Immunofluorescence confocal imaging revealed reduced surface expr

Immunofluorescence confocal imaging revealed reduced surface expression of mutant KCNQ1-S277L, which

was biochemically confirmed by surface biotinylation showing a 44% decrease in mutant surface expression. Expression of KCNQ1-S277L with human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) did not significantly affect HERG protein or current density compared to KCNQ1-WT co-expression.

Conclusion: The KCNQ1-S277L mutation causes biophysical defects that result in dominant-negative reduction in KCNQ1 and IKs current density, and a trafficking defect that results in reduced surface expression, both without affecting HERG/IKr. KCNQ1-S277L mutation in the proband resulted in defective channels that compromised repolarization reserve, thereby enhancing the arrhythmic susceptibility to pharmacological blockage of IKr current. (PACE 2011; 34: 1652-1664)”
“Fibrous cortical PXD101 Epigenetics inhibitor defect, also known as metaphyseal fibrous defect and nonossifying fibroma, among other terms, is a benign, non-neoplastic proliferative process that is relatively

common in the long bones of skeletally immature adolescents. Although the lesion is thought to be a developmental abnormality or defect, the exact etiopathogenesis is largely unknown. The lesion has a limited growth potential and good treatment outcome. This process is very rare in the gnathic SN-38 supplier bones, and only a few sporadic case reports are documented. This article presents the clinicopathologic features of 2 additional cases and reviews the relevant literature in attempt to identify key features and facilitate rendering definitive diagnosis for this rare entity. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010;110:504-508)”
“We study, using finite temperature Monte Carlo simulations, the demagnetization curves, coercivity, and energy product of multilayers www.selleckchem.com/products/Flavopiridol.html of hard (Nd(2)Fe(14)B) and soft (FeCo) magnetic material. The easy axes of the hard and soft phases

are parallel to the layers. We perform simulations with and without the dipolar interaction, with periodic and free boundary conditions, and find a significant influence of the dipolar interaction on the coercivity and the energy product. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3583563]“
“Background: Radiofrequency ablation has became a validated therapeutic technique for symptomatic drug refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is used to evaluate left atrial (LA) anatomy in order to improve AF ablation. The analysis of noncardiac structures during cardiac CT may identify clinically significant incidental findings (IFs). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of IF in patients undergoing AF catheter ablation.

Conclusions: The authors explained their analytic method based on

Conclusions: The authors explained their analytic method based on careful presurgical CT-scan measurements for decision-making between bur shaping and en bloc mobilization.”
“Objectives and Design: The aim of the study was to document the radiation doses to patients during the implantation of stents in various arteries and to discuss potential reasons Selumetinib cell line for prolongation of radiological procedures.

Materials

and Methods: Measurements of air kerma (Gy) and dose-area product (Gy cm(2)) (DAP) were carried out simultaneously on a sample of 345 patients, who underwent different interventional radiological procedures involving angioplasty with stenting of 73 carotid (21.5%), 22 renal (6.5%), 160 iliac (45%), 63 femoral (18.6%) and 27 popliteal (7.9%) arteries.

Results: The highest mean air kerma values for fluoroscopy and exposure Buparlisib order were found for renal angioplasty (340 and 420 mGy, respectively). With regard to total DAP values, the highest were obtained for renal (148 Gy cm(2)) and iliac/The Inter-Society Consensus for Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (TASC) II C (199 Gy cm(2)) stent implantation. The lowest values were for carotid (53 Gy cm(2)), iliac/TASC II A (6.3 Gy cm(2)) and femoral/TASC II A (53 Gy cm(2)) arteries. For 3.5% of the patients, the air kerma

was between 1 and 1.5 Gy and for 1.5%, it was between 1.5 and 2 Gy.

