Search

Aims Axonal aggregates of phosphorylated (p-) transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) were examined in relation to propagation of the protein in the nervous system. Methods Brains and spinal cords of Japanese patients with sALS and control subjects were examined immunohistochemically using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens with special reference to the topographical distribution, microscopic features, presynaptic aggregates, and correlation between the aggregates in axons and the clinical course. Results (i) Aggregates of p-TDP-43 were frequently present in axons of the hypoglossal and facial nerve fibres and the spinal anterior horn cells. (ii) Aggregates of p-TDP-43 in the axons showed two characteristic microscopic features - dash-like granuloreticular aggregates (GRAs) and massive aggregates (MAs). (iii) MAs were surrounded by p-neurofilaments, but p-neurofilament immunnoreactivity decreased at the inside of axons with GRAs. (iv) Patients showing MAs and GRAs had a relatively shorter clinical course than patients without the aggregates. (v) Some neurones in the red nucleus in patients were surrounded by synapses containing p- and p-independent (i)-TDP-43, and almost all neurones had lost their nuclear TDP-43 immunoreactivity; 17% of those neurones in the red nucleus also had TDP-43-immunopositive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions, but no postsynaptic p-TDP-43 deposition was evident. Conclusions There are two types of axonal p-TDP-43 aggregates, MAs and GRAs, located predominantly in the facial and hypoglossal nuclei and anterior horn cells. These aggregates may influence the function of neurones, and presynaptic aggregates of the protein induce loss of p-i-TDP-43 in the nuclei of postsynaptic neurones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yanagisawa T, Ueno M, Shinada K, Ohara S, Wright Clive FA, Kawaguchi Y. Relationship of smoking and smoking cessation with oral health status in Japanese men. J Periodont Res 2010; . © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: Smoking has been associated with the number of natural teeth a person has and with the likelihood of periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between the number of teeth present and periodontal diseases with smoking habits in a cohort of Japanese men. Material and Methods: The study group comprised 1088 men, 40–75 years of age. Oral examinations were conducted in dental clinics. Information on smoking status and on oral health behavior was collected from self-administered questionnaires. The relationship between oral health status and smoking status was estimated using adjusted odds ratios. Results: Compared with those whom had never smoked, the odds ratios of having more than eight missing teeth and having periodontitis, among current smokers, were 1.67 and 1.74, respectively. In those who had stopped smoking for 11 years or longer, there was no increase in the odds ratio of having more than eight missing teeth and periodontitis, compared with those whom had never smoked. Conclusion: Smoking has a positive association with missing teeth and periodontitis. However, smoking cessation is beneficial for oral health. The odds of having more than eight missing teeth, or of having periodontitis, in those who had never smoked was similar to that of individuals who reported that they had stopped smoking for 11 years or more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking is associated with the number of teeth. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of number of teeth with smoking and smoking cessation. Methods: Subjects included 547 males aged between 55 and 75 years. Oral examinations were conducted in 2005. Smoking status information was collected from questionnaire surveys conducted in 1990, 1995, 2000, and 2005. The relationship between having more than eight missing teeth and smoking status was estimated with adjusted odds ratio. Results: Comparing with never smokers, odds ratios of having more than eight missing teeth among current and former smokers were 1.96 and 1.86, respectively. The odds ratios in those who had stopped smoking for ≤10 years was 3.02, and for those who had ceased smoking for 11–20 years was 2.66. In those who stopped smoking for 21 years or more, there was no increase in the odds ratio. Conclusion: Smoking had a positive association with the number of missing teeth and smoking cessation is beneficial for maintaining teeth. The odds of having more than eight missing teeth in those who had never smoked was equal to that of individuals who reported that they had stopped smoking for 21 years or more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of this study were (i) to examine the relationship between the number of natural teeth and the number of functional tooth units in Japanese adults, (ii) to evaluate how functional tooth units relate to subjective masticatory