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Biomedical subjects

K Inoue

Publications and source records attributed to K Inoue.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Clinical features of gastric cancer discovered after successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori: results from a 9-year prospective follow-up study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Eradication of Helicobacter pylori is expected to prevent the development of gastric cancer. However, gastric cancer is sometimes discovered after successful eradication of H. pylori. AIM: To conduct a prospective study to determine the clinical features of patients who underwent successful eradication and were later diagnosed with gastric cancer. METHODS: A total of 1787 patients (1299 males and 488 females; mean age, 58.2 years; range: 15-84) who underwent successful eradication therapy between April 1994 and March 2001 were our study subjects. RESULTS: Gastric cancer occurred at a rate of 1.1% (20 of 1787) during the follow-up period. Gastric cancer comprises six of 105 (5.7%) with early gastric cancer after endoscopic resection, 12 of 575 (2.1%) with gastric ulcer and two of 453 (0.4%) with atrophic gastritis. Gastric cancer did not develop in any patient with duodenal ulcer. All patients with gastric cancer had baseline severe atrophic gastritis in the corpus. CONCLUSION: Careful endoscopic examination is necessary even after successful eradication of H. pylori in patients with early gastric cancer or gastric ulcer with severe mucosal atrophy in the corpus.

Adolescent↗

Tibial nerve SEPs localized the lesion site in a patient with early tabes dorsalis.

There is controversy regarding the initial pathology of tabes dorsalis. In a patient with early tabes dorsalis, tibial nerve somatosensory evoked potentials elicited normal P15, a delayed traveling peak in the lumbar bipolar leads, and absent subsequent components. Based on the comparison with normative data and stimulation at different intensities, the authors conclude that only the slower conducting antidromic motor volleys are preserved, whereas the dorsal root is damaged at its distal end.

Adult↗

Self-energy correction to momentum-density distribution of positron-electron pairs.

Positron two-dimensional angular correlation of annihilation radiation (2D ACAR), i.e., the 2D projection of the electron momentum densities sampled by positron, in Si is employed to verify the prediction of the density functional theory within the local-density approximation (LDA). Carefully conducted test shows that the LDA introduces small but definite discrepancies to the 2D-ACAR anisotropies. Self-energy calculation using the GW method indicates that density-fluctuation contributes anisotropic momentum-density correction and thus improves the agreement between theory and experiment. These results provide valuable annotations to the arguments concerning the accuracy and validity of the LDA and GW schemes.

Journal Article↗

Measurement of neutrino oscillation with KamLAND: evidence of spectral distortion.

We present results of a study of neutrino oscillation based on a 766 ton/year exposure of KamLAND to reactor antineutrinos. We observe 258 nu (e) candidate events with energies above 3.4 MeV compared to 365.2+/-23.7 events expected in the absence of neutrino oscillation. Accounting for 17.8+/-7.3 expected background events, the statistical significance for reactor nu (e) disappearance is 99.998%. The observed energy spectrum disagrees with the expected spectral shape in the absence of neutrino oscillation at 99.6% significance and prefers the distortion expected from nu (e) oscillation effects. A two-neutrino oscillation analysis of the KamLAND data gives Deltam(2)=7.9(+0.6)(-0.5)x10(-5) eV(2). A global analysis of data from KamLAND and solar-neutrino experiments yields Deltam(2)=7.9(+0.6)(-0.5)x10(-5) eV(2) and tan((2)theta=0.40(+0.10)(-0.07), the most precise determination to date.

Journal Article↗

Specific heat study of an S = 1/2 alternating Heisenberg chain system: F5PNN in a magnetic field.

We have measured the specific heat of an S = 1/2 antiferromagnetic alternating Heisenberg chain pentafulorophenyl nitronyl nitroxide in magnetic fields up to H > H(C2). This compound has a field-induced magnetic ordered (FIMO) phase between H(C1) and H(C2). Characteristic behaviors are observed depending on the magnetic field up to above H(C2) outside of the H-T boundary for the FIMO. The temperature and field dependence of the specific heat are qualitatively in good agreement with the theoretical calculation on an S = 1/2 two-leg ladder [Wang et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 5399 (2000)]]. This agreement suggests that the observed behaviors are related with the low-energy excitation in the Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid.

