Matcha green tea beverage moderates fatigue and supports resistance training-induced adaptation.

BACKGROUND: Resistance training adaptively increases muscle strength and mass, contributing to athletic performance and health promotion. Dietary intervention with natural foods provides nutrients that help accelerate muscle adaptation to training. Matcha green tea contains several bioactive factors such as antioxidants, amino acids, and dietary fibers; however, its effect on muscle adaptation is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of matcha beverage intake on muscle adaptation to resistance training. METHODS: Healthy, untrained men were randomized into placebo and matcha groups. Participants consumed either a matcha beverage containing 1.5 g of matcha green tea powder or a placebo beverage twice a day and engaged in resistance training programs for 8 (trial 1) or 12 weeks (trial 2). RESULTS: In trial 1, maximum leg strength after training tended to increase more in the matcha group than that in the placebo group. In the matcha group, subjective fatigue after exercise at 1 week of training was lower than that in the placebo group. Gut microbe analysis showed that the abundance of five genera changed after matcha intake. The change in Ruminococcus, Butyricimonas, and Oscillospira compositions positively correlated with the change in maximum strength. In trial 2, the change in skeletal muscle mass in response to training was larger in the matcha group. In addition, the salivary cortisol level was lower in the matcha group than that in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: Daily intake of matcha green tea beverages may help in muscle adaptation to training, with modulations in stress and fatigue responses and microbiota composition.

Challenges in the Application of Glyco-Technology to Hepatitis B Virus Therapy and Diagnosis.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major pathogen that causes acute/chronic hepatitis. Continuous HBV infection can lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although several different anti-HBV treatments are available for chronic hepatitis B patients, discontinuing these medications is difficult. Patients with chronic hepatitis B at high risk for HCC therefore require close observation. However, no suitable biomarkers for detecting high-risk groups for HCC exist, except for serum HBV-DNA, but a number of HCC biomarkers are used clinically, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA-II). Glycosylation is an important post-translational protein modification involved in many human pathologic conditions. HBV surface proteins contain various oligosaccharides, and several reports have described their biological functions. Inhibition of HBV glycosylation represents a potential novel anti-HBV therapy. It is thought that glycosylation of hepatocytes/hepatoma cells is also important for HBV infection, as it prevents HBV from infecting cells other than hepatocytes, even if the cells express the HBV receptor. In this review, we summarize considerable research regarding the relationship between HBV and glycosylation as it relates to the development of novel diagnostic tests and therapies for HBV.

Characterization of a ligand-gated cation channel based on an inositol receptor in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Insect herbivores recognize non-volatile compounds in plants to direct their feeding behavior. Gustatory receptors (Gr) appear to be required for nutrient recognition by gustatory organs in the mouthparts of insects. Gr10 is expressed in Bombyx mori (BmGr10) mouthparts such as maxillary galea, maxillary palp, and labrum. BmGr10 is predicted to function in sugar recognition; however, the precise biochemical function remains obscure. Larvae of B. mori are monophagous feeders able to find and feed on mulberry leaves. Soluble mulberry leaf extract contains sucrose, glucose, fructose, and myo-inositol. In this study, we identified BmGr10 as an inositol receptor using electrophysiological analysis with the Xenopus oocyte expression system and Ca(2+) imaging techniques using mammalian cells. These results demonstrated that Xenopus oocytes or HEK293T cells expressing BmGr10 specifically respond to myo-inositol and epi-inositol but do not respond to any mono-, di-, or tri-saccharides or to some sugar alcohols. These inositols caused Ca(2+) and Na(+) influxes into the cytoplasm independently of a G protein-mediated signaling cascade, indicating that BmGr10 is a ligand-gated cation channel. Overall, BmGr10 plays an important role in the myo-inositol recognition required for B. mori larval feeding behavior.

Genomic analysis and pathogenic characteristics of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus strains isolated in Japan.

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a zoonotic pathogen of which mice are the natural reservoir. Different strains and clones of LCMV show different pathogenicity in mice. Here we determined the complete genomic sequences of 3 LCMV strains (OQ28 and BRC which were isolated from mice in Japan and WE(ngs) which was derived from strain WE). Strains OQ28 and BRC showed high sequence homology with other LCMV strains. Although phylogenetic analyses placed these 2 Japanese strains in different subclusters, they belonged to same cluster of LCMV isolates. WE(ngs) and WE had many sequence substitutions between them but fell into same subcluster. The pathogenicity of the 3 new LCMV isolates was examined by inoculating ICR mice with 10² and 104 TCID50 of virus. ICR mice infected with OQ28 or WE(ngs) exhibited severe clinical signs, and some of the infected mice died. In contrast, all ICR mice infected with BRC showed no clinical signs and survived infection. Virus was detected in the blood, organs, or both of most of the surviving ICR mice inoculated with either OQ28 or WE(ngs). However, virus was below the level of detection in all ICR mice surviving infection with strain BRC. Therefore, LCMV strains OQ28 and BRC were genetically classified in the same cluster of LCMV strains but exhibited very different pathogenicity.

