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Biomedical subjects

K Asaoka

Publications and source records attributed to K Asaoka.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[A case of advanced ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma responding to cisplatin-cyclophosphamide and paclitaxel-carboplatin].

We report a case of stage IV ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma successfully controlled by a combination of cisplatin-cyclophosphamide (CP) and paclitaxel-carboplatin (TJ). A 64-year-old female with advanced ovarian cancer and pleural effusion underwent 4 courses of combination chemotherapy with CP. The giant ovarian tumor showed a relative reduction in size and the pleural effusion disappeared. Serum CA-125 levels and CA 19-9 levels markedly decreased. Thus, the patient underwent a total hysterectomy and bilateral salphingoophorectomy. During the operation, a giant ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma was found, but there was no peritoneal dissemination and no cancer cells in her peritoneal fluid. Thereafter, she underwent 3 courses of combination chemotherapy with TJ. She has had 13 months of stable, tumor-free survival since the operation and normal serum CA-125 and CA 19-9 levels. Ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma generally responds poorly to cisplatin and carboplatin, but in combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel-carboplatin these may be effective.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗

Amount of metallic ions released from Ti-Ni alloy by abrasion in simulated bioliquids.

The current density of Ti-56mass%Ni (Ti-50at.%) alloy after abrasion in simulated bioliquids was measured using a potentiostat to estimate the amount of metallic ions released from the alloy during repassivation and maturation. The current density in saline, saline with and without N2 bubbling, and Hanks' solutions with and without proteins after abrasion was measured and the amount of released ion was calculated from the integrated current density with time, assuming that Ti4+ and Ni2+ are equivalently released. No difference in the amount of released ion was observed between saline with and without N2 bubbling. Also, no difference was observed between saline and pH 7.4 Hanks' solution. More Ti4+ and Ni2+ were released in bioliquids with proteins than in saline with and without N2 bubbling (p < 0.05). That is, dissolved oxygen and inorganic ions in Hanks' solution did not influence the amount of released ion, but proteins influenced it. The release of metallic ions from metals and alloys in biological systems can be estimated by the methodology employed in this study.

Alloys↗

Fracture toughness and durability of chemically or thermally tempered metal-ceramic porcelain.

Thermocycling and water storage effects on fracture toughness (KIC) of chemically or thermally tempered metal-ceramic disks were investigated to evaluate the durability of tempering effects with regard to oral aqueous environment. Metal-ceramic disks (phi 10 mm x 2.0 mm) consisting of opaque porcelain (0.2 mm thick), body porcelain (1.3 mm) and Ni-Cr-Be alloy (0.5 mm) were prepared and the porcelain surfaces were polished with 1-micron diamond paste. The disks were subjected to ion exchange (potassium or rubidium) or thermal tempering treatments, then with the as-polished or further annealed disks, thermocycled for 8000, 15,000, and 22,000 cycles between 5 degrees C and 60 degrees C or stored in water at 37 degrees C for 33 days. After aging, KIC values of disks were determined by a Vickers indentation technique. Statistical analyses indicated that the KIC values of ion-exchanged and annealed disks were not significantly affected by the limited number of cycles and water storage, while the thermally tempered and untreated disks revealed a significant decrease in mean KIC from even 8000 cycles and after storage. However, there was no significant difference between thermocycling and water-storage effects on mean KIC of all surface treatment groups. Results indicate that chemical tempering (ion exchange) produced more durable residual stresses than does thermal tempering for metal-ceramic restorations. A low-thermal load only was unlikely to affect the apparent fracture toughness of porcelain.

Chromium Alloys↗

Repassivation of titanium and surface oxide film regenerated in simulated bioliquid.

The change in potential during repassivation of titanium in artificial bioliquids was examined, and the regenerated surface oxide film on titanium was characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy to elucidate the repassivation reaction of titanium in a biological system. The repassivation rate in Hanks' solution was slower than that in saline and was not influenced by the pH of the solution. This indicates that more titanium ions dissolve in a biological system than hitherto was predicted when the surface film is destroyed. Phosphate ions are taken up preferentially in the surface film during regeneration, and the film consists of titanium oxide and titanium oxyhydroxide containing titanium phosphate. Calcium ions and phosphate ions are adsorbed by the film after regeneration, and calcium phosphate or calcium titanium phosphate is formed at the outermost surface. Ions constituting Hanks' solution other than calcium and phosphate were absent from the surface oxide.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Effects of added antibiotics on the basic properties of anti-washout-type fast-setting calcium phosphate cement.

