Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K Furuse

Publications and source records attributed to K Furuse.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Physicochemical characteristics and flora of diarrhoeal and recovery faeces in children with acute gastro-enteritis in Kenya.

Physiochemical characteristics and flora of diarrhoeal and recovery faeces were investigated in 14 Kenyan children with acute gastro-enteritis. Causative micro-organisms were Shigella, Campylobacter, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, rotavirus and unknown in 6, 2, 1, 2 and 3 patients, respectively. The mean values of the pH of the diarrhoeal specimens were significantly higher than those of the recovery specimens. Large amounts of acetic acid and many other kinds of fatty acids were detected in the recovery specimens, but small amounts and few kinds of fatty acids were detected in the diarrhoeal specimens. Bacterial counts of anaerobic organisms, such as Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Eubacterium, were lower in the diarrhoeal specimens than in the recovery ones. The normal anaerobic intestinal flora is remarkably disturbed in patients with acute gastro-enteritis. This may result in changes in fatty acid contents and in the pH of diarrhoeal faeces.

Bacteria↗

F-specific RNA bacteriophages and sensitive host strains in faeces and wastewater of human and animal origin.

Faeces of humans, pigs, cattle and chickens were investigated for the presence of somatic coliphages, F-specific bacteriophages and Escherichia coli strains sensitive to infection by F-specific phages. Attention was given to the possible effect of age and use of antibiotics on the prevalence of the FRNA phages and sensitive E. coli strains. Somatic coliphages were often detected in high numbers in all types of faeces. In contrast, FRNA phages were rarely detected in faeces from humans and cattle but more often in faeces from pigs and adult chickens. Samples from young chickens (with or without antibiotics) were consistently positive for FRNA phages (up to 3 x 10(6) pfu/g). F-specific RNA phages were found in substantial numbers (greater than 10(3) pfu/ml) in a variety of wastewaters: domestic, hospital, slaughterhouses and occasionally in 'grey water'. Their origin in wastewater was not clear. Strains from faeces usually belonged to serogroups I and IV. These types were also found in wastewater, as were group II and III strains. Serogroup II phages were abundant in wastewater of human origin but rare in faeces. Escherichia coli strains sensitive to infection by F-specific phages were common in faeces (overall 290/1081: 27%). No strains with fully depressed F-pilus synthesis were detected among the sensitive strains. It is concluded that the occurrence of F-specific RNA bacteriophages in water points to sewage pollution rather than faecal pollution; the mechanism of replication of these organisms in wastewater is not understood.

Aging↗

[Clinical effect of recombinant human G-CSF on neutropenia induced by chemotherapy for lung cancer. rG.CSF Cooperation Study Group].

The therapeutic evaluation of rG.CSF has been studied on neutropenic patients receiving lung cancer chemotherapy with focusing the change in the absolute neutrophil counting (ANC) in the patients during chemotherapy and subsequent rG.CSF treatment by daily dosing either at 0.4, 2.0, 5.0 and 10.0 micrograms/kg intravenously or at 2.0 and 5.0 micrograms/kg subcutaneously. The daily rG.CSF dosing for 14 consecutive days was performed on the patients upon completion of the 28-day chemotherapy for lung cancer. As a result, remarkable recovery of ANC was observed in the patients administered at doses of more than 5 and 2.0 micrograms/kg intravenously and subcutaneously, respectively. Additionally, the shortening of the neutropenia (ANC: below 1,000/cmm) was observed in the patients at doses of not less than 2.0 micrograms/kg in both administration routes. In conclusion, rG.CSF treatment demonstrates the completion and/or shortening of the chemotherapy cycle for lung cancer at a subcutaneous dose of 2.0 micrograms/kg and at a intravenous dose of 5.0 micrograms/kg. No adverse drug effects were observed in all patients during the study.

Adult↗

[Current results of chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer].

From 1983 to 1988, two prospective randomized studies were conducted in the treatment of patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The first was a comparison of cisplatin (CDDP) alone vs CDDP plus vindesine (VDS) (CV-1), and the second was the comparison of CDDP plus VDS (CV-2) vs CDDP plus VDS plus mitomycin (MMC) (CVM) vs CDDP plus etoposide alternating with VDS plus MMC (CE/VM). A total of 345 patients entered into these two studies were evaluated. The response rates were 9.3% for CDDP alone, 26.8% for CV-1, 33.3% for CV-2, 42.6% for CVM, and 19.1% for CE/VE. There were significant differences in response rates between CDDP alone and CV-1 (p less than 0.01), and CVM and CE/VM (p less than 0.01). No differences were observed in the durations of response and survival among the five treatment arms. Females responded to chemotherapy better than males, and squamous cell carcinoma responded better than adenocarcinoma. Sex, performance status and stage were significant as prognostic factors in advanced NSCLC patients. Responders to chemotherapy live longer than nonresponders. In conclusion, CVM is considered to be currently best available regimen. No survival benefit has been proved for any treatments for advanced NSCLC. Chemotherapy for NSCLC is still investigational.

