Development and evaluation of a decision-making aid for couples hesitant about transitioning from infertility treatment to advanced assisted reproductive technology: a usability and feasibility study

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were (1) to develop a decision-making aid for couples hesitant about transitioning from infertility treatment to advanced assisted reproductive technology, (2) to examine the adequacy of this aid, and (3) to evaluate its usability. After the first version of the decision-making aid was created, the first version was supervised and finally a prototype of the decision-making aid was completed. We conducted a feasibility study from February to March 2022. We used a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design involving 22 medical professionals and infertility survivors recruited.

RESULTS

Twenty-two participants (3 reproductive medical specialists, 11 nurses who specialize in reproductive medicine, and 8 infertility survivors) were included in the final analysis (91.7% valid response rate). Of these participants, 81.8% answered Agree regarding "Easy-to-read degree of charts", 17 (77.3%) answered It is just the right amount regarding "Appropriateness of information volume", 81.8% answered Agree regarding "Ease of understanding content", and 90.9% answered Good regarding "Overall performance". From the opinions received, we extracted 4 categories: "Useful for decision making," "Suitable for providing information," "Useful in clinical practice," and "Needs improvement." Certain degrees of surface validity and content validity were confirmed for the trial version of the decision-making aid.

A longitudinal study of the association of epidural anesthesia and low-dose synthetic oxytocin regimens with breast milk supply and breastfeeding rates

Breastfeeding is known to improve maternal and child health. However, epidural anesthesia (EDA) and synthetic oxytocin (synOT) are suggested to have negative effects on breastfeeding. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of intrapartum synOT and EDA on breast milk supply, breastfeeding rates, and maternal salivary oxytocin levels. Women were recruited during pregnancy or after birth at a single hospital. Data were collected at 3 days postpartum (T1), 1 month postpartum (T2), and 4 months postpartum (T3) on 83 low-risk primiparous women who planned to breastfeed for at least 12 weeks postpartum to avoid dropouts from early discontinuance of breastfeeding. Women with cesarean section, twin pregnancy, premature neonates, and an Apgar score of < 7 at 5 min were excluded. Participants recorded their 24-h milk supply by test weights at 3 days and 1 month postpartum. Additionally, they filled out questionnaires assessing their breastfeeding level and lactogenesis stage II initiation. Salivary oxytocin levels were obtained at 3 days postpartum. Women who delivered using EDA had lower salivary oxytocin levels (P = .055, d = .442), breast milk supply in early postpartum (P = .025, d = .520) and at 1 month postpartum (P = .036, d = .483), and breastfeeding rates at 4 months postpartum (P = .037, V = .236) than women who did not deliver using EDA. There was no association between breastfeeding and the use of intrapartum synOT. In conclusion, this study showed that women who delivered using EDA had lower breast milk supply in the early postpartum period and breastfeeding rates at 4 months postpartum. It also revealed that using synOT at low doses during labor did not affect breastfeeding. Thus, women who deliver using EDA need support for increased breast milk supply in the early postpartum period.Trial registration: UMIN000037783 (Clinical Trials Registry of University Hospital Information Network).

Changes in Salivary Oxytocin Level of Term Pregnant Women after Aromatherapy Footbath for Spontaneous Labor Onset: A Non-Randomized Experimental Study

BACKGROUND

Aromatherapy is usually used to stimulate labor. However, its specific physiological effects have been scarcely examined. We evaluated whether an aromatherapy footbath increases oxytocin levels in term pregnant women.

METHODS

In this quasi-experimental study, low-risk term pregnant women in Japan underwent aromatherapy using a footbath (1) infused with clary sage and lavender essential oils, (2) infused with jasmine oil, or (3) with no infused oils (control group). The primary outcome was the salivary oxytocin level. The secondary outcomes were uterine contractions and cortisol levels.

RESULTS

In the clary sage and lavender group (n = 28), the oxytocin level increased significantly after the footbath (p = 0.035). The jasmine group (n = 27) and control group (n = 27) exhibited trends toward a respective increase and decrease in the oxytocin level; however, the changes in the oxytocin levels between the clary sage and lavender group and the control group showed no significance difference. There were no significant differences in the changes in the uterine contractions and cortisol levels between the experiment and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The changes in the oxytocin levels in the clary sage and lavender group did not differ significantly with those in the control group, possibly because of the small sample size. Further studies are required to examine the effects of repeated aromatherapy footbaths to stimulate labor.

