Biomedical subjects

R Nishimura

Publications and source records attributed to R Nishimura.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Superselective arterial infusion chemotherapy for squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity: histopathologic effects on metastatic neck lymph nodes.

We have performed superselective intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy (SIC) on carcinomas of the oral cavity according to a protocol in which the distribution of the drug was evaluated by the use of a combined CT and angiography system, and the chemotherapy was combined with medium-dose conformal radiation therapy (CRT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pathological effect of this treatment on the metastatic neck lymph nodes (LNs). Twenty consecutive patients who had metastatic neck LNs from squamous cell carcinomas of the mouth and who underwent both SIC and CRT were included in this study, in which a total of 22 LNs were evaluated. A microcatheter was placed in the appropriate feeding artery of the tumor, such as the internal maxillary artery, facial artery, lingual artery and external carotid artery (ECA), and cisplatin (50 mg/body) was infused twice through a microcatheter. The CRT was administered with a dual-energy (4 and 10 MV) linear accelerator. The total and daily doses delivered were 30 and 2.0 Gy, respectively. Intra-arterial infusion to the LNs was divided into two groups: superselective infusion (mainly to the submandibular LNs via the facial artery, n = 10) and nonsuperselective infusion via the ECA (n = 12). The distribution of cisplatin into the LNs was confirmed by slow-infusion CT. Histopathologic effects on the LNs were evaluated on the specimens obtained during the operation and classified into five grades (0: no or minimal response: I: disappearance of less than three quarters of the tumor cells: II: disappearance of more than three quarters of the tumor cells: III: disappearance of viable tumor cells with a small amount of residual nonviable tumor cells: IV: complete disappearance of all viable and nonviable tumor cells). Grade 0 or 1 was defined as poor response and Grade II or more as good response. Twenty-three LNs from nine patients without CRT and SIC were served as control. In the superselective infusion group, all 10 LNs showed good response (response rate, 100%: grade II = 4, grade III = 3, grade IV = 3). In the non-superselective group, however, 6 of 12 LNs showed poor response (response rate, 50%: grade 0 = 2, grade I = 4, grade II = 2, grade III = 2, grade IV = 2). All 23 control LNs with no treatment showed grade 0 response. Superselective infusion seems necessary to obtain good histopathologic effects on the metastatic LNs. SIC combined with CRT can be applied to the metastatic LNs.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Effect of coal ash on sonochemical degradation of phenol in water.

The influences of coal ash on the degradation of phenol in water were investigated under the stirring or ultrasonic irradiation conditions. Phenol solution (10mg/L, 100mL) was sonicated at 200 kHz and 200 W with or without coal ash (53-106 microm in particle size and concentration of 0.0-1.5 wt%). It was found that the sonochemical degradation of phenol in the presence of coal ash was faster than that in the absence of coal ash, and the optimum amount of coal ash was a maximum at 0.4-0.6 wt%. It was confirmed that the phenol degradation did not occur by the addition of hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid under the stirring conditions. The sonochemical degradation with coal ash was depressed by the addition of tertiary butyl alcohol as a radical scavenger. These results indicated that the coal ash accelerated the phenol degradation due to the increase in the amount of hydroxyl radicals under the ultrasonic irradiation. Since the coal ash used had a porous and uneven surface, which was observed by SEM, it was assumed that the coal ash led to the increase in the nucleation site for cavitation bubble due to its surface roughness.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Phase II trial of docetaxel in advanced or metastatic endometrial cancer: a Japanese Cooperative Study.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether docetaxel has antitumour activity in patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. Chemotherapy-naïve or previously treated patients (one regimen) with histopathologically documented endometrial carcinoma and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status </=2 entered the study. Docetaxel 70 mg m(-2) was administered intravenously on day 1 of a 3-week cycle up to a maximum of six cycles. If patients responded well to docetaxel, additional cycles were administered until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity occurred. Of 33 patients with a median age of 59 years (range, 39-74 years) who entered the study, 14 patients (42%) had received one prior chemotherapy regimen. In all, 32 patients were evaluable for efficacy, yielding an overall response rate of 31% (95% confidence interval, 16.1-50.0%); complete response and partial response (PR) were 3 and 28%, respectively. Of 13 pretreated patients, three (23%) had a PR. The median duration of response was 1.8 months. The median time to progression was 3.9 months. The predominant toxicity was grade 3-4 neutropenia, occurring in 94% of the patients, although febrile neutropenia arose in 9% of the patients. Oedema was mild and infrequent. Docetaxel has antitumour activity in patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma, including those previously treated with chemotherapy; however, the effect was transient and accompanied by pronounced neutropenia in most patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2005

