Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

T Okabe

Publications and source records attributed to T Okabe.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

[The effect of combination chemotherapy to adapted to chronotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, mitomycin C and cisplatin in patients with gastric or colorectal cancer].

We performed combination chemotherapy adapted to chronotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, mitomycin C and cisplatin in 11 patients with gastric cancer and 7 with colorectal cancer. Treatment consisted of a 5-day course of continuous arterial or intravenous infusion of 5-FU (500 mg/body/day), arterial or intravenous infusion of leucovorin (20 mg/body/day) at 6:00 p.m. on days 1-5, arterial or intravenous infusion of mitomycin C (2 mg/body) at 9:00 a. m. on day 5, and arterial or intravenous infusion of cisplatin (20-80 mg/body) at 6:00 p.m. on day 5. The effective rate against gastric cancer was 73%; however, the effective rate against colorectal cancer was 29%. During and after this therapy, there was only a little appetite loss, nausea and stomatitis.

Aged↗

[Evaluation of "Helicobacter-Selective-Medium (Nissui Seiyaku)" for rapid detection of Helicobacter pylori].

We evaluated Helicobacter Selective Agar (HSA) medium (Nissui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), which has been newly developed and has been commercially available since June in 1998. HSA medium strongly inhibited the growth of possible contaminants from gastric biopsy-specimens, such as alpha-streptococci, Neisseria species, Enterococcus gallinarum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Corynebacterium species, Capnocytophaga species, and Candida albicans. Cultures run in parallel with Helicobacter Pylori Agar (HPA) medium (Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) disclosed no discordance in the detective rates of H. pylori strains between the media examined. Inaddition, the numbers of the colonies and the colony-sizes grown on the plates were also in good agreement with each other. However, it would be strikingly favorable that the appearing colonies on the HSA medium turned purple. This coloration enabled us to detect the emergence of the colonies much earlier and easier when compared with the conventional other media including HPA medium (Eiken). These findings led us to conclude that HSA medium (Nissui) was superior to HPA medium (Eiken) in the prompt detection and the rapid identification of H. pylori in routine clinical microbiology.

Agar↗

Determining appropriate small vessels for stenting by intravascular ultrasound.

To re-evaluate outcomes of stenting in small vessels, we studied 176 patients successfully treated with several types of stent by way of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). These lesions were divided into 3 subgroups according to reference diameter (RD) by QCA, and vessel diameter (VD) by IVUS (group I: pre-RD 2.5 mm; group II: pre-RD < 2.5 mm and pre-VD 4.0 mm; group III: pre-RD < 2.5 mm and pre-VD < 4.0 mm). Post-procedure percent diameter stenosis (4 +/- 3%), post-procedure percent plaque area (42 +/- 3%), and loss index (39 +/- 11%) in group II were not significantly different from those in group I (7 +/- 2%, 37 +/- 2%, 45 +/- 5%, respectively). The rates of restenosis and target lesion revascularization in group II (24.0% and 16.0%, respectively) were not different from those in group I (25.9% and 21. 2%, respectively), and were significantly favorable compared to group III (66.7% and 39.4%, respectively; p < 0.05). By the use of IVUS, we not only identified those vessels which would normally go unstented when only using QCA, but also documented excellent long-term outcome in these patients.

Aged↗

[The effect of exogenous nitric oxide on endothelial dysfunction in two-kidney, one-clip renovascular hypertensive rats].

Previous studies have shown that hypertension causes endothelial dysfunction. To study the influence of exogenous nitric oxide(NO) on endothelial dysfunction produced by hypertension, we administered a non-depressor dose of nipradilol to two-kidney, one-clip renovascular hypertensive rats(2K1C). Sprague-Dawley rats underwent either sham surgery(G-1) or clipping of the left renal artery. From day seven, 2K1C were randomized into 3 groups, placebo treatment(G-2), nipradilol treatment(G-3,) and propranolol treatment(G-4). Urinary NO2- + NO3-(NOx) excretion (UNOx V) was measured 4 weeks after clipping, and then, acetylcholine(Ach), A23187, or sodium nitroprusside(SNP)-induced relaxation were measured in the aorta. Blood pressure was increased in G-2, G-3, and G-4 compared to G-1. UNOx V was lower in G-2, G-3, and G-4 compared to G-1, but UNOx V was higher in G-3 compared to G-2 and G-4. Although Ach or A23187-induced relaxation was significantly decreased in isolated artery from G-2, G-3, and G-4 compared with those from G-1. Ach- or A23187-induced relaxation was improved in G-3. SNP-induced relaxation did not differ among the 4 groups. These results suggest that exogenous NO from nipradilol reduces the endothelial dysfunction caused by hypertension without changing the blood pressure.

