Abstract: Provided is an organic-inorganic hybrid composite of a polymerized cyclic nitroxide radical compound and inorganic nanoparticles. Such a composite is capable, for example, of maintaining a stable nanoparticle shape in gastric fluid, and can be used by itself or as a carrier for delivery of another drug to the intestines.

Abstract: Cymbopogon schoenanthus is used in folk medicine in North-African for the treatment of rheumatism and to diminish fever. However, whether it possesses anti-stress properties had not previously been established in vivo. Disclosed herein are data demonstrating the effectiveness of C. schoenanthus ethanol extracts on stressors in vitro (heat shock and oxidative stress) and on stressors in vivo (forced swimming test and tail suspension test). Moreover, disclosed are statistically significant anti-stress effects in vivo which occur in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the effects of C. schoenanthus ethanol extract exposure is shown to be comparable to a commercially-available antidepressant drug. Accordingly, C. schoenanthus ethanol extracts are useful in new compositions and methods for treating or ameliorating emotional-psychological stress.

Abstract: A microshaft forming method and apparatus for forming a microshaft without requiring high level of stillness required by conventional methods. The microshaft forming apparatus comprises an elongated electrode (1) to be formed into a microshaft, a forming plate (3) for forming the electrode (1), electrode rotating means for rotating the electrode (1) around the length direction (1a) of the electrode (1), a discharge machining power supply (5) for applying a voltage between the electrode (1) and the forming plate (3) to cause discharge between the electrode (1) and the forming plate (3), and electrode moving means for traversing the electrode (1) rotated by the electrode rotating means across the forming plate (3) from the side edge surface (3a) of the forming plate (3).