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Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used in various neurological diseases due to its positive effects on cortical excitability. The aim of our study is to examine the effects of tDCS in stroke and 28 patients with stroke were randomly divided into two groups as intervention and control groups. Balance was evaluated with the Timed Up and Go Test and Berg Balance Scale. Walking functions were evaluated using the 10-meter Walk Test and the 6 Minutes Walk Test, lower extremity function was evaluated by Fugl Meyer Lower Extremity Scale, quality of life by Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL). A task-oriented physiotherapy and rehabilitation program was applied to both groups. In addition to the task-oriented program, anodal tDCS was applied in the intervention group and carried out with a current of 2 mA, 5 days a week, 20 min, for a total of 4 weeks. In the control group, after the flow was opened for 30 s and the patient felt a tingling sensation, it was turned off without the patient noticing. As a result, significant improvement was obtained in all parameters in both groups (p < 0.05). At the difference values of both groups, only SS-QOL mobility subgroup was significant and other parameters were not significant. Considering all these results, it can be seen that tDAS applied in addition to the task-oriented training program in individuals with stroke makes a positive contribution to the patients' balance, walking function and quality of life. We think that tDAS may be a feasible and safe additional approach in this patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2-year-old, female, mixed breed goat presented for an abdominal hernia repair. After anaesthetic induction, spinal anaesthesia at the level of the lumbosacral junction was performed with preservative-free morphine. After extubation, the patient developed neurological symptoms, which included extensor rigidity in the hindlimbs, twisting and bending at the thoracolumbar junction, and horizontal nystagmus. The patient also began vocalising and had hypersalivation. Three hours after the completion of anaesthesia, the patient was able to rise on its own. Two days after general anaesthesia, the patient collapsed unexpectedly. The postmortemexamination revealed spinal haemorrhage and pulmonary thrombosis. Pulmonary thrombosis might have led to the death of the goat; however, a definitive conclusion was not reached regarding the cause of the pulmonary thrombosis and spinal haemorrhage. Veterinarians should be aware of possible complications with spinal anaesthesia, although rare; the evident cause for the neurological symptoms in this case remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal studies are needed that best simulate a large-scale, inhomogeneous body exposure after a radiological or nuclear incident and that provides a platform for future development of medical countermeasures. A partial-body irradiation (PBI) model using 137Cs gamma rays with hind limb (tibia) shielding was developed and assessed for the sequalae of radiation injuries to gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow (BM) and lung and among different genetic mouse strains (C57BL/6J, C57L/J, CBA/J and FVB/NJ). In this case, a marginal level of BM shielding (∼2%) provided adequate protection against lethality from infection and hemorrhage and enabled escalation of radiation doses with evaluation of both acute and delayed radiation syndromes. A steep radiation dose-dependent body weight loss was observed over the first 5 days attributed to enteritis with C57BL/6J mice appearing to be the most sensitive strain. Peripheral blood cell analysis revealed significant depression and recovery of leukocytes and platelets over the first month after PBI and were comparable among the four different mouse strains. Latent pulmonary injury was observed on micro-CT imaging at 4 months in C57L/J mice and confirmed histologically as severe pneumonitis that was lethal at 12 Gy. The lethality and radiological densitometry (HUs) dose responses were comparable to previous studies on C57L/J mice after total-body irradiation (TBI) and BM transplant rescue as well as after localized whole-thorax irradiation (WTI). Indeed, the lethal radiation doses and latency appeared similar for pneumonitis appearing in rhesus macaques after WTI or PBI as well as predicted for patients given systemic radiotherapy. In contrast, PBI treatment of C57BL/6 mice at a higher dose of 14 Gy had far longer survival times and developed extreme and debilitating pIeural effusions; an anomaly as similarly reported in previous thorax irradiation studies on this mouse strain. In summary, a radiation exposure model that delivers PBI to unanesthetized mice in a device that provides consistent shielding of the hind limb BM was developed for 137Cs gamma rays with physical characteristics and relevance to relatively high photon energies expected from the detonation of a nuclear device or accidental release of ionizing radiation. Standard strains such as C57BL/6J mice may be used reliably for early GI or hematological radiation syndromes while the C57L/J mouse strain stands out as the most appropriate for evaluating the delayed pulmonary effects of acute radiation exposure and recapitulating this disease in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study compared the bacterial contamination between two common peripheral intravenous catheter placement sites, in the front leg versus the hind leg, in dogs undergoing dental scaling under general anaesthesia. Regardless of the dog's size, a significantly higher bacterial contamination load was found at the front leg compared to the hind leg placement site. The bacteria isolated from the injection port of the cannula were mainly Staphylococcus, Neisseria, and Bacillus species. These findings suggest that to reduce the risk of contamination of the peripheral intravenous catheter during dental scaling procedures in dogs, placing the catheter in the hind leg may be beneficial. During dental scaling in dogs under general anaesthesia, contamination of the peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) is unavoidable due to splatter and the generated aerosol. Bacterial contamination was compared between two commonly used PIVC placement sites. Thirty-nine client-owned dogs with a minimum length from their nose to their tail base of 50 cm were randomly assigned to receive a PIVC in either their cephalic or saphenous vein. Irrespective of the PIVC placement site, brain heart infusion agar dishes were placed in the cephalic and saphenous vein areas. Their lids were closed 0, 5, and 10 min into the procedure. Contamination was measured by counting the colony-forming units after incubation on different substrates. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and ANCOVA (p < 0.05). The cephalic vein area showed a significantly higher bacterial load than the saphenous vein area (p ≈ 0.0) regardless of the length of the dog. Furthermore, the dorsal PIVC injection ports were sampled before and after scaling, and the colonies isolated were counted and subjected to MALDI-TOF-MS for identification. The bacteria mainly belonged to the genera Staphylococcus, Neisseria, and Bacillus. Our results suggest that for dental scaling in dogs, the PIVC should be placed in the pelvic limb whenever possible to reduce the potential risk of contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Muscle injury classification and grading systems have been reported for >100 years; yet it offer limited evidence relating the clinical or radiological qualities of a muscle injury to the pathology or clinical outcome. The British Athletics Muscle Injury Classification (BAMIC) incorporates recent predictive features of muscle injuries and provides a precise radiographic framework for clinical prediction and management. Objective: To investigate clinical outcomes, particularly time to return to play (RTP), reinjury rate (RIR), and prognostic value of specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, of activity-related muscle injuries (tears) in athletes after application of the BAMIC. Data Sources: A search of PubMed (NLM), EMBASE (Ovid), Web of Science (Clarivate), Cochrane Library (Wiley), and ClinicalTrials.gov from the inception date of each database through August 31, 2022, was conducted. Keywords included the BAMIC. Study Selection: All English language studies evaluating clinical outcomes of RTP and RIR after activity-related muscle injuries and where BAMIC was applied were included. A total of 136 articles were identified, and 11 studies met inclusion criteria. Study Design: Systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42022353801). Level of Evidence: Level 2. Data Extraction: Two reviewers independently screened studies for eligibility and extracted data. Methodological quality of included study was assessed independently by 2 reviewers with the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Scale (NOS); 11 good quality studies (4 prospective cohort studies, 7 retrospective cohort studies) with 468 athletes (57 female) and 574 muscle injuries were included. Results: All studies reported a statistically significant relationship between BAMIC grade, BAMIC injury site, and/or combined BAMIC grade and injury site with RTP. A statistically significant increased RIR was reported by BAMIC grade and BAMIC injury site in 2 of 4 and 3 of 4 studies, respectively. The prognostic value of individual MRI criteria was limited. Conclusion: Consistent evidence suggests that BAMIC offers prognostic and therapeutic guidance for clinical outcomes, particularly RTP and RIR, after activity-related muscle injuries in athletes that may be superior to previous muscle injury classification and grading systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lizards are historically recognized for the ability to voluntarily amputate and regenerate their tails. However, while caudal autotomy has been extensively studied, other types of amputations in lizards remain scientifically underestimated. The present study aimed to assess the extent of knowledge about different types of amputations in lizards and, specifically, to