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Muto S, Inomata S, Mine H, Watanabe M, Okabe N, Matsumura Y, Shio Y, Suzuki H. P1.15-13 Immune Escape Mechanisms Mediated by B-Catenin in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. J Thorac Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2022.07.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Matsumura Y, Inomata S, Yamaguchi H, Mine H, Takagi H, Watanabe M, Ozaki Y, Muto S, Okabe N, Shio Y, Suzuki H. MA09.05 PD1-Positive Tertiary Lymphoid Structure as a Predictive Factor of Durable Clinical Effect in Immunotherapy for NSCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.08.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Muto S, Inomata S, Yamaguchi H, Mine H, Takagi H, Ozaki Y, Okabe N, Matsumura Y, Shio Y, Suzuki H. P72.09 Study of Relationship Between Proportion of CTLA-4 Positive Tregs in Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes and PD-L1 TPS. J Thorac Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.01.1027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Okabe N, Fujiwara M, Mochizuki M, Ohtsuka K, Nishigaya Y, Kobayashi Y, Kamma H. CD34-positive uterine lipoleiomyoma in a postmenopausal woman with chronic glomerulonephritis. EUR J GYNAECOL ONCOL 2019. [DOI: 10.12892/ejgo4661.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Takagi H, Zhao S, Muto S, Mine H, Watanabe M, Ozaki Y, Okabe N, Hasegawa T, Shio Y, Aoki M, Tan C, Shimoyama S, Nakamura K, Inano A, Suzuki H. P1.03-23 Delta-Like 1 Homolog (DLK1) Expression in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer and the Development of Radioimmunotherapy Targeting DLK1. J Thorac Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2019.08.875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Watanabe M, Higashi T, Mine H, Takagi H, Ozaki Y, Muto S, Okabe N, Hasegawa T, Shio Y, Sugimoto K, Chiba H, Suzuki H. P2.06-20 Characterization of Claudin15 as a New Diagnostic Marker for Malignant Pleural Mesotheliomas. J Thorac Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2019.08.1638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Saravia D, Agte S, Okabe N, Park W, Kwon D, Mudad R, Suzuki H, Chae Y, Oh M, Rahbari A, Lopes G. P2.01-82 Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Complements the Prognostic Ability of PD-L1 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors. J Thorac Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2018.08.1136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Miyaura K, Shinjoh H, Kubo T, Niiya A, Kobayashi R, Kato M, Ozawa Y, Okabe N, Murakami K, Morota M, Kagami Y. EP-2212: Investigation of DVH Parameters for Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation Using SAVI in Japan. Radiother Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(18)32521-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Yahata Y, Ohshima N, Odaira F, Nakamura N, Ichikawa H, Ichikawa H, Matsuno K, Shuri J, Toyozawa T, Terajima J, Watanabe H, Nakashima K, Sunagawa T, Taniguchi K, Okabe N. Web survey-based selection of controls for epidemiological analyses of a multi-prefectural outbreak of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 in Japan associated with consumption of self-grilled beef hanging tender. Epidemiol Infect 2018; 146:450-457. [PMID: 29397049 PMCID: PMC9134521 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817003132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
An outbreak of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 occurred in multiple prefectures of Japan in November 2009. We conducted two case-control studies with trace-back and trace-forward investigations to determine the source. The case definition was met by 21 individuals; 14 (66.7%) were hospitalised, but no haemolytic uraemic syndrome, acute encephalopathy or deaths occurred. Median age was 23 (range 12-48) years and 14 cases were male (66.7%). No significant associations with food were found in a case-control study by local public health centres, but our matched case-control study using Internet surveys found that beef hanging tender (or hanger steak), derived from the diaphragm of the cattle, was significantly associated with illness (odds ratio = 15.77; 95% confidence interval, 2.00-124.11). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis of isolates from patients and the suspected food showed five different patterns: two in faecal and food samples, and another three in patient faecal samples only, although there were epidemiological links to the meat consumed at the restaurants. Trace-back investigation implicated a common food processing company from outside Japan. Examination of the logistics of the meat processing company suggested that contamination did not occur in Japan. We concluded that the source of the outbreak was imported hanging tender. This investigation revealed that Internet surveys could be useful for outbreak investigations.