Cyclopedic protein expression analysis of cultured canine mammary gland adenocarcinoma cells from six tumours.

We characterised cultured canine mammary gland adenocarcinoma cells by exhaustive step protein expression analysis to identify factors associated with tumour progression or metastasis of canine mammary gland tumour. Cultured adenocarcinoma cells derived from a total of 3 primary and 3 metastatic lesions from 3 dogs (CHMp/m, CIPp/m and CNMp/m, where CHM, CIP, and CNM indicate the 3 animals) were used in this study. The expression of 24 proteins reported to be related to tumourigenesis or malignancy of human breast cancers were examined by Western blot analysis using 24 antibodies. The expression of sialyl Lewis X [sLe(x)] was only observed in CHMm cells, which were derived from pleural effusion. This expression was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The levels of some factors, such as 14-3-3sigma, cyclinD1 and Rb, differed among cells or between the primary and metastatic cells in the pair. Though the difference in their expression was not consistent within the cells from primary and metastatic origin, this characterisation should provide useful information for further molecular analysis of these cultured cells. Since some of the factors, such as sLe(x), 14-3-3sigma, cyclinD1 and Rb, showed different levels of expression in the pair, these cultured cells might be meaningful tools for clarification of distant metastasis in canine mammary gland tumours.

14-3-3 Proteins↗

PubMed2005

Expression of variant luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptors and degradation of chorionic gonadotropin in human chorionic villous macrophages.

Human gonads and non-gonadal organs/tissues express luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin (LH/CG) receptors. This study aimed to identify the LH/CG receptors and to clarify their function in human placental chorionic villous macrophages. Macrophages as well as syncytiotrophoblasts of human chorionic villous tissues were immunohistochemically positive for LH/CG receptor throughout gestation. By reverse transcription-nested polymerase chain reaction methods, villous macrophages were shown to express a variant type of LH/CG receptor, the sequencing of which revealed a deletion of exon 9. For experiments in vitro, a monocyte-macrophage cell line, THP-1, was transfected with vector alone, wild-type LH/CG receptor, and exon 9-deleted LH/CG receptor after phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) treatment. Non-PMA-treated THP-1 cells transfected with vector alone were also examined. THP-1 cells expressed exon 9-deleted LH/CG receptor after treatment with PMA. After the cells of the four groups were cultured in medium containing intact human CG (hCG), the concentrations of hCG and its beta-core fragment (beta-CF) were measured in the supernatant of the culture medium and in the cell cytosol. Time-dependent hCG uptake was observed in both non-PMA-treated and PMA-treated THP-1 cells, suggesting that the variant receptor is not directly involved in the ingestion of hCG. The degradation of hCG and excretion of beta-CF were progressed in PMA-treated cells but not in the un-treated cells. In the cell cytosol, the ratio of beta-CF and hCG concentrations (beta-CF/hCG) was significantly higher in the PMA-treated cells than in non-PMA-treated cells; however, it did not differ between the PMA-treated cells transfected with exon 9-deleted receptor and those transfected with vector alone. Macrophages may express the variant receptor in order to recognize the intracytoplasmic hCG and transport it to the lysosome. Among the two PMA-treated cells, the ratio was lower in those transfected with wild-type receptor. The expression of the variant receptor may modulate the degradation of hCG but be reduced by expression of the wild-type receptor in its lacking macrophages. Our data suggest a potentially important role for exon 9-deleted LH/CG receptors expressed in human placental villous macrophages in the local metabolism of hCG.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2005

Fatty acids methyl esters from vegetable oil by means of ultrasonic energy.

