Biomedical subjects

Hidekazu Takahashi

Publications and source records attributed to Hidekazu Takahashi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

[A case of stage IV advanced gastric cancer responding to TS-1/CDDP neoadjuvant chemotherapy which leads to a pathological complete response].

A 72-year-old male with advanced gastric cancer (cT3N2M0H0P0CY1, cStage IV) was treated with TS-1/CDDP as neoadjuvant chemotherapy. TS-1 (60 mg/m(2)/day) was orally administered for 3 weeks followed by 2 drug free weeks as a course, and CDDP (60 mg/m(2)) was administered by intravenous drip on day 8. After the fourth course,a significant tumor reduction was obtained. Total gastrectomy, splenectomy, and D 2 type nodal dissection were performed. The histological diagnosis revealed complete disappearance of cancer cells in the stomach and all of the lymph nodes, which is a so-called pathological complete response. The patient has now been in good health without a recurrence for 24 months after surgery. This case suggests that neoadjuvant chemotherapy with TS-1/CDDP is a potential regimen for advanced gastric cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2006

Nucleocytosolic acetyl-coenzyme a synthetase is required for histone acetylation and global transcription.

Metabolic enzymes rarely regulate informational processes like gene expression. Yeast acetyl-CoA synthetases (Acs1p and 2p) are exceptional, as they are important not only for carbon metabolism but also are shown here to supply the acetyl-CoA for histone acetylation by histone acetyltransferases (HATs). acs2-Ts mutants exhibit global histone deacetylation, transcriptional defects, and synthetic growth defects with HAT mutants at high temperatures. In glycerol with ethanol, Acs1p is an alternate acetyl-CoA source for HATs. Rapid deacetylation after Acs2p inactivation suggests nuclear acetyl-CoA synthesis is rate limiting for histone acetylation. Different histone lysines exhibit distinct deacetylation rates, with N-terminal tail lysines deacetylated rapidly and H3 lysine 56 slowly. Yeast mitochondrial and nucleocytosolic acetyl-CoA pools are biochemically isolated. Thus, acetyl-CoA metabolism is directly linked to chromatin regulation and may affect diverse cellular processes in which acetylation and metabolism intersect, such as disease states and aging.

Acetate-CoA Ligase↗

PubMed2006

Prediction of permanent deformation in cast clasps for denture prostheses using a validated nonlinear finite element model.

OBJECTIVES: Permanent deformation is one of the most common mechanical complications that affect denture clasps. This can lead to loss of retention and stability of the prosthesis. The purpose of this study was to apply and validate a nonlinear finite element model for permanent deformation prediction in cast denture clasps. Such a model can enhance the process of design optimization and contribute to minimizing the possibility of this problem. METHODS: Cast clasps made from Ti-6Al-7Nb, Co-Cr and Type IV gold alloys were loaded in three different directions (outside, inside and outside inclined 30 degrees ), and the resulting permanent deformation values were recorded. Nonlinear finite element analysis simulations based on the maximum distortion energy criterion for yielding, were conducted for clasp models that were reproduced according to the dimensions of each experimental specimen. Linear regression analysis for the results of the experiment and simulation was performed to verify the validity of the mathematical models. RESULTS: Deflections required to produce specific amounts of permanent deformation were in close agreement with those recorded experimentally. The R2 value for all bending tests was 0.985 and the linear regression equation expressed in micrometers was [DeflectionFEA=0.976 (DeflectionReal)+34]. SIGNIFICANCE: Permanent deformation behavior in the cast clasps with a relatively wide range of deflections (0-2 mm) can be predicted using the proposed model, which shall enhance the design optimization process of cast clasps for denture prostheses.

Dental Alloys↗

PubMed2006

Ti-6Al-7Nb promotes cell spreading and fibronectin and osteopontin synthesis in osteoblast-like cells.

The purpose of this study was to compare the early response of human osteoblast-like cells (SaOS-2) on commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and titanium-6-aluminium-7-niobium (Ti-6Al-7Nb) using glass slide as a control. In terms of cell attachment, no significance was observed when cells were seeded on the materials. However, morphological analysis by scanning electron microscope revealed that cells on Ti-6Al-7Nb showed better spreading after 4 hrs. After 48 hrs, both Western analysis and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that cells cultured on Ti-6Al-7Nb synthesized a higher amount of fibronectin and osteopontin as compared to cells seeded on cpTi or on glass slide. These results suggest that Ti-6Al-7Nb possess a good potential to support SaOS-2 cells on spreading and fibronectin and osteopontin synthesis, therefore, this material may be one of a candidate material used in implant dentistry.

