have been conducted. Therefore, we evaluated the concentration in food of nonylphenol (NP), bisphenol A (BPA) and 17beta-estradiol (E2), which were frequently detected in river water and in final discharge of Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) in Japan. We also evaluated the estrogenicity of samples using recombinant yeast. NP concentrations ranged 0.1-0.4 microg/L in the river water, while they ranged 8-130 microg/kg-wet in the periphytons and 8-140 microg/kg-wet in the benthos. BPA concentrations ranged 0.02-0.15 microg/L in the river water, while they ranged 2-8.8 microg/kg-wet in the periphytons and 0.3-12 microg/kg-wet in the benthos. E2 concentrations ranged 0.0001-0.0076 microg/L in the water, while they ranged 0.09-2.26 microg/kg-wet in the periphytons and <0.01-0.22 microg/kg-wet in the benthos. The estrogenicity ranged 0.0001-0.0464 microg-E2equivalent/L in the water, while it ranged 3.4-66.8 microg-E2equivalent/kg-wet in the periphytons and 7.4-5458 microg-E2equivalent/kg-wet in the benthos. Bioaccumulation factors of NP are estimated as 160-650 for the periphytons, and 63-990 for the benthos, respectively. Bioaccumulation factors of BPA are estimated as 18-650 for the periphytons, and 8-170 for the benthos, respectively. Bioaccumulation factors of E2 are estimated as 64-1,200 for the periphytons, and 100-160 for the benthos, respectively. The ratios of the periphytons and the benthos to the water in terms of the estrogenicity were larger than those in terms of the chemicals. In particularly, the ratio of the benthos to the water is about 10(6) in the maximum. The results suggest that food may be a more important route for fish exposed to EDs in water environment.
To investigate whether male carp (Cyprinus carpio) are really feminized by estrogen-like substances in effluent from sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Japan, exposure tests were performed using carp in water tanks that were receiving effluent from a STP. During eight weeks of exposure, we had measured their serum vitellogenin (VTG), a precursor of yolk protein specific for females that is synthesized in their liver by estrogen-like substances and that is, therefore, a biomarker of feminization. For this research, a STP with representative effluent estrogenic activity level was selected. In the first run of the tests that launched in the early spring of 2000, male carp were exposed. Results showed that the VTG concentration in male carp exposed to the effluent increased with time, while it was reduced after exposure to the effluents was stopped and the exposure was changed to dechlorinated tap water. On the other hand, in the control experiment, VTG was not detected in male carp exposed to dechlorinated tap water. Therefore, male carp might be reversibly feminized by the STP effluent. To assure whether the feminization of male carp was caused by the STP effluent at any time, two more runs of the test were performed in the summer of 2000 and February to April of 2001. However, significant level of VTG in male carp could not be observed for eight weeks. The estrogenic activities in the effluents were almost the same level throughout the tests; therefore the seasonal timing of exposure might be important for understanding this inconsistent phenomenon.
To clarify the difference in genes expressed in hematogenous metastasis and peritoneal dissemination, a broad analysis of differential gene expression analysis between parental cell lines and established metastatic sublines was performed. Using an oligonucleotide array (Gene Chip, Affymetrix), approximately 2,000 genes involved in cancer were analyzed for each of the cell lines. HPC-4H4 (highly metastatic lines to the liver) compared with HPC-4 (low metastatic parental lines), in which 20 overexpressed genes and 5 underexpressed genes were recognized. HPC-4P4a (highly metastatic to the peritoneum) compared with HPC-4, in which 12 overexpressed genes and 15 underexpressed genes were also recognized. Analysis of HPC-4H4 and HPC-4P4a showed comparative up-regulation of 20 genes and down-regulation of 13 in the former, HPC-4H4. Further studies are needed to validate our hypothesis that some of the resulting differentially expressed genes might be implicated in the development of metastasis in pancreatic cancer. In conclusion, this genome-wide expression analysis will help to clarify the molecular mechanisms of cancer metastasis and of the different levels of gene expression in a variety of metastatic potentials in pancreatic cancer.
