Sulfatide with ceramide composed of phytosphingosine (t18:0) and 2-hydroxy FAs in renal intercalated cells.

Diverse molecular species of sulfatide with differences in FA lengths, unsaturation degrees, and hydroxylation statuses are expressed in the kidneys. However, the physiological functions of specific sulfatide species in the kidneys are unclear. Here, we evaluated the distribution of specific sulfatide species in the kidneys and their physiological functions.

Roasted Barley Extract (Mugicha) Containing Cyclo(D-Phe-L-Pro) Prevents a Decrease in Skin Temperature in Cold Conditions: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study.

Roasted barley extract (RBE) is a traditional Japanese beverage. Previously, we reported the effects of RBE containing cyclo(d-Phe-l-Pro) on blood flow in animals and humans and investigated rapid skin temperature recovery from cold-water immersion in women. The present randomized, double-blind study investigated the effects of RBE containing cyclo(d-Phe-l-Pro) on men's and women's skin temperature in excessively air-cooled conditions.

Roasted Barley Extract (Mugi-cha) Containing Cyclo(d-Phe-l-Pro) Prevents Lowering of the Cutaneous Blood Flow and Skin Temperature under Air Conditioning: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study.

Roasted barley extract (RBE), also known as mugi-cha, is a well-known healthy non-caffeinated beverage, and its health functionality has been widely reported. Our previous clinical study showed that RBE affects the cutaneous blood flow and skin temperature after cold-water immersion and that cyclo(d-Phe-l-Pro) is responsible for its effect. In this study, we investigated whether cyclo(d-Phe-l-Pro)-containing RBE prevents the decrease in the cutaneous blood flow and skin temperature.

Roasted Barley Extract Affects Blood Flow in the Rat Tail and Increases Cutaneous Blood Flow and Skin Temperature in Humans.

Roasted barley extract (RBE, "Mugicha") is a traditional Japanese beverage reported to improve blood viscosity and affect food functionality. RBE is suggested to contain 2,5-diketopiperazines, which are the functional component with neuroprotective and immunostimulatory effects that are produced in food through roasting. In this study, we investigated the effects of RBE on blood circulation, both clinically and in rats.

2-Ethylpyrazine Induces Vasodilatation by Releasing Nitric Oxide in the Endothelium.

Oxygen transportation and regulation of some physiological processes are facilitated by blood flow. Furthermore, blood flow is regulated by various factors such as nitric oxide (NO) and the autonomic nerve system. In modern life, many people suffer from chilliness (hiesho) because of mental stress and an excessive use air-conditioning systems, which induces vasoconstriction in the peripheral skin.

[Metoclopramide Induced Acute Dystonia during Intravenous Patient-controlled Analgesia with Droperidol].

A patient developed acute dystonia following intravenous administration of metocroplamide 20 mg. A 34-year-old woman underwent right hepatectomy, under general anesthesia managed with desflurane, remifentanil, and rocuronium. At the start of surgery, droperidol 1.

Identification and characterization of genes involved in glutathione production in yeast.

Glutathione is a major peptide protecting cells against oxidative stress. To study the cellular processes affecting intracellular glutathione production, we screened Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant collections and identified new eight yeast deletion mutants that produced more than 1.2-fold higher levels of intracellular glutathione: chc1, cst6, ddc1, def1, pep12, rts1, ubp6, and yih1.

Identification of a major yolk protein as an allergen in sea urchin roe.

Anaphylaxis after eating sea urchin roe has been reported. However, its major allergens have not yet been identified. The aim of this study was to identify the major allergens of sea urchin roe.

Evaluation of the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 based on in vitro tests and oral administration tests in healthy adults.

Lactobacillus paracasei KW3110 is a strain which has been reported to possess a strong antiallergic activity. Since many lactic acid bacteria have shown to be useful as the probiotics, the possibility of this strain for use as a probiotic was studied. An in vitro test showed that this strain is strong enough to survive in the gastric juice.

Solitary sclerotic fibroma of the skin: morphological characterization of the 'plywood-like pattern'.

Sclerotic fibroma is an uncommon skin tumor. Rapini and Golitz reported 11 cases of solitary sclerotic fibromas in patients without Cowden's disease in 1989. We report a case of sclerotic fibroma that presented as an asymptomatic nodule in a 34-year-old Japanese man.

Solitary sclerotic neurofibroma of the skin.

Solitary neurofibroma of the skin is a benign soft tissue tumor. Clinically, it is a flesh-colored, slow-growing, soft tumor and sometimes shows diverse histological patterns. We present here a case of nontender, hard neurofibroma with sclerotic change.

Localization of annexin II in the paranodal regions and Schmidt-Lanterman incisures in the peripheral nervous system.

Annexin II (AX II) is a member of the family of calcium-dependent actin- and phospholipid-binding proteins implicated in numerous intracellular functions such as signal transduction, membrane trafficking, and mRNA transport, as well as in the regulation of membrane/cytoskeleton contacts and extracellular functions. AX II is expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and is upregulated in some pathological conditions. However, expression and localization of this protein in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is still uncertain.