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Biomedical subjects

K Fujii

Publications and source records attributed to K Fujii.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Importance of re-examination for medulloblastoma and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor.

Medulloblastoma may can be difficult to distinguish from atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT), since they resemble each other histologically. We re-examined whether AT/RT was included among cases who had been diagnosed as medulloblastoma. All of fifteen medulloblastomas (10 males and 5 females) diagnosed at the Kitasato University Hospital were collected and stained immunohistochemically. Two cases originally diagnosed as medulloblastoma were reclassified as AT/RT based on histological re-examination including immunohistochemical studies. While these two cases of AT/RT were found during infancy, only one medulloblastoma was found in infancy.Histologically, small rhabdoid cells and large, pale, bland cells were common but typical rhabdoid cells were not seen in the two AT/RTs. Gland-like structures were also seen. The tumor cells in AT/RT, but not those in medulloblastoma, were immunoreactive for vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen and smooth muscle actin. In conclusion, if a diagnosis of medulloblastoma is made histologically, it should be confirmed immunohistologically, since it is difficult to distinguish AT/RT from medulloblastoma. When appropriate treatment was specifically targeted at AT/RT it may improve the outcome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Plasma stromal cell-derived factor-1 during granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-induced peripheral blood stem cell mobilization.

In this report, we examined plasma stromal cell-derived factor-1 levels in normal healthy donors for allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) and in patients for autologous PBSCT using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The average level of plasma stromal cell-derived factor-1 was 2197 pg/ml before granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration and 1899 pg/ml on day 4, demonstrating a significant decrease in the peripheral blood of healthy donors (P=0.0003). In patients for autologous PBSCT, a significant decrease of plasma stromal cell-derived factor-1 in the peripheral blood was also observed (P=0.0464). However, the physiologic gradient of stromal cell-derived factor-1 between peripheral blood and bone marrow was never inverted in normal healthy donors or in autologous PBSCT patients. Our results suggest that stromal cell-derived factor-1 may not be involved in the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-induced release of CD34(+) cells to the peripheral blood. Further studies of a possible additive effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and stromal cell-derived factor-1 are warranted.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Pathologic gene expression in adhesive subacromial bursae of human shoulder.

An adhesion of the subacromial bursa in the shoulder causes pain during joint motion and restricts the range of motion of the glenohumeral joint. To understand the biologic features of an adhesion, the gene expressions in adhesive subacromial bursa were analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The gene expressions in adhesive subacromial bursae were approximately threefold to fourfold greater than those in nonadhesive bursae for the genes for Type I and Type III procollagens, CD34 antigen in vascular endothelium, hyaluronan synthase-3, and interferon-gamma. The gene expression of interleukin-8 was predominant in adhesive bursa. The gene expressions of hyaluronan synthase-1, hyaluronan synthase-2, and interleukin-10 which is an antiadhesive cytokine were predominant in nonadhesive bursae. Chromatography analysis revealed that a hyaluronan, of which molecular weight was more than 100 kDa, was present in the cavity of nonadhesive subacromial bursae. It is suggested that pathologic fibrosis and vascularization are maintained by the presence of interferon-gamma and interleukin-8 in adhesive subacromial bursae and that high molecular weight hyaluronan or interleukin-10 plays a role for antiadhesion.

Bursa, Synovial↗
PubMed2003

Surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation in elderly patients.

Between 1995 and 1999, 12 patients aged 65 years or more (mean 70.2) with lumbar disc herniation, underwent partial laminectomy and nucleotomy. The results were compared with those of 25 younger patients aged between 20 and 40 years (mean 30.1), who underwent the same surgical procedure. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score was used to assess the clinical outcome. The minimum follow-up was 12 months. The pre- and post-operative total JOA scores and the rate of improvement of the JOA score were not significantly different between the elderly (11.1, 24.3 points, and 74.1%), and the younger group (11.6, 26.4 points and 84.5%). The results of this study indicate that the outcome of lumbar discectomy in elderly patients is as good as in younger patients.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2002

High-dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for treatment of unspecified peripheral T-cell lymphoma presented with hepatosplenomegaly and hypercytokinemia syndrome: report of three cases.

