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Biomedical subjects

M Nozaki

Publications and source records attributed to M Nozaki.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

High peak reflux velocity in the proximal deep veins is a strong predictor of advanced post-thrombotic sequelae.

BACKGROUND: The presence of reflux in the femoral vein (FV) and popliteal vein (POPV) after acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is considered to contribute to the development of advanced post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). However, a quantification of reflux has yet to be determined. The purpose of study was to determine the indicative parameters reflecting the progression of PTS. METHODS: Venous abnormalities were evaluated in 131 limbs out of 130 patients who completed a six-year follow-up after an acute DVT. Clinical manifestations were categorized according to the clinical, etiologic, anatomic, and pathophysiologic (CEAP) classification, and the patients were divided into two groups at a six-year follow-up point: group I, C(0-3)E(s),A(s,d,p),P(r,o), early chronic venous insufficiency (CVI); group II, C(4-6)E(s),A(s,d,p),P(r,o), advanced CVI. Venous segments were examined whether they were occluded or recanalized. The reflux parameters assessed were the diameter (cm), the reflux time (RT; s), the peak reflux velocity (PRV; cm s(-1)), and total refluxed volume, and these parameters were assessed especially in the FV and POPV at the two-year (early phase) and subsequent six-year (late phase) follow-up points after DVT. RESULTS: There were 98 limbs in group I and 33 in group II. The frequency of venous reflux was significantly higher in group II (<0.0001). In contrast, the proportion of occlusion did not differ between the groups (P = 0.138). The proportions of FV and POPV incompetence were significantly higher in group II (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). In these veins, the RT did not improve the discrimination power between the two groups. In contrast, the PRV had significant discrimination power in these veins at both the two- and six-year follow-up points. In the superficial venous system, there were no significant differences in any of the determined parameters between the groups. In group II, 19 patients (58%), who had early symptoms of CVI at the two-year follow-up point, subsequently developed advanced symptoms of PTS. After calculating a suitable cutoff point using receiver operating characteristic curves analysis at the two-year follow-up point, multivariable analysis showed that a PRV of >25.4 cm s(-1) in the POPV was the strongest independent predictor of advanced CVI [odds ratio (OR) 60.32; 95% confidence interval (95CI) 43.1-1238.97, P < 0.0001]. Similarly, in the FV, a PRV of >24.5 cm s(-1) was found to be a strong predictor of advanced CVI (OR 25.77, 95CI 10.56-331.12, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the presence of a high PRV in the proximal deep veins is an independent predictor of advanced symptoms of PTS.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Functional outcome and general health status in patients after arthroscopic release in adhesive capsulitis.

Frozen shoulder is said to be a self-limiting entity but full recovery often takes more than 2 years. For that, most patients are unwilling to tolerate painful restriction while awaiting resolution. We prospectively investigated 30 patients (16 women, 14 men) for the outcome of arthroscopic capsular release in idiopathic frozen shoulder. Results were determined by the assessment of subjective and objective parameters to estimate both shoulder function and general health status. Symptoms persisted without improvement for a minimum of 6 months of conservative treatment. Preoperative average American shoulder and elbow surgeons score (ASES) was 35, visual analog scale (VAS) to measure pain was 7, and simple shoulder test (SST) was 4. Mean scores of the physical component of SF-36 were considerably reduced. Mean forward elevation was 85 degrees , average abduction was 70 degrees , mean internal rotation was 15 degrees , and mean external rotation was 10 degrees . Patients were followed-up at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 months and by a mean of 36 months. Range of motion for all planes improved (P < 0.05). Median VAS reduced to 2, average ASES increased to 91, and SST enhanced to a mean of 10 (P < 0.05). We stated improvement of the physical components in the SF-36 questionnaire in particular bodily pain and the role-physical score. There were no significant differences between the measurements in the early postoperative phase compared to the mid-term follow-up (P > 0.05). Our results demonstrate that arthroscopic release of refractory idiopathic frozen shoulder combined with a gentle manipulation provides reliable expectations for improvement in both clinical and general health status for most patients. We recommend the use of a limb-specific and a general-health-status questionnaire to conclude the benefit of the surgical intervention and contribute the optimization of a therapy concept more effectively.