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Niiya A, Murakami K, Kobayashi R, Kato M, Okabe N, Obinata M, Ozawa Y, Morota M, Shinjo H, Kagami Y. Identification of Prognostic Index for Brain Metastases in Japanese Patients. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2016.06.870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Matsushima Y, Ishikawa M, Shimizu T, Komane A, Kasuo S, Shinohara M, Nagasawa K, Kimura H, Ryo A, Okabe N, Haga K, Doan YH, Katayama K, Shimizu H. Genetic analyses of GII.17 norovirus strains in diarrheal disease outbreaks from December 2014 to March 2015 in Japan reveal a novel polymerase sequence and amino acid substitutions in the capsid region. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 20. [PMID: 26159307 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2015.20.26.21173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A novel GII.P17-GII.17 variant norovirus emerged as a major cause of norovirus outbreaks from December 2014 to March 2015 in Japan. Named Hu/GII/JP/2014/GII.P17-GII.17, this variant has a newly identified GII.P17 type RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, while the capsid sequence displays amino acid substitutions around histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) binding sites. Several variants caused by mutations in the capsid region have previously been observed in the GII.4 genotype. Monitoring the GII.17 variant's geographical spread and evolution is important.
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Kato M, Kagami Y, Yoshimura R, Hamada K, Sinjo H, Murakami K, Okabe N. Evaluating Radiation Dose to the Heart and the Left Anterior Descending (LAD) Coronary Artery With Left Whole-Breast Radiation Therapy to Japanese Women. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2014.05.908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Nakamura S, Hayashidani H, Okabe N, Une Y. Aberrant forms of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis as spheroplasts and filaments in yersiniosis in squirrel monkeys. Vet Pathol 2014; 52:393-6. [PMID: 24793827 DOI: 10.1177/0300985814532820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This report describes atypical cases of yersiniosis in squirrel monkeys in which aberrant forms of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis were seen. There were 2 outbreaks due to yersiniosis in squirrel monkeys in Japan. The monkeys had systemic necrotizing and hemorrhagic lesions with Gram-negative rod-shaped bacilli and microthromboembolism in the kidneys. Some lesions contained filaments, globular bodies, and other pleomorphic forms of bacteria. All forms were usually seen in the same lesions, and those with pleomorphic morphology appeared to be an intermediate form between the rod-shaped bacteria and the filaments or globular bodies. In addition, they had strong immunolabeling for Y. pseudotuberculosis, as did the rod-shaped bacteria. Therefore, the globular bodies, filaments, and others are strongly suspected to be shape-changed bacilli of Y. pseudotuberculosis. These morphologically altered bacteria could cause errors in diagnosis since they resemble fungi or protozoa, and special staining techniques, including immunohistochemistry, can be helpful in establishing the correct diagnosis.
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Takeyama N, Kuroki K, Hayashi T, Sai S, Okabe N, Kinebuchi Y, Hashimoto T, Gokan T. Cerebral CT angiography using a small volume of concentrated contrast material with a test injection method: optimal scan delay for quantitative and qualitative performance. Br J Radiol 2012; 85:e748-55. [PMID: 22422391 DOI: 10.1259/bjr/31882420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to determine the optimal scan delay quantitatively and qualitatively in cerebral CT angiography (CTA) with a test injection method at the circle of Willis (cW). METHODS 66 consecutive patients suspected of having unruptured intracranial aneurysms underwent CTA using 40 ml of 370 mg iodine ml(-1) contrast material (CM). After the time until CM arrival at the cW (T(cW)) was calculated, scan delay was divided into three groups according to T(cW) and scan duration (SD) between the second cervical vertebra and cW as follows: [(T(cW)+6)-SD] in 21 patients (Group A); [(T(cW)+8)-SD] in 23 patients (Group B); and [(T(cW)+10)-SD] in 22 patients (Group C). Arterial and venous attenuation in the intracranial vessels was measured. Mean attenuation values were compared quantitatively. The arterial enhancement and venous overlap at the cW and above the cW were qualitatively compared among the three groups. RESULTS Mean arterial attenuation in Groups B and C was significantly higher than that in Group A. Mean venous attenuation in Group C was significantly higher than those in Groups A and B. Arterial enhancement above the cW showed a significant difference between Groups A and C, and at the cW between Groups A and B, and Groups A and C. There was a significant difference in venous overlap among the three groups, except for that at the cW between Groups B and C. CONCLUSIONS Setting scan delay as [(T(cW)+8)-SD] s can produce the best performance both quantitatively and qualitatively.
