Abnormal biomechanics plays a central role in the development of knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Low-intensity laser therapy(LILT)is considered an applicable method for the treatment of osteoarthritis.Current research on LIL...Abnormal biomechanics plays a central role in the development of knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Low-intensity laser therapy(LILT)is considered an applicable method for the treatment of osteoarthritis.Current research on LILT for the treatment of KOA has focused on the regeneration of articular cartilage.Its biomechanical changes in periarticular tissues have been less well studied,and its role in improving abnormal joint biomechanics is unclear.This study aimed to investigate the role of LILT in improving the biomechanical properties of muscle and cartilage in KOA joints to alleviate cartilage degradation.In this study,a semiconductor laser with a wavelength of 808 nm was used to perform laser interventions in a KOA rat model 3 days per week for 6 weeks.The results of muscle stretch tests showed that LILT could significantly reduce the modulus of elasticity of KOA soleus muscle.Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that LILT significantly increased the cross-sectional area of the soleus muscle fibers.This suggests that LILT alleviated KOA-induced soleus muscle atrophy and restored the mechanical properties of the muscle tissue.The results of compressive elastic modulus and electrical impedance characterization of cartilage showed that laser intervention significantly increased the elastic modulus and resistivity of cartilage.Results from safranin o-fast green staining and immunohistochemistry showed that LILT significantly increased the synthesis of type II collagen in the cartilage matrix.This may be one of the potential mechanisms by which LILT improves the mechanical properties of cartilage.In addition,immunohistochemistry also showed that LILT reduced the expression of matrix metallo-proteinase-13 in cartilage and effectively inhibited the degradation of the cartilage matrix in KOA.In conclusion,the present study demonstrated that LILT alleviated the abnormal biomechanics of KOA joint tissues by improving the mechanical properties of joint muscles and cartilage,thereby slowing down the degradation of KOA cartilage.展开更多
Thousands of years ago,the concept of Jiu Zuo Shang Rou(久坐伤肉long-time sitting damages muscles)was introduced in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).It was clearly recorded in ancient books,that prolonged sitting dis...Thousands of years ago,the concept of Jiu Zuo Shang Rou(久坐伤肉long-time sitting damages muscles)was introduced in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).It was clearly recorded in ancient books,that prolonged sitting disrupts the circulation of qi and blood,damages muscles,impairs spleen function,and ultimately leads to diseases.Modern biomedical evidence shows that sedentary behavior,including prolonged sitting,affects endocrine,metabolic,and physiological functions,increasing the risk of chronic diseases.This article systematically reviews TCM records of the health impacts of long-time sitting and biomedical findings,to explore the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the health risks of prolonged sitting.By integrating TCM's preventative philosophy,namely Zhi Wei Bing(治未病preventing a disease before it arises),with modern preventive medicine,this study offers insights into strategies for mitigating the health risks associated with sedentary behavior.展开更多
[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of deposition of inosine monophosphate （IMP） and intramuscular fat （IMF） in muscles of Jinghai yellow chickens and its crossbred.[Method] The charact...[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of deposition of inosine monophosphate （IMP） and intramuscular fat （IMF） in muscles of Jinghai yellow chickens and its crossbred.[Method] The characteristics of IMP and IMF deposition of 112-day-old Jinghai yellow chickens （J×J） and its two different 70-day- old crossbreeds （J×B and B×B） were analyzed. The IMP content in breast muscle and leg muscle were determined by HPLC. [Result] The contents of IMP and cor- rected inosine monophosphate （IMPc） in breast muscle were significantly or ex- tremely significantly higher than that in leg muscle of the chickens in the three groups whether in male or female chickens （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. There were no sig- nificant difference in the contents of IMP and IMPc between hens and roosters （P〉 0.05）. The fresh degree of breast muscle and leg muscle was 96,11%-98.16% and 87.22%-93.07%, respectively. And the fresh degree of breast muscle was higher than that of leg muscle. In the three groups, the IMF content in leg muscle was significantly higher than that in breast muscle whether in male or female chickens （P〈0.05）. The contents of IMF in breast muscle and leg muscle were 0.36%-0.75% and 1.84%-2.38%, respectively. The iMP content in breast muscle of chickens in Bx J group was extremely significantly higher than that in breast muscle of chickens in JxJ group （P〈0.01）, but the contents of IMPc and iMF of breast muscle and leg muscle of the chickens in the three groups had no significant difference （P〉0.05）. [Conclusion] To sum up, the freshness and flavor significantly differ between the breast muscle and leg muscle of chickens, but show no significant difference among the three groups.展开更多
Pneumatic artificial muscles(PAMs)can generate multimodal movements,e.g.,linear contraction/extension,spiral torsion,and bending motions.Among these motions,contraction and extension movements can be achieved using li...Pneumatic artificial muscles(PAMs)can generate multimodal movements,e.g.,linear contraction/extension,spiral torsion,and bending motions.Among these motions,contraction and extension movements can be achieved using linear PAMs(LPAMs)designed to mimic human skeletal muscle.LPAMs have considerable potential for wearable applications and can be integrated into soft wearable robotic systems.Due to their inherent compliance,excellent human-robot interaction,safety,and low cost,LPAMs are considered potential alternatives as actuator components in the construction of wearable robots.This review presents a comprehensive overview of the bio-inspired design of LPAMs and their wearable applications.The biomechanics of human skeletal muscle,including anatomy,morphology,and biomechanical characterization,is analyzed to provide design inspirations for LPAMs and determine the assistance requirements of LPAM-based wearable robots.Herein,LPAMs are classified into four categories based on their structural shapes,including cylindrical-shaped muscles,flat-shaped muscles,fold-shaped muscles,and muscles with other shapes.In addition,this review provides an overview of the diverse physical interfaces utilized in wearable robots and presents a comparative analysis of the actuation characteristics of LPAMs and the assistance performance of LPAM-based wearable robots.This analysis was conducted in consideration of several key metrics,including the contraction ratio,maximum force,specific force,response frequency,assistive torque/bodyweight,and net metabolic cost.Finally,this review summarizes the ongoing challenges and future research directions.展开更多
