All issues
Volume 238 (2016)
- Issue 4 Pages 267-
- Issue 3 Pages 187-
- Issue 2 Pages 85-
- Issue 1 Pages 1-
Volume 238, Issue 1
January
Displaying 1-10 of 10 articles from this issue
- |<
- <
- 1
- >
- >|
Regular Contribution
-
Junhyuck Park, JongEun YimArticle type: Regular Contribution
2016 Volume 238 Issue 1 Pages 1-8
Published: 2016
Released on J-STAGE: December 09, 2015
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS FULL-TEXT HTMLAging is usually accompanied with deterioration of physical abilities, such as muscular strength, sensory sensitivity, and functional capacity. Recently, intervention methods with virtual reality have been introduced, providing an enjoyable therapy for elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a 3-D virtual reality kayak program could improve the cognitive function, muscle strength, and balance of community-dwelling elderly. Importantly, kayaking involves most of the upper body musculature and needs the balance control. Seventy-two participants were randomly allocated into the kayak program group (n = 36) and the control group (n = 36). The two groups were well matched with respect to general characteristics at baseline. The participants in both groups performed a conventional exercise program for 30 min, and then the 3-D virtual reality kayak program was performed in the kayak program group for 20 min, two times a week for 6 weeks. Cognitive function was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Muscle strength was measured using the arm curl and handgrip strength tests. Standing and sitting balance was measured using the Good Balance system. The post-test was performed in the same manner as the pre-test; the overall outcomes such as cognitive function (p < 0.05), muscle strength (p < 0.05), and balance (standing and sitting balance, p < 0.05) were significantly improved in kayak program group compared to the control group. We propose that the 3-D virtual reality kayak program is a promising intervention method for improving the cognitive function, muscle strength, and balance of elderly.View full abstractDownload PDF (559K) Full view HTML -
Atsushi Nanashima, Go Hatachi, Tetsurou Tominaga, Goushi Murakami, Kat ...Article type: Regular Contribution
2016 Volume 238 Issue 1 Pages 9-16
Published: 2016
Released on J-STAGE: December 09, 2015
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS FULL-TEXT HTMLNogo-B, located in the endoplasmic reticulum, is an isoform belonging to the reticulon protein family, which is expressed specifically in cholangiocytes and non-parenchymal cells in the liver. Nogo-B expression is down-regulated with the progression of liver fibrosis, but its distinct function in liver malignancies has not been fully clarified. We have hypothesized that Nogo-B expression may be altered in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), a relatively rare type of primary liver cancer with highly malignant behavior. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between Nogo-B expression, assessed by immunohistochemical staining, and clinicopathological factors and prognosis in 34 ICC patients. Positive expression was observed in 19 (56%) of 34 ICC specimens: 6 patients (18%) with positivity levels of 1+ (positive cells in 10-50% of cancer cells) and 13 patients (38%) with 2+ (positive cells over 50%). Importantly, the remaining 15 patients (44%) were categorized as negative expression (Nogo-B-positive cells, less than 10%). Conversely, the mass-forming type of ICC tended to express Nogo-B with the degree of 2+ positivity, compared to the periductal infiltration type (p = 0.064), and the mass-forming type showed a better 5-year survival rate (66% vs. 5%) after hepatectomy (p < 0.05). However, the degree of positivity was not associated with tumor relapse rate, disease-free and overall survival, although each of the periductal infiltration type, intrahepatic metastasis, larger tumor size, and lower microvessel counts was associated with lower survival rates. We propose that Nogo-B expression is down-regulated in ICC, the implication of which, however, remains to be investigated.View full abstractDownload PDF (1428K) Full view HTML -
Hye Jin Lim, Hyun Hee Lee, Ae Jin Kim, Han Ro, Hyung Soo Kim, Jae Hyun ...Article type: Regular Contribution
2016 Volume 238 Issue 1 Pages 17-23
Published: 2016
Released on J-STAGE: December 10, 2015