Joint instability causes catabolic enzyme production in chondrocytes prior to synovial cells in novel non-invasive ACL ruptured mouse model

OBJECTIVE

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)-deficient model helps to clarify the mechanism of knee osteoarthritis (OA); however, the conventional ACL injury model could have included concurrent onset factors such as direct compression stress to cartilage and subchondral bone. In this study, we established a novel Non-invasive ACL-Ruptured mouse model without concurrent injuries and elucidated the relationship between OA progression and joint instability.

DESIGN

We induced the ACL-Rupture non-invasively in twelve-week-old C57BL/6 male mice and evaluated histological, macroscopical, and morphological analysis at 0 days. Next, we created the ACL-R, controlled abnormal tibial translation (CATT), and Sham groups. Then, the joint stability and OA pathophysiology were analyzed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

No intra-articular injuries, except for ACL rupture, were observed in the ACL-R model. ACL-R mice increased anterior tibial displacement compared to the Sham group (P < 0.001, 95% CI [-1.509 to -0.966]) and CATT group (P < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.841 to -0.298]) at 8 weeks. All mice in the ACL-R group caused cartilage degeneration. The degree of cartilage degeneration in the ACL-R group was higher than in the CATT group (P = 0.006) at 8 weeks. The MMP-3-positive cell rate of chondrocytes increased in the ACL-R group than CATT group from 4 weeks (P = 0.043; 95% CI [-28.32 to -0.364]) while that of synovial cells increased at 8 weeks (P = 0.031; 95% CI [-23.398 to -1.021]).

CONCLUSION

We successfully established a Non-invasive ACL-R model without intra-articular damage. Our model revealed that chondrocytes might react to abnormal mechanical stress prior to synovial cells while the knee OA onset.

The difference in joint instability affects the onset of cartilage degeneration or subchondral bone changes

OBJECTIVE

It has been debated whether the onset of knee osteoarthritis is initiated in cartilage or subchondral bone. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of increasing or decreasing joint instability on cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone changes in knee OA by comparing different models of joint instability.

DESIGN

We used the anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACL-T) model and the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model. In addition, we created a controlled abnormal tibial translation (CATT) model and a controlled abnormal tibial rotation (CATR) model. We performed joint instability analysis, micro-computed tomography analysis, histological and immunohistological analysis in 4 and 6 weeks.

RESULTS

The CATT group suppressed joint instability in the ACL-T group (6 weeks; P = 0.032), and the CATR group suppressed joint instability in the DMM group (6 weeks; P = 0.032). Chondrocyte hypertrophy in the ACL-T and DMM groups was increased compared to the Sham group (6 weeks; [ACL-T vs Sham], P = 0.002, 95%CI [5.983-33.025]; [DMM vs Sham], P = 0.022, 95%CI [1.691-28.733]). In the subchondral bone, the BV/TV in the DMM and CATR groups was increased compared to the ACL-T and CATT groups (6 weeks; [DMM vs ACL-T], P = 0.002, 95%CI [7.404-37.582]; [DMM vs CATT], P = 0.014, 95%CI [2.881-33.059]; [CATR vs ACL-T], P = 0.006, 95%CI [4.615-34.793]; [CATR vs CATT], P = 0.048, 95%CI [0.092-30.270]).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that joint instability promotes chondrocyte hypertrophy, but subchondral bone changes were influenced by differences in ACL and meniscus function.

Effectiveness of team-based learning on postpartum hemorrhage in midwifery students in Indonesia: A quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

Poor quality of care by midwives in Indonesia has become a barrier to improving maternal health. To eliminate this barrier, reforming the educational system (i.e., teaching and learning processes) is an urgent concern. Herein, we propose the use of team-based learning (TBL) as an active learning strategy to enhance knowledge of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and learning satisfaction of midwifery students in Indonesia.

OBJECTIVES

To assess and compare knowledge of PPH, long-term retention of knowledge, and learning satisfaction of midwifery students attending a TBL class versus a didactic lecture on PPH topics.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental design was used. The participants were second-year diploma level midwifery students who have (a) no TBL experience, (b) completed the previous semester, and (c) graduated from senior high school (without nursing background). We recruited 118 participants. The midwifery students in the intervention group participated 3 times in the TBL class (90 min), whereas those in the control group participated in the didactic lecture on PPH topics. An unpaired t-test was used to evaluate differences between groups. ANOVA was used to evaluate differences within groups.

