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The mechanism behind normal swallowing is complex and multifactorial. Due to the close proximity of the pathways of swallowing and respiration, precise coordination between these functions is vital in order to avoid entry of material into the airway and to ensure optimal health and nutrition in general. Swallowing can be divided into three stages: oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal, and although initiation of the swallow is often under voluntary control, swallowing is also triggered frequently throughout the day as a reflex action due to the presence of saliva in the oropharynx. Dysphagia is a symptom frequently encountered by clinicians and its causes are vast and varied. A thorough understanding of the physiology of swallowing remains necessary to conduct a full assessment and instigate appropriate treatment for these patients in whom dysphagia is often debilitating and may significantly affect their quality of life. We present an account of the physiology of swallowing, illustrated with clinical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charles Bell was famous for the discovery of the separate motor and sensory roots of the spinal and facial nerves, although in recent years his right to priority has been challenged by historians and scientists. But Charles Bell did discover something even if has not been accorded the status of a scientific fact. Between 1821 and 1823 he unveiled the 'respiratory nervous system', a distinct system of nerves that acted as the 'organ of the passions', which he then elaborated upon in his 1824 Essays on the Anatomy and Philosophy of Expression. As Bell and his allies attempted to claim priority in the spinal and facial nerves, the respiratory nerves were pushed to the background, subordinated to the motor and sensory nerves. This essay, therefore, redefines Charles Bell's major discovery as the 'respiratory nerves', providing a detailed description of their anatomy and physiology and the way in which they underwrote Bell's theory of the emotions. It also demonstrates how his aesthetics were intertwined with his research programme. It then connects the respiratory nerves to Thomas Dixon's assertion that Bell was one of the founders of the modern psychological category of the emotions, providing a deeper and more nuanced genealogy of the emotions, including the impact that Bell had upon William James's seminal article 'What is an Emotion?' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the biological processes and mechanisms underlying neuromuscular function in anaesthetized or sedated patients depends on adequate knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the connections between motor neurons and muscle fibres at neuromuscular junctions. Neuromuscular synaptic integrity depends on: maintenance of Ca2+-dependent release of acetylcholine by exocytosis from synaptic vesicles that fuse with active zones in motor nerve terminal membranes; the subsequent depolarizing action of acetylcholine on postsynaptic receptors at motor endplates; and termination of neuromuscular transmission by enzymic action of acetylcholinesterase located in the synaptic basal lamina. Homeostatic mechanisms sustain the magnitude of endplate potentials and the safety factor for neuromuscular transmission; but dysfunction of neuromuscular junctions occurs following administration of neuromuscular blockers or in diseases and other conditions affecting release, action and inactivation of acetylcholine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism behind normal swallowing is complex and multifactorial. Due to the close proximity of the pathways of swallowing and respiration, precise coordination between these functions is vital in order to avoid entry of material into the airway and to ensure optimal health and nutrition in general. Swallowing can be divided into three stages: oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal, and although initiation of the swallow is often under voluntary control, swallowing is also triggered frequently throughout the day as a reflex action due to the presence of saliva in the oropharynx. Dysphagia is a symptom frequently encountered by clinicians and its causes are vast and varied. A thorough understanding of the physiology of swallowing remains necessary to conduct a full assessment and instigate appropriate treatment for these patients in whom dysphagia is often debilitating and may significantly affect their quality of life. We present an account of the physiology of swallowing, using clinical examples to illustrate certain aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracking moment-to-moment change in input and detecting change sufficient to require altering behavior is crucial to survival. Here, we discuss how the brain evaluates change over time, focusing on the hippocampus and its role in tracking context. We leverage the anatomy and physiology of the hippocampal longitudinal axis, re-entrant loops, and amorphous networks to account for stimulus equivalence and the updating of an organism's sense of its context. Place cells have a central role in tracking contextual continuities and discontinuities across multiple scales, a capacity beyond current models of pattern separation and completion. This perspective highlights the critical role of the hippocampus in both spatial cognition and episodic memory: tracking change and detecting boundaries separating one context, or episode, from another. Local stimuli may change as an animal moves in the world, but the context remains the same unless some threshold of change has been exceeded or some boundary has been crossed. How the brain can tolerate a certain amount of change in the service of context stability while also rapidly shifting from one context to another when the change exceeds a certain threshold is not well understood. This 'equivalence' function was identified by both Lashley and Hebb as critical to understanding how the brain generates adaptive behavior. Considerable evidence links the hippocampus to the representation of context by the brain, suggesting that the hippocampus has a central role in solving the equivalence problem with respect to context. We propose a novel solution to the context equivalence problem, leveraging the anatomy and physiology of the hippocampus, with a critical role attributed to the shifting representational scales observed along the longitudinal axis of this structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is a major abiotic stress that restricts plant development, especially at seedling stage, which stimulates reduction of shoot, root absorb ability, and biomass accumulation of plant. Peanut, as a plant with resilience to drought stress, can still cause serious condensed shoot and impaired flower bud differentiation under drought conditions resulting in yield loss. In order to find those drought responses of peanut at seedling stage, two distinct cultivars with different drought resistance (HY22 and FH18) were screened previously and used to investigate the difference of drought response by deciphering the changes of morphology, physiology-anatomy, and transcriptome. The results showed that drought stress decreased root morphological indices both in two cultivars, but HY22 showed higher root vigor and lateral roots. Furthermore, HY22 enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as POD, SOD to reduce lipid peroxidation and H 2 O 2 concentration, in which stable root anatomical structure and microstructure were kept. By contrast, SOD and POD decreased, and MDA and H 2 O 2 increased, in which gave impair anatomical structure and microstructure in FH18. Using high-throughput RNA sequencing, we developed a spatiotemporal transcriptome atlas of HY22 and FH18 at seedling stage. A total of 34,303 and 34,689 genes for HY22 and FH18 were found to be expressed under the drought stress, respectively. Global comparisons of gene expression showed more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in HY22. Moreover, co-expression analysis of overlapped DEGs between HY22 and FH18 revealed that the up-regulated genes of HY22 mainly related to hormone-mediated signaling pathway, response to abscisic acid and flavonoid biosynthetic process. According to the findings, the genotype HY22 was more tolerant to drought stress than FH18 by improving SOD and POD enzyme activities, membrane stability, root vigor, and maintaining fine cell microstructure and relatively up-regulated express levels of genes and metabolin revolving in ABA transduction signal, terpenoids skeleton and flavonoid biosynthesis. The results of the current study provide theoretical reference for elaborating drought resistance mechanism more accurately and precisely. • Two distinct cultivars with different drought resistance (HY22 and FH18) were screened previously and used to investigate the difference of drought response by deciphering the changes of morphology, physiology-anatomy, and transcriptome. • HY22 enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) to reduce lipid peroxidation and H 2 O 2 concentration, in which stable root anatomical structure and