Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

N Kawakami

Publications and source records attributed to N Kawakami.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Natural course of experimental scoliosis in pinealectomized chickens.

STUDY DESIGN: Pinealectomy induces experimental scoliosis in chickens. This study analyzed the natural course and characteristics of the scoliosis that developed after pinealectomy. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the natural course of experimental scoliosis after pinealectomy in chickens and determine its similarity to idiopathic scoliosis in humans. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA. Pinealectomy affects the systemic hormonal balance and consistently induces progressive scoliosis in chickens. METHODS: Thirty five chickens were divided into two groups, a pinealectomy group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 10). At the age of 3 days, all chickens in the pinealectomy group underwent surgery. Spinal radiographs of all chickens were taken at 2-week intervals until the age of 16 weeks. RESULTS: There was no alteration of spinal alignment in the control group. Seventeen chickens in the pinealectomy group had scoliosis (17 degrees-85 degrees) that featured a three-dimensional spinal deformity consisting of both lateral curvature and vertebral rotation with rib humps. The scoliosis progressed to become slight, moderate, or severe as the chickens grew older. Pinealectomized chickens showed several other differences from chickens of the normal control group, such as poor weight gain, underdeveloped cockscombs, and late onset of egg laying. CONCLUSIONS: The scoliosis developing in chickens after pinealectomy was similar to human idiopathic scoliosis, and thus seems to be a useful model of idiopathic scoliosis.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1997

Effects of smoking on the incidence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Replication and extension in a Japanese cohort of male employees.

The effects of smoking on the 8-year (1984-1992) incidence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) were investigated in a cohort of 2,312 male employees of an electrical company in Japan. The incidence rate was 2.2/1,000 person-years. After controlling for other known risk factors for NIDDM, a proportional hazards regression analysis indicated that those who were currently smoking 16-25 cigarettes per day had a 3.27 times higher risk of developing NIDDM during the follow-up period than never smokers (p < 0.05); the hazard ratio was similar (3.21) for those who were currently smoking > or = 26 cigarettes per day. Among ever smokers, proportional hazards regression analysis also indicated that younger age at starting smoking was associated with an increased risk of NIDDM (p for trend = 0.09). These findings suggest that number of cigarettes smoked per day is important in the relation between smoking and NIDDM incidence, although the risks did not increase above a given amount of smoking. Starting smoking at a younger age also might be independently associated with an increased risk of NIDDM.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Trends in the incidence rate and risk factors for breast cancer in Japan.

The incidence rate of breast cancer in Japan rose more than two-fold from 1959-60 to 1983-87. To assess to what extent this increase can be explained by changes in the prevalence of four major risk factors of breast cancer (i.e. age at menarche, age at first birth, age at menopause, and parity), we estimated the probability of developing breast cancer based on the joint distribution and relative risks of these four risk factors. The age-specific incidence rate during 1959-60 reported by the Miyagi Prefectural Cancer Registry was used to estimate the baseline hazard rate for women without the four risk factors in the same age group. Assuming that the baseline hazard rate is constant during all periods, we calculated the expected incidence rates during the periods of 1959-60, 1962-64, 1968-71, 1973-77, 1978-81, and 1983-87 for each age group. Large discrepancies were noted between the observed and expected incidence rates during 1983-87 in all age groups. The change in the joint distribution of the four risk factors accounted for less than 40% of the increase observed from 1959-60 to 1983-87, suggesting the effects of other powerful risk factors.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Effects of job strain on helper-inducer (CD4+CD29+) and suppressor-inducer (CD4+CD45RA+) T cells in Japanese blue-collar workers.

