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T Takiguchi

Publications and source records attributed to T Takiguchi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Participation of endogenous IGF-I and TGF-beta 1 with enamel matrix derivative-stimulated cell growth in human periodontal ligament cells.

Previous studies have provided the biological basis for the therapeutic use of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) at sites of periodontal regeneration. A purpose of this study is to determine effects of EMD on cell growth, osteoblastic differentiation and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) production in human periodontal ligament cells (HPLC). We also examined participation of endogenous IGF-I and TGF-beta 1 with EMD-stimulated cell growth in these cells. HPLCs used in this study were treated with EMD alone or in combination with antihuman IGF-I antibody (anti-hIGF-I) or anti-hTGF-beta 1, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3], rhTGF-beta 1 or rhIGF-I. After each treatment, cell growth, the production of IGF-I and TGF-beta 1 and the expression of osteoblastic phenotypes were evaluated. EMD stimulated cell growth in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners. EMD was also stimulated to express IGF-I and TGF-beta 1 at protein and mRNA levels. The EMD-stimulated cell growth was partially suppressed by cotreatment with anti-hIGF-I or anti-hTGF-beta 1, and cell growth was also stimulated by treatment with rhIGF-I or rhTGF-beta 1. rhBMP-2 stimulated alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity and ALPase mRNA expression, and 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulated ALPase and osteocalcin mRNA expression. However, EMD showed no effect on the osteoblastic phenotypes expression. These results demonstrated that EMD has no appreciable effect on osteoblastic differentiation, however it stimulates cell growth and IGF-I and TGF-beta 1 production in HPLC, and that these endogenous growth factors partially relate to the EMD-stimulated cell growth in HPLC.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2003

Sentinel node detection using 99mTc-rhenium sulphide colloid in breast cancer patients: evaluation of 1 day and 2 day protocols, and a dose-finding study.

Sentinel node (SN) biopsy is a promising replacement for standard axillary lymph node dissection for the staging of early breast cancer, and various techniques have been studied to identify SNs with dye or radioactive colloid. This study assesses the effect of the dose of radioactivity and the time before biopsy in order to set standards for the use of 99mTc-rhenium sulphide for the detection of SNs in breast cancer patients. Sixty patients with stage T1-2 N0 M0 breast cancer underwent SN biopsy, which was immediately followed by standard axillary dissection to confirm the SN results. For SN biopsy, 99mTc-rhenium colloid was injected peritumorally. A 1 day (morning injection and afternoon surgery) or 2 day (day before afternoon injection and morning surgery) protocol was applied. A dose-finding study was performed simultaneously using 7.4-37 MBq for the 1 day protocol and 37-74 MBq for the 2 day protocol. A scintigram was taken at 2 h for the 1 day protocol and 16 h for the 2 day protocol. After the injection of blue dye, SN biopsy was performed with a gamma probe, followed by standard axillary node dissection. The radiation exposure received by the surgical team during the operation was monitored. Histopathological comparison between SNs and axillary nodes was performed. Patient characteristics that might affect the radiocolloid uptake by SNs were assessed. SNs were identified in all patients regardless of the dose or administration protocol used. Two patients showed false negative pathological SN results, and the negative predictive value was 96% and the positive predictive value was 100%. In addition, radiation exposure to the surgical team and the amount of radioactive surgical waste were low, especially at lower doses. Two groups of patient characteristics were related to SN uptake. One was the body mass index (BMI) and the other was the age or menopausal status. Patients with a larger BMI tended to take up a smaller amount of 99mTc colloid. Older or post-menopausal patients showed lower SN uptake. 99mTc-rhenium sulphide colloid is an efficient radiopharmaceutical for SN detection. Both 1 day and 2 day protocols have equally good efficacy, and the recommended dose is 7.4 MBq for the 1 day protocol and 37 MBq for the 2 day protocol. Patients with larger BMI and older or post-menopausal patients tend to take up less 99mTc colloid.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Pediatric caudal block with mepivacaine, bupivacaine or a mixture of both drugs: requirement for postoperative analgesia and plasma concentration of local anesthetics.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of pediatric caudal block using mepivacaine, bupivacaine, or a mixture of both drugs on postoperative analgesia, and to examine plasma concentrations of the local anesthetics after caudal injection. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study. SETTING: Operating room and pediatric surgical ward. PATIENTS: 60 ASA physical status I children weighing 10 to 20 kg (26 females, 34 males), and scheduled for inguinal herniorrhaphy. INTERVENTIONS: Patients randomly received caudal block with 1 mL/kg of mepivacaine 1% (Group M, n = 20), 1 mL/kg of bupivacaine 0.25% (Group B, n = 20), or a mixture of 0.5 mL/kg of mepivacaine 1% and 0.5 mL/kg of bupivacaine 0.25% (Group MB, n = 20) after induction of anesthesia with sevoflurane in 50% oxygen (O2). Anesthesia was maintained with 66% nitrous oxide in O2 supplemented with sevoflurane at an end-tidal concentration of less than 1%. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Postoperative pain scores using a pediatric pain scale and plasma concentration of each local anesthetic were measured. In Group M, four patients required postoperative analgesics within the first 24 hours. However, no patients required postoperative analgesics in Groups B and MB. In Group M, the plasma concentration of mepivacaine of two patients exceeded 5 microg/kg of the level of toxicity. However, these patients did not show any toxic symptoms. Because a mixture of two local anesthetics halves the concentration of each local anesthetic, the plasma concentrations of mepivacaine and bupivacaine in Group MB were significantly lower than those of Groups M and B. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric caudal block with a mixture of mepivacaine and bupivacaine is effective for intraoperative and postoperative analgesia.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2001

