It has been known that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated from the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). Majima et al. proved that mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) caused apoptosis for the first time in 1998 (Majima et al. J Biol Chem, 1998). It is speculated that mtROS can move out of the mitochondria and initiate cellular signals in the nucleus. This paper aims to prove this phenomenon by assessing the change in the amount of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) by MnSOD transfection. Two cell lines of the same genetic background, of which generation of mtROS are different, i.e., the mtROS are more produced in RGK1, than in that of RGM1, were compared to analyze the cellular signals. The results of immunocytochemistry staining showed increase of Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1 and 2, MnSOD, GCL, GST, NQO1, GATA1, GATA3, GATA4, and GATA5 in RGK1 compared to those in RGM1. Transfection of human MnSOD in RGK1 cells showed a decrease of those signal proteins, suggesting mtROS play a role in cellular signals in nucleus.

Purposes: Cartilage thickness could be a significant biomarker for the early identification of knee osteoarthritis. However, reference data on cartilage thickness across various age groups are still lacking. Consequently, this study aims to establish reference values for cartilage thickness while examining differences related to sex and age groups. Methods: The study included 232 participants. Bilateral measurements of knee articular cartilage thickness were conducted using ultrasound (US) at three anatomical sites: the lateral femoral condyle, medial femoral condyle and intercondylar area. Three readings were taken per site by an experienced radiologist with expertise in musculoskeletal US. The mean cartilage thickness was calculated, and comparisons were performed between sexes using independent samples t ‐tests and across various age groups (young, middle‐aged, older adults and retirement age) using one‐way analysis of variance. Results: Male participants demonstrated significantly higher cartilage thickness than females across all examined locations, except the middle area of the right knee. Notable differences among age groups were seen in the right lateral ( p = 0.002) and medial ( p = 0.019) compartments, along with the left medial compartment ( p = 0.008). Analysis of the male subgroups indicated that those in the retirement age category exhibited greater cartilage thickness in the right lateral and medial compartments, as well as the left medial compartment, compared to other age groups. Conclusion: Males showed greater cartilage thickness than females across most knee areas. Additionally, age‐related variations in cartilage thickness were primarily observed in males, particularly in those of retirement age, while no significant age‐related differences were detected in females. These results underscore the importance of considering sex and age when evaluating knee cartilage health using US. Level of Evidence: Level III.

Background: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is associated with altered neuromuscular control of the lumbopelvic–hip complex (LPHC). However, the functional behavior of the transversus abdominis (TrA) and gluteus medius (GM) during upright postural tasks, with and without the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM), remains unclear. This study aimed to compare TrA and GM activation between individuals with NSLBP and asymptomatic controls during standing and single-leg stance using rehabilitation ultrasound imaging (RUSI). Methods: Thirty-two participants (16 with NSLBP and 16 asymptomatic controls) underwent RUSI assessment under four task conditions: standing and single-leg stance, with and without ADIM. Muscle function was quantified using thickness change derived from ultrasound measurements. A two-way mixed-model analysis of variance with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc comparisons was performed. Results: Significant group × condition interactions were identified for TrA activation (p < 0.05). Individuals with NSLBP demonstrated reduced TrA activation during standing with ADIM and reduced GM activation during single-leg stance compared with asymptomatic controls. The effect sizes were moderate to large for TrA activation and small to moderate for GM activation. Conclusions: These findings suggest task-specific differences in neuromuscular activation patterns in individuals with NSLBP. Ultrasound-derived thickness change measures obtained during functional, weight-bearing tasks may provide clinically relevant information to support motor control rehabilitation strategies.