BACKGROUND: The effects of job strain on helper-inducer (CD4+CD29+) T cells and suppressor-inducer (CD4+CD45RA+) T cells are not clear. METHODS: The subjects were 65 male blue-collar workers in a chemical plant in Japan. Perceived job stressors were assessed using the Japanese version of Job Content Questionnaire, i.e., job demands, job control, supervisor support and coworker support. Blood samples were taken from these subjects, and number and percentage of total lymphocytes were calculated for total T cells, helper (CD4+) T cells, suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8+) T cells, helper-inducer (CD4+CD29+) T cells and suppressor-inducer (CD4+CD45RA+) T cells using the double-staining fluorescence. RESULTS: Job control significantly and positively correlated with number and percentage of helper-inducer (CD4+CD29+) T cells, after controlling for age, number of cigarettes per day and blood lead concentration (Spearman's partial correlation, p < 0.05), while job demands, supervisor support or coworker support did not (p > 0.05). The job strain index, i.e., the ratio of job demands to job control, significantly and negatively correlated with the percentage of helper-inducer (CD4+CD29+) T cells (p < 0.05). None of the job stress scales significantly correlated with number or percentage of suppressor-inducer (CD4+CD45RA+) T cells (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that higher job strain or lower job control is associated with a decrease in helper-inducer (CD4+CD29+) T cells in Japanese blue-collar workers.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Validation of simplified diet history questionnaire.

Simplified methods to estimate long term nutrient intakes would be needed for not only nutritional epidemiologic studies but also other ones. Based on data of diet history questionnaires (DHQ) which ask frequency and portion size for 169 items from 2,371 participants randomly selected from our cohort study in a rural city of Japan, we simplified the DHQ by eliminating some items using stepwise regression method. To examine the validity of the simplified DHQ (SDHQ), we obtained the SDHQs from 31 volunteers who had finished to complete one-day records once a month during the previous year, we calculated Pearson's correlation coefficient and calorie-adjusted correlation coefficient between the SDHQ and twelve one-day records for each nutrient intake value. Thirty one items were selected for our SDHQ. The mean values of most nutrient intakes from the SDHQ were more than those from twelve one-day records. The correlation coefficients between the SDHQ and twelve one-day records were more than 0.30 except for fat and monounsaturated fat. Calorie adjustment increased in the correlation coefficients for some nutrients. Our results suggest that the SDHQ is a validated and easy-to-use method for assessing long term 17 selected nutrient intakes.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Occupational factors, smoking habits and tobacco withdrawal symptoms among male Japanese employees.

The aim of the study is to know the effects of occupational factors and smoking habits on tobacco withdrawal symptoms among male Japanese employees. A total of 2,862 male employees in a company in Japan completed questionnaires concerning tobacco withdrawal symptoms, occupational factors (occupation, shift work, work stress) and smoking habits. Data from 1,443 male ever-quitters were analyzed. Among male ever-quitters, 67% had ever experienced tobacco withdrawal symptoms. Significantly higher age-adjusted rates of tobacco withdrawal symptoms were found in those who experienced frequent exhaustion after work, current smokers, those who smoked 20 or more cigarettes per day, smoked for 20 years or longer and tried to quit smoking twice or more (p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that younger age, technical/clerical occupation, exhaustion after work, number of cigarettes smoked per day, duration of smoking, currently smoking and number of trials to quit smoking, were significantly associated with tobacco withdrawal symptoms (p < 0.05). It is suggested that younger age, technical/clerical occupation, exhaustion after work, number of cigarettes smoked and duration of smoking are risk factors of tobacco withdrawal symptoms in male Japanese employees.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Effects of work-related stress reduction on depressive symptoms among Japanese blue-collar workers.

OBJECTIVES: The effects of a stress reduction program on Japanese blue-collar workers were investigated using a controlled trial design. METHODS: Two blue-collar worksites that showed higher depression scores (Zung self-rating depression score) were selected for the intervention group, after a survey of a large electric company in 1985. Three blue-collar worksites were selected as a reference group whose workers were matched with the workers of the interventive worksites by mean age, worksite size and mean depression scores. A 1-year stress reduction program was conducted in the intervention group from 1986 to 1987 by worksite supervisors. Effects of the stress reduction program were assessed by comparing the initial depression scores, length of sick leave, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures with those after the follow-up. RESULTS: The depression scores decreased during the follow-up in the intervention group, while the scores were almost the same in the reference group. An analysis of covariance with repeated measurements indicated a statistically significant intervention (group x time interaction) effect after control for gender and age (P = 0.035). Sick leave in the past year decreased in 1988 only in the intervention group; generalized logit analysis with repeated measurements indicated a statistically significant intervention effect after control for gender and age (P = 0.034). No statistically significant intervention effects were observed on systolic and diastolic blood pressures or selected work stressors. CONCLUSIONS: A stress reduction program directed towards worksite supervisors can be used to reduce depressive symptoms and sick leave among Japanese blue-collar workers.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1997

[Transurethral microwave thermotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia].

