Tension Development Research Articles

Interplay between inherited rift faults and strike-slip structures: Insights from analogue models and field data from Iceland

Abstract Although structural inheritance is a fundamental factor in the tectonic evolution of the crust, few studies have been aimed at understanding in detail the interaction between pre-existing normal faults in a rift zone and successive dominant strike-slip (transtensional) movements. Firstly, we present the complex pattern of faults and tension fractures of the western, pre-Holocene part of the N-S Theistareykir Fissure Swarm (ThFS - Northern Iceland Rift), crossed by the NW-SE striking, right-lateral, Husavik-Flatey Fault (HFF), and we integrate previous observations with new field data that reveal Holocene motions along the N-S faults near the HFF. Secondly, we propose a set of analogue experiments that reproduce the N-S rifting followed by superimposed transtensional faulting along the HFF. In a first set of experiments, we tested the effect of an initial extension at the shallow crustal level by forming a rift zone. During this rifting phase, we modelled the presence of a sub-orthogonal discontinuity that represents the structural inheritance of the HFF (that is older than the ThFS), but without any imposed “regional” transtensional movement along it. After that, we superimposed a dominant right-lateral movement along the HFF on the modelled rift faults in order to assess the effect of the inheritance of the rift plus the HFF. Our results show that during rifting, a series of elongated and depressed areas develop along the initial HFF discontinuity (that is locally reactivated by the rift opening), in agreement with field data. During the second experimental set of exclusively shear deformation along the HFF, the models show the development of Riedel shears at the HFF, contemporaneous to the local reactivation of normal faults and tension fractures in the previous rift zone. This reactivation occurs by block rotation, incremental dip-slip motions on pre-existing fault scarps, widening of tension fractures and development of new structures. We conclude that transversal basins can develop from the early stages of rift development, and that the structures of a pre-existing rift may reactivate under a local stress state induced by incremental transtensional motions.

The novel CaMKII inhibitor GS-680 reduces diastolic SR Ca leak and prevents CaMKII-dependent pro-arrhythmic activity

RationaleCa/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) was shown to increase diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca leak, which can result in delayed afterdepolarizations and triggered arrhythmias. Since increased CaMKII expression and activity has been mechanistically linked to arrhythmias in human heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF), specific strategies aimed at CaMKII inhibition may have therapeutic potential. ObjectiveWe tested the antiarrhythmic and inotropic effects of a novel selective and ATP-competitive CaMKII inhibitor (GS-680). Methods and resultsTrabeculae were isolated from right atrial appendage biopsies of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Premature atrial contractions (PACs) were induced by stimulation with isoproterenol (ISO, 100 nM) at increased [Ca]o (3.5 mM). Interestingly, compared to vehicle, PACs were significantly inhibited by exposure to GS-680 (at 100 and 300 nM). GS-680 also significantly decreased early and delayed afterdepolarizations in isolated human atrial myocytes. Moreover, GS-680 (at 100 or 300 nM) significantly inhibited diastolic SR Ca leak, measured as frequency of spontaneous SR Ca release events (Ca sparks) in isolated human atrial myocytes (Fluo-4 loaded) similar to the well-established peptide CaMKII inhibitor AIP. In accordance, GS-680 significantly reduced CaMKII autophosphorylation (Western blot) but enhanced developed tension after 10 or 30 s pause of electrical stimulation (post-rest behavior). Surprisingly, we found a strong negative inotropic effect of GS-680 in atrial trabeculae at 1 Hz stimulation rate, which was not observed at 4 Hz and abolished by beta-adrenergic stimulation. In contrast, GS-680 did not impair systolic force of isolated ventricular trabeculae from explanted hearts of heart transplant recipients at 1 Hz, blunted the negative force-frequency relationship (1–3 Hz) and significantly increased the Ca transient amplitude. ConclusionThe novel ATP-competitive and selective CaMKII inhibitor GS-680 inhibits pro-arrhythmic activity in human atrium and improves contractility in failing human ventricle, which may have therapeutic implications.

