Expression of RANKL/OPG during bone remodeling in vivo.

The interaction between receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) plays a dominant role in osteoclastogenesis. As both proteins are produced by osteoblast lineage cells, they are considered to represent a key link between bone formation and resorption. In this study, we investigated the expression of RANKL and OPG during bone remodeling in vivo to determine the relationship between osteoclastogenic stimulation and osteoblastic differentiation.

A case of cardiac rupture subsequent to myocardial infarction diagnosed in emergency room.

A 72-year-old woman was transferred to the emergency room because of left anterior chest pain with cold sweating. Electrocardiography revealed recent anterior myocardial infarction. Echocardiography showed akinesis of the mid-ventricular septum to the apex by apical view, a small amount of pericardial effusion and collapse of the right ventricular wall, indicating cardiac tamponade, by subcostal view.

Aging and hypertension.

Aging is known to be a dominant risk factor in the progression of hypertension. Thus, accompanied by an increasing mean age of the population in developed countries, prevention and management of hypertension in the elderly is a task of pressing urgency. Age-associated blood pressure elevation is a result of the aging process in organ systems, which play a key role in the regulation of blood pressure.

Microbial contamination of disinfectants used for intermittent self-catheterization.

We investigated the microbial contamination of 0.02% benzalkonium chloride solution used in catheter kits for intermittent self-catheterization. Of 20 samples examined, 12 (60.

A consecutive case review of orbital blowout fractures and recommendations for comprehensive management.

Background: The orbital blowout fracture is a common facial injury, but full consensus has not been reached regarding its optimal management. The authors retrospectively explored consecutive cases of blowout fractures and proposed new recommendations for treatment.

Methods: Two hundred eight newly registered patients were selected from the database of Nagasaki University Hospital over the past 5 years.

A novel mutation in exon8 of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor in a woman with primary amenorrhea.

The FSH receptor (FSHR) gene mutation are rare, but recently have been detected in several cases with primary amenorrhea. We report a 25-year-old female who had primary amenorrhea, moderately developed secondary sex characteristics and normal sized ovaries with small antral follicles. Her ovaries reacted slightly to clomiphene citrate therapy; they did not react to the ordinary dose of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) (150 IU/day x 9 days), but did react to high-dose hMG (300 IU/day x 6 days) treatment.

[A recurrent case of lipid-secreting carcinoma of the breast successfully treated with capecitabine].

We herein report a recurrent case of lipid-secreting carcinoma of the breast which was successfully treated with capecitabine. A 50-year-old female underwent a pectoralis-preserving mastectomy for left breast cancer in December 2002. The clinical staging of the disease was T2N1M0 (stage II B) and ER (-), PgR(-), HER2 (1+).

[Case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with clopidogrel].

We reported a Japanese first case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) induced by clopidogrel, a newly developed antithrombotic drug, marketed in May 2006 in Japan. This 80 years old woman developed cerebral infarction and suffered from Broca's aphasia and right hemiparesis. Clopidogrel was started on Day 6 after the onset.

Infusion rate of propofol and jugular venous oxygen saturation.

We compared jugular venous blood oxygen saturation (Sj(O) (2)) and the arterial-to-jugular-bulb venous oxygen content difference (AjD(O) (2)) between bispectral index (BIS) values of 40 and 60, adjusted by the infusion rate of propofol. Eighteen postoperative neurosurgical patients (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] scores, 11-15) were enrolled. Normocapnia, normothermia, and a mean arterial blood pressure greater than 70 mmHg were maintained.

A case of pregnancy associated hypereosinophilia with hyperpermeability symptoms.

Background: Hypereosinophilia commonly reflects an allergic, infectious, or neoplastic disease, and is a rare complication during pregnancy.

Case: A 27-year-old pregnant woman was referred to our hospital due to dyspnea at 10 weeks' gestation. Ultrasound examination showed the presence of pericardial effusion, pleural effusion, and ascites.