Retraction: Paper “Efficacy of Oral Etidronate for Skeletal Diseases in Japan” by Iwamoto J, et al. [Yonsei Med J 2005 Jun;46(3):313-320]

Jun Iwamoto,Tsuyoshi Takeda,Yoshihiro Sato 연세대학교의과대학 2023 Yonsei medical journal Vol.64 No.5

We have decided to retract the paper entitled “Efficacy of Oral Etidronate for Skeletal Diseases in Japan” [Yonsei Med J 2005 Jun;46(3):313-320.] by Iwamoto J, Takeda T, Sato Y. From information obtained after publication, we have recently become aware of a number of issues related to scientific misconduct.

Inhibiting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Injured Intervertebral Discs Attenuates Pain-Related Neuropeptide Expression in Dorsal Root Ganglia in Rats

Jun Sato,Kazuhide Inage,Masayuki Miyagi,Yoshihiro Sakuma,Kazuyo Yamauchi,Masao Koda,Takeo Furuya,Junichi Nakamura,Miyako Suzuki,Go Kubota,Yasuhiro Oikawa,Takeshi Sainoh,Kazuki Fujimoto,Yasuhiro Shiga 대한척추외과학회 2017 Asian Spine Journal Vol.11 No.4

Study Design: An experimental animal study. Purpose: To evaluate effects of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the content and distribution of the calcitonin generelated peptide (CGRP) in the dorsal ganglia in a rat model. Overview of Literature: Increased expression of VEGF in degenerative disc disease increases the levels of inflammatory cytokines and nerve ingrowth into the damaged discs. In animal models, increased levels of VEGF can persist for up to 2 weeks after an injury. Methods: Through abdominal surgery, the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) innervating L5/L6 intervertebral disc were labeled (FluoroGold neurotracer) in 24, 8-week old Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were randomly allocated to three groups of eight rats each. The anti- VEGF group underwent L5/6 intervertebral disc puncture using a 26-gauge needle, intradiscal injection of 33.3 μg of the pegaptanib sodium, a VEGF165 aptamer. The control-puncture group underwent disc puncture and intradiscal injection of 10 μL saline solution, and the sham-surgery group underwent labeling but no disc puncture. Two rats in each group were sacrificed on postoperative days 1, 7, 14, and 28 after surgery. L1–L6 DRGs were harvested, sectioned, and immunostained to detect the content and distribution of CGRP. Results: Compared with the control, the percentage of CGRP-positive cells was lower in the anti-VEGF group (p <0.05; 40.6% and 58.1% on postoperative day 1, 44.3% and 55.4% on day 7, and 42.4% and 59.3% on day 14). The percentage was higher in the control group compared with that of the sham group (p <0.05; sham group, 34.1%, 40.7%, and 33.7% on postoperative days 1, 7, and 14, respectively). Conclusions: Decreasing CGRP-positive cells using anti-VEGF therapy provides fundamental evidence for a possible therapeutic role of anti-VEGF in patients with discogenic lower back pain.

Phylogeographic and Feeding Ecological Effects on the Mustelid Faunal Assemblages in Japan

Jun J. Sato 한국동물분류학회 2013 Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity Vol.29 No.2

Phylogeographic and feeding ecological studies of seven terrestrial mustelid species (Carnivora, Mustelidae), the Japanese marten Martes melampus, the sable Martes zibellina, the Japanese badger Meles anakuma, the ermine or the stoat Mustela erminea, the Japanese weasel Mustela itatsi, the least weasel Mustela nivalis, and the Siberian weasel Mustela sibirica, representing four biogeographic patterns in the Japanese archipelagos (Hokkaido, Honshu-Shikoku-Kyushu, Tsushima, and Hokkaido-Honshu), were reviewed in order to clarify causes for the faunal assemblage processes of those mustelid species in Japan. Here, three main constraints were extracted as important factors on the mustelid assemblage. First, fundamental evolutionary differences maintained by niche conservatism in each ecologically diversified lineage (“evolutionary constraint”) would enable the species to co-occur without any major problem (coexistence among Martes, Meles, and Mustela species). Second, “ecological constraints” would force two closely related species to be allopatric by competitive exclusion (Mu. itatsi and Mu. sibirica) or to be sympatric by resource partitions (Mu. erminea and Mu. nivalis). Third and most importantly, “geological constraints” would allow specific species to be embraced by a particular geographic region, primarily deciding which species co-occurs. The allopatric distribution of two Martes species in Japan would have been established by the strong effect of the geological separation in Tsugaru Strait. Elucidating both phylogeny and ecology of co-existing species in a community assemblage is important to know which species possess distinct lineage and which ecological traits are adapted to local environments, fulfilling the requirement of the field of conservation biology that endemism and adaptation should both be considered. The Japanese archipelagos would, therefore, provide valuable insight into the conservation for small carnivoran species.

