114 results on '"Kato, Hiroaki"'
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2. Surgical tips and tricks for laparoscopic intragastric surgery for submucosal tumors relative to the esophagogastric junction
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Yasuda, Atsushi, Kimura, Yutaka, Kato, Hiroaki, Nakanishi, Tomoya, Koda, Masashi, Hiraki, Yoko, Hagi, Takaomi, Shiraishi, Osamu, Shinkai, Masayuki, Imano, Motohiro, and Yasuda, Takushi
- Abstract
Recent reports have described the practicality of laparoscopic intragastric surgery (l-IGS) as an alternative for resecting submucosal tumors (SMTs) near the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), where excision using an exogastric approach would be difficult. However, even using IGS to perform a full-thickness resection of SMTs that are in or extremely close to the EGJ is very difficult to do safely and avoid disrupting or causing stenosis of the EGJ, without advanced experience. This study retrospectively examined the usefulness of l-IGS for gastric SMTs located in or extremely close to the EGJ. Fourteen patients with gastric SMTs < 2 cm of the EGJ and underwent l-IGS were eligible for this study. We examined the tumor location, operative time, intraoperative hemorrhage, degree of deformation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, perioperative complications, and recurrence. Furthermore, we compared patients with tumors in the EGJ with those with tumors near the EGJ and patients in whom three-port l-IGS was performed with those who underwent single-incision laparoscopic surgery. The average tumor size, operative time, intraoperative hemorrhage, and postoperative hospitalization of the 14 patients were 30.9 ± 21.3 mm, 125.2 ± 31.1 min, 30.7 ± 103.3 mL, and 9.2 ± 3.1 d, respectively. No differences in these parameters according to the type of l-IGS or tumor location were observed. All patients underwent l-IGS without complications and were free from EGJ deformation or esophagitis. We believe that l-IGS is useful for gastric SMTs located < 2 cm of the EGJ as it can be safely performed for difficult tumor locations and does not cause deformation of the EGJ.
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- 2024
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3. Mode of Atmospheric Deposition in Forests Demonstrates Notable Differences in Initial Radiocesium Behavior.
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Anderson, Donovan, Kato, Hiroaki, and Onda, Yuichi
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- 2022
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4. Crystal Structures and Conduction Paths of Sc-Doped CaTiO3 Fast Oxide-Ion Conductors with Orthorhombic Symmetry.
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Nomura, Katsuhiro, Hashimoto, Shin-ichi, Namioka, Tomoaki, Kato, Hiroaki, Hagiwara, Takeshi, and Hoshikawa, Akinori
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- 2022
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5. Utility of Psoas Muscle Area in Selecting Older Patients Feasible for Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.
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Ouchi, Takafumi, Kato, Noriyuki, Kato, Hiroaki, Higashigawa, Takatoshi, Ito, Hisato, Nakajima, Ken, Chino, Shuji, Tokui, Toshiya, Oue, Kensuke, Mizumoto, Toru, and Sakuma, Hajime
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- 2022
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6. The Unique Human N10-Glucuronidated Metabolite Formation from Olanzapine in Chimeric NOG-TKm30 Mice with Humanized Livers
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Uehara, Shotaro, Higuchi, Yuichiro, Yoneda, Nao, Kato, Hiroaki, Yamazaki, Hiroshi, and Suemizu, Hiroshi
- Abstract
Olanzapine is an antipsychotic agent with species-dependent pharmacokinetic profiles in both humans and animals. In the present study, the metabolic profiles of olanzapine in vitro and in vivo were compared in non-transplanted immunodeficient NOG-TKm30 mice and chimeric mice with humanized livers (hereafter humanized-liver mice). Hepatic microsomal fractions prepared from humanized-liver mice and humans mediated olanzapine N10-glucuronidation, whereas fractions from cynomolgus monkeys, marmosets, minipigs, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, CD1 mice, and NOG-TKm30 mice did not. The olanzapine N10-glucuronidation activity in liver microsomes from humanized-liver mice was inhibited by hecogenin, a human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A4 inhibitor. In addition, hepatocytes from humanized-liver mice suggest that olanzapine N10-glucuronidation was a major metabolic pathway in the livers of humanized-liver mice. After a single oral dose of olanzapine (10 mg/kg body weight) to humanized-liver mice and control NOG-TKm30 mice, olanzapine N10-glucuronide isomers and olanzapine N4′-glucuronide were detected only in the plasma of humanized-liver mice. In contrast, the area under the curve for N4′-demethylolanzapine, 2-hydroxymethylolanzapine, and 7-hydroxyolanzapine glucuronide was higher in NOG-TKm30 mice than that in humanized-liver mice. The cumulative excreted amounts of olanzapine N10-glucuronide isomers were high in the urine and feces from humanized-liver mice, whereas the cumulative excreted amounts of 2-hydroxymethylolanzapine were higher in NOG-TKm30 mice than in humanized-liver mice. Thus, production of human-specific olanzapine N10-glucuronide was observed in humanized-liver mice, which was consistent with the in vitro glucuronidation data. These results suggest that humanized-liver mice are useful for studying drug oxidation and conjugation of olanzapine in humans.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHuman-specific olanzapine N10-glucuronide isomers were generated in chimeric NOG-TKm30 mice with humanized livers (humanized-liver mice), and high UGT1A4-dependent N10-glucuronidation was observed in the liver microsomes from humanized-liver mice. Hence, humanized-liver mice may be a suitable model for studying UGT1A4-dependent biotransformation of drugs in humans.
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- 2023
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7. Mode of Atmospheric Deposition in Forests Demonstrates Notable Differences in Initial Radiocesium Behavior
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Anderson, Donovan, Kato, Hiroaki, and Onda, Yuichi
- Abstract
The March 2011 Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in Japan released 520 PBq of radionuclides compared to a total release of 5300 PBq from the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. Both nuclear accidents resulted in deposition of radiocesium throughout the northern hemisphere, and a plethora of studies have been performed regarding radiocesium (137Cs) behavior. However, few studies have assessed the impact of precipitation on 137Cs deposition in forests. Wide-scale environmental measurements from 2011 and 2016 were used to determine the differences in 137Cs deposition because of precipitation following the Fukushima accident. In areas where wet deposition processes were dominant, dense forests generally had lower ambient dose rates and levels of contamination on forest floors than other stands with fewer stems per hectare in 2011. Similar tendencies were not observed in areas that were primarily subject to dry deposition nor were any trends observed in 2016. 137Cs was retained in dense forest canopies for an extended period regardless of the deposition mode. Additionally, it was found that the initial retention of radionuclides by forest canopies is in general higher for areas with predominantly dry deposition. Incorporation of radiocesium into wood tissues was the same for both wet and dry deposition.
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- 2022
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8. Crystal Structures and Conduction Paths of Sc-Doped CaTiO3Fast Oxide-Ion Conductors with Orthorhombic Symmetry
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Nomura, Katsuhiro, Hashimoto, Shin-ichi, Namioka, Tomoaki, Kato, Hiroaki, Hagiwara, Takeshi, and Hoshikawa, Akinori
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The crystal structures and electron density distributions (EDDs) of Ca-deficient Sc-doped CaTiO3fast oxide-ion conductors, Ca0.97(Ti0.97Sc0.03)O3−δ(CTS3) and Ca0.96(Ti0.9Sc0.1)O3−δ(CTS10), were investigated in the temperature range of 298–1173 K in N2to analyze the effect of composition on the perovskite structure and oxide-ion transport mechanism. CTS3 and CTS10 exhibited orthorhombic Pnmasymmetry in temperature ranges of 298–1173 K and 973–1173 K, respectively, with CTS10 exhibiting lower symmetry and reduction in oxide-ion conductivity below 973 K. The EDDs of CTS3 and CTS10 at 1173 K indicated unique chemical bonds and conduction paths. CTS3 and CTS10 showed covalent bonds between (Ti,Sc) and O1 (or O2) sites. CTS3, with a lower oxide-ion conductivity than that of CTS10, exhibited pseudo-one-dimensional (1D) zig-zag curved conduction paths for oxide-ions along the a-axis, unlike previously reported curved migration paths along the b-axis in CaTiO3, and chemical bonds between Ca and O1 sites, indicating oxide-ion conduction suppression. In CTS10, additional conduction paths were observed along the a-axis, forming three-dimensional (3D) zig-zag curved conduction paths in the ac-plane and along the b-axis, with the weakening of the chemical bonds between the Ca and O1 sites. The oxide-ion conductivity and mobile oxide-ion concentration of CTS10 were 3.6 and 2.0 times those of CTS3, respectively, at 1173 K; the higher oxide-ion conductivity of CTS10 could be attributed to an increase in the mobile oxide-ion concentration and mobility with a 1D to 3D change in the conduction paths and a weakening of chemical bonds between the Ca and O1 sites.
