Evaluation of Pleasure-Displeasure Induced by Use of Lipsticks with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS): Usefulness of 2-Channel NIRS in Neuromarketing.

In order to examine whether near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) would be a useful neuromarketing tool, we employed NIRS to evaluate the difference of pleasure-displeasure in women, induced by the use of different types of lipsticks. The subjects used lipsticks A and B; A is softer than B. Concentration changes of oxy-Hb were measured in the bilateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) during use of lipsticks A and B. We evaluated the right and left dominancy of PFC activity by calculating the Laterality Index (LI) (LI = leftΔoxy-Hb - rightΔoxy-Hb); positive LI indicates left-dominant activity while negative LI indicate right-dominant activity. We found a significant interaction between the use of lipsticks A and B, using a two-way factorial analysis of variance [F(1,13) = 9.63, p < 0.01]; Δoxy-Hb in the left PFC was larger than that in the right PFC during the use of lipstick A, while Δoxy-Hb in the right PFC tended to be larger than that in the left PFC during the use of lipstick B (p < 0.1). The LI of lipstick A was larger than that of lipstick B (paired T-test, p = 0.0083). We suggest that lipstick A caused a more positive emotional response than lipstick B, since greater left than right frontal cortical activity is associated with positive affect. These results suggest that 2-channel NIRS may be a useful neuromarketing tool, since it allows objective assessment of pleasure-unpleasure.

Effects of Cosmetic Therapy on Cognitive Function in Elderly Women Evaluated by Time-Resolved Spectroscopy Study.

With the rapid increase in dementia in developed countries, it is important to establish methods for maintaining or improving cognitive function in elderly people. To resolve such problems, we have been developing a cosmetic therapy (CT) program for elderly women. However, the mechanism and limitations of CT are not yet clear. In order to clarify these issues, we employed time-resolved spectroscopy (TRS) to evaluate the effect of CT on prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity in elderly females with various levels of cognitive impairment. Based on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, the subjects were classified into mild (mean MMSE score: 24.1±3.8) and moderate (mean MMSE score: 10.3±5.8) cognitive impairment (CI) groups (p<0.0001). The mild CI group exhibited significantly larger baseline concentrations of oxy-Hb and t-Hb than the moderate CI group. CT significantly increased the baseline concentrations of oxy-Hb (p<0.002) and t-Hb (p<0.0013) in the left PFC in the mild CI group. In contrast, CT did not change the concentrations of oxy-Hb and t-Hb in the moderate CI group (p>0.05). These results suggest that CT affects cognitive function by altering PFC activity in elderly women with mild CI, but not moderate CI.

Increase of Clostridium perfringens in association with Eimeria in haemorrhagic enteritis in Japanese beef cattle.

A coprological survey with detailed clinical observation of naturally occurring haemorrhagic enteritis (HE) cases was conducted to understand the pathophysiology of HE by clarifying the infection status of Eimeria and enteropathogenic bacteria in cattle. Faecal samples from 55 cases of HE and 26 clinically normal animals were collected, and a quantitative examination of Eimeria and potential enteropathogenic bacteria was performed. The number of Eimeria species oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG) exceeded 10,000 in 69.1 per cent of HE cases with a maximum of 1,452,500 OPG and Eimeria zuernii was found to be overwhelmingly dominant. A significant increase in faecal coliform count was observed in HE cases compared with clinically normal animals. Among the animals shedding >10,000 OPG, 42.9 per cent showed a remarkable increase in Clostridium perfringens abundance (>104 CFU/g) in the faeces. In the cases with C. perfringens detected, its abundance was positively correlated with Eimeria OPG and high C. perfringens abundance was always accompanied by high Eimeria OPG. E. zuernii is likely to play a crucial role in massive multiplication of C. perfringens in HE in cattle.

