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Volume 204 (2004)
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- Issue 2 Pages 99-
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Volume 204, Issue 1
September
Displaying 1-12 of 12 articles from this issue
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Invited Review
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Patrick A Riley2004 Volume 204 Issue 1 Pages 1-9
Published: 2004
Released on J-STAGE: August 24, 2004
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSOf the overt biological properties exhibited by malignant cells two appear to command particular attention; these are (1) the transmigratory ability which empowers these cells to invade surrounding tissues and results in their metastatic and destructive potential, and (2) their ability to evade detection by the immune system of the host. Both of these characteristics may well involve several disparate mechanisms. However, it may be that there are some metabolic features that are common to malignant neoplasms which could go some way to explaining one of these behavioural anomalies. It is proposed that abnormalities of oxidative metabolism of cancer cells, resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species, are responsible for the inhibition of the functions of vicinal antigen-presenting cells and, thus, the failure of the immune system to recognize tumour-specific antigens likely to be expressed by malignant cells as part of their transmigratory capability.View full abstractDownload PDF (321K)
Regular Contributions
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Erol Eroglu, Fatih Agalar, Irfan Altuntas, Fusun Eroglu2004 Volume 204 Issue 1 Pages 11-16
Published: 2004
Released on J-STAGE: August 24, 2004
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSThe effects of burn trauma and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment on wound healing in a surgical incision model were studied. Sixty adult male mice were used in this study. Under general anesthesia hot water at 97°C was applied for 3 sec to the dorsum of the mice in order to achieve 20% burn wound. After burn trauma, full thickness midline skin incision 2 cm in length was performed on the abdominal wall and then were sutured primarily with 4/0 polypropylene. In Group I only skin incision was performed, group II had skin incision and burn, in group III G-CSF (0.03 BU/30 g) was applied intraperitoneally after burn and skin incision. Breaking strength and 5-hydroxyproline (5-HP) levels of the wounds were calculated 5 and 10 days after the procedure. 5-HP levels and breaking strength values showed statistical difference between groups II-III and I-II (p<0.05). 5-HP levels were lowest in incision and burn group (41.80 μg/mg). Breaking strength levels were also lowest in the same group (0.12 kg) (p<0.05). These results suggest that third degree burn causes a significant impairment on incisional wound healing and G-CSF ameliorates this impairment.View full abstractDownload PDF (240K) -
Moazzam Ali, Mohammad Ayaz Bhatti, Hiroshi Ushijima2004 Volume 204 Issue 1 Pages 17-25
Published: 2004
Released on J-STAGE: August 24, 2004
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSThis is the first study done to explore reproductive health needs of adolescent males in Pakistan. The purpose of this exploratory study was to obtain qualitative information on existing knowledge and perceptions on puberty and reproductive health needs and to identify effective communication channels for imparting reproductive health education to adolescent males. Seventy-eight unmarried adolescent males participated in the survey, conducted through in-depth interviews by a semi-structured questionnaire using purposive sampling, in eight rural districts in Pakistan. The study pointed out that there existed misconceptions and gaps in knowledge regarding puberty and reproductive health. These young men also have poor knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases dynamics. The communication between parents or siblings on the said issues was found to be poor and they mainly get information from friends followed by the media. The majority showed interest in getting quality information. Multiple entry points and settings can be used to enhance access to information and services. In-school adolescents could be effectively approached through teachers and peer group. Out-of-school adolescents could be reached via media and local health care providers. The results imply that there is a dire need for reproductive health education for adolescent males and suggestions from this study might be utilized when initiating any reproductive health educational service for male adolescents in rural areas in Pakistan. Future efforts should thus focus on assuring access to timely, comprehensive and high-quality reproductive health education for all teenagers and reducing gaps in access related to gender and school attendance.View full abstractDownload PDF (259K) -