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS FULL-TEXT HTMLAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a major clinical problem and a predictor of outcomes in critically ill patients who frequently required treatments in the intensive care unit (ICU). Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers are commonly used for treating hypertension but demands caution because of accompanying illnesses including AKI. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of RAAS blockers affected the incidence of AKI in ICU patients. From a total of 26,287 patients who were admitted to the ICU from January 2003 to December 2013 were included in the final analyses. The primary outcome was the incidence of AKI based on the prescription of RAAS blockers. The secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality. RAAS blocker users were more likely to develop AKI (P < 0.001) and remained an independent risk factor for AKI (odds ratio [OR], 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37-1.79; P < 0.001) after adjusting confounding factors. There was no significant difference in the cumulative 90-day survival rate between the RAAS blocker users and non-users (P = 0.381). However, the adjusted mortality risk associated with AKI was 1.38 (95% CI, 1.22 to 1.56; P < 0.001) and increased as the severity of AKI stage increased from 1 to 3: 1.17 (1.02 to 1.36), 1.77 (1.45 to 2.16), and 1.93 (1.55 to 2.41; P < 0.01 for the trend). RAAS blockers may have a harmful influence to increase the incidence of AKI and temporary withholding of these medications may deserve careful consideration in ICU patients.View full abstractDownload PDF (746K) Full view HTML -
Hongdeok Seok, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won, Wanhyung Lee, June-Hee Lee, P ...Article type: Regular Contribution
2016 Volume 238 Issue 1 Pages 25-32
Published: 2016
Released on J-STAGE: December 15, 2015
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS FULL-TEXT HTMLConcealing emotions at work can cause considerable psychological stress. While there is extensive research on the adverse health effects of concealing emotions and the association between allergic diseases and stress, research has not yet investigated whether concealing emotions at work is associated with allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a common disease in many industrialized countries, and its prevalence is increasing. Thus, our aim was to determine the strength of this association using data from three years (2007-2009) of the 4th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants (aged 20-64) were 8,345 individuals who were economically active and who had completed the questionnaire items on concealing emotions at work. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for allergic rhinitis using logistic regression models. Among all participants, 3,140 subjects (37.6%) reported concealing their emotions at work: 1,661 men and 1,479 women. The OR (95% CIs) for allergic rhinitis among those who concealed emotions at work versus those who did not was 1.318 (1.148-1.512). Stratified by sex, the OR (95% CIs) was 1.307 (1.078-1.585) among men and 1.346 (1.105-1.639) among women. Thus, individuals who concealed their emotions at work were significantly more likely to have a diagnosis of AR in comparison to those who did not. Because concealing emotions at work has adverse health effects, labor policies that aim to reduce this practice are needed.View full abstractDownload PDF (697K) Full view HTML -
Yuya Ueda, Shogo Misu, Ryuichi Sawa, Nobuyuki Nakatsu, Tatsuya Sugimot ...Article type: Regular Contribution
2016 Volume 238 Issue 1 Pages 33-38
Published: 2016
Released on J-STAGE: December 17, 2015
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS FULL-TEXT HTMLThe cycling wheelchair (CWC) can be used as a pedaling exercise machine. However, physiological indexes in the CWC at various pedaling rates and the difference between the CWC and the existing pedaling machines such as the portable ergometer (ERG) are unclear. The aim of this study was to measure physiological indexes in the CWC at various pedaling rates and compare the CWC to the ERG, focusing on psychological stress. The present non-randomized crossover study included ten healthy men (22.3 ± 1.2 years) who performed pedaling exercise with the CWC and the ERG. Both experiments were composed of three pedaling exercise sessions (40, 60, and 80 rpm). Physiological indexes, consisting of oxygen consumption, heart rate, perceived breathlessness and leg fatigue, and salivary amylase activity (SAA), an index of psychological stress, were measured. The metabolic equivalent (METs) and the rate of change in SAA from rest to immediately after each pedaling session (ΔSAA) were calculated. In the CWC, all physiological indexes significantly increased with pedaling rates. The METs were 2.2 ± 0.3, 2.7 ± 0.4, and 3.5 ± 0.4 at 40, 60, and 80 rpm, respectively. In comparison between the CWC and the ERG, ΔSAA was lower in the CWC than in the ERG at 60 and 80 rpm. Our results indicate that the CWC pedaling can provide low or moderate intensity exercises with adjusting pedaling rates and is less stressful than the ERG. Thus, the CWC is a useful pedaling machine to promote regular and enjoyable exercises.View full abstractDownload PDF (639K) Full view HTML -
Shinichiro Saito, Tomonori Ishii, Yukiko Kamogawa, Ryu Watanabe, Tsuyo ...Article type: Regular Contribution
2016 Volume 238 Issue 1 Pages 39-47
