Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that may become intractable when treated with conventional medications such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and azathioprine. The herbal medicine Q...Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that may become intractable when treated with conventional medications such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and azathioprine. The herbal medicine Qing Dai has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to treat UC patients, but there is a lack of published data on the efficacy of Qing Dai in UC treatment. We report several cases of patients with intractable UC who take Qing Dai in a retrospective observational study. Furthermore, we explore the mechanisms of action of Qing Dai. Nine patients with active UC who received conventional medications but wished to receive Qing Dai as an alternative medication were included in our analysis. The UC severity level was determined based on the clinical activity index (CAI). Additionally, 5 of the 9 patients were endoscopically evaluated according to the Matts grading system. Each patient received 2 g/d of Qing Dai orally and continued taking other medications for UC as prescribed. Electron spin resonance was applied to explore the mechanisms of action of Qing Dai. After 4 mo of treatment with Qing Dai, the CAI score decreased from 8.3 ± 2.4 to 2.4 ± 3.4 (mean ± SD; P < 0.001). Similarly, the endoscopic Matts grade decreased from 3.4 ± 0.5 to 2.2 ± 0.8 (P = 0.02). Six of 7 patients who were on prednisolone upon enrollment in the study were able to discontinue this corticosteroid. Electron spin resonance revealed that Qing Dai possesses strong hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Qing Dai showed significant clinical and endoscopic efficacy in patients who failed to respond to conventional medications. Scavenging of hydroxyl radicals appears to be a potential mechanism through which Qing Dai acts, but the significance of the scavenging ability of Qing Dai with respect to the anti-inflammatory effect in UC patients warrants further investigation.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Excretion of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethyl- enetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) in the bile may be related to liver function, because of elimination from the liver after preferential uptake by hep...BACKGROUND: Excretion of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethyl- enetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) in the bile may be related to liver function, because of elimination from the liver after preferential uptake by hepatocytes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between liver and biliary enhancement in patients with or without liver dysfunction, and to compare the tumor-to-liver contrast in these patients. METHODS: Forty patients [group 1: normal liver and Child Pugh class A in 20 patients, group 2: Child-Pugh class B in 18 patients and Child-Pugh C in 2] were evaluated. All patients underwent MR imaging of the liver using a 1.5-Tesla system. T1 weighted 3D images were obtained at 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes after Gd-EOB-DTPA injection. The relation between group 3 (total bilirubin <1.8 mg/dL) and group 4 (total bilirubin ≥1.8 mg/dL) was investigated at 20 minutes. Liver and biliary signals were measured, and compared between groups 1 and 2 or groups 3 and 4. Tumor-to-liver ratio was also evaluated between groups 1 and 2. Scheffé’s post-hoc test after two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Liver enhancement showed significant difference at all time points between groups 1 and 2. Biliary enhancement did not show a significant difference between groups 1 and 2 at 5 minutes, but did at 10, 15 and 20 minutes. At 20 minutes significant differences between groups 3 and 4 were seen for liver and biliary enhancement. At all time points, liver enhancement correlated with biliary enhancement in both groups. At 5 minutes and 20 minutes, statistical differences between groups 1 and 2 were seen for tumor-to-liver ratio.CONCLUSIONS: The degree of biliary enhancement has a close correlation to that of liver enhancement. It is especially important that insufficient liver enhancement causes lower tumor-to-liver contrast in the hepatobiliary phase of Gd-EOB- DTPA.展开更多
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the immediate psychological effects of coordination exercises on women in Japan. Methods: The subjects were 17 adult women (height, 160.1 ± 5.1 cm;weight, 54.3 ± 10.5 ...Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the immediate psychological effects of coordination exercises on women in Japan. Methods: The subjects were 17 adult women (height, 160.1 ± 5.1 cm;weight, 54.3 ± 10.5 kg;age, 57.8 ± 8.3 years) living in the community and attending a fitness club. The subjects performed a coordination exercise called Life Kinetik®. The subjects responded to the Two-Dimensional Mood Scale–Short Term before and after performing 30 minutes of Life Kinetik®. The results were tabulated and four psychological states were calculated (i.e., vitality, stability, pleasure, and arousal). The pre- and post-implementation results were statistically analyzed using a corresponding t-test. Results: Significant differences were found in activation and arousal levels, but not in stability and comfort levels. Conclusion: The coordination exercise, Life Kinetik®, was found to be an exercise program with potential psychological benefits, as it could change women’s psychological condition to active and excited states.展开更多