Conclusions: In procedures performed on the arteries of the lower limbs, a significantly higher dose was received by patients with TASC II C lesions. With regard to the number

of stents implanted, the total DAP value was 50% higher for simultaneous three-stent implantation than for one or two stents. (C) 2010 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 469476 Background: Multistep pathways and mechanisms are involved in the development of oral cancer. Chromosomal alterations are one of such key mechanisms implicated oral carcinogenesis. Therefore, this study aims to ML323 molecular weight determine the genomic copy number alterations (CNAs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and in addition attempt to correlate CNAs with modified gene expression. Materials and Methods: Genome-wide screening was performed on 15 OSCCs using high-density aCGH. On the basis of pathway analysis, three genes (ISG15, Nestin and WNT11) which mapped to CNA regions were selected for further evaluation of their mRNA expression using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: Copy number alterations were observed on multiple genomic regions, including amplifications on 1p, 3q, 5p, 6p, 7p, 8q, 9q, 11q, 12q, 16p, 18p and deletions on 3p, 7q, 8p, 11q, 19q and 20q. Among the three selected genes, ISG15 had the highest mRNA expression level with a 22.5-fold increase, followed by Nestin with a 4.5-fold increase and WNT11 with a 2.5-fold increase.

Am J Clin Nutr 2011;93:918-25 “
“Objective: : To examine lif

Am J Clin Nutr 2011;93:918-25.”
“Objective: : To examine lifetime and current prevalence rates of substance use disorders and the demographic and clinical correlates of current drug dependence in a sample of homeless women.

Methods: : A cross-sectional study of 196 homeless women in three Canadian cities was done.

Each subject was assessed using structured clinical interviews. A multivariate regression model was applied to determine predictors of substance use.

Results: : The mean age of the sample was 35.3 years, 54.4% identified as Aboriginal, 46.4% lived on the street Crack cocaine (58%) was the most common substance used, followed by alcohol (53%), cannabis (41%), and heroin (30%). Overall, 82.4% of the sample had at least one type of current substance use disorder, of which 70.5% had drug dependence and 37.8% www.selleckchem.com/products/Neratinib(HKI-272).html had alcohol dependence. 58.3% had concurrent substance use and mental health disorders. 76.7% of those individuals with current alcohol dependence had concurrent drug dependence. Only 24.6% of those who had recovered from alcohol dependence had no current substance use disorder. Multivariate analyses showed that younger age, living on the street, engaging in sex work, and

having ever attempted suicide were associated with current drug dependence.

Conclusion: : Prevalence rates for alcohol and especially drug dependence were exceptionally high in this sample. Innovative programs need to be developed https://www.selleckchem.com/products/BI-2536.html which are accessible and tailored to meet the needs of this specific population, accounting for high problem severity, polysubstance dependence, and high rates of psychiatric comorbidity. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Effects of VX-689 datasheet chemotherapeutics on glioma cell lines and spheroids are usually investigated without evaluating the effects of chemotherapeutics on normal brain tissue. To perform such investigations, the aim of this study was to establish a panel of markers for detection of general

cell death and more specific neuronal and glial degeneration induced by chemotherapeutics in organotypic rat corticostriatal slice cultures. The slice cultures were exposed to the alkylating agents temozolomide (TMZ) and nimustine (ACNU), the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate (IM) and the microtubule-destabilizing agent vincristine (VCR). Densitometric measurements of uptake of the fluorescent dye propidium iodide (PI) were used for quantifying cellular degeneration. Moreover, paraffin sections were hematoxylin eosine stained and immunostained for the neuronal marker microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), the astroglial marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and the oligodendroglial marker p25 alpha. The results showed that the supposed clinically relevant drug concentrations were non-toxic.

Eighty elderly patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists (A

Eighty elderly patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II, were randomly divided

into two groups Linsitinib in vitro to receive either propofol 0.15 ml/kg (n = 40), or ketofol (using a 1:1 single-syringe mixture of 5 mg/ml ketamine and 5 mg/ml propofol) (n = 40) before induction of anesthesia. Sixty seconds after induction, the PLMA was inserted. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure (systolic [S] BP) were recorded prior to the induction of anesthesia, immediately following induction, immediately after PLMA insertion, and 5 and 10 min after PLMA insertion. PLMA insertion conditions were scored according to mouth opening, swallowing, coughing, head and body motion, laryngospasm, and ease of PLMA insertion by the same experienced anesthesiologist, who did not know which agents were used.