Journal Article↗

Interferon combined with cyclosporine treatment as an effective countermeasure against hepatitis C virus recurrence in liver transplant patients with end-stage hepatitis C virus related disease.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common cause of end-stage liver disease in transplant recipients. Progression of recurrent HCV infection is accelerated. Cyclosporine is not only an immunosuppressive drug, but also an anti-HCV drug. We reported here the beneficial effect of combined interferon and cyclosporine treatment for chronic hepatitis C. We recommend this protocol for established HCV-related graft disease.

Adult↗

The start of an islet transplantation program in Japan.

In Japan, pancreas donation had become possible from cadaveric donor sources, both heart-beating or non-heart-beating (NHB). Pancreas allografts have been distributed in the organ allocation system of the Japan Organ Transplant Network. Meanwhile, islet transplantation has been categorized as a tissue transplantation; it is free from legal restraints. Thus, pancreata for islet isolation must be obtained from NHB donors. Herein we report the starting program and preliminary results of islet transplantation in Japan. Selection and listing criteria for transplantation include regional priority, ABO blood type, previous islet transplant status with insulin independence, and a longer waiting time. Five institutes in Japan (Fukushima, Chiba, Kyoto, Kobe, and Fukuoka) are prepared to start programs. A two-layer cold storage method using perfluorocarbons and UW solution is recommended for pancreas preservation. Islet isolation and purification procedures are performed according to institute-specific protocol. Immunosuppression is based on sirolimus/tacrolimus combined with basiliximab induction. Two or three consecutive infusions of >5000 IE/kg are planned for each recipient until achieving insulin independence. Twenty-seven isolations and 14 transplants were performed in eight non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) recipients. Almost all (26 of 27) were NHB donors. All recipients are free from hypoglycemic episode after transplantation. One of these recipients is insulin independent; the others are currently on minimal doses of exogenous insulin. The feasibility of islet transplantation using NHB donors was confirmed using a two-layer cold storage method and a steroid-free immunosuppressive protocol, with a high rate of graft function.

Aged↗

Blinking and superficial punctate keratopathy in patients with diabetes mellitus.

AIM: To evaluate blinking patterns in patients with diabetes mellitus and whether blinking contributes to the formation of superficial punctate keratopathy in diabetic patients. METHODS: We examined 163 patients with type II diabetes mellitus and 76 without diabetes. Blinks were recorded, analysed using six parameters, and compared between patients with and without diabetes. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess the influence of other ocular factors, such as status of tear lipid layer, tear breakup time, corneal sensitivity, the result of cotton thread test, or blinking rate related to superficial punctate keratopathy. RESULTS: In patients with diabetes, the average mean and maximum interblinking times were longer, the average coefficient of variation of interblinking time was higher, and the average blinking rates were lower than those in patients without diabetes. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the status of tear lipid layer and tear breakup time were significantly relevant to superficial punctate keratopathy (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Interblinking time was longer in diabetic patients, resulting in a decreased blinking rate. The prevalence of superficial punctate keratopathy cannot be predicted from blinking patterns in patients with diabetes.

Aged↗

Effect of light intensity on linear shrinkage of photo-activated composite resins during setting.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of light intensity on linear shrinkage of photo-activated composite resins during setting. The materials used were four commercially available photo-activated composite resins. Three light-irradiation instruments were selected and prepared so as to obtain four light intensities (200, 480, 800 and 1600 mW cm(-2)). The linear shrinkage during setting was examined 10 min after light irradiation using a trial balance plastometer, and the specimen thickness was 2.0 mm for all materials. The depth of cure was examined according to the test method described in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO/FDIS 4049: 2000(E)). In measuring the linear shrinkage 60 s from the start of light irradiation for 10 s, there was a significant correlation (r = 0.89-0.94) between the amount of linear shrinkage and the light intensity: an increase in light intensity produced a greater linear shrinkage. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation (r = 0.92-1.0) between the linear shrinkage and the irradiation time: an increase in irradiation time resulted in a greater linear shrinkage. Values of the depth of cure ranged from 1.69 to 3.75 mm.

