Headache can occur as a result of activation of pain-sensitive cranial structures, such as the dura mater, vasculature, and the cranial and cervical muscles and ligaments, which are innervated by primary afferent neurons originating from the trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia of the upper cervical spinal nerves. Similar to general nociceptive sensation, C fibers and Adelta fibers are known to play an important role in headache perception. Findings from nerve stimulation studies indicate that C fibers transmit aching, throbbing, or burning pain that builds up slowly, whereas the Adelta fibers conduct sharper initial pain sensation. These primary afferent nerve fibers transmit nociceptive information from the pain-sensitive endings in the cranial structures through the trigeminal and first and second spinal dorsal root ganglia to the brainstem at the pontine level. The nociceptive fibers then project to the central pain-conducting pathways at the spinal trigeminal nucleus. In this chapter, we discuss the anatomy in relation to headache, including the meninges, dural sinuses, blood vessels, sensory ganglia, cranial and neck muscles, and the central pain-conducting pathways.

Bispyribac sodium (BS), a pyrimidinyl carboxy herbicide, is a well-known inhibitor of acetolactate synthase (ALS) activity. ALS is an enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway for branched-chain amino acids. A mutant form of rice ALS (OsmALS [W548L/S627I]) that confers resistance to BS can be used as an in vitro selection marker gene for plant transformation. Since indica and indica-derived cultivars are thought to have lower BS sensitivity than japonica rice, the application of BS as a selectable reagent for genetic transformation in indica and indica-derived cultivars is more challenging than for japonica cultivars. In this study, callus and seedlings of eight different rice cultivars (five indica-derived cultivars, two indica cultivars and one japonica cultivar) were tested for BS sensitivity. Our study indicates for the first time that callus shows a higher sensitivity to BS than seedlings in indica and indica-derived cultivars. We used BS with OsmALS [W548L/S627I] to select transformed calli, and transgenic rice plants from indica and indica-derived cultivars were successfully obtained.

Please cite this paper as: Protective effects of platinum nanoparticles against UV-light-induced epidermal inflammation. Experimental Dermatology 2010. Abstract: Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis play important roles in the ultraviolet (UV)-induced inflammatory responses in the skin. Metal nanoparticles have been developed to increase the catalytic activity of metals, which is because of the large surface area of smaller particles. Platinum nanoparticles (nano-Pt) protected by poly acrylic acid were manufactured by reduction with ethanol. A marked increase in ROS production was observed in UV-treated HaCaT keratinocytes cell lines, while a decrease in ROS production was observed in nano-Pt-treated cells. Pretreatment of the cells with nano-Pt also caused a significant inhibition of UVB- and UVC-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that mice treated with nano-Pt gel prior to UV irradiation showed significant inhibition of UVB-induced inflammation and UVA-induced photoallergy compared to UV-irradiated control mice. These results suggest that nano-Pt effectively protects against UV-induced inflammation by decreasing ROS production and inhibiting apoptosis in keratinocytes.

Rice blast is one of the most widespread and destructive plant diseases worldwide. Breeders have used disease resistance (R) genes that mediate fungal race-specific 'gene-for-gene' resistance to manage rice blast, but the resistance is prone to breakdown due to high pathogenic variability of blast fungus. Panicle blast 1 (Pb1) is a blast-resistance gene derived from the indica cultivar 'Modan.'Pb1-mediated resistance, which is characterized by durability of resistance and adult/panicle blast resistance, has been introduced into elite varieties for commercial cultivation. We isolated the Pb1 gene by map-based cloning. It encoded a coiled-coil-nucleotide-binding-site-leucine-rich repeat (CC-NBS-LRR) protein. The Pb1 protein sequence differed from previously reported R-proteins, particularly in the NBS domain, in which the P-loop was apparently absent and some other motifs were degenerated. Pb1 was located within one of tandemly repeated 60-kb units, which presumably arose through local genome duplication. Pb1 transcript levels increased during the development of Pb1+ cultivars; this expression pattern accounts for their adult/panicle resistance. Promoter:GUS analysis indicated that genome duplication played a crucial role in the generation of Pb1 by placing a promoter sequence upstream of its coding sequence, thereby conferring a Pb1-characteristic expression pattern to a transcriptionally inactive 'sleeping' resistance gene. We discuss possible determinants for the durability of Pb1-mediated blast resistance.

Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) often present with dry skin, and the reduced secretion of sebum may be responsible for the impaired skin barrier function. A sebum check film enables the patient to self-evaluate the skin sebum content. This study compared the sebum check film with a sebumeter. The skin sebum content of the forehead was measured using a sebum check film and a sebumeter. The findings of the sebum content of healthy controls showed that the sebum dot fields on the sebum check film were significantly correlated with the sebum content measured using the sebumeter (r = 0.774, p < 0.001). In addition, the sebum fields on the sebum check film of AD patients (n = 26) were significantly less than those on the sebum check film of the controls (n = 30; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the analysis of the sebum fields on the sebum check film of the AD patients was significantly correlated with their sebum content findings that were obtained using a sebumeter (r = 0.592, p < 0.01). These findings indicate that the sebum check film is easy to use for measuring the sebum secretion and is suitable for self-checking the sebum contents by AD patients for daily skin care.

External counterpulsation (ECP) is a beneficial and noninvasive treatment for coronary artery disease or heart failure; however, it still has a lot of limitations. We used a novel ECP system, Compact CP, the main feature of which is the double-lumen cuff that reduces the impact of cuff inflation and the size of the air compressor. The first lumen was a contact cuff that was attached to the legs with a constant pressure (8 kPa). The second lumen was a main cuff that was inflated and deflated with a driving pressure and synchronized to the cardiac cycle. In this report, we describe the results of four pilot studies in a total number of 39 healthy volunteers and initial clinical experiences of this system in three patients. The pilot studies demonstrated that the ECP system provided significant diastolic augmentation and systolic unloading. It also achieved a satisfactory diastolic/systolic pressure ratio (1.00 +/- 0.06) with a high comfort level at a driving pressure of 40 kPa. Higher pressure (50-70 kPa) increased the assist performance but decreased the comfort level. ECP was also applied with a patient with chronic refractory angina and two patients with postoperative heart failure following cardiac surgery. The clinical conditions improved. No adverse effect was observed. Our novel ECP system is safe, effective, and promising in the treatment of coronary artery disease or heart failure. Further clinical investigations are needed to support the significance of this system.

Basal-like breast cancers are triple-negative (estrogen receptor negative, progesterone receptor negative, erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2 (ERBB2) negative) tumors with an aggressive clinical behavior that lacks effective molecular targets for therapy. We reported previously that the basal-like subtype cell lines display high constitutive nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activation, whose inhibition in the basal-like subtypes suppressed their proliferation. Moreover, NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK) is involved in the constitutive NF-kappaB activation. Here, we report that enhanced NIK expression, which is exclusively observed in the basal-like subtype rather than the luminal-like subtype or non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cells, is caused by epigenetic alteration of the NIK gene. The stability of NIK mRNA and transcriptional activity driven by the NIK promoter are similar in the basal-like and luminal-like subtypes. However, histone H3 acetylation levels were up-regulated in the basal-like subtype. Furthermore, treatment of the luminal-like subtype with a histone deacetylase inhibitor, valproic acid, significantly increased NIK expression. Although DNA methylation of the NIK locus was not detected, NIK expression also increased when the luminal-like subtype was treated with 5-azacytidine, which inhibits histone H3-Lys-9 dimethylation in addition to DNA methylation. Taken together, these results suggest that the closed chromatin structure mediated by histone H3 methylation and deacetylation suppresses NIK expression in the luminal-like subtype, whereas disruption of these suppression mechanisms leads to enhanced NIK expression and the constitutive NF-kappaB activation in the basal-like subtype. Thus, NIK and genes induced by the NIK-mediated constitutive NF-kappaB activation could be therapeutic targets of basal-like breast cancer. (Cancer Sci 2010).

Birds have excellent visual abilities that are comparable or superior to those of primates, but how the bird brain solves complex visual problems is poorly understood. More specifically, we lack knowledge about how such superb abilities are used in nature and how the brain, especially the telencephalon, is organized to process visual information. Here we review the results of several studies that examine the organization of the avian telencephalon and the relevance of visual abilities to avian social and reproductive behavior. Video playback and photographic stimuli show that birds can detect and evaluate subtle differences in local facial features of potential mates in a fashion similar to that of primates. These techniques have also revealed that birds do not attend well to global configural changes in the face, suggesting a fundamental difference between birds and primates in face perception. The telencephalon plays a major role in the visual and visuo-cognitive abilities of birds and primates, and anatomical data suggest that these animals may share similar organizational characteristics in the visual telencephalon. As is true in the primate cerebral cortex, different visual features are processed separately in the avian telencephalon where separate channels are organized in the anterior-posterior axis roughly parallel to the major laminae. Furthermore, the efferent projections from the primary visual telencephalon form an extensive column-like continuum involving the dorsolateral pallium and the lateral basal ganglia. Such a column-like organization may exist not only for vision, but for other sensory modalities and even for a continuum that links sensory and limbic areas of the avian brain. Behavioral and neural studies must be integrated in order to understand how birds have developed their amazing visual systems through 150 million years of evolution.

