Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Uchida Method”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,099 records · Page 61Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Improving dispersion of nanometer-size diamond particles by acoustic cavitation.

A novel acoustic-dispersion method for fine diamond particles was developed. Two samples of nanometer-sized diamond particles were used. They had primary particle sizes of 5 nm (ND5) and 150 nm (ND150). Disaggregation of agglomerated particles using ultrasound and surface modification of ND5 and ND150 were investigated. The ND5 and ND150 particles aggregated to secondary particles, having sizes on the order of micrometers. The surfaces of ND5 and ND150 particle were modified due to chemical reactions and the particles were disaggregated by acoustic cavitation. The ND5 particles were disaggregated to give an average particle size of about 100 nm by ultrasound exposure with average acoustic intensities higher than 800 W/m(2). The agglomerated ND150 particles with size of 15 microm were disaggregated to reach an average particle size of about 300 nm by ultrasound exposure with an average acoustic intensity higher than 2000 W/m(2). The surfaces of ND5 and ND150 particles were found to be modified with hydroxyl groups resulting from acoustic cavitation. This could lead to a well dispersed solution of nanometer-sized diamond particles in water.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

MRI of ganglioneuroma: histologic correlation study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the MR findings of ganglioneuroma and to correlate imaging and histologic features. METHOD: Conventional SE and contrast-enhanced dynamic MRI was used to examine 10 patients with pathologically confirmed ganglioneuroma. The morphologic features, signal intensity, and dynamic enhancement pattern of the tumors were retrospectively analyzed and correlated with histologic features. RESULTS: Capsules were present in all tumors histologically and were also detected in five tumors on postcontrast T1-weighted images. A whorled appearance corresponding to interlacing bundles of Schwann cells and collagen fibers on histologic specimens was visualized in five tumors on T1-and/or T2-weighted images. Tumors with markedly high signal intensity on T2-weighted images consisted histologically of a large amount of myxoid stroma and relatively few cellular and fibrous components. Tumors with intermediate to high signal intensity consisted of numerous cellular and fibrous components and little myxoid stroma. Early enhancement of tumors was usually lacking in dynamic MR studies; however enhancement gradually increased. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the MR features of ganglioneuroma are well correlated with histologic findings.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

The delay phenomenon in types of deltopectoral flap studied by xenon-133.

We have investigated the hemodynamic mechanisms of delay phenomenon of various types of deltopectoral flaps and optimal time for transfer after delay operation using the local clearance method of Xenon-133. Characteristic differences were observed in recovery patterns of the distal blood flow among five types of delay procedure the results obtained are reported. In Group 1 (U-shaped, raised deltopectoral flap), two types of recovery patterns (fast and slow) were obtained. In cases of faster recovery, the optimal transfer time after delay is considered to be almost 10 days. In cases of slow recover in groups I and II (U-shaped, raised deltoid flap), the optimal time for transfer is thought to be 2 to 3 weeks. In group III (deltopectoral flap lined with a split-skin graft) and group IV (tubed, raised deltopectoral flap), a faster recovery pattern was observed than in groups I and II, and the optimum transfer time is considered to be about 7 to 14 days after delay operation. Accordingly, the use of groups III and IV would be highly recommended instead of group I. In group V (bipedicled, raised deltopectoral flap), the time of lateral incision was found to be critical.

Hemodynamics↗
PubMed2004

Potential roles of antisense therapy in the molecular targeting of genes involved in cancer (review).

