148 research outputs found

    Schwarzschild Space-Time in Gauge Theories of Gravity

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    In Poincar\'e gauge theory of gravity and in \overline{\mbox{Poincar\'e}} gauge theory of gravity, we give the necessary and sufficient condition in order that the Schwarzschild space-time expressed in terms of the Schwarzschild coordinates is obtainable as a torsionless exact solution of gravitational field equations with a spinless point-like source having the energy-momentum density \widetilde{\mbox{\boldmath T}}_\mu^{~\nu}(x) = - Mc^2 \delta_\mu^{~0} \delta_0^{~\nu} \delta^{(3)}(\mbox{\boldmath x}). Further, for the case when this condition is satisfied, the energy-momentum and the angular momentum of the Schwarzschild space-time are examined in their relations to the asymptotic forms of vierbein fields. We show, among other things, that asymptotic forms of vierbeins are restricted by requiring the equality of the active gravitational mass and the inertial mass. Conversely speaking, this equality is violated for a class of vierbeins giving the Schwarzschild metric.Comment: 26 pages, LaTeX, uses amssymb.sty. To appear in Prog. Theor. Phys. 99 (1998

    Efficient retroviral transduction of human B-lymphoid and myeloid progenitors: marked inhibition of their growth by the Pax5 transgene

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    We applied a coculture system for the genetic manipulation of human B-lymphoid and myeloid progenitor cells using murine bone marrow stromal cell support, and investigated the effects of forced Pax5 expression in both cell types. Cytokine-stimulated cord blood CD34+ cells could be transduced at 85% efficiency and 95% cell viability by a single 24-h infection with RD114-pseudotyped retroviral vectors, produced by the packaging cell line Plat-F and bicistronic vector plasmids pMXs-Ig, pMYs-Ig, or pMCs-Ig, encoding EGFP. Infected CD34+ cells were seeded onto HESS-5 cells in the presence of stem cell factor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, allowing the extensive production of B progenitors and granulocytic cells. We examined the cell number and CD34, CD33, CD19, and CD20 lambda and kappa expressions by flow cytometry. Ectopic expression of Pax5 in CD34+ cells resulted in small myeloid progenitors coexpressing CD33 and CD19 and inhibited myeloid differentiation. After 6 weeks, the number of Pax5-transduced CD19+ cells was 40-fold lower than that of control cells. However, the expression of CD20 and the κ/λ chain on Pax5-transduced CD19+ cells suggests that the Pax5 transgene may not interfere with their differentiation. This report is the first to describe the effects of forced Pax5 expression in human hematopoietic progenitors

    Circulating interleukin-18: A specific biomarker for atherosclerosis-prone patients with metabolic syndrome

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with an increased risk of the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Interleukin-18 (IL-18), which is a pleiotropic proinflammatory cytokine with important regulatory functions in the innate immune response system, plays a crucial role in vascular pathologies. IL-18 is also a predictor of cardiovascular death in patients with CVD and is involved in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In order to determine if circulating levels of IL-18 can serve as a specific biomarker for distinguishing MetS patients from pre-MetS subjects, we studied 78 patients with visceral fat deposition and 14 age-matched control subjects. Increased levels of IL-18 were observed more frequently in patients with MetS than in pre-MetS subjects and were positively associated with waist circumference. Serum levels of IL-18 were significantly reduced by a change in weight caused by lifestyle modifications. There was a significant interaction between waist circumference and serum IL-18 concentration. Weight loss of at least 5% of the body weight caused by lifestyle modification decreased IL-18 circulating levels relative to the reduction in waist circumference and blood pressure, suggesting that this degree of weight loss benefits the cardiovascular system.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>IL-18 may be a useful biomarker of the clinical manifestations of MetS and for the management of the risk factors of CVD.</p

