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Biomedical subjects

T Ishigaki

Publications and source records attributed to T Ishigaki.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Extrastriatal mean regional uptake of fluorine-18-FDOPA in the normal aged brain--an approach using MRI-aided spatial normalization.

The aim of this study was to define the mean regional 6-[(18)F]fluoro-l-dopa (FDOPA) uptake rate constant (K(i)) values in the striatal and extrastriatal regions of the brain of normal subjects using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-aided spatial normalization of the FDOPA K(i) image and using automatic region of interest (ROI) analysis. Dynamic three-dimensional FDOPA positron emission tomography (PET) and three-dimensional magnetic resonance (MR) images were acquired in 13 aged normal subjects. The FDOPA add image and the K(i) image of each subject were transformed into standard stereotactic space with the aid of individual coregistered MR image. The mean regional K(i) values of the striatal and extrastriatal regions before normalization were compared with the respective values after normalization. Then automatic ROI analysis was performed on the MRI-aided spatially normalized K(i) images of the 13 normal subjects. The K(i) values on original images and those on spatially normalized images were in good agreement, indicating that the spatial normalization technique did not change the regional K(i) values appreciably. Automatic ROI analysis of the spatially normalized FDOPA K(i) images of the normal subjects, showed high K(i) values in ventral and dorsal regions of the midbrain, amygdala, hippocampus, and medial prefrontal cortex, in addition to caudate nucleus and putamen, which correspond to the dopaminergic projections in the brain. Spatial normalization technique helped to establish a database of FDOPA K(i) images of normal subjects and high K(i) values were observed widely besides striatal regions corresponding to the dopaminergic projections in the brain.

Aged↗

Determination of optimal radiation energy for different breast sizes using CT-simulator [correction of simulatior] in tangential breast irradiation.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to determine and recommend the optimal radiation source according to breast size for tangential irradiation in breast conserving therapy. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients treated at our department from January 1994 to January 1996 were studied. The dose distribution within the irradiated breast was calculated using a (60)Co-gamma ray and 6 MV-X ray. Then we compared 3-D dose distributions of the (60)Co-gamma ray and 6 MV-X ray in different-sized breasts. Three parameters (breast volume, chest wall separation, and breast height) were adopted as representative of breast size. We also examined correlations among the three parameters. RESULTS: When the breast size was large (breast volume >400 cm(3), chest wall separation > 19.5 cm, or breast height > 6.5 cm), the average volume of normal tissue which received more than 110% of the isocenter dose ("hot spot") was significantly greater with the (60)Co-gamma ray than with the 6 MV-X ray (p < 0.05). A similar result was obtained with regard to hot spots in the clinical target volume. The cold area that received less than 95% of the isocenter dose was greater using a 6 MV-X ray when the breast size was small (breast volume <200 cm(3), chest wall separation <17.5 cm, or breast height <5.0 cm). However, the difference was not significant. There was a significant correlation between breast volume and chest wall separation (r =0.849, p <0.001). Breast volume and breast height were also significantly correlated (r =0.813, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Since breast volume and shape are different in each patient, the optimal energy should be selected for each case to obtain uniform dose distribution in breast-conserving therapy. Chest wall separation or breast height, which are measurable without a 3-D planning system, can substitute for breast volume as parameters for breast size. We recommend that the (60)Co-gamma ray not be used for treating large breasts, those with chest wall separation > or =19.5 cm or breast height > or =6.5 cm.

Anthropometry↗

A case of malignant lymphoma of the hand.

Malignant lymphoma is rarely seen in the hand. We present a case of malignant lymphoma of the hand with Ga-67 citrate and MR images, and discuss the usefulness of Ga-67 citrate scintigraphy for diagnosing this condition.

Aged↗

Role of ultrasonography in the detection of intraductal spread of breast cancer: correlation with pathologic findings, mammography and MR imaging.

The purpose of this study was to assess the role of US in the detection of intraductal spread of breast cancer in comparison with mammography (MMG) and MRI. In 46 patients with breast cancer, US features of the intraductal component were classified as ductal type or distorted type. Histopathologically, 29 of 46 (63%) cases had intraductal components, and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates in detection of intraductal spread were 89, 76, and 85%, respectively. Each US pattern demonstrated good correspondence to the histologic components, and the distorted type correlated well with comedo-type carcinoma. Mammography was performed in all cases, and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates in detection of intraductal spread were 55, 100, and 72%, respectively. In comedo type, MMG could diagnose the extent of intraductal spread more accurately compared with US examination. Magnetic resonance imaging comparison was available in 25 cases. Magnetic resonance imaging depicted intraductal extension as an enhanced area during the early phase of a contrast enhancement study with a sensitivity of 93%. Ultrasound and MRI were closely related in terms of morphologic characteristics: the ductal type of US image correlated well with linear enhancement on MRI, whereas the distorted type correlated with regional or segmental enhancement. Current US examination is useful in depicting the intraductal spread of breast cancer; however, US has a tendency to underestimate intraductal component of comedo type compared with MMG and MRI.

