Physiological responses during and following karate training in women.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine whether each exercise and an entire karate training session can achieve: 1). accepted training intensity thresholds for effective aerobic capacity training; 2). energy expenditure (EE) thresholds for total body mass and fat weight loss; and, 3). elevation in excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). METHODS: We investigated physiological responses during 5 types of karate training in female karate practitioners: basic techniques without (S-Basics) and with (M-Basics) movements, sparring techniques without (TECH I) and with (TECH II) an opponent, and kata. RESULTS: The mean percent of maximum oxygen uptake reserve (%VO2R), percent of maximum heart rate (%HRmax), and maximum heart rate reserve (%HRR) for S-Basics were below the accepted threshold and for M-Basics were marginal or above the threshold for increasing VO2max. For TECH I, TECH II, kata, and the entire 70-min practice, the mean %HRmax and %HRR were well above the threshold, however, %VO2R was below the threshold. Although the mean EPOC measured for 5 min immediately following the entire 70-min karate training did not differ from resting VO2. The blood lactate responses to the 5 types of karate exercises ranged from 1.2+/-0.3 to 2.2+/-0.8 mmol L(-1). The mean EE for each karate exercise ranged from 157+/-10 kJ to 314+/-16 kJ. The mean EE for the entire 70 min practice and EPOC were 1120+/-64 kJ and 28+/-2 kJ, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The training intensities of karate exercises studied in women were light to moderate, effects of karate training on EPOC was minimal, and the mean EE was marginal to the accepted threshold for total body mass and fat weight loss.

Dicationic dithiocarbamate carbapenems with anti-MRSA activity.

A new class of 1 beta-methylcarbapenems bearing a doubly quaternarized 1,4-diazabicyclooctane (DABCO) substituted dithiocarbamate moiety at the C-2 side chain was prepared, and the biological profiles of the compounds, including in vitro and in vivo anti-MRSA activity and DHP-I susceptibility, were evaluated to identify a carbapenem derivative that was superior to BO-3482 (1). As a result, we discovered a 1 beta-methyl-2-[4-(4-carbamoylmethyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octanediium-1-yl)methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinylthiocarbonylthio]carbapenem, 14a showing greater than 2-fold better anti-MRSA activity in a mouse infection model and 3-fold better DHP-I susceptibility as compared with BO-3482 (1).

Value of lipiodol computed tomography and digital subtraction angiography in the era of helical biphasic computed tomography as preoperative assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic accuracies of Lipiodol computed tomography (CT) and helical biphasic CT as preoperative imaging modalities for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Lipiodol CT after digital subtraction angiography has long been used as a highly sensitive imaging modality for HCC. The recent advent of helical CT has allowed scanning the entire liver during both the arterial and portal venous phase of contrast enhancement. METHODS: The authors analyzed data from 164 patients who underwent hepatic resection for HCC to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of these modalities. Findings of intraoperative ultrasonography followed by histologic confirmation were set as the gold standard. RESULTS: Although sensitivity decreased with both modalities as tumors became small and well differentiated, helical CT showed a higher sensitivity than Lipiodol CT in detecting well-differentiated HCC nodules smaller than 2 cm. In contrast, Lipiodol CT was superior to helical CT for the detection of small but moderately to poorly differentiated nodules. The overall sensitivity of helical CT was higher than that of Lipiodol CT. These findings suggest that helical CT is superior in delineating early HCC, whereas Lipiodol CT is specific to the detection of intrahepatic metastases. In terms of specificity, helical CT was superior to Lipiodol CT. CONCLUSIONS: Helical CT and Lipiodol CT are complementary modalities. At present, helical biphasic CT does not obviate the need for invasive techniques such as angiography and Lipiodol CT as preoperative examinations for HCC.

[A case report of successful transcatheter arterial embolization therapy for osseous metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma].

A 74-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a chief complaint of severe local pain of the hip joint. Radiological findings showed a metastasized lesion on the left side of the pelvic wall originated from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the anterior segment of the liver. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) therapy using epirubicin, Lipiodol and Spongel was successfully performed twice for primary HCC, and four times for osseous metastasis of HCC. After TAE therapy, the size of the metastasized lesion decreased with relief of pain, and an improvement in performance status of 4 to 2 was achieved. In conclusion, TAE therapy is thought to be very useful in the treatment of osseous metastasis of HCC with severe local pain.

