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Biomedical subjects

W Adachi

Publications and source records attributed to W Adachi.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

A simplistic approach to establishing drug usage/quality assurance programs.

Eighty-eight percent of the hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations don't fully comply with JCAHO standards in the area of drug usage evaluation, reports JCAHO in Hospitals, August 5, 1989. Why are so many hospital pharmacies receiving contingencies from JCAHO for QA/DUE? Do we lack a clear understanding of the required features and terms, and/or are we confused on how to best implement a comprehensive program? JCAHO has a number of publications which describe not only newer QA/DUE terminology and requirements but also a nine step process to establish a comprehensive program. This article will describe and summarize both terminology and the nine step process. Integration of the nine step process into the drug distribution system allows the pharmacists to identify drug related problems on an ongoing basis. This process is not only efficient but also cost effective. The article will provide simple examples of QA/DUE programs which dovetail with existing drug distribution processes. Lastly, current JCAHO published QA/DUE scoring guidelines will be discussed. The establishment of structured ongoing QA/DUE programs can begin to collect data vital to documenting the impact of the pharmacist on patient care.

Accreditation↗

[Usefulness of subcutaneously implanted reservoir for postoperative therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma].

Hepatectomy has been a treatment of choice for hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic liver carcinoma. Recurrence in residual liver after hepatectomy is clinically a serious problem. Since 1987, postoperative hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy using subcutaneously implanted reservoir has been undertaken to improve the prognosis after hepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastasis of colorectal carcinoma. The indications for reservoir implantation were determined for high-risk cases in hepatocellular carcinoma and all cases in liver metastasis. The tip of a catheter was placed at the root of the common hepatic artery via gastroduodenal artery. Lipiodol-ADM was injected for hepatocellular carcinoma every 2 months and MMC-5-FU was injected for liver metastasis of colorectal carcinoma every one or two weeks. Complications of this procedure in every 2 cases of reservoir infection proved to be catheter obstruction and hepatic artery obstruction. In the process of this treatment, we observed 3 recurrences in residual liver of hepatocellular carcinoma and one case of peritoneal dissemination and 3 recurrences in residual liver of liver metastasis of colorectal carcinoma. All are still alive.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

Immunohistochemical studies on the localization of fibronectin in human thyroid neoplastic tissues.

Fibronectin (FN) has been considered to be involved in the malignant transformation of cells. It was thus of interest to morphologically study the cell surface distribution of FN in various types of thyroid neoplasms employing immunohistochemical techniques. Immunohistochemical staining using the specific anti-human FN antibody was performed by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex procedure. Compared to the staining pattern of normal thyroid tissues (control), differences in staining in malignant thyroid lesions and even in fetal and embryonal adenomas were evident, often on the lateral and basal aspects of the cell membrane. Colloid adenomas, however, showed FN staining on the basement membrane, basically similar to the controls. Moreover, in thyroid carcinoma, different staining patterns relating to each of the histological types were observed. The present investigation demonstrates the heterogeneity of the thyroid neoplasms in terms of FN binding.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Immunohistochemical studies on local antitumor effects of streptococcal immunopotentiator, OK-432, in human solid malignant tumors.

Immunocytochemical techniques were used to clarify the local inhibitory effects of a streptococcal immunopotentiator, OK-432, against solid malignant tumor growth. Natural killer (NK) cells and fibronectin were chosen as immunostaining markers to demonstrate the antitumor effects. Immunocytochemical staining was performed by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. These investigations demonstrated that (1) local administration of OK-432 seems to promote a marked induction of NK cells and fibroblasts around or entering into the cancerous lesions and (2) the cancer cell-killing effect of NK cells and the fibronectin-enriched stromal reaction augmented by the injection of OK-432 suggest at least the possibility of protection against neoplastic growth with invasion and the spread of distant or nodal metastases of solid carcinomas.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Computerized drug dosing in renal failure: a real problem and a practical solution.

