A comparative study on feeding timing and additive types of broilers in a high-temperature environment.

Antioxidants such as vitamin C (VC) and green tea extract (GTE) have been reported to have various antioxidant functions and are used as one of the nutritional approaches to alleviate heat stress (HS) in chickens. However, studies on the feeding timing that can produce optimal effects have not been reported. In this study, the stress-relieving effect of VC and GTE addition timing was investigated in high-temperature broiler chickens. A total of 880 1-d-old male chickens were used, and the treatments were as follows: no feed additives provided, CON; VC 250 mg/kg added from 1 d, VC1; GTE 600 mg/kg added from 1 d, GTE1; VC 250 mg/kg added from 22 d, VC22; GTE 600 mg/kg added from 22 d, GTE22. The HS environment was provided for 2 wk from the 22 d and was set at 33 ± 1 °C, 55 ± 10% for 24 h. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Broiler production was similar in all treatments. In chicken meat quality, the addition of VC and GTE had an effect on meat color and pH (P < 0.05). In particular, GTE had a positive effect on the antioxidant capacity and quality preservation of breast meat (P < 0.05). In blood characteristics, GTE1 significantly lowered the level of total cholesterol, and VC1 affected AST and IgM (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the VC1 group had a positive effect on the maintenance and development of intestinal morphology, a lower rectal temperature, and showed to relieve stress. In conclusion, the addition of VC and GTE has been shown to alleviate the high-temperature stress of broilers, and in the case of VC in particular, feeding from 1 d appeared to alleviate stress more effectively. This study suggests that it is important to determine the appropriate timing of addition of functional substances in order to effectively reduce various stresses that occur in livestock rearing.

The increasing frequency of exposure to high-temperature environments has prompted research into nutritional approaches to alleviate heat stress in chickens, but little research has been reported on feeding timing. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of feeding timing on the effectiveness of the natural antioxidants vitamin C (VC) and green tea extract (GTE). Production was similar among all treatments, and GTE fed from 1 d of age increased antioxidant capacity, including DPPH, FRAP, and MDA in carcass quality. VC fed from 1 d of age decreased AST and increased IgM in the blood, and increased villus height (VH), with a positive effect on intestinal development. In conclusion, feeding VC and GTE from 1 d of age has been shown to effectively alleviate stress by increasing antioxidant capacity in breast meat, positively changing total cholesterol, AST, and IgM in the blood, and maintaining intestinal morphology, and it is important to set the timing of feeding to increase the effectiveness of the additives.

Korean Red Ginseng extract attenuates alcohol-induced addictive responses and cognitive impairments by alleviating neuroinflammation.

Background: Alcohol is one of the most commonly used psychoactive drugs. Due to its addictive characteristics, many people struggle with the side effects of alcohol. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a traditional herbal medicine that is widely used to treat various health problems. However, the effects and mechanisms of KRG in alcohol-induced responses remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of KRG in alcohol-induced responses. Methods: We investigated two aspects: alcohol-induced addictive responses and spatial working memory impairments. To determine the effects of KRG in alcohol-induced addictive responses, we performed conditioned place preference tests and withdrawal symptom observations. To assess the effects of KRG in alcohol-induced spatial working memory impairment, Y-maze, Barnes maze, and novel object recognition tests were performed using mice after repeated alcohol and KRG exposure. To investigate the potential mechanism of KRG activity, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and western blot analysis were performed. Results: KRG-treated mice showed dose-dependent restoration of impaired spatial working memory following repeated alcohol exposure. Furthermore, withdrawal symptoms to alcohol were reduced in mice treated with KRG and alcohol. The PKA-CREB signaling pathway was activated after alcohol administration, which was reduced by KRG. However, the levels of inflammatory cytokines were increased by alcohol and decreased by KRG. Conclusion: Taken together, KRG may alleviate alcohol-induced spatial working memory impairments and addictive responses through anti-neuroinflammatory activity rather than through the PKA-CREB signaling pathway.

