Feasibility of single-isocenter, multi-arc non-coplanar volumetric modulated arc therapy for multiple brain tumors using a linear accelerator with a 160-leaf multileaf collimator: a phantom study.

The feasibility of single isocenter, multi-arc non-coplanar volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for multiple brain tumors was studied using an Elekta Synergy linear accelerator with an Agility multileaf collimator and a Monaco treatment planning system. Two VMAT radiosurgery plans consisting of a full arc and three half arcs were created with a prescribed dose of 20 Gy in a single fraction. After dose delivery to a phantom, ionization chambers and radiochromic films were used for dose measurement.

Regenerative medicine in orthopedics using cells, scaffold, and microRNA.

Cells, scaffold, and growth factors are crucially important in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Progress in science and technology has enabled development of these three factors, with basic research being applied clinically. In the past decade, we have investigated tissue regeneration in animal models of musculoskeletal disorders by using cells, scaffold, and delivery systems which has been relatively easy to apply and develop in clinical settings.

BDNF mimetic compound LM22A-4 regulates cementoblast differentiation via the TrkB-ERK/Akt signaling cascade.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activates its receptor TrkB, and promotes neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic functions. Furthermore, we have revealed that BDNF can also regulate cementoblast differentiation and cellular survival via TrkB-ERK/Akt signaling cascade, which, in turn, results in the induction of periodontal tissue regeneration. Recently, using in silico screening with a BDNF loop-domain pharmacophore, a small molecule BDNF mimetic, called LM22A-4 that can facilitate TrkB signaling in hippocampal neurons to prevent cell death, was identified.

Evaluation of joint position sense measured by inversion angle replication error in patients with an osteochondral lesion of the talus.

The etiology of the osteochondral lesion of the talar dome (OLT) remains unclear. A joint position sense deficit of the ankle is reported to be a possible cause of ankle disorder. Repeated contact of the articular surface of the talar dome with the plafond during inversion might be a cause of OLT.

Panax ginseng reduces oxidative stress and restores antioxidant capacity in aged rats.

Nutritional antioxidants interact with cells in an active mode, including retrieving and sparing one another, to diminish oxidative stress. However, the intracellular balance of prooxidants and antioxidants becomes unbalanced, favoring prooxidants during the aging process. One hypothesis is that an aging-associated increase in oxidative stress is the primary cause of aging.