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Context: With global population aging, the number of older patients with cancer is increasing. However, few data are available on palliative care for these patients.Objectives: To evaluate differences in symptom prevalence and the need for medical interventions among patients of different ages in a palliative care unit.Methods: In this retrospective analysis, a consecutive sample of 1032 terminally ill patients with cancer were categorized into the following age ranges: <70, 70-79, 80-89, and ≥90 years. We evaluated symptom prevalence, the need for palliative medicines, opioid dose on the day before death, and the need for palliative sedation. Trend tests were used to examine whether the prevalence of findings increased or decreased with age.Results: As age increased, significant decreasing trends were observed in the prevalence of pain, dyspnea, fatigue, constipation, nausea, drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and dysuria but not in appetite loss, edema, sputum production, or delirium. As age increased, significant decreasing trends were also observed in the need for opioids, benzodiazepines, antiemetics, and anticholinergics. The median opioid doses in the <70, 70-79, 80-89, and ≥90 years age groups were 118, 72, 48, and 48 mg oral morphine equivalents/day, respectively (P < 0.0001). The need for palliative sedation showed a significant decreasing trend as age increased (P < 0.0001).Conclusion: We found age to be inversely related to symptom prevalence and medical interventions among terminally ill patients with cancer, contributing to the understanding of the experience of older patients with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In southwestern Japan, soil water fluctuations from flooding to drought cause unstable soybean yields. Water table management (WTM) with sub-irrigation/drainage systems will overcome the soybean yield instability by inhibiting these fluctuations. Narrow row cultivation is expected to increase soybean yields. The effects of WTM and row width on soybean growth and yield in this region are not clear. We evaluated the effects of WTM with sub-irrigation/drainage systems and row widths (35 or 70 cm) on the growth and yield of one conventional (tall main stem) and two newly developed (short main stem) soybean cultivars. The WTM consisted of (1) fluctuation of the water table between the natural water table depth and that at 30 cm depth according to the growth stage and weather conditions, especially rainfall events (newly developed); (2) maintaining the water table at a 30 cm constant depth throughout the growth period (recommended in Japan); and (3) the natural water table with an underdrain (control). No significant interaction was observed between the WTM and cultivar or row width treatment, indicating that cultivars and row width treatments responded similarly to WTM. WTM 1 and 2 decreased the soybean yield by approx. 5% when the natural water table depth in control existed at 50–60 cm depths throughout the growing period, indicating that the natural water table depth in control was near optimum for soybean growth and yield. Before performing WTM, therefore, the natural water table depth should be measured and considered. The combination of newly developed cultivars with narrow rows had similar or greater yields than conventional cultivation (cultivar and row width), due mainly to an increase in pods m −2 and a decrease in yield loss without severe lodging. Thus, yield potential in southwestern Japan could be increased by narrow row cultivation, but cultivars with short main stem lengths should be cultivated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Although corticosteroids are widely used to relieve cancer-related fatigue (CRF), information regarding the factors predicting responses to corticosteroids remains limited.Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify potential factors predicting responses to corticosteroids for CRF in advanced cancer patients.Methods: Inclusion criteria for this multicenter, prospective, observational study were patients who had metastatic or locally advanced cancer and had a fatigue intensity score of 4 or more on a 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the factors predicting two-point reduction or more in NRS on day 3.Results: Among 179 patients who received corticosteroids, 86 (48%; 95% CI 41%-56%) had a response with two-point reduction or more. Factors that significantly predicted responses were performance status score of 3 or more, Palliative Performance Scale score more than 40, absence of ascites, absence of drowsiness, absence of depression, serum albumin level greater than 3 mg/dL, serum sodium level greater than 135 mEq/L, and baseline NRS score greater than 5. A multivariate analysis showed that the independent factors predicting responses were baseline NRS score greater than 5 (odds ratio [OR] 6.6, 95% CI 2.8-15.4), Palliative Performance Scale score more than 40 (OR 4.4, 95% CI 2.1-9.3), absence of drowsiness (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.7-6.9), absence of ascites (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.7), and absence of pleural effusion (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0-5.0).Conclusion: Treatment responses to corticosteroids for CRF may be predicted by baseline symptom intensity, performance status, drowsiness, and severity of fluid retention symptoms. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Arabidopsis ENHANCER OF SHOOT REGENERATION (ESR)1 and ESR2 genes are thought to play critical roles in in vitro shoot regeneration. In this study, we investigated the functions and expression patterns of ESR1 and ESR2 during shoot regeneration by using their mutants and promoter-reporter systems. Shoot regeneration efficiencies of esr1 esr2 double mutants from hypocotyl explants decreased drastically; although the effects on shoot regeneration of the esr1 single mutation were much less marked than those of the esr2 single mutation, especially from root explants, their effects were additive. We found that ESR1 was initially expressed 1 day after transfer onto shoot-inducing medium (SIM), compared with 4 days for ESR2 expression. These results suggest that the functions of ESR1 and ESR2 in shoot regeneration are not redundant, even though they encode similar transcription factors and the ESR2 gene substituted with an ESR1 coding region complements the esr2 mutation. We also found that ESR1 expression was localized to a small number of cells in the lateral root meristem (LRM)-like structures, and the ESR1-expressing cells appeared to proliferate to form shoot apical meristem (SAM)-like structures. Thus, ESR1 may be involved in the change of LRM to SAM in tissue culture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Arabidopsis Enhancer of Shoot Regeneration 1 (ESR1) gene regulates initiation of in vitro shoot regeneration. In this study, we investigated the transcription-modulating potential of ESR1. ESR1 induced reporter gene expression when overexpressed transiently in Arabidopsis leaf cells. Experiments using a fusion protein with the GAL4 DNA-binding domain located a transactivating domain of ESR1 within the C-terminal region. A nuclear localization signal was also located within the AP2/ERF domain. These results demonstrated that ESR1 functions as a transcriptional activator. Furthermore, we examined whether transcriptional modulation by ESR1 affects the in vitro shoot regeneration efficiency. Overexpression of ESR1 fused with the VP16 transactivating domain enhanced in vitro shoot regeneration as well as overexpressed wild-type ESR1 did, while overexpression of ESR1 fused with a strong repression domain, SRDX, inhibited shoot regeneration. These results suggest that ESR1 induces shoot regeneration through its transactivating ability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous late-onset diseases as well as organismal longevity. Nevertheless, the genetic components that affect cellular sensitivity to oxidative stress have not been explored extensively at the genome-wide level in mammals. Here we report an RNA interference (RNAi) screen for genes that increase resistance to an organic oxidant, tert-butylhydroperoxide (tert-BHP), in cultured fibroblasts. The loss-of-function screen allowed us to identify several short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that elevated the cellular resistance to tert-BHP. One of these shRNAs strongly protected cells from tert-BHP and H2O2 by specifically reducing the expression of retinol saturase, an enzyme that converts all-trans-retinol (vitamin A) to all-trans-13,14-dihydroretinol. The protective effect was well correlated with the reduction in mRNA level and was observed in both primary fibroblasts and NIH3T3 cells. The results suggest a novel role for retinol saturase in regulating sensitivity to oxidative stress and demonstrate the usefulness of large-scale RNAi screening for elucidating new molecular pathways involved in stress resistance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A case of cerebral infarction with transient cerebral arteriopathy in a 12-year-old female is described. The child showed with an acute onset of left hemiplegia, central facial palsy and aphasia. She was diagnosed with right internal carotid artery obstruction with no predisposing factors for cerebral infarction. A serial MR image and MR spectroscopy of the brain was performed. MR angiography revealed reversible vascular changes in the right middle cerebral artery after several months. The ratio of choline/creatine was elevated and that of N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine was depressed in the cerebral lesion, however, they were normalized during the remission phase with long echo time-MR spectroscopy. The elevation of the lactate peak was clarified with short echo time-MR spectroscopy. The longitudinal follow up using MR angiography, and MR spectroscopy with long and short echo time was useful for the evaluation of reversible vascular change with cerebral infarction in children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Serial study using MR imaging and 1H-MR spectroscopy (1H-MRS) of unidentified bright objects (UBO) in a 9-year-old boy with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is described. UBO was indicated in the left globus pallidum at 3 years old, then appeared in the right globus pallidum at 5 years old along with left hemiconvulsion. These UBO gradually disappeared over several years. On 1H-MRS, the ratios of N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine and that of choline/creatine were each mildly reduced in the UBO. These ratios improved in parallel with disappearance of the UBO. In addition, elevation of the lactate/lipid peak was shown in UBO during the