Anatomical proposal of local anesthesia injection for median nerve block in treating hyperhidrosis with botulinum neurotoxin.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperhidrosis, causing excessive sweat, can be treated with Botulinum neurotoxin injection. Botulinum toxin, an effective and safe treatment for hyperhidrosis, unfortunately involves significant pain due to multiple injections. This study aims to propose a more efficient and less painful approach to nerve blocks for relief, by identifying optimal injection points to block the median nerve, thereby enhancing palmar hyperhidrosis treatment. METHODS: This study, involving 52 Korean cadaver arms (mean age 73.5 years), measured the location of the median nerve relative to the transverse line at the pisiform level to establish better nerve block injection sites. RESULTS: In between the extensor carpi radialis and palmaris longus, the median nerve was located at an average distance of 47.39 ± 6.43 mm and 29.39 ± 6.43 mm from the transverse line at the pisiform level. DISCUSSION: To minimize discomfort preceding the botulinum neurotoxin injection, we recommend the optimal injection site for local anesthesia to be located 4 cm distal to the transverse line of the pisiform, within the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles.

Cost-Effectiveness of Age-Expanding Strategy of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Treatment in Household Contacts in South Korea.

PURPOSE: The strategy of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment in household tuberculosis (TB) contacts has been expanding in South Korea. However, there is little evidence of the cost-effectiveness of LTBI treatment in patients over 35 years of age. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of LTBI treatment among household TB contacts in different age groups in South Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An age-structured model of TB was developed based on the reports from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the National Health Insurance Service. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) and the averted number of TB-related deaths were estimated along with discounted costs for a measure of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. RESULTS: The number of cumulative active TB cases would decrease by 1564 and 7450 under the scenario of LTBI treatment for those aged <35 years and <70 years, respectively, relative to the no-treatment scenario. The treatment strategies for patients aged 0 to <35 years, <55 years, <65 years, and <70 years would add 397, 1482, 3782, and 8491 QALYs at a cost of $660, $5930, $4560, and $2530, respectively, per QALY. For the averted TB-related deaths, LTBI treatment targeting those aged 0 to <35 years, <55 years, <65 years, and <70 years would avert 7, 89, 155, and 186 deaths at a cost of $35900, $99200, $111100, and $115700 per deaths, respectively, in 20 years. CONCLUSION: The age-specific expansion policy of LTBI treatment not only for those under 35 years of age but also for those under 65 years of age among household contacts was cost-effective in terms of QALYs and averted TB deaths.

Botulinum neurotoxin injection in the deltoid muscle: application to cosmetic shoulder contouring.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study describes the intramuscular nerve branching of the deltoid muscle in relation to shoulder surface anatomy, with the aim of providing essential information regarding the most appropriate sites for botulinum neurotoxin injection during shoulder line contouring. METHODS: The modified Sihler's method was used to stain the deltoid muscles (16 specimens). The intramuscular arborization areas of the specimens were demarcated using the marginal line of the muscle origin and the line connecting the anterior and posterior upper edges of the axillary region. RESULTS: The intramuscular neural distribution of the deltoid muscle had the greatest arborization patterns in the area between the horizontal 1/3 and 2/3 lines of the anterior and posterior deltoid bellies, and 2/3 to axillary line in middle deltoid bellies. The greatest part of the posterior circumflex artery and axillary nerve ran below the areas with the highest aborizations. CONCLUSION: We propose that botulinum neurotoxin injections should be administered in the area between the 1/3 and 2/3 lines of the anterior and posterior deltoid bellies, and 2/3 to axillary line on middle deltoid bellies. Accordingly, clinicians will ensure minimal dose injections and fewer adverse effects of the botulinum neurotoxin injection. Deltoid intramuscular injections, such as vaccines and trigger point injections, should ideally be adapted according to our results.

Anatomical analysis of the motor endplate zones of the suprascapular nerve to the infraspinatus muscle and its clinical significance in managing pain disorder.