Recent advances in antisense methods targeting genes involved in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis provide a potential anticancer effect alone as well as in combination with drugs, and antisense therapy may be useful in overcoming drug resistance and increasing survival in patients with advanced cancer including those with solid tumors. In particular, antisense to Bcl-2 comprises a most promising therapy and is being tested in combination with anticancer drugs in randomized phase III trials for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and malignant melanoma. The targeting of apoptosis-related proteins is promising for enhancing the effect of cancer chemotherapy. The molecular mechanism by which anticancer drugs induce apoptosis has been identified as mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by the release of cytochrome c. Modulation of multiple antiapoptotic signaling pathways involving Bcl-2 and Akt, which are related to growth factor-stimulated signal transduction in cell survival, is essential for enhancement of the cytotoxic effect of anticancer drugs. Herein, we review the current status of antisense therapy and its potential for enhancing anticancer drug-induced apoptosis.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Phase I study of irinotecan and amrubicin in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Combination chemotherapy of irinotecan and amrubicin for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been fully evaluated. To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), a phase I study in patients with advanced NSCLC was conducted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC were enrolled in this study. Both patients with and without prior chemotherapy were also eligible. The drugs were administered on days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks. The starting doses of irinotecan and amrubicin were 60 and 35 mg/m2, respectively. RESULTS: Nineteen patients received a total of 53 courses. Grade 4 neutropenia was observed in 23% of courses. Anaemia and thrombocytopenia were generally mild. Grade 3 febrile neutropenia occurred in 5 courses. Other grade 3 or greater non-haematological toxicities were observed in only 4 out of 52 courses (grade 3 infection and hyponatremia). The maximum-tolerated doses (MTDs) of irinotecan and amrubicin were 100 and 45 mg/m2, respectively. Objective response was obtained in 2 patients (10.5%), who had received prior chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: This combination was well tolerated, but produced only a modest anti-tumour effect for advanced NSCLC. Further investigation into the role of this regimen as a salvage chemotherapy may be warranted in relapsed patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Demonstration of heat-labile and heat-stable epitopes of Rickettsia japonica on ultrathin sections.

BACKGROUND: Spotted fever group rickettsiae including Rickettsia japonica have two major polypeptides and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-like antigen on the surface. The major part of the antibodies to these polypeptides generated by immunization with live rickettsiae are reactive with heat-labile and conformation-dependent epitopes. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: To demonstrate and precisely localize the heat-labile and heat-stable epitopes on the major surface polypeptides and LPS-like antigen of R. japonica, the immunocolloidal gold method was performed on ultrathin sections with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. The antigenicity and fine structure were preserved by using periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde as fixative, followed by embedding with the resin Lowicryl K4M at a polymerization temperature of -35 degrees C. RESULTS: Heat-labile and heat-stable epitopes on the two major surface polypeptides together with LPS-like antigen of R. japonica were demonstrated at the same location. These antigens were rather broadly distributed on the cell wall apart from the slime layer of the organism. The number of gold particles corresponding to the LPS-like antigen was much larger than that corresponding to the polypeptide antigen. CONCLUSIONS: Heat-labile epitopes of rickettsiae could be preserved and demonstrated by using the procedure cited here. Moreover, the precise localization of the major surface polypeptides and LPS-like antigen could be achieved in the cell wall by using ultrathin sections of infected cells instead of whole rickettsial cells. The LPS-like antigen was quantitatively predominant as judged by immunoelectron microscopy.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2004

Predicting factor of quality of life in long-term jaundice-free survivors after the Kasai operation.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine simple predictors for quality of life (QOL) in long-term jaundice-free survivors after the Kasai operation. METHODS: Kasai's original portoenterostomy was performed on 55 patients with biliary atresia. Among them, records were reviewed retrospectively of 35 long-term (at least 5 years) and jaundice-free (clearance in bilirubin level less than 1.0 mg/dL after Kasai operation) survivors. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on QOL, and the differences in clinical and laboratory data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The ages at Kasai operation, histologic, fibrosis grade of liver biopsy specimen at operation, the first onset and frequency of postoperative cholangitis, and postoperative clearance speed of jaundice after Kasai operation were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level at 1 year was significantly correlated with the serum concentration of hyaluronic acid and an independent predictor for QOL in long-term jaundice-free survivors of the Kasai operation. CONCLUSIONS: The serum AST level at 1 year was a simple, strong predicting factor of QOL and liver dysfunction in long-term jaundice-free survivors after Kasai operation and may prove useful in planning liver transplantation.

Aspartate Aminotransferases↗
PubMed1997

Regional perfusion abnormalities with phenylephrine during normothermic bypass.

BACKGROUND: Hypotension and vasopressors during cardiopulmonary bypass may contribute to splanchnic ischemia. The effect of restoring aortic pressure on visceral organ, brain, and femoral muscle perfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass by increasing pump flow or infusing phenylephrine was examined. METHODS: Twelve anesthetized swine were stabilized on normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. After baseline measurements, including regional blood flow (radioactive microspheres), aortic pressure was reduced to 40 mm Hg by decreasing the pump flow. Next, aortic pressure was restored to 65 mm Hg either by increasing the pump flow or by titrating phenylephrine. The animals had both interventions in random order. RESULTS: At 40 mm Hg aortic pressure, perfusion to all visceral organs and femoral muscle, but not to the brain, was significantly reduced. Increasing pump flow improved perfusion to the pancreas, colon, and kidneys. In contrast, infusing phenylephrine (2.4 +/- 0.6 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) increased aortic pressure but failed to improve splanchnic perfusion, so that significant perfusion differences existed between the pump flow and phenylephrine intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing systemic pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass with phenylephrine causes significantly lower values of splanchnic blood flow than does increasing the pump flow. Administering vasoconstrictors during normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass may mask substantial hypoperfusion of splanchnic organs despite restoration of perfusion pressure.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Clinical outcome of high-intensity focused ultrasound for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia: preliminary report.