Hiroyuki Kayaba, Hitomi Meguro, Hajime Muto, Yumiko Kamada, Tetsuya Ad ...2004 Volume 204 Issue 1 Pages 27-36
Published: 2004
Released on J-STAGE: August 24, 2004
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSGrain dust and other irritants affect the airway of allergic patients in rice-growing area during the harvest. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of airway hypersensitivity in rice-growing areas during the harvest. Firstly, the effect of rice-husk dust on eosinophil activation was studied. Secondary, the concentration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a potent activator of inflammatory cells, in rice-husk dust was measured. Since it is possible for LPS, a component of gram-negative bacterial cell wall, to adhere to the particle of smoke generated from rice-husk dust, LPS contained in the smoke was also measured. Furthermore, chemical irritants contained in the smoke generated from the rice-husk dust were analyzed. Microscopically, the dust contained fine thorns dropped off from the outer sheath of the rice, and irritated the skin, throat and eyes. The grain dust extract increased the expressions of eosinophil activation markers. These up-regulatory effects were largely dependent on LPS. The smoke contained LPS and several chemical irritants such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Rice-husk dust and its smoke, hazardous air pollutants, probably play a major role in the aggravation of airway diseases in agricultural areas.View full abstractDownload PDF (360K) -
Hideki Moriyama, Osamu Yoshimura, Hitoshi Sunahori, Haruko Nitta, Hide ...2004 Volume 204 Issue 1 Pages 37-44
Published: 2004
Released on J-STAGE: August 24, 2004
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSJoint contractures following central nervous system injuries remain a prevalent and significant complication, but no reports are available on evidence of contracture formation over time. The objective of this study was to determine the rate of contracture progression and the direction of loss in joint movement following spinal cord injuries (SCI). Forty-eight female Wistar rats were used. Twenty-four experimental rats underwent a spinal cord transection at the level of T8 and 24 control rats underwent a sham-operation. The animals were studied at each of 5 time points: 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks after surgical intervention. The degree of contractures was assessed by measuring the femorotibial angle on both hindlimbs with the use of a goniometer. Knee joint motion was measured for flexion and extension direction. Knee flexion contractures developed in all experimental rats. The restriction in motion progressed during the first 12 weeks and plateaued thereafter. The contractures were produced almost exclusively by a loss in the extension range of motion. This study defined the time course that contracture progression was more rapid in the early stage after SCI and stabilized in the later stage of injury. Contractures following SCI occurred in flexion at the knees and resulted from a loss of extension. These findings should help guide timely treatment and provide a better understanding of contracture development.View full abstractDownload PDF (269K) -
Kanji Yoshimoto, Masahiro Yasuhara, Setsuo Komura, Yuki Misumi, Yuki U ...2004 Volume 204 Issue 1 Pages 45-51
Published: 2004
Released on J-STAGE: August 24, 2004
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSExpression of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) is increased by cold acclimation and overfeeding, and reduced in fasting and genetic obesity. It is known that the mitochondrial UCP1 in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an important key molecule for non-shivering thermogenesis. On the other hand, ethanol (EtOH) alters thermoregulation in humans and laboratory animals. However, the relationship between EtOH intake and UCP1 expression is not yet clear. Accordingly, the present study employed the technique of real-time quantitative polymerase-chain reaction (PCR) to investigate the effects of EtOH (0.5 or 2.0 g/kg) on the expression of UCP1 mRNA in the mouse BAT. Control mice were injected with the same volume of physiological saline intraperitoneally (IP). IP injection of EtOH (0.5 g/kg) caused a decrease and an increase of the expression of BAT UCP1 mRNA at 1 and 4 hours, respectively. Treatment with EtOH (2.0 g/kg) caused an increases of the expression of BAT UCP1 mRNA at both 2 and 4 hours. BAT UCP1 mRNA levels in both groups increased at 4 hours after EtOH administration. The levels of UCP1 mRNA returned to the control levels by 8 hours after EtOH administration. The expression of BAT UCP1 mRNA was upregulated following EtOH administration, although a lower dose of EtOH initially reduced the expression of UCP1 mRNA in BAT. These findings suggest that EtOH-induced UCP1 mRNA expression in BAT reflects an alteration of the set point of thermogenesis.View full abstractDownload PDF (270K) -
