Unstable rocker shoes promote recovery from marathon-induced muscle damage in novice runners.

We recently reported that wearing unstable rocker shoes (Masai Barefoot Technology: MBT) may enhance recovery from marathon race-induced fatigue. However, this earlier study only utilized a questionnaire. In this study, we evaluated MBT utilizing objective physiological measures of recovery from marathon-induced muscle damages. Twenty-five university student novice runners were divided into two groups. After running a full marathon, one group wore MBT shoes (MBT group), and the control group (CON) wore ordinary shoes daily for 1 week following the race. We measured maximal isometric joint torque, muscle hardness (real time tissue elastography of the strain ratio) in the lower limb muscles before, immediately after, and 1, 3, and 8 days following the marathon. We calculated the magnitude of recovery by observing the difference in each value between the first measurement and the latter measurements. Results showed that isometric torques in knee flexion recovered at the first day after the race in the MBT group while it did not recover even at the eighth day in the CON group. Muscle hardness in the gastrocnemius and vastus lateralis showed enhanced recovery in the MBT group in comparison with the CON group. Also for muscle hardness in the tibialis anterior and biceps femoris, the timing of recovery was delayed in the CON group. In conclusion, wearing MBT shoes enhanced recovery in lower leg and thigh muscles from muscle damage induced by marathon running.

X-ray magnetic circular dichroism of a valence fluctuating state in eu at high magnetic fields.

X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) at the Eu L edge in two compounds exhibiting valence fluctuation, namely EuNi_{2}(Si_{0.18}Ge_{0.82})_{2} and EuNi_{2}P_{2}, has been investigated at high magnetic fields of up to 40 T. A distinct XMCD peak corresponding to the trivalent state (Eu(3+)), whose ground state is nonmagnetic (J = 0), was observed in addition to the main XMCD peak corresponding to the magnetic (J = 7/2) divalent state (Eu(2+)). This result indicates that the 5d electrons belonging to both valence states are magnetically polarized. It was also found that the ratio P_{5d}(3+)/P_{5d}(2+) between the polarization of 5d electrons (P_{5d}) in the Eu(3+) state and that of Eu(2+) depends on the material. The possible origin of the XMCD and an explanation of the material dependence of P_{5d}(3+)/P_{5d}(2+) are discussed in terms of hybridization between the conduction electrons and the f electrons.

Momentum dependence of charge excitations in the electron-doped superconductor Nd1.85 Ce0.15 CuO4: a resonant inelastic x-ray scattering study.

We report a resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) study of charge excitations in the electron-doped high-T(c) superconductor Nd1.85 Ce0.15 CuO4. The intraband and interband excitations across the Fermi energy are separated for the first time by tuning the experimental conditions properly to measure charge excitations at low energy. A dispersion relation with q-dependent width emerges clearly in the intraband excitation, while the intensity of the interband excitation is concentrated around 2 eV near the zone center. The experimental results are consistent with theoretical calculation of the RIXS spectra based on the Hubbard model.

Mott gap excitations in twin-free YBa2Cu3O7-delta (Tc=93 K) studied by resonant inelastic x-ray scattering.

Mott gap excitations in the optimally doped high-T(c) superconductor YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta) (T(c)=93 K) have been studied by the resonant inelastic x-ray scattering method. Anisotropic spectra in the ab plane are observed in a twin-free crystal. The excitation from the one-dimensional CuO chain is enhanced at 2 eV near the zone boundary of the b* direction, while the excitation from the CuO2 plane is broad at 1.5-4 eV and almost independent of the momentum transfer. Theoretical calculations based on the one-dimensional and two-dimensional Hubbard model reproduces the observed spectra when different values of the on-site Coulomb energy are assumed. The Mott gap of the CuO chain site is found to be much smaller than that of the CuO2 plane site.

Full-length nucleotide sequence of a simian TT virus isolate obtained from a chimpanzee: evidence for a new TT virus-like species.

Recently, we identified TT virus (TTV) isolates from nonhuman primates and named them simian TTV (s-TTV). To characterize the genomic structure of these isolates in more detail, the full-length nucleotide sequence of the s-TTV isolate (designated s-TTV CH65-1), recovered from a chimpanzee born in West Africa, was amplified by nested PCR with inverted primers deduced from the untranslated region of s-TTV DNA. CH65-1 was composed of 3899 nucleotides (nt) and had two open reading frames (ORF) spanning 2295 nt (ORF1) and 402 nt (ORF2). The sequence had only 52.3% similarity to the prototype TA278 human isolate. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that CH65-1 was distinct from the human TTV isolates. These results suggested that s-TTV may represent a new TTV-like viral species or genus.

High prevalence of TT virus DNA in human saliva and semen.

Using the PCR assay, we found a high prevalence of TT virus (TTV) DNA in saliva and semen from patients who were seropositive for TTV. This finding suggests that the presence of TTV in body fluids other than serum may affect the routes of viral transmission.

TT virus infection in nonhuman primates and characterization of the viral genome: identification of simian TT virus isolates.