A 37-year-old man sustained a floating distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint injury to the left index finger. The diagnosis was not confirmed until 3 months after the injury because of minimal deformity of the injured finger. Open reduction and internal fixation of the dorsally displaced floating DIP joint was carried out. Bone union was achieved but radiographs revealed osteoarthritis of the DIP joint.

Summary As a result of both the better understanding of complex plasma phenomena and the development of new plasma sources in the past few years, plasma medicine has developed into an innovative field of research showing high potential. While thermal plasmas have long been used in various medical fields (for instance for cauterization and sterilization of medical instruments), current research mainly focuses on application of non-thermal plasmas. Experiments show that cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs) allow efficient, contact-free and painless disinfection, even in microscopic openings, without damaging healthy tissue. Plasmas influence biochemical processes and offer new possibilities for the selective application of individually designable medically active substances. In dermatology, new horizons are being opened for wound healing, tissue regeneration, therapy of skin infections, and probably many more diseases. First clinical trials show the efficacy and tolerability of plasma in treating infected chronic wounds. A major task will be the introduction of plasma into clinical medicine and, simultaneously, the further investigation of the mechanisms of action of plasma at the cellular level.

The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the optimal timing for removal of abdominal drainage after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 148 patients were divided into 2 groups. In Group I, drains were removed according to the judgment of the surgeon. In Group II, drains were removed on postoperative day (POD) 2, except in cases of bile leakage, purulent ascites, or hemorrhage. Postoperative complications were compared between the 2 groups. Postoperative hospital stay was shorter in Group II than in Group I. Six patients required drain reinsertion for abdominal abscess and massive ascites. The risk factor for drain reinsertion was volume of drain discharge greater than 450 mL on POD 2. Early removal of the drain is desirable after surgical treatment of HCC. Moreover, it seems preferable to determine the necessity of drain removal based on assessment of the volume and nature of drain discharge on POD 2.

Apple polyphenols (AP) mainly consist of procyanidins (PC), which are composed of (-)-epicatechins and (+)-catechins. In order to investigate the antiageing effects of PC, we measured the lifespan of CAENORHABDITIS ELEGANS worms treated with PC. Treatment with 65 microg/mL PC extended the mean lifespan of wild-type N2 and FEM-1 worms by 12.1 % and 8.4 %, respectively, i.e., to a similar extent as resveratrol. In addition, treatment with 100 microg/mL AP also significantly prolonged the mean lifespan of the same worms by 12.0 % and 5.3 %, respectively, i.e., to a similar extent as PC. In contrast, treatment with (-)-epicatechin did not extend the lifespan of the worms. PC did not modify the growth, food intake, or fecundity of C. ELEGANS. Treatment with PC did not extend the lifespan of MEV-1 worms, which show excessive oxidative stress, indicating that PC had no antioxidant ability in the MEV-1 mutant. Moreover, treatment with PC had no effect on the longevity of SIR-2.1 worms, which lack the activity of SIR-2, a member of the sirtuin family of NAD (+)-dependent protein deacetylases. These results indicated that PC has SIR-2.1-dependent antiageing effects on C. ELEGANS.

A 68-year-old woman with severe cardiac dysfunction due to dilated phase of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was diagnosed with sigmoid cancer and scheduled for high anterior resection. Preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was 16% by transthoracic echocardiography. After placement of an epidural catheter at the T12-L1 interspace, and artery catheters in the left radial artery for invasive blood pressure monitoring and in the right femoral artery for stand-by IABE general anesthesia was induced by midazolam, fentanyl and sevoflurane, and maintained with sevoflurane. Analgesia was obtained by epidural administration of 1% lidocaine and 0.2% ropivacaine. A central venous catheter was placed in the right internal jugular vein through which dobutamine was infused throughout the operation. Cardiac function monitored by transesophageal echocardiography showed EF of 9% just after insertion. After arbitrary administration of phenylephrine and landiolol, the operation and anesthesia were completed without serious problems. However, congestive heart failure worsened on postoperative day 2, and was improved by increasing dobutamine and by administration of milrinone.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a potent lipid mediator with a wide variety of biological actions mediated through G protein-coupled receptors (LPA(1-6)). LPA(4) has been identified as a G(13) protein-coupled receptor, but its physiological role is unknown. Here we show that a subset of LPA(4)-deficient embryos did not survive gestation and displayed hemorrhages and/or edema in many organs at multiple embryonic stages. The blood vessels of bleeding LPA(4)-deficient embryos were often dilated. The recruitment of mural cells, namely smooth muscle cells and pericytes, was impaired. Consistently, Matrigel plug assays showed decreased mural cell coverage of endothelial cells in the neovessels of LPA(4)-deficient adult mice. In situ hybridization detected Lpa4 mRNA in the endothelium of some vasculatures. Similarly, the lymphatic vessels of edematous embryos were dilated. These results suggest that LPA(4) regulates establishment of the structure and function of blood and lymphatic vessels during mouse embryogenesis. Considering the critical role of autotaxin (an enzyme involved in LPA production) and Galpha(13) in vascular development, we suggest that LPA(4) provides a link between these two molecules.