early stage, however, it disappeared in the latter. The longitudinal follow-up using MR image and 1H-MRS was useful for metabolic evaluation of UBO in patients with NF1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fear memory extinction has several characteristic behavioral features, such as spontaneous recovery, renewal, and reinstatement, suggesting that extinction training does not erase the original association between the conditioned stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (US). However, it is unclear whether reactivation of the original physical record of memory (i.e., memory trace) is sufficient to produce conditioned fear response after extinction. Here, we performed pharmacogenetic neuronal activation using transgenic mice expressing hM3Dq DREADD (designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drug) under the control of the activity-dependent c-fos gene promoter. Neuronal ensembles activated during fear-conditioned learning were tagged with hM3Dq and subsequently reactivated after extinction training. The mice exhibited significant freezing, even when the fear memory was no longer triggered by external CS, indicating that the artificial reactivation of a specific neuronal ensemble was sufficient to evoke the extinguished fear response. This freezing was not observed in non-fear-conditioned mice expressing hM3dq in the same brain areas. These results directly demonstrated that at least part of the original fear memory trace remains after extinction, and such residual plasticity might reflect the persistent memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method of guiding an intermediate catheter from a new alpha-type guiding catheter placed in the ascending aorta to the carotid artery is evaluated in neuroendovascular treatment in challenging anatomic directions of the guiding catheter, such as the bovine aortic arch and type III aortic arch. The existing 8-Fr guiding catheter was given a strong bending shape at the tip to make it an alpha type. The total length of the catheter was 85 cm. This guiding catheter was inserted into the ascending aorta to verify whether a 6-Fr intermediate or aspiration catheter could be coaxially guided into the right and left internal carotid arteries. A silicone vascular model was used for evaluation and in actual clinical cases. Creating an alpha shape of the catheter at the aortic arch was very easy. The inner catheter could be easily guided from the brachiocephalic artery to the right common carotid artery by pushing the alpha shape guiding catheter toward the aortic valve. The catheter was easily guided into the left common carotid artery when the α-guide was pulled a little bit backward. The 0.071-inch lumen aspiration catheter reached the bilateral middle cerebral arteries. The 8-Fr alpha shape guiding catheter quickly guides the inner catheter into the bovine and the type III aortic arch by looking up from the ascending aorta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Van der Knaap disease, characterized by megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy and subcortical cysts, is a rare and recently defined condition. We discuss here the MR image (MRI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS) features in a 30-year-old man with S93L homozygous mutation in the MLC1 gene. MRI demonstrated high intensity diffuse white matter with T2-weighted image and subcortical cysts in the parietal and temporal lobes and MRS showed mildly reduced N-acetylaspartate (NAA) in areas of severe T2 elongation with a long TE sequence. A peak of lactate/lipid was indicated at a chemical shift of 1.3ppm with a short TE sequence. The peak for myo-inositol was normal in areas of severe and mild T2 elongation with short TE MRS. These findings suggest that demyelination progresses slowly in van der Knaap disease and that MRS with long and short TE is useful for the evaluation of neural metabolization associated with van der Knaap disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dbl-family guanine nucleotide exchange factors (Dbl-GEFs) act as activators of Rho-like small G proteins such as Rac1, Cdc42 and RhoA. Recently, some GEFs have been suggested to play important roles in the development of the nervous system. Here, we report a comprehensive expression profile analysis of 20 Dbl-GEFs that have yet to be well investigated. Northern analyses of murine mRNAs from brains of E13, E17, P7 and adult mice revealed expression of 18 out of 20 GEFs in some or all stages. In addition, we found that three human GEFs were highly expressed in the brain. Examination of the spatial expression patterns of five GEFs in embryos or neonatal brain by in situ hybridization revealed distinct patterns for each GEF. Our study reveals the dynamic and coordinated expression profiles of the Dbl-GEFs and provides a basic framework for understanding the function of GEFs in neural development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Variegatic acid is inhibitor of β-hexosaminidase release and TNF-α secretion from RBL-2H3 cells, the inhibitory mechanism involved inhibition of PKCβ. • Anti-inflammatory effect of variegatic acid was studied in RBL-2H3 cells. • Inhibitory effects were observable after the increase of intracellular Ca2+ ion. • It suppressed degranulation & inflammatory cytokine secretion via PKCβ1 inhibition. • Variegatic acid could be a possible candidate for new anti-allergic