    Effects of ezetimibe add-on therapy for high-risk patients with dyslipidemia

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Ezetimibe (Zetia<sup>®</sup>) is a potent inhibitor of cholesterol absorption that has been approved for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Statin, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis, is the first-choice drug to reduce low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) for patients with hypercholesterolemia, due to its strong effect to lower the circulating LDL-C levels. Because a high dose of statins cause concern about rhabdomyolysis, it is sometimes difficult to achieve the guideline-recommended levels of LDL-C in high-risk patients with hypercholesterolemia treated with statin monotherapy. Ezetimibe has been reported to reduce LDL-C safely with both monotherapy and combination therapy with statins.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>To investigate the effect of ezetimibe as "add-on" therapy to statin on hypercholesterolemia, we examined biomarkers and vascular endothelial function in 14 patients with hypercholesterolemia before and after the 22-week ezetimibe add-on therapy. Ezetimibe add-on therapy reduced LDL-C by 24% compared with baseline (p < 0.005), with 13 patients (93%) reaching their LDL cholesterol goals. Of the Ezetimibe add-on therapy significantly improved not only LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and apolipoprotein (apo)B levels, but also reduced levels of triglyceride (TG), the ratio of LDL/HDL-C, the ratio of apoB/apoA-I, and a biomarker for oxidative stress (d-ROMs). Furthermore, ezetimibe add-on therapy improved vascular endothelial function in high-risk patients with hypercholesterolemia.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In conclusion, ezetimibe as add-on therapy to statin might be a therapeutic good option for high-risk patients with atherosclerosis.</p

    A New Minimally Invasive Technique of Combined Chest Wall Resection for Lung Cancer : Advanced Data of Implication of Advanced Bipolar Device in Video-Assisted Chest Wall Resection for Lung Cancer.

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    We describe a novel method for resecting lung cancer that has invaded the chest wall using an advanced bipolar device during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The method is convenient for both tumor and chest wall resection because it is easy to handle and less invasive than the currently used technique

    ガンマデルタT細胞を介したミノドロン酸の非小細胞肺癌細胞株に対するアポトーシス誘導効果の検討

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    Background/aim: Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Recent studies showed that nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs) directly and indirectly prevent proliferation, induce apoptosis, and inhibit metastasis of various types of cancer cell. In order to investigate the effect of combining minodronic acid (MDA) with γδ T-cells, NSCLC cells were treated with five concentrations of MDA. Materials and methods: NSCLC cells were cultured with different concentrations of MDA alone or in combination with γδ T-cells for 24 h. Results: MDA with γδ T-cells had differential apoptotic effects on the NSCLC cell lines. The cells showed significant apoptotic effects in the presence of MDA in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: This study is the first to report an indirect effect of MDA against NSCLC. We report the induction of apoptosis by MDA in combination with γδ T-cells.博士(医学)・乙第1446号・令和元年12月5日Copyright© 2019, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.発行元の規定により、本文の登録不可。本文は以下のURLを参照 "http://dx.doi.org/10.21873/anticanres.11174"(※全文閲覧は学内限定

    肺外科手術における術後早期の高次脳機能および術中脳酸素需給バランスに対する麻酔薬の効果 : ランダム化比較試験

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    PURPOSE: One-lung ventilation (OLV) may impair cerebral oxygen balance and induce postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). It is unclear whether the type of anesthetic influences the incidence of POCD in patients undergoing OLV. This prospective study compared the incidence of POCD and intraoperative cerebral oxygen desaturation in OLV patients anesthetized with propofol vs sevoflurane during lung surgery. METHODS: There were 148 participants enrolled in this study and randomized equally to either the propofol or the sevoflurane group. Anesthesia was maintained with either propofol or sevoflurane combined in both groups with fentanyl and epidural anesthesia. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2), jugular bulb venous oxygen saturation (SjO2), and the incidence of cerebral oxygen desaturation (rSO2 or SjO2 < 50% or rSO2 < 80% of baseline) were measured during anesthesia. Cognitive function was assessed using seven neurocognitive tests two days preoperatively, five days postoperatively (primary outcome), and three months postoperatively. Bivariable and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with POCD. RESULTS: Rates of POCD did not differ statistically between groups five days postoperatively (propofol, 16/72 patients; sevoflurane, 24/72 patients; RR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.39 to 1.15; P = 0.14) or three months postoperatively (propofol, 9/60 patients; sevoflurane, 12/58 patients; RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.33 to 1.59; P = 0.42). Only three subjects per group showed intraoperative cerebral oxygen desaturation. Multivariable regression analysis revealed older age as an independent predictor of POCD. CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant difference in the incidence of POCD could be detected between the sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia groups. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction was relatively frequent following OLV in both groups. (REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN 000002826).博士(医学)・乙第1397号・平成29年3月15日© Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society 2016This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in Canadian journal of anaesthesia. The final authenticated version is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12630-016-0700-4

