Comparative Study on Epidermal Moisturizing Effects and Hydration Mechanisms of Rice-Derived Glucosylceramides and Ceramides

Ceramide (Cer) plays an important role in skin barrier functions in the stratum corneum (SC). The ingestion of food-derived glucosylceramides (GlcCer) attenuates transepidermal water loss (TEWL). However, the moisturizing effects of single molecules of GlcCer and Cer remain unclear. Therefore, we herein purified 13 GlcCer and 6 Cer, including elasticamide, which has the same structure as human Cer[AP], from rice and compared their epidermal moisturizing effects in a reconstructed human epidermal keratinization model. The results obtained showed that 10 µM of 5 GlcCer[d18:2] with a 4E,8Z sphingadienine and C18 to C26 fatty acids and 10 µg/mL of 3 Cer with C23 or C24 fatty acids significantly reduced TEWL. The moisturizing effects of these GlcCer were dependent on the length of fatty acids. Furthermore, 10 µg/mL of elasticamide increased the SC Cer contents by promoting the expression of GlcCer synthase. Electron microscopic observations revealed that 1 µM of GlcCer[d18:2(4E,8Z)/26:0] increased the number of keratohyalin granules and desmosomes. Immunostaining and Western blotting indicated that 1 µM of GlcCer[d18:2(4E,8Z)/26:0] up-regulated the expression of filaggrin and corneodesmosin, which contribute to epidermal hydration. This comparative study on epidermal moisturization by GlcCer and Cer isolated from rice revealed differences in their hydration mechanisms

Potential Role of Pig UCP3 in Modulating Adipocyte Browning via the Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling Pathway

Adipose tissue plays an important role in regulating body temperature and metabolism, with white adipocytes serving as storage units for energy. Recent research focused on the browning of white adipocytes (beige adipocytes), causing thermogenesis and lipolysis. The process of browning is linked to the activation of uncoupling protein (UCP) expression, which can be mediated by the β3 adrenergic receptor pathway. Transcriptional factors, such as peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and PPARγ coactivator 1 alpha, play vital roles in cell fate determination for fat cells. Beige adipocytes have metabolic therapeutic potential to combat diseases such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, owing to their significant impact on metabolic functions. However, the molecular mechanisms that cause the induction of browning are unclear. Therefore, research using animal models and primary culture is essential to provide an understanding of browning for further application in human metabolic studies. Pigs have physiological similarities to humans; hence, they are valuable models for research on adipose tissue. This study demonstrates the browning potential of pig white adipocytes through primary culture experiments. The results show that upregulation of UCP3 gene expression and fragmentation of lipid droplets into smaller particles occur due to isoproterenol stimulation, which activates beta-adrenergic receptor signaling. Furthermore, PPARγ and PGC-1α were found to activate the UCP3 promoter region, similar to that of UCP1. These findings suggest that pigs undergo metabolic changes that induce browning in white adipocytes, providing a promising approach for metabolic research with potential implications for human health. This study offers valuable insights into the mechanism of adipocyte browning using pig primary culture that can enhance our understanding of human metabolism, leading to cures for commonly occurring diseases

PCAGIP on Zoom : An Examination of its Application and Effects

PCAGIPとは、メンバー間の相互作用を通じて事例提供者に役立つ新しい取り組みの方向や具体策のヒントを見出すためのグループ体験であり（村山・中田，2012）、様々な分野で活用されている。しかし昨今の世界的な感染症の流行に伴い、オンライン上で行うなど方法上の工夫が求められている。そこで、本論文ではZoomを使用してPCAGIPを実践し、オンライン上で行うことのメリット・ディメリットについて検討した。また、事例提供者にとってどのような応答が役に立っていたのかについても検討を行った。実施の結果メリットとして、随時全員の表情を画面上で真正面から捉えることが出来るため、対面にはない臨場感のある体験が可能であることが挙げられた。ディメリットとしてセキュリティの脆弱性に対する5つの不安が挙げられた。しかし、Zoomのアップデートによりそれらの不安のほとんどが解消されているのではないかと思われた。また、PCAGIPにおいて役立つ応答を検討した結果、メタファー表現による自己理解の生成過程、及びメタファー表現との交差やメタファーを用いた相互の追体験が重要であると考えられた。According to Murayama and Nakata (2012), PCAGIP is a group experience involving the interaction between members in order to generate new understandings and perspectives toward engaging the client that is presented by the presenter. With the surge of the worldwide pandemic, methods of holding PCAGIP groups online need to be innovated. In this article, the authors examined the merits and demerits of holding a PCAGIP group online using Zoom. In addition, the article investigated what kinds of interactions were useful for the presenter. One of the merits of Zoom was that the facial expressions of the presenter was clearly visible to all participants, and this enhanced group cohesion. As for demerits, five security risks frequently cited with regards to Zoom were outlined. These security risks, however, seem to have diminished with updates. As for the interactions that the presenter found useful, the presenter reported that metaphors contributed to the emergence of self-understanding. Along with metaphorical expressions, "crossing" with metaphors, as well as mutual Re-experiencing (Nacherleben) through the use of metaphors were highlighted as aspects of helpful interactions