BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that induces symptoms such as a decrease in motor function and cognitive impairment. Increases in the aggregation and deposition of amyloid beta protein (Aβ) in the brain may be closely correlated with the development of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, the effects of an adzuki bean extract on the aggregation of Aβ were examined; moreover, the anti-Alzheimer's activity of the adzuki extract was examined. MATERIALS/METHODS: First, we undertook thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to evaluate the effect of an adzuki bean extract on Aβ42 aggregation. To evaluate the effects of the adzuki extract on the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in vivo, Aβ42-overexpressing Drosophila were used. In these flies, overexpression of Aβ42 induced the formation of Aβ42 aggregates in the brain, decreased motor function, and resulted in cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Based on the results obtained by ThT fluorescence assays and TEM, the adzuki bean extract inhibited the formation of Aβ42 aggregates in a concentration-dependent manner. When Aβ42-overexpressing flies were fed regular medium containing adzuki extract, the Aβ42 level in the brain was significantly lower than that in the group fed regular medium only. Furthermore, suppression of the decrease in motor function, suppression of cognitive impairment, and improvement in lifespan were observed in Aβ42-overexpressing flies fed regular medium with adzuki extract. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal the delaying effects of an adzuki bean extract on the progression of Alzheimer's disease and provide useful information for identifying novel prevention treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer Disease ; Amyloid beta-Peptides ; Brain ; Cognition Disorders ; Diptera ; Drosophila ; Fluorescence ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Neurodegenerative Diseases

Unroofed coronary sinus (URCS) is a rare cardiac anomaly, in which communication occurs between the coronary sinus (CS) and the left atrium (LA) because of partial or complete absence of the CS roof. A 30-year-old woman was scheduled for surgical closure of atrial septal defect, mitral valve repair and tricuspid annuloplasty. The intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed left-to-right shunt between the CS and the LA. The three-dimensional (3D) TEE confirmed the diagnosis of partially URCS. This defect was repaired with a pericardial patch. In this case, the 3D images of URCS, which were a helpful supplement to the 2D images, providing better visualization of the wall defect and more information regarding the size and location of the defect. The combined use of 2D and 3D images provides valuable information to aid in understanding the anatomy and morphology of this rare anomaly.
Adult ; Coronary Sinus* ; Diagnosis ; Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional ; Echocardiography, Transesophageal* ; Female ; Heart Atria ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial ; Humans ; Mitral Valve ; Vena Cava, Superior*

As part of the “Project to Promote Utilization of Pharmacies and Pharmacists as a Health Information Base” commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Saga Pharmaceutical Association carried out a self-measurement of blood glucose project in FY2014 and 2015. The present state of the Bioanalytical Labs in community pharmacies that participated in the self-measurement of blood glucose project nearly one and a half years ago was investigated. This project aimed to establish Bioanalytical Labs inside the community pharmacies to recommend hospital checkups to local residents based on the test results of self-measured blood glucose. In this study, a survey was given to those pharmacies to evaluate the present utilization status of the Bioanalytical Labs. About half of the pharmacies had canceled their Lab designation (46.4%). The most frequent reason for not continuing the designation was “Number of staff engaged in the measurement”, and that for continuing the designation, “To contribute to local residents self-medication”(53.6%). These pharmacies still promote self-measurements of blood glucose and encourage checkups to local residents who are above standard blood glucose levels and HbA1c and could be at risk of developing diabetes. Based on the above results, pharmacies that are continuing the Bioanalytical Labs have been shown to be used as bases for health support information in their local community. Therefore, while the shortage of pharmacists in rural areas is being pointed out, even from the viewpoint of promoting health support pharmacies, it is necessary to discuss seriously on how to secure the personnel required for continuing the Bioanalytical Labs.