Scavenging rate constants of hydrophilic antioxidants against multiple reactive oxygen species.

Scavenging rate constants of eight hydrophilic antioxidants, including caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, genistein, glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, rutin, trolox, and uric acid against multiple ROS, namely superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, and alkoxyl radical were determined with the electron spin resonance method. Direct flash photolysis measurement of the second-order rate constant in the reaction of alkoxyl radical plus the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-pyrroline N-oxide made it possible to evaluate scavenging rate constants in antioxidants. The magnitudes of scavenging rate constants were notably dependent on the character of each ROS and the overall rate constants were highest in hydroxyl radical scavenging and the lowest in superoxide anion. The highest scavenging rate constant against superoxide anion was obtained by chlorogenic acid (2.9 × 10(5) M(-1) s(-1)) and the lowest was by N-acetylcysteine (5.0 × 10(2) M(-1) s(-1)). For singlet oxygen, the highest was by glutathione (9.4 × 10(8) M(-1) s(-1)) and the lowest was by uric acid (2.3 × 10(6) M(-1) s(-1)). All other numbers are listed and illustrated. Redox potential measurements of the antioxidants indicated that the antioxidants are likely to react with superoxide anion and singlet oxygen through electron transfer processes.

Nitric oxide scavenging rates of solubilized resveratrol and flavonoids.

Relative nitric oxide scavenging rates of water-insoluble lipophilic antioxidants, such as resveratrol and flavonoids were determined using a ß-cyclodextrin analog, DM-ß-CD (heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-ß-cyclodextrin) as a solubilizer. Antioxidant-mediated decrease of NO concentration was measured with the electron spin resonance-based PTIO (2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-methylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide) method, from which scavenging rates were calculated. Because both the antioxidant and PTIO form inclusion complex with DM-ß-CD, a kinetic treatment was necessary to calculate the scavenging rates. Resveratrol showed the highest NO scavenging rate among the tested antioxidants. The magnitudes of scavenging rates were in the order of: resveratrol>catechin≈myricetin>epicatechin>epigallocatechin gallate>kaempferol. This order is not in agreement with the oxygen radical scavenging rates: i.e., myricetin>epigallocatechin gallate>catechin≈epicatechin>resveratrol>kaempferol. The tested antioxidants showed lower scavenging rates than hydrophilic antioxidants such as uric acid and caffeic acids. Previous redox potential measurement of antioxidants revealed that NO scavenging occurs through non-free radical mechanism, indicating that the scavenging capacity is dependent on the nature of the scavenging reaction.

Nitric oxide (NO) scavenging capacity of natural antioxidants.

Nitric oxide (NO)-scavenging capacities of several hydrophilic antioxidants were determined by using the PTIO method, a competitive NO-scavenging method with 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide (PTIO). Relative NO-scavenging rates of antioxidants were measured with respect to PTIO and the scavenging rate constants were calculated based on PTIO's rate constant. Results indicated that NO-scavenging rate constants of the antioxidants were: uric acid (2.5)>caffeic acid (1.2)>trolox (1.0)>genistein (0.19)>glutathione (0) ≈N-acetylcysteine (0), where the numbers are expressed in trolox equivalent unit. The oxidation potentials of these antioxidants were measured and the order in the magnitude of oxidation potential was in good accordance with NO-scavenging capacity. Based on the results, we have suggested that the primary chemical process of the antioxidant reaction with NO can be characterised with the electron transfer from NO to the antioxidant.

Pain relief associated with decreased oxyhemoglobin level in left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

Pain in the elbow, shoulder, knee, lower back, and various other joints is relieved by adhesion of pyramidal thorn patches. To elucidate the pain relief mechanism induced by the patches, we established a quantitative method for estimating the pain reduction and investigated the brain regions that change in association with pain relief. We first attempted to quantify the pain relief using transcutaneous electric stimulation (TCES) and a visual analog scale (VAS), and then applied near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to the prefrontal cortex, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). We also examined the salivary oxytocin levels, which are thought to reflect oxytocin secretion levels from the posterior pituitary in the brain. Application of pyramidal thorn patches to pain regions decreased the pain degree estimated using TCES and VAS. Oxyhemoglobin levels were likely to be decreased in the left DLPFC on the basis of NIRS measurements during patch treatment, suggesting that the left DLPFC is involved in pain relief. On the other hand, the salivary oxytocin levels varied widely. A potential reason for the varying salivary oxytocin levels is its utilization in the pain region as an analgesic agent. Our results suggest that the left DLPFC will become a target brain region for pain therapy.

Activation of the orbitofrontal cortex by both meditation and exercise: A near-infrared spectroscopy study.

