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Lutein is a carotenoid that is selectively taken up into the macula of the eye. Komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. perviridis), a green leafy vegetable that is commonly consumed in Japan, is known to be an excellent source of carotenoids. Therefore, we investigated lutein bioaccessibility in an in vitro digestion assay of komatsuna. Lutein bioaccessibility is higher in pulverized powder than in fresh leaf. Reducing the powder particle size and adding emulsifier enhanced lutein bioaccessibility in komatsuna. This result suggests that appropriate processing of komatsuna improves lutein bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triboelectric nanogenerator as new energy technology needs to develop new triboelectric semiconductor materials with excellent electrical transport properties and friction properties for better electric output performance. High manganese silicide Mn4Si7 bulks were prepared from Mn powders and Si powders at 1273 K for 1 h. The residual Si phase and MnSi phase coexisted in the primary sintered Mn4Si7 compacts. The fine Mn powder obtained from mechanical pulverization and secondary sintering can accelerate the formation of Mn4Si7 bulks. MnSi disappeared and slight amount of Si phase remained in the secondary sintered Mn4Si7 bulks. Due to the slight decrease in the resistivity, ZT of Mn4Si7 bulks reached 0.43 at 813 K. The thermal conductivity of the secondary sintered Mn4Si7 compact increased due to the pulverization of the primary Mn4Si7 bulk and the growth of crystal grains. The thermoelectric properties of Mn4Si7 compact are reduced after heat treatment. Secondary sintering can increase the density of Mn4Si7 compact. For the friction property of Mn4Si7, secondary sintering and heat treatment can reduce the coefficient friction and mass loss of primary sintered Mn4Si7 compact. Based on the excellent thermoelectric properties and low wear loss at low loads of Mn4Si7, it is possible to be employed as new triboelectric materials for triboelectric nanogenerator. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triboelectric nanogenerator as new energy technology needs to develop new triboelectric semiconductor materials with excellent electrical transport properties and friction properties for better electric output performance. High manganese silicide Mn4Si7 bulks were prepared from Mn powders and Si powders at 1273 K for 1 h. The residual Si phase and MnSi phase coexisted in the primary sintered Mn4Si7 compacts. The fine Mn powder obtained from mechanical pulverization and secondary sintering can accelerate the formation of Mn4Si7 bulks. MnSi disappeared and slight amount of Si phase remained in the secondary sintered Mn4Si7 bulks. Due to the slight decrease in the resistivity, ZT of Mn4Si7 bulks reached 0.43 at 813 K. The thermal conductivity of the secondary sintered Mn4Si7 compact increased due to the pulverization of the primary Mn4Si7 bulk and the growth of crystal grains. The thermoelectric properties of Mn4Si7 compact are reduced after heat treatment. Secondary sintering can increase the density of Mn4Si7 compact. For the friction property of Mn4Si7, secondary sintering and heat treatment can reduce the coefficient friction and mass loss of primary sintered Mn4Si7 compact. Based on the excellent thermoelectric properties and low wear loss at low loads of Mn4Si7, it is possible to be employed as new triboelectric materials for triboelectric nanogenerator. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality-assured preparation of crushed and diluted preparations for children is a challenge. In this study, a multicenter study was conducted to validate the preparation method for the quality assurance of baclofen powder, clonidine powder, and hydrocortisone powder prepared from tablets according to a previously established method. In-hospital preparations were prepared at five medical facilities under different crushing and mixing conditions. After storage in closed bottles, in-use bottles, and laminated paper for 120 days, ingredients stability, drug elution, and content uniformity after packaging were evaluated. All three ingredients were maintained at between 90% and 110% of their initial content for 120 days under packaging conditions of 25 ± 2 °C and 60 ± 5% relative humidity, with no change in dissolution in all formulations made at all five facilities. The content uniformity was also acceptable. The established method may contribute to quality-assured pediatric dosage form modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baclofen is used as a skeletal muscle relaxant for multiple sclerosis patients and pediatric patients with cerebral palsy and is prescribed to pediatric patients at 0.3 to 1.0 mg/kg/dose. Baclofen tablets, an oral drug, are usually administered as a powder in pediatric wards after a formulation change by the pharmacist. However, there is no information about stability and assurance of quality for compounded products. The purpose of this study was to design a 10 mg/g oral powder of baclofen and to investigate the stability and changes in the physical properties of this compounded product. A 10 mg/g baclofen powder was prepared by adding extra-fine crystal lactose hydrate to crushed and filtrated baclofen tablets and was stored in a polycarbonate amber bottle with desiccant or in a coated paper laminated with cellophane and polyethylene. The stability of baclofen at 25 ± 2 °C/60 ± 5%RH was tested for 120 days in 'bottle (closed)', 'bottle (in use)', and 'laminated' storage conditions. Baclofen concentrations ranged from 90.0% to 110.0% of the initial concentration under all storage conditions. No crystallographic or dissolution changes were observed after storage. This information can help with the management of baclofen compounded powder in pharmacies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zonal distribution of hydrothermal alteration in and around geothermal fields is important for understanding the hydrothermal environment. In this study, we assessed the performance of three unsupervised classification algorithms—K-mean clustering, the Gaussian mixture model, and agglomerative clustering—in automated categorization of alteration minerals along wells. As quantitative data for classification, we focused on the quartz indices of alteration minerals obtained from rock cuttings, which were calculated from X-ray powder diffraction measurements. The classification algorithms were first examined by applying synthetic data and then applied to data on rock cuttings obtained from two wells in the Hachimantai geothermal field in Japan. Of the three algorithms, our results showed that the Gaussian mixture model provides classes that are reliable and relatively easy to interpret. Furthermore, an integrated interpretation of different classification results provided more detailed features buried within the quartz indices. Application to the Hachimantai geothermal field data showed that lithological boundaries underpin the data and revealed the lateral connection between wells. The method's performance is underscored by its ability to interpret multi-component data related to quartz indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Powders for oral solutions and suspensions (POS) are commonly used as pediatric oral medicines worldwide, except for Japan. Although global pediatric formulation development accelerates POS importation to Japan without any formulation change, oral solid multiparticulates remain to be the preferred pediatric forms in the country. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptance situation of four typical POS form products (mycophenolate mofetil, sildenafil citrate, valganciclovir hydrochloride, and voriconazole) that were recently approved in Japan. Methods: A questionnaire on four products was completed by pharmacists in 29 children's hospitals with more than 100 beds each, between November and December of 2019. The questionnaire has six items on (#1) type of institution, (#2) formulary status, (#3) dispensing practice, (#4) reasons why POS form(s) were not selected as hospital formulary, (#5) advantages and disadvantages of POS form, and (#6) opinions for POS form. Results: Of the 29 institutions, 7 (24%), 9 (31%), 4 (13%), and 10 (34%) institutions used POS of mycophenolate mofetil, sildenafil citrate, valganciclovir hydrochloride, and voriconazole, respectively. Reasons for not using these products were dispensed drug loss, formulation issues, and management issues in the pharmaceutical department and pediatric ward. Pharmacists preferred drug compounding such as tablet crushing and capsule opening to POS form use. Conclusions: POS forms might be an unsuitable formulation for the current hospital settings in Japan. Thus, appropriate dosage forms that reflect the current clinical settings are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians at a university had planned to check the collection prior to the library renovations that began in 2015. They had previous knowledge of the presence of a light greyish-white powder with an unpleasant odour (hereinafter referred to as 'powder') sprinkled between the pages of antiquarian books in the library archive. The purpose of this study was to identify this powder with the help of experts from both inside and outside the university. The powder was qualitatively analysed using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry after hexane extraction. The powder was examined under a polarised light microscope and a field-emission scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Benzene hexachloride (BHC) was detected in the powder. Talc was the most abundant particle in the powder. The powder also contained 0.52 wt% asbestos, which belonged to the tremolite-actinolite series. No other types of asbestos were detected. The powder was presumed to be a bulking agent for BHC, and its major constituent was talc. This is the first report on asbestos-containing insecticides.