Published: 2016
Released on J-STAGE: December 19, 2015
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS FULL-TEXT HTMLPatients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) often display Raynaud’s phenomenon and digital skin ulcers. As these ulcers are not associated with autoimmune factors or abnormal coagulation, conventional immunosuppressive therapies, vasodilators, and anticoagulants are often ineffective. Here, we used extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to treat these ulcers. Nine SSc patients with new digital ulcers, previously treated with at least one currently available vasodilator or anticoagulant were enrolled. One ESWT session consisted of 100 pulses at 0.08-0.25 mJ/mm2 in 20 areas on both hands and 15 areas on both feet, totaling 7,000 pulses. Treatment was performed once per week for 9 weeks with observations over 20 weeks. Outcomes were evaluated according to the number and diameter of ulcers, Rodnan skin score, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D), visual analog scale for pain, and the PainVision system. The surface skin temperature of all the fingers was measured using thermography. Ulcers showed signs of healing after one session, and their mean number decreased from 5.4 to 1.1 at 9 weeks. In particular, of the 18 large ulcers (> 5 mm) observed in 7 patients before the treatment, 10 disappeared and the rest became smaller; namely, the mean size decreased from 10.9 mm to 2.5 mm at 20 weeks. The average scores on the HAQ, EQ-5D, and PainVision system also improved. Treatment was minimally invasive and could be repeated without any adverse effects. ESWT may be added to standard treatments for indolent digital ulcers of SSc, as an effective and safe method.View full abstractDownload PDF (1039K) Full view HTML -
Fei Liu, Weifang Tang, Donghui Chen, Meng Li, Yinna Gao, Hongliang Zhe ...Article type: Regular Contribution
2016 Volume 238 Issue 1 Pages 49-56
Published: 2016
Released on J-STAGE: December 19, 2015
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS FULL-TEXT HTMLInjury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve often leads to permanent vocal cord paralysis, which has a significant negative impact on the quality of life. Long-term denervation can induce laryngeal muscle fibrosis，which obstructs the muscle recovery after laryngeal reinnervation. However, the mechanisms of fibrosis remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to analyze the changes in the expression of fibrosis-related factors, including transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in denervated skeletal muscles using a mouse model of accessory nerve transection. Because of the small size, we used sternocleidomastoid muscles instead of laryngeal muscles for denervation experiments. Masson’s trichrome staining showed that the grade of atrophy and fibrosis of muscles became more severe with time, but showed a plateau at 4 weeks after denervation, followed by a slow decrease. Quantitative assessment and immunohistochemistry showed that TGF-β1 expression peaked at 1 week after denervation (p < 0.05) and was maintained at its high level until 4 weeks. CTGF- and α-SMA-positive muscle cells were detected at 1 week after denervation, peaked at 2 weeks (p < 0.05), and remained at high levels with a subsequent slight decrease for 3-4 weeks. These results suggest that TGF-β1 and CTGF may be involved in the process of denervated skeletal muscle fibrosis. They may induce the differentiation of myoblasts into myofibroblasts, as characterized by the activation of α-SMA. These findings may provide insights on key pathological processes in denervated skeletal muscle fibrosis and develop novel therapeutic strategies.View full abstractDownload PDF (3541K) Full view HTML -
Xiao-Peng Fan, Xiang-Fen Ji, Xin-You Li, Shuai Gao, Yu-Chen Fan, Kai W ...Article type: Regular Contribution
2016 Volume 238 Issue 1 Pages 57-64
Published: 2016
Released on J-STAGE: December 25, 2015
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS FULL-TEXT HTMLGlutathione-S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and glutathione-S-transferase M3 (GSTM3) catalyze the glutathione-related clearance of xenobiotics. The methylation of these gene promoters was associated with oxidative stress that induced liver damage. This study aims to explore the relationship among GSTP1 and GSTM3 methylation, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) expression, and oxidative stress in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We retrospectively enrolled 153 patients with CHB and 40 healthy controls (HCs). The GSTP1 and GSTM3 methylation status, DNMTs mRNA levels in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and TNF-α and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plasma were detected. GSTP1 methylation was significantly higher in patients with CHB than HCs (P = 0.047). Patients with