The effect of added antibiotics on the basic properties of anti-washout-type fast-setting calcium phosphate cement (aw-FSCPC) was investigated in a preliminary evaluation of aw-FSCPC containing drugs. Flomoxef sodium was employed as the antibiotic and was incorporated into the powder-phase aw-FSCPC at up to 10%. The setting time, consistency, wet diametral tensile strength (DTS) value, and porosity were measured for aw-FSCPC containing various amounts of flomoxef sodium. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was also conducted for the identification of products. To evaluate the drug-release profile, set aw-FSCPC was immersed in saline and the released flomoxef sodium was determined at regular intervals. The spread area of the cement paste as an index of consistency of the cement increased progressively with the addition of flomoxef sodium, and it doubled when the aw-FSCPC contained 8% flomoxef sodium. In contrast, the wet DTS value decreased with increase in flomoxef sodium content. Bulk density measurement and scanning electron microscopic observation revealed that the set mass was more porous with the amount of flomoxef sodium contained in the aw-FSCPC. The XRD analysis revealed that formation of hydroxyapatite (HAP) from aw-FSCPC was reduced even after 24 h, when the aw-FSCPC contained flomoxef sodium at > or = 6%. Therefore, the decrease of wet DTS value was thought to be partly the result of the increased porosity and inhibition of HAP formation in aw-FSCPC containing large amounts of flomoxef sodium. The flomoxef sodium release from aw-FSCPC showed the typical profile observed in a skeleton-type drug delivery system (DDS). The rate of drug release from aw-FSCPC can be controlled by changing the concentration of sodium alginate. Although flomoxef sodium addition has certain disadvantageous effects on the basic properties of aw-FSCPC, we conclude that aw-FSCPC is a good candidate for potential use as a DDS carrier that may be useful in surgical operations.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Amount of hydroxyl radical on calcium-ion-implanted titanium and point of zero charge of constituent oxide of the surface-modified layer.

To compare the surface properties of calcium-ion (Ca2+)-implanted titanium with those of titanium and to investigate the mechanism of bone conductivity of Ca2+-implanted titanium, amounts of hydroxyl radical of Ca2+-implanted titanium and titanium were estimated. Also, the point of zero charge (p.z.c.) of oxide constituting surface oxides of Ca2+-implanted titanium and titanium was determined. Results showed that the amount of active hydroxyl radical on Ca2+-implanted titanium was found to be significantly larger than that on titanium, indicating that the number of electric-charging sites of Ca2+-implanted titanium in electrolyte is more than that of titanium. The p.z.c. values of rutile (TiO2), anatase (TiO2), and perovskite (CaTiO3), were estimated to be 4.6, 5.9, and 8.1, respectively. Thus, Ca2+-implanted titanium surface is charged more positively in bioliquid than titanium, accelerating the adsorption of phosphate ions.

Journal Article↗

Intracranial aneurysms associated with aortitis syndrome: case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Aortitis syndrome is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology, affecting mainly the major branches of the aorta and leading to stenosis or occlusion. Intracranial aneurysms are rarely associated with this syndrome. Only 15 cases have been previously reported. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old woman with a 10-year history of aortitis syndrome demonstrated nonruptured cerebral aneurysms in the left internal carotid and anterior communicating arteries, with decreased flow in the right internal carotid artery and ipsilateral A1 segment. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent clipping of the aneurysms through a left pterional craniotomy and transsylvian approach. CONCLUSION: In our review of 16 reported cases, including the present case (13 with ruptured aneurysms and 3 with nonruptured aneurysms), there were 25 saccular aneurysms, and we noted the following clinical characteristics: 1) patient age was 26 to 64 years, with an average of 50.2 years; 2) aneurysms arose predominantly along the course of collateral flow, especially in the vertebrobasilar system (13 of 25 aneurysms, 52.0%); 3) there was a high incidence of multiplicity (7 of 16 cases, 43.8%). These characteristics suggest that increased hemodynamic stress, produced by stenosis or occlusion of the major branches of the aorta and systemic hypertension, plays an important role in the development of cerebral aneurysms in patients with this syndrome.

