Nationwide cross-sectional population-based study on the prevalences of asthma and asthma symptoms among Japanese adults.

Background: Asthma is a common respiratory disease worldwide. However, few reports are available on the prevalences of asthma and asthma symptoms among Asian subjects.

Methods: To determine the prevalences of asthma and asthma symptoms among Japanese subjects, we performed a nationwide cross-sectional, population-based study on Japanese adults aged 20-79 years.

Experimental pulmonary granuloma mimicking sarcoidosis induced by Propionibacterium acnes in mice.

Propionibacterium acnes has been implicated as an etiologic agent of sarcoidosis since the isolation of this bacterium from sarcoid lesions. We experimentally produced a murine pulmonary granuloma model using P. acnes with several features that simulate sarcoidosis.

[Aging changes in muscle mass of Japanese].

Aim: The purpose of this study is To examine the influence of age on muscle mass in a Japanese population for health promotion.

Methods: Subjects were 4,003 community-dwelling Japanese men and women. We employed four-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis to estimate upper and lower limbs, trunk and whole body muscle mass.

Effectiveness of a real-time radiotelemetric pedometer for estrus detection and insemination in Japanese Black cows.

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficiency of estrus detection and determination of the time of ovulation in Japanese Black cows by a real-time radiotelemetric pedometer. A herd of Japanese Black cows was housed in a loose-housing barn. This pedometer system and a pressure-sensing radiotelemetric device, which detects standing events, were concurrently compared in regard to their availability for detection of estrus events.

Association between the Trail Making Test and physical performance in elderly Japanese.

Aim: The Trail Making Test (TMT) is used in Western countries as an indicator of executive function, but there is little information regarding its use in Japan. Our previous initial study showed that the TMT was significantly associated with mobility-related functions among elderly Japanese living in the community and in this study, we increased the number of participants to clarify that result.

Methods: The TMT, comprised of two parts (part A and part B), was administered to 493 subjects aged 65 years or older (164 men, 329 women).

Photochemical cleavage reactions of 8-quinolinyl sulfonates in aqueous solution.

Photochemical cleavage reactions of 8-quinolinyl benzenesulfonate derivatives and related sulfonates in aqueous solutions are reported. The 8-quinolinyl benzenesulfonates undergo photolysis upon photoirradiation at 300-330 nm to give the corresponding 8-quinolinols and benzenesulfonic acids with the production of only negligible amounts of byproducts. The effects of substituent groups of the 8-quinolinyl moiety and the benzene ring on the photolysis reactions were examined.

Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia pattern as pulmonary involvement in human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 carriers.

It is well established that diffuse interstitial shadows are observed in human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) carriers. However, the pathological pattern of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) has rarely been reported. Here, we describe the clinical features of four patients with histologically proven NSIP and HTLV-1 infection.

Suppression of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after rat liver transplantation by FTY720, a sphingosine-1-phosphate analog.

BACKGROUND.: Although the outcome of liver transplant patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has improved with the introduction of strict criteria, tumor recurrence still remains a significant problem. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a phospholipid mediator that can induce diverse cellular responses, such as proliferation, migration, adhesion, and cell-rounding, in cancer cells.

[Utility of color-changeable chewing gum to evaluate masticatory ability in community-dwelling elderly persons].

Purpose: The masticatory ability of community-dwelling elderly persons is often evaluated using subjective questionnaires. However, an objective evaluation would clearly be beneficial so that problems can be adequately addressed. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of color-changeable chewing gum to evaluate masticatory ability in community-dwelling elderly persons.

Obstacle-negotiating gait and related physical measurement indicators for the community-dwelling elderly in Japan.

The aim of this study is to assess obstacle-negotiating gait (ONG) and explore its related physical factors. Subjects comprised 571 community-dwelling persons (195 men and 376 women) age>or=65 years and without cognitive impairment. ONG, timed up and go (TUG), and stair-climbing were measured and their relations were assessed.

Pulmonary complications in human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 carriers with Sjögren's syndrome, three case reports and literature review.

In this study, we report three cases diagnosed with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) who developed pulmonary complications. Radiologic and pathologic findings were evaluated. Although the histologic diagnosis was considered to be hypersensitivity pneumonitis in case 1, and discordant usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) in cases 2 and 3, lymphocytic alveolitis was observed in all cases.

[A cross-sectional study on the relationship between the Trail Making Test and mobility-related functions in community-dwelling elderly].

Aim: The Trail Making Test (TMT) has been studied in western countries as an indicator of executive function, but there are few data on the TMT in Japan. This study was conducted to assess the characteristics of TMT and to explore the effect of TMT on physical function among community-dwelling elderly Japanese to promote health in the aged.

Methods: Subjects were 175 individuals aged>or=65 years (57 men and 118 women).

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 promotes osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal cells via ERK1/2 and protein kinase C signaling.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are able to differentiate into several lineages including osteoblasts. The signaling mechanisms involved in the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs are however not fully understood. We investigated the role of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) in osteoblast committment and differentiation of murine mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells stably transfected with wild type (WT) or activated FGFR2 due to Apert S252W genetic mutation (MT).

