Fluorographic study on the oxidative stress in the process of gastric mucosal injury: Attenuating effect of Vitamin E

Abstract In vivo oxidative change was visualized in the gastric mucosa of rats and the alteration was analysed by using a fluorescence microscope equipped with a digital imaging processor during the development of mucosal damage. Dichlorofluorescein (DCF)-associated fluorescence increased after the repeated electrical stimulation on the gastric artery (irritation), suggesting the occurrence of lipid peroxidation. The increase was enhanced in the mid-zone of two adjacent collecting venules. Allopurinol attenuated the oxidative stress in mucosa, showing the involvement of xanthine oxidase. Luminol-dependent chemiluminescence value in the blood taken from gastric vein was elevated by the irritation, suggesting that leucocyte-generated oxygen radicals also participate in this oxidative process. α-Tocopherol attenuated both the DCF activation and the increase in chemiluminescence value and prevented gastric mucosal injury. The present results suggest that α-tocopherol may be useful for the prevention of oxidative alteration in gastric mucosa.     

Magnifying Observation of Ectopic Gastric Mucosa of the Cervical Esophagus

We attempted to investigate the fine mucosal patterns of inlet patches using a transparent-tip-hood-fitted magnifying electronic endoscope (Olympus, GIF-200Z). The prevalence of inlet patch was 10.1%, 26 out of 257 patients undergoing screening endoscopic examination using a GIF-200Z. This rate was higher than that of previous reports in Japan, higher in the young group than in the aged group, and higher in males than in females. The mean inlet patch size, measured by the new method using a transparent hood, was 5.2 mm. Large inlet patches, above 8.1 mm, were found more frequently in males than in females. The number of inlet patches in one patient was one in 19 patients and two in seven. The inlet patches were oval and had a smooth margin in 23 (69.7%) cases, and irregular in 10 (30.3%). The oval patches with smooth margins were significantly larger than those with an irregular form. The fine mucosal pattern of inlet patches was mixed with B, BC and C type. Inlet patches with acid production were suggested to be fewer in number than expected, and patients with an inlet patch appear to have minimal, if any, complaints. A transparent-tip-hood-fitted magnifying electronic endoscope was thought to facilitate accurate diagnosis of the inlet patch.     

Five Families with Mohr-Wriedt Type Brachydactyly of the Index Finger

Abstract: Twelve patients with inherited shortening of the middle phalanx of both index fingers were found in 122 patients with congenital clinodactyly without any major hand anomalies. The morbidity rate in females was 53.6% and in male it was 50.0%. Webbing between the second and third toes was found in three, and clinodactyly of the second toe in four. Characteristic features of this anomaly are a short and delta-shaped or rhombus-shaped middle phalanx of the index finger. Hand pattern profiles revealed that the middle phalanges of the long and ring fingers are shortened to a variable degree.     

Epidemiology of genotypes of hepatitis C virus in Japanese patients with type C chronic liver diseases: A multi-institution analysis

Sixteen medical institutions in Japan collaborated in this study of the epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes. A total of 4176 patients with type C chronic liver disease, from the four main islands of Japan, were evaluated. Of those evaluated, 2794 had chronic hepatitis, 727 had liver cirrhosis and 655 had hepatocellular carcinoma. The HCV genotype of the patients was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on serological genotype 1- and 2-specific recombinant peptides (SG-1 and SG-2, respectively) of the NS4 region. The prevalence of SG-1 and SG-2 HCV was similar in the four main islands of Japan. SG-1 HCV predominated in each disease category (69–76%). The percentage of patients with SG-1 HCV increased by 7%, while that of patients with SG-2 HCV decreased by 7%, as liver disease progressed in severity from chronic hepatitis to carcinoma (P < 0.001). Patients with either SG-1 or SG-2 had a similar mean age and history of blood transfusion. In conclusion, SG-1 HCV was found to predominate in Japan, and the HCV genotype was found to be related to the stage of hepatitis C disease.     

Preaxial Polydactyly and Hallux Varus: Classification of Hallux Varus and Relationship between Hallux Varus and Preaxial Polydactyly

Abstract The clinical features of 18 patients diagnosed as having preaxial Polydactyly and hallux varus were studied.
There are three types of hallux varus: 1) the medial great toe is pushed out by the lateral overlapping great toe, 2) the great toe is inverted by the deformed first metatarsus, and 3) the great toe is inverted by anchoring substance of the hypoplastic or degenerative medial great toe.
The general diagnosis of "hallux varus" may be reasonable based on the common appearance, but the clinical features of these three types differ from each other. The patients with hallux varus caused by anchoring of the hypoplastic or degenerative medial great toe should be strictly differentiated from the patients with hallux varus due to deformity of the metatarsus. Special consideration for treatment is needed for each type.