Participation of periodontal ligament cells with regeneration of alveolar bone.

BACKGROUND: It is important to clarify the participation of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells in the regeneration of alveolar bone to establish a reliable approach for obtaining periodontal regeneration. The aim of this study was to determine whether PDL cells play an important role in alveolar bone repair during the course of periodontal regeneration. METHODS: In an in vitro study, the expression of the osteoblast phenotype, such as alkaline phosphatase activity and parathyroid hormone-dependent 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate accumulation, was investigated in dog PDL cells (DPLC) and dog bone cells isolated from mandibles (DBC). In a related study, the roots of mandibular third premolars extracted from aged dogs were divided into a PDL(+) group, in which the PDL was preserved, and a PDL(-) group, in which the PDL was removed. These roots were respectively transplanted into surgically created bone cavities with buccal and interproximal bone defects in an edentulous area, prepared in advance by extraction of mandibular fourth premolars. These bone defects with the transplanted roots were completely covered with submerged physical barrier membranes. New bone formation and new connective tissue attachment, which require new cementum and insertion of functionally oriented new collagen fibers of periodontal ligament, were histomorphometrically assessed, and were compared between the PDL(+) and PDL(-) groups 6 weeks after transplantation. RESULTS: Both cultured DPLC and DBC exhibited the osteoblast phenotype. New connective tissue attachment was observed only in the PDL(+) group. However, alveolar bone was almost completely regenerated to the original bone height in both the PDL(+) and PDL(-) groups, and the amount of newly formed bone was not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: DPLC retain the capability to differentiate into an osteoblast lineage and may act in the regeneration of periodontal ligament with new cementum formation, whereas these cells may have a limited influence on alveolar bone formation during the course of periodontal regeneration.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2001

[Sentinel node detection of patients with breast cancer by radionuclide method: consideration of radiation safety].

Sentinel node was detected by 99mTc labeled nanocolloid in five patients with breast cancer. Surgery of breast cancer was done at 16 hours after the administration of 74 MBq of 99mTc labeled nanocolloid. Sentinel node was searched by scintigraphy prior to surgery and by gamma-probe during surgery. Radioactivity of injected site, sentinel nodes, blood contaminated gauze, and other garbage was measured by GM detector. Radiation to medical staffs was monitored by a pocket radiation detector and film batches. Sentinel nodes were successfully detected both by scintigraphy and gamma-detector. More than 70% of radioactivity remained in the administered site at 16 hours. Small amount of radioactivity was detectable in the sentinel node. Almost no radioactivity was detectable in blood-contaminated gauze and other garbage. Radiation dose to the main surgeon was 4 to 6 microSv per surgery by a pocket radiation detector. Radiation dose to the assistant surgeon was 2 microSv per surgery. Radiation dose by labeling or injection was 0 to 1 microSv per procedure. No detectable radiation was measured by film batches. It is concluded that the detection of sentinel node by 99mTc labeled nanocolloid is a safe procedure from the point of radiation safety consideration.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed2000