Bayer Cinar, Yavuz Enc, Mesut Kosem, Ihsan Bakir, Onur Goksel, Erol Ku ...2004 Volume 204 Issue 1 Pages 53-62
Published: 2004
Released on J-STAGE: August 24, 2004
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSAfter left internal mammary artery graft is anastomosed to the coronary artery, atherosclerotic occlusion of subclavian artery becomes more important, because the vascular segment between the origin of the subclavian artery and the coronary artery becomes a part of the coronary circulation functionally. The subclavian artery occlusion may be treated through percutaneous intervention including balloon angioplasty alone or with stent. But failure of initial treatment by percutaneous intervention is possible especially in some proximal and total occlusions. In those cases, surgical options include extraanatomic reconstruction, anatomic reconstruction with transthoracic approach or redo-coronary artery surgery in patients with coronary steal syndrome. In this retrospective study, the medical records of 66 patients underwent carotid-subclavian bypass under general or local anesthesia between January, 1990 and January, 2003 were reviewed to analyze the early and long-term results of carotid-subclavian bypass with polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. There were no intraoperative mortalities. There were only one peroperative cerebrovascular accident and one death due to myocardial ischemia early in the post-operative period. Over a mean follow up of 96 months (6 month-144 months), thirteen patients died due to various reasons and there were eleven late graft thrombosis. The primary patency rates at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years were 98%, 91%, 83% and 47%, and the overall survival rates at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years were 100%, 95%, 93% and 38%, respectively. Carotid-subclavian bypass with polytetrafluoroethylene grafts is a safe, effective and durable procedure. It can be easily applied even under regional anesthesia when percutaneous intervention is unsuccessful or impossible.View full abstractDownload PDF (316K) -
Murat Unalacak, Mustafa Aydin, Bahri Ermis, Ali Ozeren, Ayhan Sogut, F ...2004 Volume 204 Issue 1 Pages 63-69
Published: 2004
Released on J-STAGE: August 24, 2004
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSThe pathogenesis of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis is controversial. Various urodynamic studies showed bladder hyperactivity in enuretic children. But the exact cause is not precisely known. The aim of this study was to understand whether the autonomic nervous system dysfunction is involved in this bladder hyperactivity or not. Heart rate variability measurement is widely used for evaluation of cardiac autonomic activity. We evaluated cardiac autonomic nervous system functions in monosymptomatic nocturnal enuretic children by using 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram. The study group consisted of 32 enuretic children (20 boys and 12 girls) and the control group consisted of 20 healthy children (12 boys and 8 girls). In these two growps, we assessed cardiac autonomic regulation by analysis of heart rate variability, and found a significantly higher parasympathetic activity in enuretic children than controls. We suggest that the parasympathetic nervous system hyperactivity plays a role in nocturnal enuresis by causing vesical hyperactivity in monosymptomatic enuretic children.View full abstractDownload PDF (248K) -
Yan-Hong Gu, Setsuko Lee, Hiroshi Ushijima2004 Volume 204 Issue 1 Pages 71-78
Published: 2004
Released on J-STAGE: August 24, 2004