Background and Purpose: Thrombotic disease is a leading cause of death in industrialized countries. The development of atherosclerosis is a major underlying pathogenesis. Atherosclerotic lesions are largely related to...Background and Purpose: Thrombotic disease is a leading cause of death in industrialized countries. The development of atherosclerosis is a major underlying pathogenesis. Atherosclerotic lesions are largely related to abnormalities in lipid metabolism, and improvement of dietary habits is of great significance. Chlorella is a unicellular organism belonging to the green algae family, and is consumed worldwide as a functional food for the purpose of health promotion due to its excellent nutritional balance including high quality protein. In this study, we investigated the effects of long-term consumption of Chlorella as a food on the development of atherosclerosis and its ability to dissolve thrombi caused by the disruption of the atherosclerotic layer as a functional study of Chlorella. Methods: ApoE<sup>−/−</sup> and Ldlr<sup>−/−</sup> double-knockout mice were fed a chlorella-supplemented experimental diet for 14 weeks. The Entire aorta method was used to measure atherosclerosis development, and the area of sclerotic vessels was evaluated as a percentage of the total area of vessels. In addition, mRNA levels of lipid metabolism-related proteins in the liver and blood vessels were analyzed, as well as blood lipoprotein analysis. Spontaneous thrombolytic activity was measured by measuring the change in volume over time of thrombus formed in microvessel running over the cremaster muscle of the mice using the He-Ne laser-induced thrombus model. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in atherosclerosis development compared to the placebo group. However, a significant decrease in SREBP-1 mRNA level and a significant increase in mRNA levels of LXR and CPY71a were observed in the chlorella group. Cholesterol and TG levels in each lipoprotein fraction did not differ between the two groups. On the other hand, thrombolysis in vivo was not significantly different between the two groups in terms of thrombus volume at 60 minutes after thrombus formation. However, a trend toward decreased P展开更多
Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and skeletal muscle mass (trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs) in older people who were certified as requiring n...Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and skeletal muscle mass (trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs) in older people who were certified as requiring nursing or supportive care. Methods: Thirty-five older people (65 years or older) who were certified as requiring nursing care or support were included in the study. The subjects were divided into a non-sarcopenic group (n = 12) and a sarcopenic group (n = 23) according to the sarcopenia diagnostic criteria proposed by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, skeletal muscle mass (trunk, upper and lower limbs), and hand grip strength were measured. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis were used for statistical processing. Results: In the non-sarcopenic group, both expiratory muscle strength and hand grip strength were correlated with skeletal muscle mass. In the sarcopenia group, expiratory muscle strength was not correlated with skeletal muscle mass, and only hand grip strength was correlated with upper limb muscle mass. Multiple regression analysis revealed that, in the non-sarcopenic group, trunk muscle mass was the primary factor in expiratory muscle strength and upper limb muscle mass was the primary factor in hand grip strength. In the sarcopenia group, upper limb muscle mass was found to be the main factor in hand grip strength. Conclusion: Our results highlight the importance of assessing expiratory muscle strength and trunk muscle mass before sarcopenia develops in older people who require support and nursing care.展开更多
Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and balance in older people requiring support or nursing care. Methods: Thirty-seven older subjects aged 65 years or older who ...Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and balance in older people requiring support or nursing care. Methods: Thirty-seven older subjects aged 65 years or older who were certified as requiring nursing care or support were included in the study. Maximal inspiratory pressure (PIMAX), maximal expiratory pressure (PEMAX), and one-leg standing time were measured. Additionally, the Functional Reach Test (FRT) was performed. Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analyses were performed. Results: One-leg standing time was positively correlated with PEMAX, and was particularly correlated with PIMAX, while FRT score was not correlated with respiratory muscle strength. Multiple regression analysis with one-leg standing time as the dependent variable and PIMAX and PEMAX as independent variables showed that only PIMAX was significantly correlated with one-leg standing time. Conclusion: Focusing on expiratory and inspiratory muscle strength is important for improving one-leg standing ability and thus preventing falls in older people.展开更多
A detailed paleomagnetic and rock-magnetic investigation spanning loess L7 to paleosol S8 has been carried out at the Baoji and Xifeng sections. Results of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility confirm that the studie...A detailed paleomagnetic and rock-magnetic investigation spanning loess L7 to paleosol S8 has been carried out at the Baoji and Xifeng sections. Results of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility confirm that the studied loess-paleosol sediments retain primary sedimentary fabrics. Stepwise thermal demagnetization shows that two well-defined magnetization components can be isolated from both loess and paleosol specimens. A low-temperature component, isolated between 100°C and 200°C, is consistent with the present geomagnetic field direction, and a high-temperature component, isolated between 200-300°C and 620-680°C, includes clearly normal and reversed polarities. Isothermal remanent magnetization and thermomagnetic analyses indicate that characteristic remanent magnetization is mainly carried by magnetite and hematite. The Day plot, together with the stratigraphic variations of rock-magnetic parameters, shows that the uniformity of magnetic mineralogy and grain size fulfills the criteria for relative paleointensity （RPI） studies. RPI records have been constructed using natural remanent magnetization （NRM） intensity after thermal demagnetization at 300°C normalized by low-frequency magnetic susceptibility （NRM 300 /χ）. The results show that the RPI record from the Baoji section, where pedogenesis is quite weak, is compatible with the stacked PISO-1500 paleointensity record, suggesting that it might reflect the paleointensity variation of the geomagnetic field. The RPI record from the Xifeng section, where pedogenesis is rather strong, indicates a clear dissimilarity with the stacked PISO-1500 paleointensity record, implying that it does not reflect the paleointensity variation of the geomagnetic field. Our new results show that the NRM 300 /χ from the strongly pedogenetic paleosols does not completely eliminate the pedogenetic （climatic） influence, so it might be unsuitable for a reliable paleointensity study.展开更多
Ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) has been visualized by 2D XDFI (X-ray dark-field imaging) and further by a 3D X-ray CT, and the data was acquired by the X-ray optics DEI (diffraction-enhanced imaging). A newly made al...Ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) has been visualized by 2D XDFI (X-ray dark-field imaging) and further by a 3D X-ray CT, and the data was acquired by the X-ray optics DEI (diffraction-enhanced imaging). A newly made algorithm was used for CT. Data of 900 projections with interval of 0.2 degrees were used. Ductus lactiferi, microcalci-fication in a 3D form have been clearly visible. The spatial resolution available was approximately 30μm.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the cytoprotective effects in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, we developed a new formulation of hyaluronic acid(HA) and sphingosine 1-phophate.METHODS: We divided Sprague-Dawley rats into 4 gr...AIM: To investigate the cytoprotective effects in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, we developed a new formulation of hyaluronic acid(HA) and sphingosine 1-phophate.METHODS: We divided Sprague-Dawley rats into 4 groups: control, HA, sphingosine 1-phosphate(S1P), and HA-S1 P. After the administration of each agent, we subjected the rat livers to total ischemia followed by reperfusion. After reperfusion, we performed the following investigations: alanine aminotransferase(ALT), histological findings, Td T-mediated d UTP-biotin nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining, and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). We also investigated the expressionof proteins associated with apoptosis, hepatoprotection, and S1 P accumulation. RESULTS: S1 P accumulated in the HA-S1 P group livers more than S1 P group livers. Serum ALT levels, TUNEL-positive hepatocytes, and expression of cleaved caspase-3 expression, were significantly decreased in the HA-S1 P group. TEM revealed that the liver sinusoidal endothelial cell(LSEC) lining was preserved in the HA-S1 P group. Moreover, the HA-S1 P group showed a greater increase in the HO-1 protein levels compared to the S1 P group.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that HA-S1 P exhibits cytoprotective effects in the liver through the inhibition of LSEC apoptosis. HA-S1 P is an effective agent for hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.展开更多
A 35-year-old mother was scheduled to be the living donor for liver transplantation to her second son,who suffered from biliary atresia complicated with biliary cirrhosis at the age of 2 years.The operative plan was t...A 35-year-old mother was scheduled to be the living donor for liver transplantation to her second son,who suffered from biliary atresia complicated with biliary cirrhosis at the age of 2 years.The operative plan was to recover the left lateral segment of the mother's liver for living donor transplantation.With the use of cholangiography at the time of surgery,we found the right anterior segmental duct(RASD) emptying directly into the cystic duct,and the catheter passed into the RASD.After repairing the incision in the cystic duct,transplantation was successfully performed.Her postoperative course was uneventful.Biliary anatomical variations were frequently encountered,however,this variation has very rarely been reported.If the RASD was divided,the repair would be very difficult because the duct will not dilate sufficiently in an otherwise healthy donor.Meticulous preoperative evaluation of the living donor's biliary anatomy,especially using magnetic resonance cholangiography and careful intraoperative techniques,is important to prevent bile duct injury and avoid the risk to the healthy donor.展开更多
Magic textures are successful candidates of the correct texture for Majorana neutrinos.In this study,we demonstrate that several types of magic textures of Majorana neutrinos are approximately immanent in the flavor m...Magic textures are successful candidates of the correct texture for Majorana neutrinos.In this study,we demonstrate that several types of magic textures of Majorana neutrinos are approximately immanent in the flavor mass matrix of Dirac neutrinos.In addition,the normal mass ordering of Dirac neutrino masses is slightly preferable to inverted mass ordering in the context of magic textures.展开更多
Paleomagnetic records of the Gauss-Matuyama reversal were obtained from two loess sections at Baoji on the Chinese Loes Plateau. Stepwise thermal demagnetization shows two obvious magnetization components. A low-tempe...Paleomagnetic records of the Gauss-Matuyama reversal were obtained from two loess sections at Baoji on the Chinese Loes Plateau. Stepwise thermal demagnetization shows two obvious magnetization components. A low-temperature component iso lated between 100 and 200–250？C is close to the present geomagnetic field direction, and a high-temperature component iso lated above 200–250？C reveals clearly normal, reversed, and transitional polarities. Magnetostratigraphic results of both sec tions indicated that the Gauss-Matuyama reversal consists of a high-frequency polarity fluctuation zone, but the characteristic remanent magnetization directions during the reversal are clearly inconsistent. Rock magnetic experiments demonstrated tha for all the specimens with normal, reversed, and transitional polarities magnetite and hematite are the main magnetic carriers Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility indicates that the studied loess sediments have a primary sedimentary fabric. Based on virtual geomagnetic pole latitudes, the Gauss-Matuyama reversal records in the two sections are accompanied by 14 short-lived geomagnetic episodes（15 rapid polarity swings） and 12 short-lived geomagnetic episodes（13 rapid polarity swings）, respec tively. Our new records, together with previous ones from lacustrine, marine, and aeolian deposits, suggest that high-frequency polarity swings coexist with the Gauss-Matuyama reversal, and that the Gauss-Matuyama reversal may have taken more than11 kyr to complete. However, we need more detailed analyses of sections across polarity swings during reversals as well a more high-resolution reversal records to understand geomagnetic behavior and inconsistent characteristic remanent magnetiza tion directions during polarity reversals.展开更多