In some types of meditation, such as mindfulness and Zen, breathing is the focus of attention, whereas during an excessive, short-period of anaerobic exercise, the muscles become the focus of attention. Thus, during both efforts, one's attention is focused on a certain feature of the body. Both meditation and exercise generally provide mental refreshment to humans. We hypothesized that the same brain regions are activated by both efforts in humans. To examine this hypothesis, we engaged participants in 3 tasks: meditation, exercise, and a control task. After each task, the participants underwent a 2-back test to concentrate their thoughts, while changes in their blood hemoglobin levels were simultaneously monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Seventeen participants (20-24 years of age; 11 men, 6 women) were enrolled. We applied a fast-Fourier transform (FFT) analysis to the NIRS wave data and calculated the correlation coefficients of the FFT data between (1) meditation and control, (2) exercise and control, and (3) meditation and exercise, at the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), brain areas that are generally involved in mental refreshment. A significant difference in the correlation coefficients between the OFC and DLPFC was detected in the meditation and exercise analysis, and signal source analysis confirmed that the NIRS waves spread from the right and left OFC edges (i.e., right and left temples) toward the center. Our results suggest that both meditation and exercise activate the OFC, which is involved in emotional reactions and motivation behavior, resulting in mental refreshment.

[Effects of a preventive intervention program for improving self-complexity on depression among college students].

The present study developed an intervention program for self-complexity (SC; Linville, 1987), and examined the effects of this program on college students. Participants (N = 40) were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received one session of psycho-education about SC, and kept daily records of self-aspects (social roles, interpersonal relationships, specific events/behaviors, traits, abilities, etc.) for one week. All participants were asked to complete a self-report questionnaire three times (pre, post, and follow-up). The questionnaire was comprised of items evaluating depression (The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), SC, positive self-complexity (P-SC), and negative self-complexity (N-SC). The results indicated that P-SC at the post-test was significantly increased and P-SC at the follow-up test was marginally increased in the intervention group, compared with the control group. Furthermore, structured equation modeling revealed that in the intervention group, high P-SC was related to low level of depressed mood after the program.

Seven-day shared decision making for outpatients with first episode of mood disorders among university students: A randomized controlled trial.

Providing appropriate treatment to patients with a first episode of mood disorders is crucial for recovery from the disorders. Although shared decision making (SDM) has been proposed as a promising model in psychiatric practice, an appropriate SDM approach has not yet been established. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of an originally developed seven-day SDM program for outpatients with a first episode of mood disorders among university students. University students with a first episode of mood disorders were randomly allocated into two arms: SDM and control. The participants in the SDM arm received the seven-day SDM program, which included option presentation consultation, external deliberation with a decision aid booklet, decision coaching by a nurse, and decision-making consultation. The control arm received usual care. The primary outcome was patient-perceived involvement. We enrolled 88 participants. Compared with usual care, the SDM program significantly improved patient-perceived involvement in treatment decision making without taking up clinicians' time. The program did not lead to worse symptoms of mood disorders. In conclusion, sharing treatment decision making with university students with a first episode of mood disorders is feasible.

[A stress management program for university students].

This study examined the effects of a stress management program for university students related to their stressors, problem-solving abilities (problem-solving confidence, approach-avoidance style, and personal control), knowledge of stress, and stress responses. Participants (n = 27) were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a waiting list control group. The program, including small group discussions, completion of a workbook, and follow-up interviews, was conducted for the intervention group for three weeks. Participants (n = 8 and n = 12 for the intervention and waiting list control groups, respectively) responded to three waves of questionnaires (pre, post, and follow-up). The results showed significant favorable intervention effects for knowledge of stress, problem-solving confidence, and stress responses on the post-tests, while no intervention effects were found at the follow-up.

Cohort study of the incidence of spontaneous preterm birth and septic abortion referred by pathological examination in Gifu prefecture in Japan.

AIMS: To clarify the incidence of spontaneous preterm birth (PB) and septic abortion (sab) in Gifu prefecture in Japan. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective, population-based cohort study was approved by our hospital's Institutional Review Board. All 36 hospitals (100%) in Gifu prefecture offering obstetrical services participated in the study. Patient enrollment criteria were: sab and PB from 22 to <37weeks gestation (WG), excluding for maternal and fetal indications. Pathological examinations before 36 WG and associated factors for both PB and chorioamnionitis (CAM) stage 3 were analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis judging from minimum daily clinical information in Gifu prefecture. RESULTS: The sab rate per all deliveries was 29/16871 (0.17%) at 16.9±2.9 WG. The total spontaneous PB rate was 615/16871 (3.65%) at 34.5±2.7 WG, with birth weight (BW) 2267±557g. There were 26 (0.15%) PBs from 22+0 to 27+6 WG (weeks+days) at 25.2±1.5 WG, with BW 745±199g. Among 214 pathological examinations, CAM was detected in 80% (sab) and 63% (PB<36 WG), respectively. Funisitis were 14% and 17% respectively. Episodes of serial genital bleeding and/or hematoma at <12 WG were more frequent in sab and earlier PB (<28 WG) associated with CAM stage 3 (odds 1.9, P<0.0001). Combined factors such as bleeding and past history of CAM correlated with earlier delivery at 23.4±5.9 WG (P=0.0032). CONCLUSION: In Gifu prefecture, the incidence of sab was 0.17% (per all deliveries) and 3.65% of spontaneous PB. The combined risk of past CAM history and bleeding was associated with earlier delivery among total preterm birth.

