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Biomedical subjects

M Kaji

Publications and source records attributed to M Kaji.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Mortality experience of cockpit crewmembers from Japan Airlines.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term mortality and causes of death among cockpit crewmembers. A total of 2,327 cockpit crewmembers registered at Japan Airlines between August 1, 1952, and December 31, 1988, were traced to assess mortality. Medical records were also reviewed. The mortality rates for the cockpit crewmembers were compared to those for the general Japanese population using standardized mortality ratios (SMR's). As of December 31, 1988, 59 (2.5%) of 2,327 individuals were deceased, and the leading causes of death were accidents, malignant neoplasms, and cardiovascular diseases. The overall mortality rate for the cockpit crew was significantly lower than the national standard (SMR = 0.66, p < 0.001; 95% C.I. 0.50-0.85). However, marked differences were found in cause-specific mortality, where mortality due to accidents was significantly increased (SMR = 2.43, p < 0.001; 95% C.I. 1.63-3.50), while deaths from cancer were similar, and those for cerebral vascular accidents (CVA) and coronary artery disease (CAD) were lower than comparable rates for the general population. We conclude that cockpit crewmembers had a better total mortality experience compared to the general Japanese population, except for deaths due to accidents.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[A case of facial nerve neurinoma originated from cerebellopontine angle].

A 77-year-old man who had been diagnosed as the right peripheral facial palsy ten years ago, slowly developed progressive hearing loss and gait disturbance. He died of pneumonia. The autopsy revealed a tumor (4.7 x 2.6 x 2.6 cm) arising from the facial nerve in the region of the right cerebellopontine (C-P) angle. The tumor was displacing the cochlear and vestibular nerve, but did not extend laterally into the internal auditory meatus. Histological diagnosis of this tumor was neurinoma. Facial nerve neurinomas are relatively rare and most of them appear at the vertical portion of the facial nerve. Facial nerve neurinoma originated from the C-P angle is less frequently reported. The most frequent symptom of this neurinoma is hearing loss. We emphasize that preoperative diagnosis of facial nerve neurinoma in the C-P angle is difficult from neurological symptoms, even with CT scanning.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Short stature with normal growth hormone and elevated IGF-I.

We report on a Japanese girl with short stature, malar hypoplasia, up-slanting palpebral fissures, blue sclerae and thin, stiff and slightly brownish hair. Short stature started in utero and her psychomotor development was normal. Menarche appeared at 13 years 8 months. Height at 14 years 5 months was 132 cm (-4.6 SD). Her growth hormone (GH) sleep pattern and responses to insulin, L-dopa, arginine, propranolol-glucagon and growth hormone-releasing hormone were normal. Plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) was high (2170-4860 units/l) and increased from 4860 to 7080 units/l 20 h after biosynthetic GH injection. Gel infiltration patterns of the free and protein-bound IGF-I in plasma from the patient were not different from the controls; IGF-I fraction of the high and low molecular weight binding protein and the non-protein bound fraction were 75.5%, 15.8% and 8.7%, respectively. IGF-I from the patient showed normal bioactivities when determined by [35S]sulphate and [3H]thymidine uptake into cultured rat chondrocytes, and by [3H]thymidine and [3H]alpha-aminoisobutyric acid uptake into the patient's skin fibroblasts. IGF-I binding to cultured skin fibroblasts from the patient was comparable to that of controls. These results suggest that tissue specific defects of IGF-I receptors may be the cause of increased IGF-I levels in the patient.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Phase 1 clinical tests of influenza MDP-virosome vaccine (KD-5382).

