Background: Forward head posture (FHP) is common postural malalignment. FHP is described relatively extension to upper cervical and lower cervical is relatively flexion. Although several researchers mentioned the lower cervical flexion posture in FHP, most of the studies related to FHP is focused on the deep cervical flexor function. Objects: The purposes of present study is to compare the cervical strength (upper cervical extension [UCE], lower cervical extension [LCE], upper cervical flexion [UCF], lower cervical flexion [LCF]) between individuals with and without FHP. Methods: Fifty-one participants are recruited. Participants who have the craniovertebral angle (CVA) less than 48 degree were classified to the FHP group (n = 24) and the others were included in without FHP group (n = 27). The cervical strength (UCE, LCE, UCF, LCF) were measured using Smart KEMA strength sensor and the strength data was normalized by body weight. All strength measurement conducted at head and neck neutral position in sitting. Independent t-test was used to compare the cervical strength between individuals with and without FHP. Results: The mean value of CVA was greater in without FHP group than with FHP group (p < 0.000). The strength value of UCF (p < 0.002) and LCE (p < 0.001) was significant less in FHP group than without FHP group. But no significant differences were seen in the LCF and UCE strength between two groups. Conclusion: UCF and LCE weakness in FHP group should be considered to evaluate and manage the individuals with FHP.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of different hand positions on scapulothorcic muscle activities during push-up plus exercises. Fourteen healthy males performed push-up plus exercises under three conditions (neutral, internally rotated, and externally rotated hand positions), during which the activities of the serratus anterior, pectoralis major, and upper trapezius muscles were recorded using surface electromyography. The statistical significance at three different hand positions was tested by repeated one-way ANOVA. The mean activities of the serratus anterior increased and the mean activities of the pectoralis major decreased in the order of neutral hand position, internally rotated hand position, and externally rotated hand position. There was a significant difference during push-up plus between neutral and externally rotated hand positions as well as in the serratus anterior/pectoralis major activity ratio (p<.0.5). However, no significant differences were found in the activity of the upper trapezius muscle or the serratus anterior/upper trapezius activity ratio. We suggest that the push-up plus exercise performed in the externally rotated hand position could a beneficial strategy for selective strengthening of the serratus anterior muscle, while minimizing the activity of the pectoralis major muscle.

Cyclosporin A (CsA) has been used clinically as an immunosuppressive drug to prevent organ transplant rejection and in basic research as a mitochondrial permeability blocker. It has been reported that CsA has a protective role in severed neurons and a neurotrophic effect in neuronal cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the stimulation of neuronal cell proliferation by CsA have not yet been elucidated. In our current study, we investigated CsA responsive proteins in PC12 cells using a systematic proteomic approach. The viability of these cells following CsA treatment increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Proteins in the CsA-treated PC12 cells were profiled by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of flight (MALDI-TOF) and electrospray ionization quadupole time-of-flight mass spectrometries (EIQ-TOFMS). This differential expression analysis showed significant changes for 10 proteins (6 up-regulated and 4 down-regulated) upon CsA treatment that were related to cell proliferation, metabolism and the stress response. These proteomics data further our understanding of the proliferation mechanisms of PC12 cells exposed to CsA and demonstrate that our methodology has potential to further elucidate the mechanisms and pathways involved.

Fermented halla gold kiwifruit (FHK) was prepared with Lactobacillus plantarum CK10, a bacterium derived from kimchi. We investigated the quality characteristics and antioxidative activity of madeleine added with FHK. The madeleine dough was prepared by mixing flour, sugar, baking powder, and then followed by adding salt, rum, different amount of the FHK (0, 1, and 3%) and butter. The total titratable acidity of madeleine increased significantly with the amounts of added FHK (p<0.05), while the pH value and total soluble solids showed the reverse trend. The color of madeleine became substantially redder with increasing amounts of FHK (p<0.05), and it appeared darker and less yellow at the same time. The total polyphenol contents of madeleines increased significantly with increasing amounts of FHK (p<0.05), but there was little difference in the total flavonoid content. When the antioxidant activities were measured in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)- and 2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid-diammonium salt (ABTS)- radical scavenging, both measured activities of madeleines increased dramatically with added FHK in a dose-dependent manner. Our results suggested that the acidity, color, polyphenol content, and antioxidant activities of madeleines can be improved by adding the fermented gold kiwifruit.

Mosquitoes are carriers of malaria and encephalitis. This study performed for eco-friendly control of mosquitos by using genus Acorus. Several solvents were used for the extraction of genus Acorus; water, ethanol, and methanol. Grinded leaves and roots were also included. Acorus extracts killed mosquito larvae and the ethanol extract showed the best result. Autoclaved Acorus water needed long time to kill mosquito larvae. LT50 of 1 % Acorus calamus decoction was 13.6 hrs and 1 % autoclaved Acorus water was 53.6 hrs. LT50 of 0.05% Acorus calamus rhizome powder was 28.5 hrs. LT50 of 0.5% Acorus calamus leaf powder was 10.8 hrs. LT50 of 0.1 % Acorus calamus decoction was 63.4 hrs and 0.1 % Acorus calamus ethanol extracts was 48.6 hrs and 0.1% Acorus calamus methanol extracts was 53.9 hrs. LT50 of 0.4% Acorus gramineus decoction was 45.5 hrs, 0.4% ethanol extracts was 10.9 hrs, 0.4% methanol extracts was 10.2 hrs. LT50 of ethanol extracts was shorter than other extracts. Acorus calamus rhizome powder could be used for the eco-friendly control of the mosquito larvae.