Alloys↗

PubMed2006

Transudative pleural effusion associated with left brachiocephalic vein resection.

A 70-year-old woman was admitted for surgical treatment of a thymoma. She underwent thymectomy with left brachiocephalic vein resection because of invasion. Left pleural effusion appeared from postoperative day 4 and resolved with drainage. Herein, we report a rare case of pleural effusion associated with brachiocephalic vein resection.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Titanium casting using commercial phosphate-bonded investments with quick heating method.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible use of quick heating method for titanium casting using two commercial investments (Rematitan Plus and Tancovest). The resulting characteristics of the investments with the quick heating method were as follows: residual thermal expansion at the casting temperature was in the range of 0.39 to 0.64%; green strength and fired strength ranged from 4.4 to 10.3 MPa and from 13.8 to 17.6 MPa, respectively. Five full crown titanium castings from each casting condition were obtained using an argon arc melting and gas pressure casting machine. The thickness of cast surface reaction layer was approximately 200 microm, regardless of heating methods or investments. Further, the heating method did not significantly influence either the accuracy or surface roughness of the titanium castings. These results therefore suggested that these commercial investments for titanium could be used for the quick heating method.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2006

[Combined chemotherapy with weekly Paclitaxel and doxifluridine for advanced and recurrent gastric cancers].

We conducted combined therapy of weekly paclitaxel and doxifluridine (5'-DFUR) for 23 cases of advanced and recurrent gastric carcinomas to investigate their efficacy and safety. Subjects included 7 unresectable cases, 5 noncurative resection cases, and 11 recurrent cases. Twenty of the 23 subjects had a history of prior treatment with another anticancer drug. The treatment regime consisted of one course comprising 70 mg/m(2)of paclitaxel weekly for three consecutive weeks followed by one week rest, combined with 800 mg/day of 5'-DFUR orally. Results revealed a response rate of 17.6% (3/17), with 2 cases of CR, 1 case of PR, 10 cases of NC, and 4 cases of PD. One of the CR cases was an unresectable case involving a primary tumor, liver metastasis, and abdominal lymph node metastasis, while the other was a recurrent case involving abdominal lymph node metastasis. The median survival period was 387 days. The one-and two-year survival rates were 52% and 24%, respectively. In terms of adverse effects, there were only single cases of grade 3 leukopenia and grade 3 neutropenia, with no cases of grade 4 hemotoxicity. Both patients could be treated as outpatients. Combination therapy of weekly paclitaxel and 5'-DFUR can be an effective and safe therapy for advanced and recurrent gastric carcinomas.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Cultured skin loaded with tetracycline HCl and chloramphenicol as dermal delivery system: mathematical evaluation of the cultured skin containing antibiotics.

Dermal patches consisting of cultured human skin with antibiotics, which have a protective effect on wound skin as well as a preventative effect on second infection of the skin, were prepared and mathematically analyzed as a new drug delivery system (DDS) that can be applied to serious skin defects such as severe burns. In the present study, a three-dimensional cultured human skin model (living skin equivalent-high, LSE-high) was used as a cultured skin membrane and tetracycline HCl (TC-HCl) and chloramphenicol (CP) were used as antibiotics. At first, antibiotics were entrapped in the LSE-high from the dermal side through culture medium in order to obtain a drug-loaded LSE-high. The antibiotic release from the drug-loaded LSE-high was then examined and the resulting release data were used to calculate the effective diffusion coefficient of the antibiotics (D(LSE)) and initial loading concentration of the antibiotics (C0) in the LSE-high. The release profile of TC-HCl was represented by general diffusion-limited kinetics, whereas an initial burst effect was found in the release profile of CP. Therefore, the burst effect was taken into account for analyzing the release profile of CP. Stripped skin excised from hairless rats was used as a wound model, and the antibiotic permeation through the skin from aqueous solution was examined and evaluated using differential equations for Fick's second law of diffusion to obtain the effective diffusion coefficient of the antibiotics in the wound skin (D(skin)). Furthermore, the antibiotic permeation profile through the excised stripped skin from the drug-loaded LSE-high was measured and theoretically evaluated by Fick's second law of diffusion with previously obtained parameters (C0, D(LSE), D(skin)) using a newly constructed two- or three-layered diffusion model. The calculated concentrations of TC-HCl and CP in the upper epidermis of the model wound skin were over their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for several hours against various bacteria, suggesting that this dosage system is useful for the treatment of severe burns. In addition, the present analytical method and diffusion model, with the drug-loaded LSE-high and stripped rat skin, are useful tools for evaluating this new DDS.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