microstructure were kept. • In drought-sensitive varieties, impaired ABA signaling causes imbalance in the antioxidant enzyme system, which negatively affects the synthesis of the terpenoid skeleton. • Drought-tolerant peanut varieties adopt a refined terpene skeleton synthesis pathway that delivers precursors to primary and secondary metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digestive physiology of maras (Dolichotis patagonum) has not been investigated in detail. Maras have a particular limb anatomy facilitating a unique cursoriality among rodents. This may also have led to additional adaptations such as a reduced volume of the gastrointestinal tract. We performed macroanatomical measurements of, and determined mean particle size along, the digestive tract of 10 semi-free-ranging animals (7.04 ± 1.05 kg). Additionally, we measured CH 4 emission in five captive animals (7.67 ± 0.98 kg) fed a diet of pelleted lucerne, and measured food intake, digestibility, and digesta mean retention time (MRT) of a solute and three particle markers (fed at <2, 10 and 20 mm particle size). The digestive tract contents represented 11.1 ± 1.4% of body mass, similar to other mammals and rodents, and there was slight indication of selective small particle retention in the caecum. Secondary peaks in marker elimination patterns suggested the possibility of caecotrophy. The MRTs were 15.4 h for the solute and 13.6 h, 13.3 h and 13.3 h for the three particle markers, respectively. At a dry matter intake of 61 ± 12 g kg body mass-0.75 d−1, the maras digested organic matter and neutral detergent fibre to 48 ± 8% and 34 ± 10%, respectively, which is in the lower range of results from horses fed on a diet with a similar fibre content. The respiratory quotient (CO 2 /O 2) was 0.93 ± 0.03, the resting metabolic rate 346 ± 35 kJ kg body mass-0.75 d−1, and CH 4 emissions averaged at 3.85 ± 0.47 L d−1 and 14.5 ± 5.2 L per kg dry matter intake; this at a CH 4 /CO 2 ratio of 0.042 ± 0.004. Thus, the methane yield was of a magnitude expected for a hypothetical ruminant of this body mass. The results are consistent with the general understanding of hystricomorph rodent digestive physiology, including caecotrophy, but do not indicate a reduction of digestive capacity to support cursoriality. These results, and those obtained from other hystricomorph rodents, suggest that CH 4 production may be more prominent in rodents than previously thought. We describe the digestive anatomy and physiology of mara, a small caecum fermenter, including adaptations for coprophagy, a metabolism that is at the mammalian average, and a methane production of a magnitude expected of similar-sized ruminants. Unlabelled Image • Maras have a digestive tract capacity that is not smaller than that of similar-sized herbivores. • Maras digest a high-fibre diet with a similar efficiency as one would expect in horses. • The metabolism of maras is that of an average mammal. • Passage marker excretion in maras matches the prediction that as other hystricomorph rodents, maras practice cecotrophy. • Maras produced methane at a magnitude as one would expect of similar-sized ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The CM is located within thalamic IML and has diverse functional connectivity. • The CM participates in sensorimotor coordination, cognition, and pain processing. • The CM is a potential DBS target for movement disorders, epilepsy, pain, and coma. Of all the truncothalamic nuclei, the centromedian-parafascicular nuclei complex (CM-Pf) is the largest and is considered the prototypic thalamic projection system. Located among the caudal intralaminar thalamic nuclei, the CM-Pf been described by Jones as "the forgotten components of the great loop of connections joining the cerebral cortex via the basal ganglia". The CM, located lateral relative to the Pf, is a major source of direct input to the striatum and also has connections to other, distinct region of the basal ganglia as well as the brainstem and cortex. Functionally, the CM participates in sensorimotor coordination, cognition (e.g. attention, arousal), and pain processing. The role of CM as 'gate control' function by propagating only salient stimuli during attention-demanding tasks has been proposed. Given its rich connectivity and diverse physiologic role, recent studies have explored the CM as potential target for neuromodulation therapy for Tourette syndrome, Parkinson's disease, generalized epilepsy, intractable neuropathic pain, and in restoring consciousness. This comprehensive review summarizes the structural and functional anatomy of the CM and its physiologic role with a focus on clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nursing students experience physiology as a challenging subject to learn. A learner-centred approach could enhance their learning. This study explored nursing students' experiences of actively studying anatomy and physiology off-campus within a flipped classroom using various digital tools. The data from focus group interviews and students' reflective notes were analysed using a combination of systematic text condensation and activity systems analysis. In the students' activity system, three tensions were identified: tension between students' expectations and the teaching design, tension between a wish for more frequent attendance and being on their own and tension between the schedule and time needed. The use of digital tools could have facilitated learning and preparation for the course activities. However, students seemed to depend on social assistance, and they might not be ready to take full responsibility for studying adequately by themselves. Highlights • Nursing students struggled to learn physiology when using a new teaching approach. • Students showed a disinclination to use the tools offered for at-home preparation. • Students in study groups experienced less loneliness when off-campus. • Students who adapted to the flipped classroom used various self-regulation strategies. • Activity theory was used as a framework to analyse learning within a flipped classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Hyolaryngeal Elevation and Tongue Base Retraction are crucial swallowing components. • Additional swallowing structures are defined based on swallowing physiology. • Swallowing sparing strategies should probably reach beyond pharyngeal constrictors. Abstract Background and purpose When optimising radiotherapy treatments today, the pharyngeal constrictor muscles and the larynx are usually regarded as the swallowing organs at risk (SWOARs). The purpose of this study was to identify and describe additional, previously undefined groups of muscles (functional units) involved in crucial components of swallowing (hyolaryngeal elevation (HLE), tongue base retraction (TBR) and tongue motion) , and to emphasise their relevance in radiation-induced dysphagia. Material and methods Based on available literature on human anatomy and swallowing physiology, the functional units of muscles involved in HLE, TBR and tongue motion have been identified and described. Results and conclusion Functional swallowing units (FSUs) were defined as groups of swallowing muscles sharing their function, that are in close proximity to each other. Seven FSUs involved in HLE, TBR and tongue motion were identified: floor of mouth, thyrohyoid muscles, posterior digastric/stylohyoid muscles complex, longitudinal pharyngeal muscles, hyoglossus/styloglossus muscles complex, genioglossus muscles, intrinsic tongue muscles. The swallowing physiology and anatomy of the FSUs described in this paper will lead to a greater understanding of radiation-induced dysphagia mechanisms and, consequently, to an improvement in the development of swallowing sparing strategies. This article (PART 1) serves as the theoretical foundation for a subsequent article (PART 2), which provides detailed delineation guidelines for FSUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The trapeziometacarpal joint is a common site for osteoarthritis development in the hand. When osteoarthritis is present, it results in significant functional disabilities due to the broad range of activities performed by this joint. However, our understanding of osteoarthritis initiation and progression at this joint is limited because of the current lack of knowledge regarding the properties and structure of the corresponding cartilage layers. The objective of this study is to assess the morphological and mechanical properties of trapeziometacarpal cartilage via the combination of indentation testing and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Such research may lead to the development of medical imaging-based approaches to measure cartilage properties in vivo. Methods Intact first metacarpals and trapezia were extracted from 16 fresh-frozen human cadaver hands. For each specimen, load-displacement behavior was measured at 9 testing sites using a standardized indentation testing device to calculate the normal force and Young's modulus of the cartilage sub-regions. The specimens were then immersed in CA4+ contrast agent solution for 48 h and subsequently scanned with a resolution of 41 μm in