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- 2022
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9. Therapeutic window for obtaining favorable remodeling after thoracic endovascular aortic repair of type B aortic dissection.
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Nakajima, Ken, Kato, Noriyuki, Chino, Shuji, Higashigawa, Takatoshi, Ouchi, Takafumi, Kato, Hiroaki, Ito, Hisato, Tokui, Toshiya, Mizumoto, Toru, Miyake, Yoichiro, and Sakuma, Hajime
- Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to determine the most appropriate timing for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) of type B aortic dissection (TBAD) in terms of remodeling of the aorta. A total of 41 patients who had undergone TEVAR for the treatment of aortic dissection were included in the present study. The patients were divided into two groups: those who had undergone TEVAR in the acute or subacute phase (group A) and those who had undergone TEVAR in the chronic phase (group B). The indications for TEVAR as the treatment of TBAD were the presence of aortic rupture or malperfusion of the aortic branches, a maximum aortic diameter of ≥40 mm on the initial diagnostic computed tomography scan, and/or expansion of the aorta of ≥5 mm within 3 months for acute and subacute TBAD. The indication was a maximum aortic diameter of ≥50 mm or expansion of the aorta of ≥5 mm within 1 year for chronic TBAD. The diameters of the aorta, true lumen, and false lumen were measured at the level of the most dilated part of the descending aorta (level M) and at the diaphragm (level D) on the computed tomography scan obtained before TEVAR and at the 2-year follow-up examination. The median interval between TEVAR and the onset of TBAD was 0.2 month (interquartile range, 0.03-0.7 month) in group A (n = 21) and 32 months (interquartile range, 4.7-35.2 months) in group B (n = 20). Except for the aortic diameter at level D in group B, favorable remodeling was obtained at both levels in both groups. The diameter change ratio of the aorta at level D was significantly greater in group A than in group B (P =.02). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the interval for a significant decrease in the aortic diameter at level D yielded 4.2 months as the optimal threshold for performing TEVAR (area under the curve, 0.859; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-1.0). TEVAR for TBAD will result in favorable outcomes, irrespective of the timing of the procedure. However, it might be more effective to perform TEVAR within 4.2 months of the onset of TBAD, provided that the TEVAR procedure can be performed safely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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10. Usefulness of 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography in differentiating between subacute and chronic aortic dissection: initial investigation
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Higashigawa, Takatoshi, Ichikawa, Yasutaka, Chino, Shuji, Nakajima, Ken, Ouchi, Takafumi, Kato, Hiroaki, Hirano, Koji, Tokui, Toshiya, Kato, Noriyuki, and Sakuma, Hajime
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- 2022
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11. Phase II Adjuvant Cancer-specific Vaccine Therapy for Esophageal Cancer Patients Curatively Resected After Preoperative Therapy With Pathologically Positive Nodes; Possible Significance of Tumor Immune Microenvironment in its Clinical Effects.
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Yasuda, Takushi, Nishiki, Kohei, Hiraki, Yoko, Kato, Hiroaki, Iwama, Mitsuru, Shiraishi, Osamu, Yasuda, Atsushi, Shinkai, Masayuki, Kimura, Yutaka, Sukegawa, Yasushi, Chiba, Yasutaka, Imano, Motohiro, Takeda, Kazuyoshi, Satou, Takao, Shiozaki, Hitoshi, and Nakamura, Yusuke
- Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objectives: To elucidate the efficacy of adjuvant vaccine monotherapy using 3 Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-A
∗ 24-restricted tumor-specific peptide antigens for ESCC, upregulated lung cancer 10, cell division cycle associated 1, and KH domain-containing protein overexpressed in cancer 1. Summary of Background Data: ESCC patients with pathologically positive nodes (pN(+)) have a high risk for postoperative recurrence, despite curative resection after preoperative therapy. Subclinical micrometastases are an appropriate target for cancer vaccine. Methods: This is a non-randomized prospective phase II clinical trial (UMIN000003557). ESCC patients curatively resected after preoperative therapy with pN(+) were allocated into the control and vaccine groups (CG and VG) according to the HLA-A status. One mg each of three epitope peptides was postoperatively injected 10 times weekly followed by 10 times biweekly to the VG. The primary and secondary endpoints were relapse-free survival (RFS) and esophageal cancer-specific survival (ECSS), respectively. Results: Thirty were in the CG and 33 in the VG. No significant difference was observed in RFS between the CG and VG (5-year RFS: 32.5% vs 45.3%), but the recurrence rate significantly decreased with the number of peptides which induced antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The VG showed a significantly higher 5-year ECSS than the CG (60.0% vs 32.4%, P = 0.045) and this difference was more prominent in patients with CD8+ and programmed death-ligand 1 double negative tumor (68.0% vs 17.7%, P = 0.010). Conclusions: Our cancer peptide vaccine might improve the survival of ESCC patients, which is warranted to be verified in the phase III randomized controlled study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2022
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12. Clinical Factors for Determining the Severity of Lid Wiper Epitheliopathy in Dry Eye
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Kato, Hiroaki, Yokoi, Norihiko, Watanabe, Akihide, Komuro, Aoi, Sonomura, Yukiko, Sotozono, Chie, and Kinoshita, Shigeru
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- 2022
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13. Phase II Adjuvant Cancer-specific Vaccine Therapy for Esophageal Cancer Patients Curatively Resected After Preoperative Therapy With Pathologically Positive Nodes; Possible Significance of Tumor Immune Microenvironment in its Clinical Effects
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Yasuda, Takushi, Nishiki, Kohei, Hiraki, Yoko, Kato, Hiroaki, Iwama, Mitsuru, Shiraishi, Osamu, Yasuda, Atsushi, Shinkai, Masayuki, Kimura, Yutaka, Sukegawa, Yasushi, Chiba, Yasutaka, Imano, Motohiro, Takeda, Kazuyoshi, Satou, Takao, Shiozaki, Hitoshi, and Nakamura, Yusuke
- Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text
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- 2022
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14. Randomized phase II study to determine the optimal dose of 3-week cycle nab-paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
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Tsurutani, Junji, Hara, Fumikata, Kitada, Masahiro, Takahashi, Masato, Kikawa, Yuichiro, Kato, Hiroaki, Sakata, Eiko, Naito, Yoichi, Hasegawa, Yoshie, Saito, Tsuyoshi, Iwasa, Tsutomu, Taira, Naruto, Takashima, Tsutomu, Kashiwabara, Kosuke, Aihara, Tomohiko, and Mukai, Hirofumi
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METASTATIC breast cancer ,PERIPHERAL neuropathy ,INTRAVENOUS therapy ,PROGRESSION-free survival ,LOGISTIC regression analysis - Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is commonly observed in patients treated with nanoparticle albumin–bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX). We conducted a multicenter randomized controlled study to evaluate the optimal dose of nab-PTX. We compared three different doses of q3w nab-PTX (Standard: 260 mg/m
2 [SD260] vs Medium: 220 mg/m2 [MD220] vs Low: 180 mg/m2 [LD180]) in patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Grade 3/4 neuropathy rates in the three doses were estimated using the logistic regression model. The optimal dose was selected in two steps. Initially, if the hazard ratio (HR) for PFS was <0.75 or >1.33, the inferior dose was excluded, and we proceeded with the non-inferior dose. Then, if the estimated incidence rate of grade 3/4 neurotoxicity exceeded 10%, that dose was also excluded. One hundred forty-one patients were randomly assigned to SD260 (n = 47), MD220 (n = 46), and LD180 (n = 48) groups, and their median PFS was 6.66, 7.34, and 6.82 months, respectively. The HRs were 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42–1.28) in MD220 vs SD260, 0.77 (95% CI 0.47–1.28) in LD180 vs SD260, and 0.96 (95% CI 0.56–1.66) in LD180 vs MD220. SD260 was inferior to MD220 and was excluded. The estimated incidence rate of grade 3/4 neurotoxicity was 29.5% in SD260, 14.0% in MD220, and 5.9% in LD180. The final selected dose was LD180. Intravenous administration of low-dose nab-PTX at 180 mg/m2 q3w may be the optimal therapy with meaningful efficacy and favorable toxicity in patients with MBC. • Nab-Paclitaxel at 260 mg/m2 is used to treat metastatic breast cancer (MBC). • Nab-Paclitaxel frequently causes severe neuropathy or myalgia. • A reduced nab-paclitaxel dose of 180 mg/m2 q3w was effective and had less toxicities. • Therapeutic indices of reduced doses were increased compared to the standard dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2021
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15. Relevance of Aortic Dissection Chronicity to the Development of Stent Graft–induced New Entry.
