Survey of spiking in the mouse visual system reveals functional hierarchy.

The anatomy of the mammalian visual system, from the retina to the neocortex, is organized hierarchically1. However, direct observation of cellular-level functional interactions across this hierarchy is lacking due to the challenge of simultaneously recording activity across numerous regions. Here we describe a large, open dataset-part of the Allen Brain Observatory2-that surveys spiking from tens of thousands of units in six cortical and two thalamic regions in the brains of mice responding to a battery of visual stimuli. Using cross-correlation analysis, we reveal that the organization of inter-area functional connectivity during visual stimulation mirrors the anatomical hierarchy from the Allen Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas3. We find that four classical hierarchical measures-response latency, receptive-field size, phase-locking to drifting gratings and response decay timescale-are all correlated with the hierarchy. Moreover, recordings obtained during a visual task reveal that the correlation between neural activity and behavioural choice also increases along the hierarchy. Our study provides a foundation for understanding coding and signal propagation across hierarchically organized cortical and thalamic visual areas.

The Anti-Tumor Effects of Oenothera odorata Extract Are Mediated by Inhibition of Glycolysis and Cellular Respiration in Cancer Cells.

Cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell division and is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Oenothera odorata (O. odorata) extract is used in herbal medicine to inhibit inflammation, but its potential anti-tumor properties have not been fully evaluated. Here, we demonstrated that O. odorata extract inhibits the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma and melanoma cell lines In Vitro, and also inhibits the growth of melanoma cells In Vivo. After partitioning the extract with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol, it was found that the butanol-soluble (OOB) and water-soluble (OOW) fractions of O. odorata extract are effective at inhibiting tumor cell growth In Vivo although OOW is more effective than OOB. Interestingly, these fractions did not inhibit the growth of non-cancerous cells. The anti-proliferative effects of the OOW fraction were found to be mediated by inhibition of glycolysis and cellular respiration. UPLC of both fractions showed two major common peaks, which were predicted to be hydrolyzable tannin-related compounds. Taken together, these data suggest that O. odorata extract has anti-tumor properties, and the molecular mechanism involves metabolic alterations and inhibition of cell proliferation. O. odorata extract therefore holds promise as a novel natural product for the treatment of cancer.

Immediate effect of patellar kinesiology tape application on quadriceps peak moment following muscle fatigue: A randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immediate effect of horseshoe taping for patellar superior and inferior gliding (HTPSG and HTPIG, respectively) using kinesiology tape on the peak moment of fatigued quadriceps. METHODS: Twenty-eight adults were divided into the HTPSG (experimental) and HTPIG (control) groups. The peak moment of the dominant quadriceps of the participants was measured using Biodex System 4 prior to the experiment and after inducing quadriceps fatigue. The peak moment of the quadriceps was measured after separate application of HTPSG and HTPIG using kinesiology tape. RESULTS: After kinesiology tape application, the peak moment of the quadriceps muscle was significantly increased in both groups (p<.05); however, the peak moment of the fatigued quadriceps muscle was significantly higher in the HTPSG group than in the HTPIG group (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The application of HTPSG using kinesiology tape would more be helpful for immediate recovery after exercise-induced quadriceps fatigue.

Docosahexaenoic Acid, a Potential Treatment for Sarcopenia, Modulates the Ubiquitin-Proteasome and the Autophagy-Lysosome Systems.

One of the characteristic features of aging is the progressive loss of muscle mass, a nosological syndrome called sarcopenia. It is also a pathologic risk factor for many clinically adverse outcomes in older adults. Therefore, delaying the loss of muscle mass, through either boosting muscle protein synthesis or slowing down muscle protein degradation using nutritional supplements could be a compelling strategy to address the needs of the world's aging population. Here, we review the recently identified properties of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It was shown to delay muscle wasting by stimulating intermediate oxidative stress and inhibiting proteasomal degradation of muscle proteins. Both the ubiquitin-proteasome and the autophagy-lysosome systems are modulated by DHA. Collectively, growing evidence indicates that DHA is a potent pharmacological agent that could improve muscle homeostasis. Better understanding of cellular proteolytic systems associated with sarcopenia will allow us to identify novel therapeutic interventions, such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, to treat this disease.