There were no differences in PLMA insertion conditions between the groups. The number of patients in need of ephedrine (P = 0.043) and the total dose of ephedrine (P = 0.022) were significantly lower, and apnea duration (P < 0.001) was significantly higher in the ketofol group compared with the propofol group. SBP was significantly higher in the ketofol group than in the propofol group immediately

after PLMA insertion and 5 min after PLMA insertion.

The same PLMA insertion conditions selleck chemicals were found with ketofol and propofol. The number of patients in need of ephedrine and the total ephedrine dose were lower and apnea duration was increased in the ketofol group.”
“Objective: To study the sensitivity and specificity of targeted neonatal hearing screening for the single-session distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) technique and this website the combined DPOAE/automated

auditory brain-stem response (AABR) technique.

Methods: 3000 high-risk newborns were studied at Children’s Hospital of Fudan University. They were required to take two different screening procedures separately. The first procedure consisted of DPOAE alone and the second consisted of DPOAE combined with the AABR. Based upon the etiology in high-risk babies, they were divided into four groups. In group I there were 670 very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) newborns (1340 ears), and in group II there were 890 preterm babies (1780 ears). 850 babies (1700 ears) suffered from hyperbilirubinemia in group III, whereas 790 babies (1580 ears) with asphyxia were in group IV. The babies in groups II, Ill, and IV came from the neonatal intensive-care unit (NICU) of our hospital. The study protocols consisted of the DPOAE alone and DPOAE combined with AABR hearing screening at an age of less than 1 month, and a diagnostic stage at the age of 2 months.

Results: With single-session DPOAE screening, the referral rate (8% of the NICU babies), the false-positive rate (4.96%) and the false-negative rate (0.8%) were higher. The different etiologies in NICU babies had significantly different referral rates (F-test, p < 0.01).

In one case (rhabdomyo sarcoma), the mother was exposed to cytoto

In one case (rhabdomyo sarcoma), the mother was exposed to cytotoxic agents throughout the entire pregnancy. In this case, associated with severe congenital anomalies, the placenta showed striking nuclear pleomorphism of the extravillous

trophoblast of the chorion laeve, associated with FISH-demonstrated hyperpolyploidy. One patient was treated with the targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, find more imatinib, in 2 consecutive pregnancies; these placentas showed no specific anomalies. Our findings suggest that chemotherapy during the 1st trimester induces excessive polyploidization of the chorion laeve trophoblast, likely representing an adaptive response to intraamniotic toxins. Second and 3rd trimester exposure to cytotoxic agents may predispose to placental underdevelopment. However, without appropriate controls (untreated patients with equivalent malignancies), the specific effects of chemotherapy in this group are difficult to assess.”
“This study presents a novel approach to decant supernatant on a centrifugal platform. By manipulating the centrifugally induced pressure and the elastic deformation of the plastic lids in the decanting chamber, fixed amounts of the supernatant Linsitinib can be decanted into the detection chamber at lower rotational speeds. The experimental results showed that decanted volume is affected by the volume of deformation and the operating parameters.

Factors that influence the decanting ratio are also discussed. This approach has the advantages of simple design and low

manufacturing cost; further, it has no need of surface modification. It has been applied to on-disk separation of plasma from whole blood, and the results showed good stability and repeatability. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3571477]“
“Aims To characterize the effect of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) on urethral neuromuscular function. Methods Following IRB approval, women with Dinaciclib inhibitor refractory overactive bladder (OAB) underwent standardized urethral testing prior to and after Stage 1 SNM implantation. Periurethral sensation was measured using current perception thresholds (CPT). Striated urethral sphincter activity was quantified using concentric needle electromyography (CNE) and Multi-Motor Unit Action Potential (MUP) analysis software. Nonparametric analyses were used to characterize pre/post changes with intervention. Baseline CPT and CNE findings were compared between SNM responders and non-responders. Results Twenty-seven women were enrolled in this pilot study with a mean age of 61 +/- 13 years. Twenty of 26 women (76.9%) responded to SNM and went to Stage 2 permanent implantation. Four (14.8%) withdrew after Stage 1 implantation; three of the four withdrawals had not had therapeutic responses to SNM. CPT and CNE parameters did not significantly differ from baseline 2 weeks after SNM.