Myofascial pain syndrome caused by myofascial trigger points is a musculoskeletal disorder commonly encountered in clinical practice. The infraspinatus muscle is the region most frequently involved in the myofascial pain syndrome in the scapular region. The characteristics of the myofascial trigger points are that they can be found constantly in the motor endplate zone. However, localizing myofascial trigger points within the motor endplate zone and establishing an accurate injection site of the infraspinatus muscle has been challenging because the anatomical position of the motor endplate zone of the infraspinatus muscle is yet to be described. Therefore, this cadaveric study aimed to scrutinize the motor endplate zone of the infraspinatus muscle, propose potential myofascial trigger points within the muscle, and recommend therapeutic injection sites. Twenty specimens of the infraspinatus muscle for nerve staining and 10 fresh frozen cadavers for evaluation of the injection were used in this study. The number of nerve branches penetrating the infraspinatus muscle and their entry locations were analyzed and photographed. Modified Sihler's staining was performed to examine the motor endplate regions of the infraspinatus muscle. The nerve entry points were mostly observed in the center of the muscle belly. The motor endplate was distributed equally throughout the infraspinatus muscle, but the motor endplate zone was primarily identified in the B area, which is approximately 20-40% proximal to the infraspinatus muscle. The second-most common occurrence of the motor endplate zone was observed in the center of the muscle. These detailed anatomical data would be very helpful in predicting potential pain sites and establishing safe and effective injection treatment using botulinum neurotoxin, steroids, or lidocaine to alleviate the pain disorder of the infraspinatus muscle.

Sonoanatomy and an ultrasound scanning protocol of the intramuscular innervation pattern of the infraspinatus muscle.

INTRODUCTION: Botulinum neurotoxin injection is a valuable treatment method for patients with myofascial pain syndrome in the infraspinatus muscle. However, there is no botulinum neurotoxin injection guideline, and the most appropriate injection site based on topographical anatomic information for this injection to effectively treat myofascial pain syndrome in the infraspinatus muscle is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intramuscular nerve terminal of the infraspinatus muscle and to suggest the most efficient botulinum neurotoxin injection sites. METHODS: This study used 5 formalin-embalmed and 10 fresh frozen cadavers with a mean age of 78.9 years. Sihler's staining was applied to evaluate the intramuscular nerve terminal of the infraspinatus muscle. The ultrasound scanning of the infraspinatus muscle was performed based on the surface landmarks and internal structures near the scapular region. RESULTS: The intramuscular nerve terminal was mostly observed in the medial third area of the infraspinatus muscle. The deltoid tubercle, inferior angle, and acromion of the scapula are useful as surface landmarks to scan the infraspinatus muscle. DISCUSSION: The proposed injection sites based on the intramuscular nerve terminal and surface landmarks can be regarded as accurate locations to reach the cluster area of the intramuscular nerve terminal and each compartment of the infraspinatus muscle to manage the myofascial pain syndrome in the infraspinatus muscle.

Novel Therapeutics for Treating Sleep Disorders: New Perspectives on Maydis stigma.

Sleep is a restorative period that plays a crucial role in the physiological functioning of the body, including that of the immune system, memory processing, and cognition. Sleep disturbances can be caused by various physical, mental, and social problems. Recently, there has been growing interest in sleep. Maydis stigma (MS, corn silk) is a female maize flower that is traditionally used as a medicinal plant to treat many diseases, including hypertension, edema, and diabetes. It is also used as a functional food in tea and other supplements. ß-Sitosterol (BS) is a phytosterol and a natural micronutrient in higher plants, and it has a similar structure to cholesterol. It is a major component of MS and has anti-inflammatory, antidepressive, and sedative effects. However, the potential effects of MS on sleep regulation remain unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of MS on sleep in mice. The effects of MS on sleep induction were determined using pentobarbital-induced sleep and caffeine-induced sleep disruption mouse models. MS extracts decreased sleep latency and increased sleep duration in both the pentobarbital-induced sleep induction and caffeine-induced sleep disruption models compared to the positive control, valerian root extract. The butanol fraction of MS extracts decreased sleep latency time and increased sleep duration. In addition, ß-sitosterol enhances sleep latency and sleep duration. Both MS extract and ß-sitosterol increased alpha activity in the EEG analysis. We measured the mRNA expression of melatonin receptors 1 and 2 (MT1/2) using qRT-PCR. The mRNA expression of melatonin receptors 1 and 2 was increased by MS extract and ß-sitosterol treatment in rat primary cultured neurons and the brain. In addition, MS extract increased the expression of clock genes including per1/2, cry1/2, and Bmal1 in the brain. MS extract and ß-sitosterol increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and αCaMKII. Our results demonstrate for the first time that MS has a sleep-promoting effect via melatonin receptor expression, which may provide new scientific evidence for its use as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment and prevention of sleep disturbance.