Efficacy of a new formulation of lenograstim (recombinant glycosylated human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) containing gelatin for the treatment of neutropenia after consolidation chemotherapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

The efficacy and safety of a new formulation of lenograstim (recombinant glycosylated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) prepared by switching the stabilizer from human serum albumin (HSA) to gelatin was investigated for the treatment of neutropenia after consolidation chemotherapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The results obtained in the study using the gelatin-containing formulation (gelatin-lenograstim) were retrospectively compared to those obtained from a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized study (AML-DBT) using the HSA-containing formulation (HSA-lenograstim). The median time of neutrophil recovery to > or = 1000/mm3 was significantly shorter in the gelatin-lenograstim group (14 days) than in the placebo group (21 days, P = .0001), and there was no significant difference between the gelatin-lenograstim group and the HSA-lenograstim group (14.5 days of AML-DBT, P = .5462). The incidences of febrile neutropenia were significantly reduced in the gelatin-lenograstim group (24/43, 55.8%) compared to the placebo group (58/64, 90.6%, P < .0001). The incidence of fever and antibiotic use was also significantly lower in the gelatin-lenograstim group (69.8% and 83.7%, respectively) than in the placebo group (92.2%, P = .0034, and 96.9%, P = .0285, respectively). However, between the 2 groups there were no differences in the number of patients who had infectious episodes. No serious adverse drug reactions ascribed to gelatin-lenograstim were encountered. These results demonstrate that gelatin-lenograstim exerted beneficial effects in the acceleration of neutrophil recovery and in the reduction of fever, febrile neutropenia, and antibiotic use, and its efficacy was equivalent to HSA-lenograstim. Therefore, we concluded that the gelatin-lenograstim formulation, which offers no risk of virus contamination and can be stored at room temperature, is more beneficial than the HSA-lenograstim formulation.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

Vitamin K2 induces apoptosis of a novel cell line established from a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome in blastic transformation.

We have previously reported that vitamin K2 (VK2) has a potent apoptosis inducing activity toward various types of primary cultured leukemia cells including acute myelogenous leukemia arising from myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). We established a novel cell line, designated MDS-KZ, from a patient with MDS in blastic transformation, and further investigated the effects of VK2 using this novel cell line. MDS-KZ shows complex chromosomal anomaly including -4, 5q-, -7, 13q+, 20q-, consistent with that seen in the original patient. Culture of MDS-KZ cells in RPMI1640 medium containing 10% FBS lead to steady but very slow proliferation with a doubling time of 14 days. However, the cellular growth rate was significantly accelerated in the presence of various growth factors such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, stem cell factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-3, and thrombopoietin. Most of the cultured cells show the morphological features of myeloblasts. They are positive for CD7, CD33, CD34, CD45, CD117, and HLA-DR. However, about 10% of the cells are more mature metamyelocytes and neutrophils with various dysplastic characteristics such as pseudo-Pelger nuclear anomaly and hypersegmentation, suggesting a potential for differentiation in this cell line. As previously reported for cultured primary leukemia cells, exposure to VK2, but not to VK1, resulted in induction of apoptosis of MDS-KZ cells in a dose-dependent manner (IC50: 5 microM). In addition, VK2 treatment induced down-regulation of BCL-2 and up-regulation of BAX protein expression with concomitant activation of caspase-3 (CPP32). A tetrapeptide functioning as antagonist of caspase-3, Ac-DEVD-H, suppressed the VK2-induced inhibition of cell growth, suggesting that caspase-3 is, at least in part, involved in VK2-induced apoptosis. These observations suggest that the MDS-KZ cell line can serve as a model for the study of the molecular mechanisms of VK2-induced apoptosis.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Effect of prostaglandin E2 on recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2-stimulated osteoblastic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells.

