Goreisan Inhibits Upregulation of Aquaporin 4 and Formation of Cerebral Edema in the Rat Model of Juvenile Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Secondary cerebral edema regulation is of prognostic significance in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cerebral edema. The traditional Japanese herbal medicine Goreisan relieves brain edema in adults; however, its effect and pharmacological mechanism in children are unknown. We investigated the effects of Goreisan on HIE-associated brain edema and AQP4 expression in a juvenile rat model, established by combined occlusion of middle cerebral and common carotid arteries. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the lesion areas were significantly smaller in the Goreisan- (2 g/kg) treated group than in the nontreated (saline) group at 24 and 48 h postoperatively. AQP4 mRNA levels in the lesion and nonlesion sides were significantly suppressed in the Goreisan group compared with the nontreated group 36 h postoperatively. Western blotting revealed that levels of AQP4 protein were significantly decreased in the Goreisan group compared with the nontreated group in the lesion side 72 h postoperatively, but not at 12 or 36 h. After 14 days, the Goreisan group had a significantly better survival rate. These findings suggest that Goreisan suppresses brain edema in HIE and improves survival in juvenile rats, possibly via regulation of AQP4 expression and function

Research Activities in the Department of Occupational Therapy

Even though the purpose of the services provided by occupational therapy is to help and to support the daily life of clients, the actual services extend to a wide range of daily activities. Thus, research in occupational therapy covers a wide range of activities which can be modified and changed according to the needs of clients. Research activities conducted by clinical psychologists and English teachers who staff the Department of Occupational Therapy at Aino University are also summarized below. [1. Research in Occupational Therapy for Physically Handicapped.] We are involved in a study of the efficient motion analysis in the activity of daily life (ADL) in part with the staff of the Department of Clinical Engineering. We analyze the muscle tone under various locomotive operations by quantifying muscle tone with surface electro-myography (EMG). We have studied the brain network related to memory and learning in the training tasks that enable effective learning skills and their clinical application

Patient–Physician Differences in Desired Characteristics of NSAID Plasters: An Online Survey

In Japan, adhesive skin plasters containing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used to treat pain of musculoskeletal origin. There are many reports on their efficacy but few on patients’ impressions of usability or levels of satisfaction. Objectives. To elucidate the differences in perception between patients and physicians concerning NSAID plasters. Subjects. We conducted two surveys about NSAID plasters on patients and physicians. 600 patients currently using plasters and 200 physicians currently prescribing NSAID plasters were studied. Methods. Questionnaire included items concerning usage, efficacy and side effects, site and intensity of their pain, pain management strategies, characteristics they desired from NSAID plasters, and their satisfaction with them. Results. The characteristic most frequently reported as desirable by patients was analgesic efficacy, followed by avoiding skin irritation and low medication cost. The characteristics most frequently reported as desirable by physicians were analgesic efficacy, alignment with patient preference, safety to skin, and comfort when applied. Our survey revealed that both patients and physicians prioritized analgesic efficacy of NSAID plasters. However, approximately half of the patients and physicians were unsatisfied with the analgesic efficacy of plasters. Conclusions. Physicians may improve patient satisfaction by discussing analgesic efficacy, skin complications, and price with patients before prescription

Osteochondral autograft transplantation for osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow in juvenile baseball players

Contains fulltext : MMUBN000001_035792884.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen, 05 maart 1965Promotor : Asselbergs, W.J.M.AVII, 468 p

Chondrogenic re-differentiation potential of chondrocytes after monolayer culture: Comparison between osteoarthritis and young adult patients

Purpose: Monolayer passage of chondrocytes results in dramatic phenotypic changes. This “de-differentiation” is expected to restore the chondrogenic properties such as “re-differentiation” in autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). The purpose of this study was to compare the chondrogenic re-differentiation potential of chondrocytes, from osteoarthritis (OA) patients and young adult patients, after monolayer culture. Methods: Chondrocytes from five old patients with knee OA (OAC) and five young patients with recurrent shoulder dislocation (non-OAC) were used. The chondrocytes from passages 1 to 3 were analyzed for the expression of cell surface markers (CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD44) by flow cytometric analysis. Chondrocytes of passage 4 were cultured as pellets for re-differentiation and evaluated histologically. Real-time PCR were performed to measure the chondrogenic related genes transcriptional levels. Results: OAC and non-OAC had comparable positive ratios for CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105. The expression of CD105 was upregulated from passage 1 to passage 3 in OAC, and it increased at the same level as in non-OAC during passage 2 and 3. The expression of COL2 decreased from passage 1 to passage 3 in both the groups. There were no statistical differences in the Bern Scores between OAC and non-OAC. Conclusion: The chondrocytes from OA patients and young adult patients had chondrogenic re-differentiation potential. The changes in cell surface markers and chondrogenic related genes showed similarity for both the groups. Our findings suggest that OAC can become the cell source for ACI