Breast↗

Diagnostic utility of tumor vascularity on magnetic resonance imaging of the breast.

The objective of this study was to examine the relation of tumor vascularity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with differential diagnosis malignant from benign lesions and tumor invasiveness in breast carcinoma. Forty-nine patients with breast cancer or benign lesion (median 49 yrs) were examined with dynamic MRI. Scanning of the entire breast was performed at 1.5 T with a three-dimensional fast spin echo sequence, using an original polarity altered spectral and spatial selective acquisition (PASTA) technique for fat suppression. Subsequently 0.1 mmol/Kg Gd-DTPA was administered and 3-6 images were obtained. The presence or absence of intratumoral, marginal and peritumoral vascularity on MRI was recorded. The excised specimen was histopathologically examined for the size of lesion, the presence and extent of local invasion. Tumor size on MRI correlated closely with the size at morphologic examination (r = 0. 96). Intratumoral (p = 0.04), marginal (p = 0.05) and peritumoral vascularity (p = 0.01) were less common in benign than in malignant lesions. Among the latter, intratumoral (p = 0.01) and marginal (p = 0.03) vascularity were more common in invasive carcinomas than in DCIS. In the subset of invasive carcinomas (n = 31); however, the tumors exhibiting intratumoral vascularity were markedly larger (p = 0.03). The presence of intratumoral and marginal vascularity on MRI can help predict both the differential diagnosis malignant from benign lesions and the presence tumor invasion in breast carcinomas.

Adolescent↗

Enzymatic degradation of cellulose acetate plastic by Novel degrading bacterium Bacillus sp. S2055.

Cellulose acetate (CA)-degrading bacteria were isolated from samples obtained from environments at a population size of 6.7 x 10(1) to 1.0 x 10(8) halo-forming cfu/ml-water or g-solid, suggesting their ubiquitous presence. The classification of 35 isolated strains of CA-degrading bacteria into 15 genera indicates that CA-degrading activity is over a wide range of taxonomical groups. From these isolates, Bacillus sp. S2055 was found to be the most efficient CA-degrading bacterium, and its CA-degrading enzyme(s) was partially characterized. The weight loss of CA plastic film (degree of substitution (DS)=1.7) in the culture of S2055 was less than 12% after a 35-d culture while that in the crude enzyme solution extracted from the culture supernatant reached 62% after the same period. Lipase and cellulase activities were detected in the culture supernatant of strain S2055. The crude enzyme solution contained three major protein fractions that have different mean molecular weights (MWs). Fraction I with the highest MW exhibited both lipase and cellulase activities, while fraction II and III exhibited only lipase activity. Fraction I significantly deacetylated CA (DS 1.5) and fragmented CA plastic film into pieces while the other fractions failed to do so even when used in combination with commercially-available cellulases and lipases. The lipase activity of fraction I against various substrates differed considerably from those of known lipases. It was thus suggested that deacetylation of CA mediated by an enzyme with such a peculiar lipase-like activity is a requisite for the efficient biodegradation of CA plastics.

Journal Article↗

Absence of correlation of MUC1 expression to malignant behavior of renal cell carcinoma in experimental systems.

A correlation between MUC1 expression in renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) and the clinical stages was previously demonstrated. To assess whether MUC1 expression is causally related to malignant tumor behavior, MUC1 cDNA was stably transfected into a renal carcinoma cell line SN12C that expresses trace levels of MUC1. MUC1 with sialylated carbohydrate chains was detected on the surface of transfected cells in two independent experiments. There was no correlation between MUC1 expression and in vitro growth and motility. In vivo growth of the transfectants at the site of orthotopic transplantation in nude mice was slower than mock transfected cells. Therefore, MUC1 alone did not seem to confer a malignant phenotype to RCCs.

Animals↗

Lung cancer screening: minimum tube current required for helical CT.

PURPOSE: To investigate the minimum tube current required for helical computed tomography (CT) for lung cancer screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty helical scans of the lung were obtained at effective tube currents of 50, 30, 20, 18, 12, 10, and 6 mAs in seven healthy volunteers. Computer-generated nodules 6 mm in diameter that showed ground-glass opacity were superimposed on the images. The image quality and detectability of nodules were evaluated subjectively by six observers. The SDs of measured CT numbers were calculated. The results were analyzed according to location in the lung. RESULTS: Compared with the subjective quality of images obtained at 50 mAs, the subjective quality of images obtained at 20 mAs was not significantly different. The detectability of nodules was not significantly degraded by reducing the tube current to 20 mAs in the upper zone of the lung, to 12 mAs in the middle zone, or to 18 mAs in the lower zone. The SDs at the apex and base of the lung were larger than those at other levels, and the difference became greater as the dose was reduced. CONCLUSION: The minimum tube current required for screening helical CT differs for different locations in the lung. An ideal CT protocol for the lung should permit the tube current to be changed during helical scanning.