[Suicide in Tsukuba University students, 1974-2002].

In this report, the author presents circumstances surrounding suicide in university students through the analysis of cases of suicide in Tsukuba University students. The subjects were 52 students (38 undergraduate, 14 graduate; 34 males, 18 females) who had committed suicide from 1974 to 2002. The average suicide rate was 18.6 per 100000, which was less than that of university students a few decades ago. The rate among liberal arts students was higher than that among science students. The number of victims increased later in the school year, and suicides among senior grades were higher. The peaks were distributed in September and March in a school years and on Tuesdays in a week. About 80% of the suicides used hanging and jumping from a height. Hanging was the most common method in both sexes, and the rate of hanging was higher in male than in female. The rate of jumping and overdose or drug was higher in female than in male. Of the 52 subjects, 16 (about 30%) had visited the outpatients clinic in the university health service center. Their clinical diagnosis was clearly divided into schizophrenic disorder and mood disorder. There was a history of suicide attempt in a half of the subjects, half of which, furthermore, had attempted suicide more than once. About half of them committed suicide less than two weeks after the last clinical visit. There might be some possible explanations for this overlooking of potential suicides, including remission of vigilance, difficulty in diagnosis and difficulty in cultivating rapport. Furthermore, suicide victims had less tendency to think of themselves as cheerful than control subjects at the point of entrance. Taking these results into consideration, the author made a few suggestions regarding suicide prevention in university students.

Anxiety measurements in university students undergoing third molar extraction.

OBJECTIVE: This investigation was conducted to quantitate the anxiety associated with third molar extraction in university students, and to compare the measured anxiety before and after extraction and between men and women, first and second extraction, and impacted versus nonimpacted tooth extraction. STUDY DESIGN: The Japanese version of The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), a psychological test, was given to 108 students undergoing third molar extraction. The students completed the test on the first examination (day 1), immediately before the extraction (day 2), and the day after the extraction (day 3). RESULTS: The state anxiety (STAI-S) score showed no significant difference between days 1 and 2, but the score on day 3 was lower than that on day 1, with a decrease in cases with a stage IV or V. Women showed more anxiety state on day 2 than men. The anxiety score on days 2 and 3 for the second extraction were significantly lower than those for the first extraction in 43 students who underwent third molar extractions twice. The change in the trait anxiety (STAI-T) stage was unremarkable among days 1, 2, and 3. No statistical difference was found in the anxiety between students undergoing impacted and nonimpacted third molar extraction. CONCLUSIONS: The anxiety status of students undergoing third molar extraction could be quantitatively evaluated using the STAI. The results of this investigation may provide oral maxillofacial surgeons with useful information about patients' anxiety throughout the tooth removal process.

[A psychopathological study on three-dimensional computer graphics (3DCGs): special reference to pictures made by a schizophrenic patient before and after the onset].

A patient with catatonic type schizophrenia drawing 3-dimensional computer graphics (3DCGs) before and after the onset is reported. His 3DCGs are discussed from the view of psychopathology. A 21-year-old male was admitted to our hospital. He was an art student. For three months before admission, he had been absorbed in drawing 3DCGs. When he was asked to draw handmade pictures by his teacher, he experienced a bizarre mood and took an overdose of aspirin. At the time of admission, he was in a stupor state, and was diagnosed with catatonic type schizophrenia. After admission, he exhibited excitement and disorganized speech. These symptoms disappeared after administration of neuroleptics, and he was discharged. The 3DCGs he drew before and after the onset revealed several special characteristics. First, the compositions of his pictures were too geometric and too precise. Secondly, the themes of his pictures changed from romantic before the onset to symbolic after it, and the styles changed from realistic to abstractive after the onset. Finally, histograms of the 3DCGs revealed many colors before onset, which converged to simple colors after. Therefore, it was suggested that the latent pathological process at the beginning of schizophrenia might be reflected in his 3DCGs. 3DCGs are a new type of fine art. They can express beautiful and cool images more simply than handmade pictures. Due to these features, artists can create images of their innerworld, with less effort and talent than picture drawings, by computer assistance. This case suggests that the geometric working space, change-free viewpoints, and computer assistance, which are characteristics of the methods in making 3DCGs may be suitable for schizophrenic artists to create images of their innerworld. However, being absorbed in making 3DCGs could also promote the latent schizophrenic process to the onset.