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Biomedical subjects

Koichi Kono

Publications and source records attributed to Koichi Kono.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Lethal acute lung injury and hypoglycemia after subcutaneous administration of monochloroacetic acid.

Hypoglycemia is suspected in the acute lethal toxicity induced by cutaneous exposure to monochloroacetic acid (MCA). Although it has been shown that hepato-renal dysfunction is involved, the mechanism and the target organs that directly affect mortality remain to be determined. We suspected respiratory failure as a main cause of death in some reported cases. We investigated dose-response effects, hypoglycemia, and lung injury in rats exposed to MCA. Serum glucose, blood gases, and parameters of alveolar injury in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analysed 2 and 4 h after subcutaneous administration of MCA (108, 135 or 163 mg/kg). Apparent pulmonary injury and hypoglycemia were not identified 2 h after administration, but lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total cells in BALF were dose-dependently increased; and severe hypoglycemia was identified 4 h after administration. Blood gas analysis showed remarkable alveolar gas dysfunction as exchange in the 163 mg/kg group. Thus, hypoglycemia and lung injury appear to cause death in response to MCA exposure.

Acetates↗
PubMed2006

Structural features of pharmacy function--the analysis using structural equation modeling.

In order to examine the structural features of community pharmacy function and to clarify areas meriting priority in efforts to expand pharmacy functions in the home care field, a questionnaire survey was conducted. Using the distribution of responses regarding the actual conditions entailed in the 16 categories of pharmacy services, factor analysis was carried out. Structural equation modeling was performed and the fitness of the path model constructed to study the interrelatedness of the individual factors extracted by factor analysis was considered. Four factors comprised pharmacy services "dispensing", "supply of goods", "offering home care", and "cooperation in community health and medical programs". The interrelatedness of four pharmacy functions by the result of structural equation modeling indicated the following insights. 1) By strengthening "cooperation in community health and medical programs", it is possible to directly improve the functions of "dispensing", and "offering home care". An improvement in "collecting and utilizing patient information", "providing appropriate instruction", "providing introductions to medical institutions and physicians", and "supplying over-the-counter drugs" can be expected as a result of direct benefits accrued by "cooperation in community health and medical programs". 2) By strengthening "offering home care", it is possible to directly improve "supply of goods". An improvement in "stocking long-term care goods and sanitary goods" can be expected as a result of direct benefits accrued by "offering home care". In conclusion, this study indicated that the areas meriting priority in the expansion and upgrading of pharmacy functions is stronger "cooperation in community health and medical programs".

Community Pharmacy Services↗
PubMed2006

Urinary and serum titanium: assessment as an indicator of exposure to ammonium citratoperoxotitanate (IV) and its influence on renal function.

Ammonium citratoperoxotitanate IV (TAS-FINE) is a water-soluble titanium complex used to synthesize a photocatalytic titanium(IV) oxide film. This study was aimed to investigate the LD50, dose-response, time-course response, and renal toxicity of TAS-FINE using an animal model. Serum titanium (S-Ti) and its 24-h urinary excretion (U-Ti) were determined by inductively coupled plasma-argon emission spectrometry (ICPAES) after a single oral TAS-FINE administration to male Wistar rats. The LD50 of TAS-FINE was 7.97 g/kg body weight in 24 h, and its half-life was 3.78+/-1.28 d for S-Ti and 2.19+/-0.09 d for U-Ti. Although TAS-FINE was not easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, it was distributed into the bloodstream in a dose-dependent manner. Within 24 h, 0.189% of administrated Ti was excreted via urine. It was speculated that TAS-FINE formed conjugates with serum constituents that resulted in nephrotoxicity resulting from an allergic reaction. The observed indices in this study were revealed to be good indicators for TAS-FINE exposure. The analytical method and animal model described in this study will help to further elucidate details about human exposure to TAS-FINE, which in recent times has become an occupational and environmental toxicant of concern.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗
PubMed2006

Survey of strontium in mineral waters sold in Japan: relations of strontium to other minerals and evaluation of mineral water as a possible dietary source of strontium.