A 52-year-old man underwent aortic valve replacement with freestyle stentless xenograft, using subcoronary technique for active infective endocarditis in June, 2001. Eighteen month later he had late prosthetic valve endocarditis associated with aortic annular abscess due to Staphylococcus epidermidis infection. The abscess was debrided and gelatin-resorcin-formalin glue (GRF glue) was injected into the abscess cavity. Abscess cavity was closed with continuous running suture of 3-0 polypropylene stitches. Finally the aortic valve was replaced with ATS mechanical valve (20 mmAP). After administration of vancomycin and gentamicin for 4 weeks, he discharged on 57th postoperative day in good condition. We strongly suggest that GRF glue is essential to close the aortic annular abscess of combined with aortic regurgitation due to active infective endocarditis.
For ischemic cardiomyopathy, both left ventricle (LV) reconstruction and coronary revascularization are necessary. A 58-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy [end diastolic volume index (EDVI)/end systolic volume index (ESVI) = 214/157 ml/m2, ejection fraction (EF) 26%] underwent left ventricular reconstruction using endoventricular circulatory patch plasty (Dor operation) and quadruple coronary artery bypass grafting combined with endarterectomy, which was used for complete coronary revascularization. For the Dor operation, in order to minimize arrest time and to determine the purse-string suture line, palpation of contractility of the left ventricular muscle from inside under the beating heart was performed. And to avoid insufficient postoperative LV volume, a balloon was used. The surgery was performed without blood transfusion or intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP) support. Postoperative cardiac function was excellent (EDVI/ESVI = 128/68 ml/m2, EF 46%).
A 67-year-old female was sent into our hospital for ruptured thoracic aneurysm with hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade. Computed tomography (CT) showed pericardial effusion and ruptured aortic arch aneurysm. We performed urgent graft replacement of the aortic arch using selective cerebral perfusion under mild hypothermia. Postoperative course was uneventful.
A 24-year-old man who had left ventricular (LV) false aneurysm, which is caused by mitral valve infective endocarditis, underwent aneurysmectomy, direct closure of aneurysmal mouth and concomitant mitral valve replacement. Post-operative course was uneventful. It has been reported that the etiology of this false aneurysm was due to the vegetations' friction, which could have caused an initial endocardial ulceration that progressively expanded into the myocardium. The false aneurysmal wall should be completely removed in order to eliminate the possibility of recurrence of the infective endocarditis. We believe that the surgical treatment should be carried out as soon as possible after completion of diagnosis because the aneurysmal wall is usually quite thin and could rupture easily.
To elucidate metastasis mechanisms, we established a Panc-1H5 subline with a highly liver metastatic cell line and a Panc-1P4a with a highly peritoneal metastatic cell line, which were sequentially selected from the parental pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1. Using these three cell lines, we investigated several biological properties and mRNA levels of differentially-expressed genes involved in cancer metastasis with a cDNA macroarray. The tumorigenicity, motile activity, adhesive activity and cytokine production of metastatic sublines were higher than those of parental Panc-1 cells. Particularly, in Panc-1H5 cells, adhesive activity to the extracellular matrix and angiogenetic factors increased, whereas in Panc-1P4a cells, motile activity was extremely enhanced compared with Panc-1 cells. Histopathological findings for the three cell lines were the same. In cDNA macroarray analysis of Panc-1H5 cells, 11 genes were up-regulated and 20 genes were down-regulated compared with parental Panc-1 cells. In Panc-1P4a cells, 7 genes were up-regulated and 13 genes were down-regulated compared with parental Panc-1 cells. This study provides a demonstration of global gene expression analysis of pancreatic cancer cells with liver and peritoneal metastasis and these results provide new insight into the study of human pancreatic cancer metastasis.
