[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in function and balance after Kinesio Taping application in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group and control group. The experimental group was applied taping before therapeutic exercise, and the control group received only therapeutic exercise. Functional gait was measured using the straight line walking test, and dynamic balance ability was measured using the Berg Balance Scale. Walking velocity was measured with the 10 m walking test. [Results] There were statistically significant differences between the results of the straight line walking and 10 m walking tests in the pre-post analysis for the experimental group. There were a statistically significant difference in the Berg Balance Scale and 10 m walking test between the two groups. [Conclusion] Application of taping to the paralyzed parts of a stroke patient has a positive effect on improvement of typical asymmetric gait and walking speed.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of taping on the articular angle of the knee joint and on the functioning of patients with hemiplegia resulting from stroke. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were 30 patients who were diagnosed with hemiplegia due to stroke. The subjects were randomly assigned to either an experimental group which received proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation combination patterns and kinesio taping were applied, or a control group which received neurodevelopmental treatment. [Methods] Joint angle was measured at the hip and the ankle for both the paretic and non-paretic sides using a goniometer. Dynamic balance ability was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale. Gait velocity was measured as the 10-m walking time using a stopwatch. [Results] Comparative analysis of the experimental group's pre-test and post-test results showed statistically significant differences in the BBS and 10-m walking test. There were significant differences between the groups in ankle dorsiflexion, BBS, and 10-m walking times. [Conclusion] We judge the application of taping on the knee joint prior to rehabilitation treatment for patients in accordance with nervous system damage positively influences their functional improvement.

To investigate the molecular scavenging capabilities of the larvae of Hermetia illucens, two serine proteases (SPs) were cloned and characterized. Multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic tree analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences of Hi-SP1 and Hi-SP2 were suggested that Hi-SP1 may be a chymotrypsin-and Hi-SP2 may be a trypsin-like protease. Hi-SP1 and Hi-SP2 3-D homology models revealed that a catalytic triad, three disulfide bonds, and a substrate-binding pocket were highly conserved, as would be expected of a SP. E. coli expressed Hi-SP1 and Hi-SP2 showed chymotrypsin or trypsin activities, respectively. Hi-SP2 mRNAs were consistently expressed during larval development. In contrast, the expression of Hi-SP1 mRNA fluctuated between feeding and molting stages and disappeared at the pupal stages. These expression pattern differences suggest that Hi-SP1 may be a larval specific chymotrypsin-like protease involved with food digestion, while Hi-SP2 may be a trypsin-like protease with diverse functions at different stages. [BMB reports 2011; 44(6): 387-392]

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in function and mental state after thoracic mobilization and manipulation in patients with chronic lower back pain (LBP). [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-six subjects were randomly divided into mobilization group (group A), manipulation group (group B) and control group (group C). The Oswestry disability index (ODI) was used to measure the functional impairment of patients with LBP. A multiple spinal diagnosis was used to measure the range of motion (ROM) of vertebra segments. The Fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) was used to investigate the mental state of LBP patients. [Results] Group A and group B were significantly different from group C in terms of the ODI. Between groups, there was no difference in ROM during trunk flexion. Group A and group B were also significantly different from the control group in extension ROM. The FABQ of group B was significantly different from that of group A. [Conclusion] Application of mobilization or manipulation to thoracic lumbar vertebrae has a positive effect on function, mental state, and ROM in patients with lower back pain.

Midazolam given at induction of anaesthesia or at the end of the surgery, combined with ramosetron, was more effective than ramosetron alone in reducing the incidence of PONV.