Adult↗

Elevated serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptors in small cell lung carcinoma.

The presence of the soluble form of the interleukin-2 receptors (sIL-2R) was evaluated in the serum of 21 patients with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and 37 patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (non-SCLC) by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The sIL-2R level was measured serially in patients with SCLC both during and after therapy. The mean serum level of sIL-2R in patients with SCLC was 3.8 times higher than that of 47 healthy controls and was 1.9 times higher than in 37 patients with non-SCLC. Six patients with SCLC had very high levels of sIL-2R, ranging from five to 52 times the mean level observed in normal controls. Tumor cells in the pleural fluid of the patient with highest levels were positive with monoclonal antibodies to IL-2R (CD25), NKH-1, OKDR, and OKT9. A longitudinal study in this patient showed a good correlation between tumor activity and sIL-2R levels. Also, the sIL-2R levels decreased in patients responding to therapy. These results suggest that some SCLCs secrete sIL-2R and that the serial measurements of the serum sIL-2R levels can be used as a noninvasive tumor marker in this disease.

Biomarkers↗

[Clinical trial of KRN 8601 in patients with neutropenia induced by chemotherapy for lung cancer].

The clinical trial of KRN 8601 was conducted in patients with neutropenia induced by chemotherapy for lung cancer. Thirty-six patients were treated with KRN 8601 subcutaneously for 14 days once daily at the dose of 50 or 100 micrograms/m2, and the effects were compared with the control phase without KRN 8601 treatment. Both the elevation of neutrophil count and shortened period of neutropenia were observed by the administration of KRN 8601. The efficacy rate was 75% (18/24) at 50 micrograms/m2 and 100% (10/10) at 100 micrograms/m2. A side effect observed was fever in one patients, and in 2 patients, abnormal GOT, GPT and LDH elevation were observed in each. We concluded that KRN 8601 was clinically effective and safe at the dose of 50 micrograms/m2 or 100 micrograms/m2 for neutropenia induced by chemotherapy for lung cancer.

Adult↗

[Photodynamic therapy in the early treatment of cancer].

The clinical application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) began in the late 1970's. Hematoporphyrin derivative has been used as a photosensitizer and recently Photofrin II (Dihematoporphyrin ether, DHE) was also developed as a second generation photosensitizer. The argon dye laseris used to excite the photosensitizer, however an eximer dye laser was recently developed as more effective laser. In a multicenter research study project team (7 institutions) on photodynamic therapy organized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, 133 cases of gastric cancer (including 120 cases of early stage cancer), 209 cases of lung cancer (69 cases of early stage cancer), 66 cases of esophageal cancer (22 cases of early stage cancer), 68 cases of bladder cancer (68 cases of early stage cancer), and 86 cases of other organ cancers were treated. In early stage cancer cases 77.3% showed complete remission (CR) but among those the recurrence was 15.7% in lung cancer cases and opposed to 100% CR and 22.2% recurrence in gastric cancer cases, 80% CR and no recurrence in esophageal cancer cases, and 68.6% CR and 58.3% recurrence in bladder cancer cases. Especially in limited lesions less than 1 cm in diameter, the CR was obtained in 100% and the recurrence was recognized in only 1 (2.6%) of 28 lung cancer lesions, 100% CR and no recurrence was obtained in 30 lesions of gastric cancer and also 100% CR with no recurrence was recognized in 16 lesions in bladder cancer. This study suggests that PDT has the potential to cure early stage cancer lesions.

Esophageal Neoplasms↗

[Association of indoor air pollution and passive smoking with lung cancer in Osaka, Japan].

A hospital-based case-control study was conducted at 8 hospitals in Osaka in order to clarify risk factors among non-smoking women. A total of 129 lung cancer cases and 519 controls were investigated. An elevated risk was observed for women who had used wood or straw as cooking fuels at 30 years of age. Maternal smoking in childhood also seemed to raise the risk. No elevated risks were observed for husband smoking and use of heating apparatus so far.

Air Pollution↗

[A randomized controlled study of PSK combined immuno-chemotherapy for adenocarcinoma of the lung. The Advanced Lung Cancer Immuno-chemotherapy Study Group].