Adult↗

Endovascular stent-graft deployment: temporary vena caval occlusion with balloons to control aortic blood flow-experimental canine study and initial clinical experience.

Vena caval occlusion was evaluated in animal experiments. In five patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms, two balloon catheters were introduced via the femoral vein to the inferior vena cava and superior vena cava and inflated before stent-graft deployment. Aortic pressure and flow were immediately decreased, which minimized the downstream shift of the stent-grafts. Temporary vena caval occlusion is safe and effective for precise aortic stent-graft deployment.

Aged↗

An experimental teleradiology transmission system using a high-speed ATM backbone network.

We evaluated the performance of an experimental teleradiology system based on a high-speed ATM backbone network. Image acquisition, transmission and the disk-to-display processing times were measured. Computerized tomography (CT) scans printed on 14 inch x 17 inch (36 cm x 43 cm) films were digitized and transferred over the network. The average time for the entire process was 1 min 30 s. Three radiologists interpreted 20 cases. For CT image interpretation, the reading time for one case ranged from 2 to 12 min (mean 6 min 46 s) on a monitor, and from 1 to 3 min (mean 1 min 31 s) with the original film. The ATM backbone network operating at 156 Mbit/s provided sufficient speed for remote consultation. However, further improvements in the operability of the system, especially the image viewing station, are necessary before it will be satisfactory for clinical use.

Computer Systems↗

[Construction of scales to measure thematic tendencies of paranoid ideation].

In order to measure thematic tendencies of paranoid ideation in non-clinical samples, Delusional Ideation Checklist (DICL) was developed. A wide range of items indicating themes of delusion were collected. From the results of factor analysis on the data of 308 college students, eight scales were constructed. They were: alienation, belittlement, persecution, other-harming, guardedness, self-conceit, favoredness, and other-manipulation. These scales could be classified in terms of emotion: positive versus negative, and direction: self versus others, and could deal with themes of paranoid ideation in a comprehensive and systematic way. Alpha coefficients of the scales were between .66 and .87, and test-retest reliability between .49 and .71. To examine content validity, ten psychiatrists were asked to rate diagnostic importance for each scale item. Six scales were rated as significantly more important in the diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia than that of anxiety neurosis. Current data revealed that ordinary students experienced delusional ideation more frequently than psychiatrists would expect.

Adult↗

Evaluation of the Space Collaboration System: its history, image quality and effectiveness for joint case conference.

A joint case-conference was conducted between the Departments of Radiology at Nagoya and Kobe Universities using the Space Collaboration System (SCS), which connects 39 national universities and institutes by communication satellite. In the conference, both sides presented cases using medical images such as those from CT, MRI, and DSA, and the cases were discussed between participants at the two universities. After the final conference, we distributed a questionnaire to solicit responses from the 43 participating radiologists on the quality of the transferred images and their overall impression of the conference. The responses showed that the CT, MRI, and DSA images were clear enough to allow discussion, whereas the plain X-ray images were not. Hence from the standpoint of image quality, the SCS may be unsuited for medical image diagnosis, but useful for presentation of case images in joint conferences and seminars.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

Water fat separation using the single acquisition "sandwich" type 3-point Dixon method to optimize knee joint scans.

In this paper, we tried to evaluate the effect of water-fat separation on and to optimize the scan condition of the newly developed "Sandwiched" 3-point Dixon method at 0.35 Tesla (T), for knee joint imaging. Using a 0.35T superconductive open magnet system with a solenoid type knee coil, one male and two female normal volunteers (27-37 y.o.) underwent knee joint imaging. Each sequence provided good water-fat separated images. At 0.35T, the gradient echo provided a better contrast than the spin echo. Optimal cartilage-marrow and cartilage-fluid contrast could be obtained at a frip angle (FA) of 90 degrees. There was no significant correlation between cartilage-marrow, cartilage-fluid contrast and repetition time (TR) values within the tested range. Cartilage-fluid and cartilage-marrow contrast were both best at an FA of 90 degrees with the gradient echo sequence. TR from 350 ms to 650 ms did not cause any significant contrast difference in the fat suppressed images. This method is useful and could be the only practical choice for obtaining fat suppressed T1 weighted images for joint magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 0.35T.

Adipose Tissue↗

[Study on evaluation method of patient dose in diagnostic radiology required for introducing the guidance level: investigation of entrance surface dose of patient using direct measurement by TLD].