AIM:To describe the clinical manifestations,imaging features and surgical treatments in 5 cases of extraocular muscle(EOM)dysplasia presenting as orbital spaceoccupying lesions(SOL).METHODS:Records from the 5 cases wi...AIM:To describe the clinical manifestations,imaging features and surgical treatments in 5 cases of extraocular muscle(EOM)dysplasia presenting as orbital spaceoccupying lesions(SOL).METHODS:Records from the 5 cases with EOM dysplasia between 2004 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and clinical data were recorded including family history,age at onset,age at surgery,visual acuity,cycloplegic refraction,ocular alignment and motility,stereoacuity,exophthalmos,anterior segment and fundus,orbital computed tomography(CT)or magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scan,surgical methods and final outcomes.RESULTS:All 5 cases(1 male,4 females)were unilateral(3 right,2 left eyes).The average age was 5.4y(range 4-6y)with no family history.Patients had unilateral strabismus(horizontal and vertical),restricted eye movement,and eyelid changes(abnormal fissures,lagophthalmos,and/or entropion)in the affected eye.None had proptosis;1 had 2-mm enophthalmos.Orbital CT/MRI showed irregular,ill-defined masses in EOM.Two anterior orbitotomies and 3 strabismus surgeries were performed,and pathology confirmed EOM dysplasia.After surgery,horizontal deviations,which ranged from exotropia(XT)10 prism diopter(PD)to esotropia(ET)10 PD(average 6 PD),decreased by an average of 18 PD,while vertical deviations,which ranged from 4 PD to 20 PD(mean 9.8 PD),decreased by an average of 23.2 PD.CONCLUSION:SOL from EOM dysplasia is non-familial and typically presenting unilaterally characterized by an irregular,diffusely infiltrating mass within the EOM.EOM involvement causes strabismus,restricted eye movement,eyelid changes,and enophthalmos likely due to cicatricial processes.展开更多
The abundant muscle tissues of the forearm determine the movements of the wrist,hand and fingers together.However,linking wrist kinematics and forearm muscle activation is still a challenging.There may exist blindness...The abundant muscle tissues of the forearm determine the movements of the wrist,hand and fingers together.However,linking wrist kinematics and forearm muscle activation is still a challenging.There may exist blindness in the rehabilitation therapy of forearm muscles,due to the lack of the physiological characteristics of muscle activation and sequences.An armband with eight channels was used to collect surface electromyographic signals(sEMGs)of a specific section of the forearm under the different wrist movements,palm postures,and external loads,based on the image of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).The collected cross-sectional muscles covered almost all surface muscles.The muscle activation could be expressed clearly by enveloping the sEMG signals of 8 muscles within a single cycle.The root mean square(RMS)and the average peak value V_(P) were used to evaluate the activation intensities of dominant muscles.The activation sequences and the absolute times of dominant muscles were obtained from the envelopes of their raw sEMGs,and not influenced by the palm postures and external loads.In addition,their RMS and V_(P) under each wrist movement increased approximate linearly with external loads.The corresponding contribution ratios were first calculated to evaluate the role played by each muscle.The well-defined data of forearm muscles could provide standard references for the rehabilitation therapy of forearm muscles.展开更多
[Objective] This study aimed to explore the effects of IGFs system on the growth of goose skeletal muscles. [Method] Quantitative fluorescence PCR technique was adopted to study the variety- and gender-specificity in ...[Objective] This study aimed to explore the effects of IGFs system on the growth of goose skeletal muscles. [Method] Quantitative fluorescence PCR technique was adopted to study the variety- and gender-specificity in the expression of GHR, IGF-I, IGF-IR and IGFBP-3 genes in leg muscles of 70-day-old Taihu goose and Wanxi white goose, and the correlation between their expression and carcass traits was also investigated. [Resull] There was no variety difference in the expression of GHR, IGF-t, IGF-IR and IGFBP-3 genes in leg muscles of Taihu goose and Wanxi white goose, but there were significant variety differences in the body weight and leg muscle weight. There were no gender difference in the body weight, leg muscle weight and the rate of leg muscles; except IGF-I mRNA level that was significantly higher in male Taihu goose than in female ones（P=0.032）, there was no gender dif- ference in the expression of other three genes. Among the four tested genes, only IGFBP-3 mRNA exhibited an extremely significantly positively correlation with the rate of leg muscles, suggesting that IGFs may play a role in regulating the growth of leg muscles via IGFBP-3 system in 70-day-old goose. [Conclusion] This study provides theoretical basis for research in the skeletal growth and development.展开更多
Developing artificial muscles that can replace biological muscles to accomplish various tasks iswhat we have long been aiming for.Recent advances in flexible materials and 3D printing technology greatly promote the de...Developing artificial muscles that can replace biological muscles to accomplish various tasks iswhat we have long been aiming for.Recent advances in flexible materials and 3D printing technology greatly promote the development of artificial muscle technology.A variety of flexible material-based artificial muscles that are driven by different external stimuli,including pressure,voltage,light,magnetism,temperature,etc.,have been developed.Among these,fluid-driven artificial muscles(FAMs),which can convert the power of fluid(gas or liquid)into the force output and displacement of flexible materials,are the most widely used actuation methods for industrial robots,medical instruments,and human-assisted devices due to their simplicity,excellent safety,large actuation force,high energy efficiency,and low cost.Herein,the bio-design,manufacturing,sensing,control,and applications of FAMs are introduced,including conventional pneumatic/hydraulic artificial muscles and several innovative artificial muscles driven by functional fluids.What’s more,the challenges and future directions of FAMs are discussed.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the sternocleidomastoid and the descending portion of the trapezius muscles in terms of electromyographic activity and pressure pain threshold in women with chronic cervical pain after acupunctur...OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the sternocleidomastoid and the descending portion of the trapezius muscles in terms of electromyographic activity and pressure pain threshold in women with chronic cervical pain after acupuncture treatment.METHODS:Twenty-five women,aged 18-50 years[(31±3)years],with chronic neck and temporomandibular disorder participated in the study.The electromyographic activity of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the descending portion of the trapezius muscle were recorded at rest,during shoulder elevation,(left and right)rotation of the neck and crucifix position.Maximum voluntary contraction was used to normalize the electromyographic activity data.The points used for acupuncture were Jiache(ST 6),Xiaguan(ST 7),Quanliao(SI 18),Tinggong(SI 19),Yifeng(TE-17),Fengchi(GB 20),Renzhong(GV 26),Yangbai(GB-14),and points of the lower and upper limbs:Tai chong(LV 3),Zusanli(ST 36),Sanyinjiao(SP 6),Kunlun(BL 60),He Gu(LI4)and Yanglingquan(GB 34).The treatment course was 10 sessions,30 min long per session,and twice a week.The final electromyographic activity and pressure pain threshold data collection were performed 15 d after treatment completion.RESULTS:The normalized electromyographic activity and pressure pain threshold data were tabulated and submitted to statistical analysis using t-test(P<0.05).Significant difference was observed during shoulder elevation for the left trapezius muscle,during neck rotation from the right side to the left,and pressure pain threshold for the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles,bilaterally,after the acupuncture treatment.CONCLUSION:The acupuncture treatment improved the neck muscles in terms of electromyographic activity and increased the tolerance to chronic pain in women.展开更多
