Eriodictyon angustifolium extract, but not Eriodictyon californicum extract, reduces human hair greying.

OBJECTIVE: Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon angustifolium and Eriodictyon californicum) has been used for many years in traditional medicine. However, the effect of Yerba Santa on melanogenesis has not yet been investigated. We aimed to assess the biological effects of Yerba Santa on hair pigmentation. METHODS: Yerba Santa extracts were assessed for their cytological effects following X-ray irradiation treatment and then tested directly for the prevention of human hair greying. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was utilized to identify the individual extract components. RESULTS: Eriodictyon angustifolium extract significantly increased melanin synthesis in the melanoma cell line through activation of the WNT/MITF/tyrosinase-signalling pathway. In contrast, E. californicum had no effect on melanin synthesis. E. angustifolium extract also demonstrated a protective effect against the damage induced by X-ray irradiation in human keratinocytes. Application of the extracts to subjects who had grey beards demonstrated a reduced number of grey beard hair per year specifically with the E. angustifolium extract. A significant decrease in grey head hair was also observed after application of E. angustifolium extract. Upregulation of gene expression related to melanin production and WNT signalling was observed after the application of E. angustifolium extract. Sterubin was the most abundant flavonoid detected by UPLC in E. angustifolium extract. In addition, sterubin showed the highest difference in terms of quantity, between E. angustifolium and E. californicum extract. CONCLUSION: Eriodictyon angustifolium extract, which is abundant in sterubin, may be suitable as a potential cosmetic and medical agent for the prevention and improvement of hair greying.

OBJECTIF: Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon angustifolium et Eriodictyon californicum) est utilisé depuis de nombreuses années en médecine traditionnelle. Cependant, l'effet de Yerba Santa sur la mélanogenèse n'a pas encore été étudié. Notre objectif était d'évaluer les effets biologiques de Yerba Santa sur la pigmentation des cheveux. MÉTHODES: Les extraits de Yerba Santa ont été évalués pour leurs effets cytologiques après un traitement d'irradiation aux rayons X, puis testés directement pour la prévention du grisonnement des cheveux humains. La chromatographie liquide ultra-performante (UPLC) a été utilisée pour identifier les composants d'extrait individuels. RÉSULTATS: L'extrait d'E. angustifolium a augmenté de manière significative la synthèse de mélanine dans la lignée cellulaire du mélanome par l'activation de la voie de signalisation WNT/MITF/tyrosinase. En revanche, E. californicum n'a eu aucun effet sur la synthèse de mélanine. L'extrait d'E. angustifolium a également démontré un effet protecteur contre les dommages induits par l'irradiation aux rayons X dans les kératinocytes humains. L'application des extraits à des sujets qui avaient une barbe grise a démontré un nombre réduit de poils gris par an spécifiquement avec l'extrait d'E. angustifolium. Une diminution significative des cheveux gris a également été observée après l'application d'extrait d'E. angustifolium. Une régulation à la hausse de l'expression des gènes liée à la production de mélanine et à la signalisation WNT a été observée après l'application d'extrait d'E. angustifolium. La stérubine était le flavonoïde le plus abondant détecté par UPLC dans l'extrait d'E. angustifolium. De plus, la stérubine a montré la plus grande différence en termes de quantité entre E. angustifolium et E. californicum. CONCLUSION: L'extrait d'E. angustifolium, qui est abondant en stérubine, peut convenir comme agent cosmétique et médical potentiel pour la prévention et l'amélioration du grisonnement des cheveux.

Dual-layer detector CT of chest, abdomen, and pelvis with a one-third iodine dose: image quality, radiation dose, and optimal monoenergetic settings.

