Deficiency of orexin signaling during sleep is involved in abnormal REM sleep architecture in narcolepsy.

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder caused by deficiency of orexin signaling. However, the neural mechanisms by which deficient orexin signaling causes the abnormal rapid eye movement (REM) sleep characteristics of narcolepsy, such as cataplexy and frequent transitions to REM states, are not fully understood. Here, we determined the activity dynamics of orexin neurons during sleep that suppress the abnormal REM sleep architecture of narcolepsy.

Testosterone improved erectile function by upregulating transcriptional expression of growth factors in late androgen replacement therapy model rats.

We previously showed that castration of rats reduced erectile function over time; when testosterone replacement therapy was started 4 weeks after castration, erectile function improved. In this study, we examined the mechanism of improvement in erectile function following testosterone replacement therapy in rats. Thirty 12-week-old rats were divided into castrated (Cast), castrated with subcutaneous administration of testosterone (Cast + T), and sham (Sham) groups.

[Challenges, prevention, and countermeasures for social withdrawal (hikikomori) by age group].

　The term "hikikomori" was recognized by society between 1980 and 2000, when the term "NEET" also appeared and it was regarded as a problem of irresponsible youth. However, accumulation of surveys and research both in Japan and abroad, including those conducted by the Cabinet Office, has revealed that the reasons behind social withdrawal are not only limited to mental illness. There are many people who exhibit withdrawal because they are unable to establish relationships with the community and other people owing to various factors such as social systems, attachment formation, family background, and education.

Evolution of global development cooperation: An analysis of aid flows with hierarchical stochastic block models.

Despite considerable scholarly attention on the institutional and normative aspects of development cooperation, its longitudinal dynamics unfolding at the global level have rarely been investigated. Focusing on aid, we examine the evolving global structure of development cooperation induced by aid flows in its entirety. Representing annual aid flows between donors and recipients from 1970 to 2013 as a series of networks, we apply hierarchical stochastic block models to extensive aid-flow data that cover not only the aid behavior of the major OECD donors but also that of other emerging donors, including China.

Acute Effect of Repeated Sprint Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction During Rest Periods on Muscle Oxygenation.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effect of applying BFR during rest periods of repeated cycling sprints on muscle oxygenation.

Methods: Seven active males performed 5 × 10-s maximal pedaling efforts with 40-s passive rest, with or without BFR application during rest period. BFR was applied for 30 s between sprints (between 5 and 35 s into rest) through a pneumatic pressure cuff inflated at 140 mmHg.

Effects of Reduced Carbohydrate Intake after Sprint Exercise on Breath Acetone Level.

Assessment of breath acetone level may be an alternative procedure to evaluate change in fat metabolism. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of insufficient carbohydrate (CHO) intake after sprint exercise on breath acetone level during post-exercise. Nine subjects conducted two trials, consisting of either reduced CHO trial (LOW trial) or normal CHO trial (NOR trial).

Endocrine and Metabolic Responses to Endurance Exercise Under Hot and Hypoxic Conditions.

Purpose: We explored the effect of heat stress during an acute endurance exercise session in hypoxia on endocrine and metabolic responses.

Methods: A total of 12 healthy males cycled at a constant workload (60% of the power output associated with their maximal oxygen uptake under each respective condition) for 60 min in three different environments: exercise under hot and hypoxia (H+H; fraction of inspiratory oxygen or FiO: 14.5%, 32°C), exercise under hypoxia (HYP; FiO: 14.

The relationships between three-axis accelerometer measures of physical activity and motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease: a single-center pilot study.

Background: Various wearable devices for objectively evaluating motor symptoms of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have been developed. Importantly, previous studies have suggested protective effects of physical activity in PD. However, the relationships between conventional clinical ratings for PD and three-axis accelerometer measures of physical activity (e.

Partial sleep deprivation after an acute exercise session does not augment hepcidin levels the following day.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of partial sleep deprivation (PSD) after an exercise session in the evening on the endurance exercise-induced hepcidin response the following morning. Ten recreationally trained males participated under two different conditions. Each condition consisted of 2 consecutive days of training (days 1 and 2).

No effect of supplemented heat stress during an acute endurance exercise session in hypoxia on hepcidin regulation.

Unlabelled: Hepcidin is a novel factor for iron deficiency in athletes, which is suggested to be regulated by interleukin-6 (IL-6) or erythropoietin (EPO).

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to compare endurance exercise-induced hepcidin elevation among "normoxia", "hypoxia" and "combined heat and hypoxia".

Methods: Twelve males (21.

Development and Practical Test of Quality Indicators for Palliative Care in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure.

Background: Palliative care is highly relevant for patients with heart failure (HF), and there is a need for quantitative information on quality of care. Accordingly, this study aimed to develop a set of quality indicators (QIs) for palliative care of HF patients, and to conduct a practical pilot measurement of the proposed QIs in clinical practice.

Methods and results: We used a modified Delphi technique, a consensus method that involves a comprehensive literature review, face-to-face multidisciplinary panel meeting, and anonymous rating in 2 rounds.

Development and validation of support tools for advance care planning in patients with chronic heart failure.

Background: Advance care planning (ACP) is recommended as part of the management of patients with heart failure (HF).

Aims: To develop and validate ACP support tools for patients with HF.

Methods: An ACP support tool was developed based on a systematic literature review.

The Effects of Endurance Exercise in Hypoxia on Acid-Base Balance, Potassium Kinetics, and Exogenous Glucose Oxidation.

Purpose: To investigate the carbohydrate metabolism, acid-base balance, and potassium kinetics in response to exercise in moderate hypoxia among endurance athletes.

Methods: Nine trained endurance athletes [maximal oxygen uptake (VO): 62.5 ± 1.

Progressive stenosis and radiological findings of vasculitis over the entire internal carotid artery in moyamoya vasculopathy associated with graves' disease: a case report and review of the literature.

Background: Moyamoya vasculopathy (MMV) associated with Graves' disease (GD) is a rare condition resulting in ischemic stroke accompanied by thyrotoxicity. Radiological findings of vasculitis have been reported in the walls of distal internal carotid arteries (ICAs) in these patients; however, no reports have described in detail the processes of progression of the lesions in the proximal ICA. Moreover, treatments to prevent recurrence of ischemic stroke and progression of MMV have not yet been sufficiently elucidated.

Integrated mental health care in a multidisciplinary maternal and child health service in the community: the findings from the Suzaka trial.

Background: Perinatal mental health problems such as mood disorders are common. We propose a new multidisciplinary health service intervention program providing continuous support to women and their children from the start of pregnancy till after childbirth. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the program with respect to making women's mental health better in the postpartum period and improving the state of care for women and their children in the perinatal period.

Predictive factors for hyperglycaemic progression in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Background: Patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Aims: To identify predictive factors for hyperglycaemic progression in individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and to determine whether hyperglycaemic progression rates differ among antipsychotics in regular clinical practice.

Method: We recruited 1166 patients who initially had normal or prediabetic glucose levels for a nationwide, multisite, l-year prospective cohort study to determine predictive factors for hyperglycaemic progression.