A circulating loop bioreactor (CLB) with cells immobilized in loofa sponge was constructed for simultaneous aerobic and anaerobic processes. The CLB consists of an aerated riser and a non-aerated downcomer column connected at the top and bottom by cylindrical pipes. Ethanol production from raw cassava starch was investigated in the CLB. Aspergillus awamori IAM 2389 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae IR2 immobilized on loofa sponge were placed, respectively, in the aerated riser column and non-aerated downcomer column. Both alpha-amylase and glucoamylase activities increased as the aeration rate was increased. Ethanol yield and productivity increased with an increase in the aeration rate up to 0.5 vvm, but decreased at higher aeration rates. The CLB was operated at an aeration rate of 0.5 vvm for more than 600 h, resulting in an average ethanol productivity and yield from raw cassava starch of 0.5 g-ethanol l(-1) x h(-1) and 0.45 g ethanol/g starch, respectively. In order to increase ethanol productivity, it was necessary to increase the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in the riser column and decrease the DO concentration in the downcomer column. However, increasing the aeration rate resulted in increases in the DO concentration in both the riser and the downcomer columns. At high aeration rate, there was no significant difference in the DO concentration in the riser and downcomer columns. The aeration rate was therefore uncoupled from the liquid circulation by attaching a time-controlled valve in the upper connecting pipe. By optimizing the time and frequency of valve opening, and operation at high aeration rate, it was possible to maintain a very high DO concentration in the riser column and a low DO concentration in the downcomer column. Under these conditions, ethanol productivity increased by more than 100%, to 1.17 g l(-1) x h(-1).
We present measurements of total and partial photoionization cross sections of Ne in the 1s excitation region. The total cross section exhibits resonances with symmetric profiles, whereas the branching ratios to the Ne+ 2p(4)(1D2)3p 2P, 2D, and 2F states present strong oscillations in the interresonance regions. We prove that not only the interference between the direct and resonant ionization processes but also the interference among the ionization processes via different nonisolated resonances are important for this effect.
To investigate the problem of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) for advanced stage patients, we retrospectively analyzed 24 consecutive patients who underwent allo-BMT in the non-remission stage. Twenty-four patients (19 males and 5 females) with acute leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and malignant lymphoma underwent allo-BMT. The patients had a median age of 30 years. There were eight cases of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), six cases acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), nine cases of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and one case of Burkitt's lymphoma. The 3-year overall survival rate was 22.5%, with a median survival time of 206 days in AML, 345 days in ALL, and 363 days in CML. Overall survival was associated with a recovery of platelets of less than 30 days and an acute graft-versus-host disease (acute GVHD) presence of less than grade II ( p=0.042). Fourteen patients died of transplantation-related diseases. Our important problem is to decrease transplantation-related deaths in allo-BMT during the non-remission stage, and longer survival can be expected with better pretreatment and prophylaxis for GVHD. In addition, the selection of the source of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at an optimal time is considered to be another problem to be approached.
A cDNA encoding cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CPR) from the lignin-degrading basidiomycete Coriolus versicolor was identified using RT-PCR. The full-length cDNA consisted of 2,484 nucleotides with a poly(A) tail, and contained an open reading frame. The G+C content of the cDNA isolated was 60%. A deduced protein contained 730 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular weight of 80.7 kDa. The conserved amino acid residues involved in functional domains such as FAD-, FMN-, and NADPH-binding domains, were all found in the deduced protein. A phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that C. versicolor CPR is significantly similar to CPR of the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium and that they share the same major branch in the fungal cluster. A recombinant CPR protein was expressed using a pET/ Escherichia coli system. The recombinant CPR protein migrated at 81 kDa on SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It exhibited an NADPH-dependent cytochrome c reducing activity.
Catalytic converters are widely used to reduce the amounts of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons in automotive emissions. The catalysts are finely divided precious-metal particles dispersed on a solid support. During vehicle use, the converter is exposed to heat, which causes the metal particles to agglomerate and grow, and their overall surface area to decrease. As a result, catalyst activity deteriorates. The problem has been exacerbated in recent years by the trend to install catalytic converters closer to the engine, which ensures immediate activation of the catalyst on engine start-up, but also places demanding requirements on the catalyst's heat resistance. Conventional catalyst systems thus incorporate a sufficient excess of precious metal to guarantee continuous catalytic activity for vehicle use over 50,000 miles (80,000 km). Here we use X-ray diffraction and absorption to show that LaFe(0.57)Co(0.38)Pd(0.05)O(3), one of the perovskite-based catalysts investigated for catalytic converter applications since the early 1970s, retains its high metal dispersion owing to structural responses to the fluctuations in exhaust-gas composition that occur in state-of-the-art petrol engines. We find that as the catalyst is cycled between oxidative and reductive atmospheres typically encountered in exhaust gas, palladium (Pd) reversibly moves into and out of the perovskite lattice. This movement appears to suppress the growth of metallic Pd particles, and hence explains the retention of high catalyst activity during long-term use and ageing.