We report here three cases of peripheral T-cell lymphoma unspecified (PTCL-US), which presented with bone marrow infiltration and hepatosplenomegaly and were successfully treated with high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (auto-PBSCT). The patients were all characterized by cytokine-induced symptoms such as fever, anasarca, cytopenia, poor general condition, and disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome. Laboratory data showed extremely high levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor, beta(2)-microglobulin, and ferritin. All three patients were negative for anti-adult T-cell leukemia antibody. In one patient, hemophagocytosis was revealed by a histological examination of the bone marrow. The International Prognostic Index was high for all three patients, and they all achieved complete remission after the intensive chemotherapy for remission induction. During complete remission, they were treated with HDCT [modified interleukin-converting enzyme regimen] followed by auto-PBSCT. The recovery of hematopoiesis after auto-PBSCT was prompt and sustained engraftment was obtained. No serious adverse effects other than myelosuppression were noted. One patient died due to cerebrovascular disease without relapse 18 months after auto-PBSCT. The other two patients are still alive and have not suffered from relapse. Our observations suggest that auto-PBSCT following HDCT may be an effective and safe therapeutic modality for high-risk PTCL-US patients characterized by hepatosplenomegaly and cytokine-induced syndrome.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Long-term outcome of intracranial germinoma with hCG elevation in cerebrospinal fluid but not in serum.

OBJECTIVE: Pure germinomas have a good prognosis compared to those with syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells (STGCs), which show elevated human chorionic gonadotropin or human chorionic gonadotropin-beta (hCG/hCG-beta) levels and relapse frequently. However, the long-term outcome of patients with germinoma and detectable hCG/hCG-beta in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) but not in serum is unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The outcome of patients with pure germinomas (no increase in hCG/hCG-beta in serum or CSF, 13 cases; group A), germinomas with STGC (increased hCG/hCG-beta in serum, 13 cases; group B) and germinomas with increased hCG/hCG-beta only in CSF (6 cases; group C) was analyzed. RESULTS: All three groups received similar radiotherapy. Groups A and C each showed a 10-year survival rate of 100%, while this was only 69.2% in group B. The 10-year relapse-free survival rates were 92.3%, 69.2% and 83.3% (groups A, B and C, respectively). Groups A and C each had one case of tumor relapse, but there was no recurrence simply by the application of radiotherapy. On the other hand, in group B, tumor relapse was seen in 4/13 (30.8%) cases. Three of them showed relapse within the region of the initial radiation exposure and died despite all available treatment. CONCLUSION: Patients with an increased hCG/hCG-beta level in CSF may be considered to be similar to pure germinomas and should be treated and followed-up carefully.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Multiple arteriovenous malformations with hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: A rare case of a left temporal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with bleeding 10 days after removal of another hemorrhagic AVM in the frontal lobe is reported. METHOD: A 47-year-old man had an attack of headache and vomiting and was admitted to our hospital. On admission, a CT scan showed subcortical hemorrhage in the left frontal lobe. Left carotid angiography revealed four AVMs and a vertebro-basilar angiogram demonstrated a vascular malformation. FINDINGS: First, a hemorrhagic AVM was removed with a hematoma. Following the operation, left carotid angiograms continued to show, AVMs, particularly a temporal AVM with increased blood flow, and after 10 days this hemorrhaged. This was surgically resected and the remaining small AVMs were treated by stereotactic radiosurgery. INTERPRETATION: The patient had a high risk of hemorrhage. Adding hemodynamic stress to this situation, hemorrhage would have been expected to occur at an early time after the initial intervention for hemorrhagic AVM. Considering the risk of hemorrhage, other AVMs should undergo surgery as soon as possible after resection of hemorrhagic AVM.

Cerebral Angiography↗
PubMed2002

Survival-promoting functions of 14-3-3 proteins.

The 14-3-3 proteins are a family of phosphoserine/phosphothreonine-binding molecules that control the function of a wide array of cellular proteins. We suggest that one function of 14-3-3 is to support cell survival. 14-3-3 proteins promote survival in part by antagonizing the activity of associated proapoptotic proteins, including Bad and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1). Indeed, expression of 14-3-3 inhibitor peptides in cells is sufficient to induce apoptosis. Interestingly, these 14-3-3 antagonist peptides can sensitize cells for effective killing by anticancer agents such as cisplatin. Thus, 14-3-3 may be part of the cellular machinery that maintains cell survival, and targeting 14-3-3-ligand interactions may be a useful strategy to enhance the efficacy of conventional anticancer agents.

14-3-3 Proteins↗
PubMed2002

Effect of mixing method on rheological properties of alginate impression materials.