Background: An increase in the number of elderly edentulous patients likely leads to a greater demand for dentures and denture adhesives. As denture adhesives have both positive and negative features, dentists need to know the types of denture adhesive users to be able to provide instruction to denture wearers on how to use denture adhesives effectively. This study aims to examine the utilization of denture adhesives and associated factors. Methods: Seven closed-ended questionnaires were developed for a web-based survey. After that, Fisher's exact tests were performed to determine the difference in the denture adhesive usage rate by gender, type of denture, last dental visit, and smoking status. A multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed with denture adhesive use or non-use as the dependent variable and the other items as independent variables. Next, Fisher's exact tests and a multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analysis were performed with the type of denture adhesives as the dependent variable in the same way. Statistical analyses were performed for all denture wearers, complete denture wearers, and partial denture wearers. The level of statistical significance was set at p = 0.05. Results: A total of 1470 denture wearers in Japan participated in this study. Of these, 318 used denture adhesives, while 212 (66.7%) used cream; 74 (23.3%) used home liner; 25 (7.9%) used powder; four (1.3%) used sheets; and three (0.9%) used several types. The Fisher's exact tests revealed that the ratios of using denture adhesives were significantly higher for complete denture wearers (p < 0.001), last dental visit over 1 year (p = 0.005), and smokers (p = 0.005). For partial denture wearers, the ratio was significantly higher in smokers (p = 0.262). The multivariate adjusted logistic regression revealed that denture adhesive use or non-use were significantly associated with the type of denture and smoking status in all denture wearers, and just smoking status in partial denture wearers. There were no significant results about the type of denture adhesive selection. Conclusions: From all denture wearers, complete denture wearers and smokers are more likely to use denture adhesives. In addition, smokers significantly use denture adhesives if they are partial denture wearers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lotus root (Nelumbo nucifera) is a popular food in Japan and southeast Asia. It is reported that lotus root includes dietary fiber, vitamin C, and abundant polyphenolic compounds. In Chinese medicine, lotus powder is also utilized in anti-tussive or anti-inflammatory drugs. In this study, we focused on the effects of lotus root powder on allergy symptoms in mice. First, we assessed nasal allergy symptoms in 2,4-diisocyanic acid toluene (TDI)-sensitized nasal allergy model mice. We found that lotus root powder alleviated nasal allergy symptoms in the mice. In addition, we estimated serum inflammatory parameters such as serum total IgE, histamine, and leukotriene B4. Lotus root powder intake significantly decreased serum total IgE and leukotriene B4 compared with standard food intake. We suggest that lotus root powder intake may alleviate allergic symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lack of appropriate pediatric formulations is a global issue and information on acceptability is urgently needed to develop standard pediatric formulations. This study aimed to assess perceptions of acceptability of several oral dosage forms among pediatric patients at a community and a pediatric hospital in Japan and collected information about age-appropriate pediatric formulations, aiming to contribute to drug development promotion worldwide. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed. A convenience sample of caregivers was recruited from available chain-owned retail pharmacies and inpatient pediatric units. The questionnaire was composed of 3 parts: (1) acceptability of the 5 dosage forms (tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, and orally disintegrating tablet) by age; (2) acceptability of dosage size, amount, and volume by age; and (3) the actual method of administration. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at 3 independent community pharmacies (324 parents) and tertiary care pediatric hospital wards (112 nursing staff). Acceptability scores and acceptable dosages were then determined. The survey was conducted from October 1 to December 1, 2017, for the hospital setting and November 1 to 30, 2017, for the outpatient setting. Results: The acceptability of oral dosage forms was roughly similar to the matrix drafted by the European Medical Agency. Differences in perception of the powder forms between communities and hospitals were also observed, with the nursing staff perceiving powder as being acceptable from the neonatal period. Conclusions: The difference in caregivers' perception of the acceptability of oral formulations between Japan and Europe was small. The powder form was found to be more acceptable in Japan. Further intervention studies are needed to assess the preferred pediatric formulation worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kumaizasa (Sasa. senanensis (Franchet et Savatier) Rehder) is a bush-type bamboo grown in Hokkaido, Japan and has traditionally been used as a material for herbal medicine and health food. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of daily ingestion of Kumaizasa powder (4.2g/day) for 2 weeks for improvement of constipation. Methods: We conducted a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group comparison study on 80 healthy Japanese men and women between the ages of 20 and 65 who complained of chronic constipation. Results: The stool frequency per week as the primary outcome showed a significant increase after 2- week ingestion of the active food (Kumaizasa powder) compared with the placebo (starch). The stool odor was also significantly improved after 2-week ingestion of Kumaizasa powder compared with the placebo. Abdominal condition was also significantly improved by visual analogue scale (VAS) evaluation. Conclusions: We concluded that daily ingestion of Kumaizasa powder is useful for improvement of constipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of antibiotics that are acceptable and easy for children to take and use is highly desirable. As advocated by the World Health Organization, solid oral formulations with excellent shelf-life, taste masking and dose adjustment are attracting attention as appropriate pediatric oral antimicrobial formulations, but liquid formulations remain the most common worldwide. Apparently unique to Japan, the most common formulations of oral antimicrobials for pediatric use are dispensed as a powder with most being flavored powders. Powdered formulations are packaged in single doses, which eliminates the need for parents to weigh them before administration and may reduce the possibility of dosage errors. On the other hand, there are some formulations that require large doses of powder due to inappropriate concentrations, granular formulations that have a rough texture that affects palatability, and some formulations that require flavoring agents to mask the bitter taste of the main drug. Such inappropriate formulations have a significant impact on adherence to antimicrobial therapy. It remains unclear whether solid oral dosage forms might be as acceptable worldwide as in Japan. To ensure that appropriate antimicrobials are delivered to children worldwide, a direction for the development of appropriate dosage forms in children needs to be established., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aims: To reduce Salmonella contamination of animal feeds, Salmonella contamination in a feed materials storage facility was investigated, and hazard analysis was performed to acquire the basic information necessary to establish a control method for Salmonella. The result is that managers of feed materials storage facilities will be able to introduce the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems to quickly and efficiently., Methods and Results: A total of 472 samples, including deposits, adhesions, environment samples and materials, were investigated. The detection rate in the storage facility was 5.1% (24/472) over the three-year investigation period. The serovars of detected Salmonella were Agona, Anatum, Bron (or Agbeni), Chester, Infantis, Mbandaka, Minnesota, Muenster, Sinstorf, Typhimurium, O18:- and O1,3,19:-. As a result of hazard analysis after confirming the multiplication factors and detection rate, important hazards were judged to be the outdoor equipment and dust collector., Conclusions: The risk of Salmonella contamination in storage facilities was clarified. Important Salmonella hazards in storage facilities are Salmonella-contaminated feed materials, multiplication factors such as rainwater and dew condensation, and Salmonella-accumulated dust in dust collectors for fine-powder recovery. These results suggest that proper control of these hazards could reduce the risk of Salmonella in storage facilities., Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first report describing actual Salmonella contamination conditions and risk assessment using the hazard analysis at a feed materials storage facility in Japan. This study will consider implications for the feed industry because the hazard analysis clarified the sites of Salmonella contamination, the tendency of contamination and the points for implementing control measures in the feed materials storage facility., (© 2022 Society for Applied Microbiology.)