In a randomized controlled study of chemotherapy (CDDP 100 mg/m2 day 1, VDS 3 mg/m2 day 1, 8, 15) vs. immuno-chemotherapy combined with PSK 3 g/day for adenocarcinoma of the lung (stage III, IV, p. s. 0, 1, 2), response rate for 169 cases with completed extramural review was 14.2%. As for the response rates for 138 complete cases, the chemotherapy group showed 17.9%, and the immuno-chemotherapy group was 16.9%. MST were 330 days and 331 days, respectively. In stage III cases, the response rates were 11.1% in the chemotherapy group and 37.5% in the immuno-chemotherapy group (p = 0.046). MST were 457 days (65.3 weeks) and 576 days (82.3 weeks), respectively. In terms of survival curve, it was suggested that the immuno-chemotherapy group was superior to the chemotherapy group (logrank test p = 0.075), but in stage IV cases, there was nothing outstanding in the immunochemotherapy group.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Osteosarcoma with prominent epithelioid features.

Osteosarcoma in the metaphysis to epiphysis of the left femur of a 17-year-old male is reported. The lesion appeared osteolytic with sclerotic foci on roentgenographs, accompanied by an extensive tumor shadow in the surrounding soft tissue. While 60% of the tumor was necrotic, histological examination of the remaining viable tissue revealed that it consisted almost entirely of a sheet of epithelioid cells, separated by thin, fibrovascular septa with an alveolar-like pattern, suggestive of metastatic carcinoma. Only a few areas were characterized by malignant osteoid tissue intermingled with the above cells, showing significant positivity for bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase, thus permitting a diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Autopsy findings revealed that the metastatic foci were histologically similar to those of the primary tumor. Electron microscopy revealed poor development of cytoplasmic organelles, supporting possible derivation from an osteoblastic cell lineage at an early stage.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Activation of the cytokine network by muroctasin as a remedy for leukopenia and thrombopenia.

N2-[(N-Acetylmuramoyl)-L-alanyl-D-isoglutaminyl]-N6-stearoyl-L-lysine (MDP-Lys(L18), muroctasin), a derivative of muramyl dipeptide (MDP), is known to promote recovery of peripheral leukocyte and platelet counts by inducing cytokines, especially colony stimulating factor (CSF) in myelosuppression secondary to anticancer therapy. This paper reviews the results of a double-blind comparative study on lung cancer patients, administered either 200 micrograms or 20 micrograms of muroctasin for 6 days post-chemotherapy. It demonstrates the efficacy of muroctasin, at 200 micrograms doses levels only, in promoting early recovery of leukocyte and platelet counts and hence the potential for earlier initiation of chemotherapy cycles. The most common side effect encountered during the study was transient fever.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗

[Application of preoperative chemotherapy to postoperative chemotherapy in malignant bone and soft tissue tumors].

We analyzed the effectiveness of preoperative chemotherapy mainly with radiographic images in 9 patients with osteosarcoma, 5 patients with other malignant bone tumor and 14 patients with malignant soft tissue tumor. Judging from the application of preoperative to postoperative chemotherapy and outcome, its evaluation was useful in osteosarcoma and malignant soft tissue tumors. Changes in radiographic images by preoperative chemotherapy were the same in malignant bone and soft tissue tumors, but the reactivity of the latter was more evident. In malignant bone and soft tissue tumors, the effects of preoperative chemotherapy should be evaluated for the cases with resection of primary tumor. Malignant bone tumors excepting osteosarcoma also should be assessed through further accumulation of many more cases.

Adolescent↗

Intraosseous epidermal cyst of the sacrum. A case report.

An unusual case of intraosseous epidermal cyst is reported. The patient, a 45-year-old Japanese female, had suffered from lumbago and dysuria for about 15 years. X-ray examinations and CT scan revealed an expanded osteolytic tumor without marginal sclerotic change within the sacrum, which anteriorly invaded the surrounding soft tissues at the S2/3 level. At this time, chordoma was suspected, but epidermal cyst with foreign body granuloma was finally diagnosed from biopsy and surgical specimens.

Adult↗

[Cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and vincristine (CAV) in the treatment of small cell lung cancer].