Composite Resins↗

Oxidized LDL/beta2-glycoprotein I complexes: new aspects in atherosclerosis.

beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2GPI) is a major antigenic target for antiphospholipid antibodies. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is the principal lipoprotein found in atherosclerotic lesions, and it colocalizes with beta2GPI and immunoreactive lymphocytes. oxLDL/beta2GPI complexes appeared in the blood circulation of patients with diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), systemic sclerosis, diabetes mellitus and chronic renal diseases. Thus, the complexes may be associated with systemic and chronic inflammation of the vasculature. IgG anti-oxLDL/beta2GPI complexes autoantibodies and their immune complexes were detected only in SLE/APS patients and in its animal model and were strongly associated with arterial thrombosis. The oxLDL/beta2GPI complexes were internalized by macrophages via IgG anti-beta2GPI antibody-mediated phagocytosis. In contrast, IgM anti-oxLDL antibodies derived from hyperlipidemic mice reduced the incidence of atherosclerosis. The distribution patterns of IgG and IgM anti-oxLDL antibodies in patients suggest the different roles of these antibodies.

Anticoagulants↗

Multistep differentiation of GH-producing cells from their immature cells.

In order to study GH cell differentiation, we used the clonal cell lines called MtT/E and MtT/S cells, which were derived from a rat mammotrophic pituitary tumor. Although MtT/E cells are non-hormone-producing ones, Pit-1 protein is present in their nuclei, which suggests that MtT/E cells are progenitor cells of the Pit-1 cell lineage and have the potential to differentiate into hormone-producing cells. On the other hand, MtT/S cells produce GH; however, the responsiveness to GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) is weak and only a small number of secretory granules are present in their cytoplasm, which suggests that MtT/S cells are premature GH cells. In order to differentiate into GH cells from MtT/E cells as a progenitor cell, we examined several differentiation factors and found that retinoic acid (RA) induced the differentiation of MtT/E cells into GH-producing cells. RA-induced GH cells partially matured with the glucocorticoid treatment; however, the responsiveness to GHRH on GH secretion was incomplete. In order to elucidate the mechanism underlying full differentiation of GH cells, we used MtT/S cells. We treated MtT/S cells with glucocorticoid and found that they differentiated into mature GH cells with many secretory granules in their cytoplasm and they responded well to GHRH. These results suggested that MtT/E and MtT/S cells are progenitor or premature GH cells, and show different responses to differentiation factors. Our data also suggested that GH cells differentiate from their progenitor cells through multistep processes.

Animals↗

[Bronchial artery embolization for treatment of mediastinal hemorrhage after pulmonary resection: report of a case].

We report a rare case of mediastinal hemorrhage after pulmonary resection. A 64-year-old woman with hypersensitivity pneumonitis was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma of the lung by bronchoscopical examination. Left lower lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection were performed. Sudden chest pain and dry cough developed 14 days after the operation. Her diastolic pressure rose transiently but electrocardiogram remained normal. Chest X-ray showed widening of the mediastinum and enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) showed extravasation of the contrast media just under the bifurcation of the trachea. Multi projection volume reconstruction revealed mediastinal hemorrhage from the bronchial artery. The chest pain disappeared after a successful bronchial artery embolization and the patient discharged 21 days later. Hemorrhage after pulmonary resection is a common complication, but no previous report has described mediastinal hemorrhage occurring 2 weeks after the operation. In a similar case, bronchial artery embolization is a reliable and minimally invasive therapy for mediastinal hemorrhage.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Breath alcohol concentrations in Japanese outpatients following paclitaxel and docetaxel infusion.

Patients receiving paclitaxel or docetaxel also receive a significant amount of ethanol, as both products contain ethanol as solvent. Patients in our clinics have occasionally exhibited signs of alcohol intoxication immediately after paclitaxel infusion. In 2002, the Japanese government lowered the minimum ethanol concentration for the definition of drunk driving, with the threshold breath alcohol concentration (BRAC) of 0.15 mg/l. The aim of this study was to measure BRAC in Japanese outpatients treated with paclitaxel or docetaxel and to assess intoxication according to this standard. Fifty-two Japanese patients were enrolled from October 2003 to February 2004. Patient characteristics were as follows: male/female, 13/39: median age, 71 (range: 34-78); breast/lung/ovarian cancer 24/16/12; and paclitaxel/docetaxel treatment: 36/16, respectively. The mean total doses of paclitaxel or docetaxel were 178 mg (range: 107-300) and 53 mg (30-100), respectively. Breath samples were measured three times immediately following the infusion of paclitaxel or docetaxel via ethyl alcohol detector and the mean value was recorded. BRAC was detected in 20 patients (56%) with paclitaxel and in none of the docetaxel patients. BRAC was measured again 30 min after the initial measurement in BRAC-detected cases with the patients' permission. In four of six BRAC-remeasured patients, BRAC became undetectable after 30 min. There was no correlation between the total doses of paclitaxel and BRAC or between the infusion rates of paclitaxel and BRAC. In conclusion, clinicians should recognize the potential for alcohol intoxication with paclitaxel administration. Patients should be instructed to avoid driving on the day of paclitaxel administration.