Abstract: Japanese post-fermented teas are produced by a combination of aerobic and anaerobic microbial fermentation of the leaves of tea plant. Recently, it was revealed that tea products contain characteristic polyphenols identical to the tea catechin metabolites produced by mammalian intestinal bacteria, such as (2S)-1-(3′,4′,5′-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2″,4″,6″-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol (EGC-M1). In the present study, degradation of epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCg) and epigallocatechin (EGC) with acetone powder prepared from Japanese post-fermented tea was examined. Under aerobic conditions, EGCg was hydrolysed to EGC and gallic acid, which were further converted to gallocatechin (GC) and pyrogallol, respectively. Under anaerobic conditions, EGCg was hydrolysed to EGC, which was further metabolised to GC, EGC-M1 and (4R)-5-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)-4-hydroxypentanoic acid (EGC-M2). Gallic acid was degraded to pyrogallol and then further decomposed. Anaerobic treatment of EGC with the acetone powder yielded EGC-M1, EGC-M2, (4R)-5-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone, and (4R)-5-(3,4 -dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone. Furthermore, similar anaerobic treatment of rutin and hesperidin yielded 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) started a series of proficiency test (PT) projects, science 2009, to improve the ability to analyze the elements in environmental and food samples. The first PT was carried out for determination of selected elements (i.e. Al, Ca, Fe, K, P, and Zn) in tea-leaf powder, where a candidate reference material for trace elements in tea-leaf powder was used as the PT material. In the first PT, 41 participants registered, 38 of whom submitted 39 sets of reports. Three national metrology institutes – National Metrology Institute of China, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science and NMIJ – carried out a co-analysis of the candidate material in parallel with the PT. Certified values, characterized based on independent measurement by NMIJ, were confirmed by the results of co-analysis and were applied as the reference values to evaluate the reported results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recent advances made in Japan in the production of ultra-fine stainless steel powders mean improvements in MIM processing can be realised… [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