Arthroscopy↗
PubMed2006

Comparison of manual compression release with distal pneumatic cuff maneuver in the ultrasonic evaluation of superficial venous insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Venous reflux can be elicited either manually or by pneumatic tourniquet, and previous studies did not indicate any significant difference between these manoeuvres in patients with superficial venous insufficiency (SVI). PURPOSE: To investigate if two methods correlate in patients with CVI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Venous reflux was studied in 94 venous segments of 57 limbs in 52 consecutive patients with SVI. Limbs were divided into two groups: group I (CEAP C2-C3) and group II (CEAP C4-C6). A colour duplex scanner was used to determine quantitative venous reflux at the sapheno-femoral junction (SFJ), at the sapheno-popliteal junction (SPJ), and in the greater saphenous vein in the thigh (GSV). Patients received both manual compression and cuff deflation method in eliciting venous reflux. The parameters assessed were the duration of reflux (second) and the peak reflux velocity (cm/s). STATISTICS: Paired t-test was used to evaluate differences between the two methods. Statistical significance was recorded when the p-value was <0.05. Bland and Altman plot was also used to assess the agreement of the same measurement. RESULTS: There were 58 venous segments in group I and 36 in group II. In group I, there were no significant differences in the duration of reflux at the SFJ, SPJ, and in the GSV. On the contrary, peak reflux velocity was found to be significantly higher at the SFJ and in the GSV (p=0.022 and 0.006, respectively). In group II, there was no significant difference in the duration of reflux at the SFJ and SPJ between the two methods. On the contrary, manual compression maneuver produced significantly higher peak reflux velocity than at the SFJ and in the GSV (p=0.023 and 0.002, respectively). Bland and Altman plot analysis, manual compression method displayed a relatively good agreement with cuff deflation manoeuvre both in group I and group II. In contrast, concerning the peak reflux velocity, relative wide limits of agreement were found between the two methods. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike previously published reports, our results lead to apparent discrepancies in the quantitative evaluation of venous reflux using different methodology.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Spontaneous rupture of sacrococcygeal teratoma associated with acute fetal anemia.

Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is the most common congenital tumor, with affected fetuses having a high risk of perinatal complications and death. We report a case of a fetus with an SCT that developed acute anemia due to spontaneous rupture of the tumor in utero. The fetus was referred at 25 weeks' gestation for evaluation of a large solid and cystic mass in the sacral region. There were no signs of hydrops or placentomegaly. At 33 weeks' gestation, loss of variability in the fetal heart rate pattern was recorded. Doppler ultrasonography showed increased middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity, suggesting fetal anemia. Markedly bloody amniotic fluid, with 82% hemoglobin F, was observed on amniocentesis, suggesting rupture of the SCT with active fetal bleeding. An emergency Cesarean section was performed. At delivery, the tumor was bleeding actively and the neonatal hemoglobin concentration was 3.1 g/dL. There were no findings of hemorrhage or necrosis within the tumor. The neonate received a blood transfusion, and surgical resection of the tumor was carried out on the first day after delivery. Postoperatively, the baby did well. We suggest that fetal SCTs run the risk of inducing acute fetal anemia due to intrauterine hemorrhage of the tumor, a finding which could lead to an earlier and more appropriate management of this condition.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

The utility of quantitative calf muscle near-infrared spectroscopy in the follow-up of acute deep vein thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: To investigate patterns of venous insufficiency and changes in calf muscle deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb) levels after an acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT). METHODS: A total of 78 limbs with an acute DVT involving 156 anatomic segments were evaluated with duplex scanning and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Venous segments were examined whether they were occluded, partially recanalized, and totally recanalized, and the development of venous reflux was noted. The NIRS was used to measure calf muscle HHb levels. Calf venous blood filling index (HHbFI) was calculated on standing, then the calf venous ejection index (HHbEI), and the venous retention index (HHbRI) were obtained after exercise. RESULTS: The segments investigated were the common femoral vein (CFV; 38 segments), femoral vein (FV; 37), popliteal vein (POPV; 44), and calf veins (CV; 37). At 1 year, thrombi had fully resolved in 67% of the segments, 27% remained partially recanalized, 6% were occluded. The venous occlusion was predominant in the FV (24%) at 1 year. On the contrary, rapid recanalization was obtained in CV than proximal veins at each examination (P < 0.01). Venous reflux was predominant in POPV (55%), followed by FV (19%), and no reflux was found in CV. At 1 year, the HHbFI in POPV reflux patients was significantly higher than those with resolution (0.19 +/- 0.14, 0.11 +/- 0.05 microm s, P = 0.009, respectively). Similarly, there was a significant difference in the HHbRI between the two groups (3.08 +/- 1.91, 1.42 +/- 1.56, P = 0.002, respectively). In patients with FV occlusion, the value of HHbRI was significantly higher than those with complete resolution (2.59 +/- 1.50, 1.42 +/- 1.56, P = 0.011, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The lower extremity venous segments show different proportions of occlusion, partial recanalization, and total recanalization. The CV shows more rapid recanalization than proximal veins. The NIRS-derived HHbFI and HHbRI could be promising parameters as the overall venous function in the follow-up of acute DVT. These findings might be very helpful for physician in detecting patients who require much longer follow-up studies.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2005

Search for cosmic-ray antideuterons.

