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In cases of Sweet's syndrome with pulmonary involvement, fever of unknown origin, and macrocytic anaemia, VEXAS syndrome can be considered in the differential diagnosis. A 67‐year‐old man who was taking prednisolone for a fever of unknown origin and Sweet's syndrome was referred to us because of an abnormal chest shadow. Computed tomography revealed a nonfibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis‐like opacity, and blood test results indicated macrocytic anaemia. His pulmonary symptoms spontaneously improved but again exacerbated approximately 1 month later. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy improved his condition, but he had recurring fever flare and pulmonary involvement post‐treatment. A peripheral blood UBA1 gene test planned at a specialized institution was not performed, making the diagnosis difficult. We attempted careful tapering of methylprednisolone, but his macrocytic anaemia led to pancytopenia and he unfortunately died of sepsis due to neutropenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of amylose, which is synthesised using granule‐bound starch synthase, affects the physical properties of food. However, no studies have focused on starch properties and physical characteristics of low‐amylose buckwheat. Here, we hypothesised that low‐amylose buckwheat would be useful to produce new buckwheat products because low‐amylose characteristics change the texture of buckwheat food. In this study, we bred relatively low‐amylose buckwheat compared to wild type and investigated the causative genes of the traits, starch properties and physical properties of noodles. In the GBSSa mutant, the amylose concentration was lower than that in the wild type. Compared with the wild type, the mutant exhibited the following traits: Amylose concentration decreased by approximately 2%, setback in the Rapid Visco Analyzer decreased by 30 points and the physical characteristics of noodles in the sensory analysis were soft and sticky. These results suggest that this trait may be useful for changing the texture of foods. In addition, the mutant is promising for producing new foods with physical characteristics that are different from those of the wild type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important breeding issue in buckwheat is to increase its resistance to lodging, which can result in the loss of yield and quality of buckwheat foods. We developed the semidwarf buckwheat 'Kyukei 50', which has a short plant height and a strong lodging resistance. The internode length of 'Kyukei 50' was shorter than that of the summer‐sown standard variety 'HITACHIAKISOBA'. Progeny analysis revealed that the semidwarf trait was dominated by at least one recessive gene. Compared with 'HITACHIAKISOBA', in 'Kyukei 50', the time of maturation was earlier, and the pre‐harvest sprouting resistance was the same, indicating that 'Kyukei 50' is suitable for sowing in both spring and summer. 'Kyukei 50' exhibits the 'green flower type' shattering resistance trait and, therefore, has a thick pedicel; breaking tensile strength is approximately two‐fold stronger than that of 'HITACHIAKISOBA'. The yield of 'Kyukei 50' is the same as that of 'HITACHIAKISOBA'. In addition, the lowest seed height of 'Kyukei 50' was >17 cm. These results indicate that the 'Kyukei 50' is a promising breeding line for lodging resistance and loss of harvesting machinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insoluble proanthocyanidins are reported as plant defence compounds against herbivorous insects. This is the first report to demonstrate the occurrence of insoluble proanthocyanidins in plants of the Polygonaceae family. In this study, we identified a mutant Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) cultivar, 'Hokkai T10', that lacks insoluble proanthocyanidins accumulation in leaves and shows a role in defence against common cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius). We did not detect insoluble proanthocyanidins in p‐dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde stain in 'Hokkai T10'. The expression of the trait should be regulated by at least one recessive gene named iPA. The leaves of 'Hokkai T10' were ingested in larger amount by S. litura than the wild type. This fact supports the hypothesis that insoluble proanthocyanidins have a role in protection against insects. This is the first report to demonstrate a resistance role of insoluble proanthocyanidins using insect preference. In addition, the germination rate of 'Hokkai T10' was significantly higher than wild type; indicating to show firstly the effects of insoluble proanthocyanidins on seed germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present report described the case of a 74-year-old male patient with asbestos exposure whose chest computed tomography revealed a right lower lobe nodule and right pleural effusion. Pleural biopsy led to the diagnosis of epithelial malignant pleural mesothelioma (cT2N0M0, stage IB). Combination therapy with cisplatin + pemetrexed led to the complete remission of malignant pleural mesothelioma; however, the right lower lobe nodule grew in size over time. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma (cT1aN0M0, stage IA1) by computed tomography-guided biopsy performed 18 months after chemotherapy initiation and achieved remission of lung adenocarcinoma with stereotactic radiotherapy. The patient was alive without recurrence at the 12-month follow-up. The present case illustrated that multiple active regimens are currently available for malignant pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer that can aid in the treatment of complex cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the important breeding issues in buckwheat is to increase resistance to preharvest sprouting, which can result in the loss of yield and quality of buckwheat food, especially in spring‐sown buckwheat. The preharvest‐sprouting resistance of self‐pollinating buckwheat in the summer ecotype is very weak. Therefore, we developed a self‐pollinating breeding line IHK1, which has strong preharvest‐sprouting‐resistance traits. IHK1 was developed by cross breeding between 'Kyukei37' (a preharvest‐sprouting‐resistant outcrossing line) and IH3 (a self‐pollinating summer‐ecotype line). Progeny analysis revealed that the preharvest‐sprouting resistance trait in IHK1 was dominant. In three field trials conducted over 2 years, the maturation time of IHK1 was the same as that of 'Harunoibuki', the leading spring‐sown variety in the Kyushu region and the plant was shorter than 'Harunoibuki'. The yield of IHK1 was approximately 70%–85% of that of 'Harunoibuki' (165 kg/10 a; average of three times cultivation), whereas it was approximately 258%–333% when compared with IH3. Thus, IHK1 is a promising breeding line for self‐pollinating buckwheat, especially spring‐sown buckwheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buckwheat has open‐flower morphology; therefore, isolation is necessary to propagate even in self‐pollinating lines. Here, we developed a self‐pollinating closed flower breeding line 'CFK1' by crossing between closed‐flowering individual and self‐pollinating breeding line. Progeny analysis suggested that the closed‐flowering trait would be dominated by double recessive gene, which we named closed‐flowering A and B (cfA and cfB). The evaluation test of outcrossing rate in the field revealed that 'CFK1' had 0% in progeny. An a histochemical investigation of flower buds morphology using scanning electron microscope revealed that the petals of 'CFK1' were tightly adhered to other petals whereas completely separated in wild type. The agronomic characteristics were evaluated by performance test. Compared to leading variety 'Shinanonatsusoba', the 'CFK1' had lower plant height, total weight, grain yield and 1‐L weight whereas higher plant height, total weight, grain yield and 1‐L weight when compared to 'IH3'. The preharvest‐sprouting resistance of 'CFK1' is slightly stronger than that of other tested buckwheat. From these results, 'CFK1' is promising self‐pollinating breeding line that is resistant for outcrossing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is the first study of variety discrimination in a Polygonaceae family. • DNA markers based on RNA polymorphism can discriminate buckwheat varieties. • The marker is promising for rutin-rich foods to prevent rutinosidase contamination. • The method is suitable to detect contamination of variety in buckwheat flour/noodles. To discriminate the trace-rutinosidase variety of Tartary buckwheat 'Manten-Kirari', we developed DNA markers based on RNA polymorphism. Specifically, we mapped 17.76 GB RNA sequences, obtained using HiSeq2000, to create 11,358 large contigs constructed de novo from 'Manten-Kirari' RNA derived from GS-FLX+ titanium. From these, we developed eight DNA markers corresponding to single- to four-nucleotide polymorphisms between 'Manten-Kirari' and 'Hokkai T8', which is representative of normal rutinosidase content varieties in Japan. Using these markers, 'Manten-Kirari' was discriminated from 'Hokkai T8' by eight markers, from major Tartary buckwheat varieties by three markers, and from common buckwheats by two markers. We also performed direct PCR from flour and dried noodle made with 'Manten-Kirari' and 'Hokkai T8'. Based on the results, the DNA markers developed are promising for discriminating 'Manten-Kirari'. This is the first study to develop a DNA marker to discriminate varieties in the Polygonaceae family including buckwheat species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed shattering is a significant problem with