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The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of neck and shoulder pain (NSP) and the position of the head and neck on the intramuscular circulation of the cervical muscles such as the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles in young females. Ten NSP subjects (mean age: 20.9 ± 0.5 years) and ten non-NSP subjects (mean age: 20.6 ± 0.7 years) were recruited to this study. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to non-invasively measure total haemoglobin (Total-Hb), oxygenated haemoglobin (Oxy-Hb), and deoxygenated haemoglobin (Deoxy-Hb) of the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles. The measurements of Total-Hb, Oxy-Hb, and Deoxy-Hb were taken in the neutral position, immediately after the maximally flexed (extended) position, and after 30 s in the maximally flexed (extended) position. In flexion, no significant main effect or interaction was observed with Total-Hb and Oxy-Hb. A significant interaction was observed with Deoxy-Hb (p 0.01). There was no significant difference in the changes over time in the NSP group (p = 0.91). However, in the non-NSP group, a significant increase was noted at the neutral position to immediately after the maximally flexed position (p 0.01) and at the end of maintaining the maximally flexed position (p 0.01). In extension, no significant main effect or interaction was observed with Total-Hb and Oxy-Hb. A significant interaction was observed with Deoxy-Hb (p 0.01). In the NSP group, no significant difference was observed in the changes over time (p = 0.91). In the non-NSP group, however, a significant decrease was observed from the neutral position to immediately after the maximally extended position (p 0.01). The results of this study indicate that maintaining either maximal cervical flexion or extension may affect venous blood flow on non-NSP group. However, no effect on NSP group was observed due to existing diminished intramuscular circulation.

A deficiency in lumbar muscle blood circulation is considered to be a major risk factor for non-specific low back pain. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in relative circulation over time in the lumbar multifidus in different positions on sitting.Twelve healthy subjects (7 males, 5 females, average age: 20.9 years) without low back pain for the past 12 months were recruited. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to non-invasively measure total haemoglobin (Total-Hb) and oxygenated haemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) in the lumbar multifidus at the L5-S1 segment. Subjects were asked to move into either 60-degree trunk-flexed or 20-degree trunk-extended position from the starting (standing in neutral) position in 3 s, timed by a metronome, and to maintain these positions for 30 s. The measurements of Total-Hb and Oxy-Hb were compared at -3 (neutral position), 0, 10, 20, and 30 s in each flexed and extended position on sitting.In flexion, Total-Hb and Oxy-Hb of the lumbar multifidus were significantly decreased from a neutral (-3 s) to flexed (0 s) position (Total-Hb: p = 0.002, Oxy-Hb: p = 0.004); however, there were no significant differences in the flexed position. In extension, Total-Hb and Oxy-Hb of the lumbar multifidus were significantly increased from 0 to 10 s (Total-Hb: p 0.001, Oxy-Hb: p 0.001); however, there were no significant differences from the neutral (-3 s) to extended (0 s) position, or from 10 to 30 s.The results of this study indicate that the intramuscular circulation of the lumbar multifidus decreases immediately once the trunk starts moving into a flexed position on sitting. On the other hand, the intramuscular circulation of the lumbar multifidus increases for up to 10 s once the trunk starts moving into an extended position.

[Purpose] The movement trajectory in daily motion is strongly associated with information regarding the properties of the environment. In the case of the back-to-sit task, it may vary according to chair property. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether trajectory formation in back-to-sit tasks by healthy adults depends on seat width information. [Participants and Methods] Ten healthy young males performed a back-to-sit task in 5 seat width conditions (80%, 90%, 100%, 110%, and 120% of each participant's buttock breadth). The motion analysis system and force plates were set at a sampling frequency of 250 Hz. The spatial and temporal variables were calculated to examine the effect of seat width. A questionnaire was also administered to examine whether the participants were aware of each seat width in comparison with their own buttock breadth as narrow or large. [Results] The questionnaire results showed that many participants were aware but some were unaware of the relative comparison of their size to the seat width. Nevertheless, the spatial and temporal variables were invariant under the different seat width conditions. [Conclusion] In healthy adults, the trajectory formation in back-to-sit tasks is not dependent on the perception of seat width information under their variability as per daily situations.