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Ouchi, Takafumi, Kato, Noriyuki, Kato, Hiroaki, Higashigawa, Takatoshi, Ito, Hisato, Nakajima, Ken, Chino, Shuji, Tokui, Toshiya, Mizumoto, Toru, and Sakuma, Hajime
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The relevance of aortic dissection chronicity to the development of stent graft–induced new entry (SINE) is unknown. This study enrolled 69 patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for chronic aortic dissection from January 2006 to December 2017 and were followed up for ≥6 months. Their medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were stratified according to TEVAR timing into an early group (≤6 months from the onset of aortic dissection) and a late group (>6 months after the onset). The incidence of SINE as well as the interval between TEVAR and the development of SINE was compared between these groups. During the follow-up period, SINE occurred in 12% (3/26) and 35% (15/43) of patients in the early and late groups, respectively (P =.029). The interval between TEVAR and SINE development was significantly longer in the late group than the early group (median, 92 days vs 1144 days, respectively; P =.002). According to the multivariate analysis results, the late group (hazard ratio, 3.667; 95% confidence interval, 1.037-12.968; P =.044) and the distal oversizing ratio (hazard ratio, 1.492; 95% confidence interval, 1.071-2.080; P =.018) were the independent predictors for SINE development. TEVAR should be performed in the early period of the chronic phase to prevent SINE. Close and lifelong follow-up is mandatory for patients who undergo TEVAR >6 months after onset because SINE can develop several years after TEVAR in those patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2020
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16. A workflow for fabricating a hollow obturator by using 3D digital technologies.
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Koyama, Shigeto, Kato, Hiroaki, Harata, Takayuki, and Sasaki, Keiichi
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Conventional methods used for fabricating hollow obturator prostheses have numerous problems. The workflow presented in this article integrates 3D digital technologies into a functional protocol, enabling the fabrication of single-piece hollow prostheses with no joints by using an optical 3D scanner and a laminating molding device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2020
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17. Changes in air dose rates due to soil moisture content in the Fukushima prefecture forests.
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Nakanishi, Miyu, Onda, Yuichi, Takahashi, Junko, Kato, Hiroaki, Iida, Hikaru, and Takada, Momo
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SOIL moisture ,SOIL air ,NUCLEAR power plant accidents ,RAINFALL - Abstract
Radionuclides released and deposited because of the 2011 Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident caused an increase in air dose rates in Fukushima Prefecture forests. Although an increase in air dose rates during rainfall was previously reported, the air dose rates in the Fukushima forests decreased during rainfall. This study aimed to develop a method to estimate rainfall-related changes in air dose rates, even in the absence of soil moisture data, in Namie-Town and Kawauchi-Village, Futaba-gun, Fukushima Prefecture. Moreover, we examined the relationship between preceding rainfall (Rw) and soil moisture content. The air dose rate was estimated by calculating the Rw in Namie-Town from May to July 2020. We found that the air dose rates decreased with increasing soil moisture content. The soil moisture content was estimated from Rw by combining short-term and long-term effective rainfall using half-live values of 2 h and 7 d and considering the hysteresis of water absorption and drainage processes. Furthermore, the soil moisture content and air dose rate estimations showed a good agreement with coefficient of determination (R
2 ) scores >0.70 and >0.65, respectively. The same method was tested to estimate the air dose rates in Kawauchi-Village from May to July 2019. At the Kawauchi site, variation in estimated value is relatively large due to the presence of water repellency in dry conditions, and the amount of137 Cs inventory was low, so estimating air dose from rainfall remained a challenge. In conclusion, rainfall data were successfully used to estimate soil moisture and air dose rates in areas with high137 Cs inventories. This leads to the possibility of removing the influence of rainfall on measured air dose rate data and could contribute to the improvement of methods currently used to estimate the external air dose rates for humans, animals, and terrestrial forest plants. [Display omitted] • Soil moisture content and air dose rate were estimated using effective rainfall. • Air dose rate changes were estimated using measured soil moisture content changes. • Magnitude of soil shielding effect was elevated by preceding rainfall. • This method might reveal influences besides rainfall on air dose rate changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2023
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18. A simple, novel laparoscopic feeding jejunostomy technique to prevent bowel obstruction after esophagectomy: the “curtain method”
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Shiraishi, Osamu, Kato, Hiroaki, Iwama, Mitsuru, Hiraki, Yoko, Yasuda, Atsushi, Peng, Ying-Feng, Shinkai, Masayuki, Kimura, Yutaka, Imano, Motohiro, and Yasuda, Takushi
- Abstract
Background: Feeding jejunostomy (FJ) is a common treatment to support patients with esophageal cancer after esophagectomy. However, severe FJ-related complications, such as bowel obstruction, occasionally occur. We investigated the ability of our simple, novel FJ technique, the “curtain method,” to prevent bowel obstruction. Methods: In laparoscopic surgery, the main mechanism of bowel obstruction involves torsion of the mesentery accompanied by migration of the intestine across the fixed FJ through the space surrounded by a triangle comprising the ligament of Treitz, fixed FJ, and spleen rather than adhesion. Our “curtain method” involves closure of this triangle zone with omentum, and the appearance of the lifted omentum resembles a curtain. Sixty patients treated with this modified FJ were retrospectively compared with 13 patients treated with conventional FJ in terms of the incidence of bowel obstruction, peritonitis, stoma site infection, and catheter obstruction. Results: From 2013 to 2017, 60 patients underwent esophagectomy and gastric conduit reconstruction accompanied by modified laparoscopic FJ. The median observation period, including the period after tube removal, was 644 days. No FJ-associated bowel obstruction, the prevention of which was the primary aim, occurred in any patient. Likewise, no peritonitis or dislodgement occurred. Eight patients (13%) developed a stoma site infection with granulation. The feeding tube became occluded in 11 patients (18%); however, a new feeding tube was reinserted under fluoroscopy for all of these patients. From 2003 to 2012, 13 patients underwent conventional FJ. The median observation period was 387 days. Three patients (23%) developed bowel obstruction by torsion 71 to 134 days after the first surgery, and all were treated by emergency operations. Other FJ-related complications were not different from those in the modified FJ group. Conclusion: Our simple, novel technique, the “curtain method,” for prevention of laparoscopic FJ-associated bowel obstruction after esophagectomy is a safe additional surgery.
