Biomedical subjects

K Nakanishi

Publications and source records attributed to K Nakanishi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Tissue factor expression as a possible determinant of thromboembolism in ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer, and clear cell carcinoma in particular, reportedly increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, the mechanisms remain unclear. Tissue factor (TF) supposedly represents a major factor in the procoagulant activities of cancer cells. The present study examined the involvement of TF expression in VTE for patients with ovarian cancer. Subjects comprised 32 consecutive patients (mean age 49.8 years) with histologically confirmed ovarian cancer. Presence of VTE was examined using a combination of clinical features, D-dimer levels and venous ultrasonography. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate TF expression into 4 degrees. Venous thromboembolism was identified in 10 of the 32 patients (31%), including five of the 11 patients with clear cell carcinoma. Tissue factor expression was detected in cancer tissues from 24 patients and displayed significant correlations with VTE development (P=0.0003), D-dimer concentration (P=0.003) and clear cell carcinoma (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified TF expression as an independent predictive factor of VTE development (P<0.05). Tissue factor (TF) expression is a possible determinant of VTE development in ovarian cancer. In particular, clear cell carcinoma may produce excessive levels of TF and is more likely to develop VTE.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

An accessory chromophore in red vision.

In the absence of a red-sensitive visual pigment, some deep-sea fish use a chlorophyll derivative in their green-sensitive rod cells in order to see deep-red light. Here we show that living rods extracted from a salamander can also accumulate an exogenous chlorophyll derivative, chlorin e6, that renders them as sensitive to red light as they are to green. This vision enhancement by an unbleachable chlorophyll derivative might therefore be a general phenomenon in vertebrate photoreception.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Gamow-Teller strengths in the A = 14 multiplet: a challenge to the shell model.

A new experimental approach to the famous problem of the anomalously slow Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions in the beta decay of the A=14 multiplet is presented. The GT strength distributions to excited states in 14C and 14O were studied in high-resolution (d,2He) and (3He,t) charge-exchange reactions on 14N. No-core shell-model calculations capable of reproducing the suppression of the beta decays predict a selective excitation of Jpi=2+ states. The experimental confirmation represents a validation of the assumptions about the underlying structure of the 14N ground state wave function. However, the fragmentation of the GT strength over three 2+ final states remains a fundamental issue not explained by the present no-core shell model using a 6homega model space, suggesting possibly the need to include cluster structure in these light nuclei in a consistent way.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

Fine structure of the Gamow-Teller resonance in 90Nb and level density of 1+ states.

The fine structure of the Gamow-Teller resonance in a medium-heavy nucleus is observed for the first time in a high-resolution 90Zr(3He,t)90Nb experiment at the Research Center for Nuclear Physics, Osaka. Using a novel wavelet analysis technique, it is possible to extract characteristic energy scales and to quantify their relative importance for the generation of the fine structure. This method combined with the selectivity of the reaction permits an extraction of the level density of 1+ states in 90Nb.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

Management and algorithm for focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver in children.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate management plan for childhood and adolescent FNH, in particular to establish an algorithm for preoperative diagnosis and treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1985 and 2003, 4 children with FNH were diagnosed. Of these 4 patients, 3 (Group A) underwent tumor resection, and 1 (Group B) was treated by conservative management. Clinical data, pathological findings and follow-up were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The 3 patients in Group A were symptomatic, while the 1 patient in Group B was asymptomatic. In 3 of 4 patients, a homogeneous tumor with a central stellate area was noted on abdominal ultrasonography, CT scan and MR imaging. In case 2, SPIO-enhanced MR imaging was useful for differentiating FNH from hepatocellular carcinoma. Though percutaneous needle biopsy was performed in case 3, a pathologically definitive diagnosis was impossible. An open biopsy was performed in case 4 and FNH was diagnosed. In case 4 treated by conservative management, the tumor size did not change during the 7 years after the diagnosis of FNH. CONCLUSION: FNH is usually treated conservatively because of the good evolutionary outcome of the lesion. Surgery is indicated in cases of complications, compressed adjacent organs, lesion progression, or for symptomatic patients. We advocate the use of less invasive SPIO-enhanced MR imaging instead of open biopsy when the diagnosis of focal liver lesions is not clear after contrast-enhanced CT scan and non-enhanced MR imaging.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Topical suplatast tosilate (IPD) ameliorates Th2 cytokine-mediated dermatitis in caspase-1 transgenic mice by downregulating interleukin-4 and interleukin-5.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by elevated serum levels of IgE. AD is associated with Th2 cytokines including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-10. Systemic administration of suplatast tosilate (IPD) is currently used to treat Th2 cytokine-mediated AD. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of topical IPD on skin lesions of AD using a genetically engineered AD mouse model (K14/caspase-1 transgenic mouse: KCASP1Tg). METHODS: IPD ointment (3%) and white petrolatum (WP) were applied to KCASP1Tg mice every other day from 6 to 14 weeks after birth. Histopathological analysis of skin lesions and measurement of mRNA expression of cytokines in skin lesions and spleen cells were carried out. We also compared changes in serum parameters between IPD-treated and WP-treated KCASP1Tg mice. RESULTS: WP-treated mice developed dermatitis at 8 weeks after birth. However, skin lesions in IPD-treated mice were limited. Histopathologically, skin lesions in WP-treated KCASP1Tg mice showed marked inflammatory changes with increased mast cell infiltration. However, mice treated with IPD showed minimum skin lesions with scarce mast cell infiltration. WP-treated KCASP1Tg mice had significant elevation in the serum levels of histamine, IgE and IL-18 as compared with IPD-treated KCASP1Tg mice. mRNA expression of IL-4 and IL-5 in the skin lesions from WP-treated KCASP1Tg mice was significantly higher than in those from IPD-treated mice. In the spleen, the expression of IL-4, IL-5 and interferon-gamma was significantly increased in WP-treated KCASP1Tg mice as compared with their IPD-treated counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that topical therapy with IPD inhibits the expression of IL-4 and IL-5 and ameliorates skin manifestations in an AD mouse model, suggesting the potential usefulness of topical IPD for the treatment of AD.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2005