AIM: To compare the image quality and radiation dose of reduced iodine dose dual-layer detector (DL) computed tomography (CT) with those of a conventional 120 kVp protocol for chest-abdomen-pelvis CT (CAP-CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with renal dysfunction (estimated glomerular filtrating ratio <45 ml/min/1.73 m2) underwent reduced iodine dose CAP-CT (120 kVp, 200 mg iodine/kg) on DLCT. Virtual monochromatic images (VMI) at 40-70 keV (5 keV interval) were reconstructed retrospectively. Forty matched patients who underwent conventional CAP-CT (120 kVp, 600 mg iodine/kg, iterative reconstruction) were included as controls. The size-specific dose estimate (SSDE), image noise, CT attenuation, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were compared between the protocols. Two radiologists rated image contrast, image noise, streak artefact, and diagnostic confidence on a five-point scale. RESULTS: The SSDE of the DLCT group was approximately 20% lower than that of the 120 kVp group (15.4±1.9 versus 19.4±2.3 mGy, p<0.01). DLCT-VMI provided almost constant image noise throughout the range of energies (differences of ≤13%), with the noise being equivalent or lower than 120 kVp in the abdomen. CT attenuation and CNR gradually increased as the energy decreased, with values comparable to 120 kVp being attained at around 45-50 keV. Although streak artefact was accentuated at 40-50 keV (p<0.01), the highest scores for diagnostic confidence were assigned at 40 and 45 keV, both of which were equivalent to 120 kVp (p=1.0). CONCLUSION: For CAP-CT with a one-third iodine dose, DLCT-VMI at 40-45 keV allows for a 20% reduction in radiation dose, while preserving image quality comparable to that of conventional 120 kVp protocol.

Study of factors related to the reflection abilities of dental trainees.

INTRODUCTION: This study analysed the internal and external factors related to the reflection abilities of dental trainees. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: We created transcripts from oral presentations by the dental trainees of Hiroshima University Hospital (n = 35, 2012-2013) at a significant event analysis conference. The reflection depths were compared between the trainees of the university hospital and external clinical combination groups. We determined and statistically analysed the reflection depths. RESULTS: At the end of training, a Mann-Whitney U-test revealed a significant difference in the median reflection depths of the groups (U = 66, W = 342 and P = 0.007). The results of multiple regression analysis indicated a significant relation between the reflection depth and external training completion (P = 0.024). There were no relations with other factors, including gender and academic background. CONCLUSION: Experiences in external clinics create a close connection between the staff and trainees because communities of practice can cause deeper reflections. We need to create small groups in large-scale organisations such as university hospitals. This construct can be adapted not only for Japanese dental trainees but also for global dental and other medical trainees.

Effectiveness of a simulated patient training programme based on trainee response accuracy and appropriateness of feedback.

INTRODUCTION: Simulated patients (SPs) need education and training in required skills to be effective resources in education. This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of an SP training programme based on the accuracy of trainee responses and the appropriateness of their feedback. METHODS: Thirty-two applicants to the training programme and 35 experienced SPs were included in this study. The experienced SPs served as a reference group. The rate of accurate responses and the rate of appropriate feedback were assessed with pre- and post-training tests, and these two outcome measures were compared with those of the experienced SPs. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in trainee response accuracy or appropriateness of feedback between pre- and post-training tests. The response accuracy rate of the trainees on the pre-training test was significantly lower than that of SPs with 1-2 years of experience, whilst there was no significant difference between these SPs and the trainees on the post-training test. CONCLUSIONS: Although our study suggests that more training is needed to improve the skills of SPs, the training programme may contribute to helping trainees reach a novice level in the skill of providing accurate responses. SP training should be encouraged to contribute to the effectiveness of such teaching and to establish the validity of the assessment.

OSCEs in Japanese postgraduate clinical training Hiroshima experience 2000-2009.