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSAccording to the information provided by the University of Tokyo (UT) in 2001, 317 Chinese women students were enrolled in the UT, and 88% of them were graduate students. Although the surveys on the life of international students at the UT had been conducted in 1989 and 1998, the medical and health issues were not included. With the objective of exploring the medical and heath care needs of Chinese women students at the UT a survey was carried out from December 2001 to January 2002. With the cooperation of the International Students Center at the UT a questionnaire in Chinese was sent to each department in which 317 Chinese women students were studying. Out of 104 students responded, eligible subjects were 98. The results of present study revealed some problems, such as the language barrier, preference for a translator in hospitals or health centers, and a medical guidebook with information on vaccinations in Chinese. They also stated their lack of knowledge about the Japanese medical and health system, and their distress for being separated from their children. In conclusion, the most severe problem was language barrier for Chinese women students in obtaining medical and health care for themselves and their children. It was also noted that lack of knowledge of the Japanese medical and health care system was another obvious problem.View full abstractDownload PDF (325K)
Case Reports
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Minami Yamada, Koichi Miyamura, Tohru Fujiwara, Hisayuki Yokoyama, Yas ...2004 Volume 204 Issue 1 Pages 79-84
Published: 2004
Released on J-STAGE: August 24, 2004
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSWe described here four patients diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) leukemia, consisting of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (n=2) and Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (n=2). All patients were treated with imatinib mesylate (300-400 mg/day) for the treatment of relapsed CML after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) (n=2), relapsed Ph+ ALL after SCT (n=1), and Ph+ ALL preceding SCT (n=1). Significant clinical and molecular responses were observed in all patients and three of them achieved sustained molecular remission. Imatinib was well tolerated and did not induce noticeable graft versus host disease although one patient presented severe skin rash (Grade III). Notably, serum cyclosporine A concentration increased after the initiation of imatinib treatment, probably through competitive inhibition of P450 3A4 isoenzyme. Our data suggest that imatinib in conjunction with SCT for the Ph+ leukemia may be a promising treatment strategy.View full abstractDownload PDF (255K) -
Mitsuru Itoh, Kazuya Iwai, Yasuko Kotone-Miyahara, Hiroko Yamada, Hito ...2004 Volume 204 Issue 1 Pages 85-91
Published: 2004
Released on J-STAGE: August 24, 2004
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSAnthracycline derivatives often induce cardiomyopathy. Patients with seriously decreased cardiac function due to chemotherapeutic drugs cannot usually receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for hematologic disorders. We successfully performed allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in a patient with severe cardiomyopathy. An 18-year-old woman with relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia had cardiomyopathy due to previous anthracycline administration. She underwent allogeneic BMT from her HLA-identical brother. Her preconditioning regimen was cytosine arabinoside, etoposide, total body irradiation, and high-dose cyclophosphamide. Congestive heart failure (CHF) was not present before BMT. Right heart pressures were monitored by a pulmonary arterial balloon catheter system (Swan-Ganz catheter). After BMT, she had severe CHF, which was controlled using pimobendan and amrinone. Patients with cardiomyopathy can receive allogeneic SCT under strict hemodynamic management.View full abstractDownload PDF (302K) -
Hidir Esme, Sitki Samet Ermis, Fatma Fidan, Mehmet Unlu, Fatma Husniye ...2004 Volume 204 Issue 1 Pages 93-97
Published: 2004
Released on J-STAGE: August 24, 2004
JOURNAL FREE ACCESSA 48-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of abnormal pulmonary shadows and a decrease in visual acuity. He had a history of tuberculosis 20 years ago. The chest roentgenogram showed multiple pulmonary nodules throughout both lung fields. No definitive diagnosis was established either by brushing cytology or biopsy through bronchoscopy or percutaneous needle biopsy. Pathological examination of open lung biopsy specimen revealed that extensive, hyalinized lamellar collagen bundles arranged in whorls, parallel arrays. Plasma cells and lymphocytes were found between the collagen bands and germinal centers were seen at the periphery of the lesion. A definitive diagnosis of pulmonary hyalinizing granuloma was made on the basis of these histopathological findings. Although there is no established treatment for pulmonary hyalinizing granuloma, during 1 month of follow-up, posterior uveitis mildly resolved with glucocorticoid treatment and there had been a slight increase in visual acuity.View full abstractDownload PDF (344K)
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