Using recipient's middle hepatic vein for drainage of the right paramedian sector in right liver graft.

Background: Congestion in the right paramedian sector of a right liver graft without a middle hepatic vein (MHV) may lead to graft dysfunction. To solve this problem, we have developed a technique for reconstructing the MHV tributaries of the right liver grafts by using the preserved recipient's native MHV trunk.

Methods: Between 2005 and 2007, among 34 right liver graft liver transplant patients with significant MHV tributaries (>5 mm in diameter), 21 patients underwent right liver graft living-donor liver transplantation: draining MHV tributaries with recipient's native MHV trunk.

Quantitative analysis of propionibacterial DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage cells from patients with sarcoidosis.

Background And Aim Of The Work: The causes of sarcoidosis are still unknown. Propionibacterial subspieces are thought to be one of the most likely sources of antigens. Here we attempted to measure the amount of propionibacterial DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell samples from patients with sarcoidosis and other pulmonary diseases.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy alters the expression of B and T lymphocyte attenuator, a co-inhibitory molecule, in allergic rhinitis.

Background: B7/CD28 family co-signalling molecules play a key role in regulating T cell activation and tolerance. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) alters allergen-specific T cell responses. However, the effect of SIT on the expression of various co-signalling molecules has not been clarified.

Correlation between craniofacial and condylar path asymmetry.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between the condylar path length and craniofacial morphology in patients with mandibular prognathism and deviation, and investigate changes in the condylar path length and temporomandibular joint disorders after intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO).

Patients And Methods: Sixteen Japanese patients exhibiting mandibular prognathism and deviation were studied. For their correction, all patients underwent IVRO.

Evaluation of adhesive properties of three resilient denture liners by the modified peel test method.

The characteristics of adhesive properties between a denture base and resilient denture liner were investigated by a modified peel test with an L-shaped metal attachment. Three commercially resilient denture lining materials, namely GC Reline Soft (S), GC Reline Extra Soft (ES), and GC Reline Ultra Soft (US), were evaluated. Acrylic resin (GC Acron) was used as denture base material.

Assessment of the best gait parameter in relation to bone status in community-dwelling young-old and old-old women in Japan.

Even if physical exercise contributes to bone health of the elderly, intense activities have the potential to worsen the risk of osteoporosis. This fact and the inevitable decrease of mobility with age increase the likelihood that the mobility parameter that best benefits bone health differs with age. The aim of this study was to objectively assess the gait parameter that most strongly influences bone health of young-old and old-old women.

Embryonic stem cells derived from C57BL/6J and C57BL/6N mice.

Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells with the C57BL/6 genetic background allow the generation of knockout mice without the need to backcross to C57BL/6. However, C57BL/6 ES cells whose pluripotency after homologous recombination has been confirmed are not yet available from public cell banks. To facilitate the use of ES cells derived from C57BL/6 sublines in both biologic and medical research, we demonstrated that the use of knockout serum replacement as a medium supplement and 8-cell blastomeres as recipient embryos allowed establishment of ES cells and production of germline chimeric mice, respectively.

Synthetic bioabsorbable stent material for duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction.

Biliary stricture remains a significant cause of morbidity after liver transplantation. We performed duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis by using an absorbable stent tube with a diameter equal to that of pig common bile duct as an internal stent. The stent tube was constructed using a synthetic biodegradable material-a lactic glycolic acid and epsilon-caprolactone copolymer.

Comparative study of the Japan Integrated Stage (JIS) and modified JIS score as a predictor of survival after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: The purpose of the study was to compare the abilities of the JIS and modified JIS (m-JIS) scores to predict survival after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: Data for patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC at Hiroshima University Hospital between 1986 and 2006 were included. The overall survival and disease-free survival were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences between groups were tested by the log-rank test.

Inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensate from patients with asthma.

Background And Objective: Evaluation of airway inflammation is important for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a minimally invasive method for assessing inflammation and may be useful for monitoring airway inflammation in asthma. The aims of this study were to establish an EBC collection method, to assess biomarkers reflecting asthmatic airway inflammation, and to determine the relationship of these biomarkers with asthma severity and lung function.

Magnetic orientation of single-walled carbon nanotubes or their composites using polymer wrapping.

The magnetic orientation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) or the SWNT composites wrapped with polymer using poly[2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEHPPV) as the conducting polymer were examined. The formation of SWNT/MEHPPV composites was confirmed by examining absorption and fluorescence spectra. The N,N-dimethylformamide solution of SWNT/MEHPPV composites or the aqueous solution of the shortened SWNTs was introduced dropwise onto a mica or glass plate.

Microwave magnetoresistance in Ge:Mn nanowires and nanofilms.

The Lorentzian and spin-scattering components of magnetoresistance were found and distinguished in Ge:Mn thin films. The suppression of microwave magnetoresistance by the limitation of the dimensionality of Ge nanowires doped with Mn has been revealed. Spin-wave resonance in the long-ordered magnetic state and ferromagnetic resonance in GeMn clusters have been detected.