RESULTS

A total of 115 participants (intervention = 62, control = 53) were finally evaluated. The demographic data and pre-test scores were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The mean knowledge of PPH scores were significantly higher in the TBL students than in the control students at post-test, 2 weeks post-test, 6 weeks post-test, and 12 weeks post-test (all p < .001). The nursing student satisfaction scale score was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group.

CONCLUSION

The findings showed that TBL is an effective active learning strategy to improve knowledge of PPH of Indonesian midwifery students before clinical practice exposure. Further long-term evaluation (e.g., 1 semester) of the effectiveness of TBL is warranted.

A comparison of team-based learning and lecture-based learning on clinical reasoning and classroom engagement: a cluster randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The lecture-based learning (LBL) implemented in most Indonesian nursing/midwifery schools underlies the students' lack of ability in clinical reasoning. Team-based learning (TBL) was proposed to improve the students' ability in clinical reasoning as it is applying a course concept of real complex scenarios. In this study, we aimed to assess and compare the effects of TBL and LBL of postpartum hemorrhage topics on the clinical reasoning and classroom engagement of midwifery students in Indonesia.

METHODS

We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of TBL and LBL. The unit was schools and random allocation was conducted using a simple random sampling method (i.e., coin flipping). There was 1 cluster in the intervention group (n = 62 students) and 1 cluster in the control group (n = 53 students). The students in the intervention group participated in a TBL class (90 min) three times, whereas the students in the control group attended an LBL class on postpartum hemorrhage topics. The primary outcome was the clinical reasoning on postpartum hemorrhage score measured at pre-test, post-test, and 2 weeks post-test. The secondary outcome was Classroom Engagement Survey (CES) score measured after each class finished. We used an unpaired t-test to evaluate the differences between the two groups. The baseline characteristics of the participants were compared using standardized difference.

RESULTS

We evaluated a total of 115 participants. Regarding the baseline characteristics, there was a small difference in the age, Grade Point Average and knowledge at pre-test between the intervention and control groups. The mean clinical reasoning on postpartum hemorrhage scores were significantly higher in the TBL students than in the LBL students at post-test (p < .001; Cohen's d = 1.41) and 2 weeks post-test (p < .001; Cohen's d = 1.50). The CES showed a significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

TBL is an effective learning method for enhancing the clinical reasoning ability of students. This learning method allows for more independent and active learning. Having a strong background knowledge, and discussing cases comprehensively with peers can sharpen the clinical reasoning ability of students.

Changes in the cortisol and oxytocin levels of first-time pregnant women during interaction with an infant: a randomized controlled trial

Background

During pregnancy, physiological, psychological, and social changes affect pregnant women’s childcare anxiety and childrearing behavior. However, there are scarce reports on hormonal evaluation related to such anxiety and behavior. Herein, we evaluated changes in salivary cortisol (primary outcome) and oxytocin (secondary outcome) levels of first-time pregnant women when interacting with an infant and discussed the relation of these changes to the women’s stress level.

Methods

This was a two-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned using a web-based randomization system. The experimental group involved interaction with an infant for 30 min. The control group involved watching a DVD movie of an infant for 30 min. Saliva samples were collected at preintervention and postintervention. Saliva samples were assayed, and all data were compared between and within the groups using independent t-test and paired t-test with a two-sided 5% significance level. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of St. Luke’s International University.

Results

A total of 102 women were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 51) and control (n = 51) groups. Finally, 38 women in the experimental group and 42 women in the control group were analyzed. The salivary cortisol level significantly decreased after the interventions in both groups (t = 4.57, p = 0.00; t = 5.01, p = 0.00). However, there were no significant differences in the salivary cortisol (t = 0.349, p = 0.73) and oxytocin (t = − 1.945, p = 0.58) levels between the two groups.

Conclusions

The salivary cortisol level of first-time pregnant women significantly decreased in the experimental and control groups postintervention, although no significant difference was found between the two groups. Such decrease indicates stress reduction and release among these women. The absence of a significant increase in salivary oxytocin level in both groups may be related to the limitations of an insufficient number of samples that could be analyzed owing to the small saliva volume in some samples and the lack of adequate tactile stimulation of the intervention protocol. These results and procedural limitations provide useful insights into approaching subsequent studies aiming at continuously optimizing detection procedures.