Murine breast cancer feed arteries are thin-walled with reduced \u03b11A-adrenoceptor expression and attenuated sympathetic vasocontraction

BackgroundPerfusion of breast cancer tissue limits oxygen availability and metabolism but angiogenesis inhibitors have hitherto been unsuccessful for breast cancer therapy. In order to identify abnormalities and possible therapeutic targets in mature cancer arteries, we here characterize the structure and function of cancer feed arteries and corresponding control arteries from female FVB/N mice with ErbB2-induced breast cancer.MethodsWe investigated the contractile function of breast cancer feed arteries and matched control arteries by isometric myography and evaluated membrane potentials and intracellular [Ca2+] using sharp electrodes and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Arterial wall structure is assessed by transmission light microscopy of arteries mounted in wire myographs and by evaluation of histological sections using the unbiased stereological disector technique. We determined the expression of messenger RNA by reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction and studied receptor expression by confocal microscopy of arteries labelled with the BODIPY-tagged α1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin.ResultsBreast cancer feed arteries are thin-walled and produce lower tension than control arteries of similar diameter in response to norepinephrine, thromboxane-analog U46619, endothelin-1, and depolarization with elevated [K+]. Fewer layers of similarly-sized vascular smooth muscle cells explain the reduced media thickness of breast cancer arteries. Evidenced by lower media stress, norepinephrine-induced and thromboxane-induced tension development of breast cancer arteries is reduced more than is explained by the thinner media. Conversely, media stress during stimulation with endothelin-1 and elevated [K+] is similar between breast cancer and control arteries. Correspondingly, vascular smooth muscle cell depolarizations and intracellular Ca2+ responses are attenuated in breast cancer feed arteries during norepinephrine but not during endothelin-1 stimulation. Protein expression of α1-adrenoceptors and messenger RNA levels for α1A-adrenoceptors are lower in breast cancer arteries than control arteries. Sympathetic vasocontraction elicited by electrical field stimulation is inhibited by α1-adrenoceptor blockade and reduced in breast cancer feed arteries compared to control arteries.ConclusionThinner media and lower α1-adrenoceptor expression weaken contractions of breast cancer feed arteries in response to sympathetic activity. We propose that abnormalities in breast cancer arteries can be exploited to modify tumor perfusion and thereby either starve cancer cells or facilitate drug and oxygen delivery during chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Quantitation of myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation in biological samples with multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry

The 20-kDa regulatory light chain of myosin II plays an important role in regulating smooth muscle contractile force. LC20 is phosphorylated canonically by myosin light chain kinase in a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent manner at S19. The diphosphorylation of LC20 at T18 and S19 has been observed in smooth muscle tissues. Given that the phosphorylation of LC20 is positively correlated with tension development, the molar stoichiometry of LC20 phosphorylation is commonly profiled as a measure of smooth muscle contractility. Herein, we describe a novel multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-mass spectrometry (MS) approach for the quantification of LC20 phosphorylation at T18 and S19. Unique precursor as well as y- and b-ion transitions were identified for unphosphorylated LC20-(TS), monophosphorylated LC20-(TpS) and diphosphorylated LC20-(pTpS) peptides. The MRM-MS assay could accurately define molar phosphorylation stoichiometries of S19 and T18 over a broad range (i.e., 0–2 mol P/mol LC20). Correlations of the results for two quantification techniques indicate that the MRM-MS assay performs equally to Phos-tag SDS-PAGE for the determination of LC20 phosphorylation stoichiometry in arterial tissue samples. The MRM-MS technique provides a robust alternative to antibody-based detection systems for the quantification of LC20 phosphorylation.

Development of a surface tension mediated technique for dry stabilization of mammalian cells.