Aortitis↗

Comparison of calpains from rabbit, monkey, human and rat.

Two isozymes of calpain, mu-calpain and m-calpain, were purified from rabbit, monkey, human and rat tissues to homogeneity and the apparent molecular masses of the large and small subunits of each calpain species were compared directly. While the molecular masses of the small subunits were the same (28 kDa), those of the large subunits were different depending on the calpain type and animal species: Rabbit mu (79 kDa), rabbit m (75 kDa), monkey mu (79 kDa), monkey m (74 kDa), human mu (78 kDa), human m (73 kDa), rat mu (75 kDa), and rat m (74 kDa). Ca2+-sensitivity of monkey mu-calpain was lower than that of rabbit mu-calpain, but m-calpains from rabbit and monkey shared a similar Ca2+-dependency. Immunoreactivities of rabbit, monkey and rat m-calpains towards anti-rabbit m-calpain monoclonal antibodies were different depending on the antibody species, showing the existence of common and different antigenic sites in these three m-calpains. While monkey mu-calpain still showed weak cross-reactivity with anti-rabbit mu-calpain monoclonal antibodies, rat mu-calpain failed to react with any antibody examined, except for the monoclonal 1D10A7 which reacted with mu- and m-calpains from any animal species. Peptides generated by V8 protease digestion were similar between mu-calpains or m-calpains from rabbit and monkey but, again, the reactivity of monkey calpain peptidesto anti-rabbit calpain antibodies was weak, especially to those of mu-calpain.

Animals↗

Acoustic emission signals from gypsum-bonded dental casting molds during thermal processing.

To develop a suitable heating program for the investments which affect the casting accuracy/defects of prostheses, a probable microstructural change of the gypsum-bonded investments related to the transition of refractory particles during thermal processing was inspected by the measurement of acoustic emission (AE) signals. Gypsum-bonded cristobalite and quartz investment molds were used. AE measurements were carried out for the specimens in an electric furnace that was heated/cooled at a constant rate. For the heating process of the cristobalite investment, high AE activities were detected in the temperature range where the cristobalite was transformed. However, the AE signals detected were low for the second run of the heating and cooling processes. Even in the heating process, significant AE signals were not detected for the quartz investment. For cristobalite investment molds, micro-cracks are initiated and developed in relation to the transition of cristobalite particles in the mold. This leads to deterioration of the mechanical properties of the cristobalite investment at high temperatures (melt-pouring), and may affect the fitness of cast prostheses.

Acoustics↗

Development of calcium phosphate cement for rapid crystallization to apatite.

The purpose of this study was to develop an alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP) cement which transforms to hydroxyapatite (HAP) in a relatively short period. We used calcium and phosphate solutions as the liquid phase for the alpha-TCP cement. The alpha-TCP powder was first mixed with CaCl2 solution, and then mixed with NaH2PO4 or Na2HPO3 solution for a total powder/liquid ratio of 1.8. The setting time became shorter with the increase in the concentration of calcium and phosphate solutions, reaching 5 min, whereas the setting time was longer than 30 min when distilled water was used as the liquid phase. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the cement was mostly transformed to HAP within 24 h when kept in an incubator. We concluded that alpha-TCP should be mixed with calcium and phosphate solutions since this results in a moderate setting time and fast transformation to HAP even if the method of mixing becomes a little complex.

Calcium Phosphates↗

Estimation of residual stress in dental porcelain by laser-Raman spectroscopy.

Residual stress in the surface of dental porcelain was estimated using laser Raman spectroscopy. Sixteen different magnitudes of residual stress were generated in commercial porcelain disks by tempering, ion exchange, and slow cooling. The specimens were analyzed using a laser-Raman spectrometer with an Ar+ laser. The Raman shift of the largest peak near 500 cm-1 originating from silica was used as an indicator of the level of residual stress. For comparison, the residual stress in the specimen was estimated by the indentation micro-fracture method. The Raman shift of the porcelain increased with increasing residual stress at 3.7 x 10(-2) cm-1/MPa (R2 = 0.89). The increase in the Raman shift corresponded to the increase in compressive stress. In addition, the value of full width at half maximum on the peak corresponded to the residual stress (-1.57 x 10(-1) cm-1/MPa: R2 = 0.82). These results revealed that the increase of residual stress in porcelain clearly appears on the Raman spectrum as an increase in the Raman shift. It is thus feasible to estimate residual stress in porcelain by laser-Raman spectroscopy.