I report why and how I became engaged in the study of organic semiconductors. My first step (1947) in the investigation of organic semiconductors was the measurement of electrical resistance of powdered graphite and carbon materials. Through this observation I accepted the property that carbon particles certainly conduct electric current. I noticed that functional groups bound to the edges of polycyclics in graphite do not cause swelling. I hit upon an idea that polycyclic aromatic compounds with molecular structures similar to fragments of graphite might be electrically conductive. Then, I started measuring the electrical resistance of violanthrone and hence found semiconductive behavior in organic solids (1954). Further I present my encounter with charge-transfer type organic semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of near-miss dispensing errors in hospital pharmacies in Japan. A prospective multi-center observational study was conducted between December 2018 and March 2019. The primary objective was to determine the proportion of near-miss dispensing errors in hospital pharmacy departments. The secondary objective was to determine the predictive factors for near-miss dispensing errors using multiple logistic regression analysis. The study was approved by the ethical committee at The Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Japan. A multi-center prospective observational study was conducted in 20 hospitals comprising 8862 beds. Across the 20 hospitals, we assessed data from 553 pharmacists and 53039 prescriptions. A near-miss dispensing error proportion of 0.87% (n = 461) was observed in the study. We found predictive factors for dispensing errors in day-time shifts: a higher number of drugs in a prescription, higher number of quantified drugs, such as liquid or powder formula, in a prescription, and higher number of topical agents in a prescription; but we did not observe for career experience level for clinical pharmacists. For night-time and weekend shifts, we observed a negative correlation of near-miss dispensing errors with clinical pharmacist experience level. We found an overall incidence of near-miss dispensing errors of 0.87%. Predictive factors for errors in night-time and weekend shifts was inexperienced pharmacists. We recommended that pharmacy managers should consider education or improved work flow to avoid near-miss dispensing errors by younger pharmacists, especially those working night or weekend shifts.