Spatial Filter for Short Period Code Modulation Visual Evoked Potentials in Brain Computer Interfaces

Jun-ichi Sato,Yoshikazu Washizawa 대한전자공학회 2015 ITC-CSCC :International Technical Conference on Ci Vol.2015 No.6

Code modulation visual evoked potential brain computer interfaces (cVEP-BCIs) using pseudo-code modulated stimuli have been proposed and exhibited high information transfer rate. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) is often used for a spatial filter of cVEP-BCI. However, for shorter code cVEPs, CCA is sensitive to the delay of measuring. In this study, we propose a spatial filter using a correlation between the code correlation function and a correlation function of the filtered EEG signal. Experimental results demonstrate the performance of the proposed method.

Phylogeographic and Feeding Ecological Effects on the Mustelid Faunal Assemblages in Japan

Sato, Jun J. The Korean Society of Systematic Zoology 2013 Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity Vol.29 No.2

Phylogeographic and feeding ecological studies of seven terrestrial mustelid species (Carnivora, Mustelidae), the Japanese marten Martes melampus, the sable Martes zibellina, the Japanese badger Meles anakuma, the ermine or the stoat Mustela erminea, the Japanese weasel Mustela itatsi, the least weasel Mustela nivalis, and the Siberian weasel Mustela sibirica, representing four biogeographic patterns in the Japanese archipelagos (Hokkaido, Honshu-Shikoku-Kyushu, Tsushima, and Hokkaido-Honshu), were reviewed in order to clarify causes for the faunal assemblage processes of those mustelid species in Japan. Here, three main constraints were extracted as important factors on the mustelid assemblage. First, fundamental evolutionary differences maintained by niche conservatism in each ecologically diversified lineage ("evolutionary constraint") would enable the species to co-occur without any major problem (coexistence among Martes, Meles, and Mustela species). Second, "ecological constraints" would force two closely related species to be allopatric by competitive exclusion (Mu. itatsi and Mu. sibirica) or to be sympatric by resource partitions (Mu. erminea and Mu. nivalis). Third and most importantly, "geological constraints" would allow specific species to be embraced by a particular geographic region, primarily deciding which species co-occurs. The allopatric distribution of two Martes species in Japan would have been established by the strong effect of the geological separation in Tsugaru Strait. Elucidating both phylogeny and ecology of co-existing species in a community assemblage is important to know which species possess distinct lineage and which ecological traits are adapted to local environments, fulfilling the requirement of the field of conservation biology that endemism and adaptation should both be considered. The Japanese archipelagos would, therefore, provide valuable insight into the conservation for small carnivoran species.

Japanese sake and evolution of technology: A comparative view with wine and its implications for regional branding and tourism

Jun Sato,Ryo Kohsaka 한국식품연구원 2017 Journal of Ethnic Foods Vol.4 No.2

Background The flavor of Japanese sake (frequently referred to as Seisyu in Japanese academic contexts) has improved in recent years and demand for sake is on the rise globally. Methods Our analysis is based on a review of literature and secondary data examination of existing statistics. Results Quality control is achieved through the use of acid from polished rice. One use for acid may be for rice flavors, which are regionally specific and therefore may lead to a reconsideration of geographical indications. Conclusion The use of acid and collaboration with the local and regional community is observed in wine production. Similar processes are observed with Japanese sake, and this implies that wine and sake may have similar futures. Visits to sake breweries have potential in the spheres of tourism, regional branding, and destination management.