buckwheat, especially at harvesting time. Several reports have shown that a green-flower mutant of buckwheat, such as W/SK86GF, has a strong pedicel. Although a strong pedicel may provide some resistance to shattering in the field, no study has thoroughly examined this issue. In this paper, we demonstrate that a W/SK86GF has shattering resistance by comparing the degrees of shat-tering of W/SK86GF and Kitawasesoba (leading variety of Hokkaido with non-green-flower traits) through a test for four years, including a typhoon hit year in the field. In a non-typhoon year, the shattering seed ratio (shattering seed weight/(yield + shattering seed weight) x 100) of W/SK86GF at maturing time +15 days (+15D) was lower than that of Kitawasesoba. In a typhoon hit year, the shattering seed ratios of Kitawasesoba at maturing time and +15D were surprisingly high, 14.4 and 21.1%, respectively. On the other hand, those of W/SK86GF were only 3.08% and 2.57%, respectively; indicating W/SK86GF is promising as a shattering resistant line even in a typhoon hit year. From these results, shattering resistance of W/SK86GF can be eval-uated after maturing time such as +15D and pedicel strength would confer W/SK86GF a shattering resistant trait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an alternative breeding methodology for common buckwheat ( Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), involving the use of the self-compatibility ( S h) gene derived from F. homotropicum Ohnishi. This methodology involves inbred development of homostyle ( S h S h) and pin ( ss) lines by using the self-compatibility gene ( S h). Further, single-cross hybrid seeds are produced using these inbred homostyle and pin lines as pollen and seed parents, respectively. This strategy successfully produced self-compatible homostyle hybrids ( S h s); the percentage of hybrid plants among the progeny was more than 90%. In a greenhouse trial, the heterosis (best parent) in top dry weight, including stem and leaves, was 29.1–48.1% during the early growth stage. The seed yield of the progeny obtained in single-cross experiments was superior to that of an open-pollinated standard variety “Kitawasesoba” by 10% on average. These results suggest that heterosis breeding can be used to increase seed yield in common buckwheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot water treatment was applied to Tartary buckwheat (var. ‘Hokkai T8’) for emasculation. Apical clusters of flower buds were soaked in a constant temperature water bath (42–44°C) in the afternoon and then the flowers which opened in the next morning were used for the investigation of self-fertilization and the artificial pollination. Hand pollination was carried out by rubbing the anthers taken from the male parent (var. ‘Hokkai T10’) to the stigma of the flowers treated by hot water. The seed set by self-fertilization was almost 0% when treated at 42°C for 8 min or more, at 43°C for 5 min or more and at 44°C for 3 min or more. With artificial pollination, the best performance was obtained when treated at 44°C for 3 min, in which the seed set was 55.1% and the matured seed was obtained 37.7% of the hand-pollinated flowers. Nine out of 26 progeny seedlings emerged and the cotyledonal color of them were all reddish green, probably indicating the hybrid of ‘Hokkai T8’ and ‘Hokkai T10’. The hybridization was reconfirmed by the segregation in F2. The hot water treatment at 44°C for 3 min was available to other seven varieties. From 24.5% to 100% of the hand-pollinated flowers set mature seeds though only one self-fertilized seed remained without artificial pollinations. This hot water treatment must be practically useful in hybridization breeding of Tartary buckwheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A peroxidase (POX)-containing fraction was purified from buckwheat seed. The POX consisted of two isozymes, POX I and POX II, that were purified 6.6- and 67.4-fold, respectively. Their molecular weights were estimated to be 46.1kDa (POX I) and 58.1kDa (POX II) by gel filtration. While POX I and II each oxidized quercetin, o-dianisidine, ascorbic acid and guaiacol, only POX II oxidized ABTS. Kinetic studies revealed that POX I and II had lower K m values for quercetin (0.071 and 0.028mM), ABTS (0.016mM for POX II) and ascorbic acid (0.043 and 0.029mM) than for o-dianisidine (0.229 and 0.137mM) and guaiacol (0.288 and 0.202mM). The optimum pHs of POX I and II for various substrates were almost the same, except for quercetin; pH 8.0 for POX I and pH 4.5 for II. Their optimal temperatures were 30°C (POX I) and 10°C (POX II), and POX I was more stable than POX II above 30°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (3GT) was isolated and purified from buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) cotyledons. It was purified about 171-fold with final specific