agent. Variegatic acid, isolated from Tylopilus ballouii dry fruiting bodies, is an inhibitor of β-hexosaminidase release and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α secretion from rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells, with IC 50 values of 10.4 μM and 16.8 μM, respectively. On the other hand, it inhibits PKCβ1 activity with an IC 50 value of 36.2 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When endovascular clot retrievals are performed using a stent retriever and/or an aspiration catheter, identifying the accurate position of a clot is extremely important for a successful immediate recanalization. Herein, we report a new technique called microcatheter withdrawing angiography, which facilitates the identification of the precise position of a clot. The negative shadow appearance of the clot on angiography was referred to as the actual crab claw sign. When a 0.027-inch microcatheter penetrated the clot after inserting a 0.014-inch microwire, selective angiography was conducted using the microcatheter. Simultaneously, the microcatheter was slowly withdrawn with continuous contrast media injection, while the microwire was kept in the distal vessel. The precise position of the clot was found, which was referred to as the actual crab claw sign. Next, we conducted in vitro and in vivo analyses. The actual crab claw sign could be identified in the vascular model and in actual clinical settings. Therefore the sweet spot of the stent retriever could be set over the clot, and an accurate contact aspiration could be performed using an aspirator. Microcatheter withdrawing angiography can help identify the actual crab claw sign. This technique has a higher success rate and faster recanalization than conventional strategy, particularly in challenging cases of unsuccessful recanalization during the first attempt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) is the most common type of fetal carotid-basilar persisting communication in adulthood; however, carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) associated with PPTA are rare. An 84-year-old woman presented with traumatic CCF associated with PPTA manifesting as vascular bruit. Transarterial embolization was performed. Although a detachable coil was deployed at the fistula point, it was easy to migrate into the cavernous sinus because of the high-flow shunt. Therefore, a stent was deployed in the PPTA, and the inner lumen of the stent with a focus on the fistula point was occluded by using coils. Subsequently, the CCF completely disappeared. In-stent coil embolization was effective and reasonable for the high-flow CCF associated with the PPTA. This method reduced the number of coils required and operating time. However, careful preservation of perforators is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robotic technology is rapidly developing in the medical field, particularly contributing to support operative intervention using the da Vinci system during endoscopic surgery. Neuroendovascular intervention robot surgery is preferred when aiming to reduce radiation exposure among surgeons. We developed a prototype of a support robot with 2 independent slaves manipulating both the microcatheter and microguidewire connected with the remote master driver with 2 joysticks. This design simulates usual catheterization with both hands. The slave manipulator has a sufficient output force >1 N to reproduce the exact master intervention without slip and delay. This machine has a unique function that indicates the reaction force of the resistance on wire stuck using the sensor system. We investigated the master-slave response, reliability of the force gauge, and degree of slippage of the slave motion on the table and checked the controllability, safety, and reproducibility of microcatheterization and insertion maneuver into the experimental aneurysm in the in vivo silicone vessel model. We realized the well master-slave response with a stable driving speed of the microguidewire at approximately 1 mm/s and with linear correlation between the output voltage and driving force. Also, we confirmed the well safety function to avoid the overloading to the vascular wall with the slippage of the slave roller on loading >1 N pushing force. Successful microcatheterization and insertion into the aneurysm model was performed in the wet vascular model corresponding to the 3-dimensional handling without excessive stress to the vascular or aneurysmal wall. Neuroendovascular intervention requires delicate power adjustment with fine finger control. Our support robot for neuroendovascular interventions demonstrated the accurate reproducibility of the operator's maneuver and safe operation in the vascular model using the sensor system. This system will realize the neurointervention without human operators in the AngioSuite and may facilitate telesurgery with remote control in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Sinus pericranii (SP) is a rare abnormal connection between the intracranial and extracranial venous drainage pathways through the osseous channels. Herein we present the case of a patient with growing SP, which was successfully treated using endovascular transvenous embolization through external compression with a plastic cup for preventing glue migration into subcutaneous veins. Case Description A 9-month-old boy presented with a gradually growing mass on the midline cranial