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Odaira F, Takahashi H, Toyokawa T, Tsuchihashi Y, Kodama T, Yahata Y, Sunagawa T, Taniguchi K, Okabe N. Assessment of secondary attack rate and effectiveness of antiviral prophylaxis among household contacts in an influenza A(H1N1)v outbreak in Kobe, Japan, May–June 2009. Euro Surveill 2009. [DOI: 10.2807/ese.14.35.19320-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This report describes the assessment of the secondary attack rate (SAR) and the effectiveness of post-exposure antiviral prophylaxis among household contacts in the first domestic outbreak of a novel influenza A(H1N1)v between mid-May and early June 2009 in Kobe city, Japan. Of the 293 subjects, 14 (4.8%) household contacts met the case definition and most secondary cases were probably infected around the time of symptom onset date of the respective index case. The SAR among household contacts who did not receive prophylaxis was 7.6%, similar to the rate of seasonal influenza, and the attack rate in siblings was significantly higher than that in parents. We conclude that it is important to establish routine infection control measures for households in order to prevent the spread of the virus among household contacts and, possibly, to the community. We could not conclude whether antiviral prophylaxis was effective or not. However, among close contacts with underlying disease who received prophylaxis, nobody developed a severe form of the disease.
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Odaira F, Takahashi H, Toyokawa T, Tsuchihashi Y, Kodama T, Yahata Y, Sunagawa T, Taniguchi K, Okabe N. Assessment of secondary attack rate and effectiveness of antiviral prophylaxis among household contacts in an influenza A(H1N1)v outbreak in Kobe, Japan, May-June 2009. Euro Surveill 2009; 14:19320. [PMID: 19728982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This report describes the assessment of the secondary attack rate (SAR) and the effectiveness of post-exposure antiviral prophylaxis among household contacts in the first domestic outbreak of a novel influenza A(H1N1)v between mid-May and early June 2009 in Kobe city, Japan. Of the 293 subjects, 14 (4.8%) household contacts met the case definition and most secondary cases were probably infected around the time of symptom onset date of the respective index case. The SAR among household contacts who did not receive prophylaxis was 7.6%, similar to the rate of seasonal influenza, and the attack rate in siblings was significantly higher than that in parents. We conclude that it is important to establish routine infection control measures for households in order to prevent the spread of the virus among household contacts and, possibly, to the community. We could not conclude whether antiviral prophylaxis was effective or not. However, among close contacts with underlying disease who received prophylaxis, nobody developed a severe form of the disease.
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Komiya N, Gu Y, Kamiya H, Yahata Y, Matsui T, Yasui Y, Okabe N. Clinical features of cases of influenza A (H1N1)v in Osaka prefecture, Japan, May 2009. Euro Surveill 2009; 14. [DOI: 10.2807/ese.14.29.19272-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This report describes the clinical characteristics of influenza A(H1N1)v virus infection in Osaka. By the end of May, 171 cases had been reported in Osaka. Most patients were from one school. No patient had a serious underlying medical condition.Clinical symptoms were mild and resembled those of seasonal influenza. The sensitivity of the rapid antigen test was 77%. Antivirals were given to the majority of the cases. Early antiviral treatment may have shortened the duration of fever.
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Shimada T, Gu Y, Kamiya H, Komiya N, Odaira F, Sunagawa T, Takahashi H, Toyokawa T, Tsuchihashi Y, Yasui Y, Tada Y, Okabe N. Epidemiology of influenza A(H1N1)v virus infection in Japan, May - June 2009. Euro Surveill 2009; 14. [DOI: 10.2807/ese.14.24.19244-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Between 9 May and 4 June 2009, a total of 401 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1)v virus were reported in Japan, from 16 of the 47 Japanese prefectures. The two areas most affected were Osaka prefecture and Kobe city where outbreaks in high schools occurred leading to school closures. To date all cases have had symptoms consistent with seasonal influenza and no severe or fatal cases have been reported.