Anti-Apoptotic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of an Ethanolic Extract of Lycium chinense Root against Particulate Matter 10-Induced Cell Death and Inflammation in RBL-2H3 Basophil Cells and BALB/c Mice.

Particulate matters (PMs) from polluted air cause diverse pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, including lung inflammation. While the fruits (Goji) of Lycium trees are commonly consumed as traditional medicine and functional food ingredients, the majority of their roots are discarded as by-products. To enhance the industrial applicability of Lycium roots, we prepared an ethanol extract (named GR30) of L. chinense Miller roots and evaluated its potential protective effects against particulate matter 10 (PM10)-induced inflammation and immune cell death. The GR30 treatment (0-500 µg/mL) significantly attenuated the PM10-induced cell cycle arrest, DNA fragmentation and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in RBL-2H3 basophil cells. GR30 also significantly antagonized the PM10-induced expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, and TNF-α) and COX2 expression through downregulation of MAPKs (ERK and JNK) signalling pathway. Oral administration of GR30 (200-400 mg/kg) to PM10 (20 mg/mL)-challenged mice significantly reduced the serum levels of IgE and the expression of TNF-α and Bax in lung tissues, which were elevated by PM10 exposure. These results revealed that the ethanolic extract (GR30) of L. chinense Miller roots exhibited anti-inflammatory and cyto-protective activity against PM10-induced inflammation and basophil cell death, and thus, it would be useful in functional food industries to ameliorate PM-mediated damage to respiratory and immune systems.

Guidance to trigger point injection for treating myofascial pain syndrome: Intramuscular neural distribution of the quadratus lumborum.

Postural habits and repetitive motion contribute toward the progress of myofascial pain by affecting overload on specific muscles, the quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle being the most frequently involved. The therapy of myofascial pain syndrome includes the release of myofascial pain syndrome using injective agents such as botulinum neurotoxin, lidocaine, steroids, and normal saline. However, an optimal injection point has not been established for the QL muscle. This study aimed to propose an optimal injection point for this muscle by studying its intramuscular neural distribution using the whole mount staining method. A modified Sihler's procedure was completed on 15 QL muscles to visualize the intramuscular arborization areas in terms of the inferior border of the 12th rib, the transverse processes of L1-L4, and the iliac crest. The intramuscular neural distribution of the QL had the densely arborized areas in the three lateral portions of L3-L4 and L4-L5 and the medial portion between L4 and L5.

Effects of Dietary Thraustochytrid Schizochytrium sp. and Other Omega-3 Sources on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Broilers.

BACKGROUND: Looking for alternative omega-3 sources in broiler nutrition, microalgae began to get attention. We suspected that schizochytrium might play a similar role as other omega-3 sources that have been used before. METHODS: 20 g/kg schizochytrium powder (SP), salmon oil (SO), and flaxseed oil (FO) in each of the three treatment groups were supplemented in the basal diet (CON), and productive performance, carcass traits, and thigh meat quality of broilers were evaluated. RESULTS: There was a significantly higher weight gain in the SP treatment compared to the other groups, but no difference was found in feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values increased during storage in all the treatments but were significantly lower for SP than for SO and FO after 7 days of storage. Among the ω-3 fatty acids (FAs), α-linolenic acid increased the most in the FO treatment, eicosapentaenoic acid increased the most in the SO treatment, and docosahexaenoic acid increased the most in the SP treatment in thigh meat, reflecting the FA composition of the lipid source diets. CONCLUSIONS: We suggested that all the dietary ω-3 FA sources could improve the FA composition of chicken meat and our results indicated the possibility to supplement broiler diets with 2% level of SP, SO, and FO as ω-3 FA sources to produce meat with a good nutritional quality for consumer's health benefits.

