This is a report on the precision controlled gastric mass screenings conducted under the sponsorship of the Welfare Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives in Nagano Prefecture and the assessment test using some samples of radiographic stomach images.
Physicians and x-ray technicians participated in the test and interpreted in their own ways the radiographs of 30 healthy cases and 20 cases of cancer of the stomach. Experienced physicians and technicians made better scores on the test than those less experienced in reading radiographs. Physicians read a little better that technicians in checkups of different parts regardless of years of experience, but the difference was not significant. In terms of FP and FN percentages (?), physicians scored 40.5% and 20.8% on the first tryout, and 34.0% and 29.0% on the second tryout.
The 1988 mass screening found 67.4% of cancer in antral and angular areas and 23.8% on the lesser curvature side of the angular area.
Grade 5 means that “No doubt about the existence of cancerous lesions.” In the 1983 screening, 25% of the grade 5 cases turned out to be nothing wrong upon close examination. The figure went down to 5.9% in the 1988.

The effect of ingestion of a chilled carbohydrate and electrolyte solution on metabolic and hormonal responses and water-electrolyte balance was studied after two 5-km runs in hot outdoor conditions (Temp, 30.6-30.9°C ; humidity, 61.3-62.4%) . Eight healthy females (mean age 21.8 years) participated in : 1) a control experiment (Copt) with no fluid intake, 2) an experiment with 500 ml of tap water (WI), and 3) an experiment with 500 ml of sports beverage (SB) containing carbohydrate and electrolytes each of which were given after the 1st 5-km run, followed by a second 5-km run with an equivalent to 68.7-72.3% of VO₂max. In the Cont, decreases in %ΔPV and blood glucose (BS) and increases in serum osmolality (Sosm), free fatty acid (sFFA) and plasma hormone concentrations related to regulation of the water-electrolyte balance in the body persisted after the 2 nd run. The intake of the sports beverage prevented hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis, as shown by an increase in sFFA and positive results for qualitative analysis of ketone body in the urine, and quick recovery of plasma volume following an endurance run under a hot environment. This study suggests that fluid replacement with a sports beverage containing carbohydrate and electrolytes was superior to plain water or no fluid ingestion in terms of metabolic and hormonal responses and the recovery of plasma volume and elevated rectal temperature following an endurance run under hot conditions.

To restore gait function in paraplegic patients, hip-knee-ankle-foot orthoses are available. Orthoses maintain patient stability when standing and walking by restricting the degree of freedom the lower extremity joints. The disadvantages of orthoses include difficulties in standing and sitting movements, and the large burden placed on the upper extremities in walking. Usage of orthoses in daily living was therefore restricted. We are developing a gait assist robot, which we named WPAL (Wearable Power-Assist Locomotor). WPAL has a high degree of freedom and internal power for flexion-extension direction in each hip, knee, ankle joint. We compared WPAL with the conventional Primewalk orthosis as a preliminary investigation. (1) We compared independent standing ability and walking distance of a walker in WPAL and Primewalk orthosis. All three subjects achieved an independent level in standing and walking in WPAL, despite these users requiring assistance when using the Primewalk. Walking distances with the WPAL were several times greater when compared to walking distance with the Primewalk. (2) We performed a single case study using the patient who made the most entries into WPAL exercise. We compared heart rate, physiological cost index (PCI), modified Borg scale, lateral sway of trunk in 6 minutes walking on treadmill. His heart rate, PCI, and modified Borg scale were significantly lower and lateral sway was significantly smaller in WPAL gait. WPAL which has degree of freedom and internal power in the lower extremities is considered a step toward practical powered orthoses use in gait reconstruction for spinal cord injuries.

The effects of exercise and dietary therapy on the prevention of diabetic nephropathy (DN) were compared. Thirty-two male OLETF rats were divided into four groups (Ex, Diet, Sed, Pre) . Fourteen LETO rats served as the normal controls. Therapy was conducted for 10 weeks from age 22 to 31 weeks. The Ex group was trained by voluntary exercise, and the Diet group had a restricted food intake resulting in the same BW as that of the Ex group. The Ex developed a significant increase in urinary albumin excretion compared to the Diet group, although significantly less than the Sed group. Blood pressure in the Ex group showed a tendency to be higher during therapy. BW and serum lipids were significantly reduced, and glucose intolerance was improved in both the Ex and Diet groups. There were no differences in the metabolic indices between the Ex and Diet groups. The Ex group showed a significantly heavier kidney weight and a tendency for enlargement of the glomerular area and volume. The protective effect of DN through improvement of the metabolic dis-order by exercise might be offset by exercise-induced renal loads. Control of exercise intensity and blood pressure appear to be important as well as the improvement of glucose intolerance and lipid metabolisms in exercise therapy to prevent an occurrence and development of DN.