describe anatomically the patterns of limb amputations in Neotropical lizards. We first carried out a systematic bibliographic research regarding the subject, in four academic databases. Moreover, we anatomically described the amputations of seven specimens housed in scientific collections, using external morphological analysis and radiographic techniques. The bibliographic survey revealed that most amputations are related to caudal injuries (67%), while limb amputations accounted for only 24% of the records. Most records mentioned amputations in pelvic limbs (68%), the majority of amputations were provoked by medical-therapeutic procedures (96%), and the main method applied to analyze these lesions were microscopy techniques (80%). Most of the injuries evaluated in museum specimens were also in the hind limbs (86%), mainly involving ruptures in the tibia and fibula and in the femorotibial joint. We also described in detail two rare cases of regeneration of tail-shaped appendages in amputated hind limbs for two species of Neotropical lizards. Our findings revealed that natural amputations in lizard limbs constitute a promising knowledge field for future research, and reinforced the importance of using different assessment methods to investigate body injuries. Thus, we have contributed to the understanding of the causes and consequences of the limb amputation process in lizards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As is true of many complex tasks, the work of discovering, describing, and understanding the diversity of life on Earth (viz., biological systematics and taxonomy) requires many tools. Some of this work can be accomplished as it has been done in the past, but some aspects present us with challenges which traditional knowledge and tools cannot adequately resolve. One such challenge is presented by species complexes in which the morphological similarities among the group members make it difficult to reliably identify known species and detect new ones. We address this challenge by developing new tools using the principles of machine learning to resolve two specific questions related to species complexes. The first question is formulated as a classification problem in statistics and machine learning and the second question is an out-of-distribution (OOD) detection problem. We apply these tools to a species complex comprising Southeast Asian stream frogs (Limnonectes kuhlii complex) and employ a morphological character (hind limb skin texture) traditionally treated qualitatively in a quantitative and objective manner. We demonstrate that deep neural networks can successfully automate the classification of an image into a known species group for which it has been trained. We further demonstrate that the algorithm can successfully classify an image into a new class if the image does not belong to the existing classes. Additionally, we use the larger MNIST dataset to test the performance of our OOD detection algorithm. We finish our paper with some concluding remarks regarding the application of these methods to species complexes and our efforts to document true biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flippers are key tissues through which frogs swim in water, and their spreading and contracting state directly affects their ability to move while driving their hind limbs. First, inspired by movement mechanism of frog flippers, a controllable soft-body extension-driven frog-like flipper mechanism was designed by combining the large elasticity and strong ductility of soft-body materials. This mechanism is driven by single motor via linkage gear, enabling it to simulate the changing state of flipper extension precisely controlled by the frog as it swims. Second, nonlinear mechanical calculations of flipper deformation membrane were carried out, and deformation optimization model based on Ogden's super soft-body material was established. Subsequently, integral analysis of the deformed area of flippers was used to obtain a fluid dynamics model of the paddling performance. Theoretical calculations and computational fluid dynamics simulations have shown that flippers can instantaneously control changes in the flipper area to inhibit fluid separation while swimming, effectively reducing the water drag of flippers in water and thus increasing the swimming propulsive force. Finally, when the spreading area of flippers was the same, and the swimming efficiency increased by 1, 1.6, and 1.9 times compared with that of fixed, passive folding, and passive spring flippers, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trauma can result in systemic inflammation that leads to organ dysfunction, but the impact on the brain, particularly following extracranial insults, has been largely overlooked. Methods: Building upon our prior findings, we aimed to understand the impact of systemic inflammation on neuroinflammatory gene transcripts in eight brain regions in rats exposed to (1) blast overpressure exposure [BOP], (2) cutaneous thermal injury [BU], (3) complex extremity injury, 3 hours (h) of tourniquet-induced ischemia, and hind limb amputation [CEI+tI+HLA], (4) BOP+BU or (5) BOP+CEI and delayed HLA [BOP+CEI+dHLA] at 6, 24, and 168 h post-injury (hpi). Results: Globally, the number and magnitude of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) correlated with injury severity, systemic inflammation markers, and end-organ damage, driven by several chemokines/cytokines (Csf3, Cxcr2, Il16, and Tgfb2), neurosteroids/prostaglandins (Cyp19a1, Ptger2, and Ptger3), and markers of neurodegeneration (Gfap, Grin2b, and Homer1). Regional neuroinflammatory activity was least impacted following BOP. Non-blast trauma (in the BU and CEI+tI+HLA groups) contributed to an earlier, robust and diverse neuroinflammatory response across brain regions (up to 2–50-fold greater than that in the BOP group), while combined trauma (in the BOP+CEI+dHLA group) significantly advanced neuroinflammation in all regions except for the cerebellum. In contrast, BOP+BU resulted in differential activity of several critical neuroinflammatory-neurodegenerative markers compared to BU. t-SNE plots of DEGs demonstrated that the onset, extent, and duration of the inflammatory response are brain region dependent. Regardless of injury type, the thalamus and hypothalamus, which are critical for maintaining homeostasis, had the most DEGs. Our results indicate that neuroinflammation in all groups progressively increased or remained at peak levels over the study duration, while markers of end-organ dysfunction decreased or otherwise resolved. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings emphasize the brain's sensitivity to mediators of systemic inflammation and provide an example of immune-brain crosstalk. Follow-on molecular and behavioral investigations are warranted to understand the short- to long-term pathophysiological consequences on the brain, particularly the mechanism of blood–brain barrier breakdown, immune cell penetration–activation, and microglial activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of buildings is risky for workers’ musculoskeleton. This study aims to calculate the significance of risk associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. 600 workers from 20 construction sites were surveyed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (modified) and their performance was assessed at seven construction-tasks using RULA and REBA sheets. SPSS v. 26 and R programming were used for statistical analysis. The mean value of workers’ age was 28.4381 years, with 8.8205 working months/year and 65USDs monthly earnings. Maximum reporting of body discomfort was by workers of window/door framing. Workers’ BMI (35–44 kg/m2) and break duration (< 15 minutes) prompted neck pain with OR 7.79 (95% CI 1.135-53.587) and OR 1.179 (95%CI 0.231–6.014) respectively. Bagging was dangerous for the ankle with OR 9.881 (95% CI 5.140–18.994), and window/door framing for feet with OR 2.057 (95% CI 1.196–3.539). The mean value of the RULA grand score ranged from 5.89 (lowest for ‘leveling’) to 9.25 (highest for ‘demolishing’), and the REBA sheet between 8–11 for all seven studied work-stages. Workers’ upper and lower limbs are affected by the work-stages they perform and the social lifestyle they live in. These findings from 600 workers are sufficient to be generalized for intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examines the growth pattern and lifestyle habits of the freshwater snapping turtles Chelydra and Macrochelys based on limb bone histology. Femora, humeri, and tibiae of 25 individuals selected from a range of ontogenetic stages were assessed to determine inter‐element and intraskeletal histological variation. Osteohistological assessment of multiple elements is consistent with overall moderate growth rates as revealed by the dominance of parallel‐fibered bone. However, the growth was cyclical as shown by deposition of multiple lines of arrested growths in the compacta. It appears that the bone tissue of C. serpentina is more variable through ontogeny with intermittent higher growth rates. M. temminckii appears to grow more slowly than C. serpentina possessing compact and thick cortices in accordance with their larger size. Overall, vascularization decreases through ontogeny with humeri and femora being well‐vascularized in both species. Contrarily, epipodials are poorly vascularized, though simple longitudinal and radial canals are present, suggesting differences in growth patterns when compared with associated diaphyseal sections. The tibiae were found to be the least remodeled of the limb bones and therefore better suited for skeletochronology for snapping turtles. Intra‐elementally, femora and humeri preserved higher cortical vascularity ventrally, suggestive of faster relative growth. We hypothesize that the differential growth pattern in limb bones of snapping turtles may relate to differential functional constraints, where forelimbs are operational in swimming while the hindlimbs provide stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Water treadmill (WT) exercise is popular for cross-training of sport horses. The nature of the horse's adaptation to WT exercise could be influenced by the type of