PubMed2005

Deflection fatigue of Ti-6Al-7Nb, Co-Cr, and gold alloy cast clasps.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: There is little information about the deflection fatigue of clasps in relation to stress distribution. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the fatigue resistance and permanent deformation of cast clasps made of titanium and other dental alloys and to relate the fatigue resistance with the calculated stress values. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five Ti-6Al-7Nb, 25 Co-Cr, and 15 Type IV gold alloy clasps were subjected to cyclic deflection of preset values of 0.25 mm, 0.50 mm, or 0.75 mm, for 10 6 cycles (n = 14). Finite element models were created to calculate principal stresses within the specimens. Fatigue life, retentive force, and permanent deformation were recorded, and the fracture locations were determined microscopically. The results were characterized in relation to the stress within the clasps. One-way analysis of variance and Tamhane's post-hoc tests were used to compare the results of the 9 material-deflection groups (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Ti-6Al-7Nb clasps exhibited significantly less permanent deformation than the other clasps under relatively greater deflections, indicating better adaptation to the tooth surface. However, the fatigue life of the Ti-6Al-7Nb clasps under 0.75-mm deflection, with the stress above the alloy's 0.2% yield strength, was significantly shorter than those under smaller deflections. The gold clasps showed significantly longer fatigue life than the other clasps under the 0.50-mm deflection. High-stress areas within the fatigue clasp specimens coincided with the fracture locations. The probabilities of fatigue fracture and permanent deformation were closely related to the material strengths and the preset deflections. CONCLUSION: To minimize fatigue failures, the cast clasp should be designed with consideration of the stresses distributions within the clasps.

Chromium Alloys↗

PubMed2005

Effects of laser irradiation on tensile strength of bovine dentin.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the tensile strengths of dentin after laser irradiation using three kinds of dental lasers to elucidate the laser-irradiation effect on dentin properties. BACKGROUND DATA: Different kinds of laser devices have been developed in dentistry. The characteristics of each laser are determined by its original wavelength; however, one common feature is to generate heat in irradiated tissues, and such heat possibly affects dentin collagen, which contributes to tensile strength of the tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Er:YAG, CO2, and diode (GaAlAs) lasers were used to irradiate bovine dentin. Subsequently, tensile test specimens were made from the irradiated dentin and tensile tests were conducted. The tensile strengths were analyzed using the paired-t test and Weibull analysis. Irradiated dentin was also observed transversally using light microscopy. RESULTS: The tensile strengths of the lased dentin and the control group for the Er:YAG, CO2, and diode lasers were 73.1 and 78.5, 70.3 and 74.3, and 64.3 and 71.0 MPa, respectively. The tensile strength of the dentin had a tendency to decrease with laser irradiation. Weibull analysis indicated that the laser influence was different among the three kinds of laser apparatuses and seemed to correspond to the depths the laser beam reached, which were suggested by light microscopy observation. CONCLUSION: Laser irradiation could possibly decrease dentin tensile strength, which suggests the importance of careful use of laser for hard tissue treatment, considering its energy-transforming characteristics.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Radiopacity of experimental composite resins containing radiopaque materials.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the radiopacity of an experimental light-cured composite resin and the amount and type of its radiopaque material: Ti, SrCO3, ZrO2, BaSO4, or Bi2O3. Radiopacity of each material was evaluated in terms of aluminum equivalent thickness using an aluminum step wedge. Then, the half-value layer thickness of the experimental composite resin, which had an aluminium equivalent thickness of 1 mm, was evaluated. It was found that the effects of elemental composition were not identical when evaluated in terms of aluminum equivalent thickness and by half-value layer. Nevertheless, both measurement methods indicated that radiopacity increased with increase in radiopaque material content as well as increase in atomic number of the element.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed2005