We report a case of hepatic choriocarcinoma in a man diagnosed at autopsy after a rapid downhill clinical course.The patient was a 49-year-old man who presented with acute right-sided abdominal pain.There were no mass...We report a case of hepatic choriocarcinoma in a man diagnosed at autopsy after a rapid downhill clinical course.The patient was a 49-year-old man who presented with acute right-sided abdominal pain.There were no masses palpable on physical examination.Radiographic findings showed large multi-nodular tumors mainly in the right lobe of the liver.Fludeoxyglucosepositron emission tomography scan showed uptake only in the liver,and no uptake in the testes.We initially planned to perform a liver resection for the presumed diagnosis of intra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma.However,the tumors grew rapidly and ruptured.Multiple lung metastases rapidly developed resulting in respiratory failure,preventing liver resection or even biopsy.He died 60 d after initial presentation with no pathological diagnosis.Postmortem studies included histopathological and immunohistological examinations which diagnosed a primary choriocarcinoma of the liver.Primary hepatic choriocarcinoma is very rare but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a liver tumor in a middle aged man.Establishing this diagnosis may enable treatment of the choriocarcinoma.Liver biopsy and evaluation of serum human chorionic gonadotropin are recommended in these patients.展开更多
This study examined the effect of azithromycin therapy on the coronary microcirc ulation using measurement of coronary flow velocity rese rve(CFVR) by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography in 35 patients with coronar...This study examined the effect of azithromycin therapy on the coronary microcirc ulation using measurement of coronary flow velocity rese rve(CFVR) by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography in 35 patients with coronary artery disease. CFVR increased significantly after azithromycin therapy(3.0±0. 7 vs 3.5±0.7, p < 0.001). The changes in CFVR were negatively correlated with c hanges in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in patients receiving azi thromycin.展开更多
The prevention of arterial thrombotic disease has a high priority in developed countries. An inappropriate diet is known to enhance the risk for acute thrombotic events, and a regular diet with proven antithrombotic e...The prevention of arterial thrombotic disease has a high priority in developed countries. An inappropriate diet is known to enhance the risk for acute thrombotic events, and a regular diet with proven antithrombotic effects might be a beneficial way to prevent disease. The present study was undertaken as part of a series of in-vestigations to examine various vegetables and fruits for antithrombotic activity, and to add to the previously reported data on different onion varieties produced in the northern part of Japan (Hokkaido). For this purpose, a sophisticated method to assess shear-induced platelet reac-tivity/thrombolysis in vitro (The Global Throm-bosis Test, GTT) was used to screen 5 different varieties of onion produced in the middle part of Japan (Awaji Island). The different onion varie-ties demonstrated a variable effect on thrombo-sis, and one particular variety, designated ONA-03, appeared to exert an antithrombotic effect. Another variety, ONA-01, appeared to have prothrombotic activity by inhibiting spon-taneous thrombolytic activity. The especially effective variety was further investigated using an in vivo, laser-induced thrombosis model in mice. The heat stable antithrombotic activity in vitro and in vivo was demonstrated to be due to antiplatelet activity. The present findings added to the list of antithrombotic fruits and vegeta-bles.展开更多
A Fourier-synthesized 40-GHz optical pulse train was successfully synchronized to an 8-GHz optical clock generated from a mode-locked fiber ring laser. The measured timing jitter of the synchronization was 0.43 ps.
The study of exotic structure of hadrons is fully achieved when reaction dynamics of the associated hadron productions is well understood. We employ as the standard mechanism the effective Lagrangian method and invest...The study of exotic structure of hadrons is fully achieved when reaction dynamics of the associated hadron productions is well understood. We employ as the standard mechanism the effective Lagrangian method and investigate several physical observables within the framework. The parameters are constrained by microscopic description of hadrons. We discuss photoproductions of kaon associated with the ground state A（1116） and its resonances A（1405） and A（1520）. In the former example we emphasize the meson cloud effect which significantly renormalizes the phenomenological parameters, while in the latter we discuss the features of the standard method. Finally we discuss briefly the N（1535） for the study of chiral symmetry of baryons. production of ηπ associated with the nucleon resonance展开更多
Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the antithrombotic properties of different strains of orally available antithrombotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Research Methods & Procedures: Antithrombotic...Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the antithrombotic properties of different strains of orally available antithrombotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Research Methods & Procedures: Antithrombotic activity, antiplatelet reactivity and/or thrombolytic activity, were measured in seven strains of LAB and LAB cell-free-extracts (LAB filtrates) using the shear-induced platelet reactivity/thrombolytic activity, The Global Thrombosis Test (GTT), with non-anticoagulated rat blood in vitro. Subsequently, the most potent antithrombotic strains identified in vitro were assessed in vivo after oral administration in mouse carotid arteries using a helium-neon laser-induced thrombosis model. Result: Five strains out of seven LAB (Lactobacillus paracasei KW 3100, Lactobacillus fermentum NBRC 3961, Lactobacillus pentosus JCM 8333, Leuconostoc oeni Elios 1, Pediococcus pentosaceus NK-2) promoted significant endogenous thrombolysis in vitro. In addition, one strain (Lactobacillus fermentum NBRC 3961) significantly inhibited shear-induced platelet re-activity. Three antithrombotic strains, Lactobacillus fermentum NBRC 3961, Leuconostoc oeni Elios 1, and Lactobacillus pentosus JCM 8333, were further assessed in vivo. The results demonstrated that filtrates, and the cells per se of these LAB, modulated antiplatelet activity and/or thrombolytic activity, and that the antithrombotic mechanisms were mainly influenced by protein content (60% - 70% of dry matter). Conclusion: The findings suggested that some strains of lactic acid bacteria could usefully provide the basis for the production of oral antithrombotic probiotics.展开更多
