Immunohistochemical characterization of interstitial cells and their spatial relationship to motor neurons within the mouse esophagus.

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and PDGFRα cells regulate smooth muscle motility in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, yet their function in the esophagus remains unknown. The mouse esophagus has been described as primarily skeletal muscle; however, ICC  have been identified in this region. This study characterizes the distribution of skeletal and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and their spatial relationship to ICC, PDGFRα cells, and intramuscular motor neurons in the mouse esophagus.

Intravenous Ketamine to Facilitate Transport of Agitated Patients to the ECT Clinic.

Objectives: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be effective for a variety of psychiatric conditions, including for some patients who are very psychotic or agitated. Transferring such patients from the psychiatric ward to the ECT clinic can pose significant challenges for treating teams, as they try to minimize the use of restraint.

Methods: We developed a protocol for safe transfer of such patients using sedation with ketamine.

Immunohistochemical characterization of interstitial cells and their relationship to motor neurons within the mouse esophagus.

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and PDGFRα cells regulate smooth muscle motility in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, their role(s) in esophageal motility are still unclear. The mouse esophagus has traditionally been described as almost entirely skeletal muscle in nature though ICC have been identified along its entire length.

Modulation of intracellular calcium activity in interstitial cells of Cajal by inhibitory neural pathways within the internal anal sphincter.

The internal anal sphincter (IAS) functions to maintain continence. Previous studies utilizing mice with cell-specific expression of GCaMP6f revealed two distinct subtypes of intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-IM) with differing Ca activities in the IAS. The present study further examined Ca activity in ICC-IM and its modulation by inhibitory neurotransmission.

Differential influence of quadriceps rate of torque development on single- and double-leg landing mechanics in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed and control females.

Purpose: The capacity to explosively contract quadriceps within the critical timeframe associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, quantified by the rate of torque development, is potentially essential for safe landing mechanics. This study aimed to investigate the influence of explosive quadriceps strength on ACL-related sagittal-plane landing mechanics in females with and without ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods: Quadriceps explosive strength and landing mechanics were assessed in 19 ACLR and 19 control females during isometric contractions and double- and single-leg jump landings.