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Xanthan gum (XG) and locust bean gum (LBG) are nontoxic polysaccharides that produce culture substrates. The present study examined the effect of XG-LBG gel on in vitro bovine oocyte growth and gene expression in granulosa cells. Oocytes and granulosa cell complexes (OGCs) were cultured in vitro on plastic culture plate (Plate) or XG-LBG gel for 16 days. OGCs formed a dome-like cavity surrounding the oocytes on plate but formed a spherical follicle structure on XG-LBG gel. The total granulosa cell numbers of the OGCs and their survival rate was greater for OGCs cultured on XG-LBG gel than for those cultured on plate. Oocytes grown on XG-LBG gels had higher lipid and mitochondrial content, as well as a larger diameter, than their plate counterparts. When oocytes grown in vitro were subjected to in vitro maturation and fertilization, the normal fertilization rate was significantly higher for oocytes developed on XG-LBG gel than that of oocytes cultured on the plate counterpart. RNAseq of the granulosa cells revealed that genes associated with focal adhesion, phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase-Akt and Hippo signaling, and regulation of actin cytoskeleton were upregulated in granulosa cells of OGCs cultured on XG-LBG gel compared with those cultured on plate.

Background: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis is a potentially fatal polymicrobial infection that often leads to dysphagia after treatment. Such dysphagia is likely the result of fibrosis and scarring from inflammatory changes in the fascial space. A case is presented in which the mechanism of dysphagia was verified using two-dimensional analysis of the muscle lengths of the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles. Case: A 57-year-old woman presented with a hyoid and laryngeal movement disorder with pharyngeal residue secondary to descending necrotizing mediastinitis. To treat this disorder, the chin-down maneuver was performed, and it immediately improved hyoid and laryngeal elevation and reduced pharyngeal residue at the epiglottic valleculae and pyriform sinus. Analysis of the mechanism of these improvements revealed that combined head and neck flexion, compared with neck flexion, decreased the distance between the origin and insertion (DOI) of the sternohyoid muscle (SM) and increased the muscle contraction rate and the maximum contraction duration of the geniohyoid muscle (GM) during swallowing. Discussion: In the present case, the patient had restrictions in extension of the SM that applied resistance to GM contraction. Compensation of this condition was achieved by combined head and neck flexion, which decreased the DOI of the SM, thereby improving the contractile function of the GM.

Mirror feedback rehabilitation is effective in preventing the development of oro-ocular synkinesis following severe facial palsy. However, we do not have effective maneuvers to prevent the deterioration of oculo-oral synkinesis. We developed a new method of biofeedback rehabilitation using tape for the prevention of oculo-oral synkinesis.The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of taping feedback rehabilitation.Twelve consecutive patients with peripheral facial nerve palsy who developed synkinesis were divided into 2 groups. Six patients were treated with the new training method, and the remaining 6 patients were treated with conventional therapy as controls. In the experiment group, tape was placed around the mouth, and the patient was instructed to close the eyes so that no movements of the mouth would be perceived from sensations of the taped skin. After 4 weeks of training, facial movements were recorded and movie images were graded for mouth synkinesis using the revised Sunnybrook facial grading system by examiners blinded to patient grouping.Mouth corner contraction during eye closure was significantly weaker in the experimental group than in the control group.Our new feedback method could help prevent the deterioration of oculo-oral synkinesis.

To verify the feasibility and effectiveness of a newly developed modified jaw opening exercise (MJOE) in post-stroke patients with pharyngeal residue who completed a sixweek exercise regimen.Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.16 patients with stroke-related dysphagia.Participants were allocated to an intervention group (MJOE: one set of five repetitions at 80% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) for 6 seconds) or a control group (isometric jaw closing exercise: one set of five repetitions at 20% MVC for 6 seconds). Each group performed four sets a day, five times a week, for a total of six weeks.A videofluorographic swallowing study was performed before and after exercise. The distance between the mental spine and the hyoid bone (DMH) and hyoid displacement (HD) were measured.Twelve participants completed the study. No pain in the temporomandibular joint and/or anterior region of the neck occurred during the exercise period. In the intervention group (N=6), a decrease in DMH where anterior HD ended and an increase in anterior HD were seen. In the control group (N=6), no changes were seen.MJOE is feasible without any adverse events in poststroke patients, and it promotes anterior HD during swallowing.

Populations of the coconut crab, Birgus latro, have been severely depleted on most inhabited islands throughout the Indo-Pacific because of over-harvesting and environmental degradation. Coconut crabs emigrate from the sea as megalopae carrying gastropod shells. Better knowledge of emigration behaviour can assist in conservation of coconut crab populations through understanding and protecting the habitats indispensable for completing their life cycle. We examined the behaviour of coconut crabs during sea-to-land transition by culturing megalopae and juveniles in containers that hold sea-water and hard substrate simulating an intertidal microhabitat in nature. The test environmental factors were availability of gastropod shells and substrata (small and coarse coral sands) including shelters on land, and humidity (relative humidity, 76% and 98%). Megalopae matured their nature for acquiring shells and emigration from the sea in around 10 days. Humidity and shell availability affected animal behaviour. Low humidity decreased the proportion of animals on land, and burrowing behaviour was stimulated in low humidity and shell-less conditions. Animals in low humidity had a low survival rate. Shelters and shells stimulated the proportion of animals on land at low humidity, and animals concentrated under the shelters on land. Shells, burrows and shelters should act to protect animals from desiccation by keeping microclimates around animals on high humidity. Thus, coconut crab megalopae and juveniles preferred a humid environment, and high-humidity conditions stimulated emigration from the sea. Our findings highlight the importance of a humid environment around the seashore in sustaining the recruits for coconut crab populations.