BACKGROUND: Hiroshima University Hospital used the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) as a formative and summative assessment tool to evaluate trainees' competence. AIM: To reflect on Hiroshima University Hospital experience of OSCEs in postgraduate training in terms of OSCE structure and trainees' perception of the OSCE they attended. METHODS: A total 27 OSCEs implemented in Hiroshima University Hospital from 2000 to 2009 were examined. The OSCE in postgraduate training, Hiroshima University Hospital, was influenced by many factors from organisational and pedagogical perspectives, and changed to meet social and curriculum needs. At each OSCE, all examinees were required to answer an anonymous questionnaire, which consisted of ten checklists, just after their experience of OSCE. RESULTS: Five hundred and forty trainees who attended each OSCE were required to answer a questionnaire and 510 were returned (94.4%). In the comparison between formative and summative OSCEs, the number of trainees who answered "the OSCE is meaningful" in formative OSCE was significantly higher than that in summative OSCE (P < 0.001). In the comparison between before and after the 2006/2007 academic year, trainees who indicated that OSCEs were meaningful increased after 2006/2007 (P < 0.05), and trainees who felt they were evaluated appropriately by these OSCEs increased after 2006/2007 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Trainees viewed OSCEs positively and appreciated their effectiveness from a pedagogical perspective, and OSCE positively affected the trainees' approach to learning. A ten-year process of OSCE change has helped with educational reforms because of its adaptability. Flexible attitudes to change are necessary for stakeholders to achieve the desired reforms.

Influence of socio-economic background and antenatal care programmes on maternal mortality in Surabaya, Indonesia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors, such as socio-economic background, quality of antenatal care and availability of family planning, responsible for high maternal mortality in Surabaya, Indonesia. METHODS: The study used a case-control design. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out, comparing 59 maternal deaths and 177 women survivors in the referral hospital, from 1996 to 1999. RESULTS: The risk factors for maternal mortality were: living outside of Surabaya [odds ratio (OR) = 11.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.0-29.2], unemployment (OR = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.7-13.8), unavailability of toilet facilities (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.0-7.7), <4 antenatal visits (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1-5.5) and initial visit to antenatal care facilities after the fourth month of pregnancy (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.3-7.0). There was no significant association between maternal mortality and the availability of family planning. CONCLUSION: Low socio-economic background and the availability of antenatal care have a significant influence on maternal mortality in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Hemodynamic responses among three tracheal intubation devices in normotensive and hypertensive patients.

UNLABELLED: We compare hemodynamic responses in normotensive and hypertensive anesthetized paralyzed patients among three intubation devices: the Macintosh laryngoscope (LS), the Trachlight lightwand (LW), and the intubating laryngeal mask airway Fastrach (ILM). Seventy-five normotensive and 75 hypertensive patients were randomly assigned to each intubation device (n = 25). Noninvasive systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded immediately preinduction, immediately preintubation, and every minute for the first 5 min after the successful intubation. The number of intubation attempts, the time to successful intubation, and any airway injuries were recorded. Pharyngolaryngeal morbidity was assessed 18-24 h after surgery by a blinded investigator. In all groups, there was a reduction in SBP and DBP but no change in HR immediately preintubation compared with baseline values. In all groups, HR increased, but there were no increases in SBP and DBP other than in DBP in the LS/hypertensive group after intubation compared with baseline values. In normotensive patients, there were no differences in any hemodynamic variables among the three devices. In hypertensive patients, SBP and DBP in the LS group were significantly higher than the ILM and LW groups for 2 min after intubation, but there were no differences in HR among the devices. The number of intubation attempts was similar among groups, but intubation time was longer for the ILM group. The incidence of airway injury was more frequent for the ILM than the LS and LW groups (16% versus 0% versus 0%). There were no differences in pharyngolaryngeal morbidity among groups. We conclude that both the ILM and the LW attenuated the hemodynamic stress response to tracheal intubation compared with the LS in hypertensive, but not in normotensive, anesthetized paralyzed patients. IMPLICATIONS: Both the intubating laryngeal mask airway Fastrach and the Trachlight lightwand attenuate the hemodynamic stress response to tracheal intubation compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope in hypertensive, but not in normotensive, anesthetized paralyzed patients.

Human GLUT5 immunolabeling is useful for evaluating microglial status in neuropathological study using paraffin sections.