Summary: The operation methods, clinical classification, postoperative function exercise of gluteal muscles contracture were investigated. Clinically and retrospectively, treatment of 1280 patients with gluteal muscle...Summary: The operation methods, clinical classification, postoperative function exercise of gluteal muscles contracture were investigated. Clinically and retrospectively, treatment of 1280 patients with gluteal muscles contracture, being subjected to a 'Z-shaped' release lengthening operation and efficiency exercise, was clearly standardized. All the cases were followed up from 3 months to 2 years with the effective rate being 100 %, the cure rate being 98. 5 %, the recent complications being 5%, and the far complications being 0. 2 %. It was concluded that the clear diagnosis combined with standarized operation and efficiency functional exercise could greatly improve the therapeutic effects of gluteal muscles contracture.展开更多
BACKGROUND De-afferentation or non-weight bearing induces rapid cortical and spinalα-motor neuron excitability.Author supposed that an end-effector type gait robot(EEGR)could provide patients with a training conditio...BACKGROUND De-afferentation or non-weight bearing induces rapid cortical and spinalα-motor neuron excitability.Author supposed that an end-effector type gait robot(EEGR)could provide patients with a training condition that was specific enough to activate rapid cortical/spinal neuroplasticity,leading to immediate muscle strengthening.The electromyographic and biomechanical comparisons were conducted.AIM To compare the electromyographic activities of the thigh and shank muscles and isometric peak torque(PT)before and after walking training on a floor or in the end-effector gait robot.METHODS Twelve outpatients without ambulatory dysfunction were recruited.Order of two interventions(5-min training on a floor at a comfortable pace or training in an EEGR with non-weight bearing on their feet and 100%guidance force at 2.1 km/h)were randomly chosen.Isometric PT,maximal ratio of torque development,amplitude of compound motor action potential(CMAP),and area under the curve(AUC)were evaluated before and 10 min after both interventions.RESULTS The degree of PT improvement of the dominant knee flexors was larger in the EEGR than on the floor(9.6±22.4 Nm/BW,P<0.01).The EEGR-trained patients had greater PT improvement of the dominant knee extensors than those who trained on the floor(4.5±28.1 Nm/BW,P<0.01).However,all electromyographic activities of the thigh and shank muscles(peak CMAP,mean and peak AUC)were significantly lower for the use of the EEGR than walking on the floor.CONCLUSION Immediate strengthening of the knee flexors and extensors was induced after the 5-min EEGR training,despite reduced muscular use.展开更多
According to the deficiency of the present model of pneumatic artificialmuscles (PAM), a serial model is built up based on the PAM's essential working principle with theelastic theory, it is validated by the quasi...According to the deficiency of the present model of pneumatic artificialmuscles (PAM), a serial model is built up based on the PAM's essential working principle with theelastic theory, it is validated by the quasi-static and dynamic experiment results, which are gainedfrom two experiment systems. The experiment results and the simulation results illustrate that theserial model has made a great success compared with Chou's model, which can describe the forcecharacteristics of PAM more precisely. A compensation item considering the braid's elasticity andthe coulomb damp is attached to the serial model based on the analysis of the experiment results.The dynamic experiment proves that the viscous damp of the PAM could be ignored in order to simplifythe model of PAM. Finally, an improved serial model of PAM is obtained.展开更多
Artificial yarn muscles show great potential in applications requiring low-energy consumption while maintaining high performance. However, conventional designs have been limited by weak ion-yarn muscle interactions an...Artificial yarn muscles show great potential in applications requiring low-energy consumption while maintaining high performance. However, conventional designs have been limited by weak ion-yarn muscle interactions and inefficient “rocking-chair” ion migration. To address these limitations, we present an electrochemical artificial yarn muscle design driven by a dual-ion co-regulation system. By utilizing two reaction channels, this system shortens ion migration pathways, leading to faster and more efficient actuation. During the charging/discharging process, PF_6~- ions react with carbon nanotube yarn, while Li~+ ions react with an Al foil. The intercalation reaction between PF_6~- and collapsed carbon nanotubes allows the yarn muscle to achieve an energy-free high-tension catch state. The dual-ion coordinated yarn muscles exhibit superior contractile stroke, maximum contractile rate, and maximum power densities, exceeding those of “rocking-chair” type ion migration yarn muscles. The dual-ion co-regulation system enhances the ion migration rate during actuation, resulting in improved performance. Moreover, the yarn muscles can withstand high levels of isometric stress, displaying a stress of 61 times that of skeletal muscles and 8 times that of “rocking-chair” type yarn muscles at higher frequencies. This technology holds significant potential for various applications, including prosthetics and robotics.展开更多
Coiled polymer artificial muscles with both large tensile stroke and giant force generation are needed for practical applications in robotics,soft exosuits,and prosthesis.However,most polymer yarn artificial muscles c...Coiled polymer artificial muscles with both large tensile stroke and giant force generation are needed for practical applications in robotics,soft exosuits,and prosthesis.However,most polymer yarn artificial muscles cannot generate a large force or stress.Here,we report an inexpensive Twisted and Coiled Polymer artificial muscle(TCP)that performs both large isobaric and isometric contractions.This TCP can generate a tensile stroke of 20.1%and a specific work capacity of up to 1.3 kJ kg^(−1) during temperature changes from 20 to 180℃.Moreover,the nylon yarn artificial muscle produced a reversible output stress of 28.4 MPa,which is 100 times larger than human skeletal muscle.A robot arm and a simple gripper were made to demonstrate the isobaric actuation and isometric actuation of our TCP muscle,repectivley.Thus,the polymer artificial muscles with dual-mode actuation show potential applications in the field of robotics,grippers,and exoskeletons and so on.展开更多