The concentrations of strontium, calcium, and magnesium in 33 brands of natural mineral waters commercially available in Japan were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. The geometric mean values were 94.4 microg/L for strontium, 19.1 mg/L for calcium, and 2.82 mg/L for magnesium. Wide confidence intervals of 1.96-4539 microg/L for strontium, 0.865-421 mg/L for calcium, and 0.064-123 mg/L for magnesium were observed. The significant linear relationships among the three elements over a wide distribution range suggest that the synchronized variations of these elements are regulated by the natural ecosystem and not from accidental contamination from human activities or exceptionally high natural sources. Using the results of multiple linear regression analysis, the strontium concentration can be predicted by that of calcium with the appropriate power function. The results of this study suggest that mineral water can be an important nutritional source of strontium. As trace elements imbalance is often found in older patients with chronic renal failure, we propose that close attention of trace elements intake from trendy foods or beverages is necessary to prevent this hidden problem of a rapidly aging society.

Calcium↗
PubMed2006

Urinary yttrium excretion and effects of yttrium chloride on renal function in rats.

Evaluation of yttrium exposure in biological samples has not been fully examined. To evaluate yttrium nephrotoxicity, yttrium chloride was orally administered to male Wistar rats and the urine volume (UV) and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and creatinine excretion (Crt) were measured in 24-h urine samples. The urinary yttrium concentration and excretion rate were determined by inductively coupled plasma-argon emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Large significant decreases of UV (>30%) and Crt (>10%) were observed at yttrium doses of 58.3-116.7 mg per rat, but no significant NAG changes was observed. This response pattern shows that a high yttrium dosage alters glomerular function rather than the proximal convoluted tubules. A urinary yttrium excretion rate of 0.216% and good dose-dependent urinary excretion (r=0.77) were confirmed. These results suggest that urinary yttrium is a suitable indicator of occupational and environmental exposure to this element, an increasingly important health issue because recent technological advances present significant potential risks of exposure to rare earth elements. We propose that the ICP-AES analytical method and animal experimental model described in this study will be a valuable tool for future research on the toxicology of rare earth elements.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗
PubMed2006

[Chemical burn].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Acetates↗
PubMed2005

Monochloroacetic acid inhibits liver gluconeogenesis by inactivating glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.

We previously reported that a lethal dose of monochloroacetate (MCA) causes severe hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis. MCA has been thought to inhibit mitochondrial aconitase; however, the exact effect of MCA on hepatic glucose metabolism is not clear. In this study, we investigated the effects of MCA on liver gluconeogenesis using an isolated perfused rat liver system. Gluconeogenesis from 2.5 mM lactate was inhibited by 1 mM MCA and was completely abolished after 2 h of perfusion. Levels of citric acid cycle intermediates such as citrate, isocitrate, and 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG) were significantly reduced by MCA. The finding that the levels of citrate and 2-OG were similarly reduced (to 31 and 36% of control, respectively) indicates that aconitase was not inhibited by MCA. On the contrary, gluconeogenesis from glycerol, which can be converted to glucose without glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), was not inhibited by MCA. GAPDH was inactivated by MCA in vitro, but enolase, phosphoglycerate mutase, and phosphoglycerate kinase were not inactivated at the same or higher concentrations of MCA. Furthermore, GAPDH activity in the MCA-perfused liver decreased to 33-42% of control and that in the liver of rats exposed to MCA was reduced to 19% of control. We concluded that MCA inactivates GAPDH, and this is the cause of the inhibition of liver gluconeogenesis.

Acetates↗
PubMed2005

[Incidence of disability in housebound elderly people living in a rural community].