In the presence of impaired renal function a number of pharmacologic agents require dose adjustments to avoid toxicity. Physician dose variations of a wide range of pharmaceuticals, 237 orders for 30 drugs for 107 patients, were compared to doses recommended by a computer program which considers renal function in calculating its dose. Disagreement in dose regimens was evaluated by comparison of physician-dose to computer-dose for three classes of drugs: wide range, narrow range, and 80% renally excreted. With true renal impairment (serum creatinine greater than or equal to 1.2 mg/100 ml and creatinine clearance less than 80 ml/m) significant overdosing occurred for narrow range and 80% renally-excreted agents, 83 and 77% respectively. There is a great potential hazard observed to be avoided. It is recommended that dose adjustments for nephrotoxic or renally-excreted agents be implemented using creatinine clearance (estimated or measured) with, at the very least, manufacturer's recommendations.

Computers↗

Clinicopathologic characteristics and postoperative outcome in Japanese and Chinese patients with thoracic esophageal cancer.

We evaluated the clinicopathologic findings and surgical results of 140 patients with thoracic esophageal cancer treated at Shinshu University, Japan (Shinshu group), and compared them with those from 1164 patients treated at Hebei Medical College, China (Hebei group) to determine if the two groups showed any differences. The Shinshu group had significantly higher incidences of elderly patients (>70 years of age), male patients, and tumors located at the lower esophagus (p < 0.01). In the Hebei group, although the depth of tumor invasion was more advanced, the incidence of nodal metastasis was significantly lower (p < 0.01). Operative death and postoperative complications were more frequent in the Shinshu group. Comparison of the postoperative survival curves revealed significantly longer survival of patients with pT2 or pT3 tumor in the Hebei group (p < 0.01), but there were no significant differences between the two groups when the lesions were classified by pTNM stage. This study demonstrated several differences between the patients in the two areas in regard to the clinicopathologic characteristics of thoracic esophageal cancer. The most important characteristic of the esophageal cancer in the Hebei group appears to be the low incidence of nodal metastasis.

Adult↗

A case of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome produced by gastrinoma in the duodenum accompanied with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.

A case of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome produced by gastrinoma in the duodenum accompanied by multiple endocrine neoplasia type-1 (MEN-1) is reported. A 46 year-old female underwent distal gastrectomy due to gastric ulcer 5 years ago. As ulceration of the residual stomach recurred, further examination was performed. Hyperprolactinemia, hypergastrinemia, primary hyperparathyroidism, pancreatic tumor, and duodenal carcinoid were evident, and the diagnoses of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and MEN-1 were established. The origin of the gastrin secretion was suspected to be from the pancreatic tumor, so sampling of the portal blood was performed. As lesion on the gastrinoma in the pancreas could not be identified, total parathyroidectomy was performed for primary hyperparathyroidism. The level of the gastrin secretion, however, remained high. Partial resection of the duodenum for the duodenal carcinoid and a distal pancreatectomy were carried out concurrently. Immunohistochemical study of the anti-gastrin antibody revealed duodenal tumor cells. Initially, the gastrinoma was thought to be in the pancreas, however, the lesion accompanied with MEN-1 and the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome had occurred in the duodenum.

Duodenal Neoplasms↗

Basaloid squamous carcinoma of the esophagus with analysis by in situ nick end labeling and PCNA immunostaining.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Basaloid squamous carcinoma (BSC) of the esophagus has been associated with poor outcome after surgery. In this study, apoptosis and cell proliferation of BSC were studied to evaluate the malignant potential of this cancer. METHODOLOGY: In tissue samples from 4 out of 5 BSC patients (1 patient with pre-operative radiotherapy was excluded) and from 30 patients with squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the esophagus, apoptosis was studied by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL), and cell proliferation was evaluated by the immunostaining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Two of the 5 patients with BSC died of recurrence and the remaining 2 patients are alive without recurrence. RESULTS: TUNEL-positive cells and PCNA-positive cells were observed to exist randomly and independently in the BSC samples. In the well- and moderately differentiated SCCs, TUNEL-positive cells and PCNA-positive cells were locally observed. The apoptotic index was significantly lower in the BSC than in the SCC tissues, and the PCNA labeling index was significantly higher in BSC than in SCC. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that BSC of the esophagus has great proliferative activity and weak apoptosis. These characteristics may reflect the aggressive behavior and poor prognosis of esophageal BSC. Early detection of this tumor, as in the present 2 cases, will contribute to a better prognosis.