activities of 88.8pmol of isoquercitrin (quercetin-3-glucoside) generation from quercetin per min per mg protein. The enzyme was determined to be a monomer by gel filtration (56.0kDa) and electrophoresis (58.6kDa). The K m values were calculated to be 27μM for quercetin (as a sugar acceptor) and 1.04mM for UDP-Glc (as a sugar donor). In addition, changes in both flavonoid concentration and 3GT activity during cotyledon growth were investigated to ascertain the physiological roles of 3GT in cotyledons. The 3GT activity increased linearly together with rutin accumulation and then rapidly decreased when the rutin concentration reached a maximum value. On the other hand, quercetin (a sugar acceptor of 3GT) and isoquercitrin (a product of 3GT) concentrations were 2 or 3 orders of magnitude less than the rutin concentration, which indicates that the isoquercitrin generated by 3GT is an intermediate for rutin biosynthesis in the plant tissues. The 3GT activity and rutin concentration were high even when buckwheat cotyledons were grown under darkness. This result suggests that rutin in the buckwheat cotyledon has roles other than as a UV screen (e.g., enhancement of the defense system against stressful conditions). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To study the physiological role of flavonoids in tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) leaf, we focused on rutin and rutin glucosidase activity. First, we investigated the rutin concentration and rutin glucosidase activity in leaves from different positions of tartary buckwheat. The rutin concentration by dry weight was high in young leaves (more than 20% in unexpanded young leaves) and decreased along with the decrease of leaf position. Rutin glucosidase activity by dry weight was also high in young leaves and decreased along with the decrease of leaf position. Most rutin and rutin glucosidase activities were distributed in the epidermis. To obtain further information about the physiological role of rutin, tartary buckwheat leaf was treated with stress using UV-B radiation, cold and desiccation. The rutin concentration was increased 122% by UV-B radiation and 129% by desiccation treatment. On the other hand, rutin glucosidase activity was increased 363% by UV-B radiation, 190% by cold treatment and 158% by desiccation treatment over the control. From these results, we propose that rutin and rutin glucosidase activity may be related to enhancement of the defense system against stress conditions in tartary buckwheat leaf. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To obtain basic information about rutin metabolism in buckwheat seeds, flavonol 3-glucosidase (f3g) was purified from tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) seeds. The f3g consisted of two isozymes, and their characteristics were very similar to the rutin-degrading enzyme (RDE) reported in [Phytochemistry 37 (1994) 133], although the molecular weight and kinetic constants were quite different. In addition, rutin and isoquercitrin concentrations and corresponding f3g activities were measured during the ripening of tartary and common buckwheat seeds. Rutin and isoquercitrin increased during ripening, and the rutin concentration remained high in the fully ripe seeds. The rutin 3-glucosidase activity and isoquercitrin 3-glucosidase activity also increased during ripening and remained high with a slight reduction in fully ripe seeds. In such seeds, the major part of the rutin was found in the embryo, and almost all the f3g activity was detected in the testa. These results support the hypothesis that the f3g activity is not the major limiting factor of the rutin concentration in fully ripe seeds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

DNA gel blot analysis suggested that asparagine synthetase (AS; EC 6.3.5.4) occurred as a single gene in rice. A fusion protein consisting of 17 kDa tagged-region from pET32a(+) expression plasmid and 42 kDa N-terminal region of rice AS was first expressed in Escherichia coli. The resulting polypeptide was purified and a mono-specific antibody for rice AS was prepared after affinity-purification with the antigen. Immunoblotting revealed a high content of AS protein in the leaf sheath at the second position from the fully expanded top leaf and in grains at the middle stage of ripening. Accumulation of mRNA for AS was also observed in these organs. During the ripening of the spikelets, the AS protein contents increased during the first 21 days after flowering, then declined rapidly. Immunolocalization analysis revealed signals for AS protein in the companion cells of vascular bundles of leaf sheath and phloem-parenchyma cells, nucellar projection, and nucellar epidermis of dorsal vascular bundles of grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently developed a novel Tartary buckwheat variety, 'Manten-Kirari', with trace-rutinosidase activity. The use of 'Manten-Kirari' enabled us to make rutin-rich food products with low bitterness. This study was intended to evaluate the physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of starch isolated from 'Manten-Kirari'. For comparison, the representative common buckwheat variety 'Kitawasesoba' and Tartary buckwheat variety 'Hokkai T8' in Japan were also used. The lowest content of amylose was found in 'Manten-Kirari' starch (18.1%) while the highest was in 'Kitawasesoba' starch (22.6%). 