Generation of pressures over 40 GPa using Kawai-type multi-anvil press with tungsten carbide anvils

We have generated over 40 GPa pressures, namely, 43 and 44 GPa, at ambient temperature and 2000 K, respectively, using Kawai-type multi-anvil presses (KMAP) with tungsten carbide anvils for the first time. These high-pressure generations were achieved by combining the following pressure-generation techniques: (1) precisely aligned guide block systems, (2) high hardness of tungsten carbide, (3) tapering of second-stage anvil faces, (4) materials with high bulk modulus in a high-pressure cell, and (5) high heating efficiency.

Differential impacts of duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) on cognitive function in first-episode schizophrenia according to mode of onset

Background

The mode of onset and the course of schizophrenia illness exhibit substantial individual variations. Previous studies have pointed out that the mode of onset affects the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and clinical outcomes, such as cognitive and social functioning. This study attempted to clarify the association between the DUP and clinical features, taking the different modes of onset into consideration, in a prospective longitudinal study examining patients with first-episode schizophrenia.

Methods

This study was conducted in six areas of Japan. Patients with first-episode schizophrenia were followed for over 18 months. Cognitive function, psychopathology, and social functioning were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, and 18-month follow-up points.

Results

We identified 168 patients and sufficient information was available to determine the DUP and the mode of onset for 156 patients (92.9%): 79 had an acute onset, and 77 had an insidious onset. The DUP was significantly associated with quality of life (QOL), social functioning, and cognitive function at most of the follow-up points in the insidious-onset group. The DUP and negative symptoms at baseline were significant predictors of cognitive function at the 18-month follow-up in the insidious-onset group.

Conclusions

The present results further support the hypothesis that the DUP affects QOL, social functioning, and cognitive function over the course of illness, especially in patients with an insidious onset. Effective strategies for detecting and caring for individuals with insidious onset early during the course of schizophrenia will be essential for achieving a full patient recovery.

Clinical practice at a multi-dimensional treatment centre for individuals with early psychosis in Japan

Early intervention for psychosis in Japan has lagged behind that in western countries, but has rapidly begun to attract attention in recent years. As part of a worldwide trend, a multi-dimensional treatment centre for early psychosis consisting of a Youth Clinic, which specialises in young individuals with an at-risk mental state for psychosis, and Il Bosco, a special day-care service for individuals with early psychosis, was initiated at the Toho University Omori Medical Center in Japan in 2007. The treatment centre aims to provide early intervention to prevent the development of full-blown psychosis in patients with an at-risk mental state and intensive rehabilitation to enable first-episode schizophrenia patients to return to the community. We presently provide the same programmes for both groups at Il Bosco. However, different approaches may need to be considered for patients with an at-risk mental state and for those with first-episode schizophrenia. More phase-specific and need-specific services will be indispensable for early psychiatric interventions in the future.

Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome Demonstrated by Current MR Images

Current magnetic resonance imaging techniques demonstrated MR findings of Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome in a 44-year-old man. Statistical parametric mapping analysis of the T1-weighted images showed focal atrophy in the basal ganglia. Three-dimensional white matter fibers of corticospinal tracts, corpus callosum and cingulate bundle were demonstrated using diffusion tensor data correlated to the patient's clinical conditions.

Orexin-mediated feeding behavior involves both leptin-sensitive and -insensitive pathways

Orexin-A and -B are neuropeptides that are implicated in the regulation of vigilance states and energy homeostasis. Orexins are specifically produced by neurons located within the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), a region implicated in the regulation of feeding behavior. Here, we examined the functional interactions between orexins and anorectic factors [leptin, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)] in rats. Intracerebroventricular injection of orexin-A (10 nmol) potently augmented food intake in rats. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) (0.3 nmol) and galanin (3 nmol) also induced a transient increase in food intake. Both NPY- and galanin-induced feeding behaviors were completely inhibited by preadministration of leptin (3 microg), while the same or a higher dose (10 microg) of leptin only partially inhibited orexin-A or -B-induced increase of food intake. Preadministration of anorectic peptides (alpha-MSH and GLP-1), which are shown to be regulated by leptin, abolished NPY-induced feeding; however, orexin-induced feeding was only partially inhibited by these anorectic peptides. These observations suggest that NPY- and galanin-induced increases of feeding involve a leptin-sensitive pathway, while orexin-induced feeding involves both leptin-sensitive and -insensitive pathways.

Orexin-induced food intake involves neuropeptide Y pathway

Orexins (orexin-A and -B) are recently identified neuropeptides, which are thought to be implicated in the regulation of feeding behavior. We used a NPY-Y1 receptor specific antagonist, BIBO3304, to examine whether NPY is involved in orexin-induced feeding behavior. Intracerebroventricular administration of orexin-A (10 nmol) induced food intake in rats (food intake for 3 h; vehicle 0.3+/-0.2 g vs. orexin-A 10 nmol, 4.0+/-0.5 g, n=4). Orexin-induced feeding behavior was partially inhibited by prior administration of BIBO3304 (3 h food intake: orexin-A 10 nmol, 4.0+/-0.5 g vs. BIBO3304 (60 microgram) + orexin-A 10 nmol, 2.2+/-0.2 g, n=4). A low dose of BIBO3304 (30 microgram) did not show a significant inhibitory effect. BIBO3457, an inactive enantiomer, used as a negative control, did not show any inhibitory effect on orexin-A-induced feeding behavior. Fos expression was observed in NPY-containing neurons in the arcuate nucleus 1 h after orexin-A (10 nmol) was administered intracerebroventricularly (control 0.3+/-0.08%, orexin-A 10.2+/-0.8%, n=5 rats/group). These observations suggest that NPY is involved in orexin-induced feeding behavior. However, BIBO3304 did not completely abolish the effect of orexin-A. These results suggest that orexin-A elicits feeding behavior partially via the NPY pathway. The NPY system could be the one of downstream pathways by which orexin-A induces feeding behavior. Another pathway may also be involved in orexin-A-induced feeding behavior, because BIBO3304 did not completely abolish orexin-A-induced feeding behavior.