Objective:Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PpPD) is a persistent and frustrating complication. To preserve pylorus ring with denervation and devascularization may be a risk factor of DGE after pancreaticoduodenectomy. We conducted this study to confirm the hypothesis that pylorus-resecting pancreatoduodenectomy (PrPD) reduces the incidence of DGE compared to PpPD. Moreover, long-term outcomes of PrPD and the adverse effect of postsurgical DGE on long-term outcomes have not been reported. Therefore, in addition, this study focused on long-term outcomes during 24 months after surgery between PrPD versus PpPD. Methods: Between October 2005 and March 2009, at Wakayama Medical University Hospital (WMUH), 130 patients with pancreatic or periampullary lesions were randomized to preservation of the pylorus ring (PpPD) or to resection of the pylorus ring (PrPD). In PpPD, the proximal duodenum was divided 3-4cm distal to the pylorus ring. In PrPD, the stomach was divided just adjacent the pylorus ring and the nearly total stomach more than 95% was preserved. Shortterm and long-term outcomes were evaluated between PpPD and PrPD. Primary endpoint is the incidence of DGE. DGE was defined according to a consensus definition and clinical grading about postoperative DGE proposed by the international study group of pancreatic surgery (ISGPS). This RCT was registered at Clinical Trials.Gov NCT00639314. Results: Of 130 patients who were enrolled in this study, 64 patients were randomized to PpPD and 66 to PrPD. The overall incidence of DGE in this RCT was 10.8% (14 of 130 patients); the overall incidence of DGE was significantly lower in PrPD (4.5%) than PpPD (17.2%) (P =0 .0244). DGE was classified into three categories proposed by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery. The proposed clinical grading classified 11 cases of DGE in PpPD into grades A (n=6), B (n=5), and C (n=0), and one case in PrPD into each of the three grades. In long-term outcomes, weight loss > grade 2 (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, Ver. 4.0) at 24 months after surgery improved significantly in PrPD (16.2%) compared with PpPD (42.2%) (P = 0.011). Nutritional status and late postoperative complications were similar between PpPD and PrPD. The incidence of weight loss greater than Grade 2 at 24 months after surgery was 63.6% in patients with DGE group and 25.3% in patients without DGE group (P = 0.010). Tmax (the time to peak 13CO2 content in 13C-acetate breath test) at 24 months after surgery in patients with DGE was significantly delayed compared with those without DGE (27.9 ± 22.7min vs.16.5 ± 10.1min, P=0.023). Serum albumin at 24 months after surgery was higher in patients without DGE than those with DGE (3.7±0.6 g/dl vs. 4.1±0.4 g/dl, P=0.013). Conclusion: This study clarified that PrPD can lead to a significant reduction in the incidence of DGE compared with PpPD. Moreover, PrPD offers similar longterm outcomes with PpPD. DGE may be associated with weight loss and poor nutritional status in long-term outcomes.

Background : The effects of rehabilitation on hemodialysis patients are unknown. We assessed the effects and investigated the association between rehabilitation treatment effects and all-cause mortality. Methods : This prospective cohort study included 120 patients on maintenance hemodialysis. ADL was assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score (total points, 126), which comprises 13 motor items (total points, 91) and five cognitive items (total points, 35). A survival curve was constructed using the Kaplan-Meier analysis and stratified into an increase or no-increase of the FIM score. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with the effects of rehabilitation. Discriminative sensitivity of FIM cognitive items for an increase in total FIM was estimated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AuROC) curve. Results : The average total FIM score increased from 64.2±3.6 to 75.8±3.0, and the increase in FIM motor and cognitive items was 11.0±1.3 and 0.5±0.6, respectively. The cumulative survival rate within 2.5 years was significantly higher in the FIM increase group than that in the FIM no-increase group. FIM cognitive items and anemia were significantly associated with rehabilitation effects, and AuROC showed that a cutoff of 34 points in cognitive FIM had moderate discriminative sensitivity for a total FIM increase (AuC, 0.719 ; p<0.0008). Conclusions : Rehabilitating hemodialysis patients improved their FIM score (particularly the motor items), and a higher FIM score resulted in a better prognosis. The effectiveness of rehabilitation depends on maintaining a perfect FIM cognitive score.

Background : A vitamin K₂ agent has recently been approved and is going to be marketed for the treatment of osteoporosis. Since vitamin K₂ agents are known to cause rebound of blood coagulation capacity lowered by an anticoagulant warfarin, a great caution is necessary for the concomitant use of these agents.
Objective and Design : A drug utilization survey to examine the use of warfarin and drugs for osteoporosis.
Methods : Fukui Medical School Database was surveyed to identify patients who used warfarin and/or drugs for osteoporosis during the period between January 1, 1988 and July 31, 1995. Patients with a diagnosis osteoporosis made between December 1, 1983 and July 31, 1995, were also identified and their prescription data were extracted to examine the combined use of warfarin and drugs for osteoporosis. In addition, 53 outpatients with cardiovascular diseases were interviewed to know the treatments and medications given by other clinics.
Results : Concomitant drug therapy for osteoporosis was given to 6.9% (56/813) of warfarin users. The proportion of concomitant use was 15% (36/234) in women, much higher than 3.5% (20/579) in men. More than 10% of the interviewed patients were receiving some treatments in other orthopedic clinics for osteoporosis or other diseases but few patients were aware of their medication.
Conclusion : Old female users of warfarin, especially those having osteoporosis concomitantly, are likely to berome a high risk group for the possible interaction between warfarin and the vitamin K₂ agent. Useful information on the safety associated with the interaction between these two drugs should be given to this group of patients as well as to the prescribers and dispensers.