    肺癌におけるREG Iα遺伝子の発現は、腺癌、肩平上皮癌で異なったメカニズムにより、予後不良を示唆する。

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    The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the REG Iα and REG Iβ genes on lung cancer cell lines, and thereafter, the expression of REG family genes (REG Iα, REG Iβ, REG III, HIP/PAP and REG IV) in lung cancer in relation to patient prognosis was evaluated. Lung adenocarcinoma (AD) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines expressing REG Iα or REG Iβ (HLC-1 REG Iα/Iβ and EBC-1 REG Iα/Iβ) were established, and cell number, cell invasive activity, and anchorage-independent cell growth were compared with these variables in the control cells. The expression levels of REG family genes were evaluated by real-time RT-PCR in surgically resected lung cancers, and disease-specific survival (DSS) curves were generated. The HLC-1 REG Iα/Iβ cell line showed significant increases in cell number and anchorage-independent cell growth compared with the control cells. EBC-1 REG Iα/Iβ cells showed significant increases in cell invasive activity and anchorage-independent cell growth as compared with the control cells. Except for the REG Iβ gene, expression of other REG family genes was observed in the surgically resected samples; however, DSS was significantly worse only in stage I patients who were positive for REG Iα expression than in patients who were negative for REG Iα expression. The effects of REG Iα on AD and SCC cells were different in the in vitro study, and a correlation between REG Iα expression and patient prognosis was noted in the in vivo study. Therefore, overexpression of REG Iα is a risk factor for poor prognosis caused by discrete mechanisms in AD and SCC patients.博士(医学)・乙第1339号・平成26年5月28日本文のリンク:http://dx.doi.org/10.3892/or.2013.2739Copyright © Spandidos Publications 201

    心臓血管外科領域におけるゼラチンシートの止血効果、癒着防止効果の検討

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    BACKGROUND:The bi1ayer gelatin sealing sheet was developed as a safe, effective, easy-to-handle and low-cost hemostatic agent. OBJECTIVE:To examine the feasibility of gelatin sealing sheets using a canine aterial hemorrhage mode1. METHODS:In vivo degradation of gelatin sealing sheets was examined by implanting subcutaneously in rats. For the hemostatic and anti-adhesion efficacy investigations, femoral arteries of dogs were pricked with syringe needle to make as mall hole, and a gelatin(i.e. experimental group) or fibrin glue sealing sheet (i.e. control group) was applied on the hole to stop bleeding (n=8). After discontinuation of the bleeding, the skin incisions were closed and re-examined 4 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS:From the degradation study, 4h thermally treated gelatin sheet which degraded within 3 weeks in vivo was chosen for the further hemostatic study. In all cases of gelatin and fibrin glue sealing sheets, bleeding from the needle hole on canine femoral arteries was effectively stopped. Postoperative adhesions and inflammation at the site in the experimental group were significantly less than those in the control group (P<0.01 for adhesion scores). CONCLUSIONS:The gelatin sealing sheet was found to be as effective as the fibrin glue sealing sheet as a surgical hemostatic agent, and more effective in preventing postoperative adhesions.博士(医学)・甲第632号・平成27年3月16日Copyright ©2015 IOS Pres

    Effectiveness of Cross‐Linked Gelatin Glue in Canine Lung Surgery Models.

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    Background. Air leakage is a common postoperative complication in pulmonary surgery, and surgical sealants have been developed to prevent or reduce the incidence of air leaks. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of cross-linked gelatin glue (gelatin plus glutaraldehyde) in canine lung surgery models. Methods. Pulmonary fistulas and injuries were created in dogs and sealed with gelatin glue, fibrin glue, or fibrin glue with a polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet. Seal-breaking pressures were measured in the fistula model, and pleural adhesions were assessed 28 days postoperatively in the lung injury model. Results. The seal-breaking pressures for canine cadaver and living lung surgeries (; the maximum pressures were 80 and 40 cm H₂O) were respectively: gelatin glue, 77 ± 6 and 32.3 ± 8.9cm H₂O; fibrin glue using spray, 39.2 ± 9.3 and 32 ± 6cm H₂O; fibrin glue using the rub-and-soak method, 35 ± 13.4 and 40 ± 0 cm H₂O; and fibrin glue with a PGA sheet, 55.5 ± 18.2 and 39 ± 2cm H₂O. In the lung injury model, there were no chest wall adhesions in the gelatin and fibrin glue alone groups, while strong adhesions were observed when treated with fibrin glue with a PGA sheet. Conclusions. Gelatin glue's sealing effect was superior to that of fibrin glue while preventing postoperative pleural adhesions. These findings suggest that gelatin glue may be effective as a surgical sealant or anti-adhesion materialin lung surgery
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