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Biomedical subjects

M Mori

Publications and source records attributed to M Mori.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Identification of EGFR mutations in esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that the prognosis for esophageal cancer is worse than for other digestive cancers in spite of multimodality treatment, and there is an urgent need to improve this situation. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, gefitinib, was approved in Japan to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients and several papers have since reported that the successfully treated patients had genetic mutations in EGFR. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the existence of EGFR mutations in esophageal cancer cell lines and primary lesions, and also to explore the possibility of treating esophageal cancer using gefitinib. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen esophageal cancer cell lines were cultured and DNA was extracted using an ultracentrifugation method. Fifty cases of primary cancer and corresponding normal tissue samples were obtained and DNA was extracted using the same protocol. Nested PCR and DNA sequencing targeting exons 18, 19, 20 and 21 of EGFR were performed to investigate the presence of mutations in esophageal cancer cell lines and primary tumors. RESULTS: Three of the 19 cell lines had the same silent mutation at nucleotide 2607, a G-to-A substitution in exon 20. One of the 50 patients had an EGFR mutation in codon 719, resulting in an amino acid substitution from glycine to aspartic acid. CONCLUSION: EGFR mutations in esophageal carcinoma are rare but do exist, and thus gefitinib could be included in esophageal cancer treatment regimens by selecting those patients who possess such mutations.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2006

Urinary retention can be the sole initial manifestation of acute myelitis.

Urinary retention is a frequent feature in patients with acute myelitis (AM). We here describe the result of a survey of 32 consecutive AM patients as to what extent of AM patients initially present with micturition disturbance. Among those, 3 patients (9%) were shown to have urinary retention as the initial sole manifestation, which was followed by dysesthesia of foot in 3 and leg weakness in 1; and the average interval between micturition disturbance and these second-appearing symptoms/signs was 11 days (8-15 days). Although initial presentation of urinary retention was not common, occurring in only 9% of all the AM patients, clinically it has relevance because patients who suffer urinary retention but have no obvious neurological symptoms may first see general physicians or urologists. In those patients, when obstructive disease has been excluded, AM should be considered.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

Multi-layered network structure of amino acid (AA) metabolism characterized by each essential AA-deficient condition.

The concentrations of free amino acids in plasma change coordinately and their profiles show distinctive features in various physiological conditions; however, their behavior can not always be explained by the conventional flow-based metabolic pathway network. In this study, we have revealed the interrelatedness of the plasma amino acids and inferred their network structure with threshold-test analysis and multilevel-digraph analysis methods using the plasma samples of rats which are fed diet deficient in single essential amino acid. In the inferred network, we could draw some interesting interrelations between plasma amino acids as follows: 1) Lysine is located at the top control level and has effects on almost all of the other plasma amino acids. 2) Threonine plays a role in a hub in the network, which has direct links to the most number of other amino acids. 3) Threonine and methionine are interrelated to each other and form a loop structure.

Amino Acids, Essential↗
PubMed2006

CEACAM6 gene expression in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological and biological significance of human carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) gene expression in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. CEACAM6 is reported to be involved in human malignancies. However, in cholangiocarcinoma expression of CEACAM6 and its clinicopathological significance have not been investigated. CEACAM6 expression status was determined and analysed with respect to various clinicopathological parameters in 23 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas. Additionally, we investigated effects of CEACAM6 gene in the cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. CEACAM6 gene expression in cancer tissues was higher than in noncancerous tissues in 16 of the 23 cases; however, it was not statistically significant. The tumours with elevated CEACAM6 expression showed a tendency to be associated with lymphatic invasion and stage of the disease. Interestingly, patients with high CEACAM6 expression showed a significantly poorer disease-free survival rate than those with low CEACAM6 expression. We demonstrated that CEACAM6-transfected cells were more proliferative, more invasive and more chemoresistant to gemcitabine compared to mock-transfected cells. Furthermore, CEACAM6 gene silencing by CEACAM6-specific siRNA resulted in higher chemosensitivity to gemcitabine. CEACAM6 is a potential prognostic indicator and potential chemoresistant marker to gemcitabine for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed2006

Preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization reduces long-term survival rate after hepatic resection for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIMS: To study the effect of preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) on long-term survival after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we conducted a comparative analysis in 235 HCC patients who underwent hepatic resection with a curative intent. METHODS: We compared clinicopathologic background, mortality, and survival rates after hepatic resection between those who underwent preoperative TACE (n=109) and those who did not (n=126). RESULTS: One hundred and two patients in the TACE group (93.6%) received TACE only once. The mean interval between TACE and hepatic resection was 33.1days. Patients in the TACE group were younger than those in the non-TACE group, and liver cirrhosis and non-anatomical hepatic resection were more prevalent in this group. The 5-year overall survival rate after hepatic resection was significantly lower in the TACE group (28.6%) than in the non-TACE group (50.6%), especially in patients without cirrhosis or with stage I or II tumor. There was no difference between the two groups in mortality or disease-free survival after hepatic resection. Multivariate analysis showed preoperative TACE, preoperative aspartate aminotransferase elevation, and microscopic portal invasion to be independent risk factors for a poor outcome after hepatic resection. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative TACE should be avoided for patients with resectable HCC, especially for those without cirrhosis or with an early stage tumor.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Cardiovascular events following renal transplantation: role of traditional and transplant-specific risk factors.

Cardiovascular mortality is increased in transplant recipients. However, studies including non-fatal events are critical to assess the burden of disease and to identify novel risk factors. We described the incidence of fatal and non-fatal events, and explored associations and interactions among traditional and transplant-specific risk factors and cardiovascular events (CVE) in a cohort of 922 patients transplanted between 1993 and 1998. One hundred and seventy-six patients experienced 201 CVE (111 cardiac, 48 cerebrovascular, 42 peripheral-vascular). Most CVE were non-fatal. Factors associated with cardiac events were (adjusted hazard ratios) tobacco (3.53; P<0.001), obesity (2.92; P<0.001), diabetes (2.63; P<0.001), multiple rejections (2.19; P=0.008), prior CVE (2.0; P=0.004), dialysis >1 year (1.91; P=0.007), and overweight status (1.68; P=0.04); with cerebrovascular events: diabetes and peritoneal dialysis (11.95; P<0.001), age >45 (6.77; P<0.001), diabetes (4.87; P<0.001), prior CVE (3.73; P<0.001), creatinine >141 micromol/l (3.16; P=0.001), peritoneal dialysis (3.06; P=0.027), and obesity (0.32; P=0.046); with peripheral-vascular events: diabetes (8.48; P<0.001), tobacco and cytomegalovirus (3.88; P<0.001), age >45 (2.31; P=0.019), and prior CVE (2.25; P=0.016); with mortality: tobacco and deceased-donor (3.52; P<0.001), age >45 (1.81; P=0.002), diabetes (1.76; P=0.002), pulse pressure (1.64; P=0.029), prior CVE (1.52; P=0.04), and dialysis >1 year (1.47; P=0.04). The majority of CVE post-transplant were non-fatal. Previous CVE was strongly associated with CVE post-transplant. Interactions among transplant-specific and traditional risks impacted significantly the incidence of CVE. Modifiable factors such as duration of dialysis, deceased-donor transplantation, and acute rejection should be viewed as cardiovascular risks.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Reduced tau expression in gastric cancer can identify candidates for successful Paclitaxel treatment.

A recent study disclosed that breast cancer cases with low 'tau' expression can predict susceptibility to Paclitaxel administration. In the current study, the clinical significance of tau expression in gastric cancer cases was established by identifying candidates with Paclitaxel administration. Tissue specimens from 20 cases of in-operable or noncuratively resected gastric cancer were examined. Subsequent to the administration of 80 mg m(-2) of Paclitaxel in six 3-h intravenous infusions, the clinical effectiveness of Paclitaxel was evaluated by the size of metastatic lesions with computed tomography. The status of the tau expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Based on a previously reported classification scheme, six were classified as tau-negative expression (0, 1+) cases and 14 were classified as tau-positive expression (2+, 3+) cases. All six (100%) cases of tau-negative expression showed a favourable response (partial response or minor response) to Paclitaxel administration. However, 12 (86%) of the 14 cases of tau-positive expression showed progressive disease (n = 11) or no change (n = 1) after Paclitaxel administration. The serum carcinoembryonic antigen values of the six cases of tau-negative expression were markedly decreased in comparison to the 14 tau-positive cases. These data indicate that tau-negative expression can be used to select gastric cancer patients, which will favourably respond to Paclitaxel treatment.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2006