Newly discovered TT virus (TTV) is widely distributed in human populations. To understand more about the relationship between TTV and its hosts, we tested 400 sera from various nonhuman primates for the presence of TTV DNA by PCR assay. We collected serum samples from 24 different species of nonhuman primates. TTV DNA was determined by PCR with primers designed from the 5'-end region of the TTV genome. Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of viral genomes were also performed. TTV DNA was detected in 87 of 98 (89%) chimpanzees and 3 of 21 (14%) crab-eating macaques. Nucleotide sequences of the PCR products obtained from both animals were 80 to 100% identical between two species. In contrast, the sequences differed from TTV isolates in humans by 24 to 33% at the nucleotide level and 36 to 50% at the amino acid level. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that all TTV isolates obtained from simians were distinct from the human TTV isolates. Furthermore, TTV in simians, but not in humans, was classified into three different genotypes. Our results indicate that TTV in simians represents a group different from, but closely related to, TTV in humans. From these results, we tentatively named this TTV simian TTV (s-TTV). The existence of the s-TTV will be important in determining the origin, nature, and transmission of human TTV and may provide useful animal models for studies of the infection and pathogenesis of this new DNA virus.

TT virus infection is widespread in the general populations from different geographic regions.

By PCR screening, we found an extremely high prevalence of TT virus (TTV) in the general populations from different geographic regions. This suggests that TTV may be a common DNA virus with no clear disease association in humans. TTV genotyping by phylogenetic analysis was also performed.

Synergistic actions of pentobarbital and dihydropyridine Ca2+ antagonists on guinea pig isolated thoracic aorta.

In order to elucidate the mechanism(s) behind the interactions between barbiturates and Ca2+ antagonists, the effects of pentobarbital combined with three structurally diverse types of Ca2+ antagonist on CaCl2-induced contractile responses of the guinea pig thoracic aorta in Ca(2+)-free and 40 mM K+ medium and the effects of pentobarbital on Ca2+ antagonist binding to guinea pig aortic membranes were investigated. The dihydropyridine derivatives isradipine (10(-10)-10(-8) M) and nifedipine (10(-10)-10(-8) M) inhibited CaCl2-induced contractions concentration-dependently. Treatment with both pentobarbital (10(-4) M) and dihydropyridine Ca2+ antagonists (10(-9) M) shifted the CaCl2 concentration-response curves to the right significantly compared with those after treatment with the Ca2+ antagonists and pentobarbital alone. However, no synergistic effects of pentobarbital (10(-4) M) with other types of Ca2+ antagonist (verapamil (10(-7) M) and diltiazem (10(-6) M)) were observed. The binding of [3H]isradipine (2 x 10(-9) M) to guinea pig aortic membranes was increased significantly by simultaneous pentobarbital treatment, but no such effect was observed with [3H]verapamil (10(-8) M) or [3H]diltiazem (2 x 10(-8) M). These findings suggest that the synergistic contractile effects of pentobarbital and dihydropyridines were, in part, due to enhancement of dihydropyridine binding to guinea pig aortic membranes (L-type Ca2+ channels) by pentobarbital and that the interactions between pentobarbital and Ca2+ antagonists may be structurally specific.

Effect of glimepiride (HOE 490) on insulin receptors of skeletal muscles from genetically diabetic KK-Ay mouse.

A new sulfonylurea, glimepiride (HOE 490), has been developed for the glycemic control in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. We examined the effect of glimepiride on glucose and insulin levels in KK-Ay mice, an animal model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, which is characterized by hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Administration of glimepiride (0.5 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks to KK-Ay mice resulted in decrease in glucose (297 +/- 36 to 250 +/- 51 mg/dl) and insulin (76 +/- 14 to 41 +/- 14 microU/ml) levels. To clarify the mechanism of the agent, we examined the effect of this new drug on insulin receptors in the skeletal muscles. There was no difference in insulin binding to the receptors from both glimepiride-treated and -untreated KK-Ay mice muscles. The insulin-stimulated autophosphorylation of insulin receptors from KK-Ay mice was decreased compared to that from normal mice (5 +/- 1 vs. 39 +/- 13% over basal). Glimepiride did not ameliorate impaired insulin-stimulated insulin receptor autophosphorylation. To determine the effect of glimepiride on post-insulin receptor signaling pathway, we measured 2-[3H]glycerol incorporation into diacylglycerol in the cultured rat fibroblast cell line overexpressing human insulin receptors. Glimepiride (100 microM) as well as insulin (10 nM) significantly stimulated diacylglycerol production. These results suggest that glimepiride has a potent extrapancreatic effect on glucose metabolism and may directly stimulate glucose transport activity through phospholipid signaling pathway, but not through insulin receptor kinase signaling pathway.

[A case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome associated with cryptococcemia and cryptococcal meningitis].