Acetylcholine↗

Evaluation of scaffolding effects of five different types of stents by intravascular ultrasound analysis.

The acute elastic recoil of 5 types of stents immediately after deployment by intravascular ultrasound and quantitative coronary angiography measurements was analyzed. Successfully implanted stents were: Palmaz-Schatz in 104 lesions, Gianturco-Roubin in 65, Wiktor in 45, gfx in 22, and Multi-Link stents in 22. Before and after stenting, the cross section of the smallest luminal area and vessel area was measured with intravascular ultrasound. The postdilatation balloon area was calculated by quantitative coronary angiography. Percent recoil was calculated as: [1-(preluminal area)/balloon area)] x 100. The ratio of balloon area-to-vessel area was also compared. Although preluminal areas in Gianturco-Roubin and Palmaz-Schatz stents were similar (2.4 +/- 0.1 vs 2.5 +/- 0.1 mm2, p = NS), postluminal area in the Gianturco-Roubin was significantly smaller than the area in the Palmaz-Schatz (6.3 +/- 0.2 vs 8.3 +/- 0.3 mm2, p <0.05). Although both the balloon area/vessel area (0.68 +/- 0.05, 0.80 +/- 0.08 vs 0.83 +/- 0.02, p <0.05) and the preluminal area (2.1 +/- 0.4, 1.6 +/- 0.2 vs 2.5 +/- 0.1 mm2, p <0.05) were smaller in gfx and Multi-Link than in the Palmaz-Schatz, postluminal area was comparable to the area in the Palmaz-Schatz (7.8 +/- 0.4, 7.4 +/- 0.4 vs 8.3 +/- 0.3 mm2, p = NS). Percent recoil in the Gianturco-Roubin was poorest among these 5 groups. More favorable initial gain can be obtained with Palmaz-Schatz, Wiktor, gfx, and Multi-Link stents than with the Gianturco-Roubin stent.

Aged↗

Maximum Density of Tumor Staining Obtained by Preoperative IV-DSA as a Prognostic Indicator for Node-Negative Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: We previously demonstrated that the density of tumor enhancement by intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IV-DSA) is correlated with the number of tumor microvessels and that the incidence of distant metastasis is highin patients with breast cancer who show a high maximum density of tumor enhancement (MAX) on IV-DSA. In the present study, we evaluated the prognostic value ofMAX for node-negative breast cancer patients. Patients and METHODS: A total of 128 node-negative breast cancer patients underwent preoperative IV-DSA, and the region of interest (ROI) was set in the areas enhanced by IV-DSA of the breast. MAX was calculated by the time-density curve. Patients were divided into two subgroups: those with MAX >/= 9 (n=35) and those with MAX < 9 (n=93). RESULTS: Patients with recurrence had a significantly higher MAX value than those without recurrence (11.8 +/- 3.8 vs 7.1 +/- 3.0, p<0.01). The disease-free survival rate was significantly worse in patients with higher MAX values than in those with lower MAX values (p <0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that MAX was the strongest predictor of disease-free survival (p =0.026). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the maximum density obtained by IV-DSA is a strong, independent prognostic indicator for node-negative breast cancer patients.

Journal Article↗

Automatic border detection identifies subclinical anthracycline cardiotoxicity in children with malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Anthracycline drugs for cancer therapy often cause functional myocardial impairment even in relatively low doses. We investigated the left ventricular function in asymptomatic anthracycline-treated children by automatic border detection (ABD) to assess its clinical usefulness for unmasking latent anthracycline-induced myocardial damage. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-four children (0.7 to 17.6 years old) during or after anthracycline chemotherapy (26 to 1100 mg/m2) for malignancy (Chemo group) were studied, and 40 children (2.8 to 15.6 years old) without cardiac involvement served as normal control subjects (Control group). All patients underwent complete echocardiographic examination, including M-mode, Doppler, and ABD. Conventional echocardiography disclosed no difference between groups with regard to ejection fraction and the ratio of early to late transmitral flow velocity. In marked contrast, an investigation using ABD revealed that the Chemo group appeared to have some anthracycline-induced myocardial damage. In the apical 4-chamber view, peak filling rate in the Chemo group [2.3+/-0.4 end-diastolic area (EDA)/s] was significantly lower than that in the Control group (3.1+/-0.5 EDA/s) (P<0.0001), and time to peak filling rate in the Chemo group (106+/-31 ms) was clearly prolonged compared with that in the Control group (74+/-22 ms) (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiographic ABD may be a sensitive and useful noninvasive approach for evaluating subclinical anthracycline cardiotoxicity.