Radiofrequency induction heating for the treatment of aortic dissection in an animal model.

BACKGROUND: In this study, radiofrequency (RF) induction heating therapy using a self-expanding Gianturco metallic stent (G-EMS) to treat acute aortic dissection was evaluated. METHODS: We evaluated convergent RF induction heating of G-EMS in pigs. In group A (n=3), an aortic dissection was created to determine the natural course of this lesion. In group B (n=4), 0.40 mm stainless steel bare G-EMSs (2.5 cm, 10 bends) were placed in the aorta 5 to 7 days after dissection, and RF induction heating was performed for 30 (n=2) or 45 (n=2) minutes. In group C (n=6), G-EMSs with 0.10 mm ferro-chrome wire mounted on alternating stent legs were placed in the aorta 1 to 7 days after dissection, and RF induction heating was performed for 10 minutes. RESULTS: In group A, 2 pigs died from rupture of the false lumen. In group B, fusion of the dissection flap was confirmed histologically. However, all of the pigs died. In group C, all of the pigs tolerated the procedure, and fusion of the dissection flap was confirmed in all of the pigs. CONCLUSIONS: This experimental animal study suggested that RF induction heating combined with G-EMS, if properly applied, has a potential to treat acute aortic dissection.

Fate of fibrin sealant in pericardial space.

BACKGROUND: Although fibrin sealant (Beriplast, Aventis Behring, Marburg, Germany) has been widely used as a supplementary measure for hemostasis during cardiac surgery in Europe and is becoming popular in the United States, the pharmocokinetics of fibrin sealant applied in pericardial space has not been elucidated. METHODS: A small incision was made on the epicardial surface of the left ventricle of a rat, and the incision was sutured. Total 0.2 ml of fibrin sealant containing iodine 125 (125I)-labeled fibrinogen, aprotinin, blood coagulation factor XIII and thrombin was applied to the area around the suture line. RESULTS: Distributions of 125I-labeled fibrinogen in the heart on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 14 were 48.2% +/- 1.8%, 20.7% +/- 2.2%, 0.15% +/- 0.02%, and 0.01% +/- 0.02%, respectively. The radioactivity was negligible in the blood, liver, spleen, and kidney except for the thyroid in which the radioactivity increased to 7.9% +/- 0.7% and 4.3% +/- 0.4%, respectively, on postoperative days 7 and 14. Iodine 125-labeled fibrinogen concentrations of the heart and other organs showed a similar change in the time course of distribution. Dense and thick fibrin network, observed on postoperative day 1, had dissipated and was thinner with collagen formation by postoperative day 7. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin sealant applied to the pericardial cavity regresses rapidly and plays an important role in wound healing.

Oxygen uptake, heart rate, and blood lactate responses during and following karate training.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine whether each exercise and an entire karate training session can achieve: 1) accepted training intensity thresholds for effective aerobic capacity training, 2) energy expenditure (EE) thresholds for total body mass and fat weight loss, and 3) elevation in excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). METHODS: We investigated physiological responses during five types of karate training: basic techniques without (S-Basics) and with (M-Basics) movements, sparring techniques without (TECH I) and with (TECH II) an opponent, and kata. RESULTS: The mean percent of maximal oxygen uptake (%VO2max) and HR (%HRmax) for S-Basics were below the accepted threshold (60% of HRmax or 50% of VO2max) and for M-Basics, TECH I and TECH II were above the threshold for increasing VO2max. For kata and the entire 70 min of karate training, the mean %HRmax were slightly above the threshold, and %VO2max were slightly below the threshold. The mean EPOC measured for 5 min immediately following 70 min of karate training did not differ from the resting VO2. The mean EE resulting from 70 min of karate exercise and EPOC were 2355.4+/-316.3 kJ and 38.8+/-32.7 kJ, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although the training intensity of karate exercises studied was moderate and the effects of karate training on EPOC were minimal, the mean value of EE was well above the accepted threshold for total body mass and fat weight loss.

Heart rate, blood lactate responses and ratings of perceived exertion to 1,000 punches and 1,000 kicks in collegiate karate practitioners.

