A variety of potential biological roles of mechanical forces have been proposed in the field of cell biology. In particular, mechanical forces alter the mechanical conditions within cells and their environment, exerting a strong effect on the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Single-molecule imaging studies have provided evidence that an actin filament may act as a mechanosensor.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) significantly impacts patient outcomes. While family involvement may help prevent delirium in ICU patients, its effect during mechanical ventilation remains unclear. This study investigated the association between verbal communication during family visits and early post-extubation delirium in mechanically ventilated ICU patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis study aimed to investigate the echo intensity (EI) of the pretalar fat pad (PFP) in young individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and clarify the relationship between changes in the PFP and the clinical characteristics of CAI. Using the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) scores, 26 limbs of 15 participants were divided into CAI (IdFAI score ≥11, male: eight limbs, female: six limbs, age: 21±1 years) and normal (IdFAI score <11, male: nine limbs, female: three limbs, age: 20±1 years) groups. The EI of the PFP was measured, and the luminosity ratio (LR) to the EI of the subcutaneous adipose tissue was calculated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Frailty is significantly correlated with a higher incidence of medical complications during hospitalization after esophagectomy. As frailty is thought to be a reversible condition, improving the reserve capacity through preoperative physical therapy is expected to reduce the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Herein, we report our experience with preoperative physical therapy in a patient with esophageal cancer who was considered to have inadequate fitness for surgery owing to poor physical performance.
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