HBeAg-positive CHB showed significantly higher GSTP1 methylation than those with HBeAg-negative CHB (P = 0.017) and HCs (P = 0.007). No significant difference was observed between GSTP1 methylation in HBeAg-negative CHB and HCs (P = 0.191). DNMT1 and DNMT3a mRNA levels were significantly higher in participants with GSTP1 methylation than those without. In patients with CHB, the degree of GSTP1 promoter methylation was significantly correlated with DNMT1 mRNA, DNMT3a mRNA, TNF-α, MDA, HBeAg, ALT, AST and TBIL. In contrast, no significant difference was found between GSTM3 methylation in patients with CHB and HCs (P = 0.079). Meanwhile, no significant difference could be observed between GSTM3 promoter methylation in patients with HBeAg-positive CHB and HBeAg-negative CHB (P = 0.146). Therefore, this study demonstrated that GSTP1 hypermethylation was associated with DNMT1, DNMT3a overexpression and oxidative stress in patients with HBeAg-positive CHB.View full abstractDownload PDF (531K) Full view HTML -
Yumiko Okubo, Susumu Matsushita, Yuichi Takakuwa, Toshimasa Yoshioka, ...Article type: Regular Contribution
2016 Volume 238 Issue 1 Pages 65-74
Published: 2016
Released on J-STAGE: December 26, 2015
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS FULL-TEXT HTMLProblem-based learning (PBL) is popular in medical education in Japan. We wished to understand the influence of PBL on the clinical competence of medical residents, using self-assessment and observer assessment. Tokyo Women’s Medical University (TWMU) implemented PBL longitudinally (long-time) for four years, and on this basis we analyzed whether long-time PBL education is useful for clinical work. A self-assessment questionnaire was sent to junior and senior residents who were alumni of several schools, and an observation-based assessment questionnaire to senior doctors instructing them. Respondents were asked if they had used the PBL process in daily clinical tasks, and if so in what processes. Senior doctors were asked whether TWMU graduates perform differently from graduates of other schools. TWMU graduates answered “used a lot” and “used a little” with regard to PBL at significantly higher rates than other graduates. As useful points of PBL, they mentioned extracting clinical problems, solving clinical problems, self-directed leaning, positive attitude, collaboration with others, presentation, doctor-patient relations, self-assessment, and share the knowledge with doctors at lower levels and students. Observer assessments of TWMU graduates by senior doctors represented them as adaptive, good at presenting, good at listening to others’ opinions, practical, selfish, and eager in their instructional practice. Longitudinal PBL can be a good educational method to develop lifelong-learning habits and clinical competencies especially in terms of the social aspect.View full abstractDownload PDF (698K) Full view HTML -
Nai-Wei Hsu, Hsuan-Ming Tsao, Hsi-Chung Chen, Su-Shun Lo, Shih-Ann Che ...Article type: Regular Contribution
2016 Volume 238 Issue 1 Pages 75-83
Published: 2016
Released on J-STAGE: December 26, 2015
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS FULL-TEXT HTMLAtrial fibrillation (AF) is currently recognized as one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias worldwide, with the increasing prevalence that has been estimated to be as high as 9% among the elderly. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become an important patient-centered health outcome measurement, but the impacts created by AF and other arrhythmias with similar symptoms, such as frequent atrial and ventricular premature contractions (APCs and VPCs, defined as ≥ 3 beats/5 minutes), have not been extensively evaluated. The Yilan Study is a population-based community health survey, which in part aims to evaluate the prevalence and impacts of these arrhythmias on the HRQoL in a community dwelling elderly population. A total of 1,732 citizens from the Yilan, Taiwan, aged 65 years or older (45.8% male) were enrolled and visited at their homes, where HRQoL was measured utilizing the Short Form-12 Health Survey. Each participant’s heart rhythm was recorded with an electrocardiographic monitor for 5 minutes. The results disclosed that the prevalence of AF of this aged population was 5.8%, similar to the mean global prevalence. Besides, the prevalence of frequent APCs and frequent VPCs in these elderly people were 7.1% and 5.5%, respectively. After multiple regression analysis, elderly people with AF had lower scores in the physical component of HRQoL, while those elderly people with frequent VPCs had lower scores in the mental component. Ultimately, these findings can provide additional useful and population-specific information about AF, and assist medical professionals in designing more effective strategies for cardiac arrhythmia treatments.View full abstractDownload PDF (398K) Full view HTML
- |<
- <
- 1
- >
- >|