Abstract.[Purpose]The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of upper thoracic joint mobilization on the dynamic stability of patients with chronic neck pain.[Subjects]The subjects of this study were 37 patients diagnosed with chronic neck pain. They were divided into a group for joint mobilization after conservative physical therapy (JCPTG, n=19) and a self-stretching group after conservative physical therapy (SCPTG, n=18).[Methods] To see changes in dynamic stability, we analyzed and compared images using a picture archiving and communication system (PACS). [Results] Over the course of the treatment period, decreases in pendular movements (PM) and translational movements (TM) appeared between the JCPTG and SCPTG. Between the JCPTG and SCPTG, there were no significant differences in PM during flexion and extension and in TM during flexion before the treatment, although there were statistically significant differences at four weeks and eight weeks. There was no significant difference in TM of extension in any case. [Conclusion]We consider that upper thoracic joint mobilization is an effective intervention for the dynamic stability of patients with chronic neck pain.

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of cervical stabilizing exercises in the standing position and the supine position on the strength and endurance of deep neck muscles (DNM).[Subjects] Twenty subjects performed cervical stabilizing exercises in the standing position (standing group) and 20 subjects performed cervical stabilizing exercises in the supine position (supine group).[Methods] The subjects did cervical stabilizing exercises in the standing or the supine position three times a week for a total of six weeks. Before and after the experiment, strength and endurance were measured.[Results] Both the standing group and the supine group showed increased strength and endurance after the intervention. However, there was no significant difference in the strength and endurance of the two groups before or after the intervention, or in the pre-post intervention differences.[Conclusion] For cervical strength and endurance improvement, treatment is generally given in the supine position. However, the exercise in the standing position was also effective. Therefore, if there are spatial or equipment limitations, the exercise in the standing position should be taught as an exercise method for the home or office.

Aims: Depression is one of the most common inflammatory and mental disorders. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) plays a crucial role in the pathology of mental disorders as well as inflammatory diseases. Methods: Here we determined the role of STAT6 in the pathogenesis of depression using STAT6-deficient mice in a forced swimming test. Results: The immobility time was significantly decreased in STAT6-deficient mice compared to wild-type mice without alteration of locomotor activity. STAT6-deficient mice exhibited a significantly enhancing dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) in brain. In addition, the expression of serotonin transporter in the hippocampus was markedly downregulated in STAT6-deficient mice. These results provide the first evidence that STAT6 affects depressive-like behavior through downregulating monoamines, including dopamine and 5-HT in the hippocampus of brain. Conclusions: In conclusion, identification of STAT6 signaling pathways on depression might open new perspectives for antidepressant therapies.

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to conduct a passive intervention program and an active intervention program for healthy subjects for six weeks, and analyze and compare their effects on the neck's muscular strength and endurance and the joint range of motion (ROM).

Medicine has a past, a present, and will have a future; the same can be said for many diseases. Even with the surprising development of modern medicine, traditional medicine, especially eastern Asian traditional medicines still exist and are widely used in those regions. But modern medicine and western pacific traditional medicines have different theories and applications for the same disease. In this review, traditional medical theory, used together with modern medicine, can be combined to shed light on the area of neuronal death.