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- 2020
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19. Catalyst- and Silane-Controlled Enantioselective Hydrofunctionalization of Alkenes by Cobalt-Catalyzed Hydrogen Atom Transfer and Radical-Polar Crossover
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Ebisawa, Kousuke, Izumi, Kana, Ooka, Yuka, Kato, Hiroaki, Kanazawa, Sayori, Komatsu, Sayura, Nishi, Eriko, and Shigehisa, Hiroki
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The catalytic enantioselective synthesis of tetrahydrofurans, which are found in the structures of many biologically active natural products, via a transition-metal-catalyzed hydrogen atom transfer (TM-HAT) and radical-polar crossover (RPC) mechanism is described herein. Hydroalkoxylation of nonconjugated alkenes proceeded efficiently with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 94% ee) using a suitable chiral cobalt catalyst, N-fluoro-2,4,6-collidinium tetrafluoroborate, and diethylsilane. Surprisingly, the absolute configuration of the product was highly dependent on the steric hindrance of the silane. Slow addition of the silane, the dioxygen effect on the solvent, thermal dependence, and DFT calculation results supported the unprecedented scenario of two competing selective mechanisms. For the less-hindered diethylsilane, a high concentration of diffused carbon-centered radicals invoked diastereoenrichment of an alkylcobalt(III) intermediate by a radical chain reaction, which eventually determined the absolute configuration of the product. On the other hand, a more hindered silane resulted in less opportunity for a radical chain reaction, instead facilitating enantioselective kinetic resolution during the late-stage nucleophilic displacement of the alkylcobalt(IV) intermediate.
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- 2020
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20. Open-label phase II study of everolimus plus endocrine therapy in postmenopausal women with ER+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer (Chloe trial).
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Shien, Tadahiko, Kitada, Masahiro, Uemura, Yukari, Kato, Hiroaki, Kikawa, Yuichiro, Shimomura, Akihiko, Watanabe, Kenichi, Kojima, Yasuyuki, Yokota, Toru, Kamei, Yoshiaki, Nishimura, Reiki, Nagashima, Takeshi, Hashimoto, Naoki, Sakaguchi, Koichi, Yamashita, Toshinari, Harano, Kenichi, Yonemori, Kan, Horimoto, Yoshiya, and Mukai, Hirofumi
- Published
- 2023
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21. Novel esophageal reconstruction technique via transmediastinal route from posterior to anterior mediastinum after esophagectomy.
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Yasuda, Takushi, Shiraishi, Osamu, Iwama, Mitsuru, Makino, Tomoki, Kato, Hiroaki, and Kimura, Yutaka
- Abstract
Background The incidence of metachronous esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) after head and neck cancer (HNC) and in elderly patients has increased. Both elderly ESCC patients and ESCC patients after HNC surgery are at potential risk for dysphagia, and for the latter, surgery in the neck is difficult. An intrathoracic anastomosis that bypasses the cervical procedure is preferable to preserve swallowing function and reduce surgical risk. In gastrectomized patients, because the stomach cannot be used as a substitute, securing graft blood supply is critical, but microvascular anastomosis cannot be easily added in procedures for intrathoracic posterior mediastinal reconstruction. Thus, we have developed a novel technique for esophageal reconstruction in gastrectomized patients who are elderly or who had undergone HNC surgery, enabling concomitant intrathoracic anastomosis and microvascular anastomosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and safety of this technique. Methods The jejunal or ileocolic graft is first pulled up through the anterior mediastinum and is then passed into the right thoracic cavity via a small hole made in the anterior mediastinal pleura. The graft is finally anastomosed with the remnant esophagus in the upper posterior mediastinum. Thereafter, microvascular anastomosis is performed in the retrosternal space. Results Four patients underwent this new reconstruction procedure with no significant postoperative complications, good swallowing function postoperatively, and no retention of food in the graft. Conclusions This novel transmediastinal reconstruction technique is a possible option for highly selected patients to enable intrathoracic anastomosis and the addition of microvascular anastomosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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22. Radiocesium concentrations in soil and leaf after decontamination practices in a forest plantation highly polluted by the Fukushima accident.
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López-Vicente, Manuel, Onda, Yuichi, Takahashi, Junko, Kato, Hiroaki, Chayama, Shinya, and Hisadome, Keigo
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CESIUM content of soils ,RADIOACTIVE decontamination ,TREE farms ,FUKUSHIMA Nuclear Accident, Fukushima, Japan, 2011 ,RADIATION doses - Abstract
Owing to the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident a vast amount of radiocesium was released polluting the land. Afterwards, a variety of decontamination practices has been done, reducing the ambient dose rates. In this study we evaluated the effectiveness of eight forest decontamination practices by means of monitoring the radiocesium ( 137 Cs) concentration in soil and leaf samples, and the daily discharge rates in ten plots during 27 months (May 2013–July 2015). A forest plantation located 16 km southwest to the FDNPP and within the exclusion area was selected. Radiocesium concentrations were analysed using a germanium gamma ray detector. The differences in radiocesium activities between the different plots were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and four homogeneous groups were distinguished. Tree thinning and litter removal greatly reduced the radioactivity and the two plots devoted to these practices presented the highest discharge rates of 137 Cs (Th + LR; 350–380 Bq/m 2 day), followed by the two Th plots (163–174 Bq/m 2 day). The clearcutting with LR and the LR plots (104 and 92 Bq/m 2 day) also had higher rates than those rates in the control plots (51 Bq/m 2 day). We only observed low rates in the two plots with matting (19–25 Bq/m 2 day). The temporal variability was explained by (i) the different rainfall depths registered during the measurement intervals (accumulated precipitation from 14 to 361 mm); and (ii) the fluctuations of the total surface coverage. The decrease trend in radiocesium concentration was high in 2013, moderate in 2014 and low in 2015 owing to the vegetation recovery after the countermeasures, thus reducing the possibility of the second pollution of the neighbouring areas. The average proportions of contribution of 137 Cs discharge by soil and leaf fraction were 96.6% and 3.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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23. Carbon-free production of 2-deoxy- scyllo -inosose (DOI) in cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942.
- Author
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Watanabe, Satoru, Ozawa, Hiroaki, Kato, Hiroaki, Nimura-Matsune, Kaori, Hirayama, Toshifumi, Kudo, Fumitaka, Eguchi, Tadashi, Kakinuma, Katsumi, and Yoshikawa, Hirofumi
- Subjects
CYANOBACTERIA ,SYNECHOCOCCUS elongatus ,POLYCYCLIC aromatic hydrocarbons - Abstract
Owing to their photosynthetic capabilities, there is increasing interest in utilizing cyanobacteria to convert solar energy into biomass. 2-Deoxy-scyllo-inosose (DOI) is a valuable starting material for the benzene-free synthesis of catechol and other benzenoids. DOI synthase (DOIS) is responsible for the formation of DOI fromd-glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) in the biosynthesis of 2-deoxystreptamine-containing aminoglycoside antibiotics such as neomycin and butirosin. DOI fermentation using a recombinantEscherichia colistrain has been reported, although a carbon source is necessary for high-yield DOI production. We constructed DOI-producing cyanobacteria toward carbon-free and sustainable DOI production. A DOIS gene derived from the butirosin producer strainBacillus circulans(btrC) was introduced and expressed in the cyanobacteriumSynechococcus elongatusPCC 7942. We ultimately succeeded in producing 400 mg/L of DOI inS. elongatuswithout using a carbon source. DOI production by cyanobacteria represents a novel and efficient approach for producing benzenoids from G6P synthesized by photosynthesis. Carbon-free production of 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosose (DOI) in cyanobacteriumSynechococcus elongatusPCC 7942. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Estimation of throughfall with changing stand structures for Japanese cypress and cedar plantations.