Gamow-teller strengths in proton-rich exotic nuclei deduced in the combined analysis of mirror transitions.

Isospin symmetry is expected for the T(z)=+/-1-->0 isobaric analogous transitions in isobars with mass number A, where T(z) is the z component of isospin T. Assuming this symmetry, strengths of analogous Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions within A = 50 isobars were determined from a high energy-resolution study at 0 degrees in combination with the decay Q value and lifetime from the beta decay. This method can be applied to other pf-shell nuclei and can be used to study GT strengths of astrophysical interest.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma: an imaging review of ten new patients.

OBJECTIVE: Extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare soft-tissue tumor that most arises in young adults. Because of its rarity, few imaging studies have been reported to date. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the imaging features of this tumor. DESIGN: We conducted a multi-institutional study in cooperation with five referral cancer centers in Japan. Imaging findings of ten new EMC cases, including conventional radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed at each institute, were reviewed along with clinical features. PATIENTS: Ten patients with EMC, who had been treated at each hospital from 1990 to 2001, participated in this study. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Soft-tissue masses with well-demarcated, dense and granular calcification were most frequently observed on plain radiographs and CT scans. T2-weighted MR images most clearly depicted a two-component structure composed of calcified and uncalcified areas, and enhanced MRI showed inhomogeneous enhancement in both areas. Although the sensitivity and specificity of these findings are unknown, they might be characteristic and have diagnostic value for this rare tumor.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Importance of early repair of isolated abdominal aortic dissecting aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Since the available information on isolated abdominal aortic dissecting aneurysm (AADA) is mainly related to case reports or reports of small groups of patients, its natural history remains undetermined and there is no agreement on its optimal management. The purpose of this study is to define the features and pattern of development of this unusual entity as well as to propose criteria for treatment based on our own experience and previously published data. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the history of 6 patients diagnosed with AADA. The patients were 5 males and 1 female. The mean age was 71 +/- 8 years (range: 61-80 years), and the mean aneurysm diameter was 54 +/- 14 mm (range: 35-70 mm). All of these patients were hypertensive (100%). History of cerebrovascular accident, ischemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, or diabetes mellitus was present in 1 patient, respectively. Two patients developed mycotic AADA. RESULTS: Emergency operations had been performed in 3 cases, and scheduled surgical reconstruction in the remaining 3 cases. Operation consisted of aneurysmectomy and graft replacement of the diseased aortic segment in all cases. One patient treated in an emergency setting died subsequently of multisystem organ failure, but the others did well. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic patients or patients at good risk should undergo surgical repair earlier than in the case of abdominal aortic aneurysm without dissection (AAA). Dissection in addition to an AAA will further increase the weakness of the aortic wall and the possibility of aortic rupture will become higher.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Prognostic factors and a scoring system for patients with skeletal metastasis.