Aluminum Silicates↗

Tissue response to fast-setting calcium phosphate cement in bone.

Fast-setting calcium phosphate cement (FSCPC) is a promising new bioactive cement with a significantly short setting time (approximately 5-6 min) compared to conventional calcium phosphate cement (c-CPC) (30-60 min) at physiologic temperatures. As a result of its ability to set quickly, it is applicable in surgical procedures where fast setting is required. In this study, FSCPC was implanted in rat tibiae to evaluate tissue response and biocompatibility. FSCPC was converted to hydroxyapatite (HAP) in bone faster than c-CPC in the first 6 h. By 24 h, significant amounts of both FSCPC and c-CPC had been converted to HAP. The conversion of FSCPC into HAP further proceeded gradually, reaching 100% within 8 weeks. Infrared spectroscopic analysis disclosed the deposition of B-type carbonate apatite, which is a biological apatite contained in human dentin or bone, on the surface of the FSCPC. Histologically, FSCPC showed a tissue response similar to that of c-CPC. A slight inflammatory reaction was observed in the soft tissue apposed to both cements in the early period, and new bone was formed along the surface of the FSCPC at the adjacent bone. However, no resorption of either cement by osteoclasts or macrophages was observed within 8 weeks. We conclude that FSCPC is superior to c-CPC in clinical applications in oral and maxillofacial, orthopedic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery, since it shows a faster setting time and higher mechanical strength in the early period that are required in these surgical procedures, as well as osteoconductivity and excellent biocompatibility similar to that of c-CPC.

Animals↗

Non-decay type fast-setting calcium phosphate cement: hydroxyapatite putty containing an increased amount of sodium alginate.

A hydroxyapatite [(HAP) Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] putty that behaves like a putty or self-curing resin was made by increasing the amount of sodium alginate in non-decay type fast-setting calcium phosphate cement (nd-FSCPC). nd-FSCPC became viscous as the sodium alginate concentration was increased. The best handling properties were obtained when nd-FSCPC contained 8% sodium alginate in its liquid phase. When a 2-kg glass plate was placed on the paste, HAP putty spread to form an area three times that of FSCPC paste. Thus, HAP putty is expected to be easier to use than FSCPC in the filling of bone defects. HAP putty did not decay; in fact, it set within approximately 20 min when immersed in distilled water immediately after mixing. The wet diametral tensile strength value of HAP putty was approximately 12 MPa after 24 h, the same as that for nd-FSCPC containing 0.5% sodium alginate in its liquid phase, or FSCPC that is free from sodium alginate. The elements constituting set HAP putty were examined using powder X-ray diffraction and found to be predominantly apatitic minerals after 24 h. Since the handling properties of a putty or self-curing resin-like cement are very useful in certain surgical procedures, HAP putty made by increasing the sodium alginate concentration in nd-FSCPC is potentially a valuable new biomaterial for use in plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Alginates↗

Surface modifications of titanium in calcium-ion-containing solutions.

The surface of titanium was modified in calcium-ion-containing solutions to improve bone conductivity. Three kinds of aqueous solutions for the modification were prepared using calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, and calcium oxide. The pH values of the solutions were 3.9, 7.4, and 12.6, respectively. At first, anatase powder was immersed in the solutions of 7 days to confirm the effect of the solutions on the modification. As a result, calcium titanate was formed on the anatase powder, indicating that the titanium surface was possibly modified by the solutions. Titanium plates were then immersed in the solutions at ambient temperature for 7 days, washed by deionized water, and dried. X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy of surface-modified titanium revealed that the surface-modified layer contained calcium hydroxide and/or calcium titanate. The surface-modified layer in which titanium was modified was thickest in this order: calcium oxide, calcium chloride, and calcium nitrate solutions. Apatite was formed on the surface-modified titanium in Hanks' solution while apatite was undetected on unmodified titanium. Therefore, the surface modification of titanium may improve bone conductivity. The amount of apatite corresponded to the thickness of the surface-modified layer and the amount of calcium in the layer.