All of these parameters were compared between the Sano and MBT sh

All of these parameters were compared between the Sano and MBT shunt cohorts. A total of 14 specimens (7 Sano and 7 MBT shunt) were studied. Median age at transplant/death of Sano and MBT shunt cohorts was 11 (range 2-41) and 8 months (range 2-200), respectively. All Sano specimens had a scar at ventriculotomy site, and the mean

scar area was 6.2 +/- A 3.3 cm(2). Compared with remote RV free wall, myocardium bordering the scar showed increased fibrosis (34 +/- A 16 % vs. 28 +/- A 14 %, p = 0.04) and thinning (0.8 +/- A 0.9 vs. 5.3 +/- A 0.8 mm; p < 0.001), which did not regress with time. The Sano ventriculotomy site showed significantly decreased velocity, strain, and strain rate compared with the corresponding contralateral segment. No focal scarring or regional hypokinesia was seen in the MBT shunt check details cohort. This is the first study to demonstrate Akt inhibitor histopathological features of ventriculotomy-associated RV myocardial scarring and myocardial thinning. The scarred ventriculotomy site showed decreased segmental myocardial deformation after Norwood with Sano shunt.”
“SETTING: Eleven referring hospitals in South Korea.

OBJECTIVE: To classify the phenotypes in elderly subjects with obstructive lung disease (OLD).

METHODS: We analysed 191 subjects aged >= 60 years with chronic respiratory symptoms and either obstructive spirometry or bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Factor analysis was performed using commonly measured variables and revealed four significant variables: 1) the ratio of inspiratory capacity to total lung capacity, 2) the total score on the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, 3) the volume fraction of the lung less than 950 Hounsfield Unit at full inspiration on volumetric computed tomography and 4) post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) changes. We performed a cluster analysis on these four variables.

RESULTS:

The mean age was 68.5 (+/- 5.2 SD) years and the mean post-bronchodilator FEV(1) was 52.4% (+/- 16.5) predicted. Three clusters with the following phenotypes were identified: Cluster 1 included subjects with moderate to severe airflow obstruction and bronchodilator reversibility; Cluster 2 subjects had moderate airflow DAPT order obstruction without bronchodilator reversibility, and Cluster 3 subjects had severe airflow obstruction without bronchodilator reversibility.

CONCLUSIONS: We identified three phenotypes in elderly subjects with OLD. Follow-up studies are needed to explore the clinical significance of each phenotype.”
“The objective of this study was to measure intima-media thickness (IMT) of the abdominal aortic (aIMT) and common carotid (cIMT) arteries in normal term newborns. We measured aIMT and cIMT using high-resolution ultrasonography in 100 normal term newborns during the first 4 days of life. Mean abdominal aIMT and cIMT values of term newborns were 0.51 +/- A 0.041 mm (n = 100) and 0.37 +/- A 0.054 mm (n = 100), respectively.

The genotype was observed to be a good predictor of the clinical

The genotype was observed to be a good predictor of the clinical course of the patients and significant correlations were found between phenylalanine values at first interview and predicted residual activity, genotype and arbitrary value sum.”
“Study Design. Tibial H-reflex and epidural recordings of the spinal nerve root potentials (SRP) of the S1 root were performed intermittently during microsurgical posterior discectomy.

Objective.

To obtain reversible conduction dysfunction of dynamically retracted spinal nerve root S1 in an on-line manner to control the surgical manipulation and prevent iatrogenic root injury.

Summary of Background Data. Excessive force and duration of

nerve root retraction during posterior lumbar discectomy may result in additional nerve root injury and battered root syndrome.

Methods. The S1 root was exposed by fenestration and the epidural selleck chemical electrodes were placed along the root above and below the see more compression site in 12 patients. H wave and SRP changes were recorded intermittently during discectomy and related to different manipulative phases of surgery. The desynchronisation index of SRP was computed off-line as a ratio between a/b, where a represents the positive deflection of the signal from the zero line and b represents peak-to-peak amplitude.

Results. Selleckchem ABT737 The reflex muscle evoked potential from the soleus muscle (H wave), SRP1 (ascendant) and SRP2 (descendant volley) paralleled the surgical manipulation. The amplitude of the H wave significantly decreased and the desychronisation index of SRP1 (later evaluated in 8/12 patients) significantly increased after mobilization of the root with a dissector

and in the late phase of intervertebral disc evacuation (P < 0.001), indicating conduction dysfunction related to surgical manipulation of the root.