Intramuscular Innervation of the Supraspinatus Muscle Assessed Using Sihler's Staining: Potential Application in Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

Despite the positive effects of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injection into the neural arborized area, there is no anatomical evidence in the literature regarding the neural arborization of the supraspinatus muscle. The present study aimed to define the intramuscular neural arborized pattern of the supraspinatus muscle using the modified Sihler's staining method to facilitate the establishment of safe and effective injection sites in patients with myofascial pain in the supraspinatus muscle. Seventeen supraspinatus muscles from 15 embalmed cadavers were dissected. Precise suprascapular nerve entry locations were also observed. Intramuscular neural arborization was visualized by Sihler's staining. The supraspinatus muscle was divided into four portions named A, B, C, and D. The nerve entry points were observed in 88.2% (15 of 17 cases) of section B and 76.5% (13 of 17 cases) of section C of the supraspinatus muscle, respectively. The concentration of intramuscular neural arborization was highest in section B of the supraspinatus muscle, which was the center of the supraspinatus muscle. When the clinician performs a trigger point and a BoNT injection into the supraspinatus muscle, injection within the medial 25-75% of the supraspinatus muscle will lead to optimal results when using small amounts of BoNT and prevent undesirable paralysis.

Intramuscular Neural Distribution of the Serratus Anterior Muscle: Regarding Botulinum Neurotoxin Injection for Treating Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

The serratus anterior muscle is commonly involved in myofascial pain syndrome and is treated with many different injective methods. Currently, there is no definite injection point for the muscle. This study provides a suggestion for injection points for the serratus anterior muscle considering the intramuscular neural distribution using the whole-mount staining method. A modified Sihler method was applied to the serratus anterior muscles (15 specimens). The intramuscular arborization areas were identified in terms of the anterior (100%), middle (50%), and posterior axillary line (0%), and from the first to the ninth ribs. The intramuscular neural distribution for the serratus anterior muscle had the largest arborization patterns in the fifth to the ninth rib portion of between 50% and 70%, and the first to the fourth rib portion had between 20% and 40%. These intramuscular neural distribution-based injection sites are in relation to the external anatomical line for the frequently injected muscles to facilitate the efficiency of botulinum neurotoxin injections. Lastly, the intramuscular neural distribution of serratus anterior muscle should be considered in order to practice more accurately without the harmful side effects of trigger-point injections and botulinum neurotoxin injections.

Interaction of curcumin with glioblastoma cells via high and low linear energy transfer radiation therapy inducing radiosensitization effects.

Glioblastoma is a deadly cancer tumor in the brain and has a survival rate of about 15 months. Despite the high mortality rate, temozolomide has proven to increase the survival rate of patients when combined with radiotherapy. However, its effects may be limited because some patients develop therapeutic resistance. Curcumin has proven to be a cancer treatment due to its broad anticancer spectrum, high efficiency and low toxic level. Additionally, curcumin significantly enhanced radiation efficacy under high and low Linear Energy Transfer (LET) radiation conditions in vitro. In combination with radiation, curcumin increased the cell population in the sub-G1 phase and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, ultimately increasing GBM cellular apoptosis. The radiosensitizing effects of curcumin are much higher in neutron (high LET)-irradiated cell lines than in γ (low LET)-irradiated cell lines. Curcumin plus neutron combination significantly inhibited cell invasion compared with that of single treatment or curcumin combined γ-ray treatment. Curcumin enhances the radiosensitivity of Glioblastoma (GBM), suggesting it may have clinical utility in combination cancer treatment with neutron high-LET radiation.

Effects of In Ovo Injection of Zinc or Diet Supplementation of Zinc on Performance, Serum Biochemical Profiles, and Meat Quality in Broilers.

This study investigated the main effects of the in ovo injection of inorganic zinc (Zn) or diet supplementation of Zn on performance, serum biochemical profiles, and breast meat quality in broilers. A total of 480 one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were randomly divided into four groups: the control (Con, noninjected and basal diet), in ovo (injected 60 mg Zn/egg at 18 embryonic days of incubation and basal diet), Zn100 (noninjected and basal diet with Zn (100 mg/kg) for 35 days), and Zn200 (noninjected and basal diet with Zn (200 mg/kg) for 35 days) groups. The dietary supplementation of Zn increased feed intake (2860.42-2861.08 g), weight (1975.06-1985.25 g), and weight gain (1936.36-1946.53 g) compared to Con (2785.74, 1891.38, and 1852.62 g, respectively) after five weeks of age. No significant difference was found in biochemical parameters and leukocyte and erythrocyte levels in the blood among the four different groups. In ovo injected or supplemental Zn (100 and 200 mg/kg) increased IgG in the blood of broilers. Zn200 increased polyunsaturated fatty acids, and saturated fatty acid contents were reduced in breast meat compared with Con. In conclusion, Zn supplementation at 200 mg/kg could improve the weight, feed intake, blood immune response, and fatty acid profile of breast meat.

