Effect of novel recovery garments utilising nanodiamond- and nanoplatinum-coated materials (DPV576-C) on physical and psychological stress in baseball players: A randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

Based on research suggesting that nanomaterial containing nanodiamond- and nanoplatinum-coated fibres (DPV576-C) may reduce the stress response, garments to enhance athletes' recovery from training-induced stress have been manufactured. This study examined the effects of wearing recovery garments on the physical and psychological stress of Japanese male baseball players. Thirty-eight players aged 18-21 (19.6 ± 0.2 years) who participated in a two-week intensified training programme were randomly assigned to two groups: 19 wore recovery (DPV576-C) garments (RG group) and 19 wore non-recovery garments (placebo group). Both groups wore the garments overnight. Mood states, using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire, and salivary cortisol levels were measured before (day 0) and after (day 14) the training period. Saliva samples were collected from 07:00-07:30 am. Both groups' fatigue scores significantly increased after the training period (RG: 8.4 ± 0.8-10.1 ± 0.8 score; placebo: 9.8 ± 1.0-11.7 ± 1.0 score). The total mood disturbance (TMD) score increased significantly in the placebo group (21.0 ± 2.3-27.2 ± 3.0 score) but not in the RG group (17.4 ± 2.7-20.2 ± 2.2 score). Salivary cortisol concentrations decreased significantly in the RG group (0.71 ± 0.08-0.49 ± 0.05 µg/dL) but not in the placebo group (0.61 ± 0.06-0.58 ± 0.10 µg/dL). Therefore, wearing the DPV576-C garments overnight attenuated increases in TMD levels and decreased salivary cortisol levels following intensified training. DPV576-C garments may have beneficial effects on training-induced physical and psychological stress among athletes.

Inhibition of TRPV1 Channel Activity in Human CD4⁺ T Cells by Nanodiamond and Nanoplatinum Liquid, DPV576.

Background: Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels act as sensors of pain, temperature, and other external stimuli. We have recently shown that DPV576, an aqueous mixture of nanodiamond (ND) and nanoplatinum (NP), can modulate the activity of TRPV on human primary keratinocytes, suggesting their potential as a possible pain modulator. Here, we sought to examine the effect of DPV576 in modulating the functions of human CD4⁺ T lymphocytes and whether the modulation is mediated via TRPV channels. Materials and methods: Human primary CD4⁺ T cells were activated with anti CD3/CD28 with and without DPV576 at 1:10 and 1:100 dilutions for 24 h in vitro. TRPV receptor expression (TRPV1 and TRPV4) on CD4⁺ T cells were examined by flow cytometry. The capacity of DPV576 to modulate the activity of TRPV1 agonist capsaicin in CD4⁺ T cells was also determined. Activation of CD4⁺ T cells was determined by production of cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10 using specific ELISA kits. Results: DPV576 treatment of CD4⁺ T cells that were activated with anti CD3/CD28 resulted in decreased expression of the TRPV1 channel, but had no effect on TRPV4. This was accompanied by decreased secretion of IFN-γ and reduced expression of TRPV1 in capsaicin activated CD4⁺ T cells. In addition, DPV576 inhibited the capsaicin, induced the production of IFN-γ, and enhanced the secretion of IL-10. Conclusion: We conclude that short term exposure to DPV576 inhibits the activity of TRPV1 channels in CD4⁺ T lymphocytes, which may suggest its possible beneficial use for pain management.

Effect of Nanodiamond and Nanoplatinum Liquid, DPV576, on Human Primary Keratinocytes.

Nanofabrics are now being used in a wide range of products that come into direct contact with skin, including carpet, clothing, and medical fabrics. In the current study, we examined the effect of a dispersed aqueous mixture of nanodiamond (ND) and nanoplatinum (NP) (DPV576) on human primary keratinocytes with respect to transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channel expression, secretion of cytokines and production of nerve growth factor (NGF). Keratinocytes were treated with DPV576 at concentrations of 1:10 and 1:100 dilutions for 24 hours in vitro, and their activation of was determined by production of cytokines TNF-α, IL-1ß, and prostaglandin (PGE2), and by production of NGF. Inhibitor experiments were carried out by incubating keratinocytes with the TRPV4-selective antagonist HC-067047. TRPV receptor expression (TRPV1, TRPV3 and TRPV4) on keratinocytes as well as changes in Ca2+ potential were examined by flow cytometry. DPV576 treatment of keratinocytes resulted in the following effects: (1) stimulation of keratinocytes as indicated by the significant secretion of cytokines IL-1ß, TNF-α, and PGE2, an effect noted only at higher concentration (1:10); (2) significant decrease in the expression of TRPV4 on keratinocytes with a spike in the calcium flux, but no change in the expression of TRPV1 and TRPV3; (3) induction of cytokine secretion independent of TRPV4, as the addition of TRPV4 inhibitor had no significant effect on the cytokine production from keratinocytes; (4) induction of NGF secretion by keratinocytes. These results demonstrate that DPV576 activates keratinocytes via multiple signaling pathways which may reduce stress associated with inflammation, pain, and circadian rhythms. ND/NP-coated fabrics that target the modulation of local inflammation, pain, and circadian rhythms could potentially be of benefit to humans.

A survey on bacterial contamination of lavage water in electric warm-water lavage toilet seats and of the gluteal cleft after lavage.

Electric warm-water lavage toilet seats are in wide use as an appliance beneficial for the maintenance of hygiene and the prophylaxis and improvement of conditions such as constipation and hemorrhoids. In this study, we surveyed the bacterial content in the lavage water of warm-water lavage toilet seats, and fecal bacterial contamination of the gluteal and genital regions due to droplet infection from post-defecation lavage, to examine the problems inherent to the use of such lavage units. The presence of viable bacteria in lavage water was confirmed in this survey. Viable bacterial counts in lavage water were 3-times higher in household units compared to units in public facilities, suggesting a correlation with the replenishment of lavage tank water with fresh water containing residual free chlorine.

Molecular epidemiological analysis of methicillin-resistant staphylococci in a neonatal intensive care unit.

To investigate the contamination by and transmission of MRSA/MRCNS in the old NICU of Hospital A and the relocated NICU (new NICU), we isolated and evaluated staphylococci from nurses' palms, towels under the heads of neonates, infant incubators (including portholes and infant covers), and room air. Detection rates of MRSA/MRCNS isolated from different sample locations were 52.6% in the old NICU and 53.4% in the new NICU, which demonstrates that the nurses' palms in both the old and new NICUs and indoor environment were contaminated with MRSA/MRCNS. In the old NICU, numerous MRSA and MRCNS strains (Log 3.17 ± 0.19 cfu/10 cm²) were identified from towels, and the implementation of improvement plans resulted in a decrease in the number of MRSA/MRCNS isolates (Log 1.95 ± 0.57 cfu/10cm²) from the towels used in the new NICU. A homology study of MRSA/MRCNS strains by PFGE DNA restriction patterns identified genotypes that showed similar patterns in the nurses' palms, towels, infant incubators, and room air.