a HR-pQCT scanner to measure cartilage thickness and attenuation. Finally, correlations between compressive Young's modulus and contrast-enhanced computed tomography attenuation of the cartilage were assessed. Findings No significant difference was found in cartilage thickness between the trapezium and first metacarpal, but the comparison between articular regions showed thinner cartilage around the volar aspect of both the first metacarpal and the trapezium. The first metacarpal cartilage was stiffer than the trapezial cartilage. A significant positive correlation was observed between Young's modulus and mean contrast-enhanced CT attenuations in superficial and full-depth cartilage in both the first metacarpal and the trapezium cartilage. Interpretation The quantitative measurements of trapeziometacarpal thickness and stiffness as well as a correlation between Young's modulus and contrast-enhanced computed tomography attenuation provides a method for the non-destructive in vivo assessment of cartilage properties, a greater understanding of thumb cartilage behavior, and a dataset for the development of more accurate computer models. Highlights • First detailed study focusing on the mechanical properties of thumb cartilage • Assessing cartilage properties using indentation testing and computed tomography • New method for the non-destructive in vivo assessment of cartilage properties • New dataset for the development of more accurate computer models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The demand for food with high nutritional value that can sustain the growth of human population while safeguarding sustainability deserves urgent attention. A possible strategy is the inoculation of crops with plant growth promoting (PGP) bacteria. Plants are naturally colonized by bacteria that can exert beneficial effects on growth and stress tolerance. N 2 fixation by rhizobia in the root nodules of legumes is a well-known PGP effect. These bacteria can be used as inoculants to boost legumes productivity and can be especially interesting if they are able to survive to abiotic stresses, such as drought. Herein we report the phylogenetic diversity of bacteria colonizing the root nodules of several wild legume species, from four geographic locations in Portugal with different bioclimates. Interestingly, the vast majority of strains belonged to Flavobacterium , Pseudomonas and other genera apart from rhizobia. PGP abilities other than N 2 fixation (production of indol acetic acid, siderophores and volatile organic compounds) and osmotolerance were screened. Location and host plant species did not influence PGP abilities and osmotolerance. Taken together, results evidenced that bacterial strains from wild legumes displaying PGP abilities and osmotolerance can be regarded as good candidates for inoculants of a broad range of hosts, including non-legumes. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The majority of bacteria were Flavobacterium and Pseudomonas and not rhizobia. • Bioclimatic conditions and host species do not influence bacteria osmotolerance. • Wild legumes can be rich sources of bacteria with plant growth promotion abilities. • Strains can be inoculants of legumes and non-legumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Study design Cross-sectional study. Background The carpal tunnel is a clinically important fibro-osseous conduit for the median nerve and associated tendons. It is mechanically dynamic and therapeutic manual techniques that appear to move and change tunnel shape is part of clinical practice. Objectives To measure changes in dimensions of the carpal tunnel and median nerve with manual mobilization of the carpal bones in cadavers. Methods A total of 20 cryopreserved upper extremities from cadaveric specimens were used in the study. The wrist was cut using an anatomical saw at the level of the pisiform. Measurements of the cross-sectional area (CSA), anteroposterior diameter (APD), transverse diameter (TD), perimeter, flattening ratio and circularity of the carpal tunnel and of the median nerve, were taken, both in the anatomical position of the wrist and during the mobilization technique of the carpal bones. Results During the mobilization technique, the tunnel CSA (p < 0.011), APD (p < 0.001) and circularity (p < 0.001) significantly increased, while TD (p < 0.001), perimeter (p < 0.004) and flattening ratio (p < 0.001), decreased. The median nerve showed similar behavioral tendencies to the tunnel but only the CSA (p < 0.005), APD (p < 0.005) and flattening ratio (p < 0.004) of the nerve showed significant differences. Conclusion Application of external manually applied compressive force across the wrist can increase the CSA of the carpal tunnel and the median nerve in cadavers. These results are consistent with other studies in which similar results were found non-invasively using ultrasound. Highlights • Cross-sectional area of the carpal tunnel increased during the manual mobilization of the carpal bones in cadaver. • The mobilization increased the anterior-posterior diameter of the carpal tunnel. • Both the carpal tunnel and the median nerve became rounder during the technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Postoperative alterations in cervical spine curvature (i.e. loss of lordotic angle) are frequently observed following total disc replacement surgery. However, it remains unclear whether such changes in lordotic angle are due to preoperative spinal deformities and/or prostheses design limitations. The objective of the study is to investigate strain and segmental biomechanics of the malaligned cervical spine following total disc replacement. Methods Three disc prostheses were chosen, namely a metal-on-polyethylene, a metal-on-metal, and an elastomeric prosthesis, which feature different geometrical and material design characteristics. All discs were modelled and implanted into multi-segmental cervical spine finite element model (C3-C7) with normal, straight and kyphotic alignments. Comparative analyses were performed by using a hybrid protocol. Findings The results indicated that as the spine loses lordotic alignment, the prosthesis with elastomeric core tends to produce significantly larger flexion range of motion (difference up to 6.1°) than metal-on-polyethylene and metal-on-metal prostheses. In contrast, when the treated spine had normal lordotic alignment, the range of motion behaviors of different prostheses are rather similar (difference within 1.9°). Large localized strains up to 84.8% were found with the elastomeric prosthesis, causing a collapsed anterior disc space under flexion loads. Interpretation Changes in cervical spinal alignments could significantly affect the surgical-level range of motion behaviors following disc arthroplasty; the in situ performance was largely dependent on the designs of the artificial disc devices in particular to the material properties. Highlights • Strains in artificial disc for malaligned cervical spines are investigated. • Observed relationship between range of motion and strained prostheses • The in situ disc performance varies as cervical spinal alignment changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two field experiments were carried out at Agricultural Botany Department Experimental Farm, Mansoura University during 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 seasons to assess the role of pre-sowing seed soaking in hydrogen peroxide (0, 2 and 4%) and/or foliar application of folic acid (0, 10 and 20 mg/l) individually and/or in combination on growth, yield, some biochemical constituents and anatomical characters of pea plant ( Pisum sativum , L. cv Master-B.). The results indicated that foliar spraying with either folic acid concentrations under control or hydrogen peroxide significantly increased growth parameter, photosynthetic pigment concentration, yield and its components as well as its quality, in special, folic acid concentration of pea seed compared with the control plants. Additionally, application of hydrogen peroxide or folic acid as well as their interactions, improved all anatomical characteristics especially vascular bundle dimension and photosynthetic tissue thickness relative to untreated control plants. It could be recommended that pre-sowing seed soaking in 2% hydrogen peroxide plus foliar application of 20 mg/l folic acid can be used to induce the plant growth, yield and seed quality of pea plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The substantia gelatinosa Rolandi (SGR) was first described about two centuries ago. In the following decades an enormous amount of information has permitted us to understand - at least in part - its role in the initial processing of pain and itch. Here, I will first provide a comprehensive picture of the histology, physiology, and neurochemistry of the normal SGR. Then, I will analytically discuss the SGR circuits that have been directly demonstrated or deductively envisaged in the course of the intensive research on this area of the spinal cord, with particular emphasis on the pathways connecting the primary afferent fibers and the intrinsic neurons. The perspective existence of neurochemically-defined