Using direct measurement, we investigated entrance surface doses of patients for routine radiographs in attempt to develop evaluation methods of patient dose in order to establish the guidance level in Japan. To date, patient doses have been evaluated by calculations based on radiographic conditions, or model experiments using phantoms. Their patient doses are then evaluated based on several assumptions. Direct measurement of patient dose is difficult to perform in many patients due to its time requirement, level of expertise required and difficulty in providing an explanation of the procedure to the patient. However, such direct measurement is essential since it incorporates all aspects of radiography from the radiographic equipment used, to the actual conditions of each patient without assumption. In this study, we examined the (1) need for introducing the guidance level, (2) controversial points in the calculation method for patient dose evaluation, (3) evaluation accuracy required for introducing the guidance level, and (4) necessity for a standardized method.

Guidelines as Topic↗

MR imaging of the enlarged endolymphatic duct and sac syndrome by use of a 3D fast asymmetric spin-echo sequence: volume and signal-intensity measurement of the endolymphatic duct and sac and area measurement of the cochlear modiolus.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In enlarged endolymphatic duct (EED) and sac (EES) syndrome, deformity of the EED and EES is congenital; however, hearing loss is acquired. To investigate the pathophysiology of progressive sensorineural hearing loss in EED and EES syndrome, we measured the volume of the EED and EES, the diameter of the EED and EES, the area of the cochlear modiolus, and the signal intensity of the EES and compared our findings against degree of hearing loss. METHODS: Thin-section MR images of 33 ears in 17 patients with EED and EES syndrome were studied. All studies were obtained on a 1.5-T MR unit using a quadrature surface phased-array coil. Heavily T2-weighted 3D fast asymmetric spin-echo images were obtained with a voxel size of 0.3 x 0.3 x 0.8 mm without zero-fill interpolation. Two radiologists traced the areas of the EED and EES manually, and the volume was calculated. The area of the cochlear modiolus, diameter of the EED and EES, and signal intensity of the EES were also measured by drawing regions of interest manually. The signal intensity ratio of EES/CSF was calculated. These measured values were compared against audiographic data, and the degree of linear correlation was determined. RESULTS: The volume of the EED and EES, the area of the modiolus, the diameter of the EED and EES, and the signal intensity of the EES did not show significant correlation with degree of hearing loss. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that there is a microscopic area of damage or fragility in the inner ear not visible even with thin-section heavily T2-weighted MR imaging.

Adolescent↗

Molecular cloning of macrophin, a human homologue of Drosophila kakapo with a close structural similarity to plectin and dystrophin.

We have determined the complete cDNA coding sequence of a novel cytoskeletal protein by the degenerative primer-mediated PCR strategy. This novel gene, named as macrophin (microfilament and actin filament cross-linker protein related to plectin and dystrophin, Accession No. AB029290), appears to be a human homologue of a Drosophila gene, kakapo, and shows close similarity to plectin and dystrophin on the search of BLAST homology-computed database. Comparison of the deduced protein sequences for macrophin and kakapo revealed that they were 66% similar, and both of them have an NH2-terminal actin-binding domain, a central rod region composed of spectrin-like repeats, and COOH-terminal Gas2-related region. The predicted sequences for macrophin are 5430 amino acids in length with a calculated molecular mass of 620 kDa, which is one of the largest size idenfied in human cytoskeletal proteins. High expression of macrophin was observed in brain, heart, lung, placenta, liver, kidney, and pancreas. In pancreas, we found that macrophin was specifically expressed in acinar cells than islet cells by in situ hybridization. By using radiation hybrid panel, we have mapped the macrophin gene to the chromosome 1p31-32.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Magnitude subtraction vs. complex subtraction in dynamic contrast-enhanced 3D-MR angiography: basic experiments and clinical evaluation.

Magnitude subtraction and complex subtraction in dynamic contrast-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance (3D-MR) angiography were compared using a phantom and 23 human subjects. In phantom studies, complex subtraction showed far better performance than magnitude subtraction, especially for longer echo times, with thicker slices, and without fat suppression. With complex subtraction, non-fat-suppressed studies showed contrast-to-noise ratios comparable to those in fat-suppressed studies. In human subjects, complex subtraction was superior to magnitude subtraction in 9 subjects, but comparable to magnitude subtraction in 14 subjects. There were no cases in which magnitude subtraction was superior to complex subtraction. Although the differences observed in human studies when complex subtraction was applied with thinner slices, shorter echo times, and the fat-suppression technique were not as pronounced as those seen in phantom studies, complex subtraction should be performed in dynamic contrast-enhanced 3D-MR angiography because there are no drawbacks in complex subtraction. Further research is necessary to assess the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced 3D-MR angiography without fat suppression in human subjects using complex subtraction, as suggested by the results of phantom studies. If it is found to be feasible, dynamic contrast-enhanced 3D-MR angiography without fat suppression using complex subtraction may prove to be a robust technique that eliminates the need for shimming and can reduce the acquisition time. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;10:813-820.

Adult↗