Lumbar motor control & perceptual awareness

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to clarify the differences in lumbar spine and hip joint motor control ability (MCA) in prone hip extension (PHE) between individuals with and without low back pain (LBP). It also aimed to determine the relationship between lumbar spine and hip joint MCA and lumbar perceptual awareness in individuals with LBP. Methods : In total, 78 university students (20 with LBP and 58 without) were included in the study. The MCA of the lumbar spine and hip joint in PHE and perceptual awareness were evaluated. The MCA of the lumbar spine and hip joint was measured using a wearable sensor. Subsequently, a comparison of the MCA of the lumbar spine and hip joints of the participants and the relationship between MCA and lumbar perceptual awareness were examined. Results : The MCA of the LBP group was higher than that of the non-LBP group in motion on the sagittal plane. In addition, perceptual awareness was negatively correlated with MCA in the sagittal plane in the lumbar spine. Conclusion : People with LBP had higher lumbar spine and hip joint MCA than those without LBP. Perceptual awareness was associated with lumbar spine and hip joint MCA in people with LBP

Relationship Between Orthostatic Blood Pressure Changes and Postural Sway When Standing up from a Chair in Older Adult Females

Background: Orthostatic reductions in blood pressure upon standing are common among the elderly. This orthostatic blood pressure changes may relate to the augmentation of postural sway and may be an important risk factor for falls. Thus, to clarify whether orthostatic blood pressure change on standing up from a chair is relevant to postural sway, we simultaneously measured changes in blood pressure and the movement of a weighted center upon standing. Methods: A total of 63 older adult females were investigated. Blood pressure [systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic BP] measured in a sitting position were defined as the baseline levels. The movement of center of pressure (COP) was measured using a stable force platform to quantify postural stability. Participants were instructed to stand up from a chair on the platform and maintain an upright position with their eyes open for 40 seconds. Upon standing, the participant\u27s blood pressure and the movement of COP were recorded. Pearson\u27s correlation was performed to determine relationships between the changes in BP and the movement of COP [distance of the movement of COP (LNG), envelopment area traced by the movement of COP (AREA)]. Results: SBP was reduced while maintaining an upright position for 40 seconds (-5.0 ± 8.6 mmHg), but not diastolic BP (0.6 ± 4.3 mmHg). Moreover, the change in SBP showed a negative relationship with LNG (r = -0.43, p < 0.01) and AREA (r = -0.31, p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggested that postural change influenced SBP, and that the drop of SBP was associated with augmentation of postural instability in older adult females

In vivo imaging of zebrafish retinal cells using fluorescent coumarin derivatives

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The zebrafish visual system is a good research model because the zebrafish retina is very similar to that of humans in terms of the morphologies and functions. Studies of the retina have been facilitated by improvements in imaging techniques. <it>In vitro </it>techniques such as immunohistochemistry and <it>in vivo </it>imaging using transgenic zebrafish have been proven useful for visualizing specific subtypes of retinal cells. In contrast, <it>in vivo </it>imaging using organic fluorescent molecules such as fluorescent sphingolipids allows non-invasive staining and visualization of retinal cells <it>en masse</it>. However, these fluorescent molecules also localize to the interstitial fluid and stain whole larvae.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We screened fluorescent coumarin derivatives that might preferentially stain neuronal cells including retinal cells. We identified four coumarin derivatives that could be used for <it>in vivo </it>imaging of zebrafish retinal cells. The retinas of living zebrafish could be stained by simply immersing larvae in water containing 1 μg/ml of a coumarin derivative for 30 min. By using confocal laser scanning microscopy, the lamination of the zebrafish retina was clearly visualized. Using these coumarin derivatives, we were able to assess the development of the zebrafish retina and the morphological abnormalities induced by genetic or chemical interventions. The coumarin derivatives were also suitable for counter-staining of transgenic zebrafish expressing fluorescent proteins in specific subtypes of retinal cells.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The coumarin derivatives identified in this study can stain zebrafish retinal cells in a relatively short time and at low concentrations, making them suitable for <it>in vivo </it>imaging of the zebrafish retina. Therefore, they will be useful tools in genetic and chemical screenings using zebrafish to identify genes and chemicals that may have crucial functions in the retina.</p

Efficacy of proton pump inhibitor in combination with rikkunshito in patients complaining of globus pharyngeus