Hydrocortisone has been utilized in the management of adrenal insufficiency. For pediatric patients, the commercially available enteral form of hydrocortisone tablets (Cortoril®) is administered in powder form after being compounded by a pharmacist. However, the stability and quality of compounded hydrocortisone powder have not been verified. In this study, we formulated a 20 mg/g oral hydrocortisone powder by adding lactose monohydrate to crushed and filtered hydrocortisone tablets and assessed the stability and physical properties of this compounded product in polycarbonate amber bottles or coated paper packages laminated with cellophane and polyethylene. Stability was examined over 120 days in three storage conditions: closed bottle, in-use bottle, and laminated paper. Drug dissolution and powder X-ray diffraction analysis were conducted to assess its physicochemical stabilities. Validated liquid chromatography-diode array detection was used to detect and quantify hydrocortisone and its degradation products. Although impurity B (cortisone) and G (hydrocortisone-21-aldehyde) were found after 120 days of storage, no crystallographic and dissolution changes were noted. Hydrocortisone content was maintained between 90% and 110% of initial contents for 120 days at 25 ± 2 °C and 60 ± 5% relative humidity in all packaging conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen allergy to Japanese cedar and cypress is a serious illness that impairs daily life and sleep, especially during pollen season. We have reported that placing a cloth panel containing a specific natural ore powder (CCSNOP) in a room may alleviate the symptoms of hay fever and may also benefit the immune system. This ore is from the Aso mountain range, a volcano on Kyushu Island in the southwestern part of Japan. The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of CCSNOP on cypress pollen. Thirty-one double-blind tests, which investigated cedar pollen allergies, were conducted from February to March 2018 and have already been reported. After this, in early April, 10 of these cases were recruited and all had CCSNOP installed in their bedrooms. Before that, various symptoms and changes in medication were recorded in a "Symptom Diary" and included a mood survey by a questionnaire, stress test using saliva amylase, changes in cypress-specific immunoglobulins IgE and IgG4 by blood sampling, and eosinophil changes. In addition, changes in 29 types of cytokines were investigated. Exposure to CCSNOP relieved symptoms and subjects decreased their intake of medication. There was no change in mood or stress, but eosinophil levels tended to decrease. Although there were no statistical changes in cypress-specific IgE or IgG4, an increase in the former and a decrease in the latter were observed in some individuals during the period of pollen dispersal. Furthermore, levels of GM-CSF and IL8 decreased significantly after use of CCSNOP. The CCSNOP was shown to be effective against cypress pollen allergy, and future investigations will be necessary to observe the long-term effects of CCSNOP., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication., (Copyright © 2021 Suni Lee et al.)

