Kagawa University

About: Kagawa University is a education organization based out in Takamatsu, Japan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Cancer & Population. The organization has 6028 authors who have published 11918 publications receiving 224111 citations. The organization is also known as: Kagawa Daigaku.

Recycled crustal zircons from podiform chromitites in the Luobusa ophiolite, southern Tibet

Abstract: We have measured the U–Pb age of zircon grains separated from podiform chromitites from the Luobusa ophiolite, Southern Tibet, using laser ablation microprobe – inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA-IC-PMS), to determine the age relationship between the podiform chromitites and the host mantle peridotite. Spot analyses with LA-IC-PMS, assisted by cathodoluminescence images gave a wide age range, from the Cretaceous to the Late Archean (ca 100–2700 Ma). The minimum ages of ca 100 Ma, plotted on the concordia curve, were slightly lower than the metasomatic (magmatic) event in the supra-subduction zone (120 ± 10 Ma), suggesting that the zircons suffered some Pb loss. However, most of the ages found are much older than those of the chromitite and ophiolite formation. Laser Raman spectroscopy analyses revealed that the zircons recovered from the chromitites contain crustal mineral inclusions, such as quartz and K-feldspar, but lack mantle minerals (e.g., olivine, pyroxene, and chromite), suggesting that they had a crustal origin. The results indicate that crustal zircons in chromitites had a xenocrystic origin and resided in the mantle peridotite for a long period before being entrained into the chromitite during its formation. This indicates that the mantle peridotite under the Neo-Tethys Ocean was affected by the crustal material contamination. Our results are consistent with previous reports that mid-oceanic ridge basalts in the Indian Ocean have the isotopic signature of crustal material contamination. From these results, and previous isotopic studies on Gondwana geology, we conclude that ancient zircons from podiform chromitites could provide evidence of crustal material being recycled through the upper mantle.

Complication rates of ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy: A nation‐wide survey in Japan

Abstract: Objective: To assess the morbidity secondary to ultrasound-guided systematic prostate biopsy in Japan. Methods: Five hundred and forty-eight principal urological training institutions certified by the Japanese Urological Association participated in the survey. A retrospective analysis of complications after prostate biopsy was conducted. Results: Medical records of 212 065 procedures carried out between 2004 and 2006 were reviewed. Seventy-six percent of procedures had been carried out transrectally, and 23% transperineally. Hematuria, rectal bleeding and hematospermia occurred in 12%, 5.9% and 1.2% of cases, respectively. Voiding symptoms were reported after biopsy in 1.9% of cases and urinary retention in 1.1%. Fever (>38°C) was observed in 1.1% and sepsis occurred in 0.07%. Hospitalization was required in 0.69% of cases for the treatment of biopsy-related complications. Conclusions: Overall, contemporary ultrasound-guided systematic prostate biopsy is safely carried out in Japan. However, minor complications are not infrequent, whereas major ones remain very rare but life-threatening if they occur. Thus, adequate information should be provided to patients undergoing prostate biopsy.

A Proteomic Approach Provides New Insights into the Control of Soil-Borne Plant Pathogens by Bacillus Species

Abstract: Beneficial microorganisms (also known as biopesticides) are considered to be one of the most promising methods for more rational and safe crop management practices. We used Bacillus strains EU07, QST713 and FZB24, and investigated their inhibitory effect on Fusarium. Bacterial cell cultures, cell-free supernatants and volatiles displayed varying degrees of suppressive effect. Proteomic analysis of secreted proteins from EU07 and FZB24 revealed the presence of lytic enzymes, cellulases, proteases, 1,4-β-glucanase and hydrolases, all of which contribute to degradation of the pathogen cell wall. Further proteomic investigations showed that proteins involved in metabolism, protein folding, protein degradation, translation, recognition and signal transduction cascade play an important role in the control of Fusarium oxysporum. Our findings provide new knowledge on the mechanism of action of Bacillus species and insight into biocontrol mechanisms.

Deferoxamine reduces neuronal death and hematoma lysis after intracerebral hemorrhage in aged rats.

Abstract: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is primarily a disease of the elderly. Deferoxamine (DFX), an iron chelator, reduces long-term neurological deficits and brain atrophy after ICH in aged rats. In the present study, we investigated whether DFX can reduce acute ICH-induced neuronal death and whether it affects the endogenous response to ICH (ferritin upregulation and hematoma resolution) in aged rats. Male Fischer 344 rats (18 months old) had an intracaudate injection of 100 μL autologous whole blood into the right basal ganglia and were treated with DFX (100 mg/kg) or vehicle 2 hours post-ICH and then every 12 hours up to 7 days. Rats were euthanized 1, 3, or 7 days later for neuronal death, ferritin and hematoma size measurements. Plasma ferritin levels and behavioral outcome following ICH were also examined. DFX treatment significantly reduced ICH-induced neuronal death and neurological deficits. DFX also suppressed ferritin upregulation in the ipsilateral basal ganglia after ICH and hematoma lysis (hematoma volume at day 7: 13.2±4.9 vs. 3.8±1.2 mm3 in vehicle-treated group, p<0.01). However, effects of DFX on plasma ferritin levels after ICH did not reach significance. In conclusion, DFX reduces neuronal death and neurological deficits after ICH in aged rats. It also affects the endogenous response to ICH.