The apparent viscosity of alginate impression paste prepared by three mixing methods (hand-mixing technique (HM), semiautomatic instrument (SM) and automatic mixing instrument (AM)), and the gel strength and surface depression of the respective set materials were measured. The materials used were eight commercially available products mixed at a temperature of 23 +/- 0.5 degrees C and allowed to set. The AM had a high mixing speed, which reduced the working time 4.4-31.5%, compared with HM. This was the result of an increase in paste temperature during mixing. In the case of impression materials mixed with the AM, the gel strength and the surface depression at the gel fracture increased significantly, in accordance with Fisher's protected least significant difference (PLSD) analysis. This phenomenon is caused by a decrease of air bubbles in the set material.

Air↗
PubMed2002

Effect of photo-irradiation on hardness of soft lining materials for denture base.

Nine photo-activated acrylic-type (EPL) soft lining materials were produced experimentally to examine their durability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of photo-irradiation on the hardness of experimental soft lining materials. The hardness (Hex) of the nine EPLs was increased 4.3-170.1% by exposing them to light. The effect of irradiation on the Hex of the EPLs was remarkable when the material contained much ethylmethacrylate, together with smaller amounts of di-n-butyl phthalate. Moreover, the Hex tended to increase for EPLs in which the liquid portion contained less di-n-butyl phthalate or more ethanol (Et). The weight change ratio (Wc) was greater for EPL specimens containing less Et. The Wcs ranged from 0.118 to 0.661% after 8 weeks. These results showed that the Hexs of six of the EPLs were approximately equal to those of four commercially available soft lining materials, and these six EPLs may have properties favouring their use in clinical dentistry.

Absorption↗
PubMed2002

Effect of ethanol on the hardness and relaxation modulus of experimental photo-activated soft lining materials stored in aqueous solutions.

We studied changes in the hardness, relaxation modulus [Er(t)], and weight change ratio (Wc) of experimental photo-activated acrylic soft lining materials (EPLs) stored in three aqueous solutions [distilled water (DW), physiological saline solution (PS), and artificial saliva (AS)] at 37 degrees C for 8 weeks. The hardness of the EPLs increased markedly during the first 4 days of storage, and subsequently changed little. The greatest hardness occurred in the EPL specimen containing the largest amount of ethanol (Et). The relaxation modulus [Er(8)] of the EPLs ranged from 1.35 to 1.66 MPa immediately before storage, and from 1.43 to 2.21 MPa after an 8-week immersion. Like hardness, the increase in [Er(t)] was greatest when the EPL contained large amounts of Et. The Wc ranged from 0.118 to 0.661% after storage for 8 weeks, and increased most for the EPL specimen containing the smallest amount of Et. Furthermore, 3-7 days after the start of immersion many hollows were observed in the surface of specimens with a high Et content. The results indicate that Wc and hollow formation are sensitive to the Et content of the EPL, and that Et content is closely tied to the change in hardness and relaxation modulus with time.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2002

Dynamic viscoelastic properties of commercial glass-fibre reinforced resin used for crowns and bridges.

In order to investigate the thermal stability, the physical and mechanical, and dynamic viscoelastic properties of glass-fibre reinforced composite materials were measured. The G' of the seven materials examined was within 5;20 +/- 14; 55 and 4;50-14; 35 GPa for dry and wet specimens in air at 37 degrees C, respectively, and decreased with increasing temperature. The G' values of dry specimens decreased by 7;74-15;4% when heated to 60 degrees C. The value of tan delta ranged from 0;0102 to 0;0295 and from 0.0181 to 0.0406 for dry and wet specimens in air at 37 degrees C, respectively. The coefficient of linear thermal expansion between 30 and 60 degrees C ranged from 0;557 to 3; 95 x 10-5/ degrees C. Moreover, the filler content ranged from 56; 36 to 88; 87 wt%. These results showed that the magnitudes of G', tan delta, and the coefficient of linear thermal expansion and water absorption depend on the inorganic filler or glass-fibre content; i.e. the amount of resin matrix. Moreover, for all the materials examined, the G' values were thermostable in the temperature range encountered in the oral cavity.

Absorption↗
PubMed2002

Chondroblastoma: a study of 11 cases.