Biological toxicity of acid electrolyzed functional water: effect of oral administration on mouse digestive tract and changes in body weight.

OBJECTIVE: Acid electrolyzed functional water has been used in a variety of ways because of its antiseptic action. In the present study, we investigated both the systemic and gastrointestinal effects of ingesting acid electrolyzed functional water, from the perspective of its use in mouthwash. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen mice (three weeks old) were used in the experiment. Three of the mice (three-week-old group) were euthanized before having been given solid food, whilst the remaining 14 were divided into two groups, one given free access to acid electrolyzed functional water as drinking water (test group) and the other given free access to tap water as drinking water (control group). Changes in body weight, visual inspections of the oral cavity, histopathological tests, and measurements of surface enamel roughness and observations of enamel morphology were recorded after eight weeks. RESULTS: The results showed no significant difference in changes in body weight between the test and control groups. No abnormal findings or measurements were observed for the test group in terms of visual inspections of the oral cavity, histopathological tests, or measurements of surface enamel roughness. In terms of enamel morphology, attrition was seen in the test group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the use of acid electrolyzed functional water has no systemic effect and is safe for use in mouthwash.

Analysis on the guided bone augmentation in the rat calvarium using a microfocus computerized tomography analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Guided bone augmentation (GBA) in its most challenging form is the creation of new bone through the guidance of bone cells to an area beyond the original outer skeletal envelope. We used a microfocus computerized tomography (R_mCT) system to examine bone augmentation beyond the skeletal envelope in the rat calvarium. STUDY DESIGN: The calvarium was exposed and critical-size 5-mm defects were prepared bilaterally. Two resin caps were placed with or without hydroxyapatite (HA), and images of bone augmentation within the resin cap were obtained using R_mCT. RESULTS: The experimental site showed bone regeneration beyond the skeletal envelope. Bone continuity was observed between the defect edge and HA. In contrast, no new bone formation was observed beyond the skeletal envelope at the control site. The bone volume increased significantly at the experimental site compared with the control site in a time-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: The R_mCT system enabled the continuous observation of guided bone augmentation with graft materials in rat calvarium.

Seroepidemiologic survey of Coxiella burnetii and attempt to detect Coxiella DNA in aged non-laying chickens in a prefecture of Japan where poultry farming prospers.

The indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) revealed seropositivity to Coxiella burnetii in aged non-laying chickens in poultry farms in a prefecture in the central part of Japan. Seropositivity was 7%, and antibody titers ranged from 16 to 64. No DNA fragment specific for C. burnetii was detected in the chickens by nested-PCR. The prevalence of C. burnetii infection in a prefecture of Japan in which poultry farming prospers was 7%.

[Rift Valley fever].

Rift Valley fever is transmitted by mosquito bites. The causative agent was isolated in 1931 from an infected sheep in Kenya's Rift Valley. In east Africa, outbreaks usually occur every 5 to 10 years, probably due to movement of the inter-tropical convergence zone. The many shallow depressions, "dambos" in east and southern Africa, filled with water during the rainy season are the main habitat for mosquito larva. Rift Valley fever was confined to the South of the Sahara until 1977 when a big outbreak occurred in Egypt. One of the factors believed responsible for the outbreak was the abundant water supply from canals of the newly constructed (Aswan? ) dam.

Detection of ehrlichial DNA in small rodents captured in a woodland area of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, where Lyme disease is endemic.

The ehrlichial gene was detected in small rodents trapped in a Lyme disease-endemic area in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. Primer pairs of 16S rDNA targeting the genus Ehrlichia and other regions of the 16S rDNA specific for E. chaffeensis and E. muris were used for identification. The DNA fragment specific for 16S rDNA of Ehrlichia spp. was detected in 4 of 94 Apodemus speciosus mice (positive rate: 4.3%) and 5 of 73 Clethrionomys rufocanus bedfordiae mice (positive rate: 6.8%). The nucleotide sequence of the amplified 16S rDNA fragment was most similar to those of E. muris-like Ehrlichia, Ehrlichia spp. HF565 and Shizuoka-36, originating in the northern and central parts of Japan. In phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences, the northern, central and western groups of E. muris-like Ehrlichia from a cluster with microorganisms of the E. muris group. These results suggest that there are a group of E. muris microorganisms and a group of E. muris- like microorganisms in Japan.