A new technique for endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer using an external grasping forceps.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) has improved the success rate of en-bloc resection. We report here on a new technique using an external grasping forceps. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 25 patients with suitable EGCs over 10 mm in diameter located in the gastric body were enrolled. After submucosal injection followed by circumcision of the lesion with a needle-knife, an external grasping forceps was introduced with the help of a second grasping forceps and anchored at the distal margin of the lesion. With gentle oral traction applied with this forceps, the lesion was dissected endoscopically in retroversion from the aboral side. RESULTS: The mean lesion size was 15.0 mm (range 10 - 25 mm). Using the technique described, all lesions could be resected en bloc with free margins. The mean procedure time was 45 min (range 30 - 80 minutes). No significant bleeding requiring blood transfusion or perforation occurred. CONCLUSIONS: This technical modification may simplify and shorten the gastric ESD procedure, except for lesions in distal locations, without compromising the efficacy.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2006

Endothelial expression of Fc gamma receptor IIb in the full-term human placenta.

In the third trimester, human placental endothelial cells express Fc gamma receptor IIb (FcgammaRIIb). This expression is unique because FcgammaRIIb is generally expressed on immune cells and is typically undetectable in adult endothelial cells. Recently, we found a novel FcgammaRIIb-defined, IgG-containing organelle in placental endothelial cells; this organelle may be a key structure for the transcytosis of IgG across the endothelial layer. In this study, we verify the expression of FcgammaRIIb in endothelial placenta cells and use reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing analyses to define the expressed FCGR2B mRNA transcript variant. We also investigated the distribution of FCGR2B mRNA and protein within the vascular tree of the full-term human placenta by RT-PCR and quantitative microscopy. The mRNA sequence of FCGR2B expressed specifically in placental endothelial cells is that of transcript variant 2. FcgammaRIIb expression and synthesis occur throughout the placental vascular tree but do not extend into the umbilical cord. This study provides additional information on FcgammaRIIb expression in the human placenta.

Endothelial Cells↗
PubMed2006

Inducible virus-mediated expression of a foreign protein in suspension-cultured plant cells.

Although suspension-cultured plant cells have many potential merits as sources of useful proteins, the lack of an efficient expression system has prevented using this approach. In this study, we established an inducible tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) infection system in tobacco BY-2 suspension-cultured cells to inducibly and efficiently produce a foreign protein. In this system, a modified ToMV encoding a foreign protein as replacement of the coat protein is expressed from stably transformed cDNA under the control of an estrogen-inducible promoter in transgenic BY-2 cells. Estrogen added to the culture activates an estrogen-inducible transactivator expressed constitutively from the transgene and induces transcription and replication of viral RNA. In our experiments, accumulation of viral RNA and expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) encoded in the virus were observed within 24 h after induction. The amount of GFP reached approximately 10% of total soluble protein 4 d after induction. In contrast, neither viral RNA nor GFP were detected in uninduced cells. The inducible virus infection system established here should be utilized not only for the expression of foreign proteins, but also for investigations into the viral replication process in cultured plant cells.

Capsid Proteins↗
PubMed2006

Estimation of photon dose generated by a short pulse high power laser.

The authors obtain a new equation to estimate the forward component of a photon dose generated through the interaction between a target and a short pulse high power laser. As the equation is quite simple, it is useful for calculating the photon dose. The equation shows that the photon dose is proportional to the electron temperature in the range>3 MeV and proportional to the square of the electron temperature in the range<3 MeV. The dose estimated with this method is roughly consistent with the result of Monte Carlo simulation. With some assumptions and corrections, it can reproduce experimental results obtained and the dose result calculated at other laboratories.