OBJECTIVES: To preliminarily summarize the clinical outcomes of the transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound procedure using the prototype Sonablate (HIFU1) and the new Sonablate-200 (HIFU2) for treating symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: We treated 35 and 22 patients with HIFU1 and HIFU2, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations were made using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) data, and the results of uroflowmetry and transrectal ultrasound, and any complications were noted. RESULTS: IPSS and QOL scores showed significant improvement after using both HIFU1 and HIFU2 at 3, 6, and 12 months, postoperatively (P < 0.0001 to < 0.01; Wilcoxon signed-ranks test). Maximum flow rate (8.9 to 15.5 mL/s, P < 0.001) and prostatic volume (32.2 to 22.8 mL, P < 0.01) were significantly improved at 12 months postoperatively in patients who underwent HIFU2 treatment but not in patients who underwent HIFU1. Two hematospermia and one gross hematuria in patients treated with HIFU1 and one epididymitis in a patient treated with HIFU2 were seen but no severe complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Focused ultrasound is an effective new technology by which tissue can be destroyed at a site distant from the source of energy without damaging surrounding tissue. The clinical efficacy of HIFU2 was superior to that of the prototype HIFU1.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Bile duct injury as a major cause of stenosis and occlusion in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts: comparative histopathologic analysis in humans and swine.

PURPOSE: A comparative histologic analysis of human and swine transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) was performed to investigate factors limiting TIPS patency and to further develop an animal model for TIPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one human and 13 porcine shunts were evaluated by means of gross inspection, histologic evaluation, and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Severe stenosis (> 75% narrowing) or occlusion was detected with portal venography in nine of the 21 human shunts (48%) and in 10 of 13 porcine shunts (77%). Gross or histologic evidence of a substantial biliary fistula was observed in seven of nine porcine shunts and in seven of eight human shunts with severe parenchymal tract stenosis or occlusion. No evidence of substantial bile duct injury was identified in the 13 human shunts or two swine shunts with patent, nonstenotic parenchymal tracts (P < .01, Fisher exact). Histologic findings in porcine shunts mimicked human tissue responses, including a metaplastic proliferation of bile duct epithelium at sites of bile duct transection. CONCLUSION: Bile duct transection and bile leak are significantly associated with TIPS parenchymal tract abnormalities in patients and swine. TIPS in swine created with the Wallstent faithfully reproduce gross morphologic and histologic changes observed in patients.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Temperature dependence of oxygen reduction activity at Pt-Fe, Pt-Co, and Pt-Ni alloy electrodes.