Atomoxetine reverses locomotor hyperactivity, impaired novel object recognition, and prepulse inhibition impairment in mice lacking pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurobehavioral disorder that is characterized by attention difficulties, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. A non-stimulant drug, atomoxetine (ATX), which is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, is widely used for ADHD because it exhibits fewer adverse effects compared to conventional psychostimulants. However, little is known about the therapeutic mechanisms of ATX. ATX treatment significantly alleviated hyperactivity of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)-deficient (PACAP(-/-)) mice with C57BL/6J and 129S6/SvEvTac hybrid background. ATX also improved impaired novel object recognition memory and prepulse inhibition in PACAP(-/-) mice with CD1 background. The ATX-induced increases in extracellular noradrenaline and dopamine levels were significantly higher in the prefrontal cortex of PACAP(-/-) mice compared to wild-type mice with C57BL/6J and 129S6/SvEvTac hybrid background. These results suggest that ATX treatment-induced increases in central monoamine metabolism may be involved in the rescue of ADHD-related abnormalities in PACAP(-/-) mice. Our current study suggests that PACAP(-/-) mice are an ideal rodent model with predictive validity for the study of ADHD etiology and drug development. Additionally, the potential effects of differences in genetic background of PACAP(-/-) mice on behaviors are discussed.

Central PACAP mediates the sympathetic effects of leptin in a tissue-specific manner.

We previously demonstrated that the peptidergic neurotransmitter pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) affects the autonomic system and contributes to the control of metabolic and cardiovascular functions. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of centrally-mediated sympathetic effects of leptin for obesity-related hypertension. Here we tested whether PACAP signaling in the brain is implicated in leptin-induced sympathetic excitation and appetite suppression. In anesthetized mice, intracerebroventricular (ICV) pre-treatment with PACAP6-38, an antagonist of the PACAP receptors (PAC1-R and VPAC2), inhibited the increase in white adipose tissue sympathetic nerve activity (WAT-SNA) produced by ICV leptin (2µg). In contrast, leptin-induced stimulation of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was not affected by ICV pre-treatment with PACAP6-38. Moreover, in PACAP-deficient (Adcyap1-/-) mice, ICV leptin-induced WAT-SNA increase was impaired, whereas RSNA response was preserved. The reductions in food intake and body weight evoked by ICV leptin were attenuated in Adcyap1-/- mice. Our data suggest that hypothalamic PACAP signaling plays a key role in the control by leptin of feeding behavior and lipocatabolic sympathetic outflow, but spares the renal sympathetic traffic.

Effects of anserine on the renal sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure in urethane-anesthetized rats.

Previous studies have demonstrated that central injection of L-carnosine (beta-alynyl-L-histidine), dipeptide synthesized in mammalian muscles, affects renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and blood pressure (BP) in anesthetized rats. In the present study, using urethane-anesthetized rats, we examined the dose-dependent effects of intravenous (IV) injection of various doses of anserine, dipeptide of similar structure to L-carnosine, on RSNA, BP and heart rate (HR). We found that injection of a low dose of anserine (1 microg) significantly suppressed RSNA, BP and HR. Conversely, a high dose (1000 microg) of anserine significantly elevated RSNA, BP and HR. Pretreatment with lateral cerebral ventricular (LCV) injection of thioperamide, a histaminergic H(3)-receptor antagonist, eliminated the effects of a low dose of anserine on RSNA, BP and HR. LCV injection of diphenhydramine, a histaminergic H(1)-receptor antagonist, abolished the effects of a high dose of anserine on RSNA, BP and HR. These findings suggest that anserine affects RSNA, BP and HR in a dose-dependent manner, and that the histaminergic nerve may be involved in the dose-different effects of anserine in rats.

Mitigation of stress-induced suppression of contact hypersensitivity by odorant inhalation.

BACKGROUND: Various skin functions are affected by stress. We have previously shown that odorant inhalation can regulate skin immune reactions. OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that certain odorants can mitigate the effects of stress on skin immune reactions. METHODS: Contact hypersensitivity (CH) reactions were elicited in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were subjected to immobilization stress and were exposed to odorants for 2 days. Epidermal sheets were stained for I-A antigens and analysed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Serum corticosterone levels were assayed by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Exposure of mice to 1,3-dimethoxy-5-methylbenzene (DMMB) had no effect on the intact CH reaction, but it upregulated the reaction suppressed by immobilization stress. Other odorants, including terpinyl acetate and valerian oil, had minor effects on the CH reaction. Suppression of I-A-positive cells was prevented by DMMB inhalation. Valerian oil, but not DMMB, downregulated stress-induced plasma corticosterone levels. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that odorant inhalation modulates various physiological pathways, some of which result in regulation of skin function.