session used and how often it is conducted. The study's aim was to compare the gait characteristics of 48 sport horses during a standardised WT exercise test (WTSET) at the start, i.e., 'week 0', and after 20 and 40 weeks of WT exercise incorporated within their normal training programme. Horses were recruited from the existing client populations of two commercial water treadmill venues for the purpose of this longitudinal, observational study. Measurements of limb, back, poll, wither, and pelvic movement were taken during the WTSET at weeks 0, 20, and 40. Compared to week 0, the results showed changes in gait characteristics during the WTSET at weeks 20 and 40 that reflected adaptation to walking in water, including increased protraction and decreased retraction of the fore and hind limbs. Kinematic responses were primarily dependent upon water depth, but previous experience of the horses with WT exercise, the number of WT exercise sessions carried out per month, and the type of the WT exercise session used during training with respect to speed and depth used were also influential. The WT session design and frequency of use can influence the nature of the kinematic responses to water walking seen over time, suggesting that WT exercise sessions within a normal sport horse training programme could be designed in accordance with specific training goals. Repeated exposure to water treadmill (WT) exercise could elicit kinematic responses reflecting adaptation to WT exercise. The study's aim was to compare the responses of a group of sport horses to a standardised WT exercise test (WTSET) carried out at three time points, week 0 (n = 48), week 20 (n = 38), and week 40 (n = 29), throughout a normal training programme incorporating WT exercise. Horses were recruited from the existing client populations of two commercial water treadmill venues for the purpose of this longitudinal, observational study. Limb, back, poll, wither, and pelvic kinematics were measured during the WTSET using videography, optical motion capture, and inertial motion sensors. Forelimb and hindlimb protraction increased (p < 0.001 for both), and forelimb and hindlimb retraction decreased (p < 0.001 for both) at week 40 compared to week 0. Caudal thoracic flexion–extension and lateral bend ranges of movement were greater at week 40 compared to week 0 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively). Increased training speed was associated with increased craniocaudal poll movement (p = 0.021), decreased forelimb protraction (p = 0.008), and increased forelimb retraction (p = 0.021). In addition to characteristic changes in kinematics due to increasing water depth, regular WT exercise resulted in kinematic adaptation to movement in water. Factors such as the frequency of WT sessions and the type of session used with respect to depth and speed were seen to influence the nature of the adaptation. The results suggest that WT exercise sessions could be designed in accordance with specific training goals when used within a normal sport horse training programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Claw lesions significantly contribute to lameness, greatly affecting sow welfare. This study investigated different factors that would impact the severity of claw lesions in the sows of Brazilian commercial herds. Methods: A total of 129 herds (n = 12,364 sows) were included in the study. Herds were in the Midwest, Southeast, or South regions of Brazil. Inventory sizes were stratified into 250-810 sows, 811-1,300 sows, 1,301-3,000 sows, and 3,001-10,000 sows. Herds belonged to Cooperative (Coop), Integrator, or Independent structures. The herd management was conducted either maintaining breeds from stock on-site (internal), or through purchase of commercially available genetics (external). Herds adopted either individual crates or group housing during gestation. Within each farm, one randomly selected group of sows was scored by the same evaluator (two independent experts evaluated a total of 129 herds) from 0 (none) to 3 (severe) for heel overgrowth and erosion (HOE), heel-sole crack (HSC), separation along the white line (WL), horizontal (CHW) and vertical (CVW) wall cracks, and overgrown toes (T), or dewclaws (DC) in the hind legs after parturition. The study assessed differences and similarities between herds using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering (HAC) analysis. The effects of factors (i.e., production structure, management, housing during gestation, and region) were assessed using the partial least squares method (PLS). Results and discussion: Heel overgrowth and erosion had the highest prevalence, followed by WL and CHW, while the lowest scores were observed for T DC, and CVW. Herds were grouped in three clusters (i.e., Cl, C2, and C3). Heel overgrowth and erosion, HSC, WL, CHW, CVW, and T were decreased by 17, 25, 11, 25, 21, and 17%, respectively, in C3 compared to CI and 2 combined. Independent structure increased the L-lndex in all three clusters. Furthermore, individual housing increased the L-lndex regardless of the cluster. The results suggest that shifting toward larger, more technologically advanced herds could potentially benefit claw health. Additionally, adopting group gestation housing appears to mitigate the adverse effects on claw health, although further validation is necessary, as Brazil has only recently transitioned from individual housing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel NIR-II nanoprobe was developed through regulating the steric effect of an A–DA′D–A dye. The probe features the properties of strong fluorescence, high stability, and a large Stokes shift, thereby serving as a remarkable contrast agent for the fluorescence imaging of hindlimb vasculature and tumors in live mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dermatophytosis is a common skin infection of cats and many other animals. A reliable diagnosis is crucial because of the zoonotic potential of dermatophytes. The routine mycological diagnostic procedures for dermatophytosis are widely known, but in the case of some isolates, identification based on phenotypic characteristics may be incorrect. Infections caused by Chrysosporium spp. are usually described in reptiles, but in other animals they are uncommon. Case presentation: This study presents a description of a cat with dermatological lesions, that was mistakenly diagnosed with Trichophyton spp. dermatophytosis. Clinical material for mycological examination was collected from alopecic areas on the back of the neck, the ventral abdomen, and the hindlimbs. The initial identification based on phenotypic properties indicated Trichophyton spp. The result of the MALDI-ToF MS allowed the exclusion of the Trichophyton genus. Ultimately, the correct identification as Chrysosporium articulatum was obtained based on the sequencing of ribosomal genes. Conclusions: Interpretation of the results of the mycological examination of samples collected from animals' skin or hair shafts is always challenging. Thus, careful consideration of the primary cause of the clinical lesions observed on the skin is mandatory, and the culture results are worth supporting by molecular methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the snap‐through instability, the pursuit for mechanical metamaterials with flexible functional applications and the ability to combine with information has been the Holy Grail for structural scientists. Here, the function/application‐oriented bistable unit motifs (UMs) are developed by an elaborately architectural design inspired by the hind leg of the frog in jumping, and a corresponding assembled strategy is proposed. Three functional applications derived from their progressive evolutions. The first is the construction of on‐demand assemblable mechanical curves, including multi‐stage vibration isolation, recoverable energy absorption, and energy dissipation along with integrated vibration isolation and energy dissipation characteristics. The second is the development of mechanic and temperature double pattern encryption strategy using bistability and shape memory programmability, resulting in 4n encryption and decryption modes for n‐bit encryption devices. Finally, five non‐volatile basic mechanical logic gates and a universal combinatorial half‐adder are built, affording guidance to unconventional computing devices with logic functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rating scales and linear indices of surface electromyography (sEMG) cannot quantify all neuromuscular conditions associated with ankle-foot dysfunction in hemiplegic patients. This study aimed to reveal potential neuromuscular conditions of ankle-foot dysfunction in hemiplegic patients by nonlinear network indices of sEMG. Methods: Fourteen male patients with hemiplegia and 10 age- and sex-matched healthy male adults were recruited and tested in static standing position. The characteristics of the root mean square (RMS), median frequency (MF), and three nonlinear indices, the clustering coefficient (C), the average shortest path length (L), and the degree centrality (DC), of eight groups of muscles in bilateral calves were observed. Results: Compared to those of the control group, the RMS of the medial gastrocnemius (MG), flexor digitorum longus (FDL), and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) on the affected side were significantly lower (P < 0.05), and the RMS of the tibial anterior (TA) and EDL on the unaffected side were significantly higher (P < 0.05). The MF of the EDL on the affected side was significantly higher than that on the control side (P < 0.05). The C of the unaffected side was significantly higher than that of the control group, whereas the L was lower (P < 0.05). Compared to those of the control group, the DC of the TA, EDL, and soleus (SOL) on the unaffected sides were higher (P < 0.05), and the DC of the MG on the affected sides was lower (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The change trends and clinical significance of these three network indices, including C, L, and DC, are not in line with those of the traditional linear indices, the RMS and the MF. The C and L may reflect the degree of synchronous activation of muscles during a certain motor task. The DC might be able to quantitatively assess the degree of muscle involvement and reflect the degree of involvement of a single muscle. Linear and nonlinear indices may reveal more neuromuscular conditions in hemiplegic ankle-foot dysfunction from different aspects. Trial registration: ChiCTR2100055090. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The popularity of tortoises kept in captivity is increasing and has caused concern regarding the necessity to establish safe and straightforward anaesthesia for those reptiles. Aim: This study aimed to compare four protocols using levobupivacaine in spinal anaesthesia for the blockade of the caudal neuraxis of red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonarius). Methods: Twenty-four tortoises were randomly assigned into four groups: G1, levobupivacaine 0.75% (1.15 mg kg−1); G2, levobupivacaine 0.37% (1.15 mg kg−1); G3, levobupivacaine 0.75% (2.3 mg kg−1); and G4, levobupivacaine 0.75% (0.1 ml 5 cm−1 of straight carapace length). Tortoises were evaluated for respiratory rate, muscle relaxation, response to hindlimb or tail pinch, and cloacal reflex. Results: A 1.15 mg kg−1 dose of levobupivacaine 0.37% appears adequate for shorter procedures, whereas a 1.15 mg kg−1 dose of levobupivacaine 0.75% should be appropriate for longer procedures in red-footed tortoises. Conclusion: Our results are the first to show the effects of levobupivacaine on spinal anaesthesia in reptiles. Weight-based doses presented more intense and more homogeneous effects than carapace length-based doses in red-footed tortoises. Spinal anaesthesia of red-footed tortoises was safe and effective with any of the weight-based protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of lower extremity necrotizing fasciitis in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, with a focus on amputation rates. Methods: This prospective study included 88 patients with lower extremity necrotizing fasciitis, equally divided into diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, etiological factors, microbiology, management, and outcomes were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: The mean age of participants was 49.6 ± 6.3 years, with a male predominance (56.8%). Minor trauma was the most common etiological factor (52.3%). Streptococcus pyogenes was the most frequently isolated organism (62.5%). Split-skin grafting was the primary surgical intervention (77.3%). The overall amputation rate was 10.2%, with a higher rate in diabetic patients (15.9%) compared to non-diabetic patients (4.5%), although this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Diabetic patients showed a significantly higher incidence of blisters (15.9% vs 0%, p<0.05) and a slightly longer mean hospital stay (22.8 ± 7.6 vs 21.07 ± 8.8 days, p>0.05). Conclusion: While diabetes did not significantly affect most clinical features or outcomes of lower extremity necrotizing fasciitis, it was associated with a higher incidence of blisters and a trend towards increased amputation rates. These findings highlight the need for vigilant management of necrotizing fasciitis in diabetic patients to potentially reduce the risk of amputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environment of an organism exerts selective pressures that affect mobility, feeding, reproduction as well as predator–prey and conspecific interactions. Land use changes induced by human activities modify these selective pressures and may result in the adaptation of organisms. Amphibians are ectotherms that typically show a biphasic life cycle with an aquatic and terrestrial phase, which makes them particularly sensitive to environmental change. We studied the impact of habitat modifications on palmate newt populations in the Ile de France region across four types of habitats: urban, mixed, agricultural, and natural with at least two replicates for each habitat type. We measured the morphology of newts using callipers, quantified maximal running and swimming speed and acceleration using high‐speed video recordings, and quantified the swelling of the hind limb linked to an inflammatory reaction. Our results show that in urban habitats, newts are larger and heavier and have a better body condition. Females, moreover, have a larger head in natural habitats, possibly due to diet specialisation of females during the breeding season. In mixed and agricultural habitats, newts have longer limbs and show a tendency to run faster, possibly associated with the selective pressures on movement in mixed habitats. Differences in inflammatory responses were observed between sexes but not habitat types. Overall, our results show differences in morphology and trends for differences in performance in newts living in different habitats suggesting that animals are adapting to human‐induced changes in their environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hoof care providers are pivotal for implementing biomechanical optimizations of the musculoskeletal system in the horse. Regular visits allow for the collection of longitudinal, quantitative information ("normal ranges"). Changes in movement symmetry, e.g., after shoeing, are indicative of alterations in weight-bearing and push-off force production. Ten Warmblood show jumping horses (7–13 years; 7 geldings, 3 mares) underwent forelimb re-shoeing with rolled rocker shoes, one limb at a time ("limb-by-limb"). Movement symmetry was measured with inertial sensors attached to the head, withers, and pelvis during straight-line trot and lunging. Normalized differences pre/post re-shoeing were compared to published test–retest repeatability values. Mixed-model analysis with random factors horse and limb within horse and fixed factors surface and exercise direction evaluated movement symmetry changes (p < 0.05, Bonferroni correction). Withers movement indicated increased forelimb push-off with the re-shod limb on the inside of the circle and reduced weight-bearing with the re-shod limb and the ipsilateral hind limb on hard ground compared to soft ground. Movement symmetry measurements indicate that a rolled rocker shoe allows for increased push-off on soft ground in trot in a circle. Similar studies should study different types of shoes for improved practically relevant knowledge about shoeing mechanics, working towards evidence-based preventative shoeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Objectives Study design Methods Results Main limitations Conclusion Short incomplete parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx are common injuries described in racehorses and also horses not used for racing. Computed tomographic (CT) features have been described in horses not used for racing, but not in a racehorse population.To describe CT features of short incomplete parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx in a group of Thoroughbred racehorses.Retrospective observational study.CT images of 59 Thoroughbred racehorses diagnosed with 60 short incomplete parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx examined between January 2014 and February 2023 were reviewed retrospectively. Horse signalment and clinical features were retrieved from hospital records.50/60 fractures were dorsally biased unicortical fractures. Mean proximodistal fracture extension in forelimbs (13.6 mm ± 3.4) was less than in hindlimbs (17.4 mm ± 4.4) (p = 0.0019). There was no difference in fracture extension in the proximodistal direction according to age or gender. Fractures in 2‐year‐olds were shorter in dorsopalmar/−plantar direction (17.4 mm ± 6.3) than in 3‐year‐olds and older horses (21.7 mm ± 7.4) (p = 0.015). Periosteal new bone was present in 91.2% of fractures and endosteal new bone in 75%.Conclusions from this study can only confidently be applied to similar populations of racing Thoroughbred horses.Short incomplete parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx in Thoroughbred racehorses most commonly involve only the dorsal cortex and adjacent subchondral and cancellous bone. The distribution of fracture configurations differs from that described in horses not used for racing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to describe the anatomical bone, muscular, and nervous components of the capybara's pelvic limb, associating dissections with radiographic imaging findings. Four animals (two adult females, one adult male, and one young male) were used for macroscopic dissections, and one adult male for radiographic acquisitions. A specimen was prepared for bone descriptions using a maceration procedure. The results demonstrated an elongated thigh bone, the obturator foramen obturator, the ilial wing, and the iliac body straight. The anatomical variations of the pelvic limb of capybaras found were: in the femur, the third trochanter is absent; in the tarsal–metatarsal complex, the I tarsal and the I and V metatarsals are vestigial, and a single portion of the M. sartorius and M. gracilis muscles was demonstrated. Furthermore, variations were found in the origin and insertion of each muscle. Macroscopic musculoskeletal descriptions associated with radiographic analyses made it possible to establish a standard of comparative normality for knowledge of species examinations. The pelvic limb was innervated by nerves that emerge from the lumbosacral plexus, which gives rise to the following nerves: N.gluteus cranialis, N. gluteus caudalis, N. genitofemoralis, N. obturatorius, ischiadicus—rami musculares, N. cutaneus surae lateralis, N. cutaneus surae caudallis, N. pudendus, N. femoralis, N. saphenous, N. tibialis, and N.fibularis communis. In conclusion, the anatomy of the capybara's pelvic limb locomotor system presents particular characteristics related to its aquatic behavior and the absence of arboreal habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study tests if femoral and humeral cross‐sectional geometry (CSG) and cross‐sectional properties (CSPs) in an ontogenetic series of wild‐caught chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes ssp.) reflect locomotor behavior during development. The goal is to clarify the relationship between limb bone structure and locomotor behavior during ontogeny in Pan. Materials and Methods: The