Dry state preservation at ambient temperatures (lyopreservation) is a biomimetic alternative to low temperature stabilization (cryopreservation) of biological materials. Lyopreservation is hypothesized to rely upon the creation of a glassy environment, which is commonly observed in desiccation-tolerant organisms. Non-uniformities in dried samples have been indicated as one of the reasons for instability in storage outcome. The current study presents a simple, fast, and uniform surface tension based technique that can be implemented for lyopreservation of mammalian cells. The technique involves withdrawing cells attached to rigid substrates to be submerged in a solution of lyoprotectant and then withdrawing the samples at a specific rate to an inert environment. This creates a uniform thin film of desiccated lyoprotectant due to sudden change of surface tension. The residual moisture contents at different locations in the desiccated film was quantified using a spatially resolved Raman microspectroscopy technique. Post-desiccation cellular viability and growth are quantified using fluorescent microscopy and dye exclusion assays. Cellular injury following desiccation is evaluated by bioenergetic quantification of metabolic functions using extracellular flux analysis and by a Raman microspectroscopic analysis of change in membrane structure. The technique developed here addresses an important bottleneck of lyoprocessing which requires the fast and uniform desiccation of cellular samples.

Mechano-electric finite element model of the left atrium

Mechanical stretch plays a major role in modulating atrial function, being responsible for beat-by-beat responses to changes in chamber preload, enabling a prompt regulation of cardiac function. Mechano-electric coupling (MEC) operates through many mechanisms and has many targets, making it experimentally difficult to isolate causes and effects especially under sinus conditions where effects are more transient and subtle. Therefore, modelling is a powerful tool to help understand the role of MEC with respect to the atrial electromechanical interaction. We propose a cellular-based computational model of the left atrium that includes a strongly coupled MEC component and mitral flow component to account for correct pressure generation in the atrial chamber as a consequence of blood volume and contraction. The method was applied to a healthy porcine left atrium. Results of the strongly coupled simulation show that strains are higher in the areas adjacent to the mitral annulus, the rim of the appendage, around the pulmonary venous trunks and at the location of the Bachmann's bundle, approximately between the mitral annulus and the region where the venous tissue transitions into atrial. These are regions where arrhythmias are likely to originate. The role of stretch-activated channels was very small for sinus rhythm for the single cardiac beat simulation, although tension development was very sensitive to stretch. The method could be applied to investigate potential therapeutic interventions acting on the mechano-electrical properties of the left atrium.

Local Injections of Superoxide Dismutase Attenuate the Exercise Pressor Reflex in Rats with Femoral Artery Occlusion.

The exercise pressor reflex is amplified in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and in an experimental PAD model of rats induced by femoral artery occlusion. Heightened blood pressure worsens the restricted blood flow directed to the limbs in this disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the role played by muscle oxidative stress in regulating the augmented pressor response to static exercise in PAD. We hypothesized that limb ischemia impairs muscle superoxide dismutase (SOD) thereby leading to abnormal autonomic responsiveness observed in PAD animals, and a chronic compensation of SOD for anti-oxidation improves the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex. Our data show that femoral occlusion decreased the protein levels of SOD in ischemic muscle as compared with control muscle. Downregulation of SOD appeared to a greater degree in the oxidative (red) muscle than in the glycolytic (white) muscle under the condition of muscle ischemia. In addition, the exercise pressor response was assessed during electrically induced static contraction. The data demonstrates that the enhancement of the exercise pressor reflex was significantly attenuated after tempol (a mimetic of SOD, 30 mg over a period of 72 h) was administered into the occluded hindlimb. In the occluded rats, mean arterial pressure (MAP) response was 26 ± 3 mmHg with no tempol and 12 ± 2 mmHg with tempol application (P < 0.05 vs. group with no tempol; n = 6 in each group). There were no differences in muscle tension development (time-tension index: 12.1 ± 1.2 kgs with no tempol and 13.5 ± 1.1 kgs with tempol; P > 0.05 between groups). In conclusion, SOD is lessened in the ischemic muscles and supplement of SOD improves the amplified exercise pressor reflex, which is likely beneficial to the restricted blood flow to the limbs in PAD.

Plant 'muscles': fibers with a tertiary cell wall.