Apatites↗

Early bone formation around calcium-ion-implanted titanium inserted into rat tibia.

Rat tibia tissue into which calcium ion (Ca2+)-implanted titanium was surgically placed was histologically analyzed to investigate the performance of the Ca(2+)-implanted titanium as a biomaterial. Calcium ions were implanted into only one side of titanium plates at 10(17) ions/cm2 and the Ca(2+)-treated titanium was surgically implanted into rat tibia for 2, 8, and 18 days. Tetracycline and calcein were used as hard-tissue labels. After excision of the tibia, the tissues were fixed, stained, embedded in polymethyl methacrylate, and sliced. The specimens were observed using a fluorescence microscope. A larger amount of new bone was formed on the Ca(2+)-treated side than on the untreated side, even at 2 days after surgery. In addition, part of the bone made contact with the Ca2(+)-treated surface. On the other hand, bone formation on the untreated side was delayed and the bone did not make contact with the surface. Mature bone with bone marrow formed in 8 days. Neither macrophage nor inflammatory cell infiltration was observed. The results indicated that Ca(2+)-implanted titanium is superior to titanium alone for bone conduction.

Animals↗

Blast coating method: new method of coating titanium surface with hydroxyapatite at room temperature.

When a titanium plate was blasted with hydroxyapatite [HAP; Ca10[x](HPO4)[x](PO4)[6-x](OH)[2-x]] powder at room temperature using an ordinary sandblaster, the surface of the titanium plate was found to be coated with HAP homogeneously and completely. The coated layer was examined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction and was found to be the same as the HAP powder used with respect to composition and crystallographic structure. The coated HAP layer was tightly attached to the surface of the titanium plate, at least at the level of scanning electron microscopy. Interestingly, the HAP particles stuck together at room temperature as if they were sintered. The coating was stable against ultrasonication in water for at least 5 min, and it was difficult to remove by nail scratching. Thus, the bonding strength between the HAP powder and the titanium plate was much higher than that achieved with currently employed room temperature coating processes such as dipping, electrophoretic deposition, and electrochemical deposition. Therefore, the blast coating method is potentially valuable for the fabrication of useful biomaterials for hard tissue replacement.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Revascularization of the anterior cerebral artery using a free superficial temporal artery graft: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Various bypass procedures have been used to treat occlusive cerebrovascular diseases. Most procedures were performed to prevent further ischemia in the territory of the middle cerebral artery, while only a few of the papers discuss the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territory. METHOD AND RESULTS: A patient who initially presented with several episodes of transient monoparesis in the left leg was found to have severe stenosis of the right A2-A3 junction. A free superficial temporal artery (STA) graft was anastomosed between the right A2 and A3 portion intracranially. Transient ischemic attacks immediately disappeared after surgery and subsequent cerebral angiography revealed good anterograde filling from the A2 to A3 portion via the free STA graft. CONCLUSION: Revascularization using a free STA graft is useful for reconstruction of a local stenotic lesion, especially in the ACA territory.

Adult↗

Hemifacial spasm caused by a hemangioma at the geniculate ganglion: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Hemifacial spasm is rarely caused by facial nerve lesions in the temporal bone. Intratemporal facial nerve hemangiomas may initially present as facial spasm. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old woman developed right hemifacial spasm. Physicians observed slight weakness on the right side of her face, in addition to the hemifacial spasm, but routine radiological examinations did not detect any abnormal findings along the course of the facial nerve. Although the patient underwent neurovascular decompression, the spasm persisted postoperatively. Two years after surgery, the right facial palsy progressed. Concurrently, the hemifacial spasm diminished. High-resolution computed tomography demonstrated a small mass lesion expanding the cortex of the right petrosal bone involving the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent a second craniotomy through a subtemporal extradural route, and the tumor was completely removed. A pathological examination demonstrated a cavernous hemangioma. CONCLUSION: Routine radiological examinations may fail to detect small intratemporal facial nerve hemangiomas, particularly at the geniculate ganglion. Therefore, when physicians encounter atypical facial spasm, the intratemporal portion of the facial nerve should be carefully examined using high-resolution computed tomography.

Adult↗