Effects of Kinesiology Taping on Shoulder Posture and Peak Torque in Junior Baseball Players with Rounded Shoulder Posture: A Pilot Study.

Rounded shoulder posture (RSP) causes an imbalance of the adjacent joints due to the malalignment of the shoulder joint, and thus affects the strength of the muscles surrounding the shoulder. This study aimed to investigate the effect of rounded shoulder taping (RST) on shoulder posture and muscle strength in junior baseball players. Nineteen junior baseball players participated in the study, which used a crossover design at an interval of 1 week. The participants were randomized to receive rounded shoulder taping (RST) and sham kinesiology taping (SKT) using kinesiology tape. RSP was measured using two 12-inch combination squares, and shoulder peak torques were measured by isokinetic equipment. The results showed that RST led to significant changes in RSP (p < 0.05), but no significant changes were observed with SKT (p < 0.05). RST led to significant changes in the peak torques of external rotation and internal rotation of the shoulder (p < 0.05), but no significant changes were observed with SKT (p < 0.05). These results suggest that RST could help to correct RSP and improve peak torque of external and internal rotation of the shoulders of junior baseball players with RSP.

Immediate Effect of Balance Taping Using Kinesiology Tape on Dynamic and Static Balance after Ankle Muscle Fatigue.

The objective of this study was to investigate whether ankle balance taping (ABT) applied after muscle fatigue-inducing exercise can cause immediate improvements in dynamic and static balance. A total of 31 adults (16 males and 15 females) met the inclusion criteria. The experiment was designed using a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Changes in static and dynamic balance were measured before and after inducing muscle fatigue in the ankles and after ABT or ankle placebo taping (APT). After ankle muscle fatigue-inducing exercise, both the ABT and APT groups showed significant increases in surface area ellipses in the static state with eyes open (p < 0.05), and significant increases in surface area ellipses in the static and dynamic states with eyes closed (both p < 0.05). After taping of the fatigued ankle, surface area ellipses decreased significantly when eyes were open and closed in the static and dynamic states, but only in the ABT group (p < 0.05). Static balance was significantly different between groups (eyes open, 36.2 ± 86; eyes closed, 22.9 ± 46.7). Dynamic balance was significantly different between groups (eyes open, 68.6 ± 152.1; eyes closed, 235.8 ± 317.6). ABT may help prevent ankle injuries in individuals who experience muscle fatigue around the ankles after sports and daily activities.

Maackiain, a compound derived from Sophora flavescens, increases IL-1ß production by amplifying nigericin-mediated inflammasome activation.

Sophora flavescens is used as a traditional herbal medicine to modulate inflammatory responses. However, little is known about the impact of (-)-maackiain, a compound derived from S. flavescens, on the activation of inflammasome/caspase-1, a key factor in interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) processing. Here, we report that (-)-maackiain potently amplified caspase-1 cleavage in macrophages in response to nigericin (Nig). In macrophages primed with either lipopolysaccharide or monophosphoryl lipid A, Nig-mediated caspase-1 cleavage was also markedly promoted by (-)-maackiain. Notably, (-)-maackiain induced the production of vimentin, an essential mediator for the activation of the NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 inflammasome, thereby contributing to promotion of the formation of the inflammasome complex to activate caspase-1. Taken together, our data suggest that (-)-maackiain exerts an immunostimulatory effect by promoting IL-1ß production via activation of the inflammasome/caspase-1 pathway. Thus, the potent inflammasome-activating effect of (-)-maackiain may be clinically useful as an acute immune-stimulating agent.

The Guidelines for Application of Kinesiology Tape for Prevention and Treatment of Sports Injuries.

The number of kinesiology tape's users is increasing year by year. However, the insufficiency of fundamental knowledge about the appropriate usage of kinesiology tapes can generate undesired side-effects caused by incorrect application of kinesiology tapes and/or denouncement of kinesiology tapes as an ineffective practice. Therefore, it is necessary to arrange a set of general guidelines of kinesiology taping that must be followed. If not, the treatment may have to be ceased due to the side-effects such as skin's troubles. Another problem, which impeaches effectivity of treatment by kinesiology tapes, is focusing solely on the present area of pain or discomfort. However, such solution is only short-termed and the likelihood of reappearance of the pain is remarkably high. Therefore, it is essential to find and eliminate the origin of the problem. If these fundamentals conditions of tape's application are satisfied, the treatment by kinesiology tapes may bring us far more better results.

