Ovipositional Behavior of <i>Anopheles gambiae</i> Mosquitoes

Mosquito eggs laid within two hours are necessary for transgenic (injection) studies, because mosquito eggs become hard after that period. Thus, in order to have eggs available within this two-hour window, it is important for transgenic studies to understand the ovipositional behavior of <i>Anopheles gambiae s.s.</i>. In the present study, the ovipositional behavior of <i>An. gambiae s.s.</i> (Kisumu) was investigated in several different conditions: age of mosquitoes, time post blood meal to access oviposition substrate, and light conditions. Two groups of mosquitoes, 3–5 day old and 9–11 day old mosquitoes were blood-fed. For those mosquito groups, an oviposition dish was set either at 48 hours or 72 hours after the blood meal either in a light condition or in an artificial dark condition. The number of laid eggs was compared among different conditions. The 3–5 day old mosquitoes apparently produced a higher number of eggs than 9–11 day old ones, while there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. The number of laid eggs per one surviving blood-fed mosquito in the dark condition was significantly higher than that in the light condition (<i>p</i> = 0.03). Providing an oviposition dish at 72 hours after blood meal resulted in a significantly higher number of laid eggs per one surviving blood-fed mosquito compared to providing an oviposition dish at 48 hours after blood meal (<i>p</i> = 0.03). In conclusion, the optimal condition to have readily available egg supply in the present study for transgenic analysis was as follows: 3–5 days old mosquitoes with an oviposition dish placed at 72 hours after the blood meal in a dark environment.

Ovipositional Behavior of <i>Anopheles gambiae</i> Mosquitoes

Mosquito eggs laid within two hours are necessary for transgenic (injection) studies, because mosquito eggs become hard after that period. Thus, in order to have eggs available within this two-hour window, it is important to understand the ovipositional behavior of <i>Anopheles gambiae s.s.</i>. In the present study, the ovipositional behavior of <i>An. gambiae s.s.</i> (Kisumu) was investigated in several different conditions: age of mosquitoes, time post blood meal to access oviposition substrate, and light conditions. Two groups of mosquitoes, 3–5 days old and 9–11 days old were blood-fed. For those mosquito groups, an oviposition dish was set either at 48 hours or 72 hours after the blood meal either in a light condition or in an artificial dark condition. The number of laid eggs was compared among the different conditions. The 3–5 day-old mosquitoes apparently produced a higher number of eggs than 9–11 day-old mosquitoes, while there was no significant difference between the two groups. The number of laid eggs per one surviving blood-fed mosquito in the dark condition was significantly higher than that in the light condition (<i>p</i> = 0.03). Providing an oviposition dish at 72 hours after blood meal resulted in a significantly higher number of laid eggs per one surviving blood-fed mosquito than at 48 hours after blood meal (<i>p</i> = 0.03). In conclusion, the optimal condition to have readily available egg supply for transgenic analysis was as follows: 3–5 day-old mosquitoes with an oviposition dish placed at 72 hours after the blood meal in a dark environment.

Establishment of Team Approach to Removal of Aspiration Objects at Time of Video fluoroscopic Examination of Swallowing and These Progress / 日本農村医学会雑誌

The removal of aspiration objects is often required for aspiration, which takes place at the time of a video fluoroscopic examination of swallowing (VF) for the assessment of dysphagia rehabilitation. We report our approach against correspondence for aspiration at VF.　　As subjects for this report, we sampled 6 patients (average age: 78.3±3.0, four males and two females) from 19 patients, who had aspiration of barium sulfate or meal with barium contrast medium at the time of VF form October 1, 2009, to March 31, 2011. For the first step of correspondence for aspiration at VF, we dealt with coughing, huffing, suction and postural drainage under the guidance of a Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist and, depending on the case, a Physical Therapist who dealt with chest physical therapy. When expectoration was found impossible, we checked to see if it was necessary to perform biphasic cuirass ventilation with a clinical engineer. We assessed the chest X-ray films and existence or non-existence of expectoration immediately after aspiration, and fever, inflammatory response, respiratory symptoms and gastrointestinal symptoms one week after the examination, and retrospectively checked the influence of aspiration.　　As a result, three patients had residue as revealed on chest X-ray films, and the three remaining patients had none. For the former three patients, we intervened in a team approach and succeeded in removing the residue from two patients (one with initial correspondence, and the other with execution by the Physical Therapist). Though two patients had fever and inflammatory response one week later, It was hardly possible that aspiration at the time of VF became a direct cause. No patient had either the respiratory or gastrointestinal symptom.　　Correspondence for aspiration was attained by establishing a team approach system. Even if a patient had heavy aspiration, it was not reflected on chest X-ray films, depending on the case, and therefore deliberation was required for correspondence.