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and H(2)O(2) formation at Pt(54)Fe(46), Pt(68)Co(32), and Pt(63)Ni(37) electrodes in 0.1 M HClO(4) solution at 20 to 90 degrees C were investigated by using a channel flow double electrode method. In the temperature range of 20-50 degrees C, the apparent rate constants k(app) for ORR at these electrodes were found to be 2.4-4.0 times larger than that at a pure Pt electrode, whereas their apparent activation energies of 41 kJ mol(-1) at -0.525 V vs E degrees (0.760 V vs RHE at 30 degrees C) were comparable to that at the Pt electrode. H(2)O(2) yield was ca. 1.0% at Pt(54)Fe(46) and ca. 0.16% at Pt(68)Co(32) and Pt(63)Ni(37) between 0.3 and 1.0 V vs RHE. The k(app) values at the alloy electrodes decreased with elevating temperature above 60 degrees C, and settled to almost the same values at the Pt electrode. The H(2)O(2) production was not detected at the alloy electrodes once heated at the high temperature in the solution, probably due to the thickening of the Pt skin-layer by a considerable dissolution of nonprecious metal components (Fe, Co, Ni) from the alloys.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Intrahepatic peripheral cholangiocarcinoma: comparison of dynamic CT and dynamic MRI.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to compare dynamic MRI (D-MRI) with dynamic CT (D-CT) for the diagnosis of peripheral cholangiocarcinoma (PCC) of the liver. METHOD: Twenty patients with PCC underwent both D-CT and D-MRI during the early, middle, and delayed phase after contrast medium administration. The findings from D-MRI were compared with those from D-CT. RESULTS: D-CT and D-MRI exhibited a similar tumoral enhancement pattern, and this enhancement was more conspicuous on D-MRI. A wedge-like enhancement area peripheral to the tumor was observed in 9 (45%) patients on D-CT and 11 (55%) patients on D-MRI. Ductal dilatation was found in 13 (65%) patients on both techniques. Vascular involvement and extrahepatic invasion were seen in nine (45%) and two (10%) patients, respectively. The relationship of the tumor to the vessels and surrounding organs was more easily evaluated on D-CT. CONCLUSION: Both D-CT and D-MRI can provide important information for the diagnosis of PCC. D-CT is better than D-MRI for demonstrating vascular involvement and extrahepatic invasion. D-MRI gives more conspicuous enhancement.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Long-term follow-up of initial 5-fluorouracil trabeculectomy in primary open-angle glaucoma in Japanese patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of initial trabeculectomy with subconjunctival 5-fluorouracil in Japanese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Clinical records of 117 eyes from 117 patients with records of up to 14 years were retrospectively analyzed using the appropriate statistical methods. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 6.2 +/- 3.6 years. Criteria for successful intraocular pressure control and success probability by Kaplan-Meier method at 12 years were intraocular pressure < 21 mm Hg without medication plus a 30% or more reduction in intraocular pressure, 50.4 +/- 5.2% (SE) 38.2 +/- 5.3%; and intraocular pressure < 16 mm Hg without medication plus a 30% or more reduction in intraocular pressure, 45.9 +/- 5.1% (36.5 +/- 5.2%). Cox multiple regression analysis showed that a younger age was associated with a higher success probability (P <0.01). Eyes with lower postoperative intraocular pressure tended to show more positive value of the MD slope (P = 0.0669), whereas 7% of successfully treated eyes showed a negative postoperative MD slope (P < 0.1). The probabilities for developing bleb leaks and bleb-related infections in eyes with a functioning bleb were 28.9 +/- 12.5% and 13.0 +/- 10.4% at 12 years. CONCLUSION: Trabeculectomy with 5-fluorouracil as an initial surgery in Japanese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma was effective for long-term control of glaucoma. However, the probability of late-onset bleb-related complications was not low in eyes with a functioning bleb, stressing the importance of constant care regarding bleb status.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Changes in regional cerebral blood volume in frontal cortex during mental work with and without caffeine intake: functional monitoring using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to measure frontal regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in a person whose brain was under the influence of pharmacological agents while the person was performing a complex task. Fourteen healthy participants were administered Uchida-Kraepelin psychodiagnostic (UKP) tests before and after caffeine intake, and the concentration of caffeine in the urine was measured. The average number of answers and the average number of correct answers given by the participants improved significantly following caffeine intake. During the UKP testing, changes in the rCBV in the inferior frontal cortex were continuously measured using NIRS. The volume during the rest periods decreased as a result of caffeine-induced constriction of the cerebral arteriola. The volume increased during the mental work, but the degree of the increase was the same before and after caffeine intake. Although the performance of the mental work improved following caffeine intake, the improvement was not reflected in the rCBV in the inferior frontal cerebral cortex. These results suggest that caffeine helps to protect the brain from excessive hyperemia in addition to activating the neurons in the prefrontal cortex.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2004

Protective role of vanilloid receptor type 1 in HCl-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats.

BACKGROUND: Effects of vanilloid-receptor agonists and antagonists on HCl-induced gastric lesions in rats were investigated to elucidate the role of vanilloid receptor type 1 (VR1) in gastric mucosal defense mechanisms. METHODS: Gastric lesions in rats were evaluated after intragastric administration of 0.6 N HCl. The localization of VR1 in the stomach was investigated immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Intragastric administration of capsaicin inhibited the formation of gastric lesions in a dose-dependent manner (0.1-2.5 mg/kg). The functional VR1 antagonists ruthenium red and capsazepine markedly aggravated HCl-induced gastric lesions in rats. The gastroprotective effect of capsaicin was attenuated by ruthenium red or capsazepine. It is reported that resiniferatoxin, [6]-gingerol and lafutidine are compounds that activate VR1 and/or capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons. These compounds significantly inhibited the formation of HCl-induced gastric lesions, and their gastroprotective effects were inhibited by treatment with ruthenium red. The immunohistochemical studies revealed that nerve fibers expressing VR1 exist along gastric glands in the mucosa, around blood vessels in the submucosa, in the myenteric plexus, and in the smooth muscle layers, especially the circular muscle layer. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that VR1 plays a protective role in the gastric defensive mechanism in rats.