We performed a search for cosmic-ray antideuterons using data collected during four BESS balloon flights from 1997 to 2000. No candidate was found. We derived, for the first time, an upper limit of 1.9 x 10(-4) (m2s sr GeV/nucleon)(-1) for the differential flux of cosmic-ray antideuterons, at the 95% confidence level, between 0.17 and 1.15 GeV/nucleon at the top of the atmosphere.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Epidemiological and outcome characteristics of major burns in Tokyo.

The Tokyo Burn Unit Association (TBUA) was established in 1983 funded by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and is organized by 13 burn units in Tokyo. TBUA covers more than 90% of severe burn patients occurring in Tokyo, and all of the cases are registered according to the burn injury registration format. The purpose of this study is to analyze the registered data and to elucidate epidemiological and outcome characteristics of major burn injuries in Tokyo. The total of 6988 hospitalized patients had data for epidemiological analysis, and 6401 patients had complete data for outcome analysis as well, and were included in this study. The characteristic profiles for the analysis included age, sex, cause of burns, inhalation injury, %BSA, burn index (BI), length of burn unit stay, and outcome, and were analyzed by age groups. The mean age of the patients was 40.4 years, and 63% of them were male. It was noteworthy that 25% of the total patients were elderly patients over 60 years of age. Flame was the most common cause making up 45.6% followed by scalding (32.0%). The overall mortality rate was 15.4%. Inhalation injury was accompanied in 27.3% of burn patients. The mortality rate was 34.6% with inhalation injury, and 8.2% without inhalation injury. Causes of death showed that multiple organ failure made up 36.9% of total mortality, followed by sepsis 25.2 and shock 19.0%. The burn size (%BSA and BI) and inhalation injury were the factors for high mortality rate in all age groups whereas age was a predictor for high mortality in the patients older than 16 years of age. Gender was not a factor for high mortality in any age group. The mortality rate showed mildly decreasing tendency since 1995 for which implementation of skin bank was thought to be responsible.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Relationship between bone resorption and adrenal sex steroids and their derivatives in oophorectomized women.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the role of adrenal sex steroids and their derivatives on bone resorption in oophorectomized women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University. SUBJECT(S): Forty-eight women who were within one year of bilateral oophorectomy were recruited for this study. INTERVENTION(S): None of the subjects were treated with the drugs affecting bone metabolism. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Urinary deoxypyridinoline (Dpyr) as marker of bone resorption and serum DHEAS, androstenedione (A-dione), testosterone (T) and estrone (E1) levels as adrenal sex steroids and their derivatives. RESULT(S): There was an inverse correlation between urinary Dpyr and serum concentrations of E1, DHEAS, or A-dione. There was no significant relationship between urinary Dpyr and T. CONCLUSION(S): These results suggest that adrenal steroids and their derivatives may influence the bone resorption in oophorectomized women.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Measurements of cosmic-ray low-energy antiproton and proton spectra in a transient period of solar field reversal.

The energy spectra of cosmic-ray low-energy antiprotons ( *p's) and protons ( p's) have been measured by BESS in 1999 and 2000, during a period covering reversal at the solar magnetic field. Based on these measurements, a sudden increase of the *p/p flux ratio following the solar magnetic field reversal was observed, and it generally agrees with a drift model of the solar modulation.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Fishing for bioactive substances from scorpionfish and some sea urchins.