Sertoli cells supply germ cells with nutrients, including highly polyunsaturated fatty acids (hPUFAs), which are essential for testicular function. We have previously reported high expression of lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT)3 in mature mouse testis and suggested an arachidonoyl-transferase activity to LPA. To investigate the role of LPAAT3 in the storage and release of PUFAs, TM4 Sertoli cells were stably transfected with LPAAT3-small hairpin (sh)RNA. Arachidonoyl-, eicosapentaenoyl-, and docosapentaenoyl-containing phosphatidylcholine (PC) and linoleoyl-containing phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS), and phosphatidylglycerol were significantly decreased as determined by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Expression of murine LPAAT3 in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells had essentially an opposite effect. The level of polyunsaturated PC correlated with cellular levels of free docosapentaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in TM4 and CHO-K1 cells, respectively. Activity assays using microsomal preparations as a source of LPAAT3 revealed an excessive PA synthesis from LPA acceptors for docosahexaenoyl-, arachidonoyl- and less pronounced for linoleoyl-CoA. We propose that the efficient incorporation of hPUFAs into PA-the precursor of several phospholipids, including PC-and the selective increase of the polyunsaturated PC pool in TM4 Sertoli cells might be required for the controlled release of hPUFAs and their supply to germ cells.-Koeberle, A., Shindou, H., Harayama, T., Shimizu, T. Role of lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase 3 for the supply of highly polyunsaturated fatty acids in TM4 Sertoli cells.

INTRODUCTION: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) offers the potential advantages of reduced postoperative pain and a lower incidence of port-site complications. Moreover, careful attention to closure can reduce the scarring after surgery. Consequently, this method is a promising technique for reducing postoperative pain, decreasing complications, and improving cosmesis. We have performed cholecystectomy in eight patients by SILS. The umbilicus was the point of entry to the abdomen in all patients. METHODS: Between May 2009 and October 2009, 31 patients underwent cholecystectomy at our hospital. The umbilicus was the point of entry to the abdomen in all patients. Three SILSs were performed using a new SILS port, and five SILSs were performed by the conventional method in which three ports are inserted into the umbilicus; the remaining ten patients underwent multiple-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (standard cholecystectomy). The results for the patients who underwent standard cholecystectomy, conventional SILS, and SILS using the new port were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The data are expressed as mean +/- standard deviation. RESULT: Of the eight cholecystectomies carried out, three were performed by SILS using the new port. No complications or mortalities were associated with this technique. The mean operating times for conventional SILS, SILS with the new port, and standard cholecystectomy were 154 +/- 57, 120 +/- 11, and 100 +/- 51 min, respectively; these inter-group differences are not significant. The blood loss in conventional SILS, SILS with the new port, and standard cholecystectomy was 9 +/- 16, 1, and 6.1 +/- 11 g, respectively; these inter-group differences are not significant. All umbilical incisions were concealed within the umbilicus. CONCLUSION: Cholecystectomy performed using SILS with the new port is a safe and feasible approach with reasonable operation times.

Angiogenesis is a complicated natural process, and understanding the mechanism by which it occurs is important for medical, pharmaceutical, and cell biological sciences. Many techniques for investigating angiogenesis have been reported. In this study, we introduced a novel application of a cell culture technique that can be used in in vitro and in vivo vascular biology research. Cultivated endothelial cells (ECs) were harvested from temperature responsive culture dishes by reducing the temperature, without the need for a proteinase treatment. For this technique, the direct contact of ECs with fibroblasts was important for the formation of a capillary-like network in vitro. Moreover, layered cell sheets containing EC-networks produced lumen and vascular structures in the three-dimensional constructs, as well as in the construct transplanted into a living body. Thus, our culture technique was able to create cell sheets and three-dimensional constructs containing EC-networks, because they preserved normal and intrinsic cell-cell direct contact and various cell adhesive factors. Moreover, the thickness of these three-dimensional (3-D) constructs could be controlled by the number of layered cell sheets. These observations indicated that our novel technology contributed to the progress of vascular biology and lead to a new tool that can be used in in vivo and in vitro vascular biology research.

The importance of distraction techniques and play therapy for sick children has long been recognised by nurses in the UK and other western countries. Although these techniques are not so well established in Japan there is growing interest in them. The authors conducted a survey and found that children's nurses in Japan appreciated the value of distraction techniques and play therapy. They argue that attitudes to using them on children's wards in Japan are changing, but there is still a lack of training and few play specialists.