sets of primary afferent neurons giving rise to these circuits will be also discussed, with the proposition that a cross-talk between different subsets of peptidergic fibers may be the structural and functional substrate of additional gating mechanisms in SGR. Finally, I highlight the role played by slow acting high molecular weight modulators in these gating mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The mechanism behind normal swallowing is complex and multifactorial. Due to the close proximity of the pathways of swallowing and respiration, precise coordination between these functions is vital in order to avoid entry of material into the airway and to ensure optimal health and nutrition in general. Swallowing can be divided into three stages: oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal and although initiation of the swallow is often under voluntary control, swallowing is also triggered frequently throughout the day as a reflex action due to the presence of saliva in the oropharynx. Dysphagia is a symptom frequently encountered by clinicians and its causes are vast and varied. A thorough understanding of the physiology of swallowing remains necessary to conduct a full assessment and instigate appropriate treatment for these patients in whom dysphagia is often debilitating and may significantly affect their quality of life. We present an account of the physiology of swallowing, using clinical examples to illustrate certain aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon accumulation is a key defence against herbivorous pests, but may have wider detrimental impacts if plants become unpalatable for livestock. We argue that some herbivores are better adapted to silicon-rich diets than others; herbivore anatomy and physiology, and the nature of silicon deposition, are crucial to understanding these differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have investigated how additional arm weights affect gait. Although light weights (0.45 kg) seemed to elicit performance improvements in Parkinsonian patients, it was not studied how light weights affect gait parameters in healthy individuals. It is important to understand normal responses in a healthy population so that clinical effects might be better understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of arm weights on arm swing amplitude, gait performance, and muscle activity in healthy people. Twenty-two subjects walked overground at their preferred speed under different weight carriage conditions (C1: no weight; C2: unilateral arm weight; C3: bilateral arm weights; C4: waist weights). Gait speed increased in C2 (p = 0.018) and C4 (p = 0.013) when compared with C1(C1: 1.21 ± 0.08; C2: 1.25 ± 0.11; C3: 1.24 ± 0.11; C4: 1.25 ± 0.11 m/s) with an increase in cadence during C2 (p < 0.001), C3 (p = 0.008), and C4 (p < 0.001) (C1: 105.5 ± 5.2; C2: 108.5 ± 5.6; C3: 107.9 ± 5.6; C4: 108.5 ± 5.3 steps/min) and in tibialis anterior electromyographic activity on the unweighted side in C2 (p = 0.048) (C1: 21.05 ± 4.59; C2: 25.10 ± 6.10; C3: 23.93 ± 4.75; C4: 24.33 ± 6.32 μV). The results indicate that an additional sensory input with the application of the weights may result in an overcompensation with the whole body and facilitate faster walking speed when applied on one arm or around the waist. The locations of the weights and amount of the weights may elicit different responses. Various strategies of adding weights should be further investigated as a potential intervention to improve performance in individuals with various gait impairments. Although there is evidence for benefits of this intervention in Parkinsonian patients, further study is warranted in other patient populations, such as stroke patients, who might benefit from this intervention to improve gait performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the structural and functional importance of the right ventricle (RV) in pulmonary circulation, intensive care and for anaesthesia in medical care. It talks about the physicians while understanding right-hearthypoplasia began noticing the importance of RV in cardiac function. It tells about the differences in the physiology and the anatomy of RV and the left ventricle (LV).

Objective To perform comparative analysis of the role of scavenger receptor CD36 on endothelial vs. sub-endothelial elastic modulus (stiffness) in the aortas of young and aged mice. Approaches and Results Elastic moduli of endothelial and sub-endothelial layers of freshly isolated mouse aortas were quantified using atomic force microscopy. In young mice (4–6 months old), we found that while endothelial stiffness is markedly reduced in aortas of CD36 −/− mice, as compared to WT controls, no difference between CD36 −/− and WT aortas is observed in the stiffness of the sub-endothelial layer in denuded arteries. Additionally, inhibition of myosin phosphorylation also decreases the elastic modulus in the EC, but not the sub-EC layer in WT mice. Moreover, inhibiting CD36 mediated uptake of oxLDL in intact WT aortas abrogated oxLDL-induced endothelial stiffening. Further analysis of aged mice (22–25 months) revealed that aging resulted not only in significant stiffening of the denuded arteries, as was previously known, but also a comparable increase in the elastic modulus of the endothelial layer. Most significantly, this stiffening in the EC layer is dependent on CD36, whereas the denuded layer is not affected. Conclusions Our results show that the role CD36 in stiffening of cellular components of intact aortas is endothelial-specific and that genetic deficiency of CD36 protects against endothelial stiffening in aged mice. Moreover, these data suggest that endothelial stiffness in intact mouse aortas depends more on the expression of CD36 than on the stiffness of the sub-endothelial layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sideways falls impose high stress on the thin superolateral cortical bone of the femoral neck, the region regarded as a fracture-prone region of the hip. Exercise training is a natural mode of mechanical loading to make bone more robust. Exercise-induced adaptation of cortical bone along the femoral neck has been previously demonstrated. However, it is unknown whether this adaption modulates hip fracture behavior. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of specific exercise loading history on fall-induced hip fracture behavior by estimating fracture load and location with proximal femur finite element (FE) models created from magnetic resonance images (MRI) of 111 women with distinct exercise histories: 91 athletes (aged 24.7 ± 6.1 years, >8 years competitive career) and 20 women as controls (aged 23.7 ± 3.8 years). The athletes were divided into five groups based on typical loading patterns of their sports: high-impact (H-I: 9 triple-jumpers and 10 high jumpers), odd-impact (O-I: 9 soccer and 10 squash players), high-magnitude (H-M: 17 power-lifters), repetitive-impact (R-I: 18 endurance runners), and repetitive non-impact (R-NI: 18 swimmers). Compared to the controls, the H-I, O-I, and R-I groups had significantly higher (11–26%, p  < 0.05) fracture loads. Also, the fracture location in the H-I and O-I groups was significantly more proximal (7–10%) compared to the controls. These results suggest that an exercise loading history of high impacts, impacts from unusual directions, or repetitive impacts increases the fracture load and may lower the risk of fall-induced hip fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of different dietary levels of seeds of three lupin species – Lupinus angustifolius (narrow-leaved), Lupinus luteus (yellow) and Lupinus albus ( white ) – on the excreta dry matter, excretion of total and free sialic acids, and ileal morphology of broiler chickens. A corn-soybean meal control diet and diets containing 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 g/kg of three lupin species were fed to 10 replicate cages of 8 broiler chickens per treatment throughout the 35-day study. The effect of lupin species was confirmed for all determined parameters. The DM of excreta quadratically increased as dietary level of yellow lupin was increased. The viscosity of ileal digesta linearly and quadratically increased as the narrow-leaved lupin inclusion was increased. The increasing of the narrow-leafed lupin level diet quadratically increased endogenous secretion loss through a higher production of sialic acid. The use of increasing levels of white lupin linearly and quadratically decreased sialic acid excretion. All diets containing lupin seeds decreased crypt depth, and diets with narrow-leaved and yellow lupins increased ileum villus height. To conclude, increasing levels of yellow and white lupins in broiler diets did not increase endogenous secretion loss and only to a small extent increased digestal viscosity. The narrow-leaved counterpart did not provide a satisfactory outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the role of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) in regulation of amniotic fluid volume and composition. To investigate the effects of AQP1 gene knockout on expression of other aquaporin water channels (AQP3, AQP8 and AQP9) in placentas and fetal membranes. Methods Mice were sacrificed at 9.5, 13.5 and 16.5 gestational day (GD). Amniotic fluid volume, osmolality and composition, fetal membranes, placental and fetal weights as well as placenta areas were recorded in Aqp1 homozygote conceptus group, heterozygote conceptus group and wild-type group, respectively. The expression of AQP1, AQP3, AQP8 and AQP9 mRNA and protein in placenta and fetal membranes were examined by quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. Results Aqp1 homozygote conceptus had a greater volume of amniotic fluid, lower osmolality and calcium concentration than their wild-type counterparts at 16.5 GD. There was no significant difference in expression of AQP1, AQP3, AQP8 and AQP9 in placentas among three groups. While expression of AQP8 was increased at 13.5 and 16.5 GD in fetal membranes, the expression of AQP9 was significantly decreased in fetal membranes in Aqp1 homozygote group compared with Aqp1 heterozygote and wild-type groups. Conclusion AQP1 may play an important role in the homeostasis of maternal-fetal fluid at late gestation days. The mechanism of mutual compensation among AQPs gene needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the emergence of the Ceratitis capitata imago, the pale and folded wings are expanded and sclerotized to acquire the definitive form and to stabilize the cuticle. The wings of this fly show a specific pattern of brownish and black spots. Black spots are pigmented by melanin, whereas there was scarce information about the development of the brownish spots. N-beta-alanydopamine (NBAD) is the main tanning precursor in C. capitata body cuticle, and we hypothesized that it may be responsible for the colouration of the brownish spots. We determined the topology and timing of NBAD synthesis and deposition to attain the species-specific colouration pattern. We demonstrated that during the first hours the colour of the brownish spots was principally determined by the tanning of the hairs. Haemolymph circulation through the veins is required to tan the wings. We confirmed that soon after wing spreading, most of the wing epidermal cells disappeared. Thus, the tanning of the brown spots was accomplished when the wing lamina was devoid of cells. NBAD synthase (NBAD-S; Ebony protein in D. melanogaster ) activity in wings was detected in pharate adults and lasted several days after the emergence, even after the end of the tanning process. This observation is in contrast to epidermal NBAD-S activity in the body, where it was nearly undetectable 48 h post emergence. Our results indicate that NBAD-S was exported and deposited into the extracellular matrix of the brown spot areas before cell death and that tanning occurs through gradual export of NBAD precursors (dopamine and b-alanine) from veins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects are increasingly used as a dietary source for food and feed and it is therefore important to understand how rearing conditions affect growth and development of these agricultural animals. Temperature is arguably the most important factor affecting metabolism and growth rate in insects. Here, we investigated how rearing temperature affected growth rate, growth efficiency and macronutrient composition in two species of edible beetle larvae: Alphitobius diaperinus and Tenebrio molitor . Growth rates of both species were quantified at temperatures ranging from 15.2 to 38.0 °C after which we measured protein and lipid content of the different treatment groups. Metabolic rate was measured in a similar temperature range by measuring the rate of O 2 consumption ( V · O 2 ) and CO 2 production ( V · C O 2 ) using repeated measures closed respirometry. Using these measurements, we calculated the growth efficiency of mealworms by relating the energy assimilation rate to the metabolic rate. Maximum daily growth rates were 18.3% and 16.6% at 31 °C, for A. diaperinus and T. molitor respectively, and we found that A. diaperinus was better at maintaining growth at high temperatures while T. molitor had superior growth at lower temperatures. Both species had highest efficiencies of energy assimilation in the temperature range of 23.3–31.0 °C, with values close to 2  J assimilated/ J metabolised in A. diaperinus and around 4  J assimilated/ J metabolised in T. molitor . Compared to “conventional” terrestrial livestock, both species of insects were characterised by high growth rates and very high energy conversion efficiency at most experimental temperatures. For A. diaperinus , lipid content was approximately 30% of dry mass and protein content approximately 50% of dry mass across most temperatures. Temperature had a greater influence on the body composition of T. molitor. At 31.0 °C the lipid and protein content was measured to 47.4% and 37.9%, respectively but lipid contents decreased, and protein contents increased when temperatures were higher or lower than 31.0 °C. In summary, rearing temperature had large and independent effects on growth rate, energy assimilation efficiency and protein/lipid content. Accordingly, temperature is a critical parameter to control in commercial insect rearing regardless if the producer wants to optimise production speed, production efficiency or product quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Secondary cartilage develops from osteochondral progenitor cells. Hypertrophic chondrocytes in secondary cartilage increase within a very short time and then ossify rapidly. In the present study, we investigated the sequential development process of osteochondral progenitor cells, and the morphology and size of hypertrophic chondrocytes in secondary cartilage. Design ICR mice at embryonic days (E) 14.5–17.5 were used. The mandibular condyle and the medial pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone were observed as secondary cartilage, and the cranial base and the lateral pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone, which is primary cartilage, were observed as a control. Thin sections were subjected to immunostaining and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. Using a confocal laser microscope, 3D stereoscopic reconstruction of hypertrophic cells was performed. To evaluate the size of hypertrophic chondrocytes objectively, the cell size was measured in each cartilage. Results Hypertrophic chondrocytes of secondary cartilage first expressed type X collagen (Col X) at E15.5. SRY-box 9 (Sox 9) and ALP were co-expressed in the fibroblastic/polymorphic tissue layer of secondary cartilage. This layer was very thick at E15.5, and then rapidly became thin. Hypertrophic cells in secondary cartilage were markedly smaller than those in primary cartilage. Conclusions The small hypertrophic cells present in secondary cartilage may have been a characteristic acquired in order for the cartilage to smoothly promote a marked increase in hypertrophic cells and rapid calcification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the topographical structures of the muscles surrounding the Eustachian tube.Materials and Methods: We conducted macroscopic and histological studies of 24 halves of 12 heads from Japanese cadavers.Results: The main findings were as follows: 1) the infero-lateral muscle bundles of the tensor veli palatini didn't turn medially at the pterygoid hamulus but were distributed laterally and continuous with the buccinator; 2) the tensor veli palatini attached laterally to the membranous part of the Eustachian tube; 3) the superior pharyngeal constrictor was not only adjacent to the buccinator at the pterygomandibular raphe but also had muscular continuation with it laterally and 4) some bundles of the superior pharyngeal constrictor adhered with the palatine aponeurosis.Conclusion: We believe that the cooperation of the muscles contributes to the dilating mechanism of the Eustachian tube, due to the complex topographical structures of the surrounding muscles: the tensor veli palatini, the levator veli palatini, the superior pharyngeal constrictor and the buccinator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, female zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) were exposed to 26 °C or 34 °C, 0 or 197 μg/L cadmium (Cd), singly or in combination for 7 days. Multiple stress-related indicators were evaluated in the liver. Mortality, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and ultrastructural damage increased significantly by Cd exposure alone, and were not affected by heat alone. Interestingly, the combined exposure increased LPO, ultrastructural damage, and mortality compared with Cd exposure alone. The results indicated that elevated temperature increased Cd toxicity, which could be explained by several reasons. Firstly, Cd-exposed fish failed to activate the antioxidant defense system under heat stress. Secondly, expression levels of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) were not significantly up-regulated by heat in Cd-exposed fish but increased by 117 times in Cd-free fish. Besides, hypermethylation of heat shock factor (HSF) binding motif in HSP70 promoter was observed during the combined exposure, indicating