The cells of origin of neurogenic heterotopic ossifications(NHOs), which develop frequently in the periarticular muscles following spinal cord injuries(SCIs) and traumatic brain injuries, remain unclear because skelet...The cells of origin of neurogenic heterotopic ossifications(NHOs), which develop frequently in the periarticular muscles following spinal cord injuries(SCIs) and traumatic brain injuries, remain unclear because skeletal muscle harbors two progenitor cell populations: satellite cells(SCs), which are myogenic, and fibroadipogenic progenitors(FAPs), which are mesenchymal. Lineage-tracing experiments using the Cre recombinase/Lox P system were performed in two mouse strains with the fluorescent protein Zs Green specifically expressed in either SCs or FAPs in skeletal muscles under the control of the Pax7 or Prrx1 gene promoter, respectively. These experiments demonstrate that following muscle injury, SCI causes the upregulation of PDGFRα expression on FAPs but not SCs and the failure of SCs to regenerate myofibers in the injured muscle, with reduced apoptosis and continued proliferation of muscle resident FAPs enabling their osteogenic differentiation into NHOs. No cells expressing Zs Green under the Prrx1 promoter were detected in the blood after injury, suggesting that the cells of origin of NHOs are locally derived from the injured muscle. We validated these findings using human NHO biopsies. PDGFRα+mesenchymal cells isolated from the muscle surrounding NHO biopsies could develop ectopic human bones when transplanted into immunocompromised mice, whereas CD56+myogenic cells had a much lower potential. Therefore, NHO is a pathology of the injured muscle in which SCI reprograms FAPs to undergo uncontrolled proliferation and differentiation into osteoblasts.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the difference of medial rectus(MR)and lateral rectus(LR)between acute acquired concomitant esotropia(AACE)and the healthy controls(HCs)detected by magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS:A case-con...AIM:To investigate the difference of medial rectus(MR)and lateral rectus(LR)between acute acquired concomitant esotropia(AACE)and the healthy controls(HCs)detected by magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS:A case-control study.Eighteen subjects with AACE and eighteen HCs were enrolled.MRI scanning data were conducted in target-controlled central gaze with a 3-Tesla magnetic resonance scanner.Extraocular muscles(EOMs)were scanned in contiguous image planes 2-mm thick spanning the EOM origins to the globe equator.To form posterior partial volumes(PPVs),the LR and MR cross-sections in the image planes 8,10,12,and 14 mm posterior to the globe were summed and multiplied by the 2-mm slice thickness.The data were classified according to the right eye,left eye,dominant eye,and non-dominant eye,and the differences in mean cross-sectional area,maximum cross-sectional area,and PPVs of the MR and LR muscle in the AACE group and HCs group were compared under the above classifications respectively.RESULTS:There were no significant differences between the two groups of demographic characteristics.The mean cross-sectional area of the LR muscle was significantly greater in the AACE group than that in the HCs group in the non-dominant eyes(P=0.028).The maximum cross-sectional area of the LR muscle both in the dominant and non-dominant eye of the AACE group was significantly greater than the HCs group(P=0.009,P=0.016).For the dominant eye,the PPVs of the LR muscle were significantly greater in the AACE than that in the HCs group(P=0.013),but not in the MR muscle(P=0.698).CONCLUSION:The size and volume of muscles dominant eyes of AACE subjects change significantly to overcome binocular diplopia.The LR muscle become larger to compensate for the enhanced convergence in the AACE.展开更多
The purpose of this study was to show the benefit of visualizing a tree-dimensional (3D) image of the tongue’s muscle structure, which until now has been regarded as fully understood. Until now, no suitable 3D observ...The purpose of this study was to show the benefit of visualizing a tree-dimensional (3D) image of the tongue’s muscle structure, which until now has been regarded as fully understood. Until now, no suitable 3D observation methods have been developed for soft tissue, such as the tongue, using?histological magnification. For this purpose, this study used a micro-computed tomographic method (micro-CT) and image processing after the fixation, decalcification, and dehydration of a mouse tongue. Results: 3D rendered images of tongue muscles obtained by micro-CT showed every muscle and their relationships to each other. The superior longitudinal and the hyoglossus muscles of the tongue made up one group, while the inferior longitudinal and the styloglossus muscles of the tongue made up another. The boundary of the two muscles in each group was difficult to distinguish. On the other hand, what appear to be newly described muscles were identified. These results indicate that our micro-CT method is beneficial and that classical knowledge of tongue muscles derived from two-dimensional (2D) images does not fully describe the actual complexity of the tongue muscles. In our opinion, 3D rendered images mixed with raw structure can provide a more in-depth picture of the tongue from an integrated as well as an analytical perspective.展开更多
This study aimed to clarify the immediate effect that trunk muscle exercise has on muscle reaction time, and to clarify the effect of 2-week exercise on muscle reaction time. The study showed that as for immediate eff...This study aimed to clarify the immediate effect that trunk muscle exercise has on muscle reaction time, and to clarify the effect of 2-week exercise on muscle reaction time. The study showed that as for immediate effects, the muscle reaction time was significantly shortened in the TrA/OI (transversus abdominis muscle/obliquus internus muscle) of two exercise groups. However, the immediate effect seen before the 2-week trunk muscle exercise intervention disappeared after the intervention. In addition, trunk muscle exercise intervention for 2 weeks significantly shortened the muscle reaction time of TrA/OI in one exercise group. Furthermore, shortening of the muscle reaction time was also observed in the MF (multifidus muscle) of both exercise groups. The factors affecting the muscle reaction time of TrA observed in this study were considered to be an improvement of neuromuscular function by the central nervous system. It was also considered that 2-week exercise intervention has a lower value after 2 weeks due to an improvement of neuromuscular function by the central nervous system, and an immediate effect could not be obtained with the same exercise as at the time of intervention.展开更多
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder involving the neuromuscular junction that frequently affects the extra-ocular muscles (EOMs). It has been described as a very rare cause of bilateral EOM atrophy, but h...Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder involving the neuromuscular junction that frequently affects the extra-ocular muscles (EOMs). It has been described as a very rare cause of bilateral EOM atrophy, but histological analysis of such cases is lacking. A 66-year-old man presented with two months of right eyelid drooping and vertical diplopia. Examination showed bilateral ophthalmoparesis and complete right ptosis. The remainder of his exam was normal, and an MRI showed small EOMs. Acetylcholine receptor antibodies were elevated, establishing the diagnosis of MG. Oral corticosteroids and pyridostigmine followed by azathioprine improved his ptosis, but not his ophthalmoparesis. One year later he had surgical correction of his diplopia, and the resected superior rectus muscle showed complete replacement of EOM by connective tissue. MG can rarely cause bilateral EOM atrophy, which is characterized histologically by fibrosis in the muscle itself. Atrophy in the EOMs of a myasthenic patient may indicate a poor response to medical management alone.展开更多
基金supported by the Regional Joint Key Funding Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.U21A20353)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12272250,11972242 and 82172503)+2 种基金China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.2020M680913)Shanxi Province Returned Overseas Foundation(Grant No.2022-081)the Shanxi Province Basic Research Program(Grant No.202203021212254).