latex cast method was used to reconstruct cross sections at the midshaft femur and mid‐distal humerus. Second moments of area (SMAs) (Ix, Iy, Imax, Imin), which are proportional to bending rigidity about a specified axis, and the polar SMA (J), which is proportional to average bending rigidity, were calculated at section locations. Cross‐sectional shape (CSS) was assessed from Ix/Iy and Imax/Imin ratios. Juvenile and adult subsamples were compared. Results: Juveniles and adults have significantly greater femoral J compared to humeral J. Mean interlimb proportions of J are not significantly different between the groups. There is an overall decreasing trend in diaphyseal circularity between the juvenile phase of development and adulthood, although significant differences are only found in the humerus. Discussion: Juvenile chimpanzee locomotion includes forelimb‐ and hindlimb‐biased behaviors. Juveniles and adults preferentially load their hindlimbs relative to their forelimbs. This may indicate similar locomotor behavior, although other explanations including a diversity of hindlimb‐biased locomotor behaviors in juveniles cannot be ruled out. Different ontogenetic trends in forelimb and hindlimb CSS are consistent with limb bone CSG reflecting functional adaptation, albeit the complex nature of bone functional adaptation requires cautious interpretations of skeletal functional morphology from biomechanical analyses. Research Highlights: Like adults, juveniles preferentially load their hindlimbs relative to their forelimbs.Diaphyseal shape maps onto locomotor behavior but should be contextualized with other biomechanically relevant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to significant bone loss below the level of the lesion increasing the risk of fracture and increased morbidity. Body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) and transplantation strategies using neurotrophins have been shown to improve motor function after SCI. While rehabilitation training including BWSTT has also been effective in reducing bone loss post-SCI, the effects of transplantation therapies in bone restoration are not fully understood. Furthermore, the effects of a combinational treatment strategy on bone post-SCI also remain unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a combination therapy including transplantation of scaffold-releasing neurotrophins and BWSTT on the forelimb and hindlimb bones of a T9-T10 contused SCI animals. Humerus and tibia bones were harvested for Micro-CT scanning and a three-point bending test from four animal groups, namely injury, BWSTT (injury with BWSTT), scaffold (injury with scaffold-releasing neurotrophins), and combinational (injury treated with scaffold-releasing neurotrophins and BWSTT). BWSTT and combinational groups reported higher biomechanical properties in the tibial bone (below injury level) and lower biomechanical properties in the humerus bone (above injury level) when compared to the injury and scaffold groups. Studied structural parameters, including the cortical thickness and bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) were also higher in the tibia and lower in the humerus bones of BWSTT and combinational groups when compared to the injury and scaffold groups. While no significant differences were observed, this study is the first to report the effects of a combinational treatment strategy on bone loss in contused SCI animals and can help guide future interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Perineural anesthesia of the tibial nerve can be performed ultrasound-guided or blindly, with the latter still being commonly used in equine practice due to practical constraints, despite its lower accuracy and hence, its common failure to achieve desensitization. This may be associated with anatomical variations or inadequate landmarks for injection. In this anatomical study on the course of the tibial nerve on paired cadaveric limbs, we found that problems with perineural anesthesia cannot simply be attributed to anatomical variations. The large diameter of the tibial nerve (6 ± 1 mm) and the substantial amount of perineural tissue may present specific challenges for achieving adequate desensitization. Regarding landmarks, this study confirms that perineural injection should be performed 10 cm proximal to the proximocranial aspect of the calcaneal tubercle and 11 mm cranial to the superficial digital flexor. Perineural anesthesia of the tibial nerve can be performed ultrasound-guided or blindly, with the latter still being commonly used in equine practice due to practical constraints, despite its lower accuracy and hence, common failure to achieve desensitization. This may be associated with anatomical variations or inadequate landmarks for injection. To examine the course of the tibial nerve, document potential anatomical variations, and determine optimal landmarks for perineural injection, dissection was conducted along the medial aspect of the tibia in 10 paired cadaver hindlimbs. No anatomical variations of the tibial nerve were observed. Mean tibial nerve thickness was 6 ± 1 mm. The junction with the plantar nerves was located at a maximum of 85 mm and the junction with the medial cutaneous branch was at a maximum of 150 mm proximal to the proximal aspect of the calcaneal tubercle. The mean distance of the tibial nerve to the cranial border of the superficial digital flexor was 11 ± 6 mm. In conclusion, problems with perineural anesthesia of the tibial nerve cannot simply be attributed to anatomical variations. The thickness of the nerve and the amount of perineural tissue may present specific challenges for achieving adequate desensitization. Our results support the generally recommended site for tibial nerve perineural injection at 100 mm proximal to the calcaneal tubercle and 11 mm cranial to the superficial digital flexor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Increased radiopharmaceutical uptake (IRU) in skeletal muscle in horses has been previously reported but only a few authors describe its location in detail. Objectives: To describe and document the distribution of IRU in skeletal muscle in a population of flat racing and endurance horses. Study design: Retrospective descriptive study. Methods: Bone phase nuclear skeletal scintigraphy studies of 17 endurance and 9 racehorses with IRU in skeletal muscle were reviewed. The affected muscles were described and differences between endurance and flat racing horses were analysed. Ultrasonographic appearance of the muscles with IRU was also described when available. Results: A total of 22 hindlimb scans (14 endurance horses, 8 racehorses) and 7 forelimbs scans (5 endurance horses, 2 racehorses) were analysed. In the hindlimbs, IRU was most frequently observed in the semitendinosus muscle in endurance horses (7/14, 50%) and in the gluteus medius muscle in racehorses (4/8, 50%). Bilateral IRU in the same muscle was often observed (11/22, 50%) in the hindlimbs. In 87.5% of the studies with IRU in the biceps femoris (7/8) or the semitendinosus muscles (7/8), the IRU was bilateral. In the forelimbs, IRU was most frequently observed in the triceps brachii (2/5, 40%) and latissimus dorsi (2/5, 40%) muscles in endurance horses and in the brachiocephalicus muscle in racehorses (2/2, 100%). The distribution of the skeletal muscles with IRU was more varied in endurance than in flat racehorses. No statistically significant difference was found in the distribution of the skeletal muscles with IRU between endurance and racehorses. Conclusions: Even though no statistical differences between groups could be demonstrated, this study describes the frequent location of IRU in muscle in the semitendinosus of endurance horses and in the gluteus medius of flat racehorses included in this study. The distribution of muscles with IRU was more variable in endurance horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate physiological and pathological processes, including ischemia-induced angiogenesis and neovascularization. They can be transferred between cells by extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, the specific miRs that are packaged in EVs released from skeletal muscles, and how this process is modulated by ischemia, remain to be determined. We used a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia and next generation sequencing (NGS) to perform a complete profiling of miR expression and determine the effect of ischemia in skeletal muscles, and in EVs of different sizes (microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes) released from these muscles. Ischemia significantly modulated miR expression in whole muscles and EVs, increasing the levels of several miRs that can have pro-angiogenic effects (angiomiRs). We found that specific angiomiRs are selectively enriched in MVs and/or exosomes in response to ischemia. In silico approaches indicate that these miRs modulate pathways that play key roles in angiogenesis and neovascularization, including HIF1/VEGF signaling, regulation of actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion, NOTCH, PI3K/AKT, RAS/MAPK, JAK/STAT, TGFb/SMAD signaling and the NO/cGMP/PKG pathway. Thus, we show for the first time that angiomiRs are selectively enriched in MVs and exosomes released from ischemic muscles. These angiomiRs could be targeted in order to improve the angiogenic function of EVs for potential novel therapeutic applications in patients with severe ischemic vascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Foot health and lower extremity function are important in older people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as they maintain and promote these individuals' independent living and functional health. RA is a long-term inflammatory health condition that alters foot structure and function. Relatively little is known about the association between foot health and lower extremity function in older people with RA. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyse the levels of foot health and lower extremity function in older people with RA and to explore the associations between these factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design study was conducted. The data were collected online in April 2023 from a national association of patients with rheumatic conditions in Finland using two instruments: the Self-administered Foot Health Assessment Instrument (S-FHAI) and the Lower Extremity Function Scale (LEFS). The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Older people with RA (n = 270) reported many foot health problems, the most common of which were foot pain, dry skin, and oedema. Lower extremity function in older people with RA was at the mild-to-moderate functional limitation level and respondents reported major difficulties running or hopping, squatting, carrying out their usual hobbies, performing strenuous activities outside their homes or putting on shoes/socks. Poor levels of foot health were correlated with decreased lower extremity function. Conclusion: Foot health is associated with lower extremity function in older people with RA. Therefore, it is essential that older people with RA be provided with systematic foot health assessments, care and rehabilitation to promote their lower extremity health and improve their functional health. Multiprofessional collaboration and seamless care chains at different levels of health care could benefit older people with RA looking to maintain their functional ability and – above all – promote their active ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy animals incur large forces on their limb bones, due to the transmission of body weight and ground reaction forces, and the contractions of the various muscles of the limbs. This is particularly true for rhinoceroses, the heaviest extant animals capable of galloping. Several studies have examined their musculoskeletal system and the forces their bones incur, but no detailed quantification has ever been attempted. Such quantification could help understand better the link between form and function in giant land animals. Here we constructed three‐dimensional musculoskeletal models of the forelimb and hindlimb of Ceratotherium simum, the heaviest extant rhino species, and used static optimisation (inverse) simulations to estimate the forces applied on the bones when standing at rest, including magnitudes and directions. Overall, unsurprisingly, the most active muscles were antigravity muscles, which generate moments opposing body weight (thereby incurring the ground reaction force), and thus keep the joints extended, avoiding joint collapse via flexion. Some muscles have an antigravity action around several joints, and thus were found to be highly active, likely specialised in body weight support (ulnaris lateralis; digital flexors). The humerus was subjected to the greatest amount of forces in terms of total magnitude; forces on the humerus furthermore came from a great variety of directions. The radius was mainly subject to high‐magnitude compressive joint reaction forces, but to little muscular tension, whereas the opposite pattern was observed for the ulna. The femur had a pattern similar to that of the humerus, and the tibia's pattern was intermediate, being subject to great compression in its caudal side but to great tension in its cranial side (i.e. bending). The fibula was subject to by far the lowest force magnitude. Overall, the forces estimated were consistent with the documented morphofunctional adaptations of C. simum's long bones, which have larger insertion areas for several muscles and a greater robusticity overall than those of lighter rhinos, likely reflecting the intense forces we estimated here. Our estimates of muscle and bone (joint) loading regimes for this giant tetrapod improve the understanding of the links between form and function in supportive tissues and could be extended to other aspects of bone morphology, such as microanatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traumatic heterotopic ossification (HO) is a devastating sequela of orthopedic surgeries and traumatic injuries; however, few studies have explored the effects of the estrogen-deficient state on HO formation. In the present study, we investigated the impact of estrogen deficiency on ectopic cartilage and bone formation in tendon after Achilles tenotomy in an ovariectomized mouse model. Methods: A total of 45 female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated (control), estrogen depletion by ovariectomy (OVX) and OVX with 17β-estradiol supplementation (OVX + E2), with 15 animals in each group. Three weeks after OVX, all mice were subjected to an Achilles tenotomy using a posterior midpoint approach to induce HO. At 1, 3 and 9 weeks after tenotomy, the left hind limbs were harvested for histology, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence evaluations. The volume of ectopic bone was assessed by micro-CT. Results: Mice in the OVX group formed more ectopic cartilage 3 weeks after tenotomy, as well as ectopic bone 9 weeks after tenotomy, compared to the control group. Estrogen deficiency resulted in more severe inflammatory infiltration at the injury sites 1 week after tenotomy, involving the recruitment of more macrophages and mast cells, as well as increasing the expressions of pro-inflammatory mediators, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, the local TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway was dysregulated after OVX, which manifested as upregulated expressions of TGF-β and pSMAD2/3. E2 supplementation protected against OVX-induced HO deterioration, inhibited inflammatory infiltration, and downregulated the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. Conclusion: Estrogen deficiency exacerbated HO formation in the Achilles tenotomy model. These findings might be attributable to the disturbance of the inflammatory response and the activation of TGF-β/SMAD signaling at the injury sites during the early stages of HO development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 24-day-old male Japanese Black calf presented with weight-bearing lameness in the left hind limb and a swollen pelvis. Ultrasonography revealed the accumulation of fluidity materials with a mixture of hyper- and hypoechogenicity, enclosed by 5-10-mm-thick capsular structures. On the ventraldorsal radiograph of the pelvis, irregular and radiolucent osseous changes were evident in the femoral head and acetabulum within the swollen hip joint, with soft-tissue density. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the relationship between the bony and soft tissue lesions, which was suspected following ultrasonography and radiography, and provided additional findings, such as intra-articular accumulation of gas and the degree of osteolytic changes. Based on the imaging findings and cytology of the arthrocentesis specimen, the patient was diagnosed with hip arthritis and osteomyelitis of the femoral head. Additionally, the severity of the lesions supported our decision to perform a femoral head ostectomy. The postoperative radiographic and CT findings of the treated pelvis were helpful in evaluating the efficacy of this technique. Following treatment, the animal could walk and showed normal development, although it was three postoperative months before weight-bearing lameness improved. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the combined use of ultrasonography, radiography, and CT in the diagnosis, preoperative planning, and evaluation of the postoperative effects of bovine hip arthritis. Additionally, this report details the therapeutic efficacy of femoral head ostectomy for bovine hip arthritis, a technique that has not been reported previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current treatment options for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are limited due to a lack of significant high-level evidence to inform clinical decisions and unfavorable outcomes in terms of cost-effectiveness and amputation rates. In order to suggest the use of the commercially available L-Ornithine-L-Aspartate (LOLA) for treating PAD, we induced hind limb ischemia (HLI) by unilaterally ligating the femoral artery in a rat model. The rats were randomly divided into three groups, with seven rats assigned to each group: group 1 (control), group 2 (sorbitol), and group 3 (LOLA). Intraperitoneal injections were administered five times on post-operative days (PODs) 3, 5, 7, 10, and 12. Perfusion imaging was conducted on PODs 7 and 14 and compared to pre-operative perfusion imaging. Immunohistochemistry staining and Western blotting were performed after the final perfusion imaging. Group 3 showed a significant increase in perfusion, high CD31-positive capillary lumen density, and substantial overexpression of VEGF in the ischemic limb during the subacute phase of HLI. In conclusion, this study provides the first documented evidence of angiogenesis and perfusion recovery in the subacute phase of the HLI model following the administration of LOLA. With LOLA readily available on the commercial market, the implementation of LOLA treatment for PAD in humans can be expedited compared to other therapies still in the developmental stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified amphibian metamorphosis assay was performed in which Nieuwkoop and Faber (NF) stage 47 Xenopus laevis larvae were exposed to different concentrations of either perchlorate (ClO4−) or nitrate (NO3−) for 32 days. Larvae were exposed to 0.0 (control), 5, 25, 125, 625, and 3125 μg/L ClO4−, or 0 (control), 23, 71, 217, 660, and 2000 mg/L NO3−. The primary endpoints were survival, hind limb length (HLL), forelimb emergence and development, developmental stage (including time to NF stage 62 [MT62]), thyroid histopathology, wet weight, and snout‐vent length (SVL). Developmental delay as evidenced by altered stage distribution and increased MT62, a higher degree of thyroid follicular cell hypertrophy, and an increase in the prevalence of follicular cell hyperplasia was observed at concentrations ≥125 μg/L ClO4−. The no observed effect concentration (NOEC) for developmental endpoints was 25.0 μg/L ClO4− and the NOEC for growth endpoints was 3125 μg/L ClO4−. Exposure to nitrate did not adversely affect MT62, but a decreasing trend in stage distribution and median developmental stage at ≥217 mg/L NO3− was observed. No histopathologic effects associated with nitrate exposure were observed. An