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Micro-Raman spectra of concretions with and without fossils were measured in a nondestructive manner. The band position and full width at half maximum height (FWHM) of ν1-PO43− of apatite in the concretions were analyzed to investigate the origin of apatite. The analyzed concretions were derived from the Kita-ama Formation of the Izumi Group, Japan. The micro-Raman analysis showed that the apatites in the concretions were divided into two groups: Group W (wide FWHM group) and Group N (narrow FWHM group). The apatite belonging to Group W is suggested to be biogenic apatite originating from the soft body tissues of organisms because the Sr content is high and the FWHM is similar to that of apatite in bones and teeth of present-day animals. The other apatite belonging to Group N is considered affected by the diagenetic process because of its narrow FWHM and F substitution. These features of both groups were observed regardless of the presence of fossils or absence of fossils in the concretions. This Raman spectroscopic study suggests that the apatite at the time of concretion formation belonged to Group W but was changed to Group N by the substitution of F during the diagenesis process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study measured the concentrations of aliphatic amines (methylamine (MA), ethylamine (EA), dimethylamine (DMA), diethylamine (DEA), trimethylamine (TMA), and triethylamine (TEA)) in both the aerosols and gas phase at a forested site in Japan, and discussed their seasonal trends and potential sources. These measured amines were more preferentially partitioned into the aerosols than into the gas phase, and mainly distributed into the fine-mode range in the aerosols, although the DMA and TMA were also abundant in the gas phase and the TMA in the aerosols was mainly distributed into the coarse-mode range. The most abundant amine both in the aerosol and gas phase was the DMA, followed by the MA. The MA, EA, DMA, and DEA in the gas phase and aerosols showed higher concentrations in the summer, although the coarse-mode EA concentration did not show the seasonality. The gaseous TMA also showed higher concentrations in the summer, but the coarse-mode TMA increased in the autumn and no seasonality was found in the fine-mode TMA concentrations. The TEA in the gas phase showed higher concentrations in the autumn, but that in the aerosols did not show the seasonality. The decomposition of organic materials in the soil and subsequent volatilization would be an important source of the gaseous MA, DMA, DEA, and TMA. Various biogenic activities can be also expected to be potential sources of the gaseous MA and DMA. The fine-mode MA, EA, DMA, DEA, TMA, and the coarse-mode DMA would be derived from their gaseous form through direct dissolution. Some portions of the fine-mode MA, DMA, and the coarse-mode DMA can be expected to be derived from the primary sources such as biogenic particles like plant debris. The transport of the anthropogenic aerosols can be also expected to contribute to the fine-mode MA. Only the TEA in the gas phase was suggested to be derived from the different sources in the forest from the other five gaseous amines and not contribute to the formation of the fine-mode TEA. It can be considered that the coarse-mode MA, EA, DEA, TMA, TEA, and the fine-mode TEA were affected by the sources independent from the local emission of the gaseous amines, such as the primary sources or the transport from distant sources, although some portions of the coarse-mode MA, EA and DEA might be derived from the dissolution of their gaseous form. Biogenic and pedospheric processes in the forest would be important sources for the amines, especially the gaseous and fine-mode amines, in a forest atmosphere. • The measured six amines were mainly distributed into the fine-mode aerosols. • The most abundant amine in the aerosol and gas phase was the DMA, followed by the MA. • Many of the gaseous and particulate amines showed high concentrations in the summer. • Decomposition of organic matters in the soil was a main source of the gaseous amines. • The fine-mode amines were mainly caused by the gas phase through direct dissolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the isolation, structure elucidation, and inhibitory effect of phlorofucofurorckol-B, from an Eisenia arborea, on histamine release . Eisenia arborea is an edible brown alga occasionally used as a folk medicine in gynecopathy in Japan. A new phlorotannin was segregated from the alga during the search for naturally occurring anti-allergic compounds from edible algae guided by the inhibitory effect on histamine release from rat basophile leukemia-2H3 cells.

Investigates the potential benefits of taurine with the use of rabbit models by researchers from Japan. Effects of taurine treatment on the regression of existing atherosclerotic lesions; Examination on the diene conjugate levels and aortic histopathological findings in rabbits fed on high-cholesterol diet; Indications that taurine treatment may accelerate the regression of cholesterol-induced atherosclerotic lesions.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects an increasing number of older adults worldwide. Cross-cultural comparisons can provide insight into how factors, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle, may influence MetS prevalence. Metabolomics, which measures the biochemical products of cell processes, can be used to enhance a mechanistic understanding of how biological factors influence metabolic outcomes. In this study we examined associations between serum metabolite concentrations, representing a range of biochemical pathways and metabolic syndrome in two older adult cohorts: The Tsuruoka Metabolomics Cohort Study (TMCS) from Japan (n = 104) and the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) from the United States (n = 146). We used logistic regression to model associations between MetS and metabolite concentrations. We found that metabolites from the phosphatidylcholines-acyl-alkyl, sphingomyelin, and hexose classes were significantly associated with MetS and risk factor outcomes in both cohorts. In BLSA, metabolites across all classes were uniquely associated with all outcomes. In TMCS, metabolites from the amino acid, biogenic amines, and free fatty acid classes were uniquely associated with MetS, and metabolites from the sphingomyelin class were uniquely associated with elevated triglycerides. The metabolites and metabolite classes we identified may be relevant for future studies exploring disease mechanisms and identifying novel precision therapy targets for individualized medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pays tribute to professor Hideya Saito's contribution to the promotion of pharmacological research and education. Importance of his work on the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) in the field of pharmacology; Role of Hideya Saito for medical education in Japan; His contributions as editorial board member for the journal "Biogenic Amines".