This study aimed to explore whether being housebound is a risk factor for disabilities and whether low social communication increases incidence of disability in elderly people. A self-reported questionnaire regarding demographic characteristics was administered to 2,046 community-dwelling elderly people (aged 65 and older) in October 2000, and subjects were followed up until March 2003. All subjects were independent in activities of daily living. In this study, being housebound was defined on frequency of going out, with those who left the house once or less per week being classified as housebound. We further classified the housebound into four groups: I, going out alone is difficult but social communication occurs; II going out alone is difficult and no social communication occurs; III, going out alone is possible but not undertaken often, and some social communication occurs; and IV, going out alone is possible but seldom undertaken and no social communication occurs. In this population, overall prevalence of being housebound was 8.5%, and about half of those who were housebound fit the third classification. At the end of the follow-up period, 12.7% of subjects reported disabilities. The incidence of disability was higher in the housebound compared with the non-housebound. The incidence of disability by age was higher in housebound groups than in the non-housebound in elderly individuals aged under 85, but no significant differences were recognized in those aged over 85. In terms of housebound status, all housebound groups had higher levels of disability than the non-housebound. However, the groups without social communication (H and IV) exhibited higher incidence of disability than those with social communication (I and II). From the results obtained, we conclude that being housebound is a risk factor for disability in elderly individuals aged 65 to 85 years who are living independently, and that lower social communication also represents a risk factor for disability. This study appears to indicate that a frequency of going out of once or less a week is a valid guide for determination of housebound status.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2004

Fatality due to acute fluoride poisoning in the workplace.

We report a case of a 65-year-old worker who suffered a third-degree skin burn to 5% of his total body surface area as a result of being splashed in the face with hydrofluoric acid (HF). He died shortly thereafter without having received adequate first aid. His serum fluoride concentration was markedly increased at 6.38 mg/dl with hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia. We concluded that he died of HF poisoning. In this case he might have managed to avoid death if he had not been working alone and if he had received adequate first aid on the scene as soon as possible. We re-emphasize the need for the immediate initiation of first aid on the scene and the distribution of information on the risks of HF to workers.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2004

Markers of cadmium exposure in workers in a cadmium pigment factory after changes in the exposure conditions.

The objective of this study was to assess changes in concentrations of cadmium in the blood (Cd-B), cadmium in the urine (Cd-U), beta2-microglobulin in the serum (beta2-mG-S) and beta2-microglobulin in the urine (beta2-mG-U) of workers at a cadmium (Cd) pigment factory in Japan in which exposure conditions improved. We evaluated reversibility of these markers in continuously employed workers in relation to changes in exposure levels resulting from improvements in the workplace and the reduced production of Cd. Our study involved both environmental and biological monitoring. Data were collected for four years. We measured the Cd concentration in the air of each work area, using the time-weighted average (TWA). Cd-B and Cd-U were measured in workers as direct indices of Cd exposure. beta2-mG-S and beta2-mG-U were measured as markers of renal tubular function. Exposure levels were high in all work areas, according to the criteria set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Workers' Cd-B and Cd-U concentrations reflected high levels of exposure. Correlation was found between these direct indices and beta2-mG-S concentrations. Since the second year, ambient Cd concentrations decreased and reacted markers have been improved. Our results suggest that Cd-B, Cd-U, beta2-mG-S and beta2-mG-U are appropriate markers for monitoring both the level of Cd exposure and the tubular function of workers. Reversibility of urinary low molecular weight protein was observed in the workers over the four years.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Urinary nickel: measurement of exposure by inductively coupled plasma argon emission spectrometry.

Nickel is a rare earth metal and is widely used in modern industry. Its overexposure in human beings can provoke significant effects including lung, cardiovascular and kidney diseases. As an index of occupational exposure, urine is widely used for the monitoring of nickel concentration because it is a minimally invasive method. Recent studies have used atomic absorption spectrometry to measure nickel concentration. In this study, we introduced novel inductively coupled plasma argon emission spectrometry (ICPAES) which enables us to measure multiple elements simultaneously with smaller volume and with lower detection limits compared to conventional atomic absorption emission spectrometry, and we established the new measuring method by determining the appropriate wavelengths for nickel concentration. Furthermore, using the established new measuring method, we investigated the correlation between a single oral administration of nickel and urine elimination in rats. As a result, different concentrations of nickel standard solutions were measured by ICPAES, and among five specific wavelengths of nickel, 221.647 and 231.604 nm were chosen because they had the highest inclines of both signal to background ratio and emission intensity in simple linear regression analysis. Next, by using healthy human urine samples that had not been exposed to nickel, 231.604 nm was determined to be the most appropriate wavelength because it did not present abnormal intensity due to obstacle wavelength. Male Wistar rats received an oral administration of nickel ranging from 0.025 to 250 mg/kg, which is equivalent to 0.0015 - 15% of LD50, and during the following 24 h, urine samples were collected and the nickel concentration was measured by ICPAES. With a single oral administration of nickel, there was an increase in urine nickel concentration in a dose-dependent manner and the appropriate equation was developed. Acute renal failure was not observed in this dosage of oral nickel administration by analysing NAG, beta2-microglobulin, urine albumin and urine protein. It was concluded that the obtained nickel reference values using ICPAES would be useful for the early diagnosis of nickel intoxication and in the assessment of the exposure to nickel.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed2004