increasing trend in SVL‐normalized HLL was observed at 2000 mg/L NO3−. Nitrate did not alter larval growth. The NOEC for developmental endpoints was 71 mg/L NO3−, and 2000 mg/L NO3− for growth endpoints. The present study provided additional evidence that the effects and potency of nitrate and perchlorate on metamorphosis and growth in X. laevis are considerably different. A modified amphibian metamorphosis assay was performed with perchlorate (ClO4−) or nitrate (NO3−) for 32 days. The no observed effect concentration (NOEC) for developmental endpoints was 25 μg/L ClO4− and NOEC for growth endpoints was 3125 μg/L ClO4−. The NOEC for developmental endpoints was 71 mg/L, and 2000 mg/L NO3− for growth endpoints. The present study demonstrated that the effects and potency of nitrate and perchlorate on metamorphosis and growth in X. laevis are considerably different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection & Pathology is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Canadian Veterinary Journal / Revue Vétérinaire Canadienne is the property of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the context of global warming, studying insect diversity in mountainous regions is crucial for predicting species distribution and guiding biodiversity conservation. To examine the patterns of ant diversity along elevational gradients, we conducted field surveys in the Qinling Mountains, a natural boundary between the warm temperate and subtropical zones in China. Ants were sampled from elevations ranging from 967 to 2029 m above sea level. We measured six functional traits related to diet, habitat preference, and foraging strategy of ants. Our study evaluated the influence of elevation on taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity, as well as ant community assembly. Our findings revealed differences in species composition of ant communities along elevations, and ant diversity tended to decrease with increasing elevation. The functional traits of ant communities at low and high elevation were similar (larger body sizes, wider heads, longer scapes, bigger eyes, longer mandibles and longer hind legs), while ants at the middle elevation showed opposite traits. Stochastic processes influenced ant communities at low elevation, and environmental filters played a primary role in shaping communities at middle and high elevation. The results suggest challenges for specialist ant species in dispersing across elevations, and provide valuable insights into ant ecological adaptation and diversity conservation in the Qinling Mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodents comprise around half of all mammalian species, showcasing their remarkable adaptability to thrive in almost all terrestrial habitats. Their evolutionary success is exemplified by a wide range of morphological features reflecting various feeding and locomotory adaptations. This study examines the functional variation in cranial and mandibular traits as well as locomotion indices in rodent communities within the high-altitude Afroalpine environment of the Ethiopian Highlands. The findings reveal two distinct patterns in cranial and mandibular traits. One pattern is associated with dietary differences, distinguishing the primarily herbivorous species Otomys helleri, Arvicanthis abyssinicus and Lophuromys melanonyx, which are characterised by relatively long molar rows, massive mandibles, and likely enhanced bite force, from the generally omnivorous genus Stenocephalemys and the more faunivorous Lophuromys flavopunctatus. The second pattern indicates that species in the Afroalpine ecosystem have adapted to life in distinct habitats across different elevational zones. Species from the highest elevational zones within the genera Stenocephalemys and Lophuromys exhibit convergent morphological adaptations for life in open habitats, characterised by their larger size, narrower interorbital constriction, and larger orbits. Regarding locomotion, our study emphasises the unique morphology of Otomys, which is characterised by equally long forelimbs and hindlimbs. This corresponds to its predominant fast quadrupedal running. In contrast, Stenocephalemys species are likely to rely more on saltatory locomotion. Among them, the forest-dwelling S. albipes likely demonstrates the most advanced form of this locomotory style. The study highlights significant functional diversification in rodent assemblages from the Ethiopian Highlands, primarily driven by foraging and locomotor ecologies. This morphological variation has likely contributed to shaping the rich rodent communities integral to the Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot, globally recognized for its significance in mammal endemism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Upper motor neuron-dominant ALS (UMND ALS) is recognized to have early onset and good prognosis, but may have a rapid decline in motor function due to gait instability in the early stage. We investigated changes in lower extremity function in UMND ALS, particularly UMND ALS patients accompanied with postural instability or repeated falls (UMND ALS plus). Results: Among the 2,353 ALS patients reviewed, 211 (9.0%) had UMND ALS. UMND ALS had a longer diagnosis delay and restricted symptoms. Although UMND ALS patients had better lower extremity function and strength than matched classic ALS patients on first evaluation, there was no difference in the time of needing assistance or not being able to walk after disease onset. In contrast, UMND ALS plus has severe UMN symptoms and a more rapid decline in motor function. The lower extremity function was no better than that in the matched classic ALS. The prognosis of UMND ALS and UMND ALS plus were significantly better than those of overall ALS. Conclusion: UMND ALS has restricted symptoms but has a rapid decline in lower extremity function in the early stage of the disease. The motor function decline of UMND ALS plus is as fast as classic ALS. Whether these patients represent a distinct subgroup of ALS deserves further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral arterial diseases (PAD) have been reported to be the leading cause for limb amputations, and the current therapeutic strategies including antiplatelet medication or intervene surgery are reported to not clinically benefit the patients with high-grade PAD. To this respect, revascularization based on angiogenetic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene therapy was attempted for the potential treatment of critical PAD. Aiming for transcellular delivery of VEGF-encoding plasmid DNA (pDNA), we proposed to elaborate intriguing virus-like DNA condensates, wherein the supercoiled rigid micrometer-scaled plasmid DNA (pDNA) could be regulated in an orderly fashion into well-defined nano-toroids by following a self-spooling process with the aid of cationic block copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-polylysine at an extraordinary ionic strength (NaCl: 600 mM). Moreover, reversible disulfide crosslinking was proposed between the polylysine segments with the aim of stabilizing these intriguing toroidal condensates. Pertaining to the critical hindlimb ischemia, our proposed toroidal VEGF-encoding pDNA condensates demonstrated high levels of VEGF expression at the dosage sites, which consequently contributed to the neo-vasculature (the particularly abundant formation of micro-vessels in the injected hindlimb), preventing the hindlimb ischemia from causing necrosis at the extremities. Moreover, excellent safety profiles have been demonstrated by our proposed toroidal condensates, as opposed to the apparent immunogenicity of the naked pDNA. Hence, our proposed virus-like DNA condensates herald potentials as gene therapy platform in persistent expressions of the therapeutic proteins, and might consequently be highlighted in the management of a variety of intractable diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mallards inhabit soft grounds such as mudflats, marshes, and beaches, demonstrating remarkable proficiency in traversing these grounds. This adeptness is closely linked to the adjustments in the operation of their hindlimbs. This study employs high-speed videography to observe postural adjustments during locomotion across mudflats. Analysis of spatiotemporal parameters of the hindlimbs reveals transient and continuous changes in joints (tarsometatarso-phalangeal joint (TMTPJ), intertarsal joint (ITJ), knee, and hip) during movement on different ground hardness and slope (horizontal and uphill). The results indicate that as the stride length of the mallard increases, its speed also increases. Additionally, the stance phase duration decreases, leading to a decrease in the duty factor. Reduced ground hardness and increased slope lead to delayed adjustment of the TMTPJ, ITJ, and knee. Mallards adjust their stride length by augmenting ITJ flexion on steeper slopes, while reduced hardness prompts a decrease in TMTPJ flexion at touch-down. Additionally, the hip undergoes two brief extensions during the stance phase, indicating its crucial role in posture adjustment and propulsion on uphill grounds. Overall, the hindlimb joints of the mallard function as a whole musculoskeletal system, with each joint employing a distinct strategy for adjusting to adapt to various ground conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, only a few studies have dealt with the radiological changes of the coffin bone in all equids in terms of roughness of the bone edges, bone resorption as well as remodeling processes and bone deformation. It seems to be an empiric finding that remodeling processes, the associated deformation and new bone formation on the coffin bone are a normal sign of ageing in donkeys. So far, there are no profound studies or publications on corresponding changes in donkeys and their dependence on the age of the animal. The objective of this study is to describe the normal radiographic anatomy of the donkey's coffin bone and to investigate the occurrence of pathological abnormalities, particularly in relation to the age of the animal. Furthermore, the study aims to prove that the changes mentioned above are not a normal sign of ageing in donkeys, but rather pathological conditions, for example as a result of chronic laminitis. Lateromedial radiographs of the distal toe of all limbs of 42 clinically healthy and lameness-free donkeys of European breeds were taken. The occurrence and severity of radiographic changes in the coffin bone were assessed using a scoring system. The tip as well as the extensory processus of the coffin bone were each assessed with regard to the presence of a sharply defined contour. The parietal and sole surfaces were also assessed for the presence of a smooth contour, slight irregularities through to moderate and severe changes and exostoses. The statistical evaluation was carried out with particular attention to the dependence of the changes on the age of the animal. A total of 160 limbs were examined. 