ability and (iii) to determine the minimum number of natural teeth and functional tooth units needed to maintain adequate self-assessed chewing function. A self-administered questionnaire was given and dental examination was conducted for 2164 residents aged 40 to 75 years. Counts were made on the number of functional tooth units of natural teeth (n-functional tooth units), the sum of natural teeth and artificial teeth on implant-supported and fixed prostheses (nif-functional tooth units) and the sum of natural teeth and artificial teeth on implant-supported, fixed and removable prostheses (total-functional tooth units). The average number of natural teeth, n-functional tooth units and nif-functional tooth units decreased with age, but these were often replaced by functional tooth units from artificial teeth on removable prostheses. Total-functional tooth units in 50–59 year old people were slightly lower compared with those in other age groups. Subjects who reported that they could chew every food item on an average had 23·4 total natural teeth, 12·6 posterior natural teeth, 7·6 n-functional tooth units, 8·6 nif-functional tooth units and 10·4 total-functional tooth units, and subjects without chewing difficulties had fewer functional tooth units from removable prostheses. Maintaining 20 and more natural teeth and at least eight nif-functional tooth units is important in reducing the likelihood of self-assessed chewing difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: Although profound hypochlorhydria is considered to be an important risk factor for development of gastric cancer, long-term effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on its reversibility remains uncertain. : To clarify the change in acid secretion after eradication in a long-term follow-up over 5 years in patients with profound hypochlorhydria. : Twenty-three H. pylori-positive patients with hypochlorhydria (<0.6 mmol/10 min) were enrolled prospectively. Assessment of gastrin-stimulated acid output and histologic evaluation of biopsy specimens were performed prior to, and 1, 7 months after eradication. Subsequently, gastric acid secretion was assessed for long-term period over 5 years after eradication in 12 patients. : Gastric acid secretion was reversed to normal range in nine of 23 patients (39%) at 7 months after eradication. In the long-term follow-up, gradual and significant recovery in gastric acid secretion was observed up to 2 years post-therapy. However, there was no additional increase during the last 3 years of 5-year follow-up period, leaving the acid secretory levels subnormal in the majority of the patients. : This long-term follow-up study suggests that the pathologic process has already progressed to an irreversible stage in the majority of H. pylori-positive patients with marked body atrophy and profound hypochlorhydria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background : The acid suppressive effect of lansoprazole is influenced by the P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) polymorphism. Aim : To investigate whether the CYP2C19 genotype is related to the healing of erosive reflux oesophagitis during treatment with lansoprazole. Methods : Eighty-eight Japanese patients with erosive reflux oesophagitis were treated with a daily oral dose of 30 mg lansoprazole for 8 weeks. The CYP2C19 genotype, Helicobacter pylori infection status and serum pepsinogen I/II ratio were assessed before treatment. At 4 and 8 weeks, the healing of erosive reflux oesophagitis was evaluated endoscopically. Results : The healing rates were 57.1%, 69.2% and 72.7% at 4 weeks and 77.4%, 95.0% and 100% at 8 weeks in homozygous extensive metabolizers, heterozygous extensive metabolizers and poor metabolizers, respectively. At 8 weeks, the healing rate of erosive reflux oesophagitis was significantly lower in homozygous extensive metabolizers than in the other two groups (P < 0.05). The H. pylori status and serum pepsinogen I/II ratio had less influence than CYP2C19 polymorphism on the healing rate of erosive reflux oesophagitis. Conclusions : The therapeutic effect of lansoprazole on erosive reflux oesophagitis is influenced by the CYP2C19 genotype status. Therefore, a test of CYP2C19 genotype may be useful for the medical treatment of reflux oesophagitis with lansoprazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of ‘high performing companies’ has emerged in Japan producing a turning phase from analog to digital manufacturing. Though the definition of ‘virtual factory’ is neither matured nor persuasive in the revolutionizing manufacturing industry, more strategic interests are focused on this viable concept. Most of their initiatives are concentrated on the conceptualization phase of the virtual factory, but the latest experiments using web technology enlighten entrepreneurs to change their management strategies towards its achievement. Their experiences are summarized into