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Sun, Xinchao, Onda, Yuichi, Kato, Hiroaki, Gomi, Takashi, and Liu, Xueyan
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THROUGHFALL ,CYPRESS ,CEDAR ,WATERSHEDS ,FOREST management - Abstract
Throughfall ( TF ) is a critical component of the hydrological and biogeochemical cycles and is greatly influenced by stand structures in forested watersheds. Previous studies have examined the relationships between TF and stand structures for different species and regions. However, there remains acknowledged difficulty in estimation of TF with changing stand structures due to forest management (e.g., thinning) for specific species and regions. This study conducted intensive thinning with 43–50% stem removal at seven experimental plots with various structures (e.g., stand density, canopy cover and basal area) across Japan that were covered by Japanese cypress ( Chamaecyparis obtusa Endl.) and cedar ( Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) plantations. TF was measured by a set of 20 tipping-bucket rain gauges placed in a lattice-like pattern within the plots before and after thinning. Results showed that during the study periods, thinning caused an increase in the mean TF rate from 63.2 ± 7.0% to 75.4 ± 6.0%. The TF rate was significantly negatively correlated with stand density, canopy cover, and basal area on a stand scale. Additionally, the slope ( a TF ) of event-based linear TF - P g (gross rainfall) equation was significantly higher in post-thinning (0.782 ± 0.077) than that in pre-thinning (0.663 ± 0.078), whereas it’s intercept ( b TF ) showed no significant difference (−0.707 ± 0.810 mm in pre-thinning and −0.441 ± 0.607 mm in post-thinning). The a TF significantly decreased with increasing stand density and canopy cover, whereas the b TF was not significantly correlated with any forest-structure variables. Further, the TF rate and a TF were estimated, respectively, by their related stand-structural variables in multiple regression models with high determination coefficients and moderate relative errors. The b TF was assumed to be a constant and its mean value obtained from all the experimental plots in each (pre- and post-thinning) period. Thus, the models of stand-scale TF rate and event-based TF amount were developed with input of commonly forest inventories. These models were validated by using the dataset of this study and earlier publications for Japanese cedar and cypress plantations, and showed good fit between the estimated and measured values. These models are practical tools that can be readily used for assessing the changes in TF with changing stand structures at both stand and event-based scales, and have also potential implications in evaluating the spatial TF patterns at catchment scale and exploiting similar models in other species and regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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25. Detection of sentinel lymph node with a novel near-infrared fluorescence spectrum system and indocyanine green fluorescence in patients with early breast cancer: First clinical experience.
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Ebihara, Yuma, Kato, Hiroaki, Narita, Yoshiaki, Abe, Masaru, Kubota, Reiko, and Hirano, Satoshi
- Abstract
• Indocyanine green-sentinel lymph node biopsy method for early breast cancer is common. • Indocyanine green is more accurate than blue dye and avoids the administrative complications of radioisotopes. • The problem with indocyanine green fluorescence identification is less than 10 mm from the skin. • Lumifinder
TM can measure a much weaker indocyanine green fluorescence signal. • LumifinderTM can overcome the problems of indocyanine green-sentinel lymph node biopsy method for breast cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for early breast cancer is common, and many studies have reported its usefulness with indocyanine green (ICG). However, in the case of sentinel lymph node (SNs) identification using ICG, it is difficult to accurately identify the fluorescence signal of SNs through the skin because of the weakening of the signal due to the intervening tissue thickness. In this study, we examined whether fluorescence spectroscopy can detect weaker fluorescence signals and accurately identify SNs that have accumulated ICG. Six women with early breast cancer and clinically confirmed negative axillae were recruited. The periareolar region was subcutaneously injected with ICG (1 ml, 5 mg/mL). The identification rate of SNs in the skin was studied using the novel fluorescence spectroscopy (Lumifinder™, ADVANTEST, Tokyo, Japan). Lumifinder™ was able to identify 100% of SNs in the skin (6/6 patients). In addition, for SNs identification in deeper axillary areas, pressing the probe tip against the body surface allows clearer fluorescence observation. Novel fluorescence spectroscopy (Lumifinder™) may overcome the problem of SLNB using ICG for breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2022
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26. Diagnosing Influenza Infection from Pharyngeal Images using Deep Learning: Machine Learning Approach.
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Okiyama, Sho, Fukuda, Memori, Sode, Masashi, Takahashi, Wataru, Ikeda, Masahiro, Kato, Hiroaki, Tsugawa, Yusuke, and Iwagami, Masao
- Abstract
Background: The global burden of influenza is substantial. It is a major disease that causes annual epidemics and occasionally, pandemics. Given that influenza primarily infects the upper respiratory system, it may be possible to diagnose influenza infection by applying deep learning to pharyngeal images.Objective: We aimed to develop a deep learning model to diagnose influenza infection using pharyngeal images and clinical information.Methods: We recruited patients who visited clinics and hospitals because of influenza-like symptoms. In the training stage, we developed a diagnostic prediction artificial intelligence (AI) model based on deep learning to predict polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed influenza from pharyngeal images and clinical information. In the validation stage, we assessed the diagnostic performance of the AI model. In additional analysis, we compared the diagnostic performance of the AI model with that of three physicians and interpreted the AI model using importance heatmaps.Results: We enrolled a total of 7,831 patients at 64 hospitals between Nov 1, 2019 and Jan 21, 2020 in the training stage and 659 patients (including 196 patients with PCR-confirmed influenza) at 11 hospitals between Jan 25, 2020 and Mar 13, 2020 in the validation stage. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the AI model was 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.93), and its sensitivity and specificity were 76% (70%-82%) and 88% (85%-91%), respectively, outperforming three physicians. In the importance heatmaps, the AI model often focused on follicles on the posterior pharyngeal wall.Conclusions: We developed the first AI model that can accurately diagnose influenza from pharyngeal images, which has the potential to help physicians to make a timely diagnosis.Clinicaltrial: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2022
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27. Determining the initial Fukushima reactor accident-derived cesium-137 fallout in forested areas of municipalities in Fukushima Prefecture
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Kato, Hiroaki and Onda, Yuichi
- Abstract
ABSTRACTThis study determined the initial distribution of Fukushima reactor-derived radiocesium fallout in forest areas of Fukushima Prefecture based on analysis of airborne monitoring surveys by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The results of the fifth airborne monitoring surveys were compared with the third airborne survey data in order to correct for variation of deposition density due to multiple factors such as weathering processes and measurement uncertainties between two surveys. Finally, the results of the third and the corrected fifth airborne surveys were combined to reconstruct the initial radiocesium fallout map over the whole Fukushima Prefecture area following the Fukushima reactor accident. Our calculation results showed that forest areas accumulated 72% of the total atmospheric input of 137Cs to the land of Fukushima Prefecture. The deposition density in forest areas showed significant variability among municipalities. Nevertheless, forest areas accumulated a large percentage of atmospherically deposited radiocesium in many municipalities. Statistical analysis of the variability in 137Cs deposition density indicated that deposition density varied significantly, even within a municipality. Furthermore, the inconsistency in the probability distributions of measured deposition density among municipalities makes it difficult to obtain a representative initial radiocesium fallout input following the accident. To reduce uncertainty in environmental parameters related to radiocesium transfer in forest environments, we strongly recommend that the deposition density of initial 137Cs fallout at each location is determined by in-situ sampling survey and using the reconstructed 137Cs fallout map presented in this study.
- Published
- 2018
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28. Carbon-free production of 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosose (DOI) in cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatusPCC 7942
- Author
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Watanabe, Satoru, Ozawa, Hiroaki, Kato, Hiroaki, Nimura-Matsune, Kaori, Hirayama, Toshifumi, Kudo, Fumitaka, Eguchi, Tadashi, Kakinuma, Katsumi, and Yoshikawa, Hirofumi
- Abstract
AbstractOwing to their photosynthetic capabilities, there is increasing interest in utilizing cyanobacteria to convert solar energy into biomass. 2-Deoxy-scyllo-inosose (DOI) is a valuable starting material for the benzene-free synthesis of catechol and other benzenoids. DOI synthase (DOIS) is responsible for the formation of DOI from d-glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) in the biosynthesis of 2-deoxystreptamine-containing aminoglycoside antibiotics such as neomycin and butirosin. DOI fermentation using a recombinant Escherichia colistrain has been reported, although a carbon source is necessary for high-yield DOI production. We constructed DOI-producing cyanobacteria toward carbon-free and sustainable DOI production. A DOIS gene derived from the butirosin producer strain Bacillus circulans(btrC) was introduced and expressed in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatusPCC 7942. We ultimately succeeded in producing 400 mg/L of DOI in S. elongatuswithout using a carbon source. DOI production by cyanobacteria represents a novel and efficient approach for producing benzenoids from G6P synthesized by photosynthesis.
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Primary diffuse large B cell lymphoma of the common bile duct causing obstructive jaundice.
