Human β-defensin (hBD) 2 is an epithelial antimicrobial peptide. We studied single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene of hBD-2 in a Japanese population, and estimated the effect of a polymorphism in the promoter/enhancer region on the transcriptional activity. By sequencing the hBD-2 gene of 50 unrelated individuals, we detected one SNP in exon 2 and nine SNPs in the promoter/enhancer region. The SNP in the coding region at the +1765 position is synonymous [CCC (Pre)→CCT (Pre)]. One SNP in the promoter region (-1029) is located at the consensus sequence for NF-IL6 binding. By luciferase reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay, the wild-type (G) of -1029 showed significantly lower transcriptional activity than did the variant-type (A). The SNP at position -1029 may influence the hBD-2 expression and cause genetic variations in susceptibility to infectious diseases.

Human β-defensin (hBD) 2 is an epithelial antimicrobial peptide. We studied single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene of hBD-2 in a Japanese population, and estimated the effect of a polymorphism in the promoter/enhancer region on the transcriptional activity. By sequencing the hBD-2 gene of 50 unrelated individuals, we detected one SNP in exon 2 and nine SNPs in the promoter/enhancer region. The SNP in the coding region at the +1765 position is synonymous [CCC (Pre)→CCT (Pre)]. One SNP in the promoter region (-1029) is located at the consensus sequence for NF-IL6 binding. By luciferase reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay, the wild-type (G) of -1029 showed significantly lower transcriptional activity than did the variant-type (A). The SNP at position -1029 may influence the hBD-2 expression and cause genetic variations in susceptibility to infectious diseases.

The patch test is the most reliable method for diagnosing a metal allergy. However, interpretation of patch test results depends on the experience of the investigator and on the conditions of the individual patient. In the case of patch tests for metal salts, irritant reactions such as pustular or follicular reactions are quite common. Therefore, one must be careful not to interpret irritant reactions as allergic responses, and objective standards to evaluate erythema in patch tests need to be established.In the present study, we attempted to objectively evaluate patch test results for metal salts using an erythema index meter. We used the Erythema Index Difference (EID) (patch test site erythema index (EI) minus the mean EI of healthy skin outside the patch test area and at the unit tape site) rather than the EI itself in order to eliminate the effects of the patch test unit and individual differences. We measured the EID over time in patients with suspected metal allergies to various metals. Significant differences in EID were observed among ++ assessments, + assessments and irritant reactions based on International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG) standards. In considering changes in EID over time, allergic and irritant reactions can be discriminated with high sensitivity (73.3%) and specificity (91.2%).These results suggest that the measurement of erythema over time with an erythema index meter is useful for the objective assessment of metal patch test reactions.

　　The process of creating health promotion activities in the community was analyzed by means of document examination. The results showed that the process has four periods, namely, the preparation period, consensus period, planning-implementation period, and continuation period. Based on our results, we propose a general-purpose design for community resident-centered health promotion activities in areas with different characteristics.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of agricultural activity on cognitive function, physical function, motivation, activity of daily living (ADL), self-efficacy and quality of life (QOL) of hospitalized elderly with dementia using multivariate statistical analysis. Elderly with dementia performed them for 2 months that replaced with agricultural activities once a week after they performed ordinary activities for 2 months. Ordinary and agricultural activities showed higher score than control condition. Two therapies are compared by principal component analysis (PCA), correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis (MRA). From the PCA analysis, motivation, muscular strength, walking ability, and mobility ability tended to improve during agricultural activities, but there was no significant difference in cognitive function, daily life, and behavioral disorders. In the correlation analysis, walking speed, walking time, timed up and go test (TUG), and grip strength showed a high score. MRA showed that improved physical function is improved during agricultural activities, but no significant improvement in cognitive function and ADL. Therefore, it was found that agricultural activities may be useful for improving physical functions. Long-term evaluation is needed for discussing the effects on cognitive functions and ADL.

Alpha-fetoprotein-Producing gastric cancer is associated with poor prognosis because of frequent liver and lymph node metastasis. We present a case with synchronous liver metastasis who survived for 5 years. A 69-year-old man with upper abdominal pain was referred to our hospital. Gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a Borrmann II-like tumor in the lower part of the stomach. Computed tomography revealed a tumor in the left lobe of the liver. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were markedly increased. We performed distal gastrectomy after administering oral tegafur/gimeracil/oteracil potassium and administered hepatic intra-arterial cisplatin injection. Liver metastasis showed partial response on computed tomography. Despite left hepatic lobectomy, further metastases to the liver and mediastinal lymph nodes became difficult to control. After sorafenib tosylate administration, stabilization of the disease was observed for 4 months. We conclude that hepatic intra-arterial chemotherapy and oral administration of sorafenib tosylate may potentially improve the prognosis in such cases.
Abdominal Pain ; Administration, Oral ; alpha-Fetoproteins ; Cisplatin ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Gastrectomy ; Liver ; Lymph Nodes ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Niacinamide ; Phenylurea Compounds ; Potassium ; Prognosis ; Stomach ; Stomach Neoplasms

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There are few prospective studies on cold forceps polypectomy (CFP) using jumbo cup forceps. Therefore, we examined patients with diminutive polyps (5 mm or smaller) treated with CFP using jumbo cup forceps to achieve an adenoma-free colon and also assessed the safety of the procedure and the recurrence rate of missed or residual polyp after CFP by performing follow-up colonoscopy 1 year later. METHODS: We included patients with up to 5 adenomas removed at initial colonoscopy and analyzed data from a total of 361 patients with 573 adenomas. One-year follow-up colonoscopy was performed in 165 patients, at which 251 lesions were confirmed. RESULTS: The one-bite resection rate with CFP was highest for lesions 3 mm or smaller and decreased significantly with increasing lesion size. Post-procedural hemorrhage was observed in 1 of 573 lesions (0.17%). No perforation was noted. The definite recurrence rate was 0.8% (2/251 lesions). The probable recurrence rate, which was defined as recurrence in the same colorectal segment, was 17%. Adenoma-free colon was achieved in 55% of patients at initial resection. Multivariate analysis revealed that achievement of an adenoma-free colon was significantly associated with number of adenomas and years of endoscopic experience. CONCLUSIONS: CFP using jumbo biopsy forceps was safe and showed a high one-bite resection rate for diminutive lesions of 3 mm or smaller. The low definite recurrence rate confirms the reliability of CFP using jumbo biopsy forceps. Number of adenomas and years of endoscopic experience were key factors in achieving an adenoma-free colon.
Adenoma ; Biopsy ; Colon ; Colonoscopy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Multivariate Analysis ; Polyps ; Prospective Studies ; Recurrence ; Surgical Instruments