three points. First, ‘management by projects’ is launched to challenge the practical goals of development. Second, the manufacturing strategy focuses on the fusion of core technology and IT, which surpasses to its competitors. Third, technologies like web, simulator machines and applications are innovated so rapidly to achieve a virtual environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of acid secretion in reflux oesophagitis which may develop after H. pylori eradication is not well known. Aim: To investigate the participation of altered gastric acid secretion and the presence of hiatal hernia in the development of reflux oesophagitis after eradication therapy for H. pylori. Subjects and Methods: A total of 105 patients with H. pylori infection, but without reflux oesophagitis at the time of eradication therapy, were followed prospectively for 7 months after the clearance of this microorganism. Gastric acid secretion was assessed by endoscopic gastrin test, and the presence of hiatal hernia by endoscopy. Results: Reflux oesophagitis developed in 11 out of 105 (10.5%) patients when examined at 7 months after the eradication therapy. The incidence was correlated significantly with the increase in gastric acid secretion after the eradication of H. pylori, and was significantly higher in the patients with hiatal hernia (20%) than in those without it (0%). Conclusions: Increased acid secretion after H. pylori eradication is an important risk factor of reflux oesophagitis, especially in patients with hiatal hernia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method of splicing polymer optical fibres by irradiation of megahertz ultrasonic waves is demonstrated. The lowest connection loss of 1.5 dB is obtained at 2 MHz, and a high mechanical strength of 59 N (close to the strength of the base polymer) is achieved at 1 MHz. It is shown that the loss and strength are in a trade‐off relationship, and that the duration of ultrasonic irradiation has a certain optimal value of ∼1 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We encountered two cases of onychomycosis caused by Aspergillus (A.) subramanianii and A. sclerotiorum. These species belong to the Aspergillus section Circumdati, which is reportedly common in a wide range of habitats. The members of section Circumdati rarely cause onychomycosis. We report the second and fifth cases of A. subramanianii and A. sclerotiorum in the world. Positive findings in dermatophyte antigen kits helped us to diagnose these infections. These isolates were sensitive to ravuconazole, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of  0.5 μg/mL. They were successfully treated with oral fosravuconazole. We discuss 14 cases of onychomycosis caused by Aspergillus section Circumdati., (© 2024 Japanese Dermatological Association.)

We applied a multiplex reverse transcription-PCR with fluorescent dye-labeled primers (fluorescent multiplex RT-PCR) for noroviruses (NoV), sapovirus (SaV), and human astrovirus (HAstV) to diagnose 71 outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis during July 2007 and May 2010 in Hiroshima prefecture. In this assay, the green, red, yellow, and blue fluorescence for NoV genogroup I, NoV genogroup II, SaV, and HAstV, respectively, were indicated on an agarose gel under ultraviolet light. In 61 virus-positive outbreaks confirmed by fluorescent multiplex RT-PCR, detection rates of outbreaks for NoVs, SaV, and HAstV were 96.7%, 3.3%, and 0%, respectively., (© 2011 The Societies and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)

Aim: The aims of this research were to assess the validity of self-reporting of the number of teeth by comparing the number with that obtained through clinical dental examinations, and to investigate factors affecting the discordance between the two measures., Methods: Self-administered questionnaires and dental examinations were conducted among 1152 dentate community residents in Japan. The validity of the patients' reports of the number of teeth was assessed by comparing the self-reported number with that determined at the clinical examination. Factors affecting the absolute value of the difference between the self-reported number of teeth and the number at clinical examination were investigated using a multivariate analysis., Results: Overall, 47.5% of participants had perfect agreement in their self-report with the clinical examination. There was a slight tendency toward underestimation of the number of natural teeth by self-reporting. Pearson's correlation coefficient was 0.80, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.78 for all patients. Decayed, filled, sound teeth, and fixed prosthetic pontics were significantly associated with the absolute value of the difference between self-reports and clinical examinations., Conclusions: Patients' reported number of remaining teeth, the data for which were collected via the questionnaire, provided reasonably valid data on the actual number of teeth within a population group., (© 2010 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)