In neuropathological studies it is important to detect both resting and reactive microglia in paraffin sections. We examined the usefulness of human (h) GLUT5, a glucose transporter, as a microglial marker. We produced an hGLUT5 antibody against its C-terminal sequence and stained human brain tissue sections. The hGLUT5 antibody consistently stained microglia in cryostat sections. In paraffin sections fixed with formalin, paraformaldehyde or ethanol, both resting and reactive microglia were stained; the latter were stained more intensely than the former. The hGLUT5 and glial fibrillary acidic protein labeling did not overlap each other in double immunofluorescence analyses. Oligodendrocytes, perivascular cells, choroid plexus epithelium and ependymal cell were negative for hGLUT5. Even after 1-month fixation in formalin, the hGLUT5 antibody stained microglia well. Microwave pretreatment enhanced the immunoreactivity of hGLUT5. As compared with other microglial markers, KP-1, KiM1p, CR3.43 and RCA-1, the hGLUT5 antibody could be considered good morphological marker. hGLUT5 immunolabeling clearly showed the detailed microglial processes, whereas immunolabeling with Ki-M1P and KP-1 showed cytoplasmic granules, and it was difficult to trace the microglial processes. The hGLUT5 antibody stained both resting and reactive microglia, whereas CR3.43 stained only reactive microglia, and RCA-1 labeled microvessels more intensely than microglia. Thus, hGLUT5 is a marker that is suitable for routine histopathological staining procedures.

Intubating laryngeal mask airway size selection: a randomized triple crossover study in paralyzed, anesthetized male and female adult patients.

UNLABELLED: We determined the optimal size of intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILM) for ventilation and blind tracheal intubation in men and women. We also determined the distance the tracheal tube needs to protrude beyond the distal aperture to ensure that the cuff is through the vocal cords. Fifty male and 50 female anesthetized, paralyzed patients (ASA physical status I or II, aged 18-80 yr) were studied. Three operators (A, B, and C) were involved for the purposes of blinding. The size 3, 4, or 5 ILM was inserted into each patient in random order by Operator A, and the quality of ventilation was scored (adequate, suboptimal, or failed) by Operator B. The fiberoptic position (correct, too shallow, or too deep) and the distance between the distal aperture and the vocal cords was determined by Operator B. A single attempt at blind intubation was made by Operator C. Operators B and C were blinded to the size of the ILM. Operator C was also blinded to the information recorded by Operator B. All ILMs were inserted into the laryngopharynx at the first attempt. For men and women, the ventilation score was smaller for the Size 3 than the Size 4 or 5 (all: P < 0.002). For men, correct positioning was less common with the Size 3 than the Size 4 or 5 (both: P < 0.02). For women, correct positioning was similar among sizes. For men, tracheal intubation was successful less frequently with the Size 3 (84%) than the Size 4 (100%) or 5 (98%) (both: P < or = 0.01). For women, tracheal intubation success was similar among sizes (Size 3, 4, and 5: 86%, 96%, and 92%, respectively). Intubation was always successful if the ILM was correctly positioned and always failed if it was too shallow or deep. In both male and female patients, the distance between the distal aperture and the vocal cords increased with increasing ILM size (all: P < 0.04) and patient height (P < 0.0001) and was always longer for men (all: P < 0.0001). The overall mean distance (95% confidence interval) that the tracheal tube needed to protrude was 10-12 cm (8-13 cm) in men and 8-11 cm (8-12 cm) in women. We conclude that for men, the Size 4 and 5 ILMs are better than the Size 3 for ventilation and blind intubation. For women, the Size 4 and 5 ILMs are better than the Size 3 for ventilation, but there is no difference among sizes for blind intubation. The length the tracheal tube must protrude from the distal aperture to ensure that the cuff is completely through the vocal cords is 8-13 cm, depending on ILM size, the tracheal tube size, and the sex and height of the patient. IMPLICATIONS: For men, the Size 4 and 5 intubating laryngeal mask airways are better than the Size 3 for ventilation and blind tracheal intubation. For women, the Size 4 and 5 are better than the Size 3 for ventilation, but there is no difference among sizes for blind intubation. The length the tracheal tube must protrude from the distal aperture of the intubating laryngeal mask airway to ensure that the cuff is completely through the vocal cords is 8-13 cm, depending on the size of the mask and tracheal tube and on the sex and height of the patient.