vertex after his birth, for which transvenous embolization was performed. A microcatheter was successfully navigated into the SP from the superior sagittal sinus. Because the subcutaneous drainages were confirmed to be multidirectional, we compressed the drainages through the skin using a plastic cup during the glue injection step for preventing glue migration. Subsequently, the SP was completely obliterated. The postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusions Manual compression using a plastic cup was useful not only for embolization but also for reducing the physician's exposure to radiation as compared with that in the finger compression method. When a direct puncture is required, a plastic cylinder can also be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a rare genetic connective tissue disorders, but the vascular type (type IV) typically poses the greatest risk to patients. We report a case of multiple cranial artery dissection, which was successfully treated with carotid artery stenting. Case Description A 50-year-old woman presented with recurrent severe headaches caused by bilateral vertebral artery dissections that were treated conservatively at our hospital. However, she developed right cervical pain and dizziness at 3 days after admission, and a magnetic resonance angiogram revealed dissection of the right internal carotid artery. Because the dissected portion of the artery had narrowed, a stent was placed. The pearl and string formations in the bilateral vertebral arteries then improved spontaneously. Subsequently, the patient was diagnosed with EDS type IV via a skin biopsy, and review of her family history revealed that multiple family members had suffered from subarachnoid hemorrhages. No neurologic deficits were observed, and the patient was discharged without further events at 30 days after admission. Conclusions It is extremely rare for multiple artery dissections to occur at the same time. EDS type IV should be considered as an important differential diagnosis in similar cases, even in adult patients without a known history of connective tissue disease or vascular complications. Highlights • We report a case of multiple cranial artery dissection associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV. • Our case led us to consider whether there is an active period of dissecting arteries in patients with EDS type IV. • We hypothesize that patients might become stabilized after the acute, active period of a couple of weeks has passed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Stent retrievers (SRs) can be used to perform mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of acute major arterial occlusion. Recanalization is faster, and outcomes are better with treatment involving these devices than with internal treatment. Although several SRs are available, their clot-capturing abilities are unclear. Therefore in the present study, we numerically evaluated the clot-capturing abilities of SRs in an experimental vascular model. Methods A sham clot (urethane foam) was fixed with sutures at the middle of a vascular model (polyvinyl chloride tube). One end of the tube was connected to a measuring instrument. From the other end, an SR was inserted and deployed over the sham clot. The delivery wire of the stent was then withdrawn at a constant velocity using an automatic withdrawal machine. The maximum frictional force before the stent left the clot was measured. Five stents (Trevo ProVue [2 sizes], Revive, and Solitaire [2 sizes]) and three stent-deployment techniques (standard, push-and-fluff, and wire-push techniques) were evaluated. Results The clot-capturing ability (maximum withdrawing force [N: newton]) was greater for large-diameter stents than for small-diameter stents (mean 0.39 ± 0.11 vs. 0.56 ± 0.18). For Trevo and Revive, the clot-capturing ability was highest with the push and fluff technique (mean 0.43 ± 0.05). For Solitaire, the ability was the highest with the simple wire-push technique (mean 0.705 ± 0.16). Conclusions We successfully numerically evaluated the clot-capturing abilities of SRs. The clot-capturing ability differed among SRs and among stent-deployment techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pial arteriovenous fistulas (PAVFs) are rare vascular malformations, especially in neonates. The purpose of this report is to discuss the treatment strategy and its associated challenges. We present a case of prenatal intracranial PAVF treated by endovascular embolization in the neonatal period. Case Description The patient was born through Cesarean delivery and then treated twice using transarterial embolization with detachable platinum coils and n -butyl cyanoacrylate due to intractable heart failure. Even though angiography findings showed dramatical reduction in the shunt, the patient did not recover from heart failure and died at day 49 after birth. Conclusions Despite current developments in medical technology and therapies, the effective treatment of critical PAVFs still poses a challenge. Therefore, more indications and effective alternative treatments must be discussed. Highlights • We reported a case of prenatal intracranial PAVF treated by endovascular embolization in the neonatal period. • Although angiography showed dramatic reduction in the shunt, the patient died at day 49 after birth. • Despite developments in medical technology and therapies, neonatal PAVFs remain a challenging