Recombinant human (rh) bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) stimulates osteoblastic differentiation in cells isolated from human periodontal ligament (HPLC), and this action of rhBMP-2 may be modulated by prostaglandins (PGs), which are local regulatory factors in the bone metabolism. In the present study, we investigated the effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on rhBMP-2-stimulated osteoblastic differentiation in cultured HPLC. rhBMP-2 (500 ng/ml)-stimulated alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity was enhanced by simultaneous treatment with low concentrations (10(-10)-10(-8) M) of PGE2, whereas a high concentration (10(-6) M) of PGE2 suppressed it. rhBMP-2 did not induce cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression or subsequent PGE2 production, whereas it remarkably suppressed rhIL-1 beta-induced COX-2 mRNA expression and PGE2 production. The rhBMP-2 action on osteoblastic differentiation in HPLC was also enhanced by co-treatment with 0.25 to 25 ng/ml of rh interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta). The ALPase activity stimulated by simultaneous treatment with rhBMP-2 and rhIL-1 beta was partially inhibited by addition of 10(-6) M of indomethacin, which completely inhibited rhIL-1 beta-induced PGE2 production. These results reveal that PGE2 at different concentrations exerts a biphasic effect on BMP-2-stimulated osteoblastic differentiation in HPLC, BMP-2 inhibits IL-1 beta-induced PGE2 production through suppressing COX-2 expression, and the BMP-2-stimulated osteoblastic differentiation may be enhanced by the endogenous PGE2 induced by BMP-2 and IL-1 beta. These suggest that BMP-2 action on osteoblastic differentiation in HPLC may be modulated by PGE2 in autocrine and paracrine fashions.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 stimulates osteoblastic differentiation in cells isolated from human periodontal ligament.

Periodontal ligament cells may play an important role in the successful regeneration of the periodontium. We investigated the effects of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), one of the most potent growth factors that stimulates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, on cell growth and osteoblastic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells (HPLC) isolated from four adult patients. rhBMP-2 induced no significant changes in cell growth in any of the HPLCs. rhBMP-2 at concentrations over 50 ng/mL significantly stimulated alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity and parathyroid hormone (PTH)-dependent 3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate accumulation, which are early markers of osteoblast differentiation, in the HPLCs. rhBMP-2 (500 ng/mL) also slightly enhanced the level of PTH/PTH-related peptide receptor mRNA expression in these cells. While interleukin-1 beta enhanced ALPase activity stimulated with rhBMP-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibited the rhBMP-2-stimulated activity. Interleukin-6 induced no significant changes in ALPase activity stimulated with rhBMP-2. Although HPLCs, whether treated with rhBMP-2 or not, could not produce measurable amounts of osteocalcin, which is a marker of more mature osteoblasts, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] induced osteocalcin mRNA expression and protein synthesis in these cells. rhBMP-2 inhibited 1,25(OH)2D3-induced osteocalcin synthesis in HPLCs at both the mRNA and protein levels. These results suggest that rhBMP-2 provides an anabolic effect on periodontal regeneration by stimulation of osteoblastic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells, and that this stimulatory effect is differentially modulated by inflammatory cytokines during the course of periodontal regeneration.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Dissemination of Epstein-Barr virus associated B-cell lymphoma of the brain after development of immunological incompetence with Evans syndrome.

A 54-year-old female with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated B-cell lymphoma of the brain and Evans syndrome is presented. After treatment of the lymphoma with irradiation to the brain and chemotherapy she developed Evans syndrome with autoimmune hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Further immunosuppressive treatment for Evans syndrome caused the dissemination of EBV-associated B-cell lymphoma. The dissemination of EBV-associated B-cell lymphoma was confirmed by in situ hybridization with EBV encoded small RNAs (EBER), polymerase chain reaction with Bam HI-W fragment of EBV and lymphocyte determined membrane antigen (LYDMA) and immunohistochemistry with latent membrane protein (LMP). Since only a few cases of lymphomas associated with EBV occurring during autoimmune diseases have been reported, this is an illustrative case.

Autoimmune Diseases↗
PubMed1998

Determination of Epstein-Barr virus association with B-cell lymphomas in Japan: study of 72 cases--in situ hybridization, polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical studies.