'Manten-Kirari' starch exhibited a larger median granule size (11.41 µm) and higher values of peak viscosity (286.8 RVU) and breakdown (115.2 RVU) than the others. The values of onset temperature for gelatinization were 60.5 °C for 'Kitawasesoba', 61.3 °C for 'Manten-Kirari', and 64.7 °C for 'Hokkai T8'. 'Manten-Kirari' and 'Hokkai T8' starches were digested more slowly than 'Kitawasesoba' starch. Our results will provide fundamental information concerning the expanded use of 'Manten-Kirari' in functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with the formation and properties of indium-doped high-conductivity CdSe evaporated film. Details of the sample preparation; Investigation of the carrier transport mechanism; Discussion on the properties of the films.

Discusses a study which described high dark-conductivity CdS films, which have been prepared by coevaporation of CdS and indium and investigated the physical properties of the films. Results of X-ray analysis of the film structure; Characteristic found in the carrier density; Area in which the negative temperature dependence of the carrier density was detected.

Abstract: The phenolic compositions of non-germinated/germinated seeds and seed sprouts (at 6–10 day-old) of common (Fagopyrum esculentum Möench) and tartary (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) buckwheats were investigated. Phenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid, four C-glycosylflavones (orientin, isoorientin vitexin, isovitexin), rutin and quercetin, were determined in the seed sprouts by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In the edible parts of common buckwheat sprouts, individual phenolics significantly increased during sprout growth from 6 to 10 days after sowing (DAS), whereas in tartary buckwheat sprouts they did not. While the sum contents of phenolic compounds in the edible part (mean 24.4mg/g DW at 6–10 DAS) of tartary buckwheat sprouts were similar to those of common buckwheat sprouts, rutin contents in the non-germinated/germinated seeds (mean 14.7mg/g DW) and edible parts (mean 21.8mg/g DW) of tartary buckwheat were 49- and 5-fold, respectively, higher than those of common buckwheat. Extracts of the edible parts of both species showed very similar free radical-scavenging activities (mean 1.7μmol trolox eq/g DW), suggesting that the overall antioxidative activity might be affected by the combination of identified phenolics and unidentified (minor) components. Therefore, buckwheat seed sprouts are recommended for their high antioxidative activity, as well as being an excellent dietary source of phenolic compounds, particularly tartary buckwheat sprouts, being rich in rutin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Anthocyanins are a group of flavonoids found in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and many other plant species; however; little is known about their mechanisms of synthesis and regulation in buckwheat. We previously reported a spontaneous mutant buckwheat line that shows the green stem phenotype; this line does not accumulate anthocyanins but synthesizes flavonol and proanthocyanidin in the stem. Here, we used this line and lines developed by this line to search for genes related to anthocyanin accumulation in buckwheat. The lines with green stem showed flavonoid-3- O -glucosyltransferase activity against UDP-glucose, indicating that the flavonoid-3- O -glucosyltransferase gene was not controlling the green stem trait. We therefore searched the buckwheat genome database for a gene encoding glutathione S -transferase (GST), a flavonoid-binding protein that transports flavonoids to the vacuole, and identified a candidate gene, FeGST1. Expression analysis showed that FeGST1 was expressed in wild type buckwheat but not in the green stem lines. Linkage analysis with an F 2 segregating population produced by crossing between the green stem line and a self-compatible line showed that FeGST1 segregated with stem color without any recombination. This indicates that the green stem trait could be caused by homozygous non-functional alleles of the FeGST1 locus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The P2Y12 receptor expressed in satellite cells of the trigeminal ganglion is thought to contribute to neuropathic pain. The functional interaction