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Kato, Hiroaki, Tsujie, Masanori, Wakasa, Tomoko, Kogata, Shuhei, Kanaizumi, Hirofumi, Takeyama, Hiroshi, Hara, Johji, Kitani, Kotaro, Fujiwara, Yoshinori, Mizuno, Shigeto, Kawasaki, Toshihiko, Ohta, Yoshio, Yukawa, Masao, and Inoue, Masatoshi
- Published
- 2016
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30. Alternative Treatment for Residual Aortobronchial Fistula after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair
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Ujihira, Kosuke, Kurimoto, Yoshihiko, Maruyama, Ryushi, Iba, Yutaka, Nishioka, Naritomo, Yamada, Akira, Nakanishi, Katsuhiko, Kato, Hiroaki, Abe, Masaru, Narita, Yoshiaki, and Osawa, Masayuki
- Abstract
A patient with an aortobronchial fistula secondary to a thoracic endovascular aortic repair was successfully treated with a re-thoracic endovascular aortic repair with debranching technique. Five months postoperatively, the aneurysm had shrunk; however, computed tomography revealed air in the thrombo-excluded aortic aneurysmal sac without signs of infection. Because of worsening air finding at the eighth month, we performed a resection of the residual fistula and wrapped the stent graft in a pedicled muscle flap.
- Published
- 2016
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31. Alternative Treatment for Residual Aortobronchial Fistula after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair
- Author
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Ujihira, Kosuke, Kurimoto, Yoshihiko, Maruyama, Ryushi, Iba, Yutaka, Nishioka, Naritomo, Yamada, Akira, Nakanishi, Katsuhiko, Kato, Hiroaki, Abe, Masaru, Narita, Yoshiaki, and Osawa, Masayuki
- Abstract
A patient with an aortobronchial fistula secondary to a thoracic endovascular aortic repair was successfully treated with a re-thoracic endovascular aortic repair with debranching technique. Five months postoperatively, the aneurysm had shrunk; however, computed tomography revealed air in the thrombo-excluded aortic aneurysmal sac without signs of infection. Because of worsening air finding at the eighth month, we performed a resection of the residual fistula and wrapped the stent graft in a pedicled muscle flap.
- Published
- 2016
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- View/download PDF
32. Severe Corneal Disorders Developed After Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution Use
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Maruyama, Yuko, Ikeda, Yoko, Yokoi, Norihiko, Mori, Kazuhiko, Kato, Hiroaki, Ueno, Morio, Kinoshita, Shigeru, and Sotozono, Chie
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
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33. Immuno-genomic profiling of biopsy specimens predicts neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
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Sasagawa, Shota, Kato, Hiroaki, Nagaoka, Koji, Sun, Changbo, Imano, Motohiro, Sato, Takao, Johnson, Todd A., Fujita, Masashi, Maejima, Kazuhiro, Okawa, Yuki, Kakimi, Kazuhiro, Yasuda, Takushi, and Nakagawa, Hidewaki
- Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive cancers and is primarily treated with platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Some ESCCs respond well to NAC. However, biomarkers to predict NAC sensitivity and their response mechanism in ESCC remain unclear. We perform whole-genome sequencing and RNA sequencing analysis of 141 ESCC biopsy specimens before NAC treatment to generate a machine-learning-based diagnostic model to predict NAC reactivity in ESCC and analyzed the association between immunogenomic features and NAC response. Neutrophil infiltration may play an important role in ESCC response to NAC. We also demonstrate that specific copy-number alterations and copy-number signatures in the ESCC genome are significantly associated with NAC response. The interactions between the tumor genome and immune features of ESCC are likely to be a good indicator of therapeutic capability and a therapeutic target for ESCC, and machine learning prediction for NAC response is useful.
- Published
- 2022
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34. A Nitrogen‐Saturated Plantation of Cryptomeria japonicaand Chamaecyparis obtusain Japan Is a Large Nonpoint Nitrogen Source
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Chiwa, Masaaki, Saito, Takami, Haga, Hirokazu, Kato, Hiroaki, Otsuki, Kyoichi, and Onda, Yuichi
- Abstract
Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) plantations account for approximately 30% of the total forested area in Japan. Both are arbuscular mycorrhizal trees that leach more NO3−in response to nitrogen (N) deposition than do forests of ectomycorrhizal trees. However, little information is available about the size of N exports from these plantations. The aim of this study was to evaluate nonpoint source N exports from a N‐saturated plantation. We collected stream water samples in base‐flow (25 samples) and storm‐flow conditions (20 events) in a watershed (2.98 ha) where Japanese cypress and Japanese cedar were planted in 1969 (41 yr old). The annual NO3−export was calculated from load–discharge relationships. Atmospheric N deposition was also determined. The stream water contained high NO3−concentrations (160 and 165 μmol L−1during base flow and storm flow, respectively), indicating N saturation in the watershed. High bulk atmospheric N deposition (16.5 kg N ha−1yr−1) could explain the N saturation. There were only small variations in NO3−concentrations in stream water in response to discharge volume, because of the N saturation of the forest ecosystem. Consequently, there were only small errors in estimating annual NO3−exports from the studied watershed. The annual NO3−export was high (36.1 kg N ha−1yr−1), comparable to values reported for agricultural and urbanized areas. These results suggest that N‐saturated forest plantations can become important nonpoint N sources. Our results also suggest that N exports from forest plantations across Japan should be quantified to evaluate nonpoint source N accurately.
- Published
- 2015
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35. Screening of dry eye disease in visual display terminal workers during occupational health examinations: The Moriguchi study
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Kawashima, Motoko, Yamatsuji, Motoko, Yokoi, Norihiko, Fukui, Masaki, Ichihashi, Yoshiyuki, Kato, Hiroaki, Nishida, Mitsuko, Uchino, Miki, Kinoshita, Shigeru, and Tsubota, Kazuo
- Abstract
Screening of dry eye disease in visual display terminal workers during occupational health examinations: The Moriguchi study: Motoko Kawashima, et al. Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) in Japanese visual display terminal (VDT) workers and identify simple methods for screening DED during occupational health examinations. This study involved 369 (331 men and 38 women; mean age, 44.4 [8.8] years) workers engaged in PC development with approximately 6 hours of VDT use daily. The participants completed questionnaires on dry eye and physical symptoms affecting QoL, and their ability to keep their eyes open for 10 seconds was tested for DED screening. They also underwent assessment of conjunctival and corneal vital staining with lissamine green and fluorescein, measurement of tear film breakup time, and Schirmer's test for DED diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of the screening methods were assessed. The DED group included 218 (definite, 14; probable, 204) participants. They had markedly high frequencies of 11 dry eye symptoms, especially ocular fatigue (OR, 17.1; 95% CI, 9.9 to 29.7) and dry sensation (OR, 8.2; 95% CI, 3.6 to 18.4), and were more often unable to keep their eyes open for 10 s. With either ocular fatigue or dry sensation as the cutoff criterion, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value were 89.9, 66.9, and 79.7%, respectively. Approximately 60% of the VDT workers were diagnosed with DED on the basis of diverse eye symptoms affecting their ability to work. The dry eye symptom questionnaire and 10‐s eye‐opening test are simple, noninvasive, and inexpensive methods for screening DED during occupational health examinations.
- Published
- 2015
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36. Screening of dry eye disease in visual display terminal workers during occupational health examinations: The Moriguchi study
- Author
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Kawashima, Motoko, Yamatsuji, Motoko, Yokoi, Norihiko, Fukui, Masaki, Ichihashi, Yoshiyuki, Kato, Hiroaki, Nishida, Mitsuko, Uchino, Miki, Kinoshita, Shigeru, and Tsubota, Kazuo
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Ejecta Size Distribution Resulting from Hypervelocity Impact of Spherical Projectiles on CFRP Laminates.