that simultaneous exposure may have partially suppressed the cytoprotective up-regulation of HSP70. Thirdly, heat induced an immunosuppressive effect in Cd-exposed fish, as reflected by the reduced mRNA and activity levels of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) expression levels. Finally, heat down-regulated Zir-, Irt-like protein 8 (ZIP8) and copper transporter 1 (CTR1) and up-regulated metallothioneins (MTs) in Cd-exposed fish, possibly suggesting Cu and Zn depletion and Cd accumulation. Hence, our data provide evidences that warmer temperatures can potentiate Cd toxicity, involved in the regulation of gene transcription, enzymatic activity, and DNA methylation. We found that heat indicators showed varied sensitivity between normal and Cd-exposed fish, emphasizing that the field metal pollution should be carefully considered when evaluating effects of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crude extract of soyasaponins was reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity. We determined the new purity group I saponin, I-αa and I-γa that was isolated from wild soybean ( Glycine soja ) in terms of its efficacy in protecting RAW 264.7 macrophages from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimuli. Cells were treated with soyasaponin I-αa/I-γa (30–300 μΜ) and LPS (0.1 μg/mL) for 24 h. Soyasaponin I-αa inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production at 100 μg/mL, while soyasaponin I-γa demonstrated this effect at a higher concentration (200 μg/mL). The expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 enzymes were downregulated by both soyasaponins. Soyasaponin I-αa exerted its effect via the TNF-α and IL-1β cytokines. However, soyasaponin I-γa only inhibited the expression of TNF-α. The inflammatory effect of group I soyasaponin was mainly mediated via the phosphorylation of the p38 and JNK proteins. Collectively, these results suggested the potential anti-inflammatory effects of soyasaponins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study characterizes walking and running patterns in healthy individuals using linear and nonlinear methods Seventeen individuals (12 males, 5 females) volunteered for the study. 3D kinematic data during walking (WA) and running (RU) on a motorized treadmill were captured using reflective markers placed on lower body (200Hz). A single 25s trial (5000 data points) was collected for each gait task. WA speed was 1.39±0.12m/s, whereas RU speed was 2.56±0.27m/s. Variables of interest included ankle plantar/dorsi flexion, knee flexion/extension, knee abduction/adduction, hip flexion/extension, and hip abduction/adduction angles. For linear analysis, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated for the entire time series for both conditions. Nonlinear analysis included assessing pattern of regularity of respective kinematic time series using approximate entropy (ApEn). Inferential analyses were conducted using MANOVA to compare selected dependent measures (p<0.05). SD for knee flexion/extension angle (WA=23.34±4.17, RU=27.51±5.25) and ankle plantar/dorsi flexion angle (WA=9.24±2.37, RU=12.88±2.00) were both greater during running. For all other variables, there were no significant differences in degree of variability between walking and running (p's>0.05). Running ApEn values were greater than walking ApEn values for knee flexion/extension (WA=0.14±0.02, RU=0.23±0.04), knee abduction/adduction (WA=0.18±0.07, RU=0.24±0.07), hip flexion/extension (WA=0.09±0.02, RU=0.17±0.04), and hip abduction/adduction (WA=0.12±0.03, RU=0.21±0.05). Greater variability was demonstrated during running across all joints compared to walking. This suggests that ApEn is more sensitive to detecting changes between different gait conditions than standard discrete measures of variability (SD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of sperm morphology is part of the assessment of fertility in human and animal reproduction. Analyses can be performed using different techniques, including the use of staining methods In our prospective study, the morphology of equine sperm was evaluated using 3 staining methods Diff-Quik, eosin-nigrosin, and SpermBlue, the latter being a relatively new stain commonly used for human sperm. Our hypotheses were that (1) SpermBlue allows easier assessment of horse sperm morphology and facilitates better identification of sperm abnormalities, and (2) sperm morphology classification differs depending on the evaluator’s experience. Semen was obtained from various horse breeds; 40 samples from stallions between 2 and 15 years of age were collected during the 2016 breeding season and stored in a 2% buffered formaldehyde solution until processing. For each sample, 3 semen smears were made and stained with Diff-Quik, eosin-nigrosin, and SpermBlue. All morphological parameters were then evaluated blindly using a light microscope by a novice evaluator and a more experienced evaluator. For each slide, 200 spermatozoa were examined randomly and classified according to their characteristics. For the identification of morphologically normal spermatozoa, no significant difference between evaluators was found with any of the staining methods used. In contrast, significant differences between evaluators were observed in the classification of some anomalies affecting mainly the midpiece and the tail. Poor dye fixation was observed with SpermBlue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How does a human observer extract from the distance between two frontal points the component corresponding to an axis of a rectangular reference frame? To find out we had participants classify pairs of small circles, varying on the horizontal and vertical axes of a computer screen, in terms of the horizontal distance between them. A response signal controlled response time. The error rate depended on the irrelevant vertical as well as the relevant horizontal distance between the test circles with the relevant distance effect being larger than the irrelevant distance effect. The results implied that the horizontal distance between the test circles was imperfectly extracted from the overall distance between them. The results supported an account, derived from the Exemplar Based Random Walk model (Nosofsky & Palmieri, 1997), under which distance classification is based on the overall distance between the test circles, with relevant distance being extracted from overall distance to the extent that the relevant and irrelevant axes are differentially weighted so as to reduce the contribution of irrelevant distance to overall distance. The results did not support an account, derived from the General Recognition Theory (Ashby & Maddox, 1994), under which distance classification is based on the relevant distance between the test circles, with the irrelevant distance effect arising because a test circle's perceived location on the relevant axis depends on its location on the irrelevant axis, and with relevant distance being extracted from overall distance to the extent that this dependency is absent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology in Halle (Saale) 74 children’s bodies of unknown historical provenance are being held in storage. The aim of this study was the evaluation of their identities, the circumstances of their acquisition, as well as the documentation of their individual characteristics. For these purposes, all bodies were comprehensively examined and photo-documented. Furthermore, CT-scans of 29 bodies were performed and information was collected from various local and national archives. Although most of the bodies were found to be those of stillborn children and infants, five children were between two and twelve years old, according to an age estimate by body-length and carpal bone analysis. The CT-scans revealed the cause of death for some of the children. The embalming method indicates that the bodies date from the first decades of the 20th century, and archival sources containing documents from 1920 to 1960 strongly suggest that these children's bodies were acquired by Institute of Anatomy between 1920 and 1942. During that period, a total of 2602 children’s bodies were delivered to the Institute of Anatomy and registered in the communal burial records. At this point, there is no evidence that these children might have been victims of National Socialist crimes. It is planned to give them a dignified burial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although impact phase differences between vertical jump landings (VJL) and step-off landings (STL) may be related to task-specific pre-contact strategies, pre-contact mechanics are rarely examined. Thus, pre-contact kinematics and vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) impulse were examined between VJL and STL. Ten health adults (20.9 ± 1.6 yrs; 167.8 ± 4.2 cm; 68.5 ± 7.15 kg) performed 15 VJL and 15 STL from equal heights. Limb (lead; trail) by task (VJL; STL) ANOVAs (α = 0.05) compared hip, knee, and ankle joint angles 150 ms pre-contact, 100 ms pre-contact, 50 ms pre-contact, and at ground contact. Joint angular displacement was also evaluated between 150 ms pre-contact and ground