between neurons and satellite cells via P2Y12 receptors and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 ( pERK1/2) underlying neuropathic pain in the tongue was evaluated in this study. Expression of P2Y12 receptor was enhanced in pERK1/2-immunoreactive cells encircling trigeminal ganglion neurons after lingual nerve crush. The administration to lingual nerve crush rats of a selective P2Y12 receptor antagonist, MRS2395, attenuated tongue hypersensitivity to mechanical and heat stimulation and suppressed the increase in the relative numbers of calcitonin gene-related peptide ( CGRP)-immunoreactive neurons and neurons encircled by pERK1/2-immunoreactive cells. Administration of the P2Y1,12,13 receptor agonist, 2-(methylthio)adenosine 5′-diphosphate trisodium salt hydrate (2-Me SADP), to naïve rats induced neuropathic pain in the tongue, as in lingual nerve crush rats. Co-administration of 2-Me SADP + MRS2395 to naïve rats did not result in hypersensitivity of the tongue. The relative number of CGRP-immunoreactive neurons increased following this co-administration, but to a lesser degree than observed in 2-MeSADP-administrated naïve rats, and the relative number of neurons encircled by pERK1/2-immunoreactive cells did not change. These results suggest that the interaction between activated satellite cells and CGRP-immunoreactive neurons via P2Y12 receptors contributes to neuropathic pain in the tongue associated with lingual nerve injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tartary buckwheat ( Fagopyrum tataricum ) is a traditional coarse cereal that exhibits strong plasticity in its adaptation to harsh and complicated environmental stresses. In an attempt to study the strong tolerance of tartary buckwheat, the FtMYB9 gene, which encodes an R2R3-MYB transcription factor protein, was functionally investigated. FtMYB9 expression was rapidly and strongly induced by ABA, cold, salt, and drought treatments in the seedling stage. A yeast one-hybrid system assay indicated that FtMYB9 is an activator of transcriptional activity, consistent with its roles as a transcription factor. Its overexpression in plants resulted in increased sensitivity to ABA at the germination and seedling stages compared to wild type. The overexpression of FtMYB9 increased tolerance to drought and salt stresses by the activation of some stress-related genes from both ABA-independent and ABA-dependent pathways in transgenic Arabidopsis. Furthermore, enhanced proline content and the activation of the P5CS1 gene implied that FtMYB9 may be involved in proline synthesis in plants. Collectively, these results suggest that FtMYB9 functions as a novel R2R3-MYB TF which plays positive roles in salt and drought tolerance by regulating different stress-responsive signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Second-order neurons in trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) and upper cervical spinal cord (C1) are critical for craniofacial pain processing and project rostrally to terminate in: ventral posteromedial thalamic nucleus (VPM), medial thalamic nuclei (MTN) and parabrachial nuclei (PBN). The contribution of each region to trigeminal nociception was assessed by the number of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase-immunoreactive (pERK-IR) neurons co-labeled with fluorogold (FG). The phenotype of pERK-IR neurons was further defined by the expression of neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1). The retrograde tracer FG was injected into VPM, MTN or PBN of the right hemisphere and after seven days, capsaicin was injected into the left upper lip in male rats. Nearly all pERK-IR neurons were found in superficial laminae of Vc-C1 ipsilateral to the capsaicin injection. Nearly all VPM and MTN FG-labeled neurons in Vc-C1 were found contralateral to the injection site, whereas FG-labeled neurons were found bilaterally after PBN injection. The percentage of FG-pERK-NK1-IR neurons was significantly greater (> 10%) for PBN projection neurons than for VPM and MTN projection neurons (< 3%). pERK-NK1-IR VPM projection neurons were found mainly in the middle-Vc, while pERK-NK1-immunoreactive MTN or PBN projection neurons were found in the middle-Vc and caudal Vc-C1. These results suggest that a significant percentage of capsaicin-responsive neurons in superficial laminae of Vc-C1 project directly to PBN, while neurons that project to VPM and MTN are subject to greater modulation by pERK-IR local interneurons. Furthermore, the rostrocaudal distribution differences of FG-pERK-NK1-IR neurons in Vc-C1 may reflect functional differences between these projection areas regarding craniofacial pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuropeptide hormone synthesized and secreted by hypothalamic neurons and has been reported to play a significant role in pain modulation. However, the