Plants, although sessile organisms, are nonetheless able to move their body parts; for example, during root contraction of geophytes or in the gravitropic reaction by woody stems. One of the major mechanisms enabling these movements is the development of specialized structures that possess contractile properties. Quite unlike animal muscles, for which the action is driven by protein-protein interactions in the protoplasma, the action of plant 'muscles' is polysaccharide-based and located in the uniquely designed, highly cellulosic cell wall that is deposited specifically in fibers. This review describes the development of such cell walls as a widespread phenomenon in the plant kingdom, gives reasons why it should be considered as a tertiary cell wall, and discusses the mechanism of action of the 'muscles'. The origin of the contractile properties lies in the tension of the axially oriented cellulose microfibrils due to entrapment of rhamnogalacturonan-I aggregates that limits the lateral interaction of microfibrils. Long side chains of the nascent rhamnogalacturonan-I are trimmed off during cell wall maturation leading to tension development. Similarities in the tertiary cell wall design in fibers of different plant origin indicate that the basic principles of tension creation may be universal in various ecophysiological situations.

Influence of apocynin on cardiac remodeling in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus

BackgroundIncreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important mechanism leading to diabetic cardiomyopathy. Apocynin, a drug isolated from the herb Picrorhiza kurroa, is considered an antioxidant agent by inhibiting NADPH oxidase activity and improving ROS scavenging. This study analyzed the influence of apocynin on cardiac remodeling in diabetic rats.MethodsSix-month-old male Wistar rats were assigned into 4 groups: control (CTL, n = 15), control + apocynin (CTL + APO, n = 20), diabetes (DM, n = 20), and diabetes + apocynin (DM + APO, n = 20). DM was induced by streptozotocin. Seven days later, apocynin (16 mg/kg/day) or vehicle was initiated and maintained for 8 weeks. Left ventricular (LV) histological sections were used to analyze interstitial collagen fraction. NADPH oxidase activity was evaluated in LV samples. Comparisons between groups were performed by ANOVA for a 2 × 2 factorial design followed by the Bonferroni post hoc test.ResultsBody weight (BW) was lower and glycemia higher in diabetic animals. Echocardiogram showed increased left atrial diameter, LV diastolic diameter, and LV mass indexed by BW in both diabetic groups; apocynin did not affect these indices. LV systolic function was impaired in DM groups and unchanged by apocynin. Isovolumic relaxation time was increased in DM groups; transmitral E/A ratio was higher in DM + APO compared to DM. Myocardial functional evaluation through papillary muscle preparations showed impaired contractile and relaxation function in both DM groups at baseline conditions. After positive inotropic stimulation, developed tension (DT) was lower in DM than CTL. In DM + APO, DT had values between those in DM and CTL + APO and did not significantly differ from either group. Myocardial interstitial collagen fraction was higher in DM than CTL and did not differ between DM + APO and CTL + APO. Serum activity of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase was lower in DM than CTL; apocynin restored catalase and SOD levels in DM + APO. Myocardial NADPH oxidase activity did not differ between groups.ConclusionApocynin restores serum antioxidant enzyme activity despite unchanged myocardial NADPH oxidase activity in diabetic rats.

Increased Contractile Function of Human Saphenous Vein Grafts Harvested by "No-Touch" Technique.

Saphenous vein grafts are the most common conduits used for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); however, no more than 60% of vein grafts remain open after 10 years and graft failure is associated with poor clinical outcome. The “no-touch” harvesting technique—where a sheet of perivascular tissue is retained around the vein—improves graft patency to over 80% after 16 years of follow-up, but the mechanism for the improved patency rate is unclear. In this study, we investigated acute functional differences between vein grafts harvested conventionally and by “no-touch” technique and explored the importance of perivascular tissue for reducing surgical trauma, minimizing excessive distension, and releasing vasoactive paracrine factors. Segments of human saphenous veins were obtained from CABG surgery and their functional properties investigated by isometric and isobaric myography. We found a broad diameter-tension relationship for human saphenous veins, with peak capacity for active tension development at diameters corresponding to transmural pressures around 60 mmHg. Across the investigated transmural pressure range between 10 and 120 mmHg, maximal tension development was higher for “no-touch” compared to conventionally harvested saphenous veins. Contractile responses to serotonin, noradrenaline, and depolarization induced with elevated extracellular [K+] were significantly larger for saphenous veins harvested by “no-touch” compared to conventional technique. Conventional vein grafts are routinely pressurized manually in order to test for leaks; however, avoiding this distension procedure did not change the acute contractile function of the conventionally excised saphenous veins. In contrast, even though surgical removal of perivascular tissue during conventional harvesting was associated with a substantial decrease in force development, removal of perivascular tissue by careful dissection under a stereomicroscope only marginally affected contractile responses of veins harvested by “no-touch” technique. In conclusion, we show that saphenous veins harvested by “no-touch” technique have greater contractile capacity than veins harvested by conventional technique. The different capacity for smooth muscle contraction is not due to vasoactive substances released by the perivascular tissue. Instead, we propose that the larger tension development of saphenous veins harvested by “no-touch” technique reflects reduced surgical damage, which may have long-term consequences that contribute to the superior graft patency.

