[Purpose] In this study, combined training with breathing resistance and sustained physical exertion was carried out to evaluate its physiological effects and its effect on improve endurance capacity. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were nine healthy adults (mean age 20.4, SD ± 1.7 years). The combined training group (n = 5) carried out 6 weeks of combined training using a cycle ergometer, with exercise load tests and respiratory function tests performed before and after the training. The results of the training were compared to a control group (n = 4) that only performed the cycling exercise without the combined training with breathing resistance. [Results] In the combined training group, ventilatory threshold, maximal load of the cycle ergometer in exercise load tests, and maximal voluntary ventilation increased after training. These increases after training were all significant, but none of these variables changed significantly in the control group. [Conclusion] The results imply that in comparison to conventional training methods, combined training with breathing resistance and sustained physical exertion is beneficial for increasing endurance capacity and respiratory muscle function. This result provides important information regarding the effects of the new training method for improving endurance capacity.

We carry out Si doping in InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) by selecting appropriate steps of the self-assembling growth process. The self-assembling growth process of QDs consists of nucleation, assembling, self-limiting, and dissolving steps. The electrical conductivity of the QDs doped at the various growth steps has been investigated by conductive atomic force microscopy. The two-dimensional current images demonstrate that the spatial carrier distribution remarkably depends on the growth steps. When Si impurities are introduced into QDs during the assembling step, carriers are preferentially incorporated in the QDs. Furthermore, the doped QDs lead to enhancement of the photoluminescence intensity and to suppression of the temperature quenching of the intensity.

We herein present a case of intramuscular hematoma that developed after transversus abdominis plane block in a patient undergoing cesarean delivery. The patient had HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) preoperatively. Ultrasonography-guided transversus abdominis plane block was performed at the end of surgery. Postoperatively, the platelet count and antithrombin III level decreased, and computed tomography revealed intramuscular hematomas that possibly were related to vascular injury and potential disseminated intravascular coagulation. We should be mindful of the possibility of intramuscular hematoma formation in patients with HELLP syndrome, even when using ultrasound guidance.

Introduction Although nonabsorbable woven tape has been widely used for cervical cerclage, technical difficulties that can occur with an effaced cervix because of the thickness of the tape, and the risks of local infection are two major concerns. This study investigated perinatal outcomes of pregnancies involving an emergency cervical cerclage using absorbable monofilament polydioxanone sutures, which is a narrow thread and protects against bacterial infection. Materials and Methods We performed a chart review of patients who underwent emergency McDonald cerclage with polydioxanone sutures at our institution between 2007 and 2015. Gestational age at delivery, duration between cerclage and delivery, and neonatal prognosis were evaluated as primary outcomes. Results Among the 23 patients (18 singleton and five twin pregnancies) evaluated, ultrasound-indicated (progressive cervical length shortening) were eight (35%) and physical examination-indicated (fetal membranes that prolapsed into the vagina or dilated cervix) were 15 patients (65%). The median gestational age at cerclage was 22+3 weeks (range, 17+5 to 25+3 weeks). Postoperative spontaneous abortion occurred in only one patient. The median gestational age at delivery was 32+5 weeks (range, 20+5 to 40+6 weeks). Extremely preterm delivery before 28 weeks of gestation occurred in four (17%) cases. Full-term delivery was achieved in 10 (42%) cases. The duration between cerclage and delivery ranged from 5 to 136 days (median, 77 days). Except for one case of spontaneous abortion, all newborns survived till hospital discharge. Conclusions Although our series included some patients at high risk for spontaneous abortion and preterm delivery, satisfactory prolongation and favorable neonatal outcomes were achieved for most patients by using absorbable monofilament sutures, thus suggesting the efficacy of this type of suture for emergency cervical cerclage.

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