Thirty-nine previously untreated small cell lung cancer patients received cyclophosphamide (CTX) + adriamycin (ADM) + vincristine (VCR) (CAV). The doses initially used were CTX 1,000 mg/body day 1, ADM 50 mg/body day, VCR 1 mg/body day, 8, 15 or 2 mg/body day(group A). Later, CTX 1,000 mg/m2 day, ADM 60 mg/m2 day, VCR 1.4 mg/m2 day were used. All patients had PS 0-3, 24 had limited disease (LD) and 15, extensive disease (ED). The overall response rate and the complete response (CR) rates were 63% (15/24) and 21% (5/24) for LD, and 21% (3/14) and 0% (0/14) for ED, respectively. The median response durations were 22 weeks for LD and 33 weeks for ED. The median CR duration in LD patients was 23 weeks. Twelve LD and 1 ED patient received thoracic radiotherapy (RT) optionally after 2-4 courses of CAV therapy. Eventually, 8 patients achieved CR. The median survival for LD, ED and all cases were 43 weeks, 37 weeks and 41 weeks, respectively. The 1, 2 and 3-year survival rates were 42, 25 and 21% for LD, and 40, 7 and 0% for ED. Three patients were long-term disease-free survivors (greater than 3 years), and these had LD and received RT. There were 3 chemotherapy-related deaths (2 patients with leukopenia + infection, 1 patient with drug-induced pneumonitis). The survival results of CAV therapy in our hospital were comparable with the recent results of chemotherapies available against small cell lung cancer.

Aged↗

[Phase II studies of a single agent and a cis-platinum-based two-drug combination in patients with non-small cell lung cancer].

Phase II studies of single agent and CDDP-based two drug combination were performed in 189 patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer. Six drug regimens were performed: CDDP alone, VDS alone, Epi-ADM alone, CDDP + VDS, CDDP + CPA, CDDP + ADM. The response rates were 15.4% (6/39) with CDDP alone, 8.0% (2/25) with VDS alone, 6.1% (2/33) with Epi-ADM alone, 26.7% (8/30) with CDDP + VDS, 14.3% (4/28) with CDDP + CPA, 17.6% (6/34) with CDDP + ADM and one CR was performed with CDDP + ADM. In patients with no prior chemotherapy, the response rates were 20.0% (6/30), 11.8% (2/17), 12.5% (2/16), 26.7% (8/30), 16.0% (4/25) and 25.0% (3/12), respectively. The median survival times were 25, 27, 23, 33, 25, and 45 weeks, respectively. The efficacy of CDDP in non-small cell lung cancer patients was re-confirmed, and that of CDDP + VDS, CDDP + ADM was suggested. No death due to toxicity occurred and toxicity was generally tolerable.

Aged↗

[Combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy modalities in the treatment of lung cancer].

The aim of combined modality treatment of lung cancer is to improve control of both local and metastatic disease. Retrospective reviews of the combined RT and CT modality in limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) showed an improvement of median survival and long term survival compared with CT alone. Among reports of 7 prospective trials in which patients were randomized so as to receive CT alone or CT with chest irradiation, combined modality treatment significantly increased the CR rate in 3/3, and the overall survival was significantly prolonged in 3/7. Concurrently combined modality treatment has a modest survival benefit in limited stage SCLC. Our phase 2 study combining RT with cisplatin-containing CT showed better improvement of response and survival than CT alone in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Four reports of prospective randomized studies have been performed to determine whether combined RT and combination chemotherapy might be better than RT alone in limited-stage NSCLC. Two of these studies demonstrated a survival and response advantage for the combined modality treatment. However, this approach for NSCLC reported so far has been disappointing, because of relative lack of effectiveness of the present CT.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

[A phase II study of carboplatin in small cell lung cancer].

A phase II clinical trial of carboplatin for small cell lung cancer was conducted in 20 institutions of the National Chest Hospital lung cancer cooperative study group. Carboplatin was administered by three dosing schedule of 300 mg/m2, 400 mg/m2 and 450 mg/m2. Out of 30 patients registered in this trial, 29 patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. Seven patients achieved PR with the response rate of 24.1%. The response rates for 300 mg/m2, for 400 mg/m2 and for 450 mg/m2 were 25.0%, 8.3% and 44.4%, respectively. Thrombocytopenia (less than 7 x 10(4)/mm3) and leukopenia (less than 3,000/mm3) were observed at 25.9% and 17.2% of cases, respectively. Nausea/vomiting was also observed at an incidence of 55.2% with mild degree. No renal and ototoxic damage was observed.

Adult↗

[Combination chemotherapy of CDDP and etoposide in advanced non-small cell carcinoma of the lung].

Twenty-seven patients with advanced and previously untreated non-small cell carcinoma of the lung received combination chemotherapy with CDDP (100 mg/m2 iv on day 1) and etoposide (100 mg/m2 iv on day 2, 4 and 6). Eleven partial responses were observed (response rate of 40.7%), and the median survival of patients was 44.4 weeks. Toxicity was tolerable with moderate myelosuppression. This combination chemotherapy should be recommended for further clinical trials.

Adult↗