The transesterification of vegetable oil with short-chain alcohols, in the presence of base-catalyst, by means of low frequency ultrasound (28 and 40 kHz) in order to obtain biodiesel fuel was studied. By using ultrasounds the reaction time is much shorter (10-40 min) than for mechanical stirring. The quantity of required catalyst is 2 or 3 times lower. The molar ratio of alcohol/oil used is only 6:1. Normal chain alcohols react fast, while secondary and tertiary alcohols show some or no conversion after 60 min of reaction. Surprisingly, 40 kHz ultrasounds are much more effective in the reduction of the reaction time (10-20 min). Twenty eight kilohertz give slightly better yields (98-99%), but longer reaction time, while higher frequencies are not useful at all for the transesterification of fatty acids.

Alcohols↗

PubMed2005

Excess mortality in Black compared with White patients with Type 1 diabetes: an examination of underlying causes.

AIMS: Excess mortality in Type 1 diabetes has previously been found among Black individuals. The aim of the present study was therefore to determine underlying causes. METHODS: A longitudinal study of 1261 [1184 White (93.9%) and 76 Black (6.0%)] individuals diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes between 1965 and 1979, at age<17 years from the Allegheny County, Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh registries. Subjects were contacted in 1999 to determine living status and, where appropriate, cause of death. Living status was determined in 1183 participants (93.8%). RESULTS: Of the 200 deaths overall, cause of death was determined in 157 subjects (79%); 31 dying from acute and 101 from chronic complications, and 25 from non-diabetes related causes. Seven deaths were investigated but no cause determined. Black participants had a significantly higher mortality rate compared with White participants for acute complications (hazard ratio=4.9, 95% confidence interval: 2.0, 11.6), but not for any other cause. There was a temporal decline in the 20-year mortality rates in both racial groups across the three cohorts diagnosed in 1965-69, 1970-74 and 1975-79. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the excess mortality in Black people was attributed to acute complications which therefore should be a focus for prevention.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Two cases of feline malignant craniopharyngioma.

Tumors at the cranial base in 2 cats (a 9 1/2-year-old, castrated male Chinchilla and a 7-year-old, castrated male American Shorthair) were diagnosed as malignant craniopharyngioma. The tumor lesion was histopathologically divided into four parts: 1) a small acinus part, in which relatively large cells with a pale cytoplasm composed small acini; 2) a duct part, in which small cuboidal cells composed ducts; 3) a cyst part, in which there were large cysts lined with flat cells; and 4) a pavement part, in which large multi-angular-shaped cells proliferated in a pavement pattern. The epithelial cells of some parts were positive for keratin by immunohistochemistry. Histopathologic findings of the present feline cases were identical to those of malignant craniopharyngioma in other animal species.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Clinical usefulness of CEA-mRNA determination in minor effusion.