The association of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with B-cell lymphoma was examined in 72 human immunodeficiency virus-negative Japanese patients using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on DNA obtained from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues and an in situ hybridization (ISH) technique. EBV-encoded RNA 1 (EBER-1) was detected in 12 of 72 cases (17%); five of 33 cases (15%) of nodal B-cell lymphomas and seven of 39 cases (18%) of extranodal B-cell lymphomas. Three cases of post-bone marrow transplantation and one case of autoimmune disease (Evans syndrome) were included among seven EBER-1 positive extranodal lymphomas. A combined study of immunohistochemistry and EBER-1 revealed that some L26 positive cells were EBER-1 positive. A DNA band was also observed in 13 of 70 examined cases (19%) (four of 33 cases of nodal B-cell lymphomas (12%) and nine of 37 cases of extranodal B-lymphomas (24%)) in the PCR study using primers to detect the Bam HI-W fragment of EBV. In the immunohistochemical study using a monoclonal antibody to the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) of the EBV, one of the EBV-encoded latent gene products, LMP-1, was expressed in six of 34 cases (18%) of extranodal B-lymphomas, but none of the cases with nodal B-cell lymphomas were shown to be LMP-1 positive. Oncoprotein bcl-2 was examined by immunohistochemistry and found to be expressed in seven cases of nodal lymphomas and three cases of extranodal lymphomas, and two of these nodal cases were EBER ISH positive. In EBV serology, only two cases of nodal and one case of extranodal EBER positive B-cell lymphomas revealed a reactivation pattern. In the PCR study using primers to detect the lymphocyte-determined membrane antigen (LYDMA), the same sized monoclonal bands were observed in case 36 in the PCR products from the nose and skin, suggesting the monoclonal proliferation of the tumor. These findings suggested a low incidence of EBV association with B-cell lymphomas unless patients were in an immunologically impaired condition such as post-organ transplantation or autoimmune diseases.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 stimulates osteoblast differentiation and suppresses matrix metalloproteinase-1 production in human bone cells isolated from mandibulae.

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), a member of the transforming growth factor superfamily, is one of the most potent growth factors that stimulate osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. We investigated the effects of recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) on osteoblast differentiation and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) production in human bone cells (HBC) isolated from mandibulae of 3 adult patients. rhBMP-2 at concentrations over 50 ng/ml significantly stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity and parathyroid hormone (PTH)-dependent 3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate accumulation, which are early markers of osteoblast differentiation, in HBCs. rhBMP-2 (500 ng/ml) also enhanced the level of PTH/PTH related-peptide receptor mRNA expression in HBCs. Although neither HBCs untreated nor treated with rhBMP-2 produced measurable amounts of osteocalcin, which is a marker of more mature osteoblasts, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] induced ostocalcin mRNA expression and its protein synthesis in these cells. rhBMP-2 inhibited 1,25(OH)2D3-induced osteocalcin synthesis in HBCs at both the mRNA and protein level. rhBMP-2 also significantly suppressed MMP-1 production and MMP-1 mRNA expression at concentrations over 500 ng/ml. These results suggest that rhBMP-2 exerts anabolic effects on human osteoblastic cells derived from mandibulae by stimulation of osteoblast differentiation and down-regulation of MMP-1 synthesis.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

The inhibitory effect of funoran and eucalyptus extract-containing chewing gum on plaque formation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of funoran containing chewing gum (FG) and eucalyptus extract- containing chewing gum (EG) on plaque formation. Fifteen dentists or dental students were assigned a random order of use of either FG, EG or a control gum. All subjects received professional tooth cleanings before the experiment. During the four-day test periods, no oral hygiene measures were allowed other than chewing three pieces of gum for approximately 10 min daily. Chewing gum was used following each morning, noon and evening meal. Plaque formation was evaluated by the Quigley and Hein index. The FG (1.83 +/- 1.1) and EG (1.97 +/- 1.1) significantly reduced plaque compared to the control gum (2.57 +/- 1.2). Our results suggest that FG and EG may be useful in inhibiting dental plaque formation.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[The effect of epidural saline injection on analgesic level during combined spinal and epidural anesthesia].