Between 1992 and 1999, we treated 350 patients with skeletal metastases. A multivariable analysis of the patients was conducted using the Cox proportional hazards model. We identified five significant prognostic factors for survival, namely, the site of the primary lesion, the performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status 3 or 4), the presence of visceral or cerebral metastases, any previous chemotherapy, and multiple skeletal metastases. The score for each significant factor was derived from the corresponding estimated regression coefficients (natural logarithm of the hazard ratio). The prognostic score was calculated by adding all the scores for individual factors. The rate of survival was 31% at six months and 11% at one year for the patients with a prognostic score of 6 or more. By contrast, patients with a prognostic score of 2 or less had a rate of survival of 98% at six months and 89% at one year. This scoring system can be used to determine the optimal treatment for patients with pathological fractures or epidural compression.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with polyarteritis nodosa.

We present a case of classical polyarteritis nodosa (PN) overlapping thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). A 70-year-old woman was transferred to our hospital because of general fatigue and fever. On admission, laboratory findings revealed leukocytosis, normochromic normocytic anemia and renal dysfunction. About one week later, she developed disturbance of consciousness, and laboratory findings revealed rapidly progressive thrombocytopenia and renal dysfunction. We suspected the presence of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), based on mild elevation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA). On post-admission Day 11, renal biopsy was performed but the diagnosis of MPA could not be confirmed because of the absence of glomerular crescent formation or vasculitis. However, the biopsy specimen showed many collapsed glomeruli and interstitial inflammation, indicating the presence of occlusive lesions, such as vasculitis in larger arteries. We instituted methylprednisolone pulse therapy, cyclophosphamide and plasma exchange, because the clinical symptoms also satisfied the criteria of TTP. Despite the intensive treatment, the patient died on 43rd day of hospitalization due to thalamic hemorrhage. Autopsy showed typical findings of classical PN including disruption of arterial walls and fibrinoid necrosis in the medium-sized arteries of the kidneys and colon. We detected reduced activity of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (VWF-CP) and the presence of plasma inhibitory IgG against VWF-CP. A better understanding of the mechanisms would be useful.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Evidence for the existence of the [2 0 2]3/2 deformed band in mirror nuclei 25Mg and 25Al.

After 50 years of its prediction, the highest-lying [2 0 2]3/2 orbit among the six Nilsson single-particle orbits originating from the sd shells in prolately deformed nuclei and the rotational band on this orbit were identified. The band members were observed in 25Al at excitation energies of 6-7.5 MeV in a high-resolution 25Mg(3He,t) charge-exchange reaction at 0 degrees having a strong selectivity for Gamow-Teller transitions. In the comparison with the analogous M1 transitions in 25Mg, the J(pi)=3/2(+) bandhead state and the excited 5/2(+) and 7/2(+) members were clearly assigned.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

IL-18 gene therapy develops Th1-type immune responses in Leishmania major-infected BALB/c mice: is the effect mediated by the CpG signaling TLR9?

IL-18 regulates either Th1 or Th2 responses depending on the cytokine microenvironment. Administration of recombinant IL-18 (rIL-18) alone does not promote Th1 response, but rather induces Th2 response and exacerbates Leishmania major infection in susceptible BALB/c mice. Here, we treated BALB/c mice with an IL-18-expressing plasmid by using a gene gun weekly after L. major infection. This gene therapy resulted in improved pathogenic process and preferential induction of Th1 responses by inducing the expression of IL-12 p40, but treatment with rIL-18 did not. Notably, simultaneous administration of rIL-18 with an empty plasmid vector rendered BALB/c mice resistant to the infection, despite the fact that treatment with either rIL-18 alone or the plasmid vector alone did not influence the susceptibility. The synergistic role of the vector with rIL-18 was found to depend on CpG motifs, which enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokines, especially IL-12, from APCs through Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 ligation. Treatment with methylated plasmid vector in which CpG was disrupted could no longer prevent the disease development in coadministration with rIL-18. Taken together, IL-18 gene therapy was shown to develop Th1-type protective immunity in L. major-infected BALB/c mice without the requirement of exogenous IL-12, probably via CpG-TLR9 signaling pathway.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Development of a quantification system of ionic dissociative metabolites using an FT-IR/ATR method.

A simultaneous quantification system of ionic dissociative metabolites was developed using a Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopic method by focusing our attention on the enzyme reaction from glucose 6-phosphate to fructose 6-phosphate with phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI). We studied the pH dependency of the infrared spectra of the mixture solution for which the PGI reaction was assumed. The infrared spectra of ionic dissociative components in the mixture solution were extracted by multiple linear regression analysis under the assumption of ionic dissociation equilibrium. Additionally, we constructed a simultaneous quantification system using the extracted spectra of the ionic dissociative components on the basis of the ionic dissociation equilibrium. We could accurately estimate the pH value and the concentrations of the ionic dissociative materials in their mixture solution by using this quantification system. In addition, the stability of quantification results for a pK shift was also verified.

