Angiotensin II and III suppress food intake via angiotensin AT2 receptor and prostaglandin EP4 receptor in mice

AbstractIntracerebroventricularly administered angiotensin (Ang) II and III dose-dependently suppressed food intake in mice and their anorexigenic activities were inhibited by AT2 receptor-selective antagonist. Ang II did not suppress food intake in AT2 receptor-knockout mice, while it did significantly in wild-type and AT1 receptor-knockout mice. The suppression of food intake in AT1 receptor-knockout mice was smaller than that in wild-type. The anorexigenic activities of Ang II and III were also blocked by a selective antagonist for prostaglandin EP4 receptor. Taken together, centrally administered Ang II and III may decrease food intake through AT2 receptor with partial involvement of AT1 receptor, followed by EP4 receptor activation, which is a novel pathway regulating food intake

Statistical study of Doppler velocity and echo power around 75゜ magnetic latitude using data obtained with the Syowa East HF radar in 1997

We present the statistical relationship between the echo power and Doppler velocity of radar echoes observed with the Syowa East HF radar in Antarctica in 1997. The objective of this analysis was to clarify the mechanisms by which high-latitude (～75° magnetic latitude) F region irregularities are generated. Although data points are scattered over a large area, a positive correlation between Doppler velocity and echo power appears to be present. This relationship can be interpreted in terms of gradient-drift instability, which is the most probable cause of the decameter-scale irregularities in the F region. The positive correlation deteriorates in the afternoon and midnight sectors, probably as a result of other mechanisms related to particle precipitation (field-aligned current), such as the current-convective instability

Statistical analysis of echo power, Doppler velocity and spectral width obtained with the Syowa South HF radar

Statistical analyses are made of the physical parameters (echo power, Doppler velocity and spectral width) of Doppler spectra obtained in September 1995 with the Syowa South HF radar. We present time and range distributions and histograms of the parameters and cross-correlations among them. With K index at Syowa Station the distributions and histograms vary slightly but the correlations do not change so much. The most noticeable feature is that there is a positive correlation between the absolute values of Doppler velocity and echo power. This relationship can be interpreted in terms of the gradient-drift instability which is the most probable cause to generate decameter-scale irregularities in the F-region ionosphere

Gas Embolism Caused by Portal Vein Gas: Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction: We describe a case of pulmonary gas embolism caused by portal vein gas (PVG) observed using echocardiography. Echography revealed gas flowing through the hepatic vein, inferior vena cava, right atrium, and right ventricle, as well as pulmonary hypertension. The patient was diagnosed as having pulmonary gas embolism caused by PVG. Objective: We consider PVG routes to pulmonary circulation, diagnosis of gas embolism caused by PVG, and treatment of gas embolism caused by PVG.Methods: We reviewed reports of eight cases of gas embolism caused by PVG and compared these cases to cases of gas embolism without PVG. Results: Mortality of gas embolism caused by PVG was 67%, positive blood culture was observed in six cases, and pulmonary edema was seen in three cases. PVG initially excites microbubble formation, which causes tissue damage in the liver and liver abscess. A large volume of PVG causes portal obstruction. As a result, portal hypertension, a portosystemic shunt or gastrointestinal congestion can occur. PVG can travel to the systemic vein through the liver or portosystemic shunt without anomaly and cause pulmonary gas embolism, followed by arterial embolism. In this environment, sepsis easily occurs. Echocardiography is useful for diagnosis of gas embolism caused by PVG, but the gas can be seen intermittently. The view of pulmonary edema is important for pulmonary gas embolism caused by PVG. Conclusion: It is important to treat the underlying disease, but PVG must be considered and treated as the gas embolism’s source

Advantage of Insulin Glulisine Over Regular Insulin in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Severe Renal Insufficiency

ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy and safety of insulin glulisine over regular insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes and severe renal insufficiency.SubjectsOur study included 18 patients with type 2 diabetes and a mean (range) estimated glomerular filtration rate of 13.2 mL/minute/1.73 m2 (5.8-27.6), which corresponds to stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease.DesignAfter titration of doses, regular insulin was administered thrice daily on Day 1, along with continuous glucose monitoring for 24 h starting at 7 am. Exactly equal doses of insulin glulisine were administered on Day 2. Area under the curve (AUC) for blood glucose level variation after breakfast (AUC-B 0-4), lunch (AUC-L 0-6), and dinner (AUC-D 0-6) were evaluated.ResultsAUC-B 0-4 and AUC-D 0-6 were significantly lower with insulin glulisine than with regular insulin (AUC-B 0-4: 3.3 ± 4.7 vs. 6.2 ± 5.4 × 102 mmol/L·minute, respectively, P = .028; AUC-D 0-6: 1.8 ± 7.3 vs. 6.5 ± 6.2 × 102 mmol/L·minute, respectively, P = .023). In contrast, AUC-L 0-6 was higher with insulin glulisine than with regular insulin (AUC-L 0-6: 7.6 ± 6.4 vs. 4.2 ± 8.7 × 102 mmol/L·minute, respectively, P = .099), suggesting a prolonged hypoglycemic action of regular insulin after lunch.ConclusionsInsulin glulisine effectively suppressed postprandial hyperglycemia, whereas regular insulin caused a prolonged hypoglycemic action. These findings support the effectiveness and safety of insulin glulisine in patients with type 2 diabetes and severe renal insufficiency

Percutaneous Direct Puncture of Retropancreatic Splenic Vein and Portal Thrombectomy in a Patient With Liver Transplantation and Simultaneous Splenectomy

Portal vein thrombosis following liver transplantation is generally managed by endovascular treatment. Although several techniques are available for portal venous access, trans-splenic access is of interest because it avoids damage to the liver graft. However, the spleen cannot be punctured to access the portal vein after splenectomy. We herein report a case of portal vein thrombosis following living donor liver transplantation with simultaneous splenectomy successfully treated by percutaneous intervention with direct puncture of the retropancreatic splenic vein. The splenic vein was punctured under computed tomography guidance in the prone position. Portal venography revealed a contrast defect due to a thrombus in the extrahepatic to intrahepatic portal vein. The portal vein was reopened after thrombectomy, and the portal vein thrombosis did not recur for 2 y. The technique and advantages of our approach are described

FluxPaper: Reinventing Paper with Dynamic Actuation Powered by Magnetic Flux

ABSTRACT FluxPaper is a new paper-based medium that enables physical movement and dynamic interaction between a high-power magnetized paper and a programmable magnetic field. FluxPaper has a very thin patterned magnetic layer (0.1 mm) pasted behind the paper. A thin but strong neodymium-based magnet realizes fast, powerful, and precise physical actions while retaining the original characteristics of the paper that is widely used in our daily lives. Owing to an effective magnetic pattern and a computer-controlled magnetic field, FluxPaper can add new interaction modality to ordinary paper. We describe the functions of magnetized paper; challenges through realization; and the interaction scenarios in several applications, such as self-alignment, self-construction, floating on the board, and quickly picking out a target card from a stack

Special Feature Fulltime-wear Interface Technology

“Wearable interface devices ” are the key to realizing a wearable computer. However, it is difficult to achieve both usability (ease of use) and wearability by simply miniaturizing conventional interface devices such as the keyboard and mouse. We reconsider interface mechanisms on the premise of “worn on the body for constant availability ( = fulltime-wear) ” and introduce a few examples of implementations that we have been working on. 1. The computer as a ‘brain enhancement device’ Computers were originally designed as machines for performing calculations, but now they have also come to serve as an indispensable link between persons and between people and the world of information as well. The computer allows people around the world to interact via the Web and e-mail, and to access the virtually unlimited knowledge that exists on the network. It can thus be regarded as a machine that enhances man’s knowledge and ability to communicate (‘brain enhancement ’ function). If we regard the computer as a brain enhancement device, we would naturally want to be able to use it at any time and any place as we go about our daily lives, rather than having its use restricted to certain times and places. Originally considered to be a very difficult problem, this scenario, too, is gradually being realized through the penetration of the personal computer into ordinary homes and the proliferation of the cell phone (itself a kind of small computer) that can connect to the Internet. We could also say that ‘any time, anywhere’, a phrase which has long been used to express a goal of the future information society, has been achieved for the most part. However, the ability to obtain information as soon as the need for it occurs to us (immediacy) is important to the goal of handling information on the sam