Adolescent↗

Synthesis and degradation of a 28-kDa pod storage protein in french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) plants

Pod storage protein (PSP) accumulated in developing pods of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants, and increasing the PSP mRNA level by pod removal resulted in the enhancement of PSP accumulation in pods that formed later. Pod storage protein was detected in flowers, young leaves and young stem internodes in addition to pods. Accumulation of PSP and its mRNA was induced by sink-removal in an organ-specific manner. In addition, wounding induced PSP accumulation systemically in leaves. Methyl jasmonate did not induce PSP synthesis but enhanced the synthesis that was induced by wounding. In senescing pods, PSP was degraded, and degradation products with molecular masses of 20 and 17 kDa were detected in the pods. The amount of 20-kDa degradation product was greater than that of the 17 kDa product.

Journal Article↗

Effect of sandblasting and silicoating on bond strength of polymer-glass composite to cast titanium.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: There is little information regarding the mechanical and chemical retention of polymer-glass composite to cast titanium. PURPOSE: This study examined whether sandblasting in conjunction with silicoating improves the bond strength of the polymer-glass composite to cast titanium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disk patterns (10 mm in diameter, 2.5 mm thick) were cast with commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) and Type IV gold alloy. Three pretreatments were applied: 50 microm Al(2)O(3) sandblasting (50 SB), 250 microm Al(2)O(3) sandblasting (250 SB), and 600-grit SiC paper polishing (600 SiC). After surface preparation, the Siloc system (silicoating) was applied on the disks. The 50 SB specimens without Siloc system were also prepared as controls. Then sticky tape with a circular hole (4.76 mm diameter) was placed onto the disk to define the bonding area. Artglass (polymer-glass) opaque, dentin, and enamel composites were applied using Teflon matrices and then light-polymerized. Shear bond strength (n = 8) was determined at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. Results were analyzed statistically with 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The Siloc system significantly (P <.05) improved the mean shear bond strength of Artglass to both metals in the 50 SB specimens. Statistical differences (P <.05) in shear bond strength were found among surface treatments for the silicoated CP Ti specimens, in which 250 SB specimens yielded the greatest bond strength. The Type IV specimens treated with Siloc system showed no significant differences in shear bond strength between the 50 SB and the 250 SB specimens. CONCLUSION: Sandblasting with coarser alumina particles in conjunction with silicoating significantly enhanced bond strength of polymer-glass composite to cast titanium.

Analysis of Variance↗

Effect of surface contamination on adhesive bonding of cast pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: There is little information regarding bond strengths of resin cements to cast titanium surfaces contaminated by investment material. PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of surface contamination on the shear bond strength of resin cements to cast titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two types of disks were cast from commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) and Ti-6Al-4V alloy ingots using an argon-arc pressure casting unit and a phosphate-bonded Al2 O3 /LiAlSiO6 investment. After casting, disks were subjected to 3 surface treatments: (1) cast surface sandblasted (50 microm-sized Al2 O3 ) for 30 seconds; (2) metal surface sanded with silicon-carbide paper (600 grit) after grinding the contaminated cast surface (approximately 200 microm in thickness); and (3) metal surface sandblasted for 30 seconds after treatment 2. Surface structures were examined after each treatment with SEM and optical microscopy. Each type of disk was then bonded with 2 types of luting materials. Bonded specimens were subjected to thermocycling for up to 50,000 cycles, and shear bond strengths were determined after 0 (baseline) and 50,000 thermocycles. Results were statistically analyzed with 3-way ANOVA (P <.05). RESULTS: Microscopic observation of cast CP-Ti and Ti-6Al-4V exhibited noticeable structures on the cast surfaces apparently contaminated with investment material. However, there were no statistical differences (P >.05) in the bond strengths of both cements between contaminated (treatment 1) and uncontaminated surfaces (treatment 3) for both metals at baseline and after 50,000 thermocycles. The bond strength of specimens sanded with silicon-carbide paper (treatment 2) deteriorated dramatically after 50,000 thermocycles. CONCLUSIONS: Contamination of the cast metal surfaces by elements of the investment during casting did not affect bond strengths of the luting materials to CP-Ti and Ti-6Al-4V.

Alloys↗

Voiding function of orthotopic ileal neobladder in women.