[Individual background factors for "cannot go out alone to distant places" among medium elderly persons living alone in a metropolitan suburb].

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether the statement "cannot go out alone to distant places" should be considered a risk factor for disability among medium elderly persons living alone autonomously in a metropolitan suburban environment, the present cross-sectional study was performed. METHODS: Self-rated mobility levels in elderly persons living alone were surveyed by questionnaire in 1,216 elderly people (209 male, 1007 female) aged 65 to 74 years, living in a metropolitan suburb, who had autonomy and ambulation competence. Two categories were used for evaluation of the self-rated mobility level: the A group were those who were able to go out alone to distant places and the B group were those who were able to do so in the locality, but not to distant places without help (cannot go out alone to distant places). Factors such as everyday lifestyle, self-rated health, and psychological, functional, physical and social items were investigated. RESULTS: Although the frequency of going out was nearly the same between the A and B groups, the B group showed the lower hobby and association activity in social communities. Individual factors such as self-rated health, instrumental activities of daily living (Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology), eyesight, masticatory ability, 1 km continuous walking, pedestrian crossing walking on a green light, and fracture history, medicine intake, cerebrovascular disorder related subjective symptoms, intermittent claudication related subjective symptoms, physical pain, symptoms of depression, daytime sleep, number of meals, and no regular walking and light gymnastic exercises demonstrated significant differences in levels between the A and B groups. The B group had characteristics of lower social activities in social communities, deterioration of physical functions, subjective symptoms of sickness and depression, and a worse self-rated level of health. On stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis, individual frailty-risk factors related to "cannot go out alone to distant places", were "inability to continuously walk a distance of 1 km", "lower masticatory ability", "having depressive symptoms", and "having symptoms of intermittent claudication". CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study show that with autonomous medium elderly persons, those who "cannot go out alone to distant places" have risk factors for a trend toward disability.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2003

Lethal inhalation exposure during maintenance operation of a hydrogen fluoride liquefying tank.

Calcium sulfate adheres to the inside of liquefying pipes during the production of liquefied hydrogen fluoride. It is regularly washed away with water jets every six months. Two days before the operation, the pipes were experimentally washed down with water and the safety of the operation was confirmed with acidic washing fluid (pH 5). A 65-year-old man was severely sprayed on his face just after the start of the operation. He died half an hour later from acute respiratory failure. High serum concentrations of ionized fluoride indicated massive exposure to hydrofluoric acid (HFA). Pathological findings revealed severe bilateral pulmonary congestion and edema. It was hypothesized that calcium sulfate hardened with the water during the experimental washing and caused some blockages in the pipes. Consequently, choking of the pipes caused the HFA to collect and the washing fluid ran back. Weak HFA is not pungent to skin and mucous membranes. Therefore, it was suggested that a low concentration of HFA was inhaled directly into the peripheral respiratory tracts. No risk management against HFA exposure was in place during the operation. It is especially important to take thorough safety measures against inhalation of HFA. It is also essential that there are no stoppages of the pipes before the operation.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Systemic effects and skin injury after experimental dermal exposure to monochloroacetic acid.