Malignant pleural effusion of lung cancer is an important prognostic factor, even in minor effusions. Previous studies reported that cytological examination could not detect malignant cells in pleural dissemination cases. Therefore, we used real-time PCR as a more sensitive test to detect malignant cells. The subjects were selected from 132 primary lung cancer patients and 8 benign tumor patients as negative control. These subjects had no apparent pleural effusion or distant metastasis. All subjects were negative on cytological examination and without exfoliation evidence. The follow-up duration was 18.1 +/- 7.1 months (mean +/- SD). In the real-time PCR, the CEA-mRNA and GAPDH-mRNA parameters were measured simultaneously, and the CEA-mRNA ratio was obtained as normalized values of CEA-mRNA divided by GAPDH-mRNA. The CEA-mRNA ratio in our study was correlated with lymph node metastasis (N-factor: p = 0.0948) and lymphatic invasion (Ly-factor: p = 0.0520). Using a proportional hazard model, with recurrence or death as terminal point, the CEA-mRNA ratio affected the recurrence risk by 1.920 (95% CI: 1.104-3.340) in Stage 1a. Using log rank testing, we found significant differences in the recurrence rate between the CEA-mRNA-positive and -negative cases (p = 0.0039) at cut-off point 0.1.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Short-time sonolysis of chlorobenzene in the presence of Pd(II) salts and Pd(0).

The effect of PdSO4, PdCl2 and Pd(0) on the degradation of chlorobenzene in aqueous solution within 10 min under 200 kHz ultrasonic irradiation, was investigated. The reaction products remaining in the aqueous mixture were analyzed and quantified. The mechanism of chlorobenzene decomposition having benzene as key intermediate is discussed.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Inactivation effect of sonication and chlorination on Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Calorimetric analysis.

The inactivation effects of ultrasonic irradiation at 27.5 kHz and chlorination using sodium hypochlorite solution (NaOCl) on the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast cells) were investigated. In order to evaluate the effect of ultrasound on the growth of the yeast cells, calorimetric analysis was carried out in addition to colony counting. The heat evolution produced by the growth of yeast cells detected by calorimetry showed completely different patterns between sonication and chlorination. In case of sonication, the yeast cells were inactivated almost like a bactericidal effect, i.e. a quantitative change in cell number, at the beginning of sonication. It was similar to patterns obtained on simple dilution of yeast cells. In contrast, longer sonication increased the bacteriostatic effect, i.e. qualitative damage of the cell growth activity, together with the bactericidal effect. These results suggest that the cavitation caused by ultrasonic irradiation initially disrupted the cells located near the cavitation bubble which caused immediate cell death and the growth activity of the surviving cells was gradually damaged by further sonication. On the other hand, only a bacteriostatic effect was observed when the yeast cells were inactivated by chlorination.

Calorimetry↗

PubMed2004

Expansion and activation of minor histocompatibility antigen HY-specific T cells associated with graft-versus-leukemia response.

The immune system of females is capable of recognizing and reacting against the male-specific minor histocompatibility antigen (mHA), HY. Thus, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) recognizing this antigen may be useful in eradicating leukemic cells of a male patient if they can be generated in vivo or in vitro from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical female donor. The HLA-A*0201-restricted HY antigen, FIDSYICQV, is a male-specific mHA. Using HLA-A2/HY peptide tetrameric complexes, we reveal a close association between the emergence of HY peptide-specific CD8(+) T cells in peripheral blood and molecular remission of relapsed BCR/ABL(+) chronic myelogenous leukemia in lymphoid blast crisis in a patient who underwent female-to-male transplantation. Assessment of intracellular cytokine levels identified T cells that produce interferon-gamma in response to the HY peptide during the presence of HY tetramer-positive T cells. These results indicate that transplant with allogeneic HY-specific CTLs has therapeutic potential for relapsed leukemia, and that expansion of such T cells may be involved in the development of a graft-versus-leukemia response against lymphoblastic leukemia cells.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Magnetic resonance evaluation of the presence of an extensive intraductal component in breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the presence of extensive intraductal components (EIC) in breast carcinomas can be accurately evaluated on magnetic resonance (MR) images. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-three women with breast cancer, aged between 32 and 79 years (mean 54 years), underwent three-dimensional dynamic MR imaging (dyMRI) with fat suppression and magnetization transfer contrast before breast-conserving surgery. The tumors were classified on dyMRI as circumscribed, microlobulated, and/or speculated, and their size was measured. Spotty or linear continuous enhancement (SLE) from the main tumor to the nipple and segmental enhancement surrounding the main tumor (SE) were considered indicative of intraductal tumor spread. The correlation between preoperative MRI and macroscopic and microscopic findings was examined. RESULTS: On MR images, the tumor sizes ranged from 0.8 to 3.4 cm. These measurements coincided with histologic measurements in circumscribed tumors. However, in tumors with microlobulated or spiculated borders, tumor size tended to be underestimated on MR images. Of 93 patients, 59 (63.4%) had histologically confirmed EIC; 42 of the 59 cancers (71.2%) manifested SLE or SE on MR images. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MR imaging in detecting EIC were 71%, 85%, and 76%, respectively. CONCLUSION: MR imaging facilitates the detection of EIC in breast masses. This information is valuable for the planning of breast-conserving surgery.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Evaluation of tumor angiogenesis using dynamic enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: comparison of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor, hemodynamic, and pharmacokinetic parameters.