Effects of balance taping using kinesiology tape in a female with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common knee disorders affecting women. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of balance taping on PFPS. METHODS: Balance taping using kinesiology tape was applied for 2.5 months (average of 16 h/day) to both knees in a 26-year-old female nurse with bilateral PFPS. RESULTS: The congruence angle decreased in the right and left knees from 30∘ to 5∘ and from 20∘ to 5∘, respectively. The Patient Specific Functional Scale score increased from 17/50 to 50/50, indicating improved functional state of the knees, while the Numeric Pain Rating Scale scores for from sitting to standing, from standing to sitting, and kneeling improved from 6/10 and 0/10, indicating no pain in the knee joints. Application of repeated balance taping for 2.5 months reduced PFPS. CONCLUSION: Considering the outcome of the study, we recommend balance taping as a complementary treatment method for PFPS.

Immediate effects of kinesiology tape on the pain and gait function in older adults with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that not only causes knee pain in older adults, but also has an adverse effect on walking. Therefore, intervention for older patients with OA is important. To investigate the immediate effects of kinesiology taping (KT) on the pain and gait function of the older adults with knee OA. METHODS: This study enrolled 10 older adults individuals living in the community who were diagnosed with knee OA. All participants were assessed for knee pain, walking ability, and balance before and after application of knee KT. Knee pain was assessed in resting and walking conditions using the visual analog scale. Walking and balance were assessed using a 10-m walking test and a timed up and go test. RESULTS: In the present study, KT significantly improved gait and balance with reduction in knee pain during walking than non-KT (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that knee KT has a positive effect on pain reduction and walking and balance ability of the older adults with OA. Therefore, this study suggests that KT can be used as an intervention to relieve knee pain and aid walking and balance ability in the older adult.

Immediate effects of ankle eversion taping on gait ability of chronic stroke patients.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to assess the immediate effects of applying ankle eversion taping using kinesiology tape in patients with foot drop after stroke. DESIGN: Randomized cross-over trial. METHOD: In this study, fifteen subjects with stroke underwent three interventions in a random order. Subjects were randomly initially assigned to an ankle balance taping, placebo taping, and no taping each group. The ankle eversion taping was used for mechanical correction. Ankle eversion taping is involved in ankle dorsiflexion and eversion. The placebo taping began from both malleolus and was applied up to the middle point of the lower limb. Gait ability was assessed by the GAITRite System. The measured gait variables are gait velocity, step length, stride length, H-H base support, and cadence. All of the measurements were performed immediately after intervention. RESULTS: Our results showed gait function in chronic stroke patients was improved after ankle eversion taping. Velocity, step length, stride length and cadence under the ankle eversion taping conditions significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to the placebo and no taping conditions. Ankle eversion taping significantly reduced (p < 0.05) H-H base support compared to the no taping condition. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the application of ankle eversion taping that uses kinesiology tape instantly increased the gait ability of chronic stroke patients with foot drop. However, more research is necessary to identify the long-term effects of the ankle eversion taping.

Effect of Balance Taping Using Kinesiology Tape and Cross Taping on Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Case Report.

Background and objectives: Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is the most common disorder among people with shoulder pain. The purpose of this case report was to investigate the effect of the combined application of balance taping using kinesiology tape and cross taping on a part-time worker with SIS. Case Report: Combined balance taping and cross taping was applied for 3 weeks (average, 16 hours per day) on a part-time worker with severe pain and a limited range of motion (ROM) in the shoulder who had visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores of 7 and 8 out of 10 for shoulder flexion and abduction, respectively, and pain and disability scores of the Shoulder Pain Disability Index (SPADI) of 37 out of 50 and 29 out of 80, respectively. After the combined application of balance taping and cross taping, the VAS pain scores for shoulder flexion and abduction decreased from 7 to 0 and from 8 to 0, respectively, and the ROM increased to a normal range. The SPADI pain score decreased from 37 to 2, and the disability score decreased from 29 to 1. Shoulder activity level also increased, and the patient was able to return to his part-time job. Conclusions: We suggest combined application of balance taping and cross taping as an effective treatment for part-time workers with SIS.