There have been many fatal occupational accidents of skin exposure to monochloroacetic acid (MCA). However, there have been no reports of dermatological findings and the lethal consequences have not yet been demonstrated. Therefore, harmful local and systemic effects were investigated after dermal exposure to MCA. A 0.5 mL aliquot of MCA solution (40% w/w) was applied to the abdominal skin of ten 10-week-old male SD rats under anesthesia. The exposure area (25 x 25 mm2) was 1.6% of the total surface area. The dose of MCA per area was 34.1 mg/cm2. Saline was similarly administered to 10 control rats. Histopathological findings after 10 min were observed by light microscopy. Blood samples were collected by exsanguinations from the carotid arteries after 4 h. Skin samples were collected 10 min after the initial exposure. Histological findings showed severe degeneration of collagen bundles in the epidermis and subcutaneous tissues. P(CO2), HCO(3)-, TCO2, BE and glucose levels were decreased in the MCA group. AST, m-AST, ALT, BUN, Cr, NH3, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, RBC, Hb, Hct, total protein and albumin were increased in the MCA group. The burn was determined to be a third-degree burn on the basis of the histopathological findings. The severe toxicity was probably a consequence of the rapid permeability. Biochemical parameters were a consequence of hepatocellular injuries, renal dysfunction, dysglyconeogenesis and dysfunction of ammonia metabolism. MCA reportedly enters the TCA cycle and inhibits aconitase. MCA metabolites also inhibit pyruvate carboxylase in the gluconeogenesis pathway. Therefore, the important serum biochemical abnormalities such as hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis should be monitored to find the acute systemic disorders.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2003

[A case of pseudo-Bartter's syndrome induced by long-term ingestion of furosemide delivered orally through health tea].

A 32-year-old woman with a three-year history of muscle weakness and hypokalemia, was admitted to our hospital because of hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Clinical and laboratory findings were consistent with Bartter's syndrome. Although she denied any ingestion of diuretics substantial quantities of furosemide were detected in her urine. She had been drinking health tea which contained about 90 mg of furosemide per teabag daily for five years. Four years after discontinuation of drinking the tea, the hypokalemia was completely ameliorated, but poor renal concentration ability is still present. We conclude that is a case of pseudo-Bartter's syndrome that was caused by long-term ingestion of the health tea supplemented illegally with furosemide, and suspect that such cases may be observed more frequently than currently thought.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Functional characteristics of pharmacy services related to home care--results from two pharmaceutical association surveys in suburban and old town areas].

In order to investigate the implementation about pharmacy services focusing on home care and to identify differences in functional characteristics in accordance with pharmacy location, questionnaire surveys were conducted on all 75 pharmacies belonging to T-City Pharmaceutical Association in a suburban area and on all 161 belonging to K-Ward Pharmaceutical Association in a central downtown district. Using data, a principal component analysis was performed. The following services were investigated: medication guidance for patients and their families; provision of drug information to patients; management of patients' drug history; dispensing; advice to physicians; inquiries; management of prescriptions for home infusion services; sales of items such as over-the-counter [OTC] drugs [commercially available drugs that do not require a physician's prescription]; display and catalogue sales of nursing items; consultation on home care; holding events such as health education programs; guidance for drug management by home visits; and information exchange with other medical professionals and social workers. The results of these surveys were as follows. (1) The following services were regularly performed in both urban and suburban areas: medication guidance for patients and their families; provision drug information to patients; management of patients' drug history; dispensing; advice to physicians; inquiries; and sales of OTC drugs. (2) The following services were not difficiently regularly performed in both areas: display and catalogue sales of nursing items; consultation on home care; holding events such as health education programs; guidance for drug management by home visits; and information exchange. (3) As to principal component analysis, pharmacy functions were divided into 3 components and the dispensing service strongly influenced the functional characteristics in T-City. Whereas, in K-Ward, pharmacy functions were divided into 4 components and consultation and information exchange were strong influences. (4) Home care-relate pharmacy services were closely associated with information exchange on both areas. This implies that enforcing information exchange among pharmacists and other health practitioners and social welfare practitioners is an essential factor to expand implementation of home-care related pharmacy services.

Community Pharmacy Services↗