PURPOSE: To assess whether tumor angiogenesis of breast cancers can be predicted on the basis of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-one patients with 71 breast cancers underwent Gd-DTPA enhanced dynamic MRI. Two regions of interest measurements were obtained in the periphery and in the center of the breast cancers. Hemodynamic parameters obtained by dynamic MRI included peak time, contrast enhancement ratio (CE ratio), and washout ratio. The triexponential concentration curve of Gd-DTPA was fitted to a theoretical model based on compartmental analysis. The transfer constant (or permeability surface product per unit volume of compartment "k") was obtained using this method. Tumor angiogenesis was assessed by plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (P-VEGF). RESULTS: The P-VEGF was positive in 28 of 71 tumors (39%). The CE ratio, washout ratio, and k in the periphery in P-VEGF positive breast cancers (mean 178%, 18%, and 1.5 x 10(-2) (s(-1)) were significantly greater (P<0.01, P<0.05, and P<0.03)) than those for P-VEGF negative breast cancers (mean: 151%, 14%, and 1.1 x 10(-2) (s(-1)). The peak time in the periphery in P-VEGF positive breast cancers was more marked than for P-VEGF negative breast cancers, but this difference was not significant. CONCLUSION: The hemodynamic and pharmacokinetic analysis of MRI provides valuable information about angiogenesis of breast cancers.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2004

Wound botulism.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Botulism↗

PubMed2002

Mosapride, a 5HT-4 receptor agonist, improves insulin sensitivity and glycaemic control in patients with Type II diabetes mellitus.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We investigated the potential role of mosapride, a 5HT-4 receptor agonist, in glycaemic control in Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic mellitus patients without autonomic neuropathy. METHODS: Thirty-four inpatients with Type II diabetes mellitus were randomly assigned to receive either mosapride (5 mg orally three times a day, n=17) or a placebo ( n=17) for 1 week (first study). Changes in blood glucose and insulin were determined basally as well as after intravenous glucose loading. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated during hyperinsulinaemic-normoglycaemic-clamp studies and by measuring the number of and the autophosphorylation of insulin receptors on the erythrocytes of patients ( n=9). Sixty-nine outpatients with Type II diabetes were similarly treated with mosapride or a placebo for 8 weeks (second study). Finally, tissue- specific expression of 5HT-4 receptors was examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Mosapride lowered fasting blood glucose and fructosamine concentrations ( p<0.05) (first study). It significantly increased the number of (Mosapride 3323+/-518 vs 4481+/-786 [ p<0.05], Control 4227+/-761 vs 3275+/-554 per 300 microl erythrocytes) and the tyrosine autophosphorylation (Mosapride 3178+/-444 vs 4043+/-651 [ p<0.05], Control 3721+/-729 vs 3013+/-511 insulin receptor unit) of insulin receptors, as well as glucose utilisation (Mosapride 4.92+/-0.53 vs 5.88+/-0.72 [ p<0.05], Control 4.74+/-0.65 vs 4.70+/-0.31 mg/kg x min). Mosapride treatment for 8 weeks significantly reduced fasting glucose (9.91+/-0.34 vs 8.51+/-0.34 mmol/l, p<0.05), insulin (53.2+/-4.62 vs 40.8+/-5.52 pmol/l, p<0.05) and HbA(1c) (8.61+/-0.20 vs 7.67+/-0.19%, p<0.01) concentrations (second study). The RT-PCR analysis demonstrated specific expression of 5HT-4 receptors in the muscle, but not in the liver or fat tissues. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Mosapride could improve insulin action at muscle and glycaemic control in Type II diabetic patients.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2002

