The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes of pre-motion time (PMT), pre-motion silent period (PMSP), and switching silent period (SSP) before and after the training using balance-mat. Twenty healthy people aged 21-36 years old (average 26.5 years old) were subjected to a series of experiment. These were randomly divided into two groups (10 subjects each), control and balance-mat group. Activities of M. Soleus and M. Tibialis anterior were recorded by electromyogram (EMG) for the duration subjects were tried to raise their both heels as quick respond to a flashing lamp. Intervention consisted of 3minutes standing on the floor in control group, and 3 minutes standing on the balance-mat in balance-mat group. Then EMG was recorded as the same manner after the intervention in each group. There was no statistical difference of duration of PMSP and SSP between the two groups before intervention. On the other hand, those in balance-mat group were significantly shorter than those in control group after intervention. In addition, in balance-mat group, duration of PMSP and SSP after intervention were significantly shorter than that before intervention. There was no statistical difference of PMT between before and after the intervention. These results suggested balance-mat training was effective for shorten the duration of SSP and PMSP, that lead to control the posture function.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Caudal-related homeobox 2 (Cdx2) is expressed in the human intestinal metaplastic mucosa and induces intestinal metaplastic mucosa in the Cdx2 transgenic mouse stomach. Atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia commonly lead to gastric achlorhydria, which predisposes the stomach to bacterial overgrowth. In the present study, we determined the differences in gut microbiota between normal and Cdx2 transgenic mice, using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). METHODS: Twelve normal (control) and 12 Cdx2 transgenic mice were sacrificed, and the gastric, jejunal, ileac, cecal and colonic mucosa, and feces were collected. To quantitate bacterial microbiota, we used real-time qRTPCR with 16S rRNA gene-targeted, species-specific primers. RESULTS: The total numbers of bacteria in the gastric, jejunal, ileac, cecal, and colonic mucosa of the Cdx2 transgenic mice were significantly higher than those of the normal mice. The Bacteroides fragilis group and also Prevotella were not detected in the stomach of the normal mice, although they were detected in the Cdx2 transgenic mice. Moreover, the Clostridium coccoides group, Clostridium leptum subgroup, Bacteroides fragilis group, and Prevotella were not detected in the jejunum or ileum of the normal mice, although they were detected in the Cdx2 transgenic mice. The fecal microbiota of the normal mice was similar to that of the Cdx2 transgenic mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed the differences in composition of gut microbiota between normal and Cdx2 transgenic mice, which may be caused by the development of gastric achlorhydria and intestinal metaplasia in Cdx2 transgenic mice.
Achlorhydria ; Animals ; Bacteria ; Bacteroides fragilis ; Clostridium ; Colon ; Feces ; Gastritis, Atrophic ; Genes, Homeobox* ; Humans ; Ileum ; Jejunum ; Metaplasia ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic* ; Microbiota* ; Mucous Membrane ; Prevotella ; Stomach

[Objective] Peripheral facial paralysis with sequelae (PFPS) reduces the quality of life (QOL) of patients. However, not much information is available on acupuncture treatment (AT) for PFPS. We report a case of a patient with PFPS whose sequelae and QOL were successfully improved by a combination of medication, physical therapy (PT) and AT.[Case] A 42-year-old woman. Her chief complaint was facial tightness, facial asymmetry, and synkinesis.[History of present illness] Left paralysis developed in November X-1, and Bell's palsy was diagnosed. Yanagihara Score (YS) was 6 points. She received intravenous steroid treatment during hospitalization for 9 days after second week after onset. In addition, she was given facial nerve decompression on January 24, X. but there wasno change. Subsequently, she visited the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Tokyo on 24 April. Electroneurography was 4%, YS was16 points and synkinesis was found. AT was started from May 29, X. [Acupuncture treatment] We performed AT on muscle for facial expression for contractural reduction. Also, weinstructed self-care techniques such as massage, open-eyelid exercise, individual muscle strengthening exercise and matters that require attention in everyday life. AT was performed 19 times, once every one to two weeks.[Assessment and Progress] Measurements of YS, synkinesis, synkinetic potential (SP), Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale (FS) were evaluated at about 7 and 15 months after onset. YS (point) changed from 24 to 34, synkinesis changed from (++) to (+), SP did not change, FS (point) increased from 41 to 57.[Discussion and Conclusion] Treatment for PFPS is limited and reduces QOL. We added regular acupuncture treatment to medication and PT for PFPS. As a result, we were able to relieve sequelae, contributing to improvement in the quality of life. It is suggested that AT might have efficacy for PFPS.

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare cause of intermittent claudication. Optimal strategies and management have been debated. We report two cases of PAES that were treated with respective different procedures. Case 1 : A 53-year-old male with intermittent claudication was referred to our department with PAES with a decrease in the ankle brachial index (ABI) with plantar flexion. Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed medial deviation and compression of the popliteal artery by the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. The patient received excision of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle and thrombectomy of the popliteal artery. The diagnosis was confirmed as PAES type 2 during the procedure. Case 2 : A 37-year-old male presenting intermittent claudication and declining ABI in his left lower extremity was diagnosed with PAES by contrast CT. MRI and CT indicated that a fibrous band was compressing the popliteal artery. The findings of the imaging studies were confirmed during the subsequent surgical procedure and it was diagnosed as PAES type 4. In addition to removal of the band, popliteal artery interposition using a saphenous vein graft was performed due to severe stenosis with intimal hyperplasia. Pathological findings of the excised artery showed intimal hyperplasia and degeneration of elastic fibers in the media due to chronic compression. Although a large volume of retrospective data exists on PAES, recommendation of a particular operative procedure has not yet been derived. Thus, the treatment for PAES should be individually determined based on etiology and status of affected vessels.

Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/genetics* ; GATA4 Transcription Factor/genetics* ; Genetic Testing ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Structure ; Mutation/genetics*