Cell Culture Techniques↗

PubMed2003

Monolithic silica columns with chemically bonded beta-cyclodextrin as a stationary phase for enantiomer separations of chiral pharmaceuticals.

An enantioselective silica rod type chiral stationary phase (CSP) is presented; a novel combination of the well known enantiomer separation properties of beta-cyclodextrin and the unique properties concerning the flow behavior of silica monoliths. Two different synthesis routes are described, and it was found that the in situ modification of a plain silica rod column turned out to be the best. The chromatographic behaviour of the beta-cyclodextrin silica rod was studied and compared with a very similar commercially available beta-cyclodextrin bonded particulate material (ChiraDex). Even if the amount of beta-cyclodextrin bound to the silica rod was only about half of the amount of beta-cyclodextrin bound to ChiraDex) particles, good resolutions were achieved for a set of chiral test components like Chromakalin, Prominal, Oxazepam, Methadone and some other drugs. By taking advantage of the unique features of the silica rods relating to their flat H/u (Van Deemter) curves, fast enantiomer separations could be demonstrated.

Chromatography↗

PubMed2003

Excitation and decay of the isovector giant monopole resonances via the 208Pb(3He,t p) reaction at 410 MeV.

The excitation and subsequent proton decay of the isovector spin-flip giant monopole resonance (IVSGMR) is studied via the 208Pb(3He,t) reaction at 410 MeV. In the inclusive spectrum (60+/-5)% of the non-energy-weighted sum-rule strength for this 2 variant Planck's over 2h omega resonance was found in the region 29<Ex(208Bi)<51 MeV. The central excitation energy and width of the IVSGMR are 37+/-1 MeV and 14+/-3 MeV, respectively. It is found that the branching ratio for proton decay is (52+/-12)% and that the deep neutron-hole states in 207Pb are strongly fed.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2003

Milrinone improves lung compliance in patients receiving mechanical ventilation for cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is a frequent cause of respiratory failure. We investigated whether milrinone improved lung compliance. METHODS: We selected 10 patients with respiratory failure due to severe cardiogenic pulmonary edema to receive mechanical ventilation. Patients were administered a bolus injection of milrinone (50 microg kg-1) over 10 min, followed by continuous intravenous infusion (0.5 microg kg-1 min-1). Lung compliance, blood gas values, hemodynamic parameters, and sample plasma milrinone levels were assessed over 120 min after the onset of the continuous infusion of milrinone. RESULTS: Ten min following milrinone infusion, dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and static compliance (Cst) increased from 37 +/- 12 to 42 +/- 12 ml cmH2O-1 and from 40 +/- 13 to 45 +/- 12 ml cmH2O-1, respectively (P < 0.01). Plasma milrinone levels reached a therapeutic level for vasodilator and positive inotropic effect at 10 min after milrinone infusion. A significant decrease in mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary artery wedge pressure occurred simultaneously with an increase in respiratory system compliance. However, an increase in cardiac index was observed later than these changes. There were significant correlations between the mean pulmonary artery pressure and Cdyn (r = -0.39, P < 0.01) and Cst (r = -0.38, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Milrinone-induced improvement in lung compliance along with an improvement of hemodynamics was found together with an inverse relationship between compliance and mean pulmonary artery pressure.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

The aurora sign: an ultrasonographic sign suggesting parenchymal lung disease.

The objective of this study was to clarify the cause and clinical significance of a large number of ring-down artefact (RA) observed on the dorsal side of the right hepatic lobe on abdominal ultrasound (US). 2000 abdominal US examinations were evaluated to investigate the frequency and number of RA behind the right lobe of the liver. In this study, RA observed by subcostal or intercostal US were described as the "aurora sign" when they were numerous. US findings were correlated with high resolution CT or three-dimensional CT of the right lung base. Experimental study was also performed to investigate the mechanism of the aurora sign. The results were as follows. (1). Aurora sign was noted in 43 patients. In 37 of these 43 patients (86.0%), chest CT or plain radiography revealed diffuse interstitial changes in the right lower lung field. Three-dimensional CT of the lung and the experimental model revealed that the aurora sign derived from the irregularity of air spaces immediately below the pleura associated with interstitial pulmonary disorders. (2). One or more bands of RA were observed in 907 of the 2000 patients (45.4%). Of 177 patients with fatty liver, RA was observed in 14 (7.9%), while of the 1823 patients with no fatty liver, RA was observed in 893 (49.0%). The frequency of RA was significantly different (p<0.001) between the patients with and without fatty liver. In conclusion, parenchymal lung disease should be suspected when the aurora sign is noted on the dorsal side of the right hepatic lobe. However, RAs are rare in patients with fatty liver.

Adolescent↗