An unexpected genetic diversity pattern and a complex demographic history of a rare medicinal herb, Chinese asparagus (Asparagus cochinchinensis) in Korea.

Range-wide population studies of wide spread species are often associated with complex diversity patterns resulting from genetically divergent evolutionary significant units (ESUs). The compound evolutionary history creating such a pattern of diversity can be inferred through molecular analyses. Asparagus cochinchinensis, a medicinally important perennial herb, is in decline due to overharvesting in Korea. Eight A. cochinchinensis populations in Korea and three populations from neighboring countries (China, Japan and Taiwan) were examined using nine nuclear microsatellite loci and three chloroplast microsatellite loci to characterize molecular diversity patterns. The average within-population diversity was limited likely due to long-term bottlenecks observed in all eight populations. High pairwise FST values indicated that the populations have largely diverged, but the divergences were not correlated with geographic distances. Clustering analyses revealed a highly complex spatial structure pattern associated with two ESUs. Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) suggests that the two ESUs split about 21,000 BP were independently introduced to Korea approximately 1,800 years ago, and admixed in secondary contact zones. The two ESUs found in our study may have different habitat preferences and growth conditions, implying that the two genetically divergent groups should be considered not only for conservation and management but also for breeding programs in agricultural areas.

The effect of the application direction of the kinesiology tape on the strength of fatigued quadriceps muscles in athletes.

This study aimed to determine the effects of application direction of the kinesiology tape on the strength of fatigued quadriceps muscles, and included 15 athletes (mean: age, 19.53 ± 2.42 years; height, 176.93 ± 6.9 cm; weight, 72.87 ± 13.02 kg). The kinesiology tape was randomly applied to the quadriceps from origin to insertion (n = 7) or from insertion to origin (n = 8) after inducing quadriceps muscle fatigue. After 1 week, the kinesiology tape was applied in the opposite direction (insertion to origin [n = 7] or origin to insertion [n = 8]) after inducing quadriceps muscle fatigue. The peak torque of the fatigued quadriceps muscles was measured before and after tape application. Increased peak torque values were observed irrespective of the direction of taping. No significant differences were noted in the peak torque of the fatigued quadriceps muscles with respect to application direction. Kinesiology tape application may improve the strength of fatigued quadriceps muscles regardless of application direction.

Effects of sternocleidomastoid muscle and suboccipital muscle soft tissue release on muscle hardness and pressure pain of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and upper trapezius muscle in smartphone users with latent trigger points.

Few studies have been performed regarding the reduction of pain in the upper trapezius (UT) muscle by applying interventions to the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, which is innervated by the same nerves.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of soft tissue release intervention on the SCM and suboccipital muscles with regard to muscle hardness and pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the SCM and UT muscles in smartphone users with latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the UT muscle.Seventeen smartphone users (5 men and 12 women) with latent MTrPs in the UT muscle participated in the study. This study used a single blinding, cross-over design, wherein sternocleidomastoid soft tissue release (SSTR) and suboccipital release (SR) were applied on the subjects in random order one week apart. Muscle hardness and the PPT of the SCM and UT muscles were assessed before and after the intervention.After SSTR was applied, the SCM and UT muscles showed a significant decrease in muscle hardness and a significant increase in PPT. After SR was applied, the UT muscle showed a significant decrease in muscle hardness and a significant increase in PPT. When comparing the amount of change between the SSTR and SR interventions, significant differences were found for SCM muscle hardness and PPT of the UT muscle in the SSTR intervention, compared with the SR intervention.Therefore, we suggest that, to reduce pain in the UT muscle, it may be useful to apply intervention directly to the UT muscle, as well as to the SCM muscle, which is innervated by the same nerve.