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Matsui T, Nakashima K, Ohyama T, Kobayashi J, Arima Y, Kishimoto T, Ogawa M, Cai Y, Shiga S, Ando S, Kurane I, Tabara K, Itagaki A, Nitta N, Fukushi H, Matsumoto A, Okabe N. An outbreak of psittacosis in a bird park in Japan. Epidemiol Infect 2007; 136:492-5. [PMID: 17559693 PMCID: PMC2870830 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268807008783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
An outbreak of psittacosis related to a bird park occurred in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan, during winter 2001. Seventeen cases of psittacosis (12 visitors, three staff, and two student interns) were confirmed. A cohort study was conducted among the park staff and students to determine the risk factors for the development of acute serologically confirmed psittacosis (SCP) infection. Being 'bird staff' had an increased risk of SCP infection (RR 3.96, 95% CI 1.48-10.58). Entering the staff building, where ill birds were maintained without proper isolation, was also associated with an increased risk of SCP infection (RR 3.61, 95% CI 1.03-12.6). Isolation of ill birds and quarantine measures were found to be insufficient. Dehumidifiers and a high-pressure water spray under a closed ventilation environment may have raised the concentration of Chlamydophila psittaci in the hothouses. Bird park staff and visitors should be educated about psittacosis.
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Narita T, Okabe N, Hane M, Yamamoto Y, Tani K, Naito Y, Hara S. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs induce hypermotilinemia and disturbance of interdigestive migrating contractions in instrumented dogs. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2007; 29:569-77. [PMID: 17083462 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2885.2006.00805.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) induce gastric ulcers due to inhibition of prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins have an influence on physiological gastrointestinal motility, but the relationships between NSAID-induced gastric ulcer, gastrointestinal motility and motilin are unknown. Fifteen dogs were allocated randomly to three groups in which either gelatin, meloxicam or indomethacin was administered. Fecal occult blood and gastrointestinal motility were monitored continuously for 6 days. In addition, analyses of the plasma motilin concentration, gastrointestinal endoscopy and gastric emptying, and detection of motilin cells were performed. Gastrointestinal motility was disturbed in the indomethacin group, presenting as disappearance of interdigestive migrating contractions (IMCs) 3 days before gastric ulcers were detected. Delayed gastric emptying and hypermotilinemia were observed significantly more often in the indomethacin group compared with the other groups. Motilin cell-crypt/villi ratio in the indomethacin group significantly decreased in the duodenum and jejunum, compared with the other groups. No significant changes in any tests were observed in the meloxicam group, when compared with the gelatin group. These findings suggest that the disturbance of IMCs caused by hypermotilinemia, with changes in motilin cell distribution, and delayed gastric emptying induced by indomethacin may contribute to the development of gastric ulcers.
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Takahashi M, Nomura S, Jindai M, Shibata S, Zhu X, Watanabe Y, Kawachi K, Okabe N. Development of Reformative Surgery Method Using Partial Freezing for the Liver. J Biomech Eng 2006; 128:862-6. [PMID: 17154687 DOI: 10.1115/1.2244577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
To minimize surgical stresses including blood loss and operation time to the patients during hepatic resection, we studied the feasibility of a combination of a partial liver freezing technique and shape-memory alloy, which also enables a free-designed resection curve. In this surgical procedure, the region surrounding a tumor in the liver is frozen to excise and prevent hemorrhage. The liver was frozen by a Peltier module. The effects of cooling rate and freezing temperature on the excision force that arise between a scalpel and the liver are carried out experimentally as a basic research for partial freezing surgical procedures. A porcine liver was used as a liver sample. The physical properties were estimated by using the finite element method based on the heat transfer characteristics of the liver. Isolation of the liver was conducted using a scalpel attached to the end-effector of a 3 degrees of freedom robot. In the experiments, the minimum excision force was obtained at a temperature between 272K and 275K; therefore, it is preferable that the liver be excised within this temperature range. Lowering of the cooling rate decreases the excision force even if the temperature of the liver remains unchanged. The lower the temperature of the liver is, the larger the increment rate of excision force is with regard to the cooling rate.