Venom proteins from the dorsal spine of two scorpionfish, Hypodytes rubripinnis and Synanceia verrucosa were assayed for mitogenicity and cytotoxicity. The two venoms had both mitogenic and cytotoxic activity on murine splenocytes and murine P388 leukemic cells. In H. rubripinnis, the second gel chromatographic fraction showed cytotoxic activity on P388 leukemic cells. On native PAGE, the glycoprotein isolated by concavalin A sepharose chromatography appeared to have a molecular mass of 110 kDa. In addition, two D-galactose-binding lectins (SUL-I and SUL-II) and a heparin-binding lectin (TGL-I) were purified from the globiferous pedicellariae of the toxopneustid sea urchins, Toxopneustes pileolus and Tripneustes gratilla, respectively. SUL-I (Nakagawa et al., 1999a) had mitogenic activity and cytotoxic activity but SUL-II and TGL-I did not. SUL-I did not show sequence homology to SUL-II. A hemolytic lectin with a molecular mass of 29 kDa was isolated from the coelomic fluid of T. gratilla. The hemolytic activity of the lectin was dependent on Ca2+ concentration and inhibited by lactose. The present results suggest that some species of scorpionfish and sea urchins may be novel sources for biologically active substances such as anti-tumor compounds or new lectins.

Agglutination↗
PubMed2001

Calmegin is required for fertilin alpha/beta heterodimerization and sperm fertility.

Loss of the endoplasmic reticulum resident chaperone calmegin leads to the production of sterile sperm that do not bind to the egg zona pellucida (M. Ikawa et al., 1997, Nature 387, 607-611). In the present study, we demonstrate that calmegin -/- sperm were defective in migrating into the oviducts and in binding to the egg plasma membrane. Despite the impaired adhesive function, calmegin -/- sperm could fertilize eggs when zonae pellucidae were partially dissected, and eggs fertilized in this manner could develop normally to term. Since these sperm characteristics were similar to those found in fertilin beta -/- sperm, we investigated the interaction of calmegin with fertilin beta. Using immunoprecipitation techniques, calmegin was found to bind to sperm membrane proteins, fertilin alpha and beta, during spermatogenesis. The binding was specific to calmegin: another endoplasmic reticulum chaperone calnexin, a calmegin homologue, was not able to bind to fertilin alpha and beta. In the calmegin -/- mice, a loss of heterodimerization of fertilin alpha and beta was observed and fertilin beta was not detectable in mature sperm. The data not only explain why the calmegin and fertilin beta knockout mouse lines share a common infertile phenotype, but also reveal the importance of the maturation of sperm membrane proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum.

ADAM Proteins↗
PubMed2001

Deltopectoral skin flap as a free skin flap revisited: further refinement in flap design, fabrication, and clinical usage.

The deltopectoral skin flap is an axial flap; therefore, it can be fashioned as a free skin flap. Although color and texture of the skin are well suited for facial resurfacing, the structural features of inconsistent thickness of the skin, a short vascular pedicle, a minute caliber of the nutrient vessel, and donor site morbidity often preclude the use of this flap for this purpose. The deltopectoral skin flap fabricated as a free skin flap transferred by means of a microsurgical technique was used in 27 patients between 1985 and 1998 at our hospital. The anterior perforating branches of the internal mammary vessels were the primary nutrient vessels of the flap in seven instances. The external caliber of this artery varied between 0.6 mm and 1.2 mm, with an average size of 0.9 mm. The size of the accompanying vein varied between 1.5 mm and 3.2 mm, with an average of 2.3 mm. Coaptation of these vessels with those in the recipient site was technically difficult. Thrombosis occurred at the anastomotic site in three patients, requiring reoperation. Two flaps were saved. The flap failure was drastically reduced in the remaining 20 patients by including a segment of the internal mammary vessel when fabricating the vascular pedicle. The size of the internal mammary arterial segment averaged 2.1 mm, and the average size of the accompanying vein was 2.9 mm. The problem of a bulky flap was managed by surgical defatting/thinning of the flap at the time of flap fabrication and transfer. A V-to-Y skin flap advancement technique of wound closure was used in eight individuals. The flap donor-site morbidities were minimized with this method of wound closure.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Nested genomic structure of haploid germ cell specific haspin gene.