Ethnomedicinal plants and traditional knowledge among three Chin indigenous groups in Natma Taung National Park (Myanmar).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: This research describes the ethnomedicinal plants as used by three Chin indigenous groups inhabiting areas at Natma Taung National Park (NTNP) in bio-culturally diverse Myanmar. The aim of this study was (1) to identify wild medicinal species and evaluate their local importance in local peoples' healthcare as well as in protected area conservation; and (2) to compare traditional medicinal plant knowledge among the informants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 206 Müün, Ng'gah and Daai informants from 20 villages were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Species use-reports were computed to determine plant local importance and the informant consensus factor. Descriptive and the inferential statistics Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to evaluate and compare the informants' traditional medicinal knowledge. RESULTS: A total of 75 wild ethnomedicinal taxa in 40 plant families across 16 ICPC-based disease categories were recorded. Species which recorded the highest number of use-reports appeared to play an important role not only in informants' primary healthcare and in park conservation, but also in local livelihood. CONCLUSION: This study presents the diversity of ethnomedicinal plants and their local importance in Chin indigenous peoples' healthcare. This paper also recognizes the value of these plants and the local traditional knowledge for the conservation and management of NTNP.

Effect of kinesiology tape application direction on quadriceps strength.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding whether the kinesiology tape application direction affects muscle strength. METHODS: Eighteen healthy volunteers (12 men, 6 women) participated. Kinesiology tape was randomly applied to the quadriceps muscles either from origin to insertion or from insertion to origin. A Biodex isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the peak torque of the quadriceps pre-and post-taping. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in muscle strength after taping, regardless of the kinesiology tape application direction. There were no significant differences in the peak torque of the quadriceps between the 2 kinesiology tape application directions. CONCLUSIONS: The application of kinesiology tape application to the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis of the quadriceps increased the muscle torque, regardless of the tape application direction. Therefore, to enhance quadriceps strength, we recommend the application of kinesiology tape to 3 of the muscles of the quadriceps (specifically, the rectus femoris, vastus medialis and vastus lateralis), irrespective of the tape application direction.

Effect of balance taping using kinesiology tape for a hamstring muscle injury and traumatic knee pain in an amateur university football player: A case report.

RATIONALE: Football players are at high risk for lower extremity injuries because they turn on an axis of rotation, turn while decelerating, and repeatedly jump and land. One of the most common sites of injury is the knee. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 25-year-old amateur university football player with pain in the knee medial area (Visual Analog Scale [VAS] score of 6/10), a hamstring muscle injury (VAS of 5/10), and a Tegner Activity Scale level of 3. DIAGNOSES: He was diagnosed as hamstring muscle injury and traumatic knee pain. INTERVENTIONS: Balance taping was used for 1.5 months (average, 16 h/d). OUTCOMES: The Tegner Activity Scale level increased from 3 to 9 after balance taping, indicating increased activity ability. VAS scores for pain in the medial area of the knee and hamstring muscle during knee flexion decreased from 6 and 5 to 0 and 0, respectively. Based on these improvements, the patient was able to resume playing. LESSONS: Balance taping is an effective treatment for football players with a hamstring muscle injury and traumatic knee pain.

Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease and dysphagia: A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation has been used to improve swallowing function in neurologic patients with dysphagia, but its effect on patients with dysphagia and Parkinson's disease remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the effect of effortful swallowing combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation as a novel treatment approach in dysphagic patients with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: Participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 9) or a placebo group (n = 9). The experimental group simultaneously received neuromuscular electrical stimulation with effortful swallowing, while the placebo group received sham neuromuscular electrical stimulation with effortful swallowing. All participants received the treatment for 30 min/day at five sessions per week for 4 weeks. Both groups also received the same conventional dysphagia therapy. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant differences in horizontal movement (p = 0.038) and vertical movement (p = 0.042) compared to the placebo group, but showed no significant differences in the oral (p = 0.648) or pharyngeal phase (p = 0.329) of the Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale compared to the placebo group, except for the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that neuromuscular electrical stimulation applied to the infrahyoid region combined with effortful swallowing effectively increased hyoid bone movement and reduced aspiration in dysphagic patients with Parkinson's disease.