The purpose of this study is to clarify the volume effect of epidural saline injection 20 min after spinal anesthesia. Thirty patients undergoing combined spinal and epidural anesthesia for orthopedic surgery were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (n = 15) and a saline group (n = 15). In the control group, 2% lidocaine 3 ml with 0.4% tetracaine was injected into the subarachnoid space from L 4-5 interspace using Durasafe (Becton Dickinson, USA) and saline was not injected into the epidural space. In the saline group, saline 10 ml was injected through an epidural catheter 20 min after spinal anesthesia. The levels of analgesia 20 min after spinal anesthesia were not significantly different between the groups. However, the levels of analgesia 3, 5, 10, 40 and 100 min after epidural saline injection in the saline group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The highest analgesic level was obtained 10 min after epidural saline injection and reached to T 4.3 +/- 1.1. In conclusion, epidural saline injection increases the analgesic level 20 min after spinal anesthesia because of the volume effect.

Adjuvants, Anesthesia↗
PubMed1997

Aggressive natural killer cell lymphoproliferative disorder associated with Epstein-Barr viral RNA.

Lymphoproliferative disorder of natural killer cells is a heterogeneous disorder, and an association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is suggested in some cases. A Japanese male presenting with recurrent nasopharyngeal problems developed fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly. Separated cells from lymph nodes were shown to have a natural killer (NK) cell, CD2(+), CD3(-), CD16(+), CD56(+), HLA-DR(+) phenotype. A progressive abnormality of hepatic function was associated with hepatorenal failure and death. A serologic study suggested reactivated EBV infection. In situ hybridization (ISH) studies showed Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA (EBER)-1 in lymph nodes, with lymphocytes infiltrating the liver and tissue from ethmoid sinus surgery 3 years prior to development of obvious lymphoproliferative disease. Polymerase chain reaction performed on lymph node DNA, using oligonucleotide primers specific for the EBV lymphocyte-determined membrane antigen (LYDMA) gene, revealed a single band, suggesting monoclonal proliferation of the tumor. NK activities of the lymphocytes from the lymph node and peripheral blood were markedly decreased. These findings suggest a close relationship between EBV infection and development of NK cell lymphoproliferative disorder.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

An easy and reproducible semi-automatic method for the evaluation of 99mTc-galactosyl human serum albumin.

99mTc-galactosyl human serum albumin (99mTc-GSA) scintigraphy is a new method for evaluating liver function. This scintigraphy is useful for evaluating the severity of liver diseases. The indices evaluating hepatic function include the receptor index (LHL15) and the index of blood clearance (HH15). These indices are calculated on the basis of the regions of interest (ROIs) for both whole liver and heart, and are susceptible to the ROIs over heart and liver. At present, there is no standard method for determining ROIs. We attempted to establish a standard method which shall not be subject to inter and/or intra operator variation. A computer program to determine heart and liver ROIs semi-automatically was developed. Ten patients (12 instances) were studied with 99mTc-GSA, and HH15 and LHL15 were calculated on the basis of the ROIs obtained manually and semi-automatically by 3 different operators independently. Blood sampling and gamma-counting yielded blood clearance data. The ICG R15 was compared with each index in 34 patients. The time needed for ROI determination was reduced from 2-3 minutes for the manual method to 0.5-0.8 minutes for the semi-automatic method. The % coefficients of variation (% CVs) of HH15 and LHL15 were improved in the order manual-inter observer (M-inter), manual-intra observer (M-intra) and semi-automated-inter observer (SA-inter); % CVs of HH15 were 2.26% for M-inter, 1.55% for M-intra and 0.07% for SA-inter, and % CVs of LHL15 were 2.29% for M-inter, 0.46% for M-intra and 0.07% for SA-inter. The correlation of HH15 and LHL15 among M-inter, M-intra and SA-inter was good. Comparison of indices obtained by manual and semi-automatic methods with blood clearance data obtained by blood sampling and gamma-counting showed good correlations and no significant differences. The comparison with ICG R15 showed that HH15 and LHL15 by the semi-automated method gave better correlation that that by the manual method. A newly developed semi-automated method improved data processing time and deviation of indices in 99mTc-GSA studies. This method should substitute for manual ROI determination.

Automation↗