Adult↗

Reduplicated basal lamina of the peritubular capillaries in renal biopsy specimens.

Reduplicated basal lamina of the peritubular capillaries (PTC) is usually found in kidney allografts in association with chronic transplant nephropathy and sometimes in native renal biopsies. In order to assess the incidence of this phenomenon in native renal biopsy specimens, we have carried out a retrospective review of the diagnostic ultrastructural pathology records of 80 consecutive renal biopsies excluding renal allografts and children with clinical signs of heavy proteinuria. Reduplicated basal lamina of the PTC was found in 19 out of the 80 cases (23.8%) with renal diseases. It was frequently seen in lupus nephritis, IgA nephropathy, and membranoproliferative glomerulonephropathy, being the subtypes of mesangial proliferative lesions. In a few cases it was also found in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) associated glomerulonephritis and benign nephrosclerosis renal biopsies. Reduplicated basal lamina of the PTC was strongly associated with glomerular and peritubular inflammation, and tubular necrosis. Peritubular interstitial edema, slight to moderately increased collagen fibrils, many spiraled collagen fibrils (indicative of degeneration), and collagen fibrils drawing from basal lamina were found around the reduplicated basal lamina of the PTC but not in normal basal lamina. These results indicate that in native renal biopsy specimens, reduplication of the basal lamina of the PTC is associated with endothelial cell injury and capillary permeability abnormality.

Adult↗

Birth of mice after in vitro fertilization using C57BL/6 sperm transported within epididymides at refrigerated temperatures.

The transportation of cryopreserved spermatozoa is an economical, efficient, and safe method for the distribution of mouse strains from one facility to another. However, spermatozoa from some strains, including C57BL/6 (B6), are very sensitive to freezing and thawing and frequently fail to fertilize eggs by conventional in vitro fertilization methods at the recipient mouse facility. Since many genetically engineered mice have the B6 genetic background, this sensitivity poses a major obstacle to studies of mouse genetics. We investigated the feasibility of transporting spermatozoa within epididymides under non-freezing conditions. First, we examined the interval that B6 and B6D2F1 (BDF1) spermatozoa retained their ability to fertilize when stored within epididymides at low temperatures (5 degrees C or 7 degrees C). Fertilization rates were >50%, irrespective of the spermatozoa used, when epididymides were stored for 3d at 7 degrees C. B6 spermatozoa, but not BDF1 sperm, had better retention of fertilizing ability at 7 degrees C versus 5 degrees C. We then transported freshly collected B6 and BDF1 epididymides from a sender colony to a recipient colony using a common package delivery service, during which the temperature was maintained at 5 degrees C or 7 degrees C for 2d. Sufficiently high fertilization rates (68.0-77.5%) were obtained for all experimental groups, except for B6 spermatozoa transported at 5 degrees C. These spermatozoa were successfully cryopreserved at the recipient facility and, yielded post-thaw fertilization rates of 27.6-66.4%. When embryos derived from the B6 spermatozoa that were transported at 7 degrees C were transferred into recipient females, 52.7% (38/72) developed to term. In conclusion, transportation of epididymides at refrigerated temperatures is a practical method for the exchange of mouse genetic resources between facilities, especially when these facilities do not specialize in sperm cryopreservation. For the B6 mouse strain, the transportation of epididymides at 7 degrees C rather than 5 degrees C, is recommended.

Animals↗

Differential-phase-shift quantum key distribution experiment with a planar light-wave circuit Mach-Zehnder interferometer.

A differential-phase-shift quantum key distribution experiment was carried out with a planar light-wave circuit (PLC) Mach-Zehnder interferometer. This scheme has two advantages: it requires no polarization control and has a high repetition frequency, provided that a stable interferometer is available. Stable polarization-insensitive operation was achieved with an interferometer fabricated by PLC technology. Raw key creation at a rate of 3076 bits/s with a 5.0% quantum bit-error rate was achieved over 20 km of fiber. The stability of the PLC interferometer was examined.

Journal Article↗