28.1% of the coffin bones showed a sharply contoured coffin bone tip, whereas 71.9% showed deviations from the described norm in the sense of a blurred or rounded contour of the coffin bone tip, atrophic and lytic processes in the area of the coffin bone tip or the formation of a cap. The majority of these changes (69.5%) were minor deviations in the sense of a blurred or rounded contour of the coffin bone tip. In the present study, severe changes to the tip of the coffin bone, i.e. atrophy and cap formation, occurred more frequently on the forelimbs than on the hind limbs. The age as well as the weight of the donkeys had a significant influence on the occurrence of changes of the coffin bone tip (p<0.05). While age showed a negative correlation with the changes in the tip of the coffin bone, a positive correlation was found in relation to weight. 10.7% of the coffin bones showed a blurred contour in the area of the extensory processus. With regard to changes in extensory processus no significant correlation with age (p=0.3864) or limb (p=0.0962), but a positive correlation with the weight of the donkeys was found (p<0.05). The parietal surface was smooth in the majority of the cases (65%), 28.1% showed slight roughness of the parietal surface and only 6.9% showed moderate to severe changes, mainly on the front limbs. Age had no significant influence on changes in parietal surface (p=0.2958). However, weight was positively correlated with changes in parietal area and the forelimbs showed significantly more changes than the hindlimbs (p<0.05). In contrast to the parietal surface, the sole surface was sharply contoured in only 28.7% of all cases. The majority (62.5%) showed mild irregularities of the sole surface, moderate changes occurred in 8.8% of the cases and mainly on front limbs. The only parameter that influenced the occurrence of changes in the sole surface significantly was the weight of the specimens, whereas the age (p=0.1712) and the limb (p=0.1432) showed no significant correlation. Overall, almost all (41 of 42 subjects) donkeys showed changes in the coffin bone on at least one limb. The anatomical appearance of the coffin bone of the donkey is similar to that of the horse. Ideally, the tip of the coffin bone should be angular and sharply contoured, whereby a slightly rounded or somewhat unclear contour should not be regarded as pathological. The extensor process should be sharply contoured. The parietal surface should be as smooth as possible, whereas a slightly irregular contour of the sole surface can still be considered normal. In summary, it can be said that radiologically detectable changes in the coffin bone are common even in a clinically healthy donkey population and that, contrary to empirical claims, their occurrence and severity correlate less with the age of the animals and more with their weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 18 months old Hannoverian mare was presented with an approximately 8-week old, non-healing focal wound in the left mid metatarsal region and severe left hind limb lameness at a walk (grade 4/5). Ultrasonography revealed a sinus tract between the skin and the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and a diffuse chronic tendonitis of the SDFT. Surgical en bloc resection of the sinus tract and the affected SDFT tissue was performed, and two collagen sponges (size 5 cm × 5 cm×0.5 cm) consisting of 70 mg equine tendon collagen impregnated with 50 mg gentamicin sulfate (GENTA-COLLresorb®, Resorba Medical GmbH, Nürnberg, Germany) were implanted into the wound prior to closure in 3 layers. A half limb cast was applied for 14 days followed by 4 days of a splint bandage. The wound healed by primary intention and the horse was discharged 4 weeks post operatively. Follow up examinations 6 and 24 month after discharge revealed excellent wound healing and soundness. Seven and 14 years after surgery the horse was still successfully used as pleasure riding horse as intended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are a few mammalian lineages secondarily adapted to life in water throughout their evolutionary history. Of them, only sirenians and cetaceans evolved as fully aquatic organisms. This transition was accompanied by changes in swimming mode, from foot paddling to tail-powered propulsion, with the forelimbs acting as efficient hydrofoils and the gradual loss of external hindlimbs. Here, we describe an isolated limb from the Middle Eocene of Ukraine, 43–42 Mya, identified as a hindlimb of a fully aquatic cetacean and being the earliest cetacean reported from Europe. It is represented by flattened, jointly articulated bones, identified as the tibia and fibula with a partly reduced knee joint and loose connection to the pes, and by flattened phalanges. This anatomy reveals a hitherto only presumed cetacean morphotype, showing that some of the early fully aquatic cetaceans were four-legged animals with functional hindlimbs that could be involved in advanced styles of swimming. They used either body undulation or lift-based propulsion powered by the tail or feet and could also use a transitional swimming style combining these modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dosimetry in pre‐clinical FLASH studies is essential for understanding the beam delivery conditions that trigger the FLASH effect. Resolving the spatial and temporal characteristics of proton pencil beam scanning (PBS) irradiations with ultra‐high dose rates (UHDR) requires a detector with high spatial and temporal resolution. Purpose: To implement a novel camera‐based system for time‐resolved two‐dimensional (2D) monitoring and apply it in vivo during pre‐clinical proton PBS mouse irradiations. Methods: Time‐resolved 2D beam monitoring was performed with a scintillation imaging system consisting of a 1 mm thick transparent scintillating sheet, imaged by a CMOS camera. The sheet was placed in a water bath perpendicular to a horizontal PBS proton beam axis. The scintillation light was reflected through a system of mirrors and captured by the camera with 500 frames per second (fps) for UHDR and 4 fps for conventional dose rates. The raw images were background subtracted, geometrically transformed, flat field corrected, and spatially filtered. The system was used for 2D spot and field profile measurements and compared to radiochromic films. Furthermore, spot positions were measured for UHDR irradiations. The measured spot positions were compared to the planned positions and the relative instantaneous dose rate to equivalent fiber‐coupled point scintillator measurements. For in vivo application, the scintillating sheet was placed 1 cm upstream the right hind leg of non‐anaesthetized mice submerged in the water bath. The mouse leg and sheet were both placed in a 5 cm wide spread‐out Bragg peak formed from the mono‐energetic proton beam by a 2D range modulator. The mouse leg position within the field was identified for both conventional and FLASH irradiations. For the conventional irradiations, the mouse foot position was tracked throughout the beam delivery, which took place through repainting. For FLASH irradiations, the delivered spot positions and relative instantaneous dose rate were measured. Results: The pixel size was 0.1 mm for all measurements. The spot and field profiles measured with the scintillating sheet agreed with radiochromic films within 0.4 mm. The standard deviation between measured and planned spot positions was 0.26 mm and 0.35 mm in the horizontal and vertical direction, respectively. The measured relative instantaneous dose rate showed a linear relation with the fiber‐coupled scintillator measurements. For in vivo use, the leg position within the field varied between mice, and leg movement up to 3 mm was detected during the prolonged conventional irradiations. Conclusions: The scintillation imaging system allowed for monitoring of UHDR proton PBS delivery in vivo with 0.1 mm pixel size and 2 ms temporal resolution. The feasibility of instantaneous dose rate measurements was demonstrated, and the system was used for validation of the mouse leg position within the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electromyographic activity of the soleus muscle is a reliable indicator of its functional status. Support unloading causes an immediate cessation of electrical activity of the soleus muscle, which resumes upon restoration of the support load. Prolonged support unloading, however, results in the emergence of spontaneous electrical activity of the soleus muscle. Previous research has established a correlation between this activity and the presence of the potassium-chloride cotransporter (KCC2) on the membranes of spinal cord motor neurons. It has also been demonstrated that the administration of the KCC2 activator prochlorperazine can eliminate spontaneous soleus muscle activity. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of CLP290, an alternative KCC2 activator, on the spontaneous tonic activity of the rat soleus muscle. The results indicated that daily administration of CLP290 to rats during a 14-day period of hindlimb suspension prevented the reduction in KCC2 levels in lumbar spinal cord motor neurons and the increase in soleus muscle spontaneous tonic activity. Notably, there were no significant differences in the cross-sectional area of slow-type fibers between the antiorthostatic suspension groups with and without CLP290 administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]