[Purpose] The characteristics of neck and shoulder pain (NSP) in different age populations have not been sufficiently examined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare and verify the cervicothoracic spinal alignment and neck flexor muscle endurance of young and older adult females with and without NSP. [Participants and Methods] We assessed 72 female participants (39 young participants, 33 elderly participants, 43 NSP, 29 non-NSP) aged 18-82 years who were recruited for this study. Cervicothoracic spinal alignment measurements were obtained with forward head alignment (FHA) along with the upper thoracic angle. The neck flexor endurance test was performed. [Results] There were no significant age-by-group interactions for any of the assessment variables. However, the upper thoracic angle and neck flexor muscle endurance showed significant effects in the groups. Age also had significant effects on FHA and upper thoracic angle. [Conclusion] These results suggested that the neck flexor muscle endurance was more appropriate as an evaluation tool for older adult females with NSP. It was also suggested that the cervical flexor muscle endurance and upper thoracic angle were more appropriate as evaluation tools for young adult females with NSP.

The feeding ecology of scarinine parrotfishes on tropical coral reefs has received considerable attention in the past few decades; nonetheless, relatively few studies have been conducted in high-latitude reefs. Among the Indo-Pacific Scarus species, Scarus ovifrons is unique, being largely restricted to the warm temperate waters of Japan. Nonetheless, there is very little information available on the feeding ecology of this species. In this study, the authors used acoustic telemetry to detect the diel vertical movement patterns of S. ovifrons, video survey to detect its feeding depths and substrata and focal follow survey and genetic analysis to identify algae composition on the feeding scars at Kashiwajima Island, southwestern Japan (32° 46' N, 132° 38' E). Acoustic telemetry revealed that S. ovifrons spent most of its time in shallow water (10 m) during the day and slept in deeper water (10-15 m) at night. Video and focal follow surveys revealed that most fishes of various sizes regularly took bites on epilithic algae and detrital materials on rocky substrata at depths of10 m, but large fishes (40 cm total length) sometimes took bites directly on live corals (Acropora solitaryensis) at the 5 m depth zone where live tabular corals dominated the benthos. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that epilithic algae collected from feeding scars were mainly composed of Rhodophyta, and coralline algae were less often targeted. Overall, this study revealed that S. ovifrons feeds mostly at depths10 m, and the feeding algae substrata of the species are similar to those of tropical coral reef parrotfishes.

In high heel shoe, the elevated heel raises the rear foot, resulting in a shift in weight to the forefoot. The lateral arch structure formed by the metatarsal bones is lowered to widen the foot, ca...

The Japanese population is ageing rapidly, and the pattern of care for individuals who require treatment and long-term care is gradually shifting from long-term hospitalisation to care at home or i...

Heel height elevation is correlated with the prevalence of hallux valgus (Dawson et al., 2002; Menz & Morris, 2005), forefoot pain, hallux valgus and calluses are among the common foot problems enc...

Reproduction of tropical species beyond their geographic range associated with ocean warming is regarded as the key indicator of a range shift. However, the lack of historical breeding records poses challenges for detecting distinct range shifts of tropical fishes. To obtain baseline data of the current status of the occurrence and breeding activity of tropical pomacentrid and apogonid fishes in ocean warming hotspots of temperate reefs (Kochi and Wakayama, 33°N) of Japan, we conducted a two-year underwater visual survey and synthesized those data with recently published information. By combining data from the present as well as past studies, the results confirmed the occurrence of 52 pomacentrid and 34 apogonid species, whereas breeding activity was confirmed for 19 and 16 species, respectively. Species richness and abundance of recruitment periphery and breeding active species were high at the warmer site adjacent to the Kuroshio Current. Most observed species were found beyond their known geographic range. Some species showing active breeding were widespread tropical fishes (e.g., Amphiprion clarkii, Pomacentrus coelestis and Apogon notatus) and probably have established breeding populations irrespective of recent global warming. The winter sea water temperature around the study sites will continue to rise, increasing by >2 °C by the end of the century; therefore, our results are highly relevant and represent the first step to elucidate the potential range extension of tropical fishes into temperate reefs with climate change.