- Author
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Nishida, Masahiro, Kato, Hiroaki, Hayashi, Koichi, and Higashide, Masumi
- Subjects
CARBON fiber-reinforced plastics ,PARTICLE size distribution ,HYPERVELOCITY ,IMPACT (Mechanics) ,SPHERICAL projection ,LAMINATED materials - Abstract
Abstract: The size distributions of ejecta resulting from projectile perforation of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) laminates were examined. The shape of the ejecta cone and the debris cloud was observed using a high-speed video camera. The ejecta fragments were collected from the test chamber after impact experiments. The number of fragments ejected on the front side of the target was altered by the impact velocity. Conversely, regardless of impact velocity, the number of fragments ejected on the rear side of the target was almost the same. The results were also compared with the results of NASA's breakup model. The slope on the cumulative number distribution curve of characteristic length, L
C , was almost the same as that of NASA's breakup model. The area-to-mass ratio distribution of ejecta fragments from CFRP laminates ranged within and above the area surrounded by ±3σ of NASA's breakup model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]- Published
- 2013
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38. Exploration of a Possible Partnership among Orphan Two-Component System Proteins in Cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942.
- Author
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KATO, Hiroaki, WATANABE, Satoru, NIMURA-MATSUNE, Kaori, CHIBAZAKURA, Taku, TOZAWA, Yuzuru, and YOSHIKAWA, Hirofumi
- Subjects
CYANOBACTERIA ,PROTEIN-protein interactions ,SYNECHOCOCCUS elongatus ,CELLULAR signal transduction ,HISTIDINE kinases - Abstract
The article discusses the findings of a study which determined the interaction and phototransfer of orphan two-component system (TCS) proteins in the Synechococcus elongatus cyanobacterium. Researchers noted the use of the two-hybrid system to identify the signal transduction network of orphan proteins in S. elongatus. The experiment revealed the existence of 25 interactions involving specific proteins consisting of the sensor histidine kinase (HK) and a response regulator (RR).
- Published
- 2012
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39. Nb1R Is a Novel One-Component Response Regulator in the Cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942.
- Author
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Kato, Hiroaki, Chibazakura, Taku, and Yoshikawa, Hirofumi
- Subjects
PHOSPHORYLATION ,CYANOBACTERIA ,GENE expression ,NUCLEOTIDE sequence ,GENETIC regulation ,CELLULAR immunity - Abstract
The article discusses a study which examined the phosphorylation-independent regulation of a response regulator, NbIR, activity in cyanobactreium, Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. The study constructed a mutant strain expressing NbIR, in which a putative phospho-accepting Asp-57 was replaced with Ala residue. It is indicated that activation of NbIR is independent of phosphorylation.
- Published
- 2008
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40. Crystal Structures of Pyruvate Phosphate Dikinase from Maize Revealed an Alternative Conformation in the Swiveling-Domain Motion.
- Author
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Nakanishi, Tsugumi, Nakatsu, Toru, Matsuoka, Makoto, Sakata, Kanzo, and Kato, Hiroaki
- Published
- 2005
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41. Capturing Enzyme Structure Prior to Reaction Initiation: Tropinone Reductase-II—Substrate Complexes.
- Author
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Yamashita, Atsuko, Endo, Masaharu, Higashi, Tsuneyuki, Nakatsu, Toru, Yamada, Yasuyuki, Oda, Jun'ichi, and Kato, Hiroaki
- Published
- 2003
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42. Active-Site Architecture of Endopolygalacturonase I from Stereum purpureum Revealed by Crystal Structures in Native and Ligand-Bound Forms at Atomic Resolution.
- Author
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Shimizu, Tetsuya, Nakatsu, Toru, Miyairi, Kazuo, Okuno, Toshikatsu, and Kato, Hiroaki
- Published
- 2002
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43. Alteration of Tear Mucin 5AC in Office Workers Using Visual Display Terminals: The Osaka Study
- Author
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Uchino, Yuichi, Uchino, Miki, Yokoi, Norihiko, Dogru, Murat, Kawashima, Motoko, Okada, Naoko, Inaba, Takaaki, Tamaki, Shusaku, Komuro, Aoi, Sonomura, Yukiko, Kato, Hiroaki, Argüeso, Pablo, Kinoshita, Shigeru, and Tsubota, Kazuo
- Abstract
IMPORTANCE: There are limited reports on the relationship between mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) concentrations in tears, working hours, and the frequency of ocular symptoms in visual display terminal (VDT) users. This investigation evaluated these relationships among patients with dry eye disease (DED) and individuals serving as controls. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between MUC5AC concentration in the tears of VDT users based on the diagnosis of DED and frequency of ocular symptoms. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: An institutional, cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants included 96 young and middle-aged Japanese office workers. Both eyes of 96 volunteers (60 men and 36 women) were studied. Participants working in a company that used VDTs completed questionnaires about their working hours and the frequency of ocular symptoms. Dry eye disease was diagnosed as definite or probable, or it was not present. Tear fluid was collected from the inferior fornix after instillation of 50 μL of sterilized saline. The MUC5AC concentration was normalized to tear protein content and expressed as MUC5AC (nanograms) per tear protein (milligrams). The differences in MUC5AC concentration between DED groups, between VDT working hours (short, intermediate, and long), and between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups were evaluated with 95% CIs based on nonparametric Hodges-Lehmann determination. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Ocular surface evaluation, prevalence of DED, and MUC5AC concentration. RESULTS: The prevalence of definite and probable DED was 9% (n = 9) and 57% (n = 55), respectively. The mean MUC5AC concentration was lower in the tears of VDT users with definite DED than in those with no DED (P = .02; Hodges-Lehmann estimator, −2.17; 95% CI, −4.67 to −0.30). The mean MUC5AC concentration in tears was lower in the group that worked longer hours than in the group that worked shorter hours (P = .049; estimated difference, −1.65; 95% CI, −3.12 to 0.00). Furthermore, MUC5AC concentration was lower in participants with symptomatic eye strain than in asymptomatic individuals (P = .001; estimated difference, −1.71; 95% CI, −2.86 to −0.63). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The data obtained in the present study suggest that office workers with prolonged VDT use, as well as those with an increased frequency of eye strain, have a low MUC5AC concentration in their tears. Furthermore, MUC5AC concentration in the tears of patients with DED may be lower than that in individuals without DED.
- Published
- 2014
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44. Incident rainfall partitioning and canopy interception modeling for an abandoned Japanese cypress stand
- Author
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Sun, Xinchao, Onda, Yuichi, and Kato, Hiroaki
- Abstract
AbstractInterception loss (Ei) in forests has been studied widely. However, Eiparameters and modeling as well as spatial patterns of throughfall (TF) in abandoned Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparisobtusa) plantations remain poorly documented. In this study, gross precipitation (PG), stemflow (SF), and TFwere monitored in an unmanaged 32-year-old Japanese cypress stand throughout the 2011 rainy season. Results indicate that PGpartitioning into TF, SF, and Eiwere, respectively, 64.2 ± 3.6, 10.6 ± 0.6, and 25.2 ± 1.1 % of the 880.8 mm cumulative PGfrom 29 rainfall events. Direct throughfall proportion (p) and drainage from the canopy contributed about 14 ± 7 and 50 ± 21 % of the total TFfor the events, respectively. The mean canopy storage capacity (S) was 2.4 ± 0.7 mm. The coefficient of variability (CV) of TFrate decreased asymptotically with increasing PGamount, ranging from 16 to 56 % with median 26 %. The CV of TFrate was not significantly correlated with canopy cover (r= 0.152, P= 0.521, n= 20) and distance from the nearest trunk (r= 0.196, P= 0.408, n= 20). Based on the revised Gash analytical model, the total simulated Eiwas close to the observed, with a general underestimation magnitude of 5.7 %. The Eicomponents were quantified, and most of the interception loss (62.9 %) evaporated during rainfall, while 26.8 % evaporated after rainfall ceased. Climatic and forest structural parameters required by the model were identified and analyzed by sensitivity analysis, implying that the revised Gash analytical model is robust and reliable enough for abandoned Japanese cypress plantations in a maritime climate.