Dengue virus receptor

Dengue virus is an arthropod-borne virus transmitted by <i>Aedes</i> mosquitoes. Dengue virus causes fever and hemorrhagic disorders in humans and non-human primates. Direct interaction of the virus introduced by a mosquito bite with host receptor molecule(s) is crucial for virus propagation and the pathological progression of dengue diseases. Therefore, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between dengue virus and its receptor(s) in both humans and mosquitoes is essential for an understanding of dengue pathology. In addition, understanding the molecular mechanism(s) of virus entry is crucial for the development of effective new therapies to treat dengue patients. Binding of dengue virus to its receptor molecules is mediated through a viral envelope glycoprotein, termed E protein. We present a summary and describe the structures, binding properties, and pathological relevance of dengue virus receptor molecules proposed to date. In mammalian cells, there are many candidate molecules that may act as receptors, such as sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), lectins that recognize carbohydrates, glycosphingolipid (GSL), proteins with chaperone activity, laminin-binding proteins, and other uncharacterized proteins. There are also several lines of evidence for receptor molecules such as GSLs, proteins with chaperone activity, laminin-binding proteins, and other uncharacterized proteins in mosquito cells and organs. This review focuses on several molecules involved in carbohydrate-dependent binding of the virus.

Overweight male personnel of the Japan Self-Defense Forces with body mass indices of 23.0-24.9 and obesity-related metabolic disorders

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To assess the validity of the criterion of overweight for Asian people that is recommended by Western Pacific Region of the World Health Organization.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We carried out a cross-sectional analysis of the association between the criterion of overweight for ethnic Asian people--body mass indices (BMI) of 23.0-24.9 kg/m(2)--and the presence of obesity-related metabolic disorders among middle-aged Japanese men (n = 974, age range 51-59).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of overweight to those with normal weight (BMI < 23.0 kg/m(2)) were 1.61 (1.11-2.33) for the presence of impaired glucose tolerance, 1.95 (1.30-2.93) for hypertension, 2.22 (1.63-3.03) for hypercholesterolemia, 2.83 (2.02-3.97) for hypertriglyceridemia, and 2.06 (1.06-4.00) for hyperuricemia. Overweight was not associated with the presence of type 2 diabetes or with high gamma-glutamyl transferase in the present study (odds ratios: 1.09 and 1.05, respectively). Adjustment for age, rank, and lifestyle factors affected the results only slightly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Based on these results, we conclude that the Asian criterion of overweight appears to be rational in terms of its association with obesity-related metabolic disorders in male personnel of the Japan Self-Defense Forces in their fifties.</p>

THE EFFECTS OF AQUA EXERCISE ON BALANCE FUNCTION IN MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN / 体力科学

The decrease of balance capacity is considered as a high risk factor of fall accident, so it is important for the middle-aged and elderly people to keep balance capacity on a high level. In this study, we investigated the effects of aqua exercise on dynamic and static balance function. Thirty-two middle-aged women (56.6±8.1 years) participated a 60-min aqua exercise program three times per week for eight weeks. After exercise intervention, body weight, body mass index, grip strength, side step, shuttle stamina walking test were significantly improved (p<0.05-0.001). Functional reach (p<0.001) and total length of centroid shake with eye close condition (p<0.05) was significantly improved, but with eye open condition was not changed. However, when we evaluate the total length of centroid shake by T-score, static balance performance with eye open and close condition was significantly (p<0.05) improved in the below average groups. In addition, measurement value of functional reach was also improved in these groups. These results indicate that aqua exercise benefits not only physical muscle strength and endurance capacity, but also balance function in middle-aged women. Particularly aqua exercise is more effective for the subjects with lower static balance function before intervention.