Involvement of the adenosine A1 receptor in the hypnotic effect of rosmarinic acid.

Insomnia, the most common sleep disorder, is characterized by a longer sleep latency, greater sleep fragmentation, and consequent excessive daytime fatigue. Due to the various side effects of prescribed hypnotics, demand for new drugs is still high. Recent studies have suggested the adenosine receptor (AR) as a potential therapeutic target for insomnia, however, clinically useful hypnotics targeting AR are not yet available. In the present study, we evaluated the hypnotic effect of rosmarinic acid, a phenolic compound widely found in medicinal plants, through pentobarbital-induced sleep test, electroencephalography/electromyography (EEG/EMG), and immunohistochemistry in mice. The underlying mechanisms were assessed by pharmacological approach using 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) and SCH5826, antagonists for A1R and A2AR, respectively. Receptor-binding assay and functional agonism were also performed. Our study provides a new evidence that rosmarinic acid has a direct binding activity (Ki = 14.21 ± 0.3 µM) and agonistic activity for A1R. We also found that rosmarinic acid significantly decreased sleep fragmentation and onset latency to NREM sleep, and these effects were abolished by DPCPX. The results from c-Fos immunostaining showed that rosmarinic acid decreased the neuronal activity in wake-promoting brain regions, such as the basal forebrain and the lateral hypothalamus, while increasing the neuronal activity in the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus, a sleep-promoting region; all these effects were significantly inhibited by DPCPX. Taken together, this study suggests that rosmarinic acid possesses novel activity as an A1R agonist and thereby exerts a hypnotic effect, and thus it may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for insomnia through targeting A1R.

1-Phenylcyclohexan-1-amine hydrochloride (PCA HCl) alters mesolimbic dopamine system accompanied by neuroplastic changes: A neuropsychopharmacological evaluation in rodents.

The recreational use of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine have grown rapidly due to their psychotomimetic properties. These compounds induce both non-fatal and fatal adverse effects and despite the enhanced regulation, they are continuously synthesized and are being sold in the illegal drug market, including 1-phenylcyclohexan-1-amine hydrochloride (PCA). Therefore, we evaluated its abuse potential through the conditioned-place preference (CPP), self-administration, and locomotor sensitization paradigms. Pretreatment with SCH 2 3390 and haloperidol was also performed during a CPP test. We used ELISA to measure dopamine (DA) levels and western blotting to determine effects on the DA-related proteins as well as on phosphorylated CREB, deltaFosB, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). Finally, we examined the effects on brain wave activity using electroencephalography (EEG). PCA induced CPP in mice and was self-administered by rats, suggesting that PCA has rewarding and reinforcing properties. PCA increased locomotor of mice on the first treatment and challenge days. SCH 23390 and haloperidol blocked the CPP. PCA altered the DA, tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine D1 and D2 receptors as well as p-CREB and deltaFosB. Also, PCA altered the delta and gamma waves in the brain, which were then normalized by SCH 2 3390 and haloperidol. The present findings indicate that PCA may induce abuse potential through the dopaminergic system and probably accompanied with alterations in brain wave activity which is similar to that of other psychotomimetic NMDA antagonists. We advocate thorough monitoring of PCP analogs as they pose potential harm to public health.

Taurine Stimulates Thermoregulatory Genes in Brown Fat Tissue and Muscle without an Influence on Inguinal White Fat Tissue in a High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mouse Model.

