The heart functions as a syncytium of cardiac myocytes and surrounding supportive non-myocytes such as fibroblasts. There is a possibility that a variety of non-myocyte-derived factors affect the maturation of cardiac myocytes in the development of the heart. Cultured neonatal cardiac myocytes contract spontaneously and cyclically. The fluctuation of beating rhythm varies depending on the stren...

This study explored inter-relationships between vertebral fracture, thoracic kyphosis and trunk muscle control in elderly people with osteoporosis. Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are associated with increased risk of further vertebral fractures; but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Several factors may explain this association, including changes in postural alignment (thoracic kyphosis) a...

BACKGROUND The collagen gel contraction assay measures gel size to assess the contraction of cells embedded in collagen gel matrices. Using the assay with lung fibroblasts is useful in studying the lung tissue remodeling process in wound healing and disease development. However, the involvement of bronchial epithelial cells in this process should also be investigated. METHODS We applied a lay...

BACKGROUND Both increased knee muscle co-contraction and alterations in central pain processing have been suggested to play a role in knee osteoarthritis pain. However, current interventions do not target either of these mechanisms. The Alexander Technique provides neuromuscular re-education and may also influence anticipation of pain. This study therefore sought to investigate the potential cl...