MDP-virosome vaccine, which contains haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) antigens isolated from influenza virus combined with 6-O-(2-tetradecylhexadecanoyl)-N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine) (B30-MDP) and cholesterol was tested, in comparison with a currently used HA vaccine, for immunogenicity and adverse reactions on 77 adult male volunteers. The volunteers were divided into eight groups, and each individual was injected subcutaneously once, or twice at a 4 week interval, in their upper arm with one of seven different MDP-virosome vaccine preparations or with HA vaccine as control. Of the three virus strains used as vaccine antigens, MDP-virosome vaccines induced higher haemagglutination inhibiting (HI) antibody to A/Yamagata/120/86 (H1N1) and A/Fukuoka/C29/86 (H3N2) than did HA vaccine, whereas it induced lower HI antibody to B/Nagasaki/1/87, comparable with that induced by HA vaccine. Regarding local adverse reactions, MDP-virosome vaccinees frequently developed mild local pain, reddening and swelling, which disappeared within 5 days; as regards systemic no adverse reactions, leucocytosis developed among the MDP-virosome vaccines, but no other reactions were observed. The leucocytosis may have been caused by the pharmacoimmunological activity of B30-MDP derivatives.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗
PubMed1992

Various factors associated with the manifestation of influenza-like illness.

A survey enrolling 814 schoolchildren was conducted immediately after a peak epidemic in the 1988-1989 influenza season and then a case-control study for influenza-like illness (ILI) was carried out using information concerning illness onset and usual lifestyle. Based on the analysis of the correlations among symptoms and actions taken due to symptoms, cases were defined as those with fever greater than or equal to 38 degrees C and subsequent absenteeism and medical consultation during peak epidemic; within this, mild-ILI (MILI) was defined as fever greater than or equal to 38 degrees C and less than 39 degrees C, and severe-ILI (SILI) as fever greater than or equal to 39 degrees C. Controls were defined as those with no symptoms (NS) during that period. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were obtained through an unconditional logistic regression model between the MILI (80) or SILI (48) and NS (196) groups from among respondents (803). For MILI, increased risks were observed for easily-inflamed tonsils (OR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.7-5.4); and larger family size (1.9, 1.1-3.4); with decreased risks for higher school grades (0.4, 0.2-0.9); frequent intake of vegetables or fruits other than green/yellow vegetables (0.5, 0.3-1.0); and larger room space per capita (0.4, 0.2-0.9). For SILI, there were increased risks for easily-inflamed tonsils (3.8, 1.8-8.1) and history of doctor-diagnosed asthma (2.9, 1.2-6.7); and decreased risks for higher grades (0.2, 0.1-0.6), frequent intake of milk or dairy products (0.3, 0.1-0.6) and vaccination (0.3, 0.1-0.8).

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed1992

Case report of an insulin-dependent diabetes multiplex family with a pair of identical twins.

The following is a case of a family with a pair of identical twins and a family history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). A 2 year old identical twin was first admitted to our hospital and diagnosed as IDDM based on diabetic ketoacidosis. His father has been treated with insulin since the diagnosis of IDDM at the age of 17. All family members had the HLA-DR4 and DQA1*0301 alleles, which are strongly associated with IDDM. The DR-DQ haplotypes of the father and both twins were DR4-DQW8 (DQB1*0302), which increases susceptibility to IDDM. Islet cell antibodies were positive only in the index twin at the time of diagnosis. The co-twin was considered to have beta-cell dysfunction based on the result of an intravenous glucose tolerance test.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Interrelationship between transforming growth factor-alpha and epidermal growth factor receptor in advanced gastric cancer.

An immunohistochemical study for transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF alpha) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was made with 167 primary tumors of advanced gastric cancer to demonstrate the potential existence of autocrine mechanism. TGF alpha stained positively in 87 (52%), and EGFR in 68 (41%) of the tumors. The authors classified the tumors into the following three groups: group 1 with neither TGF alpha nor EGFR staining positively (63 tumors); group 2 with either TGF alpha or EGFR staining positively (53 tumors); group 3 with both TGF alpha and EGFR staining positively (51 tumors). The incidence rates of macroscopically infiltrative tumors and large tumor measuring 6 cm or more in diameter were significantly higher for group 3 than for groups 1 and 2. The patients of group 3 had the poorest prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of only 12%, while the 5-year survival rates were 45 and 36% for groups 1 and 2. There was a significant difference in survival between the patients of group 1 and those of group 3. Bromodeoxyuridine labeling indices were significantly higher in the tumors belonging to group 3 (median 15.8%) than in those of group 1 (median 10.8%). The results suggest that the autocrine mechanism between TGF alpha and EGFR may play an important role in the progression of gastric cancer, and that when such a mechanism becomes operative, prognosis may be poor.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1992

Individual and environmental characteristics related to influenza-like illness among children: a school-based case-control study.