Effect of Antibodies to Myosin Head on the Development of Rigor Tension and Stiffness in Skinned Muscle Fibers

Using three antibodies to myosin head, attaching to (1) distal region and (2) proximal region of myosin head catalytic domain, and (3) to myosin head lever arm domain, respectively, we have shown definite differences between in vitro actin-myosin sliding and muscle contraction. In the present study, we studied the effect of these antibodies on the development of rigor tension and stiffness in single skinned muscle fibers at pCa>9. To form rigor actin-myosin linkages, myosin heads should override tropomyosin, covering myosin-binding sites on actin, and to detach antibodies from them. Despite their different attachment sites in myosin head, all these antibodies slowed down development of rigor tension and stiffness with or without changing their peak values. The rigor tension versus stiffness relation was highly variable, suggesting that the rigor tension reflects the sum of tension in individual rigor linkages, while rigor stiffness represents the total number of rigor linkages. Dummy antibody had no effect on the development of rigor state. These results indicate that the action of myosin heads overriding tropomyosin is inhibited by the antibodies, so that development of rigor state is slowed down due to gradual detachment of the antibodies from individual myosin heads. Highlights The effect of three antibodies, attaching to different regions in myosin heads on the development of rigor state was examined at pCa >9, using single skinned muscle fibers. Despite their different binding sites on myosin, all the antibodies slowed down development of rigor tension and stiffness with or without changes in their peak values. The rigor tension versus stiffness relation was highly variable, suggesting that rigor tension reflects the sum of tension generated by individual myosin heads, while stiffness serves as a measure of total number of rigor linkages. These results indicate that the antibodies inhibit myosin head movement to override tropomyosin, and detachment of the antibodies from myosin heads is necessary prerequisite for rigor linkage formation.

Tools and protocol for quantification of myosin phosphorylation with MRM-MS

The phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain (LC20) at Thr18 and Ser19 is positively correlated with tension development in smooth muscle tissue, and the molar stoichiometry of LC20 phosphorylation is commonly profiled as a measure of smooth muscle contractility. We provide details for a newly applied multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-mass spectrometry (MS) method for the quantification of LC20 phosphorylation at Thr18 and Ser19. This MRM-MS method provides a robust alternative to antibody-based detection systems (such as Phos-Tag SDS-PAGE) for the quantification of LC20 phosphorylation.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF INCISIONAL HERNIA: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Infection at the surgical site, which leads to the development of excessive tension causing inadequate healing is the most common cause of incisional hernia. Objective: To find out risk factors associated with incisional hernia and its prevalence. Method: A general proforma was prepared for studying each case in detail and underwent routine blood, radiology investigations. A detailed enquiry was made regarding the demographic profile, history of previous operations, its nature and postoperative period. Onset and progress of the hernia were noted. Result: During the study period total operated cases were 921. From that 50 cases of incisional were reported during the follow-up. Out of fifty cases 12 (24%) were male, and 38 (76%) were female. Ratio of male to female is 1:3.2. The difference was found to be significantly significant (p<0.05). Maximum cases were distributed between the age group of 41-50 (32%). Overall highest prevalence of incisional hernia was noted with perforation peritonitis operation, and female it was noted with LSCS operation commonest incision was midline (76 %) which lead to incisional hernia. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of incisional hernia was 5.42%. Overall highest prevalence of incisional hernia was noted with perforation peritonitis operation, and female it was noted with LSCS operation. 76% cases of incisional hernia associated with midline incision.

