The use of 50 mg mirabegron once daily has the potential to reduce ureteric stent-related discomfort. Prospective larger-scale, placebo-controlled studies are warranted to further evaluate the beneficial effects of mirabegron on stent-related symptoms.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of strength and stretching exercises on upper crossed syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] After measuring cervical alignment using the Global Posture System, 30 students with forward head posture were selected and divided into two groups. The experimental group (n=15) participated in strength and stretching exercises, three times per week for 4 weeks. The control group (n=15) did not participate in the exercises. The exercise program comprised middle and lower trapezius strength exercises and levator scapulae and upper trapezius stretching exercises. The temperature of the posterior neck was then measured using digital infrared thermographic imaging. [Results] There was a significant difference between the pretest and posttest results in the experimental group, and a significant difference in posterior neck temperature between the two groups. [Conclusion] This study showed that middle and lower trapezius strength exercises and levator scapulae and upper trapezius stretching exercises are more effective for upper crossed syndrome.

No abstract

A polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbon, 2,3,7,, is one of the most potent toxic environmental pollutants. Decreases in spermatogenesis and the ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term are the most sensitive signs of reproductive toxicity by TCDD in the mammal, but no report of its effect on the erectile function exists. We performed this study to investigate the effect of TCDD on the erectile function. New Zealand white rabbits were treated intraperitoneally with 1 lg/kg of TCDD. At 4 (Gr I) and 8 (Gr II) weeks after the administration of TCDD, cavernosal tissues were harvested for strip study in the organ bath and testes were prepared for histologic examination. Compared to the maximal amplitude of 17.1 7 4.12 mN in normal control (Gr III), the contractions to cumulative concentrations of NE (10 À8-10 À4 M) were significantly decreased to 6.57 7 1.34 and 5.45 7 1.01 mN in Groups I and II, respectively. Compared to 51.12 7 7.38% in Gr III, relaxation to cumulative concentration (10 À8-10 À4 M) of acetylcholine was significantly decreased to 17.25 7 2.17% (Gr I) and 9.73 7 2.17% (Gr II) at a concentration of 10 À4 M, respectively. Compared to 75.12 7 13.18% in Gr III, relaxation to cumulative concentration (10 À8-10 À4 M) of SNP was significantly decreased to 31.49 7 7.89% (Gr I) and 18.54 7 6.12% (Gr II) at a concentration of 10 À4 M, respectively. Histologically, intracavernosal fibrosis, abnormal subtunical deposition of fat and decreased sinusoidal space with consequent increase of trabecular smooth muscle contents were identified in TCDD-treated groups. In TCDD-treated animals, seminiferous tubules showed a decrease of germ cells with vacuolar degeneration and apoptotic cells. Spermatids were hardly seen. These results suggest that TCDD inhibits spermatogenesis and has a potential harmful effect on erectile function via changes of corpus cavernosum histology and smooth muscle physiology.

No abstract