Aged↗

Immunohistochemical expression of thymidine phosphorylase/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase) is identical to platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor which is an angiogenic factor. We attempted to clarify the significance of dThdPase expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODOLOGY: Tissues samples were taken from 50 patients with esophageal SCC after curative surgery. The expression of dThdPase was immunohistochemically examined using a monoclonal antibody to dThdPase (clone 654-1). Microvessels in SCC stained for Factor VIII-related antigen were counted. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was immunostained with R11. Ki-67 antigen was immunostained with MIB-1, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin nick end labeling was performed, and Ki-67 labeling index (LI) and apoptotic index were calculated. RESULTS: The expression of dThdPase was observed in 30 patients (60%). Between the SCC with and without dThdPase expression, significant differences were found in microvessel count (p < 0.001) and VEGF expression (p < 0.01), but not in Ki-67 LI and apoptotic index. With regard to the clinicopathologic factors, significant differences were observed in histologic venous invasion (p < 0.01) and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05). Survival rate after surgery was better in the patients with dThdPase-negative SCC (p < 0.05), and distant organ metastasis after surgery was frequently observed in the patients with dThdPase-positive SCC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that dThdPase expression may be associated with angiogenic promotion and may be one of the prognostic factors in esophageal SCC.

Apoptosis↗

Histochemical study of vascular endothelial growth factor in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role in tumor angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to clarify the significance of VEGF expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODOLOGY: Tissues samples were taken from 52 patients with esophageal SCC after surgery. VEGF expression in these SCCs was examined immunohistochemically. Microvessels in the tumor stained for Factor VIII-related antigen were counted. Ki-67 antigen as a proliferative marker was immunostained with MIB-1, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin nick end labeling was performed for the evaluation of apoptosis. Ki-67 labeling index (LI) and apoptotic index were then calculated. RESULTS: VEGF expression was observed in 30 of the patients (57.7%). The microvessel count was significantly higher (p = 0.007), and the apoptotic index was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) in the SCC with VEGF expression than in the SCC without it, but no significant difference was observed in the Ki-67 LI between these groups. There was an inverse correlation between the microvessel count and the apoptotic index (p = 0.007). In the clinicopathologic factors, histologic venous invasion of cancer cells (p = 0.039) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.049) were significantly correlated with VEGF expression. The survival rate after curative surgery was better in the patients without VEGF expression (p < 0.05), and distant organ metastasis after surgery was frequently observed in the patients with VEGF expression (p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that VEGF expression is associated with angiogenesis in esophageal SCC, and may be a prognostic factor in patients with esophageal SCC. Furthermore, apoptosis may be influenced by angiogenesis in esophageal SCC.

Aged↗

Risk factors associated with intra-operative blood loss in hepatectomized patients with giant cavernous hemangioma of the liver.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to clarify risk factors associated with intra-operative blood loss in hepatectomized patients with giant cavernous hemangioma (GCH) of the liver. METHODOLOGY: Twenty patients with GCH of the liver were treated by hepatectomy. Eleven patients with intra-operative blood loss > 2000 ml (mean: 7145 +/- 7080 m; Group 1) were reviewed retrospectively and compared to 9 patients with intra-operative hemorrhage < 2000 ml (mean: 918 +/- 429 ml; Group 2). RESULTS: Although there were no significant differences in pre-operative AST, ALT, and ICG-15 or fibrinogen and platelets between the two groups, pre-operative total bilirubin and fibrin degradation product (FDP) in Group 1 was significantly higher than in Group 2. Mean operation time and intra-operative blood transfusion in Group 1 versus Group 2 were 433 min vs. 213 min (p < 0.0001) and 3036 ml vs. 422 ml (p = 0.0072), respectively. The weight of resected liver (r = 0.821, p < 0.0001), maximum diameter of tumor (r = 0.782, p < 0.0001) and operation time (r = 0.748, p < 0.0001) were the most highly correlated with intra-operative blood loss, followed by pre-operative total bilirubin (r = 0.605, p = 0.0038), FDP level (r = 0.576, p = 0.0068) and intra-operative blood transfusion (r = 0.561, p = 0.0089). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that pre-operative management to reduce the tumor size, total bilirubin and FDP levels may be essential to minimize intra-operative hemorrhage and blood transfusion.