Sociodemographic and organizational factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms among intensive care unit professionals.

The heavy and complex work routine in the intensive care unit (ICU) involves high workload, long working hours, high levels of tension, exposure to extreme situations and to hazards of different nature. To investigate the influence of sociodemographic and organizational factors on the development of musculoskeletal pain, tension and fatigue among ICU professionals. We interviewed 128 professionals from seven public hospitals in João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil.The data were analyzed using a logistic regression model, and differences between professional categories by means of the likelihood ratio, the Wald and χ2 tests, with significance level set to <0.05. The risk to develop musculoskeletal symptoms differed as a function of the participants' professional category.The odds of nursing technicians to simultaneously develop musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and tension were 4.968 times higher (p=0.023) compared to physicians, nurses and physical therapists.This difference was mediated by factors such as sex, body mass index and number of ICU jobs.Nursing technicians were the most exposed group, and thus they require more attention as concerns workplace health interventions. The participants had long working hours, and differed in regard to the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints as a function of the specificities inherent to the activities of each professional category.

Развитие хронического напряжения при длительной работе летчиков-миротворцев в Республике Либерия

Развитие хронического напряжения при длительной работе летчиков-миротворцев в Республике Либерия

Cardioprotection after acute exposure to simulated high altitude in rats. Role of nitric oxide

AimIn previous studies, upregulation of NOS during acclimatization of rats to sustained hypobaric hypoxia was associated to cardioprotection, evaluated as an increased tolerance of myocardium to hypoxia/reoxygenation. The objective of the present work was to investigate the effect of acute hypobaric hypoxia and the role of endogenous NO concerning cardiac tolerance to hypoxia/reoxygenation under β-adrenergic stimulation. MethodsRats were submitted to 58.7 kPa in a hypopressure chamber for 48 h whereas their normoxic controls remained at 101.3 kPa. By adding NOS substrate L-arg, or blocker L-NNA, isometric mechanical activity of papillary muscles isolated from left ventricle was evaluated at maximal or minimal production of NO, respectively, under β-adrenergic stimulation by isoproterenol, followed by 60/30 min of hypoxia/reoxygenation. Activities of NOS and cytochrome oxidase were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods and expression of HIF1-α and NOS isoforms by western blot. Eosin and hematoxiline staining were used for histological studies. ResultsCytosolic expression of HIF1-α, nNOS and eNOS, and NO production were higher in left ventricle of hypoxic rats. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase activity was decreased by hypobaric hypoxia and this effect was reversed by L-NNA. After H/R, recovery of developed tension in papillary muscles from normoxic rats was 51–60% (regardless NO modulation) while in hypobaric hypoxia was 70% ± 3 (L-arg) and 54% ± 1 (L-NNA). Other mechanical parameters showed similar results. Preserved histological architecture was observed only in L-arg papillary muscles of hypoxic rats. ConclusionExposure of rats to hypobaric hypoxia for only 2 days increased NO synthesis leading to cardioprotection.

Perbedaan Pengaruh Antara Mobilisasi Saraf Dan Myofacial Release Terhadap Penurunan Nyeri Pada Pasien Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract : Nerve Mobilization, Myofacial Release, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is defined with signs and symptoms resulting from compression of the median nerve at the wrist. CTS lead to discomfort and pain, limited daily activities, sleep deprivation and the inability to work. Nerve mobilization is manipulative technique in which the nerve tissue is moved and stretched out both motions relative to the surrounding (interface mechanical) or with the development of tension. Myofascial Release (MFR) refers to massage techniques, instructions for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia and integument, muscles, bone, with the aim to relieve pain, increase range of motion and balance the body. Some research concluded the difference in the length of time the treatment is with a shorter time can produce significant pain reduction. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the difference between the provision of nerve mobilization and myofacial release to the reduction of pain in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. This research is a quasi experimental study with two group pre test and post test control design. The subjects were all patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome who came to the clinic physiotherapy Dr. Moewardi Surakarta hospital who met the inclusion criteria, exclusion and drop out. Number of research subjects in group I, amounting to 8 people and group II amounted to 7 people. Group I was treated nerve mobilization and group II were treated Myofacial release. Treatment was given 2 times per week for 3 weeks. Results: (1) mobilization of the nerve may reduce pain in patients with CTS (p = 0.012), (2) MFR can reduce a patient's pain CTS (p = 0.018), (3) there is no difference between mobilization nerves and MFR to reduce pain CTS patients (p= 0.189).