AIM: Chondroblastoma is an infrequent and unique neoplasm that is histologically characterized by chondroblastoma cells, osteoclast-like giant cells and sometimes reactive osteoid. Although it is generally regarded as benign, it may recur and sporadically metastasize to the lung. Many important questions concerning the prognostic factors and adequate surgical treatment of chondroblastoma have not been fully answered and remain controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine clinicopathological features useful in prediction of the tumour behaviours. METHODS: Eleven chondroblastoma cases were reviwed clinicopathologically. According to Enneking's radiographic grading system, seven cases were classified as stage I, three cases as stage II and one case was classified as stage III. RESULTS: Nine cases had initially been treated with simple curettage, one had aggressive curettage applied as a primary surgery and one underwent amputation. Among the nine simple curettage cases, one recurred and was reoperated with aggressive curettage. Adjuvant treatment (alcohol and/or cement) was applied in the two aggressive curettage cases; none demonstrated further tumour recurrence. All lesions were curettaged, and one case recurred. The rate of proliferating-cell nuclear antigen expression was significantly higher in the recurrent case. CONCLUSION: The recurrent case seemed to have a high growth activity. Simple curettage was effective for local control during the initial treatment in most cases, but aggressive curettage and adjuvant treatment with alcohol and/or cement was useful for local control in recurrent chondroblastoma and chondroblastoma presenting with an aggressive behaviour.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Simultaneous onset of haemorrhagic and ischaemic strokes in a haemodialysis patient.

Primary brain haemorrhage and infarction only very rarely occur simultaneously. A patient with end stage renal disease from diabetic nephropathy suddenly had motor aphasia and horizontal nystagmus soon after finishing haemodialysis. Neuroradiological studies showed a haematoma on the right side of the pons and an infarct in the left frontal lobe with occlusion of the left internal carotid artery. Specific conditions of the haemodialysis--including anticoagulant use, relative hypovolaemia and hypertension just before haemodialysis, and an abrupt decrease in blood pressure during haemodialysis--seemed to be the major reason for the simultaneous onset of dual strokes.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Significance of platelet-reactive antibody screening for patients facing frequent platelet transfusions.

It is not clear whether platelet-reactive antibody screening is clinically significant for patients facing frequent platelet transfusions. On the basis of data from 96 patients who had been examined for platelet-reactive antibodies by the mixed passive hemagglutination method for a variety of reasons, we investigated the following three issues retrospectively: (1) the relationship between platelet-reactive antibodies and the occurrence of problems in platelet transfusions, such as refractoriness or nonhemolytic reactions; (2) the influence of a history of transfusion on the production of those antibodies; and (3) the effect of screening for those antibodies on the prompt administration of appropriate platelet components. More than half of the platelet transfusion-related problems were associated with platelet-reactive antibodies. For patients with a history of transfusion, the mean period before a clinical problem occurred with platelet transfusions was 9 days,compared with 66 days for those without such a history. Accordingly, during the period, patients with a history of transfusions received fewer units of platelets and had fewer donor exposures than did patients without such a history. On the other hand, most patients who had been screened in advance for those antibodies received appropriate platelet components without delay, whereas an average of 10 days was needed before those who had not been screened received compatible platelets. The patients who had not been screened were transfused with 68 units of random platelets on average during the period. When frequent platelet transfusions are anticipated, especially for patients with a history of transfusion, screening for platelet-reactive antibodies beforehand would be helpful for prompt administration of appropriate platelets, although problems, such as the cost of those platelets and the burden on donors, remain to be resolved.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

The role of substance P release in the lung with esophageal acid.

To investigate whether tachykinins are released in the airways by stimulating the esophagus, airway plasma extravasation induced by intraesophageal hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the presence or absence of the neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitor phosphoramidon and the neurokinin-1-receptor antagonist FK888 was studied in anesthetized guinea pigs. Airway plasma extravasation also was studied in the presence of the NEP inhibitor in guinea pigs pretreated with capsaicin or bilateral vagotomy. Propranolol and atropine were used in all animals to block adrenergic and cholinergic nerve effects. Airway plasma leakage was evaluated by measuring extravasated Evans blue dye. One normal HCl infusion into the esophagus significantly increased plasma extravasation in the trachea. Phosphoramidon significantly potentiated plasma extravasation induced by HCl infusion into the esophagus in the trachea and main bronchi, and FK888 significantly inhibited extravasation in a dose-related manner. In capsaicin-treated animals, airway plasma extravasation was completely inhibited even in the presence of phosphoramidon. Tracheal plasma extravasation potentiated by phosphoramidon was significantly inhibited in the bilaterally vagotomized animals. These results suggest that locally acting substances are released by intraesophageal HCl stimulation that cause airway plasma extravasation. These substances are generated through activation of neural pathways, including some that traffic through the vagus nerves that link the esophagus or airways.

Animals↗