文摘Abnormal biomechanics plays a central role in the development of knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Low-intensity laser therapy(LILT)is considered an applicable method for the treatment of osteoarthritis.Current research on LILT for the treatment of KOA has focused on the regeneration of articular cartilage.Its biomechanical changes in periarticular tissues have been less well studied,and its role in improving abnormal joint biomechanics is unclear.This study aimed to investigate the role of LILT in improving the biomechanical properties of muscle and cartilage in KOA joints to alleviate cartilage degradation.In this study,a semiconductor laser with a wavelength of 808 nm was used to perform laser interventions in a KOA rat model 3 days per week for 6 weeks.The results of muscle stretch tests showed that LILT could significantly reduce the modulus of elasticity of KOA soleus muscle.Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that LILT significantly increased the cross-sectional area of the soleus muscle fibers.This suggests that LILT alleviated KOA-induced soleus muscle atrophy and restored the mechanical properties of the muscle tissue.The results of compressive elastic modulus and electrical impedance characterization of cartilage showed that laser intervention significantly increased the elastic modulus and resistivity of cartilage.Results from safranin o-fast green staining and immunohistochemistry showed that LILT significantly increased the synthesis of type II collagen in the cartilage matrix.This may be one of the potential mechanisms by which LILT improves the mechanical properties of cartilage.In addition,immunohistochemistry also showed that LILT reduced the expression of matrix metallo-proteinase-13 in cartilage and effectively inhibited the degradation of the cartilage matrix in KOA.In conclusion,the present study demonstrated that LILT alleviated the abnormal biomechanics of KOA joint tissues by improving the mechanical properties of joint muscles and cartilage,thereby slowing down the degradation of KOA cartilage.
基金financed by the grants from the Zhejiang Province Higher Education Research Fund Program(NO.JG20220766)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.71774147)Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program for College Students in Zhejiang Province(No.S202010344012)。
文摘Thousands of years ago,the concept of Jiu Zuo Shang Rou(久坐伤肉long-time sitting damages muscles)was introduced in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).It was clearly recorded in ancient books,that prolonged sitting disrupts the circulation of qi and blood,damages muscles,impairs spleen function,and ultimately leads to diseases.Modern biomedical evidence shows that sedentary behavior,including prolonged sitting,affects endocrine,metabolic,and physiological functions,increasing the risk of chronic diseases.This article systematically reviews TCM records of the health impacts of long-time sitting and biomedical findings,to explore the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the health risks of prolonged sitting.By integrating TCM's preventative philosophy,namely Zhi Wei Bing(治未病preventing a disease before it arises),with modern preventive medicine,this study offers insights into strategies for mitigating the health risks associated with sedentary behavior.
基金Supported by the Science and Technology Supporting Project (Agriculture) of Jiangsu Province (BE2011452)the Special Fund Project of the National Broiler Industry Technology System (CARS-42-G23)a Project Funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD)~~
文摘[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of deposition of inosine monophosphate （IMP） and intramuscular fat （IMF） in muscles of Jinghai yellow chickens and its crossbred.[Method] The characteristics of IMP and IMF deposition of 112-day-old Jinghai yellow chickens （J×J） and its two different 70-day- old crossbreeds （J×B and B×B） were analyzed. The IMP content in breast muscle and leg muscle were determined by HPLC. [Result] The contents of IMP and cor- rected inosine monophosphate （IMPc） in breast muscle were significantly or ex- tremely significantly higher than that in leg muscle of the chickens in the three groups whether in male or female chickens （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. There were no sig- nificant difference in the contents of IMP and IMPc between hens and roosters （P〉 0.05）. The fresh degree of breast muscle and leg muscle was 96,11%-98.16% and 87.22%-93.07%, respectively. And the fresh degree of breast muscle was higher than that of leg muscle. In the three groups, the IMF content in leg muscle was significantly higher than that in breast muscle whether in male or female chickens （P〈0.05）. The contents of IMF in breast muscle and leg muscle were 0.36%-0.75% and 1.84%-2.38%, respectively. The iMP content in breast muscle of chickens in Bx J group was extremely significantly higher than that in breast muscle of chickens in JxJ group （P〈0.01）, but the contents of IMPc and iMF of breast muscle and leg muscle of the chickens in the three groups had no significant difference （P〉0.05）. [Conclusion] To sum up, the freshness and flavor significantly differ between the breast muscle and leg muscle of chickens, but show no significant difference among the three groups.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52475067).
文摘Pneumatic artificial muscles(PAMs)can generate multimodal movements,e.g.,linear contraction/extension,spiral torsion,and bending motions.Among these motions,contraction and extension movements can be achieved using linear PAMs(LPAMs)designed to mimic human skeletal muscle.LPAMs have considerable potential for wearable applications and can be integrated into soft wearable robotic systems.Due to their inherent compliance,excellent human-robot interaction,safety,and low cost,LPAMs are considered potential alternatives as actuator components in the construction of wearable robots.This review presents a comprehensive overview of the bio-inspired design of LPAMs and their wearable applications.The biomechanics of human skeletal muscle,including anatomy,morphology,and biomechanical characterization,is analyzed to provide design inspirations for LPAMs and determine the assistance requirements of LPAM-based wearable robots.Herein,LPAMs are classified into four categories based on their structural shapes,including cylindrical-shaped muscles,flat-shaped muscles,fold-shaped muscles,and muscles with other shapes.In addition,this review provides an overview of the diverse physical interfaces utilized in wearable robots and presents a comparative analysis of the actuation characteristics of LPAMs and the assistance performance of LPAM-based wearable robots.This analysis was conducted in consideration of several key metrics,including the contraction ratio,maximum force,specific force,response frequency,assistive torque/bodyweight,and net metabolic cost.Finally,this review summarizes the ongoing challenges and future research directions.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81670885).