The lattice Boltzmann method is applied to the investigations of the diffusivity and the permeability in the gas diffusion layer(GDL)of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell(PEFC).The effects of the configuration of water...The lattice Boltzmann method is applied to the investigations of the diffusivity and the permeability in the gas diffusion layer(GDL)of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell(PEFC).The effects of the configuration of water droplets,the porosity of the GDL,the viscosity ratio of water to air,and the surface wettability of the GDL are investigated.From the simulations under the PEFC operating conditions,it is found that the heterogeneous water network and the high porosity improve the diffusivity and the permeability,and the hydrophobic surface decreases the permeability.展开更多
文摘Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that may become intractable when treated with conventional medications such as aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and azathioprine. The herbal medicine Qing Dai has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to treat UC patients, but there is a lack of published data on the efficacy of Qing Dai in UC treatment. We report several cases of patients with intractable UC who take Qing Dai in a retrospective observational study. Furthermore, we explore the mechanisms of action of Qing Dai. Nine patients with active UC who received conventional medications but wished to receive Qing Dai as an alternative medication were included in our analysis. The UC severity level was determined based on the clinical activity index (CAI). Additionally, 5 of the 9 patients were endoscopically evaluated according to the Matts grading system. Each patient received 2 g/d of Qing Dai orally and continued taking other medications for UC as prescribed. Electron spin resonance was applied to explore the mechanisms of action of Qing Dai. After 4 mo of treatment with Qing Dai, the CAI score decreased from 8.3 ± 2.4 to 2.4 ± 3.4 (mean ± SD; P < 0.001). Similarly, the endoscopic Matts grade decreased from 3.4 ± 0.5 to 2.2 ± 0.8 (P = 0.02). Six of 7 patients who were on prednisolone upon enrollment in the study were able to discontinue this corticosteroid. Electron spin resonance revealed that Qing Dai possesses strong hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Qing Dai showed significant clinical and endoscopic efficacy in patients who failed to respond to conventional medications. Scavenging of hydroxyl radicals appears to be a potential mechanism through which Qing Dai acts, but the significance of the scavenging ability of Qing Dai with respect to the anti-inflammatory effect in UC patients warrants further investigation.
文摘BACKGROUND: Excretion of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethyl- enetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) in the bile may be related to liver function, because of elimination from the liver after preferential uptake by hepatocytes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between liver and biliary enhancement in patients with or without liver dysfunction, and to compare the tumor-to-liver contrast in these patients. METHODS: Forty patients [group 1: normal liver and Child Pugh class A in 20 patients, group 2: Child-Pugh class B in 18 patients and Child-Pugh C in 2] were evaluated. All patients underwent MR imaging of the liver using a 1.5-Tesla system. T1 weighted 3D images were obtained at 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes after Gd-EOB-DTPA injection. The relation between group 3 (total bilirubin <1.8 mg/dL) and group 4 (total bilirubin ≥1.8 mg/dL) was investigated at 20 minutes. Liver and biliary signals were measured, and compared between groups 1 and 2 or groups 3 and 4. Tumor-to-liver ratio was also evaluated between groups 1 and 2. Scheffé’s post-hoc test after two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Liver enhancement showed significant difference at all time points between groups 1 and 2. Biliary enhancement did not show a significant difference between groups 1 and 2 at 5 minutes, but did at 10, 15 and 20 minutes. At 20 minutes significant differences between groups 3 and 4 were seen for liver and biliary enhancement. At all time points, liver enhancement correlated with biliary enhancement in both groups. At 5 minutes and 20 minutes, statistical differences between groups 1 and 2 were seen for tumor-to-liver ratio.CONCLUSIONS: The degree of biliary enhancement has a close correlation to that of liver enhancement. It is especially important that insufficient liver enhancement causes lower tumor-to-liver contrast in the hepatobiliary phase of Gd-EOB- DTPA.
文摘Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the immediate psychological effects of coordination exercises on women in Japan. Methods: The subjects were 17 adult women (height, 160.1 ± 5.1 cm;weight, 54.3 ± 10.5 kg;age, 57.8 ± 8.3 years) living in the community and attending a fitness club. The subjects performed a coordination exercise called Life Kinetik®. The subjects responded to the Two-Dimensional Mood Scale–Short Term before and after performing 30 minutes of Life Kinetik®. The results were tabulated and four psychological states were calculated (i.e., vitality, stability, pleasure, and arousal). The pre- and post-implementation results were statistically analyzed using a corresponding t-test. Results: Significant differences were found in activation and arousal levels, but not in stability and comfort levels. Conclusion: The coordination exercise, Life Kinetik®, was found to be an exercise program with potential psychological benefits, as it could change women’s psychological condition to active and excited states.