Objective:Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after pylorus-preservingpancreatoduodenectomy (PpPD) is a persistent and frustrating complication. Topreserve pylorus ring with denervation and devascularization may be a risk factorof DGE after pancreaticoduodenectomy. We conducted this study to confirm thehypothesis that pylorus-resecting pancreatoduodenectomy (PrPD) reduces theincidence of DGE compared to PpPD. Moreover, long-term outcomes of PrPDand the adverse effect of postsurgical DGE on long-term outcomes have not beenreported. Therefore, in addition, this study focused on long-term outcomes during24 months after surgery between PrPD versus PpPD.Methods: Between October 2005 and March 2009, at Wakayama MedicalUniversity Hospital (WMUH), 130 patients with pancreatic or periampullarylesions were randomized to preservation of the pylorus ring (PpPD) or to resectionof the pylorus ring (PrPD). In PpPD, the proximal duodenum was divided 3-4cmdistal to the pylorus ring. In PrPD, the stomach was divided just adjacent thepylorus ring and the nearly total stomach more than 95% was preserved. Shorttermand long-term outcomes were evaluated between PpPD and PrPD. Primaryendpoint is the incidence of DGE. DGE was defined according to a consensusdefinition and clinical grading about postoperative DGE proposed by theinternational study group of pancreatic surgery (ISGPS). This RCT was registeredat Clinical Trials.Gov NCT00639314.Results: Of 130 patients who were enrolled in this study, 64 patients wererandomized to PpPD and 66 to PrPD. The overall incidence of DGE in this RCTwas 10.8% (14 of 130 patients); the overall incidence of DGE was significantlylower in PrPD (4.5%) than PpPD (17.2%) (P =0 .0244). DGE was classified intothree categories proposed by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery.The proposed clinical grading classified 11 cases of DGE in PpPD into grades A(n=6), B (n=5), and C (n=0), and one case in PrPD into each of the three grades.In long-term outcomes, weight loss > grade 2 (Common Terminology Criteriafor Adverse Events, Ver. 4.0) at 24 months after surgery improved significantlyin PrPD (16.2%) compared with PpPD (42.2%) (P = 0.011). Nutritional statusand late postoperative complications were similar between PpPD and PrPD. Theincidence of weight loss greater than Grade 2 at 24 months after surgery was63.6% in patients with DGE group and 25.3% in patients without DGE group (P= 0.010). Tmax (the time to peak 13CO2 content in 13C-acetate breath test) at24 months after surgery in patients with DGE was significantly delayed comparedwith those without DGE (27.9 ± 22.7min vs.16.5 ± 10.1min, P=0.023). Serumalbumin at 24 months after surgery was higher in patients without DGE than thosewith DGE (3.7±0.6 g/dl vs. 4.1±0.4 g/dl, P=0.013).Conclusion: This study clarified that PrPD can lead to a significant reduction inthe incidence of DGE compared with PpPD. Moreover, PrPD offers similar longtermoutcomes with PpPD. DGE may be associated with weight loss and poornutritional status in long-term outcomes.

Purpose: To evaluate prolonged esomeprazole use in Japanese pediatric patients for reflux esophagitis (RE) maintenance therapy and prevention of gastric (GU) and/or duodenal ulcers (DU) while using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or low-dose aspirin (LDA). Methods: This multicenter, open-label, parallel-group, phase III study (NCT03553563) included patients who were administered esomeprazole according to body weight (10 mg/day [Groups 1 and 3] and up to 20 mg/day [Groups 2 and 4] for patients weighing 10–20 kg and ≥20 kg, respectively). Efficacy outcomes for Groups 1 and 2 (maintenance therapy for healed RE) and Groups 3 and 4 (prevention of long-term NSAID/LDA use-associated GU/DU) were the presence/absence of RE relapse and GU/DU recurrence, respectively. Results: Esomeprazole as maintenance therapy was associated with a low RE recurrence rate, independent of body weight or dosage. Recurrence rates of RE were 0.0% and 5.3% for Groups 1 and 2, respectively. In patients previously diagnosed with GU and/or DU due to long-term NSAID/LDA use, the recurrence rates of GU/DU during weeks 0–32 were 11.1% and 0.0% in Groups 3 and 4, respectively. Conclusion Long-term use of 10- or 20-mg, once-daily esomeprazole demonstrated a favorable benefit-risk balance in preventing RE and suppressing recurrence of GU and/or DU secondary to NSAID or LDA therapy in Japanese pediatric patients. No new safety concerns were identified. Esomeprazole may be a viable option for managing RE and preventing GU and DU in Japanese pediatric patients.