文摘AIM:To describe the clinical manifestations,imaging features and surgical treatments in 5 cases of extraocular muscle(EOM)dysplasia presenting as orbital spaceoccupying lesions(SOL).METHODS:Records from the 5 cases with EOM dysplasia between 2004 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and clinical data were recorded including family history,age at onset,age at surgery,visual acuity,cycloplegic refraction,ocular alignment and motility,stereoacuity,exophthalmos,anterior segment and fundus,orbital computed tomography(CT)or magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scan,surgical methods and final outcomes.RESULTS:All 5 cases(1 male,4 females)were unilateral(3 right,2 left eyes).The average age was 5.4y(range 4-6y)with no family history.Patients had unilateral strabismus(horizontal and vertical),restricted eye movement,and eyelid changes(abnormal fissures,lagophthalmos,and/or entropion)in the affected eye.None had proptosis;1 had 2-mm enophthalmos.Orbital CT/MRI showed irregular,ill-defined masses in EOM.Two anterior orbitotomies and 3 strabismus surgeries were performed,and pathology confirmed EOM dysplasia.After surgery,horizontal deviations,which ranged from exotropia(XT)10 prism diopter(PD)to esotropia(ET)10 PD(average 6 PD),decreased by an average of 18 PD,while vertical deviations,which ranged from 4 PD to 20 PD(mean 9.8 PD),decreased by an average of 23.2 PD.CONCLUSION:SOL from EOM dysplasia is non-familial and typically presenting unilaterally characterized by an irregular,diffusely infiltrating mass within the EOM.EOM involvement causes strabismus,restricted eye movement,eyelid changes,and enophthalmos likely due to cicatricial processes.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52375279,52175001)Beijing Natural Science Foundation(Grant No.3252002).
文摘The abundant muscle tissues of the forearm determine the movements of the wrist,hand and fingers together.However,linking wrist kinematics and forearm muscle activation is still a challenging.There may exist blindness in the rehabilitation therapy of forearm muscles,due to the lack of the physiological characteristics of muscle activation and sequences.An armband with eight channels was used to collect surface electromyographic signals(sEMGs)of a specific section of the forearm under the different wrist movements,palm postures,and external loads,based on the image of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).The collected cross-sectional muscles covered almost all surface muscles.The muscle activation could be expressed clearly by enveloping the sEMG signals of 8 muscles within a single cycle.The root mean square(RMS)and the average peak value V_(P) were used to evaluate the activation intensities of dominant muscles.The activation sequences and the absolute times of dominant muscles were obtained from the envelopes of their raw sEMGs,and not influenced by the palm postures and external loads.In addition,their RMS and V_(P) under each wrist movement increased approximate linearly with external loads.The corresponding contribution ratios were first calculated to evaluate the role played by each muscle.The well-defined data of forearm muscles could provide standard references for the rehabilitation therapy of forearm muscles.
基金Supported by the National Sci-tech Support Plan(2012BAD39B04)the Special Fund for Yangzhou Municipal Key Agricultural Science and Technology Projects(YZ2011067)Special Fund for the Industrial Technology System Construction of Modern Agriculture(nycytx-42-G1)~~
文摘[Objective] This study aimed to explore the effects of IGFs system on the growth of goose skeletal muscles. [Method] Quantitative fluorescence PCR technique was adopted to study the variety- and gender-specificity in the expression of GHR, IGF-I, IGF-IR and IGFBP-3 genes in leg muscles of 70-day-old Taihu goose and Wanxi white goose, and the correlation between their expression and carcass traits was also investigated. [Resull] There was no variety difference in the expression of GHR, IGF-t, IGF-IR and IGFBP-3 genes in leg muscles of Taihu goose and Wanxi white goose, but there were significant variety differences in the body weight and leg muscle weight. There were no gender difference in the body weight, leg muscle weight and the rate of leg muscles; except IGF-I mRNA level that was significantly higher in male Taihu goose than in female ones（P=0.032）, there was no gender dif- ference in the expression of other three genes. Among the four tested genes, only IGFBP-3 mRNA exhibited an extremely significantly positively correlation with the rate of leg muscles, suggesting that IGFs may play a role in regulating the growth of leg muscles via IGFBP-3 system in 70-day-old goose. [Conclusion] This study provides theoretical basis for research in the skeletal growth and development.
基金This work was supported by National Key R&D Program of China(2018YFB2000903)NationalNatural Science Foundation of China under Grant Numbers 51875507 and 51890885,Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Electronic Equipment Structure Design in Xidian University(EESD1905)applied by Author Yangqiao Lin,which support the research,the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,and Director’s Fund of State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems.
文摘Developing artificial muscles that can replace biological muscles to accomplish various tasks iswhat we have long been aiming for.Recent advances in flexible materials and 3D printing technology greatly promote the development of artificial muscle technology.A variety of flexible material-based artificial muscles that are driven by different external stimuli,including pressure,voltage,light,magnetism,temperature,etc.,have been developed.Among these,fluid-driven artificial muscles(FAMs),which can convert the power of fluid(gas or liquid)into the force output and displacement of flexible materials,are the most widely used actuation methods for industrial robots,medical instruments,and human-assisted devices due to their simplicity,excellent safety,large actuation force,high energy efficiency,and low cost.Herein,the bio-design,manufacturing,sensing,control,and applications of FAMs are introduced,including conventional pneumatic/hydraulic artificial muscles and several innovative artificial muscles driven by functional fluids.What’s more,the challenges and future directions of FAMs are discussed.
文摘OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the sternocleidomastoid and the descending portion of the trapezius muscles in terms of electromyographic activity and pressure pain threshold in women with chronic cervical pain after acupuncture treatment.METHODS:Twenty-five women,aged 18-50 years[(31±3)years],with chronic neck and temporomandibular disorder participated in the study.The electromyographic activity of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the descending portion of the trapezius muscle were recorded at rest,during shoulder elevation,(left and right)rotation of the neck and crucifix position.Maximum voluntary contraction was used to normalize the electromyographic activity data.The points used for acupuncture were Jiache(ST 6),Xiaguan(ST 7),Quanliao(SI 18),Tinggong(SI 19),Yifeng(TE-17),Fengchi(GB 20),Renzhong(GV 26),Yangbai(GB-14),and points of the lower and upper limbs:Tai chong(LV 3),Zusanli(ST 36),Sanyinjiao(SP 6),Kunlun(BL 60),He Gu(LI4)and Yanglingquan(GB 34).The treatment course was 10 sessions,30 min long per session,and twice a week.The final electromyographic activity and pressure pain threshold data collection were performed 15 d after treatment completion.RESULTS:The normalized electromyographic activity and pressure pain threshold data were tabulated and submitted to statistical analysis using t-test(P<0.05).Significant difference was observed during shoulder elevation for the left trapezius muscle,during neck rotation from the right side to the left,and pressure pain threshold for the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles,bilaterally,after the acupuncture treatment.CONCLUSION:The acupuncture treatment improved the neck muscles in terms of electromyographic activity and increased the tolerance to chronic pain in women.