Electrons↗
PubMed2006

Clinical impact of interstitial pneumonia following surgery for lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Operative morbidity in patients with lung cancer associated with perioperative interstitial pneumonia (IP) has emerged as a serious problem. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied the clinical impact of perioperative related IP in 11 patients (IP group: 7 preoperative known, 4 acute onset) of 473 lung cancer patients who received a pulmonary resection. The IP group was compared to the remaining 462 patients (non-IP group). Demographic data, clinical presentation, and serum KL-6 levels were compared. RESULTS: There were no differences in age, gender, type of surgery, and pulmonary function except for % DLco between the non-IP and IP groups. The IP group showed a higher in-hospital mortality (n=2: 18.3%) than that of the non-IP group (n=3: 0.6%) (P<0.005). Seven patients with underlying IP with high KL-6 levels showed an uneventful recovery. Two patients with postoperative onset of acute IP had a fatal course associated with elevation of serum KL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative development IP is a serious complication with high mortality, and serial measurement of KL-6 levels is useful to assess the activity of IP.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancers and large flat adenomas.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a new diagnostic and treatment technique for early gastric cancer (EGC). The present study aims to identify the technical feasibility, operation time, and complications associated with ESD. METHODS: We reviewed the patients who underwent ESD for EGCs at Maebashi Red Cross Hospital. RESULTS: There were 160 patients with 171 EGCs treated by ESD. The mean age was 71.4 +/- 8.9 years (median 72). The rate for one-piece resection with tumor-free margins was 94.2 % (161/171), and was 93.2 % (82/88) for large lesions (> 20 mm) and 92.1 % (35/38) for ulcerative lesions. The median operation time was 80 min (range 10-600 min). Evidence of immediate bleeding was found in 2.9 % (5/171), delayed bleeding was seen in 7.6 % (13/171), and perforation was observed in 3.5 % (6/171) of the lesions. All patients with complications, including perforation, were successfully treated endoscopically. There were no local or distant metastases in the lesions which met our indication criteria for ESD. CONCLUSION: The present study shows the technical feasibility of ESD, which provides the capability of one-piece resection even in large and ulcerative lesions.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2006

Effects of high peak airway pressure on the expression of heat shock protein 70 in rat lungs: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is induced by a wide variety of stresses in addition to hyperthermia. Recent studies have clarified that mechanical stretching and pressure overload can induce HSP70 in some tissues and cells. However, it remains unclear whether HSP70 is induced in stretch-subjected lungs, such as those under mechanical ventilation. This study was designed to investigate the effects of high peak airway pressure (PAP) ventilation on HSP70 expression in intact rat lungs. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to one of three groups: non-ventilated (anesthesia alone) control group; PAP 15 cm H(2)O group (P15); and PAP 30 cm H(2)O group (P30). The rats in the PAP groups were subjected to pressure-controlled assisted ventilation at the appropriate PAP for 30 min. Rats were killed at 12, 24 and 48 h after ventilation or anesthesia alone, and the lungs were removed. The lung tissues were processed for immunohistochemical and Western blotting analyses of HSP70. RESULTS: Following 30 min of pressure-controlled assisted ventilation, HSP70 expression in the P30 group was significantly up-regulated in bronchiolar cells and subepithelial tissues at 12 h, and this up-regulation continued throughout the observation period. In contrast, there were no significant differences between the control and P15 groups, although the expression of HSP70 was higher in the P15 group than in the control group at all time points. CONCLUSIONS: HSP70 was induced by high PAP ventilation, but its specific role and induction mechanism remain unclear. Therefore, further investigations should be encouraged.

Airway Resistance↗
PubMed2006

Pioglitazone increases circulating adiponectin levels and subsequently reduces TNF-alpha levels in Type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Adipocytokines are involved in the development of insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction in diabetic patients. However, the relationship between these factors remains unclear. We observed a chronological change in circulating adipocytokines and blood pressure levels with administration of oral hypoglycaemic agents in Type 2 diabetic (T2DM) subjects. METHODS: Thirty poorly controlled T2DM subjects (aged 60.1 +/- 1.5 years, 11 males and 19 females) were randomized into two groups: voglibose (initial dose 0.6 mg/day, increased to 0.9 mg/day) and pioglitazone (initial dose 15 mg/day, increased to 30 mg/day). RESULTS: Both treatment groups showed a similar improvement in glycaemic control. In pioglitazone-treated patients, circulating adiponectin levels were significantly increased from 4 weeks after the start of treatment, and until the end of the study at 12 weeks. Plasma tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels were significantly decreased only at 12 weeks. In contrast, no significant changes in plasma adiponectin or TNF-alpha levels were observed in voglibose-treated patients. Plasma PAI-1 and leptin levels were not significantly changed at 12 weeks in either treatment group. Pioglitazone significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels at 12 weeks, but voglibose had no effect. CONCLUSION: In summary, pioglitazone caused an immediate increase in circulating adiponectin levels, followed by a reduction of TNF-alpha. The observed increase in circulating adiponectin could be related to decreases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Adiponectin↗