BACKGROUND: We studied the clinical efficacy of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) using Endotherm UMW system (OLYMPUS). METHODS: TUMT was performed in 28 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Three patients of them were catheterized because of urinary retention. The treatment was performed in a single session for an hour. The urethral surface temperature was set at 39 degrees C, and the coolant flow of the urethral applicator (21 Fr balloon catheter) was set at 30 ml/min, to heat up the broad area of the prostate up to 45 degrees C. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by analyzing subjective responses, using the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) scale (S) and QOL score (L), and objective responses, using peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), average flow rate (Qave), residual urine volume and prostate volume following the treatment. RESULTS: At 24 weeks after the treatment, significant improvement were observed in S score (41%), L score (37%), Qmax (53%) and Qave (62%). Although there was no significant decrease in residual urine and prostate volume. The three patients, with a catheter indwelled because of urinary retention, were all free of the catheter within 4 weeks after the treatment. During and after the treatment, no severe adverse effects, including transient urinary retention needed for indwelling a catheter, was detected. CONCLUSION: A single session of TUMT by Endotherm UMW considered to be safe and useful for symptomatic BPH patients, even who are not indicated for transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P) because of underlying disorders.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Correction of experimental scoliosis by rib resection in the transverse plane.

Experimental scoliosis with the potential for marked progression was treated by rib resection on the concave side of the curve, and the alterations of the rib cage and vertebrae in the transverse plane were investigated. Twenty-four chickens were divided into four equal groups (groups R, P, PR, and C) and pinealectomy was performed at 3 days of age in groups P and PR. In group R, three unilateral ribs were resected at the age of 4 weeks. In group PR, three ribs on the concave side of scoliosis were resected at 4 weeks of age if scoliosis of > 20 degrees developed before the age of 4 weeks. Group C served as a control. Spinal radiographs and computed tomography scans at the apical vertebrae were taken at 20 weeks of age, and spinal deformities were evaluated. Scoliosis developed markedly in groups R and P, whereas it was mild in group PR. The apical vertebrae rotated to the convex side of the curve in all groups, in the same way as it would in human idiopathic scoliosis. In group PR, the Cobb angle and the rotation angle of the apical vertebra were symmetrically suppressed. This study indicated that rib resection might control the progression of scoliosis not only in the frontal plane but also in the axial plane when it was done on the concave side of the scoliosis. Although this experiment succeeded in chickens, application in humans is uncertain.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Accuracy of Calorie Counter method to assess daily energy expenditure and physical activities in athletes and nonathletes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of the Calorie Counter personal activity computer (CC method) for athletic activity. DESIGN: An observational study for a week or on a day. SETTING: Healthy Japanese volunteers. PARTICIPANTS: Nonathletes (54 males and 53 females) and 38 male athletes, with ages between 13 and 73 years old. MEASURES: Daily energy expenditure and weekly physical activity were simultaneously assessed using the CC method and a daily record on physical activity (daily record method) for a week for the nonathletes and one day for the athletes. RESULTS: Mean daily energy expenditures were 9630 (standard deviation, SD, 1250) kJ.d-1 by the CC method, compared with 9530 (SD, 1120) kJ.d-1 by the daily record method for male nonathletes; 7822 (SD, 768) kJ.d-1 and 7790 (SD, 810) kJ.d-1, respectively, for female nonathletes; and 1120 (SD, 1520) kJ.d-1 and 11580 (SD, 1580) kJ.d-1, respectively, for athletes. The correlation coefficients between daily energy expenditures by these two methods ranged from 0.72 to 0.90. Mean daily physical activities were 1520 (SD, 637) kJ.d-1 by the CC method, compared with 1580 (SD, 691) kJ.d-1 by the daily record method for male nonathletes; 1033 (SD, 318) kJ.d-1 and 1080 (SD, 346) kJ.d-1, respectively, for female nonathletes; and 2770 (SD, 914) kJ.d-1 and 3250 (SD, 1090) kJ.d-1, respectively, for athletes. The correlation coefficients between daily physical activities by these two methods ranged from 0.56 to 0.96. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the CC method may be reliable enough for assessing the energy expenditure in athletes as well as in nonathletes during free-living activities.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Development of index of social activities for the elderly].