Adult↗

Effective treatment with chemotherapy and surgical resection for small cell carcinoma of the esophagus: report of a case.

We report on a patient with small cell carcinoma of the esophagus treated with effective combination chemotherapy followed by surgical resection. A 69 year-old male had an ulcerated tumor in the middle part of the esophagus, which was microscopically diagnosed as small cell carcinoma of the esophagus. After combination chemotherapy, endoscopy showed that the esophageal tumor had changed into a shallow ulcer. No cancer cell was found in the biopsy specimen of the ulcer. A subtotal esophagectomy with regional lymph node dissection was performed. Histological examination showed that a few cancer cells remained in a microvessel of the submucosal layer in the removed esophagus and no cancerous lesion was found in regional lymph nodes. The patient was well and was able to remain at home. However, he eventually died 21 months after first detection of the carcinoma due to progression of multiple lung and mediastinal lymph node metastases. After complete or partial remission is achieved by the combination chemotherapy, surgical resection may be recommended as the second therapy that occasionally produces long-term remission and possibly long-term survival for patients with small cell carcinoma of the esophagus, such as the present case.

Aged↗

Synchronous gastric cancer associated with hepatocellular carcinoma: a study of 10 patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Little information regarding synchronous gastric cancer (GC) associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is available. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinicopathologic features of synchronous GC associated with HCC, and we also discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic issues regarding them. METHODOLOGY: In a series of 396 patients with GC and 340 patients with HCC, we investigated the clinicopathologic features of the patients with synchronous GC associated with HCC (HCC group; n=10). They were compared to the patients with resected GC without HCC (non-HCC group) which was divided into 2 groups: with chronic hepatic disease (CHD: CHD group; n=15) and without CHD (Control group; n=345). RESULTS: The HCC group consisted of 10 of the 396 patients with GC (2.6%), and of 340 with HCC (2.9%). Eight node-negative early GC and 2 advanced GC cases were observed in the HCC group. Nine of these GC (90%) were well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. The tumor sizes of the HCC group were significantly smaller than those of the control group (p<0.05). The incidences of intestinal type and early GC in the HCC group were significantly higher than those in the control group, (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in any parameters between the HCC group and CHD group. With regard to early GC, there were no significant differences in any parameters, excluding the site of GC in the CHD group, between the HCC group and non-HCC group. Eight in the HCC group were surgically resected, and the post-operative period of these patients was uneventful. Although there were no significant differences in survival after surgery among the 3 groups, the survival of the patients with early GC in the HCC group was significantly worse than that in the control group (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The clinicopathologic features of synchronous GC associated with HCC are not very aggressive in most patients probably because of the early detection, and those of early GC with HCC appeared to resemble that of GC with CHD. Since early GC may not influence the clinical outcome of HCC patients, limited gastric resection can be recommended even when curative surgery for HCC is performed. By contrast, when advanced GC is present, curative gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy would be advisable to improve the long-term survival.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Effects of prostaglandin E1 administration during hepatectomy for cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Prostaglandin E1 has been used in hepatectomy based on a few limited clinical studies suggesting that PGE1 improves liver function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PGE1 administration during hepatectomy for cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODOLOGY: Forty-three patients undergoing hepatectomy for cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma were divided into 2 groups: hepatectomy with Prostaglandin E1 treatment (PG group; n = 19) and without Prostaglandin E1 treatment (control group; n = 24). Prostaglandin E1 (0.02-0.07 microgram/kg/min) was administered intravenously from beginning to end of surgery in the PG group. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups with respect to age, gender, preoperative liver and renal function, or intraoperative variables such as blood loss, weight of resected liver and total clamping time by the Pringle maneuver. No patient had severe postoperative complications. Initial postoperative maximum concentrations of serum total bilirubin, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen in the PG group were significantly lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Prostaglandin E1 administration during hepatectomy for cirrhotic heptocellular carcinoma resulted in improved renal and hepatic function.