contact. vGRF impulse was compared during the loading (ground contact to peak vGRF) and attenuation (peak vGRF to end of impact) phases. Greater hip flexion angles occurred during STL versus VJL at each event except 150 ms pre-contact (p ≤ .004). Trail limb knee flexion angles were greater at each event when compared to the lead limb during STL (p ≤ .019). Greater trail limb knee flexion angles occurred during STL versus VJL at all four events (p ≤ .018), while greater plantarflexion angles occurred at all four events during VJL versus STL (p ≤ .034). During STL, greater trail limb plantarflexion angles were detected at each event versus the lead limb (p < .001). Lesser hip, lead and trail limb knee displacement occurred during STL versus VJL (p < .05). Greater vGRF impulse was detected during the loading phase of VJL (<.001), while greater vGRF impulse occurred during the attenuation phase of STL (p = .025). These tasks are characterized by distinct pre-contact kinematic strategies and post-contact kinetics. The task utilized in practice should reflect the requirements of the population of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well established that an increase in cognitive task demands is associated with increased pupil diameter. However, the effect of increased motor task demands on pupil diameter is less clear. Previous research indicates that higher motor task complexity increases pupil diameter but suggests that higher motor task precision demands may decrease pupil diameter during task movement. The current study investigated the effect of increased motor task precision on pupil diameter using a Fitts' Law movement task to manipulate motor response precision. Increased precision demands were associated with reduced pupil diameter during the response preparation and response execution phases of the movement trials. This result has implications for the interpretation of pupil diameter as an index of workload during tasks which involve precise motor movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) induces a highly contagious and extremely lethal disease that fulfils many requirements of an animal model of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF); however, the pathogenesis of RHD has still not been fully elucidated. Cytokines play an important role in regulation of the immune response and pathogenesis of many diseases, including those caused by viral infections. Furthermore, recent studies indicate a role of the immune response, especially peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), in the pathogenesis of RHD. Thus, in the present study we investigated the expression of IL-1Ra, IL-6 , IL-8 , IL-18 , TNF-α and IFN-γ genes in PBL of RHDV-infected rabbits. We also compared the expression of genes encoding these cytokines in rabbits with different course of RHDV infection (in animals that died 36 h post infection or survived even over 60 h after infection). The study revealed increased expression of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ in PBL of RHDV-infected rabbits. Moreover, the level of cytokine gene expression depended on the course of RHD. Hence, the results obtained indicate the potential role of these cytokines in RHDV infection and their influence on the survival time of infected rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study biomechanically compares two methods of supraspinatus repair: single row transosseous braided-tape (BT) and suture bridge transosseous equivalent (SBTE) with 2 medial anchors and 2 lateral anchors. The purpose is to test the hypothesis that BT provides superior or equal biomechanical strength compared to SBTE.Methods: Nine pairs of frozen cadaveric shoulders were selected and both repair techniques were tested on each pair, using a biomechanical testing unit to measure cyclic loading and ultimate load to failure. Moreover, tendon displacement was measured using the percentage of footprint exposed during the cyclic loading phase.Results: Mean specimen age was 71 years (6 males, 3 females), and mean volumetric bone mineral density was 134 mg/cm3. BT mean ultimate load was 266 ± 81 Newton (N) compared to 398 ± 69 N for SBTE and this difference of 131 N was statistically significant p = 0.025. There was a strong positive correlation between bone mineral density and SBTE construct ultimate load. The difference between the percentage of footprint exposed after cyclic loading of the two repairs was statistically significant with the exception of the 10-80 N load (p < 0.05). The failure mode was suture cutout through the tendon in 88% (7/8) of specimens for both techniques.Conclusion: SBTE repair with bone anchors provides superior biomechanical strength compared to BT repair in terms of ultimate load and cyclic loading. The tendon-suture junction is the weakness of both methods. These models simulate a complete tear with total loss of contact with rotator interval and infraspinatus. Future studies could focus on a more isolated physiologic supraspinatus tear pattern.Level Of Evidence: Basic science study (Level II). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falls are a common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) across the lifespan. A proposed but untested hypothesis is that neck muscle activation influences impact severity and risk for TBI during a fall. We conducted backward falling experiments to test whether activation of the neck flexor muscles facilitates the avoidance of head impact, and reduces impact velocity if the head contacts the ground. Young adults (n = 8) fell from standing onto a 30 cm thick gymnastics mat while wearing a helmet. Participants were instructed to fall backward and (a) prevent their head from impacting the mat (“no head impact” trials); (b) allow their head to impact the mat, but with minimal impact severity (“soft impact” trials); and (c) allow their head to impact the mat, while inhibiting efforts to reduce impact severity (“hard impact” trials). Trial type associated with peak magnitude of electromyographic activity of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles (p < 0.017), and with the vertical and horizontal velocity of the head at impact (p < 0.001). Peak SCM activations, expressed as percent maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC), averaged 75.3, 67.5, and 44.5%MVIC in “no head impact”, “soft impact”, and “hard impact” trials, respectively. When compared to “soft impact” trials, vertical impact velocities in “hard impact” trials averaged 87% greater (3.23 versus 1.73 m/s) and horizontal velocities averaged 83% greater (2.74 versus 1.50 m/s). For every 10% increase in SCM %MVIC, vertical impact velocity decreased 0.24 m/s and horizontal velocity decreased 0.22 m/s. We conclude that SCM activation contributes to the prevention and modulation of head impact severity during backward falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous clinical studies have shown the efficacy of a two-stage surgical procedure - the induced membrane (IM) technique - for reconstruction of large bone defects or bone non-union. The first stage involves radical debridement and insertion of a cement spacer into the bone defect. The second stage, performed weeks to months later, consists of removing the spacer while leaving the foreign body membrane induced by the cement in place, and then filling the cavity with bone autograft. The IM has been shown to (1) act as a protective physical barrier by preventing bone autograft resorption and (2) act as a bioreactor by promoting healing through revascularisation and growth factor secretion, and by concentrating mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) with osteogenic properties. New solutions to reduce this surgical procedure to a single step are being explored, for example by using an IM-like bioactive and protective barrier inserted into the bone defect at the same time as bone graft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A few studies have revealed that the advanced glycation content of the vaginal wall in pelvic organ prolapse tissues is elevated. This elevation makes advanced glycation a significant association with the disease. Early detection of vaginal wall glycation could therefore be relevant in the prevention and management of pelvic organ prolapse. A vaginal wall biopsy to detect this would be ideal, but is invasive. Therefore the use of a more accessible organ to access, such as skin, would be beneficial. Our previous independent study suggests that conditions such as pregnancy, can induce a change in the vaginal tissues' glycation content. The aim of this study was to assess whether the skin glycation undergoes similar changes as observed in vaginal tissue glycation in the same subjects in order to prove the hypothesis that skin advanced glycation content can predict vaginal tissue glycation. A rat model was used. The vaginal tissues from non-pregnant and E15-E18 pregnant rats and skin tissues from the same rats were taken for the measurement of advanced glycation content. The glycation marker, pentosidine, was quantified by a high performance liquid chromatography. Our results demonstrated that glycation content in vaginal wall tissues from pregnant rats was lower than the tissues from non-pregnant ones, and a strong positive association between skin and vaginal wall pentosidine level was observed. We conclude that skin pentosidine is reflective of vaginal wall pentosidine. Skin glycation may therefore be a potential tool in the prediction and management of pelvic organ prolapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate the principal anatomical characteristics of the maxillary sinus using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in order to facilitate prevention of intra- and post-operative complications. Materials and methods Three hundred CBCT scans from patients undergoing implant surgery were analysed. The following anatomical structures were evaluated: (1) Residual ridge height (RRH) and width (RRW); (2) Ridge bone density (BD); (3) Maxillary sinus angle (MSA); (4) Maxillary sinus lateral wall thickness (LWT); (5) Schneiderian membrane thickness (MT); (6) Maxillary sinus septa (SS); (7) Posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA).‘ Results Mean patient age was 59.5 ± 13.6. Mean RRH at upper second premolar (2PM) was 8.66 ± 3.95 mm, 4.90 ± 2.28 mm at first molar (1 M), and 5.26 ± 2.13 mm at second molar (2 M). Mean RRW was 6.72 ± 2.69 mm at 2PM, 6.87 ± 2.65 mm at 1 M and 7.09 ± 2.80 mm at 2 M. Bone density was 330.93 ± 211.02 Hounsfield Units (HU) at first molar position and MSA was 73.39 ± 15.23°. LWT was 1.95 ± 0.98 mm. Mean Schneider Membrane thickness (MT) was 1.82 ± 1.59 mm; MT was ≤3 mm in 72.9% of patients and >3 mm in 27.10%. 20.56% of patients presented bucco-palatal oriented septa with a mean height of 13.11 ± 3.82 mm. PSAA was observed in 48.60% and mean distance to the top of the ridge was 13.15 ± 3.71 mm, and was mostly observed inside the sinus (53.85%). Conclusions CBCT scanning has been shown to be a useful tool for evaluating maxillary sinus anatomical variations. CBCT should be considered the gold standard when evaluating the maxillary sinus area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/aim: Foot structure has been implicated as a risk factor of numerous overuse injuries, however, the mechanism linking foot structure and the development of soft-tissue overuse injuries are not well understood. The aim of this study was to identify factors that could predict foot function during walking.Methods: A total of eleven variables (including measures of foot structure, anthropometry and spatiotemporal gait characteristics) were investigated for their predictive ability on identifying kinematic, kinetic and energetic components of the foot. Three-dimensional motion capture and force data were collected at preferred walking speed on an instrumented treadmill. Mechanical measures were subsequently assessed using a custom multi-segment foot model in Opensim. Factors with significant univariate associations were entered into multiple linear regression models to identify a group of factors independently associated with the mechanical measures.Results: Although no model could be created for any of the kinematic measures analysed, approximately 46% and 37% of the variance in the kinetic and energetic measures were associated with three or two factors respectively. Arch-height ratio, foot length and step width were associated with peak subtalar joint (STJ) moment, while greater STJ negative work was correlated to a low arch-height ratio and greater foot mobility.Conclusion: The models presented in this study suggest that the soft-tissue structures of a flat-arched, mobile foot are at a greater risk of injury as they have greater requirements to absorb energy and generate larger forces. However, as these associations are only moderate, other measures may also have an influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological membranes allow the regulation of numerous cellular processes, which are affected when unfavorable environmental factors are perceived. Lipids and proteins are the principal components of biological membranes. Each lipid has unique biophysical properties, and, therefore the lipid composition of the membrane is critical to maintaining the bilayer structure and functionality. Membrane composition and integrity are becoming the focus of studies aiming to understand how plants adapt to its environment. In this study, using a combination of di-4-ANEPPDHQ fluorescence and spectral phasor analysis, we report that the drought hypersensitive/squalene epoxidase (dry2/sqe1-5) mutant with reduced major sterols such as sitosterol and stigmasterol in roots presented higher membrane fluidity than the wild type. Moreover, analysis of endomembrane dynamics showed that vesicle formation was affected in dry2/sqe1-5 . Further analysis of proteins associated with sterol rich micro domains showed that dry2/sqe1-5 presented micro domains function altered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Iron accumulation in the endocrine glands has been implicated in the aetiopathogenesis of decreased reproductive capacity in patients with beta-thalassemia major (β-TM). The aim of the current study was to investigate the serum concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a marker of ovarian reserve, in women with transfusion-dependent β-TM.Study Design: In this case-control study, we recruited 43 women with transfusion-dependent TM and 44 age-matched healthy controls. Hormonal and haematological parameters, serum level of AMH, antral follicle count, and ovarian volume were assessed.Results: Twenty-two of the 43 women were hypogonadotropic, 8 with primary amenorrhea and 14 with secondary amenorrhea. FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin, and AMH levels; antral follicle count; and ovarian volume were significantly lower in women with TM compared with the control group (p<0.05 for all).Conclusion: AMH level and other ovarian reserve markers are significantly diminished in women with transfusion-dependent TM compared to age-matched controls. Our findings support a deleterious effect of iron overload on ovarian tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eye lenses are exposed to thermal, solar radiations, dryness that enhances cataractogenesis. Some animal lenses contain novel proteins in bulk quantities. ζ-crystallin occurred in three ecologically divergent species, but it's physiological role not known. The truncated variant of ζ-crystallin causes hereditary cataract. Guinea pig ζ-crystallin is temperature-sensitive and rapidly aggregates at 41 °C. Camels adopted to survive above 50 °C, which raises an interesting question about how it retains lens proteins in the soluble state? Here, we have optimized expression and purification of recombinant camel ζ-crystallin. We have studied thermodynamic and spectroscopic properties using orthogonal techniques. Dynamic multimode spectroscopy results showed that camel ζ-crystallin unfolds via single transition with T m value of 60.8 ± 0.1 °C and van’t Hoff enthalpy of 714.7 ± 7.1 kJ/mol. Thermal-shift assay calculates T m value of 62 °C at pH 7. Additionally, the conformational stability of ζ-crystallin increases with ionic-strength. The influence of pH on ζ-crystallin was evaluated where the protein was found to be stable in the pH range of 6–9, but its stability drastically decreases below pH 6. Our results also showed that quaternary structure of ζ-crystallin drastically changed as a result of lowering pH. This study provides significant understandings onto the conformational, thermodynamic and unfolding pathway of camel ζ-crystallin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary fish oil (FO) time-response on the fatty acid profile, cholesterol levels and sperm cryosurvival in ram semen. Criollo Araucano rams were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 4) according to the type of supplementation: a control group without FO and a supplemented group fed a diet with 3% FO for 8 weeks. The semen lipid profile and post-thaw sperm quality were analyzed at weeks 0 (pre-supplementation), 4, 8, 12 and 16 (post-supplementation) to evaluate the effects of FO supplementation by time interaction. Post-thaw sperm quality was determined by CASA and flow cytometry. In spermatozoa, the supplemented group increased the linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n3) with levels higher at week 16 ( P < 0.05). The effect of FO on cholesterol concentration in sperm was significant at the end of the experiment (week 16). In seminal plasma, statistical differences of butyric acid (C4:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3n3) and DHA were observed at week 12. The cholesterol concentration was not affected by dietary treatments ( P > 0.05). However, the post-thaw sperm quality of the FO treatment group decreased. Motility percentage decreased 50% and spermatozoa with permeable plasma membrane and reacted acrosome were higher (63%) at week 16 than the control group. These results showed that DHA was effectively incorporated into semen through dietary supplementation with FO, but evaluations of post-thaw sperm quality confirm alteration specificity related to the structure of the lipid bilayer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]