mechanisms underlying OXT's antinociceptive effect on neuropathic pain are not fully understood. In this study, we examined the peripheral effect of OXT on mechanical hypersensitivity induced by partial ligation of the infraorbital nerve (PNL) in rats. Mechanical hypersensitivity in the whisker pad skin after PNL was attenuated by the direct administration of OXT into the trigeminal ganglion (TG). The proportion of vasopressin-1A receptor (V1A-R)-immunoreactive, but not OXT-receptor-immunoreactive, neurons significantly increased among TG neurons innervating the whisker pad skin after PNL. In a patch-clamp recording from TG neurons isolated from PNL rats, the resting membrane potential of OXT-treated neurons was significantly decreased, and the current thresholds of OXT-treated neurons for spike generation (rheobases) were significantly greater than those of vehicle-treated neurons. In addition, OXT increased voltage-gated K channel currents in PNL animals. Furthermore, intra-TG administration of a selective V1A-R antagonist reversed the OXT-induced alleviation of mechanical hypersensitivity, and coapplication of the antagonist opposed OXT's effects on the resting membrane potential, rheobase, and K current. These findings suggest that OXT is effective at suppressing TG neuronal hyperexcitability after nerve injury, likely by modulation of voltage-gated K channels through V1A-R. This signaling mechanism represents a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of orofacial neuropathic pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Blue and red lights are the more useful for the plant photosynthesis. [•] Light-emitting diodes on production of buckwheat sprouts phenolic compounds were studied. [•] LED enhanced production of total phenolic contents (13.5%) in common buckwheat sprouts. [•] Tartary buckwheat sprouts contain higher amount of rutin. [•] LED lamps could be useful tool for enhancing the production of plant metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buckwheat, Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn., is an important medicinal plant, which contains several phenolic compounds, including one of the highest content of rutin, a phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory properties. An experiment was conducted to investigate the level of expression of various genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway to analyze in vitro production of anthocyanin and phenolic compounds from hairy root cultures derived from 2 cultivars of tartary buckwheat (Hokkai T8 and T10). A total of 47 metabolites were identified by gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS) and subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) in order to fully distinguish between Hokkai T8 and T10 hairy roots. The expression levels of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway genes, through qRT-PCR, showed higher expression for almost all the genes in T10 than T8 hairy root except for FtF3’H-2 and FtFLS-2. Rutin, quercetin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and 2 anthocyanin compounds were identified in Hokkai T8 and T10 hairy roots. The concentration of rutin and anthocyanin in Hokkai T10 hairy roots of tartary buckwheat was several-fold higher compared with that obtained from Hokkai T8 hairy root. This study provides useful information on the molecular and physiological dynamic processes that are correlated with phenylpropanoid biosynthetic gene expression and phenolic compound content in F. tataricum species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The evolution, from 1 to 10 days after germination, of flavonoid content in sprouts of tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.), grown in a greenhouse under low light conditions (16μmolm−2 s−1), was investigated. Chlorogenic acid and flavonoids including C-glycosylflavones (orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, isovitexin), rutin and quercetin were separated from the sprouts by HPLC and quantified with their commercial standards. Rutin content in the edible portion of the sprouts (mean 20 and 37mgg−1 DW in ‘Hokkai T 8’ and ‘Hokkai T 10’, respectively) was 3- to 31-fold greater than that in the roots or pericarp. The free radical scavenging activity of seed sprouts was assessed through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. From 6 to 10 days after sowing, the free radical scavenging activity in the edible portions rose significantly from 1.52 to 2.33μmolTroloxequiv.g−1 DW in ‘Hokkai T 8’ and from 1.46 to 2.09μmolTroloxequiv.g−1 DW in ‘Hokkai T 10’, but differences between ‘Hokkai T 8’ and ‘Hokkai T 10’ were not significant. As the results, the sprouts of tartary buckwheat, particularly those of ‘Hokkai T 10’ are strongly recommended as new high rutin food. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]