Trial registration

UMIN000028471 (Clinical Trials Registry of University Hospital Information Network. July 31, 2017- Retrospectively registered.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-03609-8.

Effects of team-based learning about postpartum haemorrhage on learning outcomes and experience of midwifery students in Indonesia: A pilot study

Aim

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of team-based learning about postpartum haemorrhage on the learning outcomes and experience of midwifery students in Indonesia.

Design

One-group pre-test-post-test study.

Methods

This study enrolled 64 midwifery students as participants from an Indonesian health polytechnic school. This group attended two team-based learning class sessions (90 min weekly for 2 weeks) on postpartum haemorrhage. Student learning outcomes and experience were assessed quantitatively.

Results

The mean knowledge score (0-100) was significantly higher at post-test (mean = 85.9, SD 9.8) than at pre-test (mean = 61.4, SD 12.9) (p < .001). There was a significant difference in the mean clinical reasoning score (12-60) between post-test (mean = 35.4, SD 5.8) and pre-test (mean = 21.3, SD 7.9) (p < .001). Most students (98.4%) engaged in classroom activities.

Oxytocin levels in low-risk primiparas following breast stimulation for spontaneous onset of labor: a quasi-experimental study

Background

Breast stimulation is performed to self-induce labor. However, there are apparently no reports on hormonal evaluation during stimulation for consecutive days in relation to induction effect. We evaluated the salivary oxytocin level following 3 consecutive days of own breast stimulation for 1 h each day compared with no breast stimulation.

Methods

We used a quasi-experimental design. The participants were low-risk primiparas between 38 and 39 gestational weeks. Eight saliva samples per participant were collected at preintervention and 30, 60, and 75 min postintervention on the first and third days. The primary outcome was change in the salivary oxytocin level on the third day after 3 consecutive days of breast stimulation for 1 h each day compared with no breast stimulation. The secondary outcomes were the rate of spontaneous labor onset and negative events including uterine hyperstimulation and abnormal fetal heart rate.

Results

Between February and September 2016, 42 women were enrolled into the intervention group (n = 22) or control group (n = 20). As there were differences in the basal oxytocin levels between the 2 groups, to estimate the change in the oxytocin level from baseline, we used a linear mixed model with a first-order autoregressive (AR1) covariance structure. The dependent variable was change in the oxytocin level from baseline. The independent variables were gestational weeks on the first day of intervention, age, education, rs53576 and rs2254298, group, time point, and interaction of group and time. After Bonferroni correction, the estimated change in the mean oxytocin level at 30 min on the third day was significantly higher in the intervention group (M = 20.2 pg/mL, SE = 26.2) than in the control group (M = − 44.4 pg/mL, SE = 27.3; p = 0.018). There was no significant difference in the rate of spontaneous labor onset. Although there were no adverse events during delivery, uterine tachysystole occurred in 1 case during the intervention.

Conclusions

The estimated change in the mean oxytocin level was significantly higher 30 min after breast stimulation on the third day. Thus, consecutive breast stimulation increased the salivary oxytocin level. Repeated stimulations likely increase the oxytocin level.

Trial registration

UMIN000020797 (University Hospital Medical Information Network; Prospective trial registered: January 29, 2016).

Changes in salivary oxytocin levels and bonding disorder in women from late pregnancy to early postpartum: A pilot study

OBJECTIVES

This pilot study aimed to 1) follow the longitudinal changes in the salivary oxytocin level of pregnant women from late pregnancy to early postpartum, 2) examine the factors related to these changes, and 3) clarify the association of these changes with mother-infant bonding.

METHODS

This study used a longitudinal observational design and questionnaires to obtain objective and subjective data. For oxytocin evaluation, saliva samples were collected and their oxytocin levels were measured at 4-time points [i.e., 1) 36-37 gestation weeks, 2) 38-39 gestation weeks, 3) 1-2 days postpartum, 4) 4-5 days postpartum]. The oxytocin level was assayed in duplicates by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Baseline data were evaluated using the Parental Bonding Instrument (25 items), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (20 items), and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Postpartum data were evaluated using the Mother to Infant Bonding Scale Japanese Version (10 items), Maternity Blues Scale (13 items), and 'Fatigue after Childbirth' using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS: 0-100 mm).