Conclusion. A good surgical outcome as shown by preserved Achilles tendon and H reflexes was related to the immediate return of H wave and SRP on stopping the harmful manipulation, and preservation of the H wave and SRP at the end of surgery.

SRP monitoring brings up additional information concerning initial root injury and cumulative manipulative effects. The technique of dynamic nerve root retraction in posterior lumbar discectomy can therefore be made safer.”
“A 52-year-old man had laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for treatment of a post-keratoplasty refractive error. At the 6-week postoperative visit, haziness was noted in the donor cornea and Snellen visual acuity had decreased to 20/400. Goldmann applanation tonometry revealed an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 2 mm Hg at the center of the cornea but an elevated IOP at the periphery.

389 +/- A 0 482 mu M in the nonaccelerated group (P = 0 009) The

389 +/- A 0.482 mu M in the nonaccelerated group (P = 0.009). The addition of 50 mu M dantrolene attenuated by 15.4% the increase in [Ca2+](i) caused Small molecule library in vivo by the 0.5 mu M nifedipine.

Ca2+ channel blockers led to increased [Ca2+](i) in human skeletal muscle cells.

The increase is thus scarcely affected by dantrolene treatment. Data provide a greater physiologic basis for avoiding the use of Ca2+ channel blockers during MH crisis.”
“Concentration and temperature dependences of the redox potentials of neutral and alkaline solutions of glucose, mannose, galactose, galacturonic acid, and xylose were measured. Axial orientation of the secondary hydroxy groups in epimeric hexopyranoses, oxidation of C-6 to carboxy group, and the lack of primary hydroxy group in going to aldopentopyranose favor increasing (in the order of listing) destabilization of their cyclic structure, formation of the oxo form, and thermally activated retro-aldol reaction of the latter in alkaline medium. This leads to enhancement of their reducing power and chemical reactivity toward 5,5′,7,7′-tetrabromoindigo.”
“Objective: Establish LDN-193189 mw normative histopathologic data on the dimensions of the cochlear nerve canal (CNC). Background: Evidence suggests that when the CNC is stenotic, the cochlear nerve may be hypoplastic. There is clear agreement in the literature that an internal

auditory canal less than 2 mm in diameter is a relative contraindication to cochlear implantation in children. However, there has only been recent recognition in research that a narrowed CNC may lead to diminished ability to interpolate and use auditory information delivered through a cochlear implant. However, there is no consensus in the literature on the normal diameter of the CNC and what parameters should be used to determine stenosis. In addition, no normative histopathologic data is available for CNCs.

Methods: This study evaluated

histopathologic axial sections from normal human temporal bones to measure the cochlear nerve canal in 110 individuals, aged 0-100 years. The maximum CNC diameter in each normal patient was identified and measured.

Results: The mean CNC diameter was 2.26 mm with a standard deviation of 0.25 mm. There were no Barasertib supplier differences in the CNC diameters between males and females or with increasing age.

Conclusion: These measurements should provide a normative reference for comparison in histopathologic and radiographic assessment of any patient with suspected cochlear nerve canal stenosis. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Recent studies have documented declined global cognitive function and abnormal task-related brain activation in chronic cigarette smokers. However, the effects of long-term heavy smoking on task-independent baseline brain activity are still unknown.

6 and 19 3 at 3 and 6 months, respectively Significant improveme

6 and 19.3 at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Significant improvement (p <0.0001) was seen in all HRQoL subscale scores. The proportion of responders who met the minimally important difference GSK923295 ic50 (change in the score of 10 or more units between baseline and 6 months) was 64% for the symptom bother score and 34-60% for the total HRQoL and subscale scores. Conclusions. OAB patients beginning treatment with tolterodine ER reported clinically significant improvement in OAB symptoms and self-perceived HRQoL over the 6 months

of this observational study. The rate of discontinuation from treatment was 49%.”
“Rosai Dorfman disease (RD), also known as sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (SHML), is a benign histiocytic proliferative condition of unsubstantiated etiology that most often presents as bilateral painless cervical lymphadenopathy. Head and neck manifestations of RD are diverse but most commonly