文摘Background and Purpose: Thrombotic disease is a leading cause of death in industrialized countries. The development of atherosclerosis is a major underlying pathogenesis. Atherosclerotic lesions are largely related to abnormalities in lipid metabolism, and improvement of dietary habits is of great significance. Chlorella is a unicellular organism belonging to the green algae family, and is consumed worldwide as a functional food for the purpose of health promotion due to its excellent nutritional balance including high quality protein. In this study, we investigated the effects of long-term consumption of Chlorella as a food on the development of atherosclerosis and its ability to dissolve thrombi caused by the disruption of the atherosclerotic layer as a functional study of Chlorella. Methods: ApoE<sup>−/−</sup> and Ldlr<sup>−/−</sup> double-knockout mice were fed a chlorella-supplemented experimental diet for 14 weeks. The Entire aorta method was used to measure atherosclerosis development, and the area of sclerotic vessels was evaluated as a percentage of the total area of vessels. In addition, mRNA levels of lipid metabolism-related proteins in the liver and blood vessels were analyzed, as well as blood lipoprotein analysis. Spontaneous thrombolytic activity was measured by measuring the change in volume over time of thrombus formed in microvessel running over the cremaster muscle of the mice using the He-Ne laser-induced thrombus model. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in atherosclerosis development compared to the placebo group. However, a significant decrease in SREBP-1 mRNA level and a significant increase in mRNA levels of LXR and CPY71a were observed in the chlorella group. Cholesterol and TG levels in each lipoprotein fraction did not differ between the two groups. On the other hand, thrombolysis in vivo was not significantly different between the two groups in terms of thrombus volume at 60 minutes after thrombus formation. However, a trend toward decreased P
文摘Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and skeletal muscle mass (trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs) in older people who were certified as requiring nursing or supportive care. Methods: Thirty-five older people (65 years or older) who were certified as requiring nursing care or support were included in the study. The subjects were divided into a non-sarcopenic group (n = 12) and a sarcopenic group (n = 23) according to the sarcopenia diagnostic criteria proposed by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, skeletal muscle mass (trunk, upper and lower limbs), and hand grip strength were measured. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis were used for statistical processing. Results: In the non-sarcopenic group, both expiratory muscle strength and hand grip strength were correlated with skeletal muscle mass. In the sarcopenia group, expiratory muscle strength was not correlated with skeletal muscle mass, and only hand grip strength was correlated with upper limb muscle mass. Multiple regression analysis revealed that, in the non-sarcopenic group, trunk muscle mass was the primary factor in expiratory muscle strength and upper limb muscle mass was the primary factor in hand grip strength. In the sarcopenia group, upper limb muscle mass was found to be the main factor in hand grip strength. Conclusion: Our results highlight the importance of assessing expiratory muscle strength and trunk muscle mass before sarcopenia develops in older people who require support and nursing care.
文摘Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and balance in older people requiring support or nursing care. Methods: Thirty-seven older subjects aged 65 years or older who were certified as requiring nursing care or support were included in the study. Maximal inspiratory pressure (PIMAX), maximal expiratory pressure (PEMAX), and one-leg standing time were measured. Additionally, the Functional Reach Test (FRT) was performed. Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analyses were performed. Results: One-leg standing time was positively correlated with PEMAX, and was particularly correlated with PIMAX, while FRT score was not correlated with respiratory muscle strength. Multiple regression analysis with one-leg standing time as the dependent variable and PIMAX and PEMAX as independent variables showed that only PIMAX was significantly correlated with one-leg standing time. Conclusion: Focusing on expiratory and inspiratory muscle strength is important for improving one-leg standing ability and thus preventing falls in older people.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (no. 41172038)the Programfor New Century Excellent Talents in University (no.NCET-11-0720)+2 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (no. 2010ZD05, 2011YXL010)the Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars, State Education MinistryApart of this study was performed under the cooperative research program of CMCR (no. 07A017, 08A001)
文摘A detailed paleomagnetic and rock-magnetic investigation spanning loess L7 to paleosol S8 has been carried out at the Baoji and Xifeng sections. Results of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility confirm that the studied loess-paleosol sediments retain primary sedimentary fabrics. Stepwise thermal demagnetization shows that two well-defined magnetization components can be isolated from both loess and paleosol specimens. A low-temperature component, isolated between 100°C and 200°C, is consistent with the present geomagnetic field direction, and a high-temperature component, isolated between 200-300°C and 620-680°C, includes clearly normal and reversed polarities. Isothermal remanent magnetization and thermomagnetic analyses indicate that characteristic remanent magnetization is mainly carried by magnetite and hematite. The Day plot, together with the stratigraphic variations of rock-magnetic parameters, shows that the uniformity of magnetic mineralogy and grain size fulfills the criteria for relative paleointensity （RPI） studies. RPI records have been constructed using natural remanent magnetization （NRM） intensity after thermal demagnetization at 300°C normalized by low-frequency magnetic susceptibility （NRM 300 /χ）. The results show that the RPI record from the Baoji section, where pedogenesis is quite weak, is compatible with the stacked PISO-1500 paleointensity record, suggesting that it might reflect the paleointensity variation of the geomagnetic field. The RPI record from the Xifeng section, where pedogenesis is rather strong, indicates a clear dissimilarity with the stacked PISO-1500 paleointensity record, implying that it does not reflect the paleointensity variation of the geomagnetic field. Our new results show that the NRM 300 /χ from the strongly pedogenetic paleosols does not completely eliminate the pedogenetic （climatic） influence, so it might be unsuitable for a reliable paleointensity study.