Dynamic viscoelasticity of soft liners and masticatory function.

Soft denture liners are used for edentulous patients to cushion functional forces. We hypothesized that the application of soft liners having viscoelastic properties would lead to the most marked improvement in masticatory function. The shear storage modulus (G'), shear loss modulus (G''), and loss tangent (tan delta) were determined for 6 materials by means of a dynamic viscoelastometer. Masticatory function of ten subjects was evaluated by measurements of maximum bite forces and chewing times and frequencies for 2 food samples, and by the use of visual analogue scales. The acrylic materials exhibited viscoelastic behavior, while the silicones exhibited elastic behavior. The improvement in masticatory function compared with hard resin was found to be in the order: acrylic permanent materials > silicone > acrylic temporary materials. The results suggest that the use of materials with higher tan delta and G' provides the most optimum masticatory function for patients requiring the provision of soft liners on their dentures.

Effect of viscoelastic properties of resilient denture liners on pressures under dentures.

In order to evaluate the influence of viscoelastic properties of resilient denture liners on the pressures under dentures, a series of creep and stress relaxation tests were carried out using a simplified mandibular edentulous model and denture model. Two diaphragm pressure sensors were attached to the edentulous model so that they contacted the residual ridge and the buccal slope. The results may be summarized as follows: (i) The use of resilient denture liners is effective for stress relief under dentures. (ii) The thickness increase of each denture liners causes the effect of stress relaxation. (iii) The material exhibited viscoelastic behaviour after applying the stress and has the ability to distribute stress or stress relaxation. It is important to understand the viscoelastic behaviours of each resilient denture liner and choose the material according to the clinical situation. The information obtained should be useful to clinicians when they select materials for their patients.

Effect of triacylglycerols containing medium- and long-chain fatty acids on body fat accumulation in rats.

Effect of triacylglycerols containing medium- and long-chain fatty acids (TML) on body fat accumulation was studied in rats. Male Wistar rats were fed an experimental diet containing 25% soybean oil or TML for 6 weeks. The food intake for 6 weeks did not significantly differ between the two diet groups. However, the perirenal and mesenteric adipose tissue weight and carcass fat content were significantly lower in the TML diet group than in the soybean oil diet group. The epididymal adipose tissue weight and liver triacylglycerol content did not significantly differ between the two diet groups. The digestibility of dietary fat did not significantly differ between the two diet groups. These results suggest that an intake of TML decreases body fat accumulation compared to an intake of soybean oil in rats.

Spinal N-acetyl-alpha-linked acidic dipeptidase (NAALADase) inhibition attenuates mechanical allodynia induced by paw carrageenan injection in the rat.

N-Acetylated-alpha-linked acidic dipeptidase (NAALADase) hydrolyzes N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) to liberate N-acetyl-aspartate and glutamate. NAAG is a putative neurotransmitter and acts as a mixed agonist/antagonist on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and acts as an agonist on the metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGluR3). In the present study, we examined the role of spinal NAALADase in the maintenance of mechanical allodynia induced by carrageenan injection, skin incision and mild thermal injury using 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (2-PMPA), a specific NAALADase inhibitor, in rats. Mechanical allodynia was induced by injection of 2 mg carrageenan into the paw (carrageenan model), by creating a 1-cm longitudinal skin incision of the plantar aspect of the foot (post-operative model), or by application of thermal stimulation (52.5 degrees C) for 45 s to the hind paw (mild thermal injury model). 2-PMPA was administered intrathecally at the time when the maximum mechanical allodynia occurred. Mechanical allodynia was assessed by the measurement of mechanical threshold using von Frey filaments. The mechanical threshold was measured 5, 15, 30, 60 and 90 min after the drug administration. In the carrageenan model, 100 microg of 2-PMPA attenuated the level of mechanical allodynia. 2-PMPA had no effect on the level of mechanical allodynia in both the post-operative pain model and the mild thermal injury model. These data suggested that the inhibition of spinal NAALADase alleviated mechanical allodynia induced by paw carrageenan injection.