Spotted fever group rickettsiae from ticks captured in Sudan.

Ticks were collected from ruminants in various areas of Sudan in 1998 and 2000. Primer pairs of rickettsial citrate synthase gene (gltA) and a spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsial 190-kDa surface antigen gene (rompA), respectively, were used for identification. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive products were used for DNA sequencing. The gltA gene was detected in 55% of the ticks examined (57/104). Among the 57 ticks studied, 19 were positive for the rompA gene. Thus, 18% of the ticks examined were found to be infected with SFG rickettsiae. The nucleotide sequences of the amplified rompA gene fragment of Hyalomma spp. and Amblyomma spp. were similar to those of Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia africae, respectively. In this study, we succeeded in detecting the SFG rickettsiae gene in ticks, and established that there were at least two species of SFG rickettsiae in field ticks in Sudan.

Detection of antibodies against spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR), typhus group Rickettsia (TGR), and Coxiella burnetii in human febrile patients in the Philippines.

A total of 157 sera from febrile patients in the Philippine General Hospital in Manila, Luzon, and the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital, the Philippines, were used. Serum antibodies against spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) and typhus group Rickettsia (TGR) were detected by indirect immunofluorescence test. Antibody positive rates were 1.3% for SFGR (Rickettsia japonica) and 2.5% for TGR (R. typhus), respectively. Rickettsial antibodies in humans in the Philippines were found for the first time. These results underscore the need for further epidemiological study of clinical rickettsioses in the Philippines.

Characterization of spotted fever group rickettsiae detected in dogs and ticks in Okinawa, Japan.

Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsial DNAs were detected in 2.4% of 340 canine blood samples and a pool of 84 tick pool samples (229 ticks) collected in Okinawa, Japan by PCR using a citrate synthase and an SFG rickettsial 190-kDa surface antigen gene primer pair. The sequences of both genes from canine blood and tick samples showed high levels of similarity with those of Rickettsiajaponica and several SFG rickettsiae (R. aeschlimannii, R. massiliae, R. rhipicephali and Bar-29 strain). Phylogenesis of canine blood and tick samples was closely related to that of reference SFG rickettsiae. Serological evidence of SFG rickettsial infection in dogs and humans in Okinawa, where no clinical human cases have been reported, has been obtained. In this study, genetical characterization of SFG rickettsia in Okinawa was investigated phylogenetically.

Detection of Babesia microti-like parasite in filter paper-absorbed blood of wild rodents.

The first case of human babesiosis was reported in Japan. The epidemiology of this disease in Japanese nature remains unclear. In this study, 97 common field mice captured in Hokkaido, Japan, were examined. Blood specimens absorbed onto filter papers were eluted and tested by nested PCR using specific primers for the B. microti nuclear small subunit rRNA genome. Twenty-three percent (11/47) of Apodemus speciosus and four percent (2/50) of Clethrionomys rufocanus were positive. The 159-bp primary sequences of PCR products tested exhibited 97.5% and 96.8% homology with those of the human isolate in Japan and of U.S. strains of B. microti, respectively.

Identification of cynomolgus T lymphocytes by acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase staining and spontaneous erythrocyte rosette formation.

Cell surface markers and cytochemical characteristics of cynomolgus lymphocytes were studied. The proportion of lymphocytes with spot-like distribution of acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) activity was similar to that of lymphocytes which form spontaneous rosette with sheep erythrocytes (E rosette) in individual monkeys. Fractionation by E rosette formation or passage through nylon wool column selectively enriched ANAE-spot-positive (ANAE+) lymphocytes and resulted in twofold increase in blastogenic response when stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or concanavalin A (Con A). In contrast, treatment of lymphocytes with rabbit anticynomolgus thymocyte serum (ATS) plus complement resulted not only in the depletion of both E rosette forming and ANAE+ lymphocytes, but also in the reduction of lymphocyte blastogenic response to PHA or Con A. In cryostat sections of lymphoid tissues. ANAE+ lymphocytes were found to reside in T dependent areas such as paracortical areas and periarterial lymphatic sheaths but not in T independent areas. ANAE activity was absent, however, in cortical thymocytes and lymphoblasts transformed by phytomitogens, suggesting that immature T lymphocytes are ANAE negative. These findings indicate that the histochemical demonstration of ANAE activity and E rosette formation serve useful markers for T lymphocytes in cynomolgus monkeys as in human.