Presents several papers published in the 2005 issue of the journals "Journal of the Society of Powder Technology, Japan" and "Powder Science & Engineering." "Effect and Behavior of Liquid Additive Molecules in Dry Ultrafine Grinding of Limestone," by M. Hasegawa et al; "Characteristics and Hydrogen Desorption Property of Nanostructured Graphite Produced by Grinding in Vacuum Atmospheres," by M. Shirahige et al; "Powder Technology and Electrostatics," by Y. Murata.

The present study is aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of earthworm (EW) powder and vermihumus (VH) on the growth performance, humoral immunity response, plasma constituents and reproductive performance of Japanese breeder quails. A total of 336 birds were assigned to seven treatments in a completely randomized design from day 30 to 90 of age. The dietary treatments were carried out, one without any addition of EW and VH, the second had a standard rate of VH at 0.8%, while a range of EW additions was supplied from 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5%. The effects of treatments on body weight and mortality were not significant (p > .05). The highest feed intake was observed in birds fed the diets supplemented with 1% and 1.5% EW (p < .05). The highest titre of antibodies against influenza virus and sheep red blood cells belonged to the EW and VH treatments (p < .05). The antibody titre against Newcastle disease virus vaccine was not affected by the treatments. In general, the birds receiving EW and VH had the highest egg weight, egg production and egg mass weight (p < .05). Nonetheless, various levels of EW powder negatively affected hatchability and increased mortality and leg disorders (p < .05). The results showed that the levels of dietary 1% and 1.5% of EW powder gave the best growth and reproductive performance to birds respectively., (© 2020 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Cyanogenic glycosides in loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) seeds, which are used in so-called health foods, pose a public concern in Japan due to their potential health risks. Several pretreatment methods, such as the steam distillation and Conway microdiffusion methods, have been established for the determination of cyanogenic glycoside concentrations in foods. However, these methods are time-consuming and have extremely low throughput. Therefore, we developed a simple and rapid method, called the purge method, to analyze cyanide compounds in seed-derived food products. Under this method, the aqueous extract of cyanogenic glycosides is treated with β-glucosidase in a midget impinger, after which the liberated cyanide is purged into an absorbing solution. The concentration of cyanide in the adsorbent is then quantified using 4-pyridinecarboxylic acid-pyrazolone reagent. A single-laboratory method validation study was performed using amygdalin at a concentration of 10 ppm as cyanide ion. The validation parameter results (trueness, 83.9%; repeatability, 1.18%; intermediate precision, 4.67%) indicated that the developed method was suitable, precise and accurate. The purge method was used to analyze cyanide concentrations in commercially available food samples. Of the 10 samples tested (loquat seed powder, apricot kernel powder, and plum seed powder), three samples were found to contain cyanogenic glycosides at concentrations of >10 ppm as hydrogen cyanide, with the highest concentration detected being 861 ppm. These results clearly demonstrated the applicability of our method in determining cyanogenic glycosides in seed-derived food samples.

Occupational exposure of pharmacists to drugs during powder drug preparation in dispensing pharmacies was investigated. First, we determined frequently prescribed tipepidine hibenzate and ambroxol hydrochloride suspended in the air of the dispensing room. The median concentration of the drugs in the air was 0.01 μg/m 3 and 0.02 μg/m 3 , respectively; these values indicate that the air in the dispensing room was contaminated with powder drug. To estimate drug exposure during powder drug preparation, drug dust was collected near the nose of workers. Analysis of the active ingredients of the drugs used in the preparation revealed that eight drugs, including bethanechol, l-carbocisteine, and zonisamide, were detected in the range of 1.5-1220 μg/m 3 . Assuming that the respiratory volume of an adult was 0.008 m 3 /min, it was estimated that 0.4-36 μg of the ingredients were exposed per prescription by multiplying concentration, respiratory volume and sampling time (3-5 min). Furthermore, the effect of wearing a medical mask on the drug powder exposure was evaluated using a self-made apparatus. When the amount of drug powder collected on filters that is either covered with or without a medical mask was compared, the covered filter exhibited reduced drug powder accumulation to less than 10% the amount collected on the uncovered filter. The present data suggested that a medical mask might decrease the drug dust allergies in dispensing pharmacists.