Routine use of the intubating laryngeal mask airway results in increased upper airway morbidity.

PURPOSE: The classic laryngeal mask airway (LMA) has a soft, silicone tube and the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILM) has a rigid, silicone-coated steel tube. We compare postoperative pharyngolaryngeal morbidity in patients randomised to receive either device. METHODS: Sixty-five female patients (ASA physical status class I or II, aged 18-80 yr) undergoing balanced regional anesthesia for gynecological laparotomy expected to last one to two hours were randomly assigned for airway management with the LMA or ILM. Intracuff pressure was maintained at 60 cm H20. Postoperative pharyngolaryngeal morbidity (sore throat, difficulty swallowing, sore mouth, sore neck/jaw, hoarseness) was assessed at two, 24 and 48 hr by blinded investigators. RESULTS: The number of insertion attempts and duration of anesthesia was similar between groups. Sore throat was more common for the ILM at two hours (44 vs 15%, P=0.01), 24 hr (59 vs 21%, P=0.008) and 48 hr (34 vs 3%, P=0.005). Sore mouth was more common for the ILM at two hours (16 vs 0%, P=0.02) and 24 hr (12 vs 0%, P=0.04), but not at 48 hr (6 vs 3%). Difficulty swallowing was more common for the ILM at two hours (25 vs 0%, P=0.04), but not at 24 hr (31 vs 3%) and 48 hr (12 vs 9%). There were no differences in the incidence of sore jaw/neck (ILM, 3-12%; LMA, 0-3%) and hoarseness (ILM, 12-31%; LMA, 16-18%). There was no correlation between postoperative pharyngolaryngeal morbidity and duration of anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Pharyngolaryngeal morbidity is more common with the ILM than the LMA following anesthesia lasting one to two hours.

B cells are selectively associated with thymic cortical but not medullary pathology in NZB mice.

Abnormal expansion of autoantibody-synthesizing B cells and self-reactive T cells, which most likely escape negative selection within the thymus, have both been characterized and reasoned to play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity in NZB mice. Support for this thesis has been our observation that NZB mice have severe cortical and medullary thymic microarchitectural defects. As a means to dissect the roles of T and B cells in the induction of such abnormalities, B cell-deficient NZB mice were bred by backcrossing the Igh6(null)allele on to the NZB background (NZB-muMT mice). Such mice showed undetectable levels of autoantibodies. NZB-muMT mice, as compared to wild-type NZB mice, had lower absolute numbers of CD4(+)T cells. Furthermore, thymic abnormalities in NZB-muMT mice were restricted to the medulla. These data suggest that, while B cells may play a role in thymic cortical abnormalities, the medullary abnormalities are induced by other mechanisms.

Increased expression of mXBP-1 (TREB-5) in thymic B cells in New Zealand mice.

New Zealand Black mice as well as several other murine models of murine lupus are well known for premature degeneration of thymus and development of autoimmunity. To focus on molecular events unique to murine lupus, we performed differential display using arbitrary primer pairs to distinguish NZB versus BALB/c thymus at 5 weeks of age. Following an extensive analysis of DNA bands that were either consistently up or downregulated and from studies of expression pattern of thymic genes by in situ nucleic acid hybridization, we focused on one clone that was consistently differentially expressed between NZB and BALB/c thymus. This clone was isolated, sequenced, and identified as the murine homologue of the human X box binding protein (hXBP-1), also known as TREB 5. mXBP-1 was found to be consistently upregulated in B cells in the thymic cortex of NZB and (NZBxNZW)F1, but not BALB/c, C3H/HeJ or C57BL/6 mice. In addition, it was dramatically elevated in MRL/ lpr but not MRL/++ mice; similarly, it was increased in BXSB/ Yaa male but not BXSB female thymic cortex. Of particular interest was an absence of mXBP-1 expression in the thymus of NZB/ Bln- Igh6(null)homozygotes. mXBP-1 has several putative functions, including the regulation of MHC class II expression and by virtue of its ability to recognize CRE-like elements shown to be involved in HTLV-1 transcription.