Aged↗

Cytokine response to human liver ischemia-reperfusion injury during hepatectomy: marker of injury or surgical stress?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory or antiinflammatory cytokine response to ischemia-reperfusion during hepatectomy and to find a useful marker of injury or surgical stress during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion. METHODOLOGY: In 9 patients with liver disease who underwent hepatectomy using the Pringle maneuver, serum cytokines, including alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and hyaluronic acid, were measured just prior to vascular occlusion; 5, 10 and 15 min after initial clamping; and 3 min after initial declamping. RESULTS: The mean concentrations of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase did not significantly differ before and after ischemia-reperfusion during hepatectomy. However, mean concentrations of hyaluronic acid after ischemia-reperfusion were significantly (P < 0.03) higher than before clamping. Although there were no significant differences in the mean concentrations of IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-alpha among, before and after ischemia-reperfusion, the mean concentrations of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor after ischemia-reperfusion and macrophage colony-stimulating factor after reperfusion were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than before clamping. CONCLUSIONS: Although hepatic parenchymal cell function was maintained after ischemia-reperfusion during hepatectomy, sinusoidal endothelial cell dysfunction was found. Release of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and macrophage colony-stimulating factor after ischemia-reperfusion were also found. These cytokines and hyaluronic acid may be useful indicators in the early phase of human ischemia-reperfusion injury during hepatectomy.

Aged↗

Portal vein thrombosis associated with hilar bile duct carcinoma and liver abscess.

As most portal vein occlusion in hilar bile duct carcinoma is caused by tumor invasion to the portal vein, other mechanisms of its occlusion are very rare. We report the case of a 69-year-old man who underwent surgical resection for an advanced hilar bile duct carcinoma associated with unusual portal vein occlusion. Preoperative diagnosis was advanced hilar bile duct carcinoma with liver abscess and right portal vein occlusion due to tumor invasion. Extended right hepatectomy combined with resection of caudate lobe was performed. Intraoperatively, tumor invasion to the portal vein was not evident and resected margin of the right portal vein showed thrombosis and no evidence of malignancy histologically. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient with a combination of portal vein thrombosis and liver abscess in hilar bile duct carcinoma. Although portal vein occlusion due to thrombosis is an unusual complication in hilar bile duct carcinoma, the presence of liver abscess may be a useful diagnostic implication of this occlusion.

Aged↗

Establishment of an experimental model for continuous intraportal infusion of chemo/immunotherapeutic agents in the rat.

The results of adjuvant continuous intraportal chemotherapy in preventing hepatic metastasis, following curative colorectal surgery, are still equivocal. To improve the efficacy of this treatment we tried to establish an experimental model for continuous intraportal infusion in Wistar male rats. Using a drug infusion balloon catheter, which can be fixed on the back of the rat, the continuous intraportal administration of chemo/immunotherapeutic agents was carried out in 47 rats for 5 days. Of them, 23 received chemotherapeutic (Mitomycin C/5-fluorouracil) and 24 received chemoimmunotherapeutic (Mitomycin C/5-fluorouracil/Lentinan) agents. The overall success rate of complete 5-day infusion of the agents was 70.2%. The concentration of 5-fluorouracil in the peripheral blood ranged from 5ng/ml to 17ng/ml (mean 10.4ng/ml) and in the portal blood from 192ng/ml to 610ng/ml (mean 312.0ng/ml) following the perfect continuous infusion of the agents. It can thus be suggested that our established experimental model can be used for the study of continuous intraportal infusion in unrestrained rats.

Animals↗