Prevalence Rates of Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension are Elevated among Middle-aged Japanese Men with Colonic Diverticulum

Objective: To elucidate the prevalence rate of metabolic disorders among subjects with asymptomatic colonic diverticulum. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional analysis of the association between colonic diverticulum and selected metabolic disorders among the male personnel of the Self-Defense Forces who underwent total colonoscopy as part of their retirement check-up (age range, 51-59 years). Results: The prevalence rate of colonic diverticulum was 10.2% among the population studied. The scores of lifestyle factors including those of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption were similar between the subjects with colonic diverticulum and those without it. Type 2 diabetes (21.6% vs 14.0%, P=0.047) and hypertension (30.9% vs 19.8%, P=0.011) were more prevalent among the subjects with colonic diverticulum than those without it. The prevalence rates of obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, and impaired glucose tolerance were similar between the two groups. Conclusion: The prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes and hypertension are elevated among the middle-aged male subjects with asymptomatic colonic diverticulum. The results may partly explain the reported association between colonic diverticulum and cardiovascular disease.

Prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes and hypertension are elevated among middle-aged Japanese men with colonic diverticulum

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To elucidate the prevalence rate of metabolic disorders among subjects with asymptomatic colonic diverticulum.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We carried out a cross-sectional analysis of the association between colonic diverticulum and selected metabolic disorders among the male personnel of the Self-Defense Forces who underwent total colonoscopy as part of their retirement check-up (age range, 51-59 years).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prevalence rate of colonic diverticulum was 10.2% among the population studied. The scores of lifestyle factors including those of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption were similar between the subjects with colonic diverticulum and those without it. Type 2 diabetes (21.6% vs 14.0%, P=0.047) and hypertension (30.9% vs 19.8%, P=0.011) were more prevalent among the subjects with colonic diverticulum than those without it. The prevalence rates of obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, and impaired glucose tolerance were similar between the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes and hypertension are elevated among the middle-aged male subjects with asymptomatic colonic diverticulum. The results may partly explain the reported association between colonic diverticulum and cardiovascular disease.</p>

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY WEIGHT REDUCTION AND INTENSITY OF DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES ASSESSED WITH 3-DIMENSION ACCELEROMETER / 体力科学

We investigated the relationship between body weight reduction and intensity of daily physical activities assessed with 3-dimensional accelerometer during a 3-month exercise program. Twenty-six middle-aged women (58.1±7.4 yrs.) participated in this study. Participants underwent a 90-min endurance exercise intervention once a week, and a 3-dimensionsal accelerometer was attached through the program. Body weight (BW), body mass index, fat mass and percent body fat were reduced significantly (p<0.001), while diastolic blood pressure (p<0.01) and shuttle stamina walking test (p<0.05) improved significantly after the exercise intervention. Moreover, a significant negative correlation was observed between the changes in BW and total activity time (TAT) per day of more than 3METs (TAT≥3METs)(r=−0.580, p<0.01) and TAT≥4METs (r=−0.627, p<0.001). To the contrary, the daily steps and the TAT≥2METs were not related to the changes in BW. After adjusting daily steps, TAT≥3METs (β=−0.630, p<0.01) and TAT≥4METs (β=−0.659, p<0.01) were still significantly related to the changes in BW. These results indicate that weight reduction has a much closer relationship with exercise intensity than daily steps. It is important to keep both quantity and intensity of exercise in the unsupervised exercise program aimed at weight reduction.

Two Cases of Treatment with Keishibukuryogan as Saiseito / 日本東洋医学雑誌

[Case 1] At 37 weeks and 5 days, a 27-year old woman was admitted to our clinic due to spontaneous rupture of the membranes. Her first pregnancy had come to term in a cesarean section delivery, because of toxemia and the breech presentation. This time, she wanted to deliver spontaneously. She didn't go into spontaneous labor, however, 44 hours after rupture of her membranes. Past history included the cesarean section, so labor induction with oxytocin or prostaglandin was not attempted. Active labor was established after administered keishibukuryogan as a saiseito, and she delivered spontaneously at 38 weeks and 1 day.<br>[Case 2] At 39 weeks and 5 days, a 33-year old woman was admitted to our clinic, due to elective induction of labor. Her first pregnancy had come to term in a labor induction with oxytocin for the uterine inertia. In this pregnancy she wanted to deliver without the use of oxytocin. Active labor was established after administered Keishi-bukuryogan as a Saisei-to, and she delivered spontaneously at the same 39 weeks and 5 days.<br>The present cases suggest that keishibukuryogan may be effective for establishment of labor, not to say a labor inducer or stimulator such as oxytocin and prostaglandin.