- Published
- 2014
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- View/download PDF
45. Incident rainfall partitioning and canopy interception modeling for an abandoned Japanese cypress stand
- Author
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Sun, Xinchao, Onda, Yuichi, and Kato, Hiroaki
- Abstract
Interception loss (Ei) in forests has been studied widely. However, Eiparameters and modeling as well as spatial patterns of throughfall (TF) in abandoned Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparisobtusa) plantations remain poorly documented. In this study, gross precipitation (PG), stemflow (SF), and TFwere monitored in an unmanaged 32-year-old Japanese cypress stand throughout the 2011 rainy season. Results indicate that PGpartitioning into TF, SF, and Eiwere, respectively, 64.2 ± 3.6, 10.6 ± 0.6, and 25.2 ± 1.1 % of the 880.8 mm cumulative PGfrom 29 rainfall events. Direct throughfall proportion (p) and drainage from the canopy contributed about 14 ± 7 and 50 ± 21 % of the total TFfor the events, respectively. The mean canopy storage capacity (S) was 2.4 ± 0.7 mm. The coefficient of variability (CV) of TFrate decreased asymptotically with increasing PGamount, ranging from 16 to 56 % with median 26 %. The CV of TFrate was not significantly correlated with canopy cover (r= 0.152, P= 0.521, n= 20) and distance from the nearest trunk (r= 0.196, P= 0.408, n= 20). Based on the revised Gash analytical model, the total simulated Eiwas close to the observed, with a general underestimation magnitude of 5.7 %. The Eicomponents were quantified, and most of the interception loss (62.9 %) evaporated during rainfall, while 26.8 % evaporated after rainfall ceased. Climatic and forest structural parameters required by the model were identified and analyzed by sensitivity analysis, implying that the revised Gash analytical model is robust and reliable enough for abandoned Japanese cypress plantations in a maritime climate.
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Spt6
- Author
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Kato, Hiroaki, Okazaki, Kosuke, and Urano, Takeshi
- Abstract
As posttranslational modifications of histones H3 and H4 determine the state of chromatin in cis, these histones should remain attached to template DNA during transcription in order to maintain the state of chromatin. RNA polymerase II itself can transcribe the nucleosome template without changing nucleosome positioning. However, it was uncertain whether Spt6, a highly conserved polymerase-associated histone chaperone, prevents “preexisting” histone molecules from being dissociated from template DNA during transcription. We recently showed that Spt6 prevents transcription-coupled loss of posttranslationally modified histone H3. Taking previous studies into account, we would like to propose here that Spt6 has two fundamentally distinct functions in the regulation of histone modification: one is to act as a platform for histone modifiers and the other is to act as a molecular liaison between histone molecules and template DNA to prevent cotranscriptional dissociation of preexisting histones in order to maintain locus-specific modifications.
- Published
- 2013
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47. Genomic Features of Lactococcus lactisIO-1, a Lactic Acid Bacterium That Utilizes Xylose and Produces High Levels of L-Lactic Acid
- Author
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SHIMIZU-KADOTA, Mariko, KATO, Hiroaki, SHIWA, Yuh, OSHIMA, Kenshiro, MACHII, Miki, ARAYA-KOJIMA, Tomoko, ZENDO, Takeshi, HATTORI, Masahira, SONOMOTO, Kenji, and YOSHIKAWA, Hirofumi
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- 2013
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48. Hybrid method using laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique for incarcerated inguinal hernia in a patient with liver cirrhosis and severe varicose veins: A case report.
- Author
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Yane, Yoshinori, Kawamura, Junichiro, Ushijima, Hokuto, Yoshioka, Yasumasa, Kato, Hiroaki, and Ueda, Kazuki
- Abstract
Cirrhosis is a significant determinant of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Patients with severe liver cirrhosis are substantially contraindicated for surgical treatment of inguinal hernia because of the substantial recurrence rate and high postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, hernia with incarceration and strangulation, which could become life-threatening, should be repaired urgently even for patients with severe liver cirrhosis. No clear surgical guidelines have been established regarding the treatment strategy for inguinal hernia in patients with cirrhosis. A 62-year-old man with a history of chronic C-type liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh classification C) and hepatocellular carcinoma was referred to us for surgical treatment of an irreducible right inguinal hernia. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed that the small intestine had herniated into the scrotum and severe abdominal wall varicose veins due to liver cirrhosis. We performed a hybrid method that combines examination laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique to observe the abdominal cavity and to avoid the risks due to severe varicosis of the inferior epigastric vein. There have been some reports of inguinal hernia with cirrhosis and ascites, but no reports of incarcerated inguinal hernia with abdominal wall varicose veins. In the present case, we chose a laparoscopic approach to observe the abdominal cavity to confirm intestinal necrosis. Hybrid surgery using laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique for incarcerated inguinal hernia could be performed safely. Hybrid surgery using laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique may be an effective method for patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia with end-stage cirrhosis and severe abdominal varicosis. • Patients with severe liver cirrhosis are substantially contraindicated for surgical treatment because of high postoperative morbidity and mortality. • No clear surgical guidelines have been established regarding the treatment strategy for inguinal hernia in patients with cirrhosis. • Hernia with incarceration and strangulation, which could become life-threatening, should be repaired urgently even for patients with liver cirrhosis. • Hybrid surgery using laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique is effective for patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia with severe abdominal varicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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49. Early Clinical Outcomes of Initial Launch of the Zenith Alpha Abdominal Endovascular Graft in Japan
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Fujimura, Naoki, Ichihashi, Shigeo, Obara, Hideaki, Asakura, Toshihisa, Komooka, Masatoshi, Onitsuka, Seiji, Kurimoto, Yoshihiko, Kato, Hiroaki, and Ohki, Takao
- Abstract
Purpose: This study retrospectively evaluated the 12-month outcomes of the Zenith Alpha Abdominal Endovascular graft (Zenith Alpha AAA, Cook, Inc, Bloomington, Indiana), which was launched partially in Japan in March 2019, starting with 9 selected sites.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of all endovascular aneurysm repairs (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms using the Zenith Alpha AAA. Late complications were defined as any aneurysm-related events occurring >30 days after EVAR, including an aneurysm sac enlargement of >5 mm and any reinterventions performed. Endoleaks without sac enlargement or reinterventions were excluded from late complications.Results: During the study period, 79 EVARs using the Zenith Alpha AAA were performed. The mean age was 76.6±6.9 years old, 91.1% of patients were male, and the mean aneurysm diameter was 51.1±7.5 mm. Instructions for use violation was observed in 27 patients (34.2%), most frequently being a severely angulated proximal neck (>60°). There were 4 intraoperative complications, including 2 unintentional partial renal artery coverages caused by the premature anchoring of the exposed suprarenal stent barb to the aortic wall, which was a result of the design change of the top cap deletion. Since it was a partial coverage without flow impairment and since renal stenting was unsuccessful, it was left untreated and had no subsequent renal function impairment. During the mean follow-up of 444±123 days, 74 patients completed 12 months of follow-up. Freedom from late complications at 12 months was 90.8%, which included 2 limb occlusions (2.5%). Of 71 patients with a 12-month computed tomography scan, there was only 1 type 1a endoleak (1.3%), 1 sac enlargement of >5 mm (1.3%), and an aneurysm sac shrinkage of >5 mm was observed in 42.2% of patients. There was no type 3 endoleak during the follow-up.Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the new generation of low-profile Zenith Alpha AAA has satisfactory early clinical outcomes, comparable to those obtained with the conventional Zenith endovascular graft. Long-term follow-up is needed to determine whether these favorable outcomes persist.
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- 2022
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50. Evaluation of interlayer exchange coupling in α-Fe(100)/Nd2Fe14B(001) films
- Author
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Ogawa, Daisuke, Koike, Kunihiro, Kato, Hiroaki, Mizukami, Shigemi, Miyazaki, Takamichi, Oogane, Mikihiko, and Ando, Yasuo
- Abstract
We fabricated α-Fe(100)/Nd2Fe14B(001) bilayer films with different thicknesses values of the α-Fe layer on MgO(100) substrates by using an ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) magnetron sputtering system. The exchange coupling constant at the heterointerfaces of α-Fe(100)/Nd2Fe14B(001) was evaluated by analyzing the magnetization curves and the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectra. We observed a significant lower shift of the α-Fe resonance field compared to that of the α-Fe single layer irrespective of the Fe-layer thickness, which suggests the existence of an internal field owing to a positive exchange coupling between the α-Fe(100) and the Nd2Fe14B(001) layers.
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
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