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Cao FQ, Wang Y, Okabe N, Odoko M. Crystal structure of aquabis(4-aminobenzoato)cadmium dihydrate, Cd(H2O)(NH2C6H4COO)2 · 2H2O. Z KRIST-NEW CRYST ST 2006. [DOI: 10.1524/ncrs.2006.0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract C14H18CdN2O7, monoclinic, P121/c1 (no. 14), a = 14.86(2) Å, b = 6.15(1) Å, c = 17.76(2) Å, β = 104.23(4)°, V = 1572.4 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.049, wRref(F2) = 0.121, T = 123 K.
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Ohkusa Y, Shigematsu M, Taniguchi K, Okabe N. Experimental surveillance using data on sales of over-the-counter medications--Japan, November 2003-April 2004. MMWR Suppl 2005; 54:47-52. [PMID: 16177693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This report describes a study to explore the possibility of using data on sales of over-the- counter (OTC) medications as part of a routine syndromic surveillance system aimed at early detection of infections of public health concern. A retrospective evaluation was conducted of sales of OTC medications used to treat the common cold. This report discusses the correlation of these data to influenza activity in Japan during the 2003-04 influenza season and evaluates the potential of using such data to predict influenza epidemics. METHODS Data from approximately 1,100 pharmacies throughout Japan collected during November 2003-April 2004 were analyzed. OTC sales data were compared with influenza incidence data (one weekly and two daily data sets) to determine correlations and predictability. Adjusted R-square was used as an index of goodness of-fit in the estimation. Data reflecting daily influenza activity were obtained from the National Surveillance of Daily Influenza Outpatients and the Mailing List-Based Influenza Epidemic Database. National sentinel surveillance data for influenza from approximately 5,000 sites nationwide also were analyzed. RESULTS Although a correlation was demonstrated between sales of OTC medications used to treat the common cold and concurrent influenza activity, analysis of sales data alone was not sufficient to determine influenza activity in advance even when sales promotion effects were excluded from the analysis. CONCLUSION Because visiting a health-care provider costs more than purchasing OTC medications, the hypothesis was formed that an ill person will purchase OTC medications first and visit a physician only if the condition does not resolve or worsens. The results of this study do not provide any clear evidence to support this hypothesis. For this reason, OTC sales do not appear to be a good candidate for a national real-time detection system for influenza epidemics in Japan.
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Matsui T, Suzuki S, Takahashi H, Ohyama T, Kobayashi J, Izumiya H, Watanabe H, Kasuga F, Kijima H, Shibata K, Okabe N. Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak associated with a school-lunch dessert: cross-contamination and a long incubation period, Japan, 2001. Epidemiol Infect 2004; 132:873-9. [PMID: 15473150 PMCID: PMC2870174 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268804002778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) outbreak in Japan was investigated with an observational study, analytical epidemiology and bacteriological examination (including phage typing). The outbreak occurred among 96 schoolchildren, and was caused by SE phage type 1. The outbreak source was dessert buns served at a school lunch (RR 42.55, 95 % CI 5.93-305.11, P < 0.001). The buns were probably cross-contaminated from eggs from a factory with a history of SE-contaminated products. The incubation period was longer than usual (3-16 days, median 8 days). A low contaminating dose may account for the long incubation period and low attack rate. Outbreak detection was hampered by the absence of routine Salmonella surveillance in Japan. The investigation was complicated by concurrent illnesses from other SE phage types. It was successful, in part, because adequate food samples were available for microbiological testing.
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Osaka K, Komatsuzaki M, Takahashi H, Sakano S, Okabe N. Vibrio vulnificus septicaemia in Japan: an estimated number of infections and physicians' knowledge of the syndrome. Epidemiol Infect 2004; 132:993-6. [PMID: 15473164 PMCID: PMC2870188 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268804002407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Questionnaire surveys were implemented to study the incidence and physicians' knowledge of Vibrio vulnificus infections in Japan. Registered emergency physicians were selected by stratified random sampling for a questionnaire survey. A total of 235 out of 386 physicians (61%) responded to the questionnaire and 12 V. vulnificus septicaemia cases were reported from 10 respondents. The annual estimated number of V. vulnificus septicaemia was calculated as 425 (95 % CI 238-752). The study also revealed that only 15.7 % (95 % CI 11.3-21.0) of responding physicians had a basic knowledge of V. vulnificus infection. Education for both physicians and people in the high-risk group for developing the infection (e.g. immunocompromised, chronic liver disease) will be necessary for the prevention, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the disease.
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