Despite extensive investigation of genes related to atopic dermatitis, the etiology of the disease has not been clarified. The results of epidemiological studies of atopic dermatitis suggest that it should be viewed as a multidimensional phenomenon and that various pathogenetic hypotheses should be evaluated. In this article, several noteworthy topics in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis are reviewed, namely, international epidemiological studies, migration studies, and family size or socioeconomic research. The so-called “old mother hypothesis” and the fetal programming theory are also discussed.

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The delivery of genes into cells is a basic procedure in molecular biology. The induction of genes into prokaryotic cells is referred to as transformation, which is a basic method in gene cloning, whereas that into eukaryotic cells is called transfection. Several transfection methods have been reported: physical, chemical, and biological. In this technical note, a transfection method using cationic lipids is described for studies of gene function and the expression of mutant proteins.

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A 71-year-old woman was admitted to our critical care center because of disturbance of consciousness of sudden onset. Computed tomography showed a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Angiography revealed a ruptured cerebral aneurysm at the tip of the basilar artery. We performed endovascular surgery to prevent rebleeding. The aneurysm was embolized with Guglielmi detachable coils, and complete occlusion was achieved. The patient regained consciousness. Angiography on the 12th day revealed no recurrence of the aneurysm and no vasospasm due to subarachnoid hemorrhage. The patient was disoriented but retained normal motor, sensory, and verbal functions. She was discharged from our critical care center and was transferred to another ward for rehabilitation. The efficacy of endovascular coiling for ruptured cerebral aneurysms was proven by the International Subarachnoid Aneurysms Trial. Thereafter, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage has often been managed with endovascular treatment rather than neurosurgical clipping. Advanced skills are needed to perform both endovascular treatment and neurosurgical clipping.

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We present here 2 cases of micturition syncope after the first postpartum walks. In these cases, the syncopal events were potentially serious medical errors. We should recognize that every woman is at risk of falling during the first walk after delivery.

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