Heat shock-mediated APX gene expression and protection against chilling injury in rice seedlings.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings, when kept at 42 degrees C for 24 h before being kept at 5 degrees C for 7 d, did not develop chilling injury. Chilling resistance was enhanced in parallel with the period of heat-treatment. The level of APX activity was higher in heated seedlings whereas CAT activity was decreased by heat stress. There was no significant difference in SOD activity between heated and unheated seedlings. The elevated activity of APX was sustained after 7 d of chilling. The cytosolic APX gene expression in response to high and low temperature was analysed with an APXa gene probe. APXa mRNA levels increased within 1 h after seedlings were exposed to 42 degrees C. Elevated APXa mRNA levels could also be detected after 24 h of heating. The APXa mRNA level in preheated seedlings was still higher than unheated seedlings under cold stress. The promoter of the APXa gene was cloned from rice genomic DNA by TAIL-PCR, and characterized by DNA sequencing. The promoter had a minimal heat shock factor-binding motif, 5'-nGAAnnTTCn-3', located in the 81 bp upstream of the TATA box. Heat shock induction of the APXa gene could be a possible cause of reduced chilling injury in rice seedlings.

Leptin injection into white adipose tissue elevates renal sympathetic nerve activity dose-dependently through the afferent nerves pathway in rats.

Recent studies suggested that leptin in white adipose tissue (WAT) affected the sympathetic out flow to several tissues. We examined whether elevations of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and blood pressure (BP) could be observed by leptin injection into WAT in rats. Injections of leptin (10 and 100 ng/ml per kg) into WAT evoked the activation of RSNA dose-dependently. Circulating sympathetic nerve activators, such as leptin, insulin, glucose and lactate, were unchanged by any doses of leptin. In addition, BP was not affected by leptin injections during a 90 min experimental period. These data suggested that leptin activated the afferent nerves through the sensors in WAT, resulting in elevation of RSNA.

Odorant inhalation affects skin barrier homeostasis in mice and humans.

Previous studies have suggested that psychological stress delays cutaneous barrier recovery following acute barrier disruption, and that sedative drugs block this delay. A sedative effect of some odorants has been reported. In the present study, we demonstrate that odorant inhalation affects cutaneous barrier homeostasis in both mice and humans. Odorants with a sedative effect prevented the delay of skin barrier recovery induced by stress after acute barrier disruption. Other odorants did not show this effect.

Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma involving the cheek: an infant case with a unique clinicopathologic feature.

We report a clinicopathologic feature of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in a five-year-old boy with increasing swelling of his cheek since two years of age. Histologically, an infiltrate of atypical lymphoid cells with mature T-cell phenotype and clonality was prominent from the dermis to the subcutaneous tissue of the cheek. Although little effect was seen with aggressive multidrug-combined chemotherapy, therapy with interferon-alpha and steroids achieved a prolonged remission. This patient may provide important clues to understanding the clinicopathologic feature of rare primary CTCL in young children.

[A fundamental study of relationships between rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry].

A cylindrical model consisting of a single or plural acrylic plates with holes of various cross-sectional areas was ventilated by a Harvard pump. Pressure flow curves of the combinations were drawn and analyzed according to the percent expression method. The length of the cylinder through the same cross-sectional area did not influence the ventilatory resistance. Divergent flow toward the downstream part decreased the resistance, but convergent flow from the upstream part did not. Simultaneous setting of convergent flow from the upstream part and divergent flow to the downstream part decreased the resistance most effectively, as much as approximately 70% of the original resistance. Two separately positioned cross-sectional areas in a respiratory circuit increased the resistance about 1.4 times when the separation length was more than 3 cm, while the resistance remained between 1 and 1.4 times when the separation was shorter than 3 cm. The average values of the minimum areas measured by acoustic rhinometry were usually much larger than expected from the present study. One of the factors affecting this difference may be that the axis from the nostril to the choana is complicated enough to significantly modify the aerodynamics of the nasal cavity.

The role of two endogenous proteases of the stratum corneum in degradation of desmoglein-1 and their reduced activity in the skin of ichthyotic patients.