Background: Hydromorphone is a standard opioid analgesic for cancer pain that, prior to this study, was not approved in Japan, where options for opioid switching are limited. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of hydromorphone (DS-7113b) immediate-release tablets in opioid-naïve cancer patients with moderate to severe cancer pain., Methods: Multicenter, active-controlled, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, non-inferiority study of 183 cancer patients over 20 years of age at 50 clinical sites in Japan. Hydromorphone tablets or oxycodone hydrochloride powder was orally administered four times daily for 5 days. The initial doses of hydromorphone and oxycodone hydrochloride were 4 mg/day and 10 mg/day, respectively, and adjusted as necessary. Efficacy was evaluated as the intergroup difference (95% confidence interval [CI]) of the least squares mean by analysis of covariance, using the baseline visual analog scale (VAS) as a covariate for change in VAS score at treatment completion/discontinuation in the full analysis set., Results: Non-inferiority of hydromorphone versus oxycodone was confirmed, with an intergroup difference (95% CI) in the least squares mean of -3.4 mm (-9.8 to 3.1 mm) for change in VAS scores, which was below the upper limit of the 95% CI at 10 mm, the non-inferiority limit determined during study planning. Adverse events occurred in 83.0% (73/88) of patients in the hydromorphone group and 77.4% (65/84) in the oxycodone group. The most frequently observed adverse events were somnolence, constipation, vomiting and nausea., Conclusions: The efficacy and safety of hydromorphone tablets are equivalent to those of oxycodone immediate-release powder.

Presents titles of original research papers published in Japanese journals, including the "Journal of the Society of Powder Technology, Japan" and "Powder Science & Engineering," as of May 2006. "Micro Discharge Welding and Joint Reinforcement by Non-Contact Welding Method," by T. Konno et al; "Evaluation of Glycemia Control in Beagle Dogs by the Administration of Insulin Encapsulated PLGA Nano-Composite Preparations," by H. Tsujimoto et al; "Kinetics of Comminution and the Grinding Probabilities," by T. Tanaka.

Lists several titles of original research papers published in the Japanese journals "Journal of the Society of Powder Technology, Japan" and "Powder Science & Engineering."

Presents the titles of the research papers published in the 2002 issues of the Japanese journals, 'Powder Science & Engineering' and the 'Journal of the Society of Powder Technology.'

Provides information on the `Journal of the Society of Powder Technology' newsletter published by the Japan Society of Powder Technology. List of original research papers published in the 1999, volume 36 issue of the newsletter.

Information about several topics discussed at the KONA Symposium 2012 organized by Hosokawa Powder Technology Foundation and held at Hotel Nikko Kurashiki in Okayama, Japan on September 2-5, 2012 is presented. Topics include structural joining of ceramic nanoparticles, bio-inspired functional materials, and pores-synthesis and applications. The event also featured several speakers including Dr. Steven Mullens, professor Soshu Kirihara, and professor Olivera Milosevic.

The article offers information on the POWTEX Osaka 2007. The exhibition is scheduled From October 16 to 19, 2007 at the INTEX Osaka in Osaka, Japan. It is considered the biggest exhibition in Western Japan since 1993 for powder processing technology in foods, chemicals, electronics, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, mining, environmental protection, among others.

The article highlights POWTEX Tokyo 2006, the exhibition of The Association of Powder Process Industry and Engineering (APPIE) held from November 7-10 in Tokyo, Japan. International Forums were held parallel with the exhibition, and among the topics discussed were nanoparticle characterization, industrial crystallization and the design of particles in pharmaceuticals. A total of 275 corporations classified in three categories exhibited at the event.

The article provides an overview of the POWTEX Nagoya 2006 exhibition held by the Association of Powder Process Industry & Engineering (APPIE) in Nagoya, Japan on April 15. Background information on the industrial revolution in Nagoya is presented. APPIE was established in Nagoya because the National Institute of Technology was initially located in it which aims to promote techniques in industries like porcelain and ceramics and engineering-related powder processing. Thirty members of APPIE participated at the event.

The article provides information on the exhibitions held by the Association of Powder Process Industry and Engineering (APPIE) in Japan. The exhibitions enables APPIE to communicate with public persons and companies through technological discourse on specific items regarding powder technology. The exhibitions include POWTEX Tokyo 200X, POWTEX Osaka 200Y, and POWTEX Nagoya 200Z.