RESULTS

The participants were 13 primiparas with a mean age of 33 years. They had no depression or anxiety at the baseline. Their mean salivary oxytocin levels significantly increased from late pregnancy (36-39 gestation weeks) up to 1 day postpartum and then decreased until 5 days postpartum. There was a negligible correlation between the bonding disorder and the salivary oxytocin level on the 5th day after childbirth. A moderate correlation was observed between the maternity blues score and the salivary oxytocin level. There was a significant negative correlation between the postpartum fatigue and the salivary oxytocin level 1 day and 5 days after childbirth.

CONCLUSION

The mean salivary oxytocin levels significantly increased from the baseline up to 1 day postpartum and then decreased until 5 days postpartum. The salivary oxytocin level was moderately associated with maternity blues and significantly with postpartum fatigue.

Changes in salivary oxytocin after inhalation of clary sage essential oil scent in term-pregnant women: a feasibility pilot study

Objectives

This pilot study using a quasi-experimental design was conducted to evaluate the feasibility (i.e., limited efficacy, practicality, and acceptability) of our intervention protocol involving inhalation of the scent of clary sage essential oil by pregnant women and measurement of their preinhalation and postinhalation oxytocin levels.

Results

Participants were women of singleton pregnancies between 38 and 40 gestation weeks (N = 11). The experiment group (n = 5) inhaled the scent of clary sage essential oil diluted 50-fold with 10 mL of odorless propylene glycol for 20 min. Regarding limited efficacy, the oxytocin level 15 min postinhalation increased in 3 women and was unmeasurable in 2. The control group (n = 6) inhaled similarly without the 50-fold dilution of clary sage essential oil. Their oxytocin level increased in 2 women, decreased in 2, and was unmeasurable in 2. Uterine contraction was not observed in both groups. Regarding practicality, 3 of the 11 women could not collect sufficient saliva. The cortisol level decreased in both groups postinhalation. The protocol had no negative effects. Regarding acceptability, burden of the protocol was not observed.

Trial registration The Clinical Trials Registry of University Hospital Medical Information Network in Japan—UMIN000017830. Registered:  June 8, 2015

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-017-3053-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Measurement of psychological state changes at low dopamine transporter occupancy following a clinical dose of mazindol

RATIONALE

The beneficial effects of psychostimulant drugs in the treatment of psychiatric disorders occur because they increase the extracellular dopamine concentration by inhibiting re-uptake of extracellular dopamine at dopamine transporters. However, the psychological effects at low dopamine transporter occupancy have not been well demonstrated.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the psychological effects, dopamine transporter occupancy, and dopamine release induced by a single oral administration of a clinical dose of mazindol.

METHODS

Ten healthy male volunteers were orally administered a placebo and a clinical dose of mazindol (1.5 mg) on separate days. The psychological effects of mazindol were assessed using a visual analogue scale to detect alterations in the state of consciousness. The amount of blockade of dopamine transporters was assessed using positron emission tomography with [¹⁸F]FE-PE2I and extracellular dopamine release was measured as the amount of change in [¹¹C]raclopride binding.

RESULTS

Following administration of a clinical dose of mazindol, the dopamine transporters were blocked by 24-25 %, and the binding potential of [¹¹C]raclopride was reduced by 2.8-4.6 %. The differences of a score measuring derealisation and depersonalization associated with a positive basic mood were significantly correlated with the change in the [¹¹C]raclopride binding in the limbic striatum.

CONCLUSIONS

A subtle alteration in the state of consciousness was detected with a correlation to the changes in the [¹¹C]raclopride binding, which implies that a subtle alteration in extracellular dopamine concentration in the limbic striatum by a small amount of dopamine transporter occupancy can affect the state of consciousness. TRIAL REGISTRATION HTTPS://UPLOAD.UMIN.AC.JP/CGI-OPEN-BIN/CTR_E/CTR_VIEW.CGI?RECPTNO=R000009703 : UMIN000008232.

Changes in Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in the nasopharynx of Japanese children after inoculation with a heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

In this study, we prospectively investigated changes in Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes among Japanese children after heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) inoculation. We acquired nasopharyngeal swabs from the children at each routine PCV7 inoculation and again at least 2 months after the last PCV7 inoculation. We defined 2 periods with regard to each culture: the inoculation period as "the period of pre- or incomplete vaccination" and post-inoculation as "the period of post- or completed vaccination." The prevalence of vaccine-type (VT) pneumococci was significantly reduced from 9.5% in the inoculation-period cultures to 2.9% in the post-inoculation cultures (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in the prevalence of non-vaccine-type pneumococci between the inoculation-period and post-inoculation cultures (24.1% versus 23.4%). The protection of PCV7 against nasopharyngeal colonization was inferred from the decrease in VT carriage post-inoculation. The decrease in VT carriage may be conducive to reducing VT transmission within the study area.