To investigate individual and environmental characteristics associated with the manifestation of influenza-like illness (ILI), a survey enrolling 509 schoolchildren was conducted after an epidemic peak in the 1988/89 season, and then a case-control study was designed according to the information concerning illness onset and usual life-style. Case series were defined as those with fever greater than or equal to 38 degrees C due to acute respiratory illness, subsequent absenteeism and medical consultation during the epidemic peak; mild-ILI (MILI; fever greater than or equal to 38 degrees C and less than 39 degrees C) and severe-ILI (SILI; fever greater than or equal to 39 degrees C). Control series were defined as those with no symptoms (NS) during the same period. An adjusted odds ratio (OR) was obtained using an unconditional logistic regression model for MILI (55) or SILI (33) and NS (204) groups among respondents (508). For MILI, increased risk was observed for easily inflamed tonsils (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.6-6.4), with decreased risks for higher school grade (0.4, 0.2-0.8) and frequent intake of milk or dairy products (0.5, 0.3-1.0), but no significant association was determined for vaccination (0.6, 0.3-1.2). For SILI, there was an increased risk for easily inflamed tonsils (3.3, 1.4-7.9); and decreased risks for the higher grades (0.1, 0.1-0.3); use of a kerosene or gas heater with indoor exhaust (0.4, 0.2-0.9); and vaccination (0.3, 0.1-0.7). The OR of vaccinees for SILI constantly decreased regardless of grade and easily inflamed tonsils.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1992

[Physiological anthropology in Japan].

In the history of about 100 years of anthropology in Japan, studies of physiological anthropology have made very important contributions from the standpoint of physiological function of mankind. The activity of physiological anthropology in Japan has started systemically November 1978 when the study group was organized under Prof. Keiichi Yoshida as the president and the first meeting was held in February 1979. The study group has developed to Research Society of Physiological Anthropology (President Prof. Keiichi Yosida, October 1982) and then reorganized as Society of Physiological Anthropology (President Prof. Masaro Kaji, Kurume University School of Medicine, April 1987). An increase of members of the Society from 122 in 1982 to 570 in 1991 suggests the prosperity of the study in this field. The Society has two meetings every year since 1979 and the 27th meeting was held last October. The Annals of Physiological Anthropology is published quarterly (will be published bimonthly from 1992) since 1983 and about 300 papers including 116 original articles have been reported. The Annals covers the following fields: Clothing and thermal physiology, Living in normal and abnormal environment, Nutrition and morphology, Sports physiology and medicine, Work physiology, Ergonomics, General physiology and others. In recent progress of science, study in physiological anthropology must respond to various environments in every field of living. The future of physiological anthropology was discussed in the situation of rapidly changing patterns of human life in Japan.

Anthropology, Physical↗
PubMed1992

[PMUE therapy (CDDP, MMC, UFT, etoposide) for advanced gastric cancer--a case report].

CDDP, MMC, UFT and Etoposide (PMUE)-combined therapy was given to a 62-year-old man with advanced gastric carcinoma. PMUE therapy consists of i.v. injection of CDDP 75 mg/m2 and MMC 10 mg/body on day 1, i.v. injection of Etoposide 50 mg/body on days 3, 4 and 5 and consecutive daily administration of UFT 400 mg/body, with 3 weeks as one course. He was admitted for Borrmann type 3 gastric carcinoma with multiple liver metastasis, lymph node metastases and peritoneal dissemination, the underwent total gastrectomy with R2 lymph node dissection. He was treated four times with this therapy after sensitivity test for carcinostatic agents (SDI test), which resulted in complete remission, as confirmed by CT scan and second-look operation. The patient has currently been free of disease, and we conclude that this PMUE therapy is extremely effective for advanced gastric carcinoma.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1992

[Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced breast cancer--doxorubicin versus epirubicin].