文摘Summary: The operation methods, clinical classification, postoperative function exercise of gluteal muscles contracture were investigated. Clinically and retrospectively, treatment of 1280 patients with gluteal muscles contracture, being subjected to a 'Z-shaped' release lengthening operation and efficiency exercise, was clearly standardized. All the cases were followed up from 3 months to 2 years with the effective rate being 100 %, the cure rate being 98. 5 %, the recent complications being 5%, and the far complications being 0. 2 %. It was concluded that the clear diagnosis combined with standarized operation and efficiency functional exercise could greatly improve the therapeutic effects of gluteal muscles contracture.
基金Supported by the Research Project of Future Growth Engine Flagship Project,No:CN16040)by Minister of Science,ICT and Future Planningthe National Research Foundation of Korea grant funded by the Korea government(Ministry of Science,ICT and Future Planning),No.NRF-2017R1A2B4011478
文摘BACKGROUND De-afferentation or non-weight bearing induces rapid cortical and spinalα-motor neuron excitability.Author supposed that an end-effector type gait robot(EEGR)could provide patients with a training condition that was specific enough to activate rapid cortical/spinal neuroplasticity,leading to immediate muscle strengthening.The electromyographic and biomechanical comparisons were conducted.AIM To compare the electromyographic activities of the thigh and shank muscles and isometric peak torque(PT)before and after walking training on a floor or in the end-effector gait robot.METHODS Twelve outpatients without ambulatory dysfunction were recruited.Order of two interventions(5-min training on a floor at a comfortable pace or training in an EEGR with non-weight bearing on their feet and 100%guidance force at 2.1 km/h)were randomly chosen.Isometric PT,maximal ratio of torque development,amplitude of compound motor action potential(CMAP),and area under the curve(AUC)were evaluated before and 10 min after both interventions.RESULTS The degree of PT improvement of the dominant knee flexors was larger in the EEGR than on the floor(9.6±22.4 Nm/BW,P<0.01).The EEGR-trained patients had greater PT improvement of the dominant knee extensors than those who trained on the floor(4.5±28.1 Nm/BW,P<0.01).However,all electromyographic activities of the thigh and shank muscles(peak CMAP,mean and peak AUC)were significantly lower for the use of the EEGR than walking on the floor.CONCLUSION Immediate strengthening of the knee flexors and extensors was induced after the 5-min EEGR training,despite reduced muscular use.
文摘According to the deficiency of the present model of pneumatic artificialmuscles (PAM), a serial model is built up based on the PAM's essential working principle with theelastic theory, it is validated by the quasi-static and dynamic experiment results, which are gainedfrom two experiment systems. The experiment results and the simulation results illustrate that theserial model has made a great success compared with Chou's model, which can describe the forcecharacteristics of PAM more precisely. A compensation item considering the braid's elasticity andthe coulomb damp is attached to the serial model based on the analysis of the experiment results.The dynamic experiment proves that the viscous damp of the PAM could be ignored in order to simplifythe model of PAM. Finally, an improved serial model of PAM is obtained.
基金financial support obtained from the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2020YFB1312900)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21975281)+1 种基金Key Research Project of Zhejiang lab (No. K2022NB0AC04)Jiangxi Double Thousand Talent Program (No. jxsq2020101008)。
文摘Artificial yarn muscles show great potential in applications requiring low-energy consumption while maintaining high performance. However, conventional designs have been limited by weak ion-yarn muscle interactions and inefficient “rocking-chair” ion migration. To address these limitations, we present an electrochemical artificial yarn muscle design driven by a dual-ion co-regulation system. By utilizing two reaction channels, this system shortens ion migration pathways, leading to faster and more efficient actuation. During the charging/discharging process, PF_6~- ions react with carbon nanotube yarn, while Li~+ ions react with an Al foil. The intercalation reaction between PF_6~- and collapsed carbon nanotubes allows the yarn muscle to achieve an energy-free high-tension catch state. The dual-ion coordinated yarn muscles exhibit superior contractile stroke, maximum contractile rate, and maximum power densities, exceeding those of “rocking-chair” type ion migration yarn muscles. The dual-ion co-regulation system enhances the ion migration rate during actuation, resulting in improved performance. Moreover, the yarn muscles can withstand high levels of isometric stress, displaying a stress of 61 times that of skeletal muscles and 8 times that of “rocking-chair” type yarn muscles at higher frequencies. This technology holds significant potential for various applications, including prosthetics and robotics.
基金Financial support from the program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant no.52105057,51905222)Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (Grant no.BK20200916)+3 种基金China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (no.2021M691307,no.2022T150274)Jiangsu Postdoctoral Research Foundation (no.2021K543C)Key Research Project of Zhejiang LabSenior Talent Foundation of Jiangsu University (Grant no.5501110013)are acknowledged.
文摘Coiled polymer artificial muscles with both large tensile stroke and giant force generation are needed for practical applications in robotics,soft exosuits,and prosthesis.However,most polymer yarn artificial muscles cannot generate a large force or stress.Here,we report an inexpensive Twisted and Coiled Polymer artificial muscle(TCP)that performs both large isobaric and isometric contractions.This TCP can generate a tensile stroke of 20.1%and a specific work capacity of up to 1.3 kJ kg^(−1) during temperature changes from 20 to 180℃.Moreover,the nylon yarn artificial muscle produced a reversible output stress of 28.4 MPa,which is 100 times larger than human skeletal muscle.A robot arm and a simple gripper were made to demonstrate the isobaric actuation and isometric actuation of our TCP muscle,repectivley.Thus,the polymer artificial muscles with dual-mode actuation show potential applications in the field of robotics,grippers,and exoskeletons and so on.