Acetamides↗
PubMed2007

Histopathological features of the resected left atrial appendage as predictors of recurrence after surgery for atrial fibrillation in valvular heart disease.

BACKGROUND: A histopathological assessment of left atrial appendages (LAA) resected during surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) was made, with the aim of improving the prediction of postoperative AF recurrence. METHODS AND RESULTS: This clinicopathological study involved 57 surgical cases of valvular AF and 34 age- and sex-matched control autopsy cases with a history of sinus rhythm. LAA from the cases with valvular AF showed greater hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes (p<0.0001), greater nuclear enlargement (p<0.0001), more bizarre nuclei (BN; p<0.0001), and more intercellular fibrosis (ICF; p<0.001). Partial disarray of cardiomyocytes and fatty infiltration were recognized in both the AF and control groups. Thirty-seven cases had maintained sinus rhythm after surgery from 7 months to 10 years. AF recurred within a month of surgery in 17 and after a month in 3; there was no significant difference in histopathological features between them. These 20 cases had more cellular hypertrophy (p<0.025), nuclear enlargement (p<0.025), BN (p<0.01), and ICF (p<0.025) than those who maintained sinus rhythm after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The histopathological findings for LAA reflected the underlying valvular diseases; however, the most reliable predictors of postoperative AF recurrence were hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes, bizarre shaped nuclei, and extensive ICF.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Basilar artery dissection.

OBJECT: Little is understood about the clinical manifestations of basilar artery (BA) dissections, which can present with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), brainstem compression, or ischemia. In any instance, the prognosis seems poorer than that for vertebral artery (VA) dissection. The authors analyzed clinical presentations and radiological features of BA dissection with and without rupture. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2003, the authors treated 10 patients (eight men and two women, ranging in age from 32-78 years; mean age 54 years) with BA dissection. Diagnosis was based on clinical and radiological findings, including those from magnetic resonance imaging and cerebral angiography studies. Of the 10 patients, five had impaired consciousness at disease onset. Among four patients presenting with SAH, two were treated conservatively and had fair outcomes without recurrent hemorrhage. The other two patients with SAH were treated using unilateral endovascular VA occlusion, but one of them subsequently suffered fatal rebleeding. A fifth patient presented with progressive signs of a mass involving the brainstem, whereas the remaining five patients showed brainstem ischemia; all were treated conservatively. Four patients could not return to their previous daily activities. CONCLUSIONS: Basilar artery dissections are rare lesions associated with significant morbidity and death. The natural course of and the treatment options for BA dissection differ considerably from those for VA dissections. Management of these lesions is controversial and difficult, and requires particular care.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Additional reduction in intraocular pressure achieved with latanoprost in normal-tension glaucoma patients previously treated with unoprostone.

PURPOSE: To determine whether treatment with latanoprost eye drops is able to further reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients whose IOP has been well controlled with unoprostone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 34 eyes (34 individuals) with NTG that had been treated with 0.12% unoprostone eye drops twice daily for >or=3 months were switched to treatment once daily with eye drops containing 0.005% latanoprost. IOP was measured before and 1, 2, and 3 months after the switch to latanoprost. RESULTS: The mean IOP of all eyes was decreased significantly by 1.8, 2.9, and 2.3 mmHg at 1, 2, and 3 months after the switch from unoprostone to latanoprost treatment. The IOP of patients with an initial IOP of 12 mmHg was reduced by 11.0 or 19.9%, respectively, after 3 months on latanoprost. The IOP of 30 (88.2%) of the 34 eyes was further reduced by the switch from unoprostone to latanoprost. CONCLUSIONS: Latanoprost reduced the IOP of NTG patients who had already been treated with unoprostone, even though both drugs are prostaglandin-related. Switching to latanoprost might thus achieve a maximal decrease in IOP and thereby better prevent damage to the optic nerve and loss of visual field in NTG patients.

Aged↗