Very-low-voltage operation of Mach-Zehnder interferometer-type electroabsorption modulator using asymmetric couplers

We have proposed and developed a new type of electroabsorption modulator (EAM) that employs both optical absorption and interferometric extinction. The EAM operates at a record low voltage of 0.2 V at 25.8-Gbit/s modulation, which can reduce optical transmitter power consumption and allows the adoption of cost-effective CMOS drivers.

In vitro neurotoxicity of amyloid β-peptide cross-linked by transglutaminase

Transglutaminase catalyzes the intermolecular cross-linking of peptides between Gln and Lys residues, forming an ε-(γ-glutamyl) lysine bond. Amyloid β-peptide, a major constituent of the deposits in Alzheimer disease, contains Lys16, Lys28, and Gln15 which may act as substrates of transglutaminase. Transglutaminase treatment of amyloid β-peptide (1-28) and amyloid β-peptide (1-40) yielded cross-linked oligomers. Transglutaminase-treated Aβ retarded neurite extension of PC12 cells, and rat cultured neurons of hippocampus and septum, brain areas severely affected by Alzheimer disease, and subsequently caused cell death, whereas the transglutaminase-untreated counterparts did not show harmful effects. The transglutaminase-catalyzed oligomers of amyloid β-peptide and their neurotoxicity may be involved in two characteristics in Alzheimer disease, neuronal degeneration and formation of the insoluble deposits.

ABBREVIATIONS

AD - Alzheimer disease, Aβ - amyloid β-peptide, DMEM - Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, DMEM/F-12-1:1 mixture of DMEM and Ham's F-12 medium, FCS - fetal calf serum, HS - horse serum, PAGE - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, MTT - 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, NGF - nerve growth factor, TGase - transglutaminase.

Effects of selegiline on antioxidant systems in the nigrostriatum in rat

Selegiline, a therapeutic agent of Parkinson's disease, is known to have neuroprotective properties that may involve its regulatory effects on antioxidant enzymes. We evaluated effects of selegiline on activities of catalase (CAT), Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and Mn-SOD (SOD2) in the striatum, cortex and hippocampus of 8- and 25-week-old rats, and on SOD activities and glutathione levels in mesencephalic slice cultures. Selegiline (2 mg/kg) significantly increased CAT and SOD2 activities in the striatum, but not in the cortex and hippocampus, of 25-week-old rats. In contrast, selegiline failed to increase CAT and SOD activities in three brain regions of 8-week-old rats, whereas L: -dopa significantly increased SOD1 activity in the striatum. In slice cultures, selegiline increased SOD1 and SOD2 activities with a maximal effective concentration of 10(-8) and 10(-10) M, respectively. Moreover, selegiline significantly increased glutathione level. These results suggest that selegiline can decrease oxidative stress in nigrostriatum by augmenting various antioxidant systems, each of which responds optimally to different concentrations of selegiline.

Recovery of motor function and dopaminergic parameters in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease induced by co-administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and diethyldithiocarbamate

Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) enhances the neurotoxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). We studied the time course of dopaminergic parameters and motor function of MPTP+DDC-lesioned C57BL/6 mice, a model of Parkinson's disease. MPTP+DDC-lesioned mice showed a decrease in dopamine (DA) and its metabolites contents in their striata 1, 3 and 6 weeks after MPTP+DDC-treatment, compared with those of each control group. The partial and significant recoveries in DA, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, and homovanillic acid contents were also observed after 6 weeks, compared with those at 1 week after treatment. In addition, bradykinesia due to DA depletion was observed in mice 1 week after MPTP+DDC-treatment, but it was not significant 3 weeks after the treatment. l-DOPA alone and a co-administration of l-DOPA and a monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor selegiline improved bradykinesia of this model, also suggesting that bradykinesia observed in the model was mediated to dopaminergic deficiency. On the other hand, the serotonin content increased slightly but significantly after 3 or 6 weeks, suggesting compensatory activation of the serotonergic system against DA depletion. Thus, the partial recovery of dopaminergic parameters, the recovery of motor function and the compensatory activation of the serotonergic system were observed in this model 3-6 weeks after MPTP+DDC treatment.

Effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors on the diethyldithiocarbamate-induced enhancement of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine toxicity in C57BL/6 mice

Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) is known to potentiate the neurotoxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The aims of the present study were to provide biochemical, pathological and behavioral evidence for the degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons in C57BL/6 strain mice treated simultaneously with DDC and MPTP, and to evaluate the effects of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors on DDC-enhanced MPTP toxicity. DDC (400 mg/kg)+ MPTP (30 mg/kg) treatment decreased significantly the levels of striatal DA and its metabolites and induced bradykinesia. In mice treated with DDC+MPTP, degenerative areas were found in striatum, substantia nigra and tuberculum olfactorium by assessment of the binding of [125I]RTI-121, a DA transporter ligand. Pretreatment with a MAO-B inhibitor selegiline prior to the administration of DDC and MPTP completely inhibited the decrease in the levels of DA and its metabolites, bradykinesia and degeneration of dopaminergic nerve terminals. In contrast, the protective action of clorgyline was not clearly observed in this model system.

Sawtooth oscillation in current-carrying plasma in the large helical device

Sawtooth oscillations have been observed in current-carrying helical plasmas by using electron-cyclotron-emission diagnostics in the Large Helical Device. The plasma current, which is driven by neutral beam injection, reduces the beta threshold of the sawtooth oscillation. When the central q value is increased due to the plasma current, the core region crashes, and, when it is decreased, the edge region crashes annularly. Observed rapid mixture of the plasma in the limited region suggests that these sawtooth crashes are reconnection phenomena. Unlike previous experiments, no precursor oscillation has been observed.

[Method-performance studies of notified analytical method for clofentezine]

Method-performance studies were conducted for the notified revised analytical method of clofentezine. Clofentezine spiked in azuki beans, apple, orange, banana, grape, tea powder and tea extract at the level of 0.2 microgram/g (2 micrograms/g for tea) was analyzed in replicate in 6 laboratories. Mean values of recovery from 7 crops ranged from 78.4 to 85.2%. Repeatability relative standard deviation values ranged from 2.2 to 4.6% and reproducibility standard deviation values ranged from 4.8 to 10.3%. The detection limits were 0.005-0.01 microgram/g. These results show the notified analytical method has good performance.

(-)-1-(Benzofuran-2-yl)-2-propylaminopentane enhances locomotor activity in rats due to its ability to induce dopamine release

"Catecholaminergic and serotoninergic activity enhancer" effects are newly found mechanisms of action of a class of compound that enhance impulse propagation-mediated release of catecholamines and serotonin in the brain. In the present study, (-)-1-(benzofuran-2-yl)-2-propylaminopentane hydrochloride [(-)-BPAP HCl], a compound with selective and potent "catecholaminergic and serotoninergic activity enhancer" effects, was tested for its efficacy to potentiate locomotor activity in normal rats and to attenuate hypolocomotion in reserpine-treated rats. (-)-BPAP HCl potentiated locomotor activity in non-habituated rats during a 2-h observation period dose-dependently (0.3-10 mg/kg). (-)-BPAP HCl (1-3 mg/kg) was also effective to reverse reserpine-induced hypolocomotion. The effects of (-)-BPAP HCl in normal and reserpine-treated rats were attenuated by the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, R(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine (SCH 23390), suggesting that the effects of (-)-BPAP HCl were mediated by activation of the dopaminergic system. In addition, the administration of (-)-BPAP HCl increased ipsilateral turning in unilaterally 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats, implying presynaptic activation of nigrostriatal dopaminergic terminals by (-)-BPAP HCl. Furthermore, although antiparkinsonian agents, such as apomorphine and amantadine, failed to improve reserpine-induced ptosis, (-)-BPAP HCl significantly improved ptosis. These findings suggested that a "catecholaminergic and serotoninergic activity enhancer" compound, (-)-BPAP, stimulates motor function in rats and improves motor deficits in animal models of Parkinson's disease due to its ability to induce dopamine release.