Improved models of surface tension and air resistance for multiphysics particle method

ABSTRACT A multiphysics particle method is being developed to simulate the dynamic behaviors of fluid and solid involving their freezing and melting which occur in a severe accident at a nuclear reactor. So far, the conventional particle method code for fluid dynamics has been expanded so that thermodynamics, melting, and freezing can be treated. In this study, new models for the surface tension and air resistance were developed. The developed surface tension model is based on the potential model, where the magnitude of the normal force to the surface is corrected to agree with the theoretical value. A simulation of droplet collisions was conducted to verify the developed model. The simulation results were compared with experimental results and their good agreement was confirmed. The developed air resistance model is based on the assumed pressure distribution around a sphere located in an air stream, hence, the direct simulation of the air phase is not necessary, reducing the computational time. The breakup of a droplet in air was simulated for verification and it was confirmed that reasonable results are obtained using the developed model when the parameters of the analysis object are appropriately chosen.

Intramuscular Electrical Stimulation for Muscle Activation of the Tibialis Anterior After Surgical Repair: A Case Report

Background Loss of voluntary activation of musculature can result in muscle weakness. External neuromuscular stimulation can be utilized to improve voluntary activation but is often poorly tolerated because of pain associated with required stimulus level. Intramuscular electrical stimulation requires much lower voltage and may be better tolerated, and therefore more effective at restoring voluntary muscle activation. Case Description A 71-year-old man sustained a rupture of the distal attachment of the tibialis anterior tendon. Thirty-two weeks after surgical repair, there was no palpable or visible tension development in the muscle belly or tendon. Dorsiflexion was dependent on toe extensors. Electrical stimulation applied via a dry needling placement in the muscle belly was utilized to induce an isometric contraction. Outcomes Five sessions of intramuscular electrical stimulation were delivered. By day 4 (second visit), the patient was able to dorsiflex without prominent use of the extensor hallucis longus. By day 6 (third visit), active-range-of-motion dorsiflexion with toes flexed increased 20° (-10° to 10°). Eighteen days after the initial treatment, the patient walked without his previous high-step gait pattern, and the tibialis anterior muscle test improved to withstanding moderate resistance (manual muscle test score, 4/5). Discussion The rapid change in muscle function observed suggests that intramuscular electrical stimulation may facilitate voluntary muscle activation. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 5. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(12):965-969. Epub 15 Oct 2017. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.7368.

The development of marital tension: Implications for divorce among married couples.

Marriages are often characterized by their positive and negative features in terms of whether they elicit feelings of satisfaction and happiness or conflict and negativity. Although research has examined the development of marital happiness, less is known about the development of negativity among married couples. We examined how marital tension (i.e., feelings of tension, resentment, irritation) develops within couples over time and whether marital tension has unique implications for divorce. Specifically, we examined marital tension among husbands and wives within the same couples from the first to the sixteenth year of marriage, as well as links between marital tension and divorce. Participants included 355 couples assessed in years 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 16 of marriage. Multilevel models revealed that wives reported greater marital tension than husbands. Marital tension increased over time among both husbands and wives, with a greater increase among husbands. Couples were more likely to divorce when wives reported higher marital tension, a greater increase in marital tension, and greater cumulative marital tension. Findings are consistent with the emergent distress model of marriage, but indicate that despite the greater increases in marital tension among husbands, wives' increased marital tension over the course of marriage is more consistently associated with divorce. (PsycINFO Database Record