Valproic acid alleviates total-body irradiation-induced small intestinal mucositis in mice.

Purpose: Gastrointestinal (GI) injury is one of the serious problems of total-body irradiation (TBI). However, no fundamental treatment for TBI and other radiation-induced GI injury has yet been established. Valproic acid (VPA) administration reduces mortality in mice subjected to total-body irradiation (TBI) with X-rays.

Paracrine and endocrine pathways of natriuretic peptides assessed by ligand-receptor mapping in the Japanese eel brain.

The natriuretic peptide (NP) family consists of cardiac NPs (ANP, BNP, and VNP) and brain NPs (CNPs) in teleosts. In addition to CNP1-4, a paralogue of CNP4 (named CNP4b) was recently discovered in basal teleosts including Japanese eel. Mammals have lost most Cnps during the evolution, but teleost cnps were conserved and diversified, suggesting that CNPs are important hormones for maintaining brain functions in teleost.

Stochastic optimal switching model for migrating population dynamics.

An optimal switching control formalism combined with the stochastic dynamic programming is, for the first time, applied to modelling life cycle of migrating population dynamics with non-overlapping generations. The migration behaviour between habitats is efficiently described as impulsive switching based on stochastic differential equations, which is a new standpoint for modelling the biological phenomenon. The population dynamics is assumed to occur so that the reproductive success is maximized under an expectation.

Ligament strain on the iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments in cadaver specimens: biomechanical measurement and anatomical observation.

The iliofemoral, pubofemoral, and ischiofemoral ligaments are major structures that stabilize the hip joint. We have sought evidence on which to base more effective hip stretching positions. The purpose of this study was to measure strains on these ligaments and to observe them.

Glenohumeral joint motion after subscapularis tendon repair: an analysis of cadaver shoulder models.

Background: As for the surgical treatment of the rotator cuff tears, the subscapularis tendon tears have recently received much attention for the mini-open or arthroscopic repair. The results of surgical repair for the subscapularis tendon tear are satisfactory, but the range of external rotation is reported to be restricted after the repair. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the range of glenohumeral joint motion after repairs of various sizes of subscapularis tendon tears.

Effect of distal radius volar plate position on contact pressure between the flexor pollicis longus tendon and the distal plate edge.

Purpose: Some clinical studies have suggested that distal radius plates placed distal to the watershed line have the potential to impinge on the traversing flexor tendons. However, the validity of this theory remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quantitative effect of volar plate position on flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon friction by measuring the contact pressure between the FPL tendon and the distal edge of the locking plate.

Stretching positions for the coracohumeral ligament: Strain measurement during passive motion using fresh/frozen cadaver shoulders.

Background: Contracture of the coracohumeral ligament is reported to restrict external rotation of the shoulder with arm at the side and restrict posterior-inferior shift of the humeral head. The contracture is supposed to restrict range of motion of the glenohumeral joint.

Methods: To obtain stretching position of the coracohumeral ligament, strain on the ligament was measured at the superficial fibers of the ligament using 9 fresh/frozen cadaver shoulders.

Effect of elbow and forearm position on contact pressure between the extensor origin and the lateral side of the capitellum.

Purpose: Bone-to-tendon contact in the origin of the common extensor tendons is considered to be one of the causes of lateral epicondylitis. Some factors, including elbow and forearm position, varus stress to the elbow, or contraction of the wrist extensor tendons, are considered to affect this bone-to-tendon contact. However, no studies have evaluated the effect of the elbow and forearm position on bone-tendon interface.

Measurement of subclavicular pressure on the subclavian artery and brachial plexus in the costoclavicular space during provocative positioning for thoracic outlet syndrome.

Background: Thoracic outlet syndrome is thought to be caused by compression of the brachial plexus or subclavian artery in the interscalene, costoclavicular, or subcoracoid space. Some provocative tests are widely used for diagnosing thoracic outlet syndrome. However, whether provocative positions actually compress the neurovascular bundle in these spaces remains unclear.

Lengthening of the pectoralis minor muscle during passive shoulder motions and stretching techniques: a cadaveric biomechanical study.

Background And Purpose: Lengthening of the pectoralis minor muscle (PMi) during passive shoulder motions and the effect of stretching techniques for this muscle are unclear. The purposes of this study were: (1) to investigate the amount and pattern of the lengthening between passive shoulder motions and (2) to determine which stretching technique effected the greatest change in PMi length.

Methods: Nine fresh cadaveric transthoracic specimens were used.

Evaluation of stretching position by measurement of strain on the ilio-femoral ligaments: an in vitro simulation using trans-lumbar cadaver specimens.

The ilio-femoral ligament is known to cause flexion contracture of the hip joint. Stretching positioning is intended to elongate the ilio-femoral ligaments, however, no quantitative analysis to measure the effect of stretching positions on the ligament has yet been performed. Strains on the superior and inferior ilio-femoral ligaments in 8 fresh/frozen trans-lumbar cadaveric hip joints were measured using a displacement sensor, and the range of movement of the hip joints was recorded using a 3Space Magnetic Sensor.

Stretching positions for the posterior capsule of the glenohumeral joint: strain measurement using cadaver specimens.

Background: Various stretches have been introduced for the posterior shoulder; however, little quantitative analysis to measure stretching of the posterior capsule has been performed.

Hypothesis: The current shoulder stretching program is not sufficient to stretch the entire posterior capsule.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Strain reduction of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon proximal origin following the application of a forearm support band.

Study Design: Experimental laboratory design.

Objectives: To measure the strain at the proximal origin of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), and to determine the influence of a forearm support band.

Background: A forearm support band is often used with the intent to decrease stresses around the origin of the wrist extensors.