文摘Ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) has been visualized by 2D XDFI (X-ray dark-field imaging) and further by a 3D X-ray CT, and the data was acquired by the X-ray optics DEI (diffraction-enhanced imaging). A newly made algorithm was used for CT. Data of 900 projections with interval of 0.2 degrees were used. Ductus lactiferi, microcalci-fication in a 3D form have been clearly visible. The spatial resolution available was approximately 30μm.
基金Supported by Ministry of EducationCulture+4 种基金SportsScienceand Technology of JapanKAKENHINo.23390319
文摘AIM: To investigate the cytoprotective effects in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, we developed a new formulation of hyaluronic acid(HA) and sphingosine 1-phophate.METHODS: We divided Sprague-Dawley rats into 4 groups: control, HA, sphingosine 1-phosphate(S1P), and HA-S1 P. After the administration of each agent, we subjected the rat livers to total ischemia followed by reperfusion. After reperfusion, we performed the following investigations: alanine aminotransferase(ALT), histological findings, Td T-mediated d UTP-biotin nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining, and transmission electron microscopy(TEM). We also investigated the expressionof proteins associated with apoptosis, hepatoprotection, and S1 P accumulation. RESULTS: S1 P accumulated in the HA-S1 P group livers more than S1 P group livers. Serum ALT levels, TUNEL-positive hepatocytes, and expression of cleaved caspase-3 expression, were significantly decreased in the HA-S1 P group. TEM revealed that the liver sinusoidal endothelial cell(LSEC) lining was preserved in the HA-S1 P group. Moreover, the HA-S1 P group showed a greater increase in the HO-1 protein levels compared to the S1 P group.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that HA-S1 P exhibits cytoprotective effects in the liver through the inhibition of LSEC apoptosis. HA-S1 P is an effective agent for hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.
文摘A 35-year-old mother was scheduled to be the living donor for liver transplantation to her second son,who suffered from biliary atresia complicated with biliary cirrhosis at the age of 2 years.The operative plan was to recover the left lateral segment of the mother's liver for living donor transplantation.With the use of cholangiography at the time of surgery,we found the right anterior segmental duct(RASD) emptying directly into the cystic duct,and the catheter passed into the RASD.After repairing the incision in the cystic duct,transplantation was successfully performed.Her postoperative course was uneventful.Biliary anatomical variations were frequently encountered,however,this variation has very rarely been reported.If the RASD was divided,the repair would be very difficult because the duct will not dilate sufficiently in an otherwise healthy donor.Meticulous preoperative evaluation of the living donor's biliary anatomy,especially using magnetic resonance cholangiography and careful intraoperative techniques,is important to prevent bile duct injury and avoid the risk to the healthy donor.
文摘Magic textures are successful candidates of the correct texture for Majorana neutrinos.In this study,we demonstrate that several types of magic textures of Majorana neutrinos are approximately immanent in the flavor mass matrix of Dirac neutrinos.In addition,the normal mass ordering of Dirac neutrino masses is slightly preferable to inverted mass ordering in the context of magic textures.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41172038)the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University (Grant No. NCET-11-0720)+2 种基金the Fundamental Research Fund for the Central Universities (Grant Nos. 26520100, 2652011110)the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan (MEXT) (Grant No. 19340151)Part of this study was performed under the cooperative research program of CMCR, Kochi University (Grant Nos. 07A017, A07B027)
文摘Paleomagnetic records of the Gauss-Matuyama reversal were obtained from two loess sections at Baoji on the Chinese Loes Plateau. Stepwise thermal demagnetization shows two obvious magnetization components. A low-temperature component iso lated between 100 and 200–250？C is close to the present geomagnetic field direction, and a high-temperature component iso lated above 200–250？C reveals clearly normal, reversed, and transitional polarities. Magnetostratigraphic results of both sec tions indicated that the Gauss-Matuyama reversal consists of a high-frequency polarity fluctuation zone, but the characteristic remanent magnetization directions during the reversal are clearly inconsistent. Rock magnetic experiments demonstrated tha for all the specimens with normal, reversed, and transitional polarities magnetite and hematite are the main magnetic carriers Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility indicates that the studied loess sediments have a primary sedimentary fabric. Based on virtual geomagnetic pole latitudes, the Gauss-Matuyama reversal records in the two sections are accompanied by 14 short-lived geomagnetic episodes（15 rapid polarity swings） and 12 short-lived geomagnetic episodes（13 rapid polarity swings）, respec tively. Our new records, together with previous ones from lacustrine, marine, and aeolian deposits, suggest that high-frequency polarity swings coexist with the Gauss-Matuyama reversal, and that the Gauss-Matuyama reversal may have taken more than11 kyr to complete. However, we need more detailed analyses of sections across polarity swings during reversals as well a more high-resolution reversal records to understand geomagnetic behavior and inconsistent characteristic remanent magnetiza tion directions during polarity reversals.