In order to develop indices of social activities for the elderly, two surveys with 2 year intervals were conducted on the same 5,201 elderly subjects in four areas in Japan using a self-administered questionnaire. Social activities were defined as "activities which required contact with society" and were measured by 4 major facets of social activities, which were based on 21 questions relating to job activity, socially-plated activities, learning activities, and personal activities. The results were as follows; 1. The Wilcoxon scores in indices for 4 facets were given in sex and age groups. 2. Means of scores of indices increased with the degree of social activities from a subjective judgment. 3. Rank correlation coefficients between indices in two surveys were 0.60-0.71 for the persons whose answers were "no" to the question "did degrees of your activities change over the two years?" 4. Differences between indices in two surveys were higher in the persons with answers of "increase" to the above question than those with answers of "no", and were lower in those with answers of "decrease". These findings suggest that indices are available for assessing social activities as indicated by the reproducibility, validity and responsiveness found in this study.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1997

[Factors affecting active-life orientation among the elderly in a community in Japan and its relationship to social activities].

We surveyed a stratified random sample of 205 person from 45,500 residents, aged 65 years or older, in a city of Japan using an interview schedule including scales of active-life orientation, social activities and other covariates. A total of 157 (77%) participated in the study. The main results were as follows: 1) Significantly higher scores of active-life orientation were observed in those who currently worked, than in those who did not work in males and females (p < 0.05). In males, scores of active-life orientation were significantly higher in those who had hobbies than in those who did not (p < 0.05); in those who traveled during the past year than in those who did not (p < 0.05). 2) In multiple linear regression analysis, PGC scale scores positively and significantly correlated with score of active orientation in males and females (p < 0.05). Age negatively correlated with the scores in males. Scores of affiliation orientation positively correlated with scores of active orientation, and satisfaction with available social support negatively correlated with the scores in females (p < 0.05).

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Tyrosine phosphorylation and translocation of phospholipase C-gamma 2 in polymorphonuclear leukocytes treated with pervanadate.

We examined in detail the tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins, especially inositol phospholipid-specific phospholipase C (PLC) gamma 2, during activation of respiratory burst of guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) by pervanadate. The pervanadate, generated from a combination of H2O2 and orthovanadate, induced concomitantly tyrosine phosphorylation of 145, 120, 104, 76, 68, 60, 53, 42, 37, 28, and 25 kDa proteins and superoxide anion (O2-) production of PMNs. The pretreatment of PMNs with genistein caused an inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of these proteins, and also markedly depressed O2- production. Among the above proteins, a 145 kDa protein was found to be identical with the protein recognized by the anti-PLC gamma 2 antibody on Western blots. PLC gamma 2 was detected in the cytosol fraction but not in the membrane fraction of resting PMNs, whereas it was detected in both cytosol and membrane fractions of pervanadate treated PMNs. PLC activity of pervanadate treated PMNs was higher than that of resting cells. In addition, the enzyme activity of the cytosol fraction from the former cells was significantly lower than that from the latter cells, whereas the enzyme activity of membrane fraction from the former cells was significantly higher than that from the latter cells. These findings suggest that the tyrosine residue(s) of PLC gamma 2 is phosphorylated and the enzyme is translocated from the cytosol to membrane fractions in PMNs by pervanadate treatment.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Postsurgical ossified extradural cyst of the lumbar spine: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: An extremely rare case of postsurgical ossified extradural cyst is reported. The imaging and intraoperative findings are described and compared with those in cases previously reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To draw attention to this rare but dangerous condition that can develop after lumbar surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Only six cases of postsurgical ossified extradural cyst have hitherto been reported. METHODS: A 65-year-old man who had undergone surgery for a herniated lumbar intervertebral disc 20 years earlier complained of leg pain. From the imaging and intraoperative findings an ossified cyst with closed communicating aperture was diagnosed. The ossified cyst was surgically resected. RESULTS: Postoperatively, this patient was discharged and experienced alleviation of his symptoms. CONCLUSION: This case showed an extremely rare postsurgical ossified extradural cyst, and was of particular interest because in contrast to the previously reported cases the communicating aperture between the cyst and subarachnoid space was closed.

Aged↗