[Method-performance studies of notified analytical method for fenbutatin oxide and cyhexatin]

Method-performance studies were conducted for the notified revised analytical method of fenbutatin oxide (FBTO) and cyhexatin (CHT). FBTO and CHT spiked into rice, soybeans, spinach, orange, tea powder and tea extract at the level of 0.5 microgram/g for FBTO and 0.1 microgram/g for CHT were analyzed in replicate in 6 laboratories. Means recoveries of FBTO were 85.2-96.5% and those of CHT were 83.5-89.2% except from soybeans (46.5%). Repeatability relative standard deviation values of FBTO and CHT in each crop were in the ranges of 2.3-9.4% and 3.2-6.3%, respectively. Reproducibility relative standard deviations were 3.9-12.6% for FBTO and 8.3-12.9% for CHT. Detection limits were 0.015-0.05 microgram/g for FBTO and 0.005-0.02 microgram/g for CHT.

Bioactive peptides derived from food proteins preventing lifestyle-related diseases

Many kinds of bioactive peptides which might prevent lifestyle-related diseases are released from food proteins after enzymatic digestion. Inhibitory peptides for angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) having anti-hypertensive effect have been isolated from enzymatic digests of various food proteins. LKPNM, which was isolated from the thermolysin digest of dried bonito was activated 8-fold by ACE itself and showed a prolonged effect after oral administration. Two vasorelaxing peptides, ovokinin and ovokinin(2-7), showing antihypertensive effect after oral administration were obtained from ovalbumin digests. We found that low molecular weight peptides derived from food proteins lowered serum cholesterol without increasing excretion of cholesterol and bile acids. An immunostimulating peptide isolated from an enzymatic digest of soybean protein prevented alopecia induced by cancer chemotherapy.

Spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of hemoglobin using the oxidative decomposition reaction of a copper(II)-phthalocyanine complex

A catalytic effect of hemoglobin was found in the oxidative decomposition of a copper(II)-phthalocyanine complex (Cu-pts) with peroxomonosulfate. Based on this finding, a simple, rapid, highly sensitive and high-precision spectrophotometric method for hemoglobin was developed. In this indicator system, Cu-pts as the indicator and hemoglobin as the catalyst were simultaneously decomposed with peroxomonosulfate. Therefore, the slopes of the absorbance-time curve of the sample solution become equal to that of the blank solution after 5 min. The calibration curve was linear over the range of 12-258 microg/l. Detection limits (3sigma) were 8.13 microg/l, and the relative standard deviation was 2.05% (10 determinations) for 130 microg/l of hemoglobin. The metal ions did not significantly produce an interference in this method. The albumin had some influence but was permissible up to 6 times the weight of hemoglobin. The proposed method was applied to human blood samples with satisfactory results.

Growth inhibition of capsaicin on HeLa cells is not mediated by intracellular calcium mobilization

The effects of capsaicin on cellular growth and intracellular calcium mobilization were examined in human cervical carcinoma derivation, HeLa cells. Capsaicin inhibited cellular growth and increased intracellular calcium level in HeLa cells. This capsaicin-induced intracellular calcium concentration rise was blocked by capsazepin, vanilloid (capsaicin) receptor antagonist. But, an intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA/AM did not block the inhibitory effect of capsaicin on cellular growth. These observations suggest that intracellular calcium mobilization is not required for the capsaicin-induced inhibition of cellular growth.

[Effects of selegiline hydrochloride on intracellular Ca2+ contents in cultured neuronal cells]

The effects of Selegiline hydrochloride (Selegiline HCl) on the intracellular Ca2+ contents of primarily cultured rat striatal, mesencephalic neuronal cells and PC-12 cells were examined by the use of a Ca2+ imaging analyzer. In the former two cell types, Selegiline HCl (10(-5)-10(-6) M) induced a transient inflow of extracellular Ca2+ through the voltage-dependent N-type Ca2+ channel. In addition, all cells indicating an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ content were found to be catecholaminergic neurons which showed a positive reaction with anti-tyrosine hydroxylase antibodies. Furthermore, a transient intracellular influx of Ca2+ was observed in the NGF-pretreated PC-12 cells. From these results, it is suggested that Selegiline HCl elicits various functions, including antioxidation, activation of neurotrophic factor biosynthesis and neuronal protection probably via an unidentified specific proteins of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons.

The benefits and risks of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

There is a growing number of animal models and clinical trials of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) supplementation in disease. Epidemiologic and biochemical studies have suggested beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs. But also, the use of n-3 PUFAs has some potential toxicological risks that can be circumvented by careless processing, storing, and preserving the PUFAs. The use of n-3 PUFAs is safe if appropriate preparations and dosages are selected. Much research is needed to clarify their use under different disease conditions. The newly established clinical and nutritional facts on n-3 PUFAs will induce industry to develop food products based on this knowledge.