A case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) developed cryptococcosis which was successfully treated with amphotericin B (AMPH) and fluconazole (FLCZ) is reported. A 52-year-old man was admitted because of pyrexia and oral candidiasis. He had a history of multiple sexual exposures to persons at risk for AIDS in Thailand. On admission, serologic tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 were positive on both EIA and Western blot analysis for anti-HIV-1 antibody. Furthermore, test for cryptococcal antigen and fungal cultures from blood and cerebrospinal fluid revealed that he was suffering from cryptococcemia and cryptococcal meningitis. In spite of identification of Cryptococcus neoformans in his blood and cerebrospinal fluid, the finding of cerebrospinal fluid had a minimal inflammatory response with mild elevation of protein. He was initially treated with intravenous AMPH, 10 to 30 mg a day, for 7 weeks, and then was given oral FLCZ, 400 mg a day, for the suppressive therapy. His fever subsided three weeks after the start of AMPH therapy. He was eventually discharged 9 weeks after the start of therapy without any symptoms, and continued to receive oral FLCZ as an out-patient. Thus, attention should be paid to diagnosis and treatment for cryptococcal meningitis in AIDS patients.

Effects of ET antagonists (PD143296 and PD145065) on contractions in guinea pig hilar bronchus induced by endothelin-1 and its related peptide.

ETs-induced contractions were resistant to ET(A)-selective antagonists and believed to be mediated by activation of ETB receptors in guinea pig bronchus. In the present study, the effects of the ET antagonists, PD143296 (Ac-D-Phe-L-Leu-L-Phe-L-Ile-L-Ile-L-Trp.2Na) and PD145065 (Ac-[(R)-2-10, 11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a, d]cyclohepten-5-yl]Gly)-L-Leu-L-Asp-L-Ile-L-Ile- L-Trp.2Na), on contractions induced by ET-1, ET-3, sarafotoxin S6c (STXc), and IRL1620 in the isolated hilar bronchus of the guinea pig were investigated. An ETA/B nonselective antagonist, PD145065 antagonized contractions induced by ET-1, ET-3, STXc, and IRL1620. Its antagonistic activity against ET-1, with pKB of 5.77 +/- 0.02 (n = 16, 3-10 microM), was significantly lower than that against ET-3, with pKB of 6.18 +/- 0.02 (n = 12, 3-10 microM), STXc, with pKB of 5.97 +/- 0.01 (n = 14, 3-10 microM), and IRL1620, with pKB of 6.80 +/- 0.04 (n = 14, 0.3-1 microM). Conversely, although a putative ETB-selective antagonist, PD143296 (10 microM) slightly but significantly antagonized the concentration-response curve of IRL1620 (pKB = 5.28 +/- 0.14, n = 6), it had no effect on ET-1-,ET-3-, or STXc-induced contractions. These results suggest that ETs possibly activate ETB2 or an atypical ETB receptor subtype in guinea pig hilar bronchus.

[The use of the maxillary protractor in the treatment of cleft lip and palate: a report of two cases].

The patients who underwent reconstruction of cleft lip and palate had clinically abnormal characteristics such as cicatricial contracture in the cleft area, narrow arches, missing teeth, and fistula. Most of those patients showed severe class III malocclusion with underdevelopment of the maxillary complex. In such patients, the treatment objectives in orthodontics were mainly anterior and lateral expansions of the maxillary arches, and inhibition of mandibular growth. In recent years, the maxillary protractor has been used positively in the treatment of the underdeveloped maxillary complex. In this study, we report on two patients with cleft lip and palate, and underdevelopment of the maxillary complex. Maxillary protractors were used beneficially at the period of the dento-craniofacial growth spurt. In these two cases, improvement of disharmony was obtained in the antero-posterior relationship between the maxilla and the mandible. The effects of the treatment were forward movement of the maxilla and growth inhibition of the mandible. Accordingly, the use of the maxillary protractor for cleft lip and palate patients with underdeveloped maxilla at the period of the dento-craniofacial growth spurt was shown to be important.

Urinary salt excretion and stomach cancer mortality among four Japanese populations.

A relationship between salt intake and the occurrence of stomach cancer has been suggested by both epidemiologic and experimental data. To test this hypothesis, urinary excretion of salt in 24 hours and dietary intake of salt were measured in four male populations with different levels of stomach cancer mortality. Age-adjusted mortality rate of stomach cancer showed a high correlation (r2 = 0.995) with the average amount of salt excretion in 24-hour urine. This strong correlation, however, was not shown (r2 = 0.265) with dietary salt intake calculated from the standard food-composition table. The results confirmed the important role of salt in the development of stomach cancer in Japan, and raised the problem of evaluating the level of salt intake by using the uniform composition table.

Effects of pentobarbital and cyproheptadine on brain ischemia induced by bilateral occlusions of carotid arteries and vertebral arteries of second cervical vertebra in rats.

The bilateral hemispheric ischemia in rats was induced by the occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries after permanent electrocauterization of bilateral vertebral arteries at the level of the second cervical vertebra. In ischemic rats, (a) electroencephalograms became flat immediately after occlusion of carotid arteries, and (b) mortalities reached maximum levels at day 3 after recirculation. These results suggested that a constant level of cerebral ischemia was produced in this rat model. Pentobarbital markedly inhibited the mortality in these ischemic rats, whereas cyproheptadine did not.