The purpose of this study was: 1) to investigate the responses of heart rate (HR), blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) to 1,000 punches and 1,000 kicks in collegiate highly skilled (BB Group) and novice (WB Group) karate practitioners; and, 2) to compare RPE obtained from the subjects to RPE expected by their coaches. The mean values of HR, percent of maximal HR (% HRmax), percent of maximal HR reserve (% MHRR), blood lactate and RPE in 1,000 punches for the BB Group were 102.5 +/- 14.8 beats. min-1, 53.1 +/- 8.5%, 27.1 +/- 12.7%, 0.8 +/- 0.2 mmol.1-1 and 12.2 +/- 1.2 respectively, and for the WB Group were 116.1 +/- 17.9 beats. min-1, 58.1 +/- 7.7%, 35.2 +/- 13.3%, 1.2 +/- 0.6 mmol.1-1 and 12.8 +/- 1.2, respectively. Likewise, the mean values in 1,000 kicks for the BB Group were 127.4 +/- 12.4 beats. min-1, 66.0 +/- 8.0%, 47.0 +/- 12.5%, 1.3 +/- 0.4 mmol.1-1 and 14.2 +/- 1.2, respectively, and for the WB Group were 137.0 +/- 14.4 beats.min-1, 70.1 +/- 7.4%, 52.0 +/- 12.8%, 2.4 +/- 0.8 mmol. 1-1 and 16.3 +/- 1.5, respectively. These responses to 1,000 punches and 1,000 kicks were moderate, and the RPE for 1,000 punches in both BB and WB Groups and for 1,000 kicks in the BB Group were significantly lower than the RPE expected by their coaches.

Heart rate response and perceived exertion during twenty consecutive karate sparring matches.

This study investigated the changes in heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion ratings (RPE) of 20 consecutive karate sparring matches each of 2 minutes duration. The resting and maximal HR (HRmax) responses to the maximal treadmill test were 69.8 +/- 2.9 beats.min-1 and 198.5 +/- 8.2 beats.min-1, respectively. The resting HR before the 20 sparring matches was 83.5 +/- 11.3 beats min-1. The mean HR during the 20 sparring matches was 191.8 +/- 9.4 beats.min-1 which was equal to 96.7 +/- 4.2% of HRmax. At the end of the 20 sparring matches, the mean RPE obtained was 19 +/- 2. The results of this study suggest that the subjects could continue the 20 sparring matches for about 40 minutes at the intensity close to the HRmax.

[Cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin combination chemotherapy-added radiation therapy for advanced esophageal cancer--a case report].

Cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin combination chemotherapy added radiation therapy was performed for the treatment of 62-year-old male patient with advanced esophageal cancer who had liver cirrlosis. After the treatment, esophageal lesion disappeared. Only minimal side effect occurred during the treatment. Biochemical modulation chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy is useful for advanced esophageal cancer.

Facilitatory and inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid on ganglionic transmission in the sympathetic cardiac nerves of the dog.

Effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on ganglionic transmission in the peripheral course of the sympathetic cardiac nerves were investigated in vagotomized and cardiac decentralized open-chest dogs. GABA (1-300 microgram/kg) was given i.v. during electrical stimulation of pre-or postganglionic fibers which induced a sustained acceleration of sinus rate. GABA in small doses of 1 and 3 microgram/kg augmented the sinus acceleration during electrical stimulation of the ansa subclavia which largely consists of preganglionic fibers, but depressed the sinus acceleration in large doses over 30 microgram/kg. With a dose of a 10 microgram/kg, its effect was dual and varied from preparation to preparation. On the other hand, GABA did not modify basal heart rate or the increase in heart rate in response to stimulation of the stellate cardiac nerve postganglionic fibers. These results clearly demonstrated dual effects of GABA on ganglionic transmission, i.e., facilitation in small doses and depression in large doses. The depression caused by large doses of GABA was markedly reduced by picrotoxin, 1 mg/kg, while the facilitation remained unaffected. Treatment with atropine, 1 mg/kg, and phenozy-benzamine, 1 mg/kg, failed to influence the effects of GABA. The possible mechanisms for these effects of GABA are discussed.