Sonolysis of surfactants in aqueous solutions: an accumulation of solute in the interfacial region of the cavitation bubbles.

The sonolysis of surfactants (such as sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS), sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS), and polyethylene glycol monostearate), sodium 4-toluenesulfonate (STS), and 1-hexanol in aqueous solutions was investigated under an argon atmosphere with ultrasound of 200 kHz in order to compare the scavenging efficiency of the hydroxyl radical and the accumulation in the gas-liquid interfacial region of the cavitation bubbles. The degradation rate of the solute follows the order 1-hexanol > DBS and SDS > STS. The scavenging efficiency of the hydroxyl radical by non-volatile surfactants was much greater than that of the non-volatile and hydrophilic solute (e.g., STS). The surfactant was accumulated in a relatively high ratio in the interfacial region. The degradation of surfactants occurred by reaction with the hydroxyl radical and also by pyrolysis at high temperature. On the other hand, STS, due to its non-volatile and hydrophilic properties, was principally present in the bulk solution and the degradation by pyrolysis was not observed at the investigated concentration ranges.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2002

Core-binding factor alpha 1 (Cbfa1) induces osteoblastic differentiation of C2C12 cells without interactions with Smad1 and Smad5.

Core-binding factor alpha(1) (Cbfa1) is an essential transcription factor for osteoblastic differentiation and osteogenesis. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is also a powerful inducer of differentiation of pluripotent mesenchymal cells to osteoblast lineage and bone formation. Recent studies suggest that Cbfa1 plays a critical role during BMP-induced osteoblastic differentiation through association with cytoplasmic BMP signaling molecules, Smads. However, other studies have suggested that Cbfa1 may exhibit its osteogenic function without interaction with Smads. Therefore, it remains unclear whether association with Smad is essential for Cbfa1 function. In this study we examine the effects of Cbfa1 on osteoblastic differentiation in the presence or absence of interactions with Smad1 or Smad5 using C2C12 undifferentiated mesenchymal cells. Cbfa1 expression was induced upon stimulation with BMP-2 in C2C12 cells. Introduction of Cbfa1 into C2C12 cells induced osteoblastic differentiation and promoted transactivation of osteocalcin gene promoter without forming the complex with Smad1 or Smad5. Furthermore, in C2C12 cells in which the association of Cbfa1 with Smad1/Smad5 was prevented by the overexpression of the natural antagonist, Smad6, Cbfa1 still induced osteoblastic differentiation and transactivated osteocalcin gene promoter, regardless of BMP-2 stimulation. These results suggest that the interactions with Smad1 or Smad5 are not essential for Cbfa1 to demonstrate its osteogenic actions. However, interactions with Smad1/Smad5 enhance these osteogenic actions of Cbfa1. Of note, BMP-2-induced or Smad-induced osteoblastic differentiation was inhibited by dominant-negative Cbfa1, suggesting that the function of Cbfa1 is critical for BMP-2-induced osteoblastic differentiation. Our results suggest that Cbfa1 is essential and also sufficient to induce osteoblastic differentiation in undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, and establishment of an association with Smad1/Smad5 enhances the osteogenic actions of Cbfa1. On the other hand, Cbfa1 expression requires the activation of Smad1/Smad5 by BMP-2.

Animals↗