Background: Comparative studies of gastric acid secretion in children related to Helicobacter pylori infection are lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare acid secretion and meal-stimulated gastrin in relation to H. pylori infection among pediatric patients., Materials and Methods: Thirty-six children aged 10-17 years (17 with H. pylori infection) undergoing diagnostic endoscopy participated in the study. Diagnoses included gastritis only (n = 23), duodenal ulcer (n = 5) and normal histology (n = 8). Gastric acid output was studied using the endoscopic gastric secretion test before and 2-3 months after H. pylori eradication. Meal-stimulated serum gastrin response was assessed before and 12 months after eradication., Results: H. pylori gastritis was typically antrum-predominant. Acid secretion was greater in H. pylori-positive patients with duodenal ulcer than in gastritis-only patients or controls [mean +/- standard error (SE): 6.56 +/- 1.4, 3.11 +/- 0.4 and 2.65 +/- 0.2 mEq/10 minutes, respectively; p <.001]. Stimulated acid secretion was higher in H. pylori-positive boys than girls (5.0 +/- 0.8 vs. 2.51 +/- 0.4 mEq/10 minutes, respectively; p <.05). Stimulated acid secretion pre- and post-H. pylori eradication was similar (5.47 +/- 0.8 vs. 4.67 +/- 0.9 mEq/10 minutes, respectively; p =.21). Increased basal and meal-stimulated gastrin release reversed following H. pylori eradication (e.g. basal from 134 to 46 pg/ml, p <.001 and peak from 544 to 133 pg/ml, p <.05)., Conclusions: H. pylori infection in children is associated with a marked but reversible increase in meal-stimulated serum gastrin release. Gastric acid hypersecretion in duodenal ulcer remains after H. pylori eradication, suggesting that the host factor plays a critical role in outcome of the infection.

Background: A urine-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for detection of antibody to Helicobacter pylori has been developed in Japan. Urine samples can be obtained noninvasively and are easier and safer to handle than are serum samples. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical usefulness of this urine-based ELISA kit., Materials and Methods: A pair of random, single-void urine and serum samples was collected from each of 1,061 subjects, including 238 patients with gastroduodenal disease. The sensitivity and specificity of the urine-based ELISA was compared with those of three commercially available serum-based ELISA kits. For those patients with gastroduodenal disease, the urine- and serum-based ELISA results were also compared with those for other diagnostic methods using endoscopic biopsy specimens, such as culture, histology, and rapid urease tests., Results: Based on the three serum-based ELISA results, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the urine-based ELISA were 97.7%, 95.6%, and 96.8%, respectively. On the basis of the biopsy test results, the sensitivity (96.2%), specificity (78.9%), and accuracy (91.0%) of the urine-based ELISA were almost equivalent or superior to all three serum-based ELISAs tested. In addition, 10 of the 12 false-positive cases for urine-based ELISA were confirmed to be true positives for antibodies to H. pylori by Western blot analysis and inhibition ELISA., Conclusions: The urine-based ELISA (URINELISA H. pylori Antibody) is very accurate and should be useful as an alternative to serum-based ELISAs for screening of H. pylori infection.

Background: Although the 13C-urea breath test is the most accurate noninvasive method for detecting the presence of H. pylori infection, the requirement for an expensive mass spectrometer to analyze breath samples has prevented physicians from providing rapid results near the patient. Recently, a new type of infrared spectrometric analyzer, the UBiT-100, was developed for analyzing 13CO2 in breath. The purpose of this study is to compare results analyzed by the UBiT-100 to those analyzed by the mass spectrometric method., Methods: Four hundred and fifty-three subjects participated in this study. Breath samples were collected before administration of 100 mg of 13C-urea and at 10, 20, 30, 45 and 60 min after administration. Subjects were asked to hold their breath for 10 sec and then exhale in order to collect breath samples containing more than a 2% concentration of CO2. Samples were then analyzed by both methods., Results: The correlation analysis using values at 20 min after the administration of the study drug (433 points) was excellent with the regression equation of Y = 1.034x - 0.203; r = .996. The results of the UBiT-100 were available in 6 min, making the entire testing procedure less than 30 min., Conclusions: The UBiT-100 infrared analyzer provides a simple and accurate method of performing the urea breath test while the patient is still in the doctor's office.