A phaeodarian morphotype, characterized by the feet surrounded with forked pedal spines with anchor-like structures, was collected in the subtropical North Pacific. Considering the morphological and phylogenetic uniqueness, this morphotype is described as Gazelletta kashiwaensis sp. nov. The distribution of this new species is possibly affected by the Kuroshio Current. The feeding behavior of living phaeodarians was first filmed: the present new species floated in the water column stretching "protoplasmic webs" and collected diatoms by repeating the expansion and retraction of "pseudopodium-like tentacles".

Synnemapestaloides rhododendri, the type species of the genus Synnemapestaloides, is a pathogen of Rhododendron brachycarpum. This fungus produces six-celled conidia with appendages at both end cells, and are generated by annellidic conidiogenous cells on the synnema. These conidial structures are similar to those of the genus Pestalotia. The monotypic genus Synnemapestaloides is currently classified in the family Amphisphaeriaceae solely based on conidial morphology. Here we demonstrate that Synnemapestaloides represents a distinct genus in the family Sporocadaceae (Amphisphaeriales) based on differences in the nucleotide sequences of the partial large subunit rDNA gene, the rDNA internal transcribed spacer, and the partial β-tubulin. The genus most closely related to Synnemapestaloides is Seimatosporium and the species most similar to Synnemapestaloides rhododendri is Seim. foliicola which produces short synnema-like conidiomata (sporodochia). These results demonstrate that Seim. foliicola should be transferred to Synnemapestaloides, and also demonstrate that Sporocadaceae can have synnematal in addition to pycnidial and acervular conidiomata.

A 48-year-old woman with a 29-year history of pulseless disease presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a rare ruptured intracranial aneurysm of the right vertebral-posterior inferior cerebellar artery. The aneurysm was successfully clipped. Pulseless disease is a chronic and nonspecific vasculitis involving mainly the aorta and its main branches such as the carotid, subclavian, vertebral, and coronary arteries. The cervical vessels are mostly affected in Japanese patients. Almost all patients have ischemic disorders of the involved vessels, manifesting as syncope, visual disturbance, or a faint or absent pulse. The mechanisms responsible for pulseless disease and intracranial aneurysms are likely to be different.

We demonstrated severe hyponatremia in a 68 year-old man who had pituitary tumor. He had poor appetite and was disoriented. Tests revealed hyponatremia of 110 mmol/l, and he was admitted to Jichi Medical School Omiya Medical Center to undergo further tests. Physical findings revealed disturbance of consciousness with Japan Coma Scale I-2. There was neither dehydration nor edema. Laboratory data showed a serum sodium level of 112 mmol/l; plasma osmolality, 219 mmol/kg; and urinary osmolality, 555 mmol/kg. Plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) level was 1.6 pmol/l despite the marked hypoosmolality. Anterior pituitary function was normal. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a pituitary tumor of 20 x 18 x 20 mm in size, which pushed the pituitary stalk upward. After the adenomectomy, serum sodium level was kept normal without any treatment. Histology showed basophilic adenoma. These findings indicate that local pituitary tumor may cause exaggerated secretion of AVP, resulting in the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).

Food composition, fork length and condition factor of juvenile crimson sea bream Evynnis japonica were examined for two behaviorally distinct types of fish inhabiting a nursery ground. Studies were carried out from March to September 1996 at Morode Cove, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. One type of fish is solitary and territorial and the other type is aggregative. The food compositions of the two types of fish were different. Solitary fish foraged mainly on Gammaridea and Caprellidea (benthic organisms), and Copepoda (planktonic organisms); while aggregative fish foraged mainly on Copepoda, Appendiculata and Cladocera (planktonic organisms). These findings suggest that when we study food composition of E. japonica, it is imperative to consider whether the samples used for the analyses are from solitary (territorial) fish. Solitary fish showed significantly greater fork length and condition factor than aggregative fish, suggesting that the former will have a greater fitness value than the latter.