The haspin gene specifically expressed in haploid germ cells encodes a unique Ser/Thr protein kinase. We have cloned a mouse haspin genomic clone using cDNA as a probe. Sequencing data showed that the haspin gene was not interrupted by introns and was bordered by appropriate direct repeat. The transcription start site of the gene was not preceded by a TATA box. The whole transcription unit was located at an intron of integrin alphaM290 gene, and transcription direction of these two genes was different. Southern blotting analysis under stringent condition showed that haspin was a single gene. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the diversion of haspin gene from other kinase family might be very ancient: the early stage of plant-fungus-animal split.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

A retrospective study looking at the long-term complications of Q-switched ruby laser in the treatment of nevus of Ota.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Despite the extensive use of QS Ruby, there is no report looking at its long-term complication in the treatment of nevus of Ota. To look at the long-term complications of nevus of Ota patients treated with QS Ruby laser. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A teaching hospital in Japan where over 400 patients with nevus of Ota had been treated since 1984. Hundred and one nevus of Ota patients that had been treated with QS Ruby laser, but had not received treatment for 12 months prior to the study, were called back for further assessment. Patients were called back to the hospital where they were interviewed and examined by two independent clinicians. RESULTS: Hypopigmentation was the most common complication, affecting 16.8% of the patients and 5.9% had hyperpigmentation. One patient that had complete clearance post-laser surgery developed recurrence. CONCLUSION: QS Ruby laser is effective in the treatment of nevus of Ota. Recurrence is rare, but hypopigmentation is common and can be permanent. Further prospective study comparing its use with other Q-switched lasers is necessary.

Female↗
PubMed2001

Endoscope-assisted facial fracture repair.

We describe the use of an endoscope-assisted technique for nasal osteotomy and mandibular fracture repair. The endoscopic visual enhancement has been especially helpful in making osteotomy safe and accurate as compared to the drawbacks associated with conventional blind osteotomy. The technique of endoscopically assisted fracture repair of the mandible facilitates anatomic restoration and fixation of the displaced condyle with limited-access incision. Under optical endoscopic magnification, the disadvantages associated with open surgical repair including the risk of facial nerve injury and external facial scarring are minimized. No postoperative complications have been attributable to the endoscopic approach.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Shift work modifies the circadian patterns of heart rate variability in nurses.

OBJECTIVE: The influence of shifting the work-sleep cycle on the circadian rhythm of cardiac autonomic activity was investigated by the spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). METHODS: The subjects were 10 healthy Japanese female nurses aged 33+/-3 (S.D.) years. The subjects underwent ambulatory 24-h electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings on the days of day shift (working from 08:00 to 17:00 h) and night shift (working from 21:40 to 08:40 h). Variables of the frequency domain of HRV were calculated for three activity states (work, awake but not working, and sleep). RESULTS: The mean values of HRV variables over 24 h were not different between day shift and night shift. For both shifts, variables related to the sympathetic control (low frequency component in normalized units and low/high frequency component ratio) were the largest during the work period and the smallest during the sleep period, while an opposite order was present for variables related to the vagal control (high frequency component in absolute value and normalized units). HRV variables in each activity state were not different between the two shifts. CONCLUSIONS: The circadian rhythm of cardiac autonomic activity is largely modified by the level of physical activity regardless of the clock hour, which may have clinical implications when studying the circadian fluctuations of the onset of cardiovascular disease in shift workers.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Adenohypophysial cell types in the lamprey pituitary: current state of the art.

Adenohypophysial cell types in the pituitary of adult sea lampreys, Petromyzon marinus, was localized by means of immunocytochemical and lectin cytochemical techniques. At least four types of adenohypophysial hormone cells are present in the pituitary of adult sea lampreys. The first type of cell is ACTH-like and occupies most parts of the rostral pars distalis (RPD), but a few scattered ACTH-like cells are also present in the proximal pars distalis (PPD). The second type of cell is MSH-like and occupies the whole pars intermedia. The third type of cell is GH/PRL-like and occupies the dorsal half of the PPD. These GH/PRL-like cells were initially detected by heterologous immunocytochemistry using antibodies to salmon GH, salmon PRL and blue shark GH, after hydrated autoclave pretreatment of sections. Later, by use of an antiserum raised against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the partial sequence of lamprey GH/PRL, the same cells as those containing GH/PRL-like immunoreactivity were stained positively. Similarity of the topographic distributions between lamprey GH/PRL-like cells and gnathostome fish GH cells in the pituitary suggests that GH/PRL-like cells in the lamprey may be GH cells. The last type of cell is GTH-like and occupies the ventral half of the PPD. Although GTH has not yet been isolated from the lamprey pituitary, our immunocytochemical data suggest that GTH-like material in the sea lamprey pituitary is more closely related to mammalian-like LH, rather than to FSH or TSH. These four types of adenohypophysial cells occupy most parts of the lamprey adenohypophysis and indeed there is little room for TSH or PRL cells. Thus, the present study further suggests that GH and LH-like GTH are ancestral forms of GH/PRL/SL family and glycoprotein hormones, respectively.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