Development of Dilated Esophagus, Sigmoid Esophagus, and Esophageal Diverticulum in Patients With Achalasia: Japan Achalasia Multicenter Study

Hiroki Sato,Yusuke Fujiyoshi,Hirofumi Abe,Hironari Shiwaku,Junya Shiota,Chiaki Sato,Hiroyuki Sakae,Masaki Ominami,Yoshitaka Hata,Hisashi Fukuda,Ryo Ogawa,Jun Nakamura,Tetsuya Tatsuta,Yuichiro Ikebuchi 대한소화기 기능성질환∙운동학회 2022 Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility (JNM Vol.28 No.2

Background/AimsPatients with achalasia-related esophageal motility disorders (AEMDs) frequently present with dilated and sigmoid esophagus, and develop esophageal diverticulum (ED), although the prevalence and patients characteristics require further elucidation. MethodsWe conducted a multicenter cohort study of 3707 patients with AEMDs from 14 facilities in Japan. Esophagography on 3682 patients were analyzed. ResultsStraight (n = 2798), sigmoid (n = 684), and advanced sigmoid esophagus (n = 200) were diagnosed. Multivariate analysis revealed that long disease duration, advanced age, obesity, and type I achalasia correlate positively, whereas severe symptoms and integrated relaxation pressure correlate negatively with development of sigmoid esophagus. In contrast, Grade II dilation (3.5-6.0 cm) was the most common (52.9%), while grade III dilation (≥ 6 cm) was rare (5.0%). We found early onset, male, obesity, and type I achalasia correlated positively, while advanced age correlated negatively with esophageal dilation. Dilated and sigmoid esophagus were found mostly in types I and II achalasia, but typically not found in spastic disorders. The prevalence of ED was low (n = 63, 1.7%), and non-dilated esophagus and advanced age correlated with ED development. Patients with right-sided ED (n = 35) had a long disease duration (P = 0.005) with low integrated relaxation pressure values (P = 0.008) compared with patients with left-sided ED (n = 22). Patients with multiple EDs (n = 6) had lower symptom severity than patients with a single ED (P = 0.022). ConclusionsThe etiologies of dilated esophagus, sigmoid esophagus, and ED are considered multifactorial and different. Early diagnosis and optimal treatment of AEMDs are necessary to prevent these conditions.

Influence of Ovariectomy on Bone Turnover and Trabecular Bone Mass in Mature Cynomolgus Monkeys

Jun Iwamoto,Azusa Seki,Masao Matsuura,Yoshihiro Sato,Tsuyoshi Takeda,Hideo Matsumoto,James K. Yeh 연세대학교의과대학 2009 Yonsei medical journal Vol.50 No.3

Purpose: To examine the influence of ovariectomy (OVX) on bone turnover and trabecular bone mass at the 3 clinically important skeletal sites in mature cynomolgus monkeys. Materials and Methods: Six female cynomolgus monkeys, aged 17-21 years, were randomized into 2 groups by the stratified weight: the OVX and sham-operation groups (n = 3 in each group). The experimental period was 16 months. Lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) in vivo and serum and urinary bone turnover markers were longitudinally measured, and peripheral quantitative computed tomographic and bone histomorphometric analyses were performed on trabecular bone of the lumbar vertebra, femoral neck, and distal radius at the end of the experiment. Results: OVX induced in a reduction in lumbar BMD compared with the sham controls and the baseline, as a result of increased serum levels of bonespecific alkaline phosphatase and urinary levels of cross-lined N- and C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen. Furthermore, OVX induced reductions in trabecular volumetric BMD and trabecular bone mass compared with the sham controls, with increased bone formation rate at the lumbar vertebra, femoral neck, and distal radius. Conclusion: The results indicated that OVX in mature cynomolgus monkeys (17-21 years of age) increased bone turnover and induced trabecular bone loss at the three skeletal sites compared with the sham controls. Thus, mature cynomolgus monkeys could be utilized for preclinical studies to examine the effects of interventions on bone turnover and trabecular bone mass at the 3 clinically important skeletal sites. Purpose: To examine the influence of ovariectomy (OVX) on bone turnover and trabecular bone mass at the 3 clinically important skeletal sites in mature cynomolgus monkeys. Materials and Methods: Six female cynomolgus monkeys, aged 17-21 years, were randomized into 2 groups by the stratified weight: the OVX and sham-operation groups (n = 3 in each group). The experimental period was 16 months. Lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) in vivo and serum and urinary bone turnover markers were longitudinally measured, and peripheral quantitative computed tomographic and bone histomorphometric analyses were performed on trabecular bone of the lumbar vertebra, femoral neck, and distal radius at the end of the experiment. Results: OVX induced in a reduction in lumbar BMD compared with the sham controls and the baseline, as a result of increased serum levels of bonespecific alkaline phosphatase and urinary levels of cross-lined N- and C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen. Furthermore, OVX induced reductions in trabecular volumetric BMD and trabecular bone mass compared with the sham controls, with increased bone formation rate at the lumbar vertebra, femoral neck, and distal radius. Conclusion: The results indicated that OVX in mature cynomolgus monkeys (17-21 years of age) increased bone turnover and induced trabecular bone loss at the three skeletal sites compared with the sham controls. Thus, mature cynomolgus monkeys could be utilized for preclinical studies to examine the effects of interventions on bone turnover and trabecular bone mass at the 3 clinically important skeletal sites.