to treat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Segmental arterial mediolysis is a rare disease characterized by idiopathic noninflammatory vasculopathy involving small to medium arteries. Here, we report a case of ruptured cerebral and abdominal aneurysms, which were successfully treated using emergency endovascular coil embolization. Case Description A 45-year-old male suffered subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by the rupture of the right vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm, which was treated using emergency endovascular coiling. Iatrogenic dissection of the left vertebral artery occurred during the procedure. A stent was placed, and antivasospasm therapy was initiated after operation. Eight days after admission, the patient experienced sudden hypovolemic shock because of an abdominal hemorrhage, which was diagnosed as the rupture of an aneurysm in the accessory middle colic artery and treated with urgent coil embolization. Conclusions It is extremely rare for a subarachnoid and an abdominal hemorrhage to occur simultaneously during hospitalization. Here, owing to the vulnerability of the unaffected vertebral artery during the initial procedure, segmental arterial mediolysis was diagnosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olfactory signals, including the scent of urine, are thought to be processed by specific brain regions, such as the medial amygdala (Me), and regulate sexual behavior in a sex-dependent manner. We aimed to reveal the sex-specific neural circuit from the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) to Me by using a transgenic mouse. We quantified the long-lasting green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression profile, which was controlled by the c-fos promotor in a sex-dependent manner by the scent of urine. Female urine predominantly activated neurons of the posterodorsal medial amygdala (MePD) in male mice and the posteroventral medial amygdala (MePV) in female mice. Male urine, in contrast, generated the opposite pattern of activation in the Me. Secondary, the selective artificial activation of these circuits was used to examine their specific behavioral function, by using a dual Cre-loxP viral infection. AAV-hSyn-FLEX-hM3Dq-EGFP–the designer receptor exclusively activated by a designer drug–was infused into the AOB after infection with trans-synaptic AAV(DJ)-CMV-mCherry-2A-Cre-TTC into either the MePD or the MePV. Double virus-transfected mice were injected with hM 3 Dq activator and their sexual behavior was monitored. However, selective activation of sex-dependent circuits, i.e., the AOB-MePD or AOB-MePV, did not significantly alter mounting or attack behavior in male mice. There were clear sex differences in the pheromone conveying circuits in the AOB-Me of mice. The sex-dependent functional activation of the Me, however, no effect on behavior. This suggests that a diverse number of nuclei and brain areas are likely to function in concert to successfully facilitate sexual and aggressive behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry-seeded rice cultivation is an effective low-cost cultivation method in Japan, but preventing water leakage from cultivated rice fields remains a challenge. Here we assessed the efficiency of using a vibratory roller in a dry-seeded rice field for preventing water leakage. The tests were conducted at two different soil-water contents ( WC : 32 and 39%) before roller compaction. We measured the acceleration response of the vibrating roller by using a micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer, and we determined the volume of water leakage from the field by using a rapid leakage capacity tester. We analyzed the changes in the soil structure by using a micro-focused X-ray CT scanner. We analyzed all of the resulting data to identify any correlation. We observed that water leakage from the field was sufficiently prevented when prior to roller compaction, soil moisture content was 39%. The shape of the soil pores that could efficiently prevent water leakage was flatter than that of the inefficiently compacted soil. In addition, the total porosity decreased, but the small-sized pore fraction increased. The vibration acceleration of the roller significantly increased with the decrease in the volume of water leakage. Thus, in addition to assessing the efficiency of vibratory rollers in reducing water leakage, our data suggest that it is to some extent possible to estimate the water leakage prevention effect from the acceleration response of a vibrating roller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The mitotic spindles are among the most successful targets of anti-cancer chemotherapy, and they still hold promise as targets for novel drugs. The anti-mitotic drugs in current clinical use, including taxanes, epothilones, vinca alkaloids, and halichondrins, are all microtubule-targeting agents. Although these drugs are effective for cancer chemotherapy, they have some critical problems; e.g. , neurotoxicity caused by damage to neuronal microtubules, as well as innate or acquired drug resistance. To overcome these problems, a great deal of effort has been expended on development of novel anti-mitotics. Methods We identified novel microtubule-targeting agents with carbazole and benzohydrazide structures: N ′-[(9-ethyl-9 H -carbazol-3-yl)methylene]-2-methylbenzohydrazide (code number