Focuses on the Transportation Group of the Association of Powder Process Industry & Engineering in Japan. History of the group; Significance of transportation to particulate materials handling; Problems being experienced in transportation, as of May 2006; Directors of the group.

Focuses on the different issues which concerns the Electrophotographic Technology Group of the Japan-based Association of Powder Process Industry & Engineering. Prerequisites needed to utilize image information for different purposes; Dependence of the technology on powder handling processes; Importance of mutual cooperation between the group and the Photographic Society of Japan.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using a suspension of a fine-powder formulation of cisplatin (DDPH) in lipiodol (LPD) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)., Methods: The subjects were 262 HCC patients treated with TACE using a DDPH-LPD suspension. The DDPH-LPD suspension was prepared by mixing 50 mg of DDPH into 10 mL of LPD. TACE was repeated when treated lesions relapsed and/or new hepatic lesions were detected. These patients received additional TACE using the same agent. TACE was repeated until complete regression of the tumor was obtained. The primary efficacy endpoint of the current study was the objective early response rate. Secondary efficacy endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival., Results: The objective early response rate was 43.6%. Cumulative PFS rates were 56.7% at 6 mo, 23.1% at 12 mo, 13.4% at 18 mo, and 10.5% at 24 mo. The median PFS was 6.6 mo. Cumulative survival rates were 90.6% at 6 mo, 81.9% at 12 mo, 70.5% at 24 mo, and 58.8% at 36 mo. Median survival time was 46.6 mo. All adverse reactions were controllable by temporary suspension of treatment. No serious complications or treatment-related deaths were observed., Conclusion: TACE using a suspension of DDPH in LPD may be a useful treatment for HCC.

Purpose: A multicenter phase I/II study of transarterial chemoembolization with a fine cisplatin powder and gelatin particles (GPs) for multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was conducted. Primary endpoints were dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and recommended dose (RD). Secondary endpoints were the incidence and severity of adverse events and tumor response., Materials and Methods: Nonselective transarterial chemoembolization was performed until all tumor enhancement disappeared. Lipiodol was not used. In the phase I study, the cisplatin dose was escalated from 35 mg/m(2) to 65 mg/m(2) in 15-mg/m(2) increments to determine DLT and RD. In the phase II study, 40 patients were treated with the RD. Toxicity was assessed by Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Effects (version 3.0), and tumor response was evaluated by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST; version 1.0) and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) criteria., Results: A total of 46 patients were enrolled. As no DLT occurred at any dose level in the phase I study, RD was determined as 65 mg/m(2). In the phase II study, the treatment was discontinued in one patient as a result of vasovagal response. Toxicities of grade 3 or higher included nausea (2.2%), pancreatitis (2.2%), cholecystitis (2.2%), thrombocytopenia (8.7%), hyperbilirubinemia (2.2%), and increased aspartate aminotransferase (28.3%) and alanine aminotransferase (21.7%) levels. Tumor response rates under RD were 25.6% and 64.1% by RECIST and EASL criteria, respectively., Conclusions: Nonselective transarterial chemoembolization with fine cisplatin powder and GPs was well tolerated and effective in patients with multifocal HCC at the RD of 65 mg/m(2)., (Copyright © 2012 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aimed at defining the key drivers for the quality-determining umami taste of a high-grade powdered green tea, called mat-cha, a bioactivity-guided fractionation using solvent extraction, solvent precipitation, preparative chromatographic separations, and human psychophysical experiments was applied on freshly prepared mat-cha. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and one-/two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance studies on isolated fractions led to the identification of l-theanine, succinic acid, 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid (gallic acid), and (1R,2R,3R,5S)-5-carboxy-2,3,5-trihydroxycyclohexyl-3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate (theogallin) as umami-enhancing compounds in the green tea beverage, and it can be shown by sensory studies that these compounds are able to raise the umami intensity of sodium l-glutamate proportionally.

Bronchial asthma is characteristic of chronic airway inflammatory disorder which many inflammatory cells play a role, BDP therefore has become a basic drug (controller) in the treatment of asthma. Recently new dry powder inhalation systems of corticosteroid such as fluticasone propionate (Diskhaler) and budesonide (Turbuhaler) have been studied to examine the dose response clinical efficacy to BDP. Clinical efficacy of both drugs are equivocal to double dose of BDP. These excellent drugs will be soon available for clinical use in Japan.