Objective : Globus pharyngeus (GP) is a common symptom of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD), and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and rikkunshito, a traditional Japanese medicine having prokinetic effect improve LPRD symptoms. In the present study, we examined the efficacy of high-dose PPI in combination with rikkunshito in patients complaining of GP. Methods : 106 patients complaining of GP without any organic endoscopic findings were enrolled. Results : Patients were first administrated with high-dose PPI alone for 4 to 8 weeks and the symptom was improved in 65 patients. Among 41 patients with PPI-refractory GP, 22 patients were administrated with high-dose PPI in combination with rikkunshito, and the symptom was improved in 14 of 22 patients 4 weeks later. The average value of a modified reflux symptom index of the responders was similar to that of non-responders. Only a few patients had positive values in reflux finding scores in both groups. Conclusion : The present findings suggest the existence of a high prevalence of LPRD in patients complaining of GP. The data also suggest that gastroesophageal dysmotility is involved in GP, in addition to excessive acid reflux. The pretherapeutic laryngopharyngeal symptoms and endoscopic findings could not predict the efficacy of the treatment for GP

A case report of pulmonary amyloidosis recognized by detection of AA amyloid exclusively in alveolar macrophages

Amyloidosis is a rare condition in which tissue deposits of inert fibrillar protein result in organ damage and dysfunction. There are several types of amyloid fibrils. Some of the most common forms are AL (amyloid light chain) protein and AA (amyloid-associated) type of amyloid fibril protein. Pulmonary amyloidosis is relatively common but is usually asymptomatic. Thus, the diagnosis may be easily overlooked. A 78-year-old male with a history of multiple myeloma followed by systemic amyloidosis presented with abnormal chest CT showing diffuse interlobular thickening in the whole lung field with bilateral pleural effusion. Bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial biopsy were performed. Due to the patient’s poor condition and hemorrhage, only one fragment was available from forceps biopsy. Histologically, there was no amyloid deposition in the lung parenchyma;however, some histiocytes showed eosinophilic granular contents which prompted us to perform additional staining. The cytoplasmic material turned to be positive with direct fast scarlet (DFS) staining and AA amyloid immunostaining. Similar macrophages with AA amyloid were also found in the bronchoalveolar fluid. We experienced a case with AA amyloidosis affecting the lung diagnosed by the presence of intracytoplasmic amyloid in alveolar macrophages. The microscopic changes were so subtle that they may be overlooked. Recognition of amyloid deposition in alveolar macrophages may be an important clue to diagnose pulmonary amyloidosis. Such finding is of particular significance in the small-sized specimens, such as biopsies and cytologic smears

プールの健康教室に参加することによる心身への影響―低身体活動高齢女性の実態調査―

目的：群馬県内のAプールが実施している健康教室に参加することが心身に及ぼす影響を明らかにすることを目的とした． 方法：研究参加に同意した65歳以上の低身体活動の女性11名を対象者とした．教室参加前に年齢，健康状態，気分を，教室当日に運動前，中，後の血圧・脈拍，主観的運動強度を，教室終了後に気分を調査した．任意で体力測定を行った． 結果：体力測定の結果は，握力，上体起こし，長座体前屈，開眼片足立ち，10m障害物歩行の全てで全国平均よりも低かった．気分は，教室参加後に緊張・不安が有意に低下した．収縮期血圧は運動後では運動前よりも有意に上昇し，脈拍は運動前よりも有意に低下した．主観的運動強度は運動前よりも有意に上昇した． 結論：対象者は，肥満，筋力低下傾向にあるが，集団で実施する水中運動の強度は適度であった．健康教室により，緊張・不安が改善し，適度な運動強度においても血圧や脈拍の有意な変動が認められた．Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a health class offered at a swimming pool. Methods: The subjects were 11 women aged 65 years or older who had low active mass. We investigated age, health condition, and mood before the health class. On the day of the health class, we measured blood pressure, pulse, and perceived exertion before, during, and after aquatic exercise. We then investigated mood after the health class. We also offered an optional physical fitness test to the subjects. Results: Scores for grip strength, sit-ups, toe touching, one-leg standing with eyes open, and 10-m obstacle walking test results were below healthy levels. The mood test showed that tension and anxiety were improved. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher, pulse was significantly lower, and the rate of perceived exertion was significantly higher after exercise than before. Conclusions: The subjects were obese and had muscle weakness, but the exercise was of moderate intensity. Tension and anxiety improved after the health class. Significant changes in blood pressure and pulse were found after exercise.原