A fat-derived metabolite regulates a peptidergic feeding circuit in Drosophila.

Here, we show that the enzymatic cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) inhibits feeding in Drosophila. BH4 biosynthesis requires the sequential action of the conserved enzymes Punch, Purple, and Sepiapterin Reductase (Sptr). Although we observe increased feeding upon loss of Punch and Purple in the adult fat body, loss of Sptr must occur in the brain.

Functional class and targeted therapy are related to the survival in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Purpose: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an orphan disease showing poor prognosis. The purpose of study was to evaluate clinical factors influencing outcomes in PAH.

Materials And Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with PAH at a single center were reviewed retrospectively.

Efficacy of inhaled iloprost in cor pulmonale and severe pulmonary hypertension associated with tuberculous destroyed lung.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the causes of cor pulmonale. Cor pulmonale patients with pulmonary hypertension have a significant lower survival rate than patients without. However, there is no conclusive treatment options in cor pulmonale and pulmonary hypertension associated with COPD until now.

Identification of a novel insect neuropeptide, CNMa and its receptor.

To identify ligands for orphan GPCRs, we searched novel neuropeptide genes in the Drosophila melanogaster genome. Here, we describe CNMa, a novel cyclic neuropeptide that is a highly potent and selective agonist for the orphan GPCR, CG33696 (CNMaR). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that arthropod species have two paralogous CNMaRs, but many taxa retain only one.

Natalisin, a tachykinin-like signaling system, regulates sexual activity and fecundity in insects.

An arthropod-specific peptidergic system, the neuropeptide designated here as natalisin and its receptor, was identified and investigated in three holometabolous insect species: Drosophila melanogaster, Tribolium castaneum, and Bombyx mori. In all three species, natalisin expression was observed in 3-4 pairs of the brain neurons: the anterior dorso-lateral interneurons, inferior contralateral interneurons, and small pars intercerebralis neurons. In B.

Vasorelaxant mechanisms of ketamine in rabbit renal artery.

Background: Ketamine is a non-barbiturate anesthetic agent which has various effects on the cardiovascular system. Among them, ketamine is known for its hypotensive properties. The hypotension is thought to be mediated by a direct effect on vascular smooth muscles.

A gene-networked gel matrix-supported lipid bilayer as a synthetic nucleus system.

A spheroidal transgene-networked gel matrix was designed as a synthetic nucleus system. It was spheroidically manufactured using both advanced lithography and DNA nanotechnology. Stable Aqueorea coerulescens green fluorescent protein (AcGFP)-encoding gene cross-networks have been optimized in various parameters: the number of gene-networked gel (G-net-gel) spheroids, the concentration of a AcGFP plasmid in the scaffold, and the molar ratio between the X-DNA building blocks and the gene.

An alternative approach to needle placement in cervicothoracic epidural injections.

The use of fluoroscopy guidance together with the loss of resistance technique during epidural injections has been advocated lately; moreover, epidural injections in the absence of fluoroscopic guidance have a high rate of inaccurate needle-tip placement during the injections. However, the approach to the lower cervical and upper thoracic epidural space may be challenging due to its obscure lateral fluoroscopic views from overlying normal tissue structures. In this case, we report an alternative oblique C-arm fluoroscopy guided view approach to supplement the standard anterior-posterior and lateral fluoroscopic views to facilitate successful needle placement and precise anatomical localization of the epidural space.

Effects of inhaled iloprost on congenital heart disease with Eisenmenger syndrome.

Identification of the pathophysiology associated with Eisenmenger syndrome has led to the evaluation of targeted therapies. Iloprost is one such targeted therapy used for patients with Eisenmenger syndrome. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of iloprost used for patients with Eisenmenger syndrome.

The effect of pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position on respiratory mechanics during pelviscopic surgery.

Background: Conventional pelviscopic surgery requires pneumoperitoneum with CO(2) gas insufflation and lithotomy-Trendelenburg position. Pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position may influence intraoperative respiratory mechanics in anesthetic management. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position on respiratory compliance and ventilation pressure.

Pemetrexed versus gefitinib versus erlotinib in previously treated patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Background/aims: The efficacy and safety of pemetrexed, gefitinib, and erlotinib administration in previously treated patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were compared.

Methods: THE STUDY PATIENTS MET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: histologically confirmed, previously treated advanced (stage IIIB or IV) or recurrent NSCLC; a measurable lesion; ≥ 18 years of age; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance status 0 to 2; and no prior exposure to the three study drugs. Patients received 500 mg/m(2) of pemetrexed intravenously every 3 weeks with vitamin supplementation, gefitinib (250 mg/day per os), or erlotinib (150 mg/day per os).

Irinotecan plus carboplatin in patients with extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer.

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of irinotecan in combination with carboplatin in previously untreated, extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC). Patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed ED-SCLC received irinotecan (60 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, and 15) plus carboplatin (AUC 5 on day 1) every 4 weeks. Treatment was repeated until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 6 cycles.