This study aimed to determine the annual effective dose resulting from radon and thoron progeny inhalation. The levels of radon, thoron, and progeny were assessed in residences situated in the Doi Lo region of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Indoor radon and thoron concentrations were detected using passive discriminative detectors. Using a progeny deposition rate detector, this study evaluates radon and thoron progeny [equilibrium-equivalent radon concentration (EERC) for radon and equilibrium-equivalent thoron concentration (EETC) for thoron]. Data were collected from 44 dwellings between March and May 2020. The results found that indoor radon concentrations ranged from 17 to 118 Bq m⁻³, while thoron concentrations ranged from 12 to 72 Bq m⁻³. The radon progeny (EERC) ranged from 4 to 173 Bq m⁻³, whereas thoron progeny (EETC) ranged from 1 to 15 Bq m⁻³. The total annual effective dose received from radon and thoron progeny inhalation varied from 0.5 to 5 mSv y⁻¹.

The combined influence of fault proximity, soil radioactivity, and house characteristics on residential exposure has rarely been examined in tropical Southeast Asia. This study provides an integrated baseline of soil radioactivity and indoor radon concentrations in the San Pong sub-district, located near the Mae Tha Fault Zone, northern Thailand. Fifty soil samples were analyzed using high-purity germanium gamma spectrometry, and indoor radon concentrations were measured in 50 houses using RADUET detectors over a three-month period. The mean activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K (73.99 ± 7.73 Bq kg⁻¹, 70.53 ± 6.34 Bq kg⁻¹, and 610.54 ± 65.74 Bq kg⁻¹, respectively) exceeded the UNSCEAR (2024) worldwide and Thai national averages; consequently, the outdoor absorbed dose rate in air (102.24 ± 8.96 nGy h⁻¹), annual effective dose (0.13 ± 0.01 mSv y⁻¹), and excess lifetime cancer risk (0.52 × 10⁻³) were approximately twice the worldwide values. In contrast, indoor radon concentration was low (21.27 to 47.02 Bq m⁻³; mean 33.38 ± 5.38 Bq m⁻³), and inhalation dose (0.84 mSv y⁻¹) remained low. Neither soil radionuclides nor indoor radon increased toward the fault. Natural ventilation of the tropical houses may keep indoor radon low, whereas outdoor gamma exposure warrants continued monitoring.

Background: Understanding the existence of natural radioactivity in different soil origins is essential for evaluating associated radiological risks. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the natural radioactivity concentrations in soil samples from Mae Chaem district using a HPGe detector. Materials and methods: Thirty-five soil samples were randomly collected for laboratory analysis from four geological regions, ten from Triassic granite (Trgr), Silurian Devonian-Carboniferous (SDCtp), and Ordovician (O) locations and five from the Quaternary sediments, namely the Terrace deposits (Qt) area. The radioactivity of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K was measured using a gamma spectrometry with a high-purity germanium detector. The three radiation hazard indices for soil samples, including absorbed dose rate in outdoor air (Dair), the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDout), and the excess lifetime cancer risk outdoor (ELCRout) were determined. Results: The concentration of natural radioactivity for 226Ra of Trgr, SDCtp, O, and Qt were found in the range of 50 to 172, 46 to 179, 59 to 285, and 46 to 77 Bq kg-1, respectively. The activity concentration of 232Th varied from 69 to 148, 53 to 239, 60 to 273, and 51 to 120 Bq kg-1, whereas the activity concentration of 40K ranged from 351 to 1100, 299 to 1356, 190 to 1364, and 779 to 1188 Bq kg-1, respectively. The Dair varied from 88 to 207, 68 to 275, 94 to 345, and 85 to 146 nGy h-1, with average values 139, 131, 170, and 110 nGy h-1 for Trgr, SDCtp, O and Qt samples, respectively. All sample values were higher than the worldwide population-weighted value of 59 nGy h-1 reported by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR, 2000). The AEDout and the ELCRout values also were higher than global average values by UNSCEAR. Conclusion: In soil samples collected from four specific regions in the Mae Chaem district, the average natural activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were found to be above the worldwide population-weighted value. The Dair, AEDout in external terrestrial radiation from outdoor sources and ELCRout values were higher than reported by UNSCEAR. These results indicate a high radiological health risk associated with prolonged exposure to natural radionuclides in soils from the Mae Chaem district.