A 28-year-old man presented with monostotic fronto-orbital fibrous dysplasia associated with convulsions. Signs of meningeal irritation were observed. Computed tomography (CT) showed right frontal sinusitis, and destruction from the inner to outer table with expansion of the diploic space. T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed an abnormal low-intensity mass, with heterogeneous gadolinium enhancement. Although the meningitis resolved, signs of infection continued for 2 months due to sinusitis. Treatment of the right frontal sinusitis was undertaken, accompanied by open biopsy. The histological diagnosis was fibrous dysplasia. Once the infection had completely resolved, orbitofrontal reconstruction was undertaken. Cranioplasty was carried out using cranial bone cement. Three-dimensional CT was valuable to show the likely postoperative result.

Jaw dentition, tooth replacement patterns, relative length of the intestine, intestinal coiling patterns and feeding behaviour in the natural habitat were studied in three girellid species from Japan, Girella punctata, G. melanichthys and G. mezina. They share a troughlike structure in the premaxilla and the dentary. The trough is larger and deeper in G. punctata and G. mezina than in G. melanichthys. Girella punctata and G. mezina have 2 or 3-4 rows of slender functional teeth while G. melanichthys has a single row of short and stout teeth. Tooth replacement waves proceed from mesial to distal side of the jaw on each oblique tooth row. In G. mezina, teeth at the occlusal surface are probably replaced almost simultaneously, but this does not apply to G. punctata and G. melanichthys. Differences in tooth wearing and replacement pattern among the three species suggest differences in their feeding habits. Girella melanichthys and G. punctata browse epilithic algae, especially algal fronds on the rock surface, while G. mezina grazes epilithic filamentous algae and diatoms in particular. Numerous replacement teeth in G. mezina are a possible adaptation for compensating rapid crown wear, differing in this respect from G. melanichthys with fewer replacement teeth and less rapid crown wear. In G. punctata, the replacement teeth are intermediate between the other two species. Girella mezina has a longer intestine with a more complicated coiling pattern than G. punctata and G. melanichthys, which have similar intestinal characteristics. Morphological characters and feeding observations suggest that G. mezina is a grazer, G. melanichthys a browser and G. punctata an intermediatc feeder.

Acupuncture has long been applied as a therapeutic technique in China, Japan, Korea and other countries. Recently, its application began to be extended to the treatment of neural disorders. We experienced a 13-year-old boy with prolonged consciousness disturbance after a pineal tumor surgery and muscle contracture of lower extremity by long-term recumbency. We applied him acupuncture treatment for 4 months which was effective to alleviate these symptoms. Repeated IMP SPECT showed improvement of the cerebral blood flow (CBF) during the course of acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture was effective to improve prolonged coma after a brain surgery and also muscle contracture by long-lasting recumbency. CBF showed a slight increase along with the recovery of consciousness suggesting a strong relevance between CBF and improvement of these symptoms.

Acupuncture has been applied as a therapeutic technique in China, Japan and East Asia. Recently, its application is extended to treat neural injuries. We describe a 26-year-old man with consciousness disturbance and intense muscle spasticity of extremities due to severe diffuse axonal injury (DAI) in whom acupuncture treatment for 1 month was effective to alleviate these symptoms remarkably. We also investigated the cerebral blood flow two times by 123I-IMP SPECT in acupuncture period. Acupuncture treatment may be effective to improve consciousness disturbance and intense spasticity of DAI and to modulate cerebral blood flow.

A case of recurrent pilocytic astrocytoma with leptomeningeal dissemination (LMD) is described. A cerebellar tumor was diagnosed in a 3-year-old boy, in whom resection was performed. When the boy was 6 years of age, recurrence was treated with surgery and local radiotherapy. At age 13 years, scoliosis was present, but the patient was asymptomatic. Twelve years after initial surgery LMD was demonstrated in the lumbar spinal region without recurrence of the original tumor. This tumor also was subtotally removed. During the procedure, a hematoma was observed adjacent to the tumor, but the border was clear. Histological examination of the spinal cord tumor showed features similar to those of the original tumor. There were no tumor cells in the hematoma. The MIB-1 labeling index indicated no malignant change compared with the previous samples. Radiotherapy was performed after the surgery. The importance of early diagnosis and management of scoliosis is emphasized, and the peculiar pattern of dissemination of the pilo-cytic astrocytoma and its treatment are reviewed.