Comparison of Effects of Alendronate and Raloxifene on Lumbar Bone Mineral Density, Bone Turnover, and Lipid Metabolism in Elderly Women with Osteoporosis

Jun Iwamoto,Yoshihiro Sato,Mitsuyoshi Uzawa,Tsuyoshi Takeda,Hideo Matsumoto 연세대학교의과대학 2008 Yonsei medical journal Vol.49 No.1

Purpose: To compare the effects of alendronate and raloxifene on lumbar bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover, and lipid metabolism in elderly women with osteoporosis. Subjects and Methods: One hundred twenty- two postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (mean age: 69.4 years) were randomly divided into 2 groups of 61 patients: the alendronate group and the raloxifene group. BMD of the lumbar spine, urinary level of cross-linked N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX), and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol (TC), high and low density lipoprotein cholesterols (LDL-C and HDL-C, respectively), and triglycerides (TG) were measured during the 12-month-treatment period. Results: The trial in 50 patients in the alendronate group and 52 patients in the raloxifene group could be completed. Both alendronate and raloxifene increased lumbar BMD (+8.0% and +2.4% at 12 months, respectively), followed by reductions of urinary NTX level and serum ALP level; however, the effects of alendronate were more pronounced than those of raloxifene. Only raloxifene reduced the serum levels of TC and LDL-C (-3.9% and -7.7% at 12 months, respectively), without any significant effect on the serum HDL-C and TG levels. Conclusion: The present study confirmed the efficacy of alendronate greater than raloxifene in increasing lumbar BMD through its effect on marked reduction of the bone turnover more than by raloxifene, and some beneficial effects of raloxifene on lipid metabolism in elderly women with osteoporosis.

GPR Development for Landmine Detection

Sato, Motoyuki,Fujiwara, Jun,Feng, Xuan,Zhou, Zheng-Shu,Kobayashi, Takao Korean Society of Earth and Exploration Geophysici 2005 지구물리와 물리탐사 Vol.8 No.4

Under the research project supported by Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), we have conducted the development of GPR systems for landmine detection. Until 2005, we have finished development of two prototype GPR systems, namely ALIS (Advanced Landmine Imaging System) and SAR-GPR (Synthetic Aperture Radar-Ground Penetrating Radar). ALIS is a novel landmine detection sensor system combined with a metal detector and GPR. This is a hand-held equipment, which has a sensor position tracking system, and can visualize the sensor output in real time. In order to achieve the sensor tracking system, ALIS needs only one CCD camera attached on the sensor handle. The CCD image is superimposed with the GPR and metal detector signal, and the detection and identification of buried targets is quite easy and reliable. Field evaluation test of ALIS was conducted in December 2004 in Afghanistan, and we demonstrated that it can detect buried antipersonnel landmines, and can also discriminate metal fragments from landmines. SAR-GPR (Synthetic Aperture Radar-Ground Penetrating Radar) is a machine mounted sensor system composed of B GPR and a metal detector. The GPR employs an array antenna for advanced signal processing for better subsurface imaging. SAR-GPR combined with synthetic aperture radar algorithm, can suppress clutter and can image buried objects in strongly inhomogeneous material. SAR-GPR is a stepped frequency radar system, whose RF component is a newly developed compact vector network analyzers. The size of the system is 30cm x 30cm x 30 cm, composed from six Vivaldi antennas and three vector network analyzers. The weight of the system is 17 kg, and it can be mounted on a robotic arm on a small unmanned vehicle. The field test of this system was carried out in March 2005 in Japan.