Achilles tendon problems are commonly encountered in sports medicine and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is widely used in rehabilitative applications to decrease pain, reduce inflammatory processes, and promote tissue healing. This study examined the effects on the proliferation of porcine Achilles tendon fibroblasts and gene expression, using different doses of low-level laser irradiation (LLLI). Four groups of identically cultured fibroblasts were exposed to LLLI and harvested after 24 h. The control group (Group 1) was subjected to no LLLI. Other groups received 1 J/cm 2 (Group 2), 2 J/cm 2 (Group 3), and 3 J/cm 2 (Group 4), respectively. Cell proliferation and mRNA expressions of type I collagen and decorin were then measured. When compared to the control group, the cell proliferation of irradiated Achilles tendon fibroblasts in the other three groups increased significantly by 13% AE 0.8% (Group 2), 30% AE 0.4% (Group 3), and 12% AE 0.6% (Group 4) respectively. But progressively higher laser intensity did not achieve a correspondingly higher cell proliferation effect in Achilles tendon fibroblasts. The mRNA expressions of decorin and type I collagen in fibroblasts with LLLI were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Therefore, suitable dosages of LLLI may result in more effective tissue healing by promoting type I collagen and decorin synthesis. However, these positive effects of LLLI on the repair of the Achilles tendon in humans should be further investigated in clinic. ß

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and exercise capacity of cycle ergometry exercise testing and exercise performance in patients with post-acute stroke. Nineteen male patients (mean age, 62.7 +/- 9.2 years) with a post stroke interval of 9.9 +/- 2.0 days underwent symptom- limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Peak exercise capacity was measured by open-circuit spirometry during standard upright ergometer cycling. The mean peak oxygen uptake was 11.8 mL/kg/min, peak heart rate with age-predicted maximal heart rate was 67.9 +/- 3.4%, and peak oxygen pulse was 7.5 mL/beat. The anaerobic threshold was achieved with a mean peak oxygen uptake of 73.4%. Mean peak minute ventilation was 42.1 L/min, and ventilatory reserve was 48.1 +/- 16.8%. Our findings confirm that cycle ergometry exercise testing is feasible and exercise capacity is compromised in post-acute stroke survivors within 2 weeks after stroke. Respiratory impairments do not appear to contribute to the reduced exercise capacity post stroke.

There have been isolated reports in the literature of the natural history and less than complete knowledge of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of syringomyelia. This article describes a clinically acute-onset abnormal patient with localized dilatation of the central canal of the spinal cord who had no evidence of present or prior Chiari's malformation, trauma, infection, tumor, or other predisposing pathologic condition. It is suggested that this distinct condition be labeled "acute idiopathic syringomyelia".