Impact of hypoxic and mesopic environments on visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and accommodation in subjects with LASIK surgery and aircrew candidate.

Background: The safety of Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in aircrew was unclear, in addition, LASIK was not yet approved for aircrew of Taiwan Air Force. This study was aimed to evaluate visual performance in LASIK eyes in hypoxic and twilight environment.

Methods: 48 myopic eyes of 24 subjects enrolled in this study were divided into LASIK group and control group.

Hypoxia and hyperoxia differentially control proliferation of rat neural crest stem cells via distinct regulatory pathways of the HIF1α-CXCR4 and TP53-TPM1 proteins.

Background: Neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) are a population of adult multipotent stem cells. We are interested in studying whether oxygen tensions affect the capability of NCSCs to self-renew and repair damaged tissues. NCSCs extracted from the hair follicle bulge region of the rat whisker pad were cultured in vitro under different oxygen tensions.

Simulated Microgravity Disrupts Cytoskeleton Organization and Increases Apoptosis of Rat Neural Crest Stem Cells Via Upregulating CXCR4 Expression and RhoA-ROCK1-p38 MAPK-p53 Signaling.

Neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) are a population of multipotent stem cells that are distributed broadly in many tissues and organs and are capable of differentiating into a variety of cell types that are dispersed throughout three germ layers. We are interested in studying the effects of simulated microgravity on the survival and self-renewal of NCSCs. NCSCs extracted from the hair follicle bulge region of the rat whisker pad were cultured in vitro, respectively, in a 2D adherent environment and a 3D suspension environment using the rotatory cell culture system (RCCS) to simulate microgravity.

Ultrasound-Guided Pulsed Radiofrequency for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Study.

Objective: We assessed the therapeutic efficiency of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment of the median nerve in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blinded study. Forty-four patients with CTS were randomized into intervention or control groups.

Ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency stimulation of the suprascapular nerve for adhesive capsulitis: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

Background: The treatment of adhesive capsulitis (AC) is a well-known, complicated, and long process. Recent studies have shown that pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) lesioning of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) using a fluoroscopy- or computed tomography-guided technique can alleviate shoulder pain. However, there are no studies of PRF lesioning of the SSN in patients with AC using ultrasound-guided (UG) techniques, except for 2 case reports.

Rhodiola crenulata and Its Bioactive Components, Salidroside and Tyrosol, Reverse the Hypoxia-Induced Reduction of Plasma-Membrane-Associated Na,K-ATPase Expression via Inhibition of ROS-AMPK-PKC ξ Pathway.

Exposure to hypoxia leads to impaired pulmonary sodium transport, which is associated with Na,K-ATPase dysfunction in the alveolar epithelium. The present study is designed to examine the effect and mechanism of Rhodiola crenulata extract (RCE) and its bioactive components on hypoxia-mediated Na,K-ATPase endocytosis. A549 cells were exposed to hypoxia in the presence or absence of RCE, salidroside, or tyrosol.

Rhodiola crenulata Extract Alleviates Hypoxic Pulmonary Edema in Rats.

Sudden exposure of nonacclimatized individuals to high altitude can easily lead to high altitude illnesses. High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is the most lethal form of high altitude illness. The present study was designed to investigate the ability of Rhodiola crenulata extract (RCE), an herbal medicine traditionally used as an antiacute mountain sickness remedy, to attenuate hypoxia-induced pulmonary injury.

Concurrent measurement of isokinetic muscle strength of the trunk, knees, and ankles in patients with lumbar disc herniation with sciatica.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study comparing normal subjects and patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with sciatica.

Objective: To simultaneously measure the isokinetic muscle strength of the trunk, knees, and ankles in both groups.

Summary Of Background Data: Coordination between the trunk and lower extremity muscles is important for normal physical activity.

Brown-Sèquard syndrome caused by type III odontoid fracture: a case report and review of the literature.

Study Design: Case report.

Objective: To present the second case of Brown-Sèquard syndrome (BSS) produced by type III odontoid fracture managed by conservative treatment.

Summary Of Background Data: The occurrence of BSS due to odontoid fracture is scarce.

Heart status following high G exposure in rats and the effect of brief preconditioning.

Introduction: Acceleration on the +Gz axis increases pressure in the cardiac chambers. Our research was designed to study whether: 1) such acceleration would impair cardiac function; and 2) a "preconditioning" exposure to +Gz would protect the heart from any such effects.

Methods: There were 45 male Sprague-Dawley rats that were randomly divided into 3 groups of 15: 1) control without acceleration (CTRL); 2) exposure to 5 min of +15 Gz (EXP); and 3) pretreatment whereby the 5-min exposure was preceded by two exposures of 30 s at +15 Gz (PRE).

Isokinetic muscle strength of the trunk and bilateral knees in young subjects with lumbar disc herniation.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study comparing normal subjects and patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Objective: To evaluate trunk and knee muscle strength in patients with L4-L5 and/or L5-S1 disc herniation.

Summary Of Background Data: Numerous studies have shown that patients with low back pain have weaker trunk muscles.