Antagonism of ORLI receptor produces an algesic effect in the rat formalin test.

The authors investigated the role of endogenously released nociceptin (also known as orphanin FQ) spinal and supraspinal nociceptive transmission during the rat formalin test by examining the effect of intrathecal and intracerebroventricular injection of J-113397, a non-peptidyl ORL1 receptor selective antagonist. When J-113397 was injected intrathecally or intracerebroventricularly 10 min before the formalin injection, it enhanced the agitation behavior induced by paw formalin injection. This suggested that paw formalin injection induced nociceptin release in the spinal cord and the supraspinal brain sites, that this endogenously released nociceptin produced an analgesic effect and that J-113397 antagonized this analgesic effect of nociceptin and produced an algesic effect in the rat formalin test.

Inhibition of spinal N-acetylated-alpha-linked acidic dipeptidase produces an antinociceptive effect in the rat formalin test.

N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate is a putative neurotransmitter and acts as a weak agonist at the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate also acts as an agonist at the metabotropic glutamate receptor 3. N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate is hydrolyzed by N-acetylated-alpha-linked acidic dipeptidase to liberate N-acetyl-aspartate and glutamate. Recently, a specific inhibitor of N-acetylated-alpha-linked acidic dipeptidase, 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid, has been reported. In the present study, we examined the effect of i.t. administered 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid in the rat formalin test (a model of inflammatory pain) and the rat hot plate test. In the formalin test, drugs were administered 10min before (pre-treatment study) or 7min after (post-treatment study) the formalin injection. The paw formalin injection induces biphasic flinching (phase 1: 0-2min; phase 2: 10-60min) of the injected paw. In the pre-treatment study, i.t. administered 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid depressed both phases 1 and 2 flinching behavior in a dose-dependent manner but 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid had no effect on the flinching behavior in the post-treatment study. In the pre-treatment study, the potency of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid in depressing the phase 2 response is greater than that in depressing the phase 1 response. Intrathecal injection of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid had no effect in the hot plate test. We suggest that N-acetylated-alpha-linked acidic dipeptidase plays an important role in spinal nociceptive transmission and that inhibition of spinal N-acetylated-alpha-linked acidic dipeptidase produces an antinociceptive effect during the rat formalin test but not during the hot plate test.

The thermic effect is greater for structured medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols versus long-chain triacylglycerols in healthy young women.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that a single dose of structured medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (SMLCTs) composed of medium-chain (20%) and long-chain (80%) fatty acids would increase the metabolic rate more than a dose of long-chain triacylglycerols (LCTs) in 15 healthy young women aged 18 to 28 years. The effects on postingestive energy expenditure were compared for SMLCTs versus LCTs. On the experimental days, the subjects fasted overnight and then ingested 1,680 kJ SMLCTs or LCTs each day. Energy expenditure and the respiratory quotient (RQ) were measured before and after SMLCT and LCT ingestion by indirect calorimetry. Blood samples were collected before and after ingestion to obtain plasma and serum. Postingestive total energy expenditure (PTEE) was significantly higher after SMLCT ingestion versus LCT ingestion (26.9 +/- 1.0 v 25.5 +/- 1.1 kJ/kg/6 h, P < .05). The thermic effects of the test oil were also significantly greater after SMLCT ingestion compared with LCT ingestion (3.02 +/- 0.49 v 1.47 +/- 0.82 kJ/kg/6 h, P < .01). Plasma glucose and serum triacylglycerol concentrations were not significantly different. Serum free fatty acid and 3-hydroxybutyric acid concentrations were higher after SMLCT ingestion versus LCT ingestion. These results suggest that long-term substitution of SMLCTs for LCTs will produce body fat loss if energy intake remains constant.