Basic evaluation of cast joining for electroformed coping using multi-purpose alloys.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bonding interface and bonding strength of electroformed coping when cast joining was used with a multi-purpose alloy. The multi-purpose alloy was cast at a mold temperature of 700, 750 or 800 degrees C. A high noble alloy tab was also soldered onto an electroformed coping as a control. Sectioned surfaces of cast joining and soldered specimens were observed using a scanning electron microscope and analyzed using an electron probe micro analyzer. Shear bonding strength of specimens cast at 750 degrees C and that of soldered specimens were determined. The edge of the cast joining alloy was round, but this improved as temperature increased. Diffusion of elements from the cast joining alloy and electroformed coping was detected at the interface, which contributed to a significantly higher bonding strength in the cast joining specimen than in the soldered specimen. These results suggested that the cast joining could be potentially employed for electroformed copings.

Dental Abutments↗

PubMed2005

Bonding properties of heat-polymerized denture base resin to Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bonding strength and leakage of heat-polymerized denture base resin to titanium-aluminum-niobium (Ti-6Al-7Nb) and cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) castings using four adhesive systems; three adhesive primers (Metal Primer II, Metal Link, MR. Bond) and one heat-polymerized adhesive resin containing 4-META (Metadent). The resin tab was heat-polymerized directly with or without the primer. Shear bonding strengths and dye penetration distances were determined before and after 10,000 times of thermocycling. The results were analyzed with three-way ANOVA and Tukey's comparison (p<0.05). Thermocycling significantly decreased bonding strength and promoted dye penetration. However, with the application of adhesive systems, post-thermocycling bond strength was significantly improved and dye penetration was inhibited. The bonding strength of Ti-6Al-7Nb was significantly smaller than that of Co-Cr, but the difference was marginal. These results suggested that the examined adhesive systems significantly improved the bonding efficiency of heat-polymerized resin to Ti-6Al-7Nb and Co-Cr alloys.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed2005

Effective factors including periodontal ligament on vertical root fractures.

The purpose of the present study was to analyze effective factors including periodontal ligament on vertical root fractures (VRFs). Eighty maxillary central incisors were assigned to eight groups, depending on master apical file (MAF) size, loading point and existence of a simulated periodontal ligament (PDL). The gutta-percha in the root canal was vertically pressed with a Co-Cr rod using a universal testing machine. An ordinal logistic analysis was employed to determine significant factors. VRFs were observed in 88.8% of the specimens but no horizontal fractures were found. There were three types of VRFs: partial fracture not involving the apex (PF, 41.3%), partial fracture involving the apex (AF, 40.0%), and complete fracture (CF, 7.5%). MAF size significantly affected VRFs (p < 0.05); large MAF size exhibited more partial fractures involving the apex. Loading point and existence of PDL did not affect VRFs.

Dental Instruments↗

PubMed2005

Evaluation of stable retentive properties of overdenture attachments.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate fatigue of stud (ERA Overdenture (orange and white), Locator Root (pink) and OP anchor # 4) and magnetic (Magfit EX600W) attachments by measuring maximum retentive force. To compare retentive force of overdenture attachments after their reach stable retention. To determine minimum number of cycles required to reach stable retention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three specimens of each type of attachment were used. Micromaterial testing machine (MMT-250NB-10, Shimadzu Co., Tokyo, Japan) with a sensor interface PCD-320 and software package PCD-30A (Kyowa Electronic Instruments Co., Tokyo, Japan) was used to performe 2000 insertion-removal cycles with 50 mm/min cross head speed. Maximum retentive force was measured initially and after each 40 cycles. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: paired-samples t-test, one-way ANOVA and Scheffe post-hoc tests (P<0.05). RESULTS: Before and after fatigue simulation statistically significant differences existed among the five types of attachments. Decrease of retention was characteristic for all attachments except OP. After fatigue LRP was most retentive. Magnetic attachments preserved maximum amount of retention measured at the baseline (98%). EO and EW attachments have preserved only 25% and 37% of initial retention respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Due to fatigue overdenture attachments gradually loose their retention. Stud attachments are more susceptible to fatigue than magnets. Eight hundred cycles are required to achieve relatively stable retention of overdenture attachments.