Doxorubicin (ADM) and epirubicin (epi-ADM) were tested at a dose of 150mg given intraarterially to 31 patients (ADM 14, epi-ADM 17) with advanced breast cancer. The clinical response rate was 78.6% in ADM (1 CR and 10 PR) and 76.5% in epi-ADM (1 CR and 12 PR). The histological response rate of 57.1% was also obtained in ADM and 56.3% in epi-ADM. No significant differences were evident between the two drugs. As for side effects, hair loss and gastrointestinal disorders were frequently documented low grade and less following administration of epi-ADM as compared to ADM. A more favorable prognosis seems possible with epi-ADM compared with ADM. Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy with epi-ADM appears to be effective for the treatment of advanced breast cancer and is less toxic that ADM.

Alopecia↗
PubMed1992

[Endoscopic Nd-YAG laser treatment of tracheobronchial lesions].

Eight cases treated with Nd-YAG laser via fiberoptic bronchoscopy were studied. Four of them were primary lung cancer, one was tracheal invasion of thyroid cancer and three were postintubation lesions of trachea. In six cases, Nd-YAG laser treatment was effective for enlargement of the airway lumen and improvement of their symptoms. In the cases of advanced lung cancer, not only local findings of the tumor but also clinical stage and possibility of adjuvant therapy must be considered to apply this procedure. In the cases of postintubation tracheal stenosis (except polypoid lesions), T-tube stenting or surgical reconstruction must be followed after laser treatment. Nd-YAG laser treatment can be useful for the tracheobronchial lesions such as primary tracheal tumors, lung cancer, metastatic tumors, postintubation tracheal stenosis and so on if applied precisely.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Changes in the ganglioside composition of human neuroblastoma cells under different growth conditions.

The ganglioside composition of human neuroblastoma cells (LA-N-1 and LA-N-5) was studied in samples obtained from (1) original cells in tissue cultures, (2) tumors grown in nude mice inoculated with original cells and (3) cells in tissue cultures re-established from the mouse tumors. The amounts of "a" pathway gangliosides (GM2, GM1 and GD1a) and those of the "b" pathway (GD3, GD2, GD1b and GT1b) differed according to the culture conditions. The "b" pathway gangliosides were markedly increased in the tumors grown in nude mice. In contrast, the "a" pathway gangliosides were abundant in cultures of both original and re-established cells. We also measured the enzymatic activities of UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine: GM3, N-acetylgalactosaminyl transferase (EC 2.4.1.92) and of CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid: GM3 sialyl transferase (EC 2.4.99.8) in neuroblastoma cells cultured under these conditions. These enzymes are thought to be the key enzymes involved in the synthesis of the "a" and "b" pathway gangliosides. Though there was no significant difference in the activity of N-acetylgalactosaminyl transferase between original cells and tumors in nude mice, re-established cells showed a definitely higher activity (3.5 times higher than in the original cells). On the other hand, tumors grown in nude mice had a markedly higher activity of sialyl transferase than that of original cells or re-established cells. These findings suggest that the culture conditions and/or the type of cell growth play some role in the synthesis and expression of gangliosides in neuroblastoma cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Induction of metallothionein in mouse liver by valproic acid.

Intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) induces metallothionein (MT) in mouse liver. There was a clear-cut dose-dependency and the maximal amount of MT induced by VPA was about 6 times the basal level. The hepatic MT level reached the peak value at 24 h after VPA injection. Neither Cu nor Zn concentrations showed any significant changes after VPA administration in either the whole liver, or in the mitochondrial or supernatant fractions of the liver homogenate. Gel filtration profiles for the supernatant of the liver homogenate of the VPA-treated mice, however, clearly showed that induced MT was chiefly Zn-thionein. Therefore, Zn molecules necessary for the elevated MT levels seem to originate mainly from cytosolic Zn-containing proteins except for MT.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

A stereochemically accurate chemical substance database based on the systematic names of organic compounds. 1. Low molecular weight organic compounds.

A chemical substance database, containing chemical structures generated automatically from their IUPAC systematic names, is described. The structure generation program can convert the names of natural products, peptides, and stereochemically complex names into stereochemically correct connection tables. More than 300,000 commonly encountered compounds are stored in the database and are publicly accessible through the JOIS-F online system, which also offers mass spectral, thermochemical, and other factual databases.

Algorithms↗