present as massive cervical lymphadenopathy. Interestingly, a retropharyngeal fluid collection has never been described as a sequelae of RD. Our objective is to present a novel case of a 9-year old female with RD that suffered from recurrent retropharyngeal phlegmon and to discuss diagnostic and treatment recommendations for this disease process. (C) 2013 Elsevier selleck chemicals Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Controlling the Alisertib concentration of dissolved oxygen is a standard feature in aerobic fermentation processes

but the measurement of dissolved CO2 concentrations is often neglected in spite of its influence on the cellular metabolism. In this work room air and room air supplemented with 5 and 10% carbon dioxide were used for aeration during the cultivation of the thermophilic microorganism Bacillus caldolyticus (DSM 405) on starch to produce alpha-amylase (E.C. 3.2.1.1) and neutral protease (E.C. 3.4.24.27/28). The increased CO2 concentrations resulted in a 22% raise in activity of secreted alpha-amylase and a 43% raise in protease activity when compared with aeration with un-supplemented room air. There was no effect on the final biomass concentration. Furthermore, the lag-phase of fermentation was reduced by 30%, further increasing the productivity of alpha-amylase production. Determinations of dissolved CO2 in the culture broth were conducted both in situ with a probe as well as using exhaust gas analysis and both the methods of quantification showed good qualitative congruence.”
“Objective. Vasectomy is a simple, reliable and effective form of permanent contraception. Clearance after vasectomy has been the subject of much debate among urologists. Poor compliance with postvasectomy semen analysis is well recognized, with rates as low as 36%. This can leave the partner at risk of an unplanned pregnancy and, consequently, the surgeon at risk of litigation.

Effector and regulatory T cells control the development of

Effector and regulatory T cells control the development of

atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the arterial blood vessels. The aim of this selleck kinase inhibitor study was to examine whether PIO ameliorates atherosclerosis by altering the balance of effector and regulatory T cells.

Methods and results: To explore the effect of PIO on early and advanced atherosclerosis, apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE-/-) mice were fed western diet and received PIO (20 mg/kg/day) by gastric gavage at 6 or 14 weeks of age, respectively for 8 weeks. Data showed PIO markedly inhibited early fatty streak formation. Further, although the advanced fibrofatty plaque sizes were not significantly reduced, the numbers of smooth muscle cells within lesions were increased and higher collagen concentrations were produced. In general, macrophage expression in lesions was decreased. Additionally, the expression of Foxp3(+) cells

was increased in lesions and spleens in mice at all PIO treatment stages, whereas the CD4(+)IFN-gamma(+)/CD4(+)IL-4(+) cell ratios were reduced.

Conclusion: PIO inhibited early atherosclerotic lesion formation and increased the stability of learn more advanced atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE-/- mice, which was associated with altering the balance of effector and regulatory T cells. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.”
“Objectives. A primary goal of pain management for muscle-related pain is to reduce masticatory muscle activity. This study aimed to investigate masticatory muscle group

activity and heart rate variability change when the tongue was placed on the palate or the floor of the mouth in a healthy pain-free sample.

Study design. Copanlisib solubility dmso Participants were 23 females and 18 males with a mean age of 19.6 years (standard deviation = 1.5). Muscle activity was measured using surface electromyography and heart period were measured using electrocardiography. The experimental protocol consisted of 3 periods: baseline, tongue placement on the floor of mouth, and tongue placement on palate.

Results. Results indicated significantly more activity in the temporalis and suprahyoid muscle regions as well as a significant reduction in heart rate variability when the tongue was positioned on the palate compared with tongue position on the floor of the mouth.

Conclusions. Instructions to place the tongue on the roof of the mouth are not instructions that will promote reduced physiological functioning (i.e., relaxation) but rather promote small, but potentially important increases in overall activity as indexed by muscle tone and cardiac function. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 108: 881-888)”
“Study Design. In vitro compressive load-displacement experiments on intact rat lumbar vertebrae and on the same vertebrae after part of their trabecular bone was removed.

Objective. To determine the contribution of the trabecular bone component to the stiffness and strength of rat lumbar vertebrae.