基金partly supported by Project Grant 1101620 and Ideas Grant 1181053 from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC)by award W81XWH-15-1-0606 from the Congressionally Approved Spinal Cord Injury Research Program of the US Department of Defense+4 种基金by funds from the Mater Foundationsupported by Research Fellowship 1136130 from the NHMRCpartly funded by project grant 1101620 from the French Government Defense Procurement and Technology Agency (DGA – Direction Générale de l’Armement)The Translational Research Institute is partly funded by the Federal Government of Australiasupported by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program
文摘The cells of origin of neurogenic heterotopic ossifications(NHOs), which develop frequently in the periarticular muscles following spinal cord injuries(SCIs) and traumatic brain injuries, remain unclear because skeletal muscle harbors two progenitor cell populations: satellite cells(SCs), which are myogenic, and fibroadipogenic progenitors(FAPs), which are mesenchymal. Lineage-tracing experiments using the Cre recombinase/Lox P system were performed in two mouse strains with the fluorescent protein Zs Green specifically expressed in either SCs or FAPs in skeletal muscles under the control of the Pax7 or Prrx1 gene promoter, respectively. These experiments demonstrate that following muscle injury, SCI causes the upregulation of PDGFRα expression on FAPs but not SCs and the failure of SCs to regenerate myofibers in the injured muscle, with reduced apoptosis and continued proliferation of muscle resident FAPs enabling their osteogenic differentiation into NHOs. No cells expressing Zs Green under the Prrx1 promoter were detected in the blood after injury, suggesting that the cells of origin of NHOs are locally derived from the injured muscle. We validated these findings using human NHO biopsies. PDGFRα+mesenchymal cells isolated from the muscle surrounding NHO biopsies could develop ectopic human bones when transplanted into immunocompromised mice, whereas CD56+myogenic cells had a much lower potential. Therefore, NHO is a pathology of the injured muscle in which SCI reprograms FAPs to undergo uncontrolled proliferation and differentiation into osteoblasts.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82070998)Young Scientists Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82101174)+3 种基金Program of Beijing Hospitals Authority(No.XMLX202103)Program of Beijing Municipal Science&Technology Commission(No.Z201100005520044)Capital Health Development Research Special Project(No.2022-1-2053)Beijing Hospitals Authority Youth Programme(No.QML20230205).
文摘AIM:To investigate the difference of medial rectus(MR)and lateral rectus(LR)between acute acquired concomitant esotropia(AACE)and the healthy controls(HCs)detected by magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS:A case-control study.Eighteen subjects with AACE and eighteen HCs were enrolled.MRI scanning data were conducted in target-controlled central gaze with a 3-Tesla magnetic resonance scanner.Extraocular muscles(EOMs)were scanned in contiguous image planes 2-mm thick spanning the EOM origins to the globe equator.To form posterior partial volumes(PPVs),the LR and MR cross-sections in the image planes 8,10,12,and 14 mm posterior to the globe were summed and multiplied by the 2-mm slice thickness.The data were classified according to the right eye,left eye,dominant eye,and non-dominant eye,and the differences in mean cross-sectional area,maximum cross-sectional area,and PPVs of the MR and LR muscle in the AACE group and HCs group were compared under the above classifications respectively.RESULTS:There were no significant differences between the two groups of demographic characteristics.The mean cross-sectional area of the LR muscle was significantly greater in the AACE group than that in the HCs group in the non-dominant eyes(P=0.028).The maximum cross-sectional area of the LR muscle both in the dominant and non-dominant eye of the AACE group was significantly greater than the HCs group(P=0.009,P=0.016).For the dominant eye,the PPVs of the LR muscle were significantly greater in the AACE than that in the HCs group(P=0.013),but not in the MR muscle(P=0.698).CONCLUSION:The size and volume of muscles dominant eyes of AACE subjects change significantly to overcome binocular diplopia.The LR muscle become larger to compensate for the enhanced convergence in the AACE.
文摘The purpose of this study was to show the benefit of visualizing a tree-dimensional (3D) image of the tongue’s muscle structure, which until now has been regarded as fully understood. Until now, no suitable 3D observation methods have been developed for soft tissue, such as the tongue, using?histological magnification. For this purpose, this study used a micro-computed tomographic method (micro-CT) and image processing after the fixation, decalcification, and dehydration of a mouse tongue. Results: 3D rendered images of tongue muscles obtained by micro-CT showed every muscle and their relationships to each other. The superior longitudinal and the hyoglossus muscles of the tongue made up one group, while the inferior longitudinal and the styloglossus muscles of the tongue made up another. The boundary of the two muscles in each group was difficult to distinguish. On the other hand, what appear to be newly described muscles were identified. These results indicate that our micro-CT method is beneficial and that classical knowledge of tongue muscles derived from two-dimensional (2D) images does not fully describe the actual complexity of the tongue muscles. In our opinion, 3D rendered images mixed with raw structure can provide a more in-depth picture of the tongue from an integrated as well as an analytical perspective.
文摘This study aimed to clarify the immediate effect that trunk muscle exercise has on muscle reaction time, and to clarify the effect of 2-week exercise on muscle reaction time. The study showed that as for immediate effects, the muscle reaction time was significantly shortened in the TrA/OI (transversus abdominis muscle/obliquus internus muscle) of two exercise groups. However, the immediate effect seen before the 2-week trunk muscle exercise intervention disappeared after the intervention. In addition, trunk muscle exercise intervention for 2 weeks significantly shortened the muscle reaction time of TrA/OI in one exercise group. Furthermore, shortening of the muscle reaction time was also observed in the MF (multifidus muscle) of both exercise groups. The factors affecting the muscle reaction time of TrA observed in this study were considered to be an improvement of neuromuscular function by the central nervous system. It was also considered that 2-week exercise intervention has a lower value after 2 weeks due to an improvement of neuromuscular function by the central nervous system, and an immediate effect could not be obtained with the same exercise as at the time of intervention.
文摘Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder involving the neuromuscular junction that frequently affects the extra-ocular muscles (EOMs). It has been described as a very rare cause of bilateral EOM atrophy, but histological analysis of such cases is lacking. A 66-year-old man presented with two months of right eyelid drooping and vertical diplopia. Examination showed bilateral ophthalmoparesis and complete right ptosis. The remainder of his exam was normal, and an MRI showed small EOMs. Acetylcholine receptor antibodies were elevated, establishing the diagnosis of MG. Oral corticosteroids and pyridostigmine followed by azathioprine improved his ptosis, but not his ophthalmoparesis. One year later he had surgical correction of his diplopia, and the resected superior rectus muscle showed complete replacement of EOM by connective tissue. MG can rarely cause bilateral EOM atrophy, which is characterized histologically by fibrosis in the muscle itself. Atrophy in the EOMs of a myasthenic patient may indicate a poor response to medical management alone.