Dental Abutments↗

PubMed2004

Thermo-hydrolytic stability of core foundation and restorative composites.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The use of weak and less durable materials in restoring teeth may result in weak restorations unable to withstand intraoral conditions. PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effect of thermo-hydrolytic stress on the flexural strength and flexural modulus of core foundation composites with direct restorative composites and determine mass percentage of filler content. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 216 specimens, from 9 brands of commercially available composites (Coreflo, DC Core, Photocore, APX, Litefil II A, Surefil, TPH Spectrum, Z100, and Z250) were fabricated following ISO Standard 4049. Flexural strength (MPa) and flexural modulus (GPa) were determined on bar-shaped specimens (25 x 2 x 2 mm) before and after storage in boiling water for 24 hours (n=12). The filler content in composite was determined by incineration using a thermogravimetric analyzer. The data were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance and the Student t test (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Filler content of the tested composites was 66.6 to 81.8 mass %. Significant differences in both flexural strength and flexural modulus existed among materials, the effect of boiling and interaction (P<.05). Coreflo, DC Core, Z100, and Z250 demonstrated a significant decrease in flexural strength after boiling (P<.05). Z250 showed a significant decrease in flexural modulus after boiling (P=.001), while Surefil showed a significant increase in flexural modulus (P=.007). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that composites were affected differently by moist heat stress. Some composites showed a degradation of flexural properties while some retained flexural properties. Stability of the composites varied among brands.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed2004

Targeted nuclear import of open reading frame 1 protein is required for in vivo retrotransposition of a telomere-specific non-long terminal repeat retrotransposon, SART1.

Non-long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposons, most of which carry two open reading frames (ORFs), are abundant mobile elements that are distributed widely among eukaryotes. ORF2 encodes enzymatic domains, such as reverse transcriptase, that are conserved in all retroelements, but the functional roles of ORF1 in vivo are little understood. We show with green fluorescent protein-ORF1 fusion proteins that the ORF1 proteins of SART1, a telomeric repeat-specific non-LTR retrotransposon in Bombyx mori, are transported into the nucleus to produce a dotted localization pattern. Nuclear localization signals N1 (RRKR) and N2 (PSKRGRG) at the N terminus and a highly basic region in the center of SART1 ORF1 are involved in nuclear import and the dotted localization pattern in the nucleus, respectively. An in vivo retrotransposition assay clarified that at least three ORF1 domains, N1/N2, the central basic domain, and CCHC zinc fingers are required for SART1 retrotransposition. The nuclear import activity of SART1 ORF1 makes it clear that the ORF1 proteins of non-LTR retrotransposons work mainly in the nucleus, in contrast to the cytoplasmic action of Gag proteins of LTR elements. The functional domains found here in SART1 ORF1 will be useful for developing a more efficient and target-specific LINE-based gene delivery vector.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Essential motifs in the 3' untranslated region required for retrotransposition and the precise start of reverse transcription in non-long-terminal-repeat retrotransposon SART1.

Non-long-terminal-repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposons amplify their copies by reverse transcribing mRNA from the 3' end, but the initial processes of reverse transcription are still unclear. We have shown that a telomere-specific non-LTR retrotransposon of the silkworm, SART1, requires the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) for retrotransposition. With an in vivo retrotransposition assay, we identified several novel motifs within the 3' UTR involved in precise and efficient reverse transcription. Of 461 nucleotides (nt) of the 3' UTR, the central region, from nt 163 to nt 295, was essential for SART1 retrotransposition. Of five putative stem-loops formed in RNA for the SART1 3' UTR, the second stem-loop (nt 159 to 221) is included in this region. Loss of the 3' region (nt 296 to 461) in the 3' UTR and the poly(A) tract resulted in decreased and inaccurate reverse transcription, which starts mostly from several telomeric repeat-like GGUU sequences just downstream of the second stem-loop. These results suggest that short telomeric repeat-like sequences in the 3' UTR anneal to the bottom strand of (TTAGG)(n) repeats. We also demonstrated that the mRNA for green fluorescent protein (GFP) could be retrotransposed into telomeric repeats when the GFP coding region is fused with the SART1 3' UTR and SART1 open reading frame proteins are supplied in trans.

3' Untranslated Regions↗