基金Supported by Clinical Research Support Team of Jichi Medial University
文摘We report a case of hepatic choriocarcinoma in a man diagnosed at autopsy after a rapid downhill clinical course.The patient was a 49-year-old man who presented with acute right-sided abdominal pain.There were no masses palpable on physical examination.Radiographic findings showed large multi-nodular tumors mainly in the right lobe of the liver.Fludeoxyglucosepositron emission tomography scan showed uptake only in the liver,and no uptake in the testes.We initially planned to perform a liver resection for the presumed diagnosis of intra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma.However,the tumors grew rapidly and ruptured.Multiple lung metastases rapidly developed resulting in respiratory failure,preventing liver resection or even biopsy.He died 60 d after initial presentation with no pathological diagnosis.Postmortem studies included histopathological and immunohistological examinations which diagnosed a primary choriocarcinoma of the liver.Primary hepatic choriocarcinoma is very rare but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a liver tumor in a middle aged man.Establishing this diagnosis may enable treatment of the choriocarcinoma.Liver biopsy and evaluation of serum human chorionic gonadotropin are recommended in these patients.
文摘This study examined the effect of azithromycin therapy on the coronary microcirc ulation using measurement of coronary flow velocity rese rve(CFVR) by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography in 35 patients with coronary artery disease. CFVR increased significantly after azithromycin therapy(3.0±0. 7 vs 3.5±0.7, p < 0.001). The changes in CFVR were negatively correlated with c hanges in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in patients receiving azi thromycin.
文摘The prevention of arterial thrombotic disease has a high priority in developed countries. An inappropriate diet is known to enhance the risk for acute thrombotic events, and a regular diet with proven antithrombotic effects might be a beneficial way to prevent disease. The present study was undertaken as part of a series of in-vestigations to examine various vegetables and fruits for antithrombotic activity, and to add to the previously reported data on different onion varieties produced in the northern part of Japan (Hokkaido). For this purpose, a sophisticated method to assess shear-induced platelet reac-tivity/thrombolysis in vitro (The Global Throm-bosis Test, GTT) was used to screen 5 different varieties of onion produced in the middle part of Japan (Awaji Island). The different onion varie-ties demonstrated a variable effect on thrombo-sis, and one particular variety, designated ONA-03, appeared to exert an antithrombotic effect. Another variety, ONA-01, appeared to have prothrombotic activity by inhibiting spon-taneous thrombolytic activity. The especially effective variety was further investigated using an in vivo, laser-induced thrombosis model in mice. The heat stable antithrombotic activity in vitro and in vivo was demonstrated to be due to antiplatelet activity. The present findings added to the list of antithrombotic fruits and vegeta-bles.
文摘A Fourier-synthesized 40-GHz optical pulse train was successfully synchronized to an 8-GHz optical clock generated from a mode-locked fiber ring laser. The measured timing jitter of the synchronization was 0.43 ps.
基金Supported by Grant for Scientific Research Contract No. 19540297 from Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, Japan
文摘The study of exotic structure of hadrons is fully achieved when reaction dynamics of the associated hadron productions is well understood. We employ as the standard mechanism the effective Lagrangian method and investigate several physical observables within the framework. The parameters are constrained by microscopic description of hadrons. We discuss photoproductions of kaon associated with the ground state A（1116） and its resonances A（1405） and A（1520）. In the former example we emphasize the meson cloud effect which significantly renormalizes the phenomenological parameters, while in the latter we discuss the features of the standard method. Finally we discuss briefly the N（1535） for the study of chiral symmetry of baryons. production of ηπ associated with the nucleon resonance
文摘Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the antithrombotic properties of different strains of orally available antithrombotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Research Methods & Procedures: Antithrombotic activity, antiplatelet reactivity and/or thrombolytic activity, were measured in seven strains of LAB and LAB cell-free-extracts (LAB filtrates) using the shear-induced platelet reactivity/thrombolytic activity, The Global Thrombosis Test (GTT), with non-anticoagulated rat blood in vitro. Subsequently, the most potent antithrombotic strains identified in vitro were assessed in vivo after oral administration in mouse carotid arteries using a helium-neon laser-induced thrombosis model. Result: Five strains out of seven LAB (Lactobacillus paracasei KW 3100, Lactobacillus fermentum NBRC 3961, Lactobacillus pentosus JCM 8333, Leuconostoc oeni Elios 1, Pediococcus pentosaceus NK-2) promoted significant endogenous thrombolysis in vitro. In addition, one strain (Lactobacillus fermentum NBRC 3961) significantly inhibited shear-induced platelet re-activity. Three antithrombotic strains, Lactobacillus fermentum NBRC 3961, Leuconostoc oeni Elios 1, and Lactobacillus pentosus JCM 8333, were further assessed in vivo. The results demonstrated that filtrates, and the cells per se of these LAB, modulated antiplatelet activity and/or thrombolytic activity, and that the antithrombotic mechanisms were mainly influenced by protein content (60% - 70% of dry matter). Conclusion: The findings suggested that some strains of lactic acid bacteria could usefully provide the basis for the production of oral antithrombotic probiotics.
文摘The lattice Boltzmann method is applied to the investigations of the diffusivity and the permeability in the gas diffusion layer(GDL)of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell(PEFC).The effects of the configuration of water droplets,the porosity of the GDL,the viscosity ratio of water to air,and the surface wettability of the GDL are investigated.From the simulations under the PEFC operating conditions,it is found that the heterogeneous water network and the high porosity improve the diffusivity and the permeability,and the hydrophobic surface decreases the permeability.