This study was conducted to investigate if taurine supplementation stimulates the induction of thermogenic genes in fat tissues and muscles and decipher the mechanism by which taurine exerts its anti-obesity effect in a mildly obese ICR (CD-1®) mouse model. Three groups of ICR mice were fed a normal chow diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD supplemented with 2% taurine in drinking water for 28 weeks. The expression profiles of various genes were analyzed by real time PCR in interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT), inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT), and the quadriceps muscles of the experimental groups. Genes that are known to regulate thermogenesis like PGC-1α, UCP-1, Cox7a1, Cox8b, CIDE-A, and ß1-, ß2-, and ß3-adrenergic receptors (ß-ARs) were found to be differentially expressed in the three tissues. These genes were expressed at a very low level in iWAT as compared to BAT and muscle. Whereas, HFD increased the expression of these genes. Taurine supplementation stimulated the expression of UCP-1, Cox7a1, and Cox8b in BAT and only Cox7a1 in muscle, while there was a decrease in iWAT. In contrast, fat deposition-related genes, monoamine oxidases (MAO)-A, and -B, and lipin-1, were decreased by taurine supplementation only in iWAT and not in BAT or muscle. In conclusion, the potential anti-obesity effects of taurine may be partly due to upregulated thermogenesis in BAT, energy metabolism of muscle, and downregulated fat deposition in iWAT.

The moderating effect of religiosity on caregiving burden and depressive symptoms in caregivers of patients with dementia.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored whether religiosity/spirituality has a protective role against negative caregiving outcomes, in a large multicenter nationwide sample of caregivers of patients with dementia in South Korea. Additionally, this study was the first to examine whether religiosity/spirituality could affect caregiving outcomes according to the various religious affiliations of caregivers. METHODS: The study was conducted on a sample of 476 caregivers of patients with dementia participated in the Clinical Research Center for Dementia of South Korea (CREDOS). We examined the moderating effect of each of the three dimensions of religiosity/spirituality (organizational religious activity, ORA; non-organizational religious activity, NORA; intrinsic religiosity, IR) on the relationship between activities of daily living (ADL) of patients with dementia and caregiving burden and depressive symptoms of caregivers, using a series of hierarchical regression analyses. In addition, these analyses were conducted according to the religious affiliations of the caregivers. RESULTS: ORA, NORA, and IR of religiosity/spirituality alleviated the effect of ADL of patients on caregiving burden. ORA and IR moderated the relationship between ADL of patients and depressive symptoms of caregivers. These moderating effects of religiosity on caregiving outcomes were different according to various religious groups. CONCLUSION: We have identified religiosity/spirituality as a protective factor for caregivers of patients with dementia. The sub-dimensions of religiosity as moderators were different by religious affiliations of caregivers. Further studies are needed to investigate the specific religiosity-related factors which could positively impact the mental health of the caregivers of patients with dementia by religions.

A new synthetic drug 5-(2-aminopropyl)indole (5-IT) induces rewarding effects and increases dopamine D1 receptor and dopamine transporter mRNA levels.

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the use of recreational synthetic psychoactive substances, which is a cause of concern among healthcare providers and legal authorities. In particular, there have been reports on the misuse of 5-(2-aminopropyl)indole (5-API; 5-IT), a new synthetic drug, and of fatal and non-fatal intoxication. Despite these reports, little is known about its psychopharmacological effects and abuse potential. Here, we investigated the abuse potential of 5-IT by evaluating its rewarding and reinforcing effects through conditioned place preference (CPP) (1, 10, and 30 mg/kg, i.p.) in mice and self-administration test (0.1, 0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg/inf., i.v.) in rats. We also examined whether 5-IT (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) induces locomotor sensitization in mice following a 7-day treatment and drug challenge. Then, we explored the effects of 5-IT (10 mg/kg, i.p.) on dopamine-related genes in the striatum, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc)/ventral tegmental (VTA) of mice by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. 5-IT produced CPP in mice but was not reliably self-administered by rats. 5-IT also induced locomotor sensitization following repeated administration and drug challenge. Moreover, 5-IT increased mRNA levels of dopamine D1 receptor in the striatum and PFC and dopamine transporter in the SNc/VTA of mice. These results indicate that 5-IT has psychostimulant and rewarding properties, which may be attributed to its ability to affect the dopaminergic system in the brain. These findings suggest that 5-IT poses a substantial risk for abuse and addiction in humans.