EFFECT OF PEDAL RATE AND TORQUE ON MUSCLE OXYGENATION AND ENERGY METABOLISM / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of constant endurance cycling exercise below Ventilatory Threshold (VT), under different pedal rate/torque regulations (PTR), on muscle oxygenation, as well as cardio-respiratory function and energy metabolism. Eight healthy male adults participated in the study for three tests. The first test was to examine the maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max) using a ramp loading measurement of 60 rpm, 20 watt/min ; and an individual 80%VT load was obtained. The second and third tests (random) were to measure heart rate (HR), blood pressure (MAP), expired gas and NIRS data before, during and after 30 min 80%VT constant cycling exercise with low pedal rate/high torque (LPHT : 32 rpm, 23.3±6.0Nm) or high pedal rate/low torque (HPLT : 79rpm, 9.4±2.4Nm). As a result, HPLT showed higher values in HR (p<0.001), MAP (p<0.001), VO₂ (p<0.001), VCO₂ (p<0.001) and RER (p<0.05), than LPHT ; but LPHT showed a higher fat consumption rate than HPLT (p<0.05). Significant PTR effect were recognized for the parameters of the tissue hemoglobin index (THI) (p<0.001) and oxygenation hemoglobin (ΔO₂Hb) (p<0.01) ; and both indicated higher values for HPLT than LPHT ; but LPHT showed insignificantly (p=0.066) higher de-oxygenation hemoglobin (ΔHHb) than HPLT. Moreover, the significant time effects of THI and ΔO₂Hb were also recognized. In conclusion, this study indicated that during constant cycling exercise below VT, HPLT might result in greater muscle blood volume, higher muscle oxygenation concentration and higher HR and VO₂ compared with LPHT. These results suggest that, HPLT might be effective in alleviating the working load on lower limbs, as well as promoting muscle oxygenation, cardiorespiratory function (systemic oxygen supply) and energy metabolism. Therefore, HPLT constant cycling exercise below VT could be used in a rehabilitation program as a beneficial exercise for elderly people with decreasing muscle strength in their lower limbs.

Utility of High-density Barium to Improbve the Quality of X-ray Images / 日本農村医学会雑誌

Aim:The usefulness of high-density barium, which was made to 150w/v% (MIX150), was examined to obtain better radiographs of the intestines. Methods: “MIX150” was compared with existing pharmaceutical “BAM100” to evaluate x-ray images (barium adhesion, dryness evaluation). MIX150 was used in 232 patients (mean age 56 years), while BAM 100 in 210 patients (mean age 55 years). Results: In terms of adhesion, MIX150 was excellent in the the cecum significantly and in dryness evaluation, in the entire region of the colon. Conclusion: High-density barium (150w/v%) was useful for enhancing the quality of radiographic images.

Surgery of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Associated with Coronary Artery Disease: Simultaneous or Two Staged Operation / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Coronary artery disease (CAD) was evaluated by noninvasive examination in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients. A simultaneous operation or a 2-staged operation was performed depending on the seriousness of the condition when both diseases were combined. A total of 36 patients underwent elective repair of AAA between 1996 and 2001. Coronary angiography (CAG) was performed only in patients with suspected CAD by dipyridamole myocardial scintigraphy. Significant CAD was found in 8 patients. Simultaneous operation was performed in 4 patients, and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) was performed in all cases of simultaneous operation. In 4 patients receiving 2-staged operations, 1 standard coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 1 OPCAB and 2 percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasties (PTCA) were performed prior to AAA surgery. Twenty-eight patients underwent only AAA operation. Though there were no incidents of perioperative myocardial infarction or cardiac related deaths in this group, 2 patients died due to other causes (hemorrhage and duodenal perforation). In the 8 patients associated with CAD, 1 patient died of MNMS after simultaneous operation. The other 7 patients revived their social function soon of the discharge. Dipyridamole cardiac scintigraphy was considered to be an effective examination for evaluation of CAD in AAA patients. There was no need to perform CAG in all AAA patients. The policy of choosing simultaneous operation or 2-staged operation according to the seriousness of the 2 diseases seemed to be appropriate.

Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Dialysis Patients / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

In dialysis cases complicated with ischemic heart disease, there are many problems, such as poor preoperative general condition, calcified aorta, water-electrolyte control, and the necessity for other simultaneous operations. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) was considered very useful in coping with these problems. OPCAB, employed in five cases, was compared with conventional coronary artery bypass grafting with extracorporeal circulation (ECC group, 9 cases). Regarding preoperative coexisting diseases, collagen diseases, porcelain aorta, cerebral infarction, and others were recognized in the OPCAB group in 3 of 5 cases. Emergency operations were performed in 5 of 9 cases in the ECC group, and in 2 of 5 cases in the OPCAB group. The bypass number (3.2 vs. 2.0) and complete revascularization rate (7 of 9 vs. 2 of 5), tended to be higher in the ECC group. The OPCAP group was significantly superior in blood transfusion (6.7 vs. 3.0u), postoperative CK-MB (63 vs. 33u), and the postoperative usual hemodialysis commencing time (4.2 vs. 1.0 day). Concerning use of postoperative IABP (3 of 9 vs. 0 of 5), and postoperative ventilator weaning time (2.7 vs. 1.0 day), a good tendency was shown in the OPCAB group. Although a high mortality rate (2 of 5) was recognized in OPCAB group compared with ECC group (1 of 9), those were urgent cases who had a very poor preoperative condition, and both cases suffered non-cardiac deaths. Excluding special cases, such as an unstable hemodynamic state requiring assisted circulation, and poor coronary run off, OPCAB seems useful for the treatment of coronary artery disease in dialysis patients.

Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Chronic Atrial Fibrillation Associated with Mitral Valve Disease / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Pulmonary vein isolation procedure was performed for atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve disease in twelve patients. This simple procedure consisted of only isolation of the four pulmonary veins. Combined mitral valve surgery consisted of mitral valve plasty, mitral valve replacement with or without aortic valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty. Ten patients returned to a sinus rhythm. Two patients required DDD pacemaker implant for sick sinus syndrome. Left atrial contraction was detected in eight cases by trans-esophageal echography. Compared with the maze procedure, this operation was less invasive and preserved atrial appendage, helping to maintain normal secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide. This study suggests that the pulmonary vein isolation procedure may be an effective and simple maneuver for atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valvular disease.

A Case of Female Infertility Treated with Unkei-to after Clomifene-induced Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome / 日本東洋医学雑誌

A 26-year-old woman visited our hospital complaining of infertility. Initially treatment was given based on clomiphene for induction of ovulation. However, she suffered from ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) due to the clomiphene, accompanied by abdominal pain. Unkei-to was decided on as the best mode of treatment since clomiphene could not be continued. The patient's basal body temperature (BBT) returned to its biphasic cycle. Three months later, natural pregnancy occurred that resulted in the birth of a healthy boy by normal delivery.<br>Unkei-to is frequently given for a variety of gynecological disorders, such as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, discharge, climacteric disturbance, etc.<br>Although induction of ovulation is often a necessary and effective infertility therapy, multiple pregnancies and OHSS can be problematic. The present case suggests that Unkei-to may be effective for infertility involving clomiphene-induced OHSS

A Basic Study on Microwave-assisted Acupuncture / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

Introduction:<br>The mechanism of moxa-needle therapy is unknown to us in spite of its significant effect. We observed variations in the temperature of the moxa-needle and that of the microwave-applied needle.<br>Method:<br>Chinese needles of the said two types were inserted into meat specimens (3×3×2cm) nd a house rabbit to the depth of 1.0cm and 1.5cm, respectively, and temperature was taken by a thermister around the needles at the depth of 15, 10, 5, and 1.0mm, respectively.<br>Effect:<br>1. In the moxa-needle, the temperature went up mainly at the top surface of the specimen or the surface of rabbit skin.<br>2. In the microwave-applied needle, from the beginning the temperature increased and as it plateaued, the heat was transmitted to the needle tip.<br>3. Typical temperature curve of the rabbit was found rather flat as compared with the same of meat specimen.<br>Conclusion:<br>1. In the moxa-needle, a rise in the temperature was limited under the subcutaneous area, it was not transmitted to the acupoint.<br>2. In the microwave-applied needle, it elevated the temperature around the needel; therefore, we believe that it stimulated the acupoint greatly.<br>3. In the light of the foregoing observations, it may be concluded that the microwave-assisted acupuncture would be significantly useful.