HND-007) and its related compounds. We investigated their activities against cancer cells using various methods including cell growth assay, immunofluorescence analysis, cell cycle analysis, tubulin polymerization assay, and tumor inhibition assay in nude mice. Results HND-007 inhibits tubulin polymerization in vitro and blocks microtubule formation and centrosome separation in cancer cells. Consequently, it suppresses the growth of various cancer cell lines, with IC 50 values in the range 1.3–4.6 μM. In addition, HND-007 can inhibit the growth of taxane-resistant cancer cells that overexpress P-glycoprotein. Finally, HND-007 can inhibit HeLa cell tumor growth in nude mice. Conclusions and general significance Taken together, these findings suggest that HND-007 is a promising lead compound for development of novel anti-mitotic, anti-microtubule chemotherapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background context: The clinical morphology of a filum terminale arteriovenous fistula (f-AVF) is well known; however, pathological details of the fistulized portion are unknown. Herein, we report the pathological findings of the f-AVF. Study design: Case report and literature review. Purpose: To present a detailed pathological examination of the fistulized portion of the f-AVF. Methods: A 71-year-old man presented with gradually worsening bilateral foot paresthesias and anal dysesthesia. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed flow voids surrounding an edematous conus medullaris and cauda equina with spinal stenosis at L3–L4 and L4–L5. Spinal digital subtraction angiography demonstrated an f-AVF fed by the left T9 intercostal artery. Results: We performed laminotomies of L3 and L4 to open the dura mater and found a hypertrophic filum terminale. It was resected, leaving a length of 2 cm between the abnormal proximal end and normal distal end. The f-AVF completely disappeared after the surgery. On pathological examination, the filum terminale included two vessels at the proximal end and one at the distal end. At the proximal end, immunostaining showed one vessel that was definitively an artery with both an internal elastic membrane (IEM) and smooth muscle. The other was a vein and lacked an IEM. On the distal side, the collagen fibers gradually increased, the IEM partially disappeared from the arterial wall, and the vein became arterialized with a thin IEM. At the distal end the two vessels joined. Therefore, we speculated that the fistulized portion of the f-AVF was not a fistula point but had some lengths where the artery had characteristics of a vein and there was venous arterialization. Conclusions: The filum arteriovenous shunting occurred at the portion where there was venous arterialization and the artery had the characteristics of a vein. Therefore, resecting the filum terminale requires more proximal from the normal distal end. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Although delirium is a common complication in terminally ill cancer patients and can cause considerable distress for family members, little is known about effective care strategies for terminal delirium. The primary aims of this study were 1) to clarify the distress levels of bereaved families and their perceived necessity of care; and 2) to explore the association between these levels and family-reported professional care practice, family-reported patient behavior, and their interpretation of the causes of delirium. A multicenter questionnaire survey was conducted on 560 bereaved family members of cancer patients who developed delirium during their final two weeks in eight certified palliative care units across Japan. We obtained 402 effective responses (response rate, 72%) and, as 160 families denied delirium episodes, 242 responses were analyzed. The bereaved family members reported that they were very distressed (32%) and distressed (22%) about the experience of terminal delirium. On the other hand, 5.8% reported that considerable or much improvement was necessary, and 31% reported some improvement was necessary in the professional care they had received. More than half of the respondents had ambivalent wishes, guilt and self-blame, and worries about staying with the patient. One-fourth to one-third reported that they felt a burden concerning proxy judgments, burden to others, acceptance, and helplessness. High-level emotional distress and family-perceived necessity of improvement were associated with a younger family age; male gender; their experience of agitation and incoherent speech; their interpretation of the causes of delirium as pain/physical discomfort, medication effects, or mental weakness/death anxiety; and their perception that medical staff were not present with the family, not respecting the patient''s subjective world, not explaining the expected course with daily changes, and not relieving family care burden. In terminal delirium, a considerable number of families experienced high levels of emotional distress and felt some need for improvement of the specialized palliative care service. Control of agitation symptoms with careful consideration of ambivalent family wishes, providing information about the pathology of delirium, being present with the family, respecting the patient''s subjective world, explaining the expected course with daily changes, and relieving family care burden can be useful care strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]