OBJECTIVES: Although the advent of orthotopic lower urinary reconstruction in women is a major achievement in the evolution of urinary diversion, the mechanism of voiding dysfunction remains incompletely understood. We report on the voiding function of ileal neobladder in 12 female patients. METHODS: A neobladder was constructed using an ileal segment. Voiding function was evaluated in terms of voiding pattern and continence. Chain cystography was performed postoperatively to detect the existence of urethral angulation. Median follow-up was 33.2 months (range 8.4 to 77.4). RESULTS: Of the 1 2 patients, 10 (83.3%) achieved excellent daytime continence, and 6 (50%) had nighttime incontinence despite regular voiding during the night. Three patients (25%) sometimes or often performed self-catheterization because of difficulty in urinating. One patient (8.3%) was unable to void and required regular intermittent catheterization. Chain cystogram revealed urethral angulation in the 3 patients with difficulty in urinating or hypercontinence. CONCLUSIONS: An orthotopic neobladder can be constructed in women with excellent functional results. Urethral angulation appears to be one of the main mechanisms for voiding dysfunction, and further studies on the functional anatomy of the female urethra are needed to improve the voiding function of the orthotopic neobladder in women.

Aged↗

Vaporization of Hg from Hg-in amalgams during setting and after abrasion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if Hg vaporization during setting and after abrasion of amalgams could be reduced by adding indium to Hg prior to trituration. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Hg-In alloys (0,5,10,15 wt% In) were triturated with commercial amalgam alloys (Tytin, Kerr; Artalloy, Degussa; Sybraloy, Kerr) and condensed into cylinders (4 x 8 mm). In one experiment, Hg release during setting was measured in air (37 degrees C) with a Jerome 431 Hg analyzer (n = 4). In a second experiment, amalgams aged two months were uniformly abraded on wet #600 SiC, blotted dry, and Hg release was measured in air (22 degrees C) for 30 min with a Jerome 411 Hg analyzer (n = 6). Total Hg was determined by integration (ng/mm2). Results were compared by ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: Indium reduced Hg release from amalgams during setting. Amalgams ceased Hg release within 5 h. Indium did not reduce Hg release from abraded, set amalgams except Artalloy w/15% In. SIGNIFICANCE: Coupled with our previous studies, this work shows that 5-15 wt% indium can be added to effectively reduce Hg release during setting, but not after abrasion of set amalgams.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

In vitro corrosion resistance of titanium made using different fabrication methods.

The corrosion of cast or milled ASTM Grade II CP titanium with different surface conditions was studied by potentiodynamic anodic polarization and immersion testing. Specimens were fabricated using three dental titanium casting systems and from machined titanium. Three surface conditions were tested: (1) sandblasted with surface reaction layers remaining; (2) polished surface without surface reaction layers; and (3) sandblasted surface without surface reaction layers. An acidic saline solution (0.1 M lactic acid/0.1 M NaC1 [pH = 2]) and an artificial saliva were used as the corrosion media. Anodic polarization was performed starting at 50 mV below the rest potential and terminating at +2250 mV vs Ag/AgCl. Two surface conditions (sandblasted with the surface reaction layers and polished without such layers) were examined in the immersion test. Specimens were immersed in the corrosion media at 37 degrees C for six months. The recovered solution was analyzed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer for titanium dissolution. A distinctive passive region on the polarization diagram, ranging from approximately 0 to approximately +1300 mV, was observed for all specimens in both media. Great similarity was observed for all the sandblasted specimens which had larger primary passive current densities and passive regions compared to the polished ones. A current density peak at approximately +1600 mV seen for all the specimens with sandblasted surfaces was less well defined for the polished specimens. Immersion testing in the acidic saline solution revealed no significant differences among the polished specimens. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in titanium dissolution was found for the sandblasted specimens with surface reaction layers remaining on the surfaces made with phosphate-bonded SiO2/Al2O3 investment compared to the polished ones. Significant differences were also found between sandblasted specimens with the surface reaction layers resulting from different investment materials and different casting methods. Measurable amounts of titanium were not found for all specimens in the artificial saliva after six months. It is evident that the corrosion behavior of cast CP titanium is similar to that of machined titanium. The surface roughness appears to be a more prominent factor than do the surface reaction layers on the polarization behavior of the CP titanium under the present experimental conditions. Surface roughness and the presence of the surface reaction layers both affect the dissolution of titanium.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Orthotopic ileal neobladder in male patients: functional outcomes of 66 cases.