We investigated the role of stratum corneum (SC) trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like serine proteases in the degradation of desmoglein-1 (DSG-1) in the SC sheet. DSG-1, whose presence in the SC sheet was confirmed by Western blot analysis, was degraded completely during incubation of the SC sheet in Tris buffer. The degradation of DSG-1 was inhibited by the addition of protease inhibitors, such as aprotinin or a mixture of leupeptin and chymostatin. Either leupeptin or chymostatin alone did not inhibit its degradation. These results indicated that both trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like serine proteases are involved in the degradation of DSG-1. We further examined the activities of the two proteases in the SC obtained from patients with ichthyosis vulgaris, in whom SC desquamation is abnormal. The enzymatic activities measured using synthetic substrates were significantly decreased in these ichthyotic SC samples. This result supports the idea that these proteases play an important role in normal SC desquamation.

Potential antidepressant effects of lemon odor in rats.

Antidepressant effects brought about by olfactory stimulation with various odorants were investigated with the forced swimming test, a reliable means for screening antidepressant effects. Lemon odor significantly reduced total immobility time and potentiated the imipramine-induced reduction of total immobility time in the test. This synergistic effect of lemon odor and imipramine was not due to lemon odor decreasing the metabolism of imipramine. Lemon odor decreased locomotor activity in the open field, suggesting its effects to differ from those of psychostimulants but to be similar to those of antidepressants. The effects of citral, which is one of the main components of lemon odor, were as strong as those of lemon odor. The remaining odorants tested in this study failed to have any effects on total immobility time in the forced swimming test or on locomotor activity in the open field.

Effects of citrus fragrance on immune function and depressive states.

In our previous experiments on animals evidence was found that citrus fragrance can restore the stress-induced immunosuppression, suggesting that citrus fragrance may have an effect on restoring the homeostatic balance. Since a dysregulation of the neuroendocrine and immune function is thought to be associated with psychosomatic or psychiatric disorders an attempt was made to restore their mental health by stimulation of one of the sensory systems. Fragrance (citrus was our choice) which comforts through stimulation of the olfactory system was applied to depressive patients. It was given to 12 depressive subjects and the results indicated that the doses of antidepressants necessary for the treatment of depression could be markedly reduced. The treatment with citrus fragrance normalized neuroendocrine hormone levels and immune function and was rather more effective than antidepressants.

[Application of fragrances to treatments for depression].

High pressure stress was found to induce immunosuppression accompanied with the enhancement of motor activity in mice. Citrus fragrance restored stress-induced immunosuppression and induced calm behavior in mice. In the forced swimming test using rats, citrus fragrance reduced the total immobility time and potentiated the imipramine-induced reduction in total immobility time. The application of citrus fragrance to depressive patients made it possible to markedly reduce the doses of antidepressants needed for the treatment of patients.

Effects of olfactory stimulation with jasmin and its component chemicals on the duration of pentobarbital-induced sleep in mice.

The effect of olfactory stimulation with jasmin and its component chemicals on pentobarbital sleep time was investigated using mice. In the present study we sought to determine which component of jasmin influences pentobarbital sleep time via olfactory stimulation. Sleep time was defined as the time elapsed between intraperitoneal pentobarbital administration and the first time that the animal was able to spontaneously right itself. Sleep time was significantly decreased by olfactory stimulation with jasmin, and also by one of the fractions obtained by fractional distillation at 150 degrees C and 0.1 mmHg. The fraction which influenced the sleep time was found to consist of benzyl benzoate, isophytol, geranyl linalool, phytol and phytyl acetate, which were identified using gas chromatography with mass and infrared spectrometry. In experiments using authentic samples of these components, phytol significantly shortened the pentobarbital sleep time, while the others had no effect. We conclude that phytol is the component of jasmin which reduces the duration of pentobarbital-induced sleep.

Effects of olfactory stimulation on the sleep time induced by pentobarbital administration in mice.

The effect on the pentobarbital sleep time by olfactory stimulation with various odorants was investigated using mice to appraise the physiological or psychological significance of olfactory information. The sleep time was determined as the time elapsed between intraperitoneal pentobarbital administration and the first time that the animal was able to spontaneously right itself. The sleep time was affected by inhalation of some odorants compared to pure air controls, but not by others. The sleep time was prolonged by terpinyl acetate and phenethyl alcohol, and was shortened by lemon oil and jasmin oil. However, neither potentiation nor attenuation of pentobarbital action by odorant inhalation was observed when using anosmic mice produced by intranasal zinc sulphate treatment. In conclusion, olfactory stimulation associated with odorant inhalation influences the pentobarbital sleep time, suggesting that olfactory information may have a more potent influence on the physiological and psychological status than has previously been thought.