Publications by authors named "Toshiyuki Hikita"

Human adenovirus (HAdV) is one of the causative viruses of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children worldwide. Species F is known to be enteric adenovirus (genotypes 40 and 41) detected in stool samples. In Japan, we conducted an epidemiological study and molecular characterization of HAdV before and after the COVID-19 pandemic from 2017 to 2023.

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After rotavirus was discovered in 1973, it became the leading pathogen in causing acute gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. In this study, we performed whole genome sequencing and genomic characterization of a DS-1-like G2P[4] group A rotavirus in feces of a Japanese child with acute gastroenteritis who was fully Rotarix® vaccinated. The genomic investigation determined a genomic constellation G2-P[4]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2 of this rotavirus strain.

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Many different enteric viruses can cause acute gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. While a single virus can indeed cause disease, multiple-virus infections are commonly reported. However, data regarding a comparison between single- and multiple-virus infections upon clinical manifestations of acute gastroenteritis are relatively limited.

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Article Synopsis
  • Human astroviruses (HAstVs) are significant causes of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children, with MLB1 and HAstV1 being the most common genotypes identified in Japan from 2014 to 2021.
  • Out of 2,841 stool samples collected, 4.6% tested positive for HAstVs, with MLB1 (45.4%) and HAstV1 (39.2%) dominating the infections, alongside lesser-known genotypes like MLB2 and VA2.
  • This research sheds light on the epidemiology and genetic diversity of HAstVs in Japan, marking the first detection of the rare MLB3 genotype and highlighting the potential role of HAstVs beyond gastro
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Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that is characterized by recurrent episodes of vomiting. Previous studies have provided reliable data on the prevalence of CVS among children in Japan; however, neither prevalence data nor incidence of CVS is available for adults. Hence, we obtained detailed prevalence and incidence data for CVS and estimated the total number of CVS cases in Japan.

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Background: Caffeine consumption is a risk factor for chronic daily headache but few studies have addressed relationships between pediatric patient caffeine levels and headache severity. We examined associations between serum and urine caffeine levels and headache severity in childhood and adolescent migraine cases.

Methods: Levels of caffeine and caffeine metabolites in serum and urine samples were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

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Article Synopsis
  • Rotavirus A (RVA) is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in children globally, and Japan introduced two rotavirus vaccines in 2011 and 2012, which became part of their national program in 2020.
  • A study analyzed stool samples from children with gastroenteritis in Japan from 2014 to 2020 to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of RVA during the voluntary vaccination period.
  • Findings showed a decrease in RVA detection rates over time, coinciding with increased vaccination rates, and a yearly change in the distribution of RVA genotypes, highlighting the evolving nature of rotavirus strains.
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Background: Acute gastroenteritis is the most common cause of illness and death in infants and young children worldwide. Rotaviruses (RVs) are the major viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis in young children, especially in developing countries in Asia and Africa.

Methods: The presence of rotavirus antigens in sera of four unvaccinated pediatric patients, aged between 4 and 6 years with severe diarrhea and dehydration, were detected by using three immunochromatographic (IC) kits.

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Sapovirus (SaV) is one of the pathogens related to acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in adults and children worldwide. This study reported the diversity of SaV genotypes in children with AGE in Japan from July 2014 to June 2017. Of a total of 2259 stool samples tested by using reverse transcription-PCR method and further analyzed by nucleotide sequencing, 114 (5.

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Despite the well known effectiveness of two licensed live attenuated oral rotavirus (RV)-vaccines, Rotarix and RotaTeq, constant monitoring of vaccine effectiveness (VE) is essential considering the evolving power and reassortment capability of RVs. In this study, we detected RV, norovirus (NV) and adenovirus (AV) infections using immunochromatography (IC)-based kits in children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) who attended a pediatric clinic in Kiryu city, Gunma, Japan during June, 2014-September, 2018. VEs were determined using a test-negative study design.

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This study describes the detection and molecular characterization of two rare G8P[14] and G3P[3] rotavirus strains, which were collected from children with acute gastroenteritis in 2014 in Japan. Among 247 rotaviruses, one G8P[14] (strain 12,597) and one G3P[3] (strain 12,638) rotaviruses were detected. The genotypes of 11 gene segments of these two rotavirus strains (RVA/Human-wt/JPN/12597/2014/G8P[14] and RVA/Human-wt/JPN/12638/2014/G3P[3]) were characterized.

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The sensitivity and specificity of a new rapid Mycoplasma pneumoniae antigen immunochromatography (IC) test, DK-MP-001, were determined using particle agglutination (PA) antibody response and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) gene detection as the gold standard. Of 165 patients, 59 were diagnosed with M. pneumoniae infection based on a ≥fourfold rise of serum PA antibody during the course of the illness.

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Prevalence of abdominal migraine (AM) and recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) was evaluated in patients who visited Hikita Pediatric Clinic between May 2010 and April 2015. Patient data were collected prospectively using a questionnaire. Out of a total of 3611 cases, observed prevalence was 2.

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Background: Cyclic vomiting syndrome is characterized by recurrent vomiting that is associated with increased adrenocorticotropic hormone and antidiuretic hormone levels during cyclic vomiting syndrome attacks. However, both prognosis and treatment remain unclear. We therefore evaluated the clinical features, prognosis, and effectiveness of the prophylaxis of cyclic vomiting syndrome as well as the relationship between symptoms and adrenocorticotropic hormone/antidiuretic hormone levels.

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Osmerus (Spirinchus) lanceolatus egg lectin (OLL) is a member of the rhamnose-binding lectin (RBL) family which is mainly found in aqueous beings. cDNA of OLL was cloned, and its genomic architecture was revealed. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence indicated that OLL was composed of 213 aa including 95 aa of domain N and 97 aa of domain C.

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The currently used antivirals in the treatment of influenza in Japan include amantadine, oseltamivir, zanamivir, laninamivir, and peramivir. We compared the efficacy of intravenous peramivir with that of other neuraminidase inhibitors for treating pediatric influenza. The present study included 223 influenza patients (≤18 years) who presented at the Hikita Pediatric Clinic between February and April 2011.

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Purpose: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile disorder of unknown etiology. Brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help in detecting regional cerebral blood flow abnormalities and brain damage. The usefulness of SPECT and MRI in patients with KD was evaluated.

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Background And Objective: Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is associated with migraine. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sumatriptan in treating CVS.

Methods: Twelve patients were enrolled in this trial.

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We assessed the joint attention skill of infants by a novel method. One hundred eighty infants who were discharged from the NICU of Teikyo University Hospital and subsequently brought to the outpatient clinic for follow-up examinations between 6 and 12 months of corrected age (297 examinations in total) were entered into the study. Infant were sitting on the mother's knees facing the examiner.

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Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder characterized by recurrent, stereotypic episodes of incapacitating nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms, separated by intervals of comparative wellness. Associated symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, headache, and motion sickness. Recently, CVS was categorized as a migraine.

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This trial sought to evaluate our experience using the antimigraine prophylactic drug, use of valproate for the prophylactic management of cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) in children. Thirteen children diagnosed with severe CVS were enrolled. Prophylactic therapy consisted of valproate administered at a dose of 10-40 mg/kg/day.

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Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) at membrane microdomains plays an essential role in the growth control of epidermal cells, including cancer cells derived therefrom. Ligand-dependent activation of EGFR tyrosine kinase is known to be inhibited by ganglioside GM3, but to a much lesser degree by other glycosphingolipids. However, the mechanism of the inhibitory effect of GM3 on EGFR tyrosine kinase has been ambiguous.

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