BACKGROUND: Orthotopic urinary diversion has become the preferred form of bladder reconstruction after cystectomy. We report on our experience with 66 male patients undergoing this procedure from November 1990 to February 1998. METHODS: A neobladder was constructed using an ileal segment with a Hautmann type bladder. Complications were assessed and subdivided into early and late types. Voiding function was evaluated in terms of voiding pattern and continence. Median follow up was 19.5 (range 3.5-87.7) months. RESULTS: There was one (1.5%) perioperative death. The most frequent pouch-related and unrelated early complications were persistent urine leak (7.6%) and prolonged ileus (16.7%), respectively, the majority of cases of which were managed conservatively. Analysis of late complications revealed 6.2% ureteroileal stenosis and 1.5% urethrointestinal stenosis rates, but no case of bladder stone formation. Of the 61 patients in whom voiding function was evaluable, 95.1% achieved excellent daytime continence, while only 67.2% had night-time continence. With regard to posture at voiding, 23 (37.7%) voided in a sitting position. Three of the patients (4.9%) were unable to void and required regular intermittent catheterization. CONCLUSIONS: An orthotopic neobladder can be constructed with acceptable morbidity and excellent functional results. We believe that orthotopic urinary diversion offers an attractive alternative to a bladder substitute when cystectomy is required.

Adult↗

In vivo performance of wax matrix granules prepared by a twin-screw compounding extruder.

The in vivo performance of wax matrix granules (WMGs) prepared by a twin-screw compounding extruder was evaluated in fasted beagle dogs. In vitro dissolution behavior of the model drug, diclofenac sodium (DS), from WMGs was strongly influenced by pH in a dissolution medium due to its solubility (DS is soluble in pH 6.8 and insoluble in pH 1.2 and 4.0) and was independent of paddle rotation rate (50, 100, and 200 rpm) of the dissolution apparatus. Pharmacokinetics parameters such as mean residence time (MRT) showed a sustained action of WMGs in beagle dogs; however, the transit time of WMGs in the small intestine is found to control total drug absorption. Furthermore, the values of the area under the curve (AUC) of the plasma concentration-time curve and the maximum concentration Cmax significantly decreased with decreases in hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) content in WMGs. Good correlation between one in vitro dissolution parameter (mean dissolution time, MDT) and two in vivo parameters (AUC12 and MRT) suggested that it would be possible to design WMGs with a desired in vivo performance by controlling HPC content.

Animals↗

A case of hereditary ceruloplasmin deficiency with iron deposition in the brain associated with chorea, dementia, diabetes mellitus and retinal pigmentation: administration of fresh-frozen human plasma.

We report a familial case of hereditary ceruloplasmin deficiency (HCD) showing an A-G transition in intron 6 of the ceruloplasmin gene. Clinical features consisted of chorea, cerebellar ataxia, dementia, diabetes mellitus, retinal pigmentation and iron deposition in the liver and brain without copper overload in those organs. The patient's children and siblings had similar laboratory results, but did not show any neurological abnormalities. She was medicated for diabetes mellitus at 43 years of age, and neurological signs appeared when she was 52 years old. The laboratory findings were anemia, low concentrations of iron and copper in serum and of copper in urine. Ceruloplasmin was not detected in the serum. The iron and copper contents in the liver were 3,580 and 10 microg/g wet tissue, respectively. MRI of the brain showed iron deposition in the basal ganglia, dentate nucleus and thalamus. This case did not show any abnormal increase in copper in the blood and urine following CuSO(4)5H(2)O oral overloading test. Following the intravenous administration of commercially available fresh-frozen human plasma (FFP) containing ceruloplasmin, the serum iron content increased for several hours due to ferroxidase activity of ceruloplasmin. In the liver, the iron content decreased more with the combined intravenous administration of FFP and deferoxamine than with FFP administration alone. Her neurological symptoms improved following repetitive FFP treatment.

Blood Component Transfusion↗

Successful stenting on tortuous coronary artery with accordion phenomenon: strategy--a case report.

Guidewire manipulation through tortuosities is difficult. Straightening a tortuous coronary artery by using a stiff guidewire has been recognized to induce vessel wall shortening referred to as an "accordion phenomenon." With inappropriate identification as dissection or thrombus formation, the risk of performing unnecessary dilation at the pseudo-narrowing site exists. The authors describe here two cases showing the accordion phenomenon induced by a stiff guidewire during successful stenting at a tortuous right coronary artery. In another case, the authors experienced an "accordion phenomenon" at the proximal edge of the Palmaz-Schatz stent implanted in a tortuous right coronary artery. The stent edge was better positioned at the straight portion than at the contour portion in a tortuous coronary artery.

Aortic Dissection↗