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Contents This study was designed to develop chitosan ( CS)-dextran sulphate ( DS) nanoparticles containing a Gn RH analogue and to study their effect on rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) semen quality. Six experimental extenders were tested as follows: (control) Tris-citric acid-glucose ( TCG), (1) 0.05% CS-0.05% DS (4:1), (2) 0.1% CS-0.05% DS (4:1), (3) 0.05% CS-0.05% DS (3:1), (4) 0.1% CS-0.05% DS (3:1), (5) 0.1% CS-0.05% DS (2:1). CS and DS were dissolved in TCG medium, and nanoparticles were obtained through magnetic stirring. Rabbit seminal samples were incubated up to 5 hr at 37°C in the extenders, and seminal quality was evaluated. The entrapment efficiency was 40%-50%. After 5 hr at 37°C, a 20% of the hormone was released. Results showed that the presence of CS- DS nanoparticles did not affect rabbit semen motility, viability and membrane functionality; however, acrosome integrity was significantly higher versus control ( p < .001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To offer a three-dimensional description of the scapular kinematics and scapulohumeral rhythm (SHR) in healthy subjects during quasi-static shoulder abduction. To analyze and compare the influence of loaded and unloaded conditions on scapula kinematics and SHR. DESIGN: Eleven subjects were analyzed using videogrammetry and the application of mathematical modelling during quasi-static shoulder abduction positions (intervals of approximately 30 degrees). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Scapular kinematic data under unloaded and loaded conditions. RESULTS: The scapula presented external rotation, upward rotation and posterior tilting during the studied movement. Analyzing the scapulohumeral rhythm, different behaviours were observed in the scapular movement planes. Loading condition increased scapular upward rotation and posterior tilt at 60 degrees and 90 degrees of abduction (p>0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Analyzed scapular kinematics and scapulohumeral rhythm showed differences between adopted loading conditions. The clinical applications of these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to limited healthcare resources, there is global incentive to maximize efficacy while minimizing patient harm. Given the low rate of cancer diagnoses made via routine histopathological analysis of surgical specimens, a selective approach has been proposed as a viable alternative. This systematic review aimed to evaluate effectiveness of cancer detection and costs with a selective approach., Methodology: This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022346535) and conducted according to PRISMA 2020 and MOOSE guidelines. Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed were searched from earliest result (1973) to 30 July 2022 for studies evaluating selective histopathology for surgical specimens. Screening, risk of bias assessment and data extraction were completed in duplicate. Statistical analysis used a random effects model., Results: Searches identified 4194 records, with 11 studies included consisting of 26 126 patients. Eight studies analysed patients who underwent cholecystectomy while three analysed patients who underwent appendectomy, vertical laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and neurectomy. In total, 295 neoplasms were detected: 196 malignant, 99 benign. Overall mean proportion of malignant neoplasms is 0.01 (95% confidence interval 0.00, 0.01). Weighted mean projected cost savings were calculated in varying formats, ranging from 6891 Euros per year within one hospital, 712 748 Euros per 10 000 patients, to 875 077 Euros per year within one country., Conclusion: A selective approach is not associated with a significant proportion of missed cancer diagnoses, and provides considerable cost savings, particularly demonstrated for cholecystectomy samples. Further discussion is required regarding how surgeons will be protected medicolegally without the safety net of routine analysis., (© 2025 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)

This work describes the application of electrochemically produced Caro's acid in a divided electrochemical flow cell for the removal of fourteen CECs from real effluent at a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Ciudad Real, Spain. The results are compared with direct dosing of the reagent (with an ionic/molecular oxidant) and radical-assisted oxidation (activated sulfate radical via photochemical oxidation or hydrogen peroxide-induced radical oxidation). This study sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of these processes. As well, the effect of these three technologies on effluent disinfection is evaluated. The results demonstrate that this treatment alternative efficiently destroys all monitored pollutants, reaching the detection limits of the analytical equipment., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: This umbrella systematic review (SR) of SRs and meta-analysis seeks to comprehensively synthesize existing literature to identify and consolidate the diverse range of risk factors contributing to running-related injuries (RRIs)., Methods: Systematic searches were conducted on June 28, 2023, across Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. We included SRs, whether accompanied by meta-analyses or not, that focused on investigating risk factors for RRIs within observational studies. The methodological quality of the SRs was evaluated using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews II. To assess the extent of overlap across reviews, the corrected covered area metric was calculated., Results: From 1509 records retrieved, 13 SRs were included. The degree of overlap between SRs was low (4%), and quality varied from critically low (n = 8) to low (n = 5). Two hundred seven outcomes assessed in 148 primary studies were identified as being associated with the occurrence of RRIs. The effect sizes of the associations for which risk measures were reported (n = 131) were classified as large (n = 30, 23%), medium (n = 38, 29%), small (n = 48, 37%) or no effect (n = 15, 11%). Running/training characteristics, health and lifestyle factors, along with morphological and biomechanical aspects, exhibit large effect sizes in increasing the risk for RRIs., Conclusion: Drawing from the outcomes of the low-quality SRs and associations with large effect sizes, our findings indicate that running/training characteristics and health and lifestyle factors, as well as morphological and biomechanical aspects, are all implicated in elevating the risk of RRIs, emphasizing the multifactorial basis of injury incidence in running. Given the low quality and heterogeneity of SR, individual findings warrant cautious interpretation., (Copyright © 2024. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.)

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) -supplemented extenders have emerged as a welfare-orientated method to induce ovulation in the artificial insemination (AI) of rabbits. The main factor that limits the bioavailability of GnRH analogue on intravaginal administration is the proteolytic activity of enzymes present in rabbit seminal plasma. The use of GnRH analogues with higher biological potency would allow us to decrease their concentration in the seminal dose without compromising effectiveness. The current study was designed to assess the efficacy of various GnRH analogues concerning their ability to induce ovulation in rabbit AI. The base solution used for experimental extenders contained an aminopeptidase inhibitor. Four experimental groups were used, females from the Control group were induced to ovulate with an intramuscular administration of 1 μg of buserelin, while in the other three groups females received an intravaginal administration of 3.5 μg of buserelin (BUS), deslorelin (DES) or fertirelin (FER) within the seminal dose. Results showed that the ovulation frequency was similar in all groups studied. A concentration of 3.5 μg of the different GnRH analogues tested in this study showed similar potency in inducing ovulation in non-lactating females, yielding comparable results in terms of pregnancy rate at birth and prolificacy., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Rabbits have played a significant role in both livestock production and the advancement of reproductive scientific research. Their unique biological traits, including induced ovulation and a reproductive process that closely mirrors that of humans, have been pivotal in their use as a model. Moreover, their body size is perfectly aligned with the 3Rs principles: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. Consequently, techniques for gamete collection and embryo recovery, followed by their use in artificial insemination or embryo transfer, are characterized by being minimally invasive. However, refining in vitro fertilization and embryo culture techniques continues to present challenges. The incorporation of cutting-edge genomic editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9, has reestablished rabbits as essential models in genetic and biomedical research, driving scientific progress. This review aims to describe the most effective reproductive biotechnologies for both male and female rabbits and how these methodologies are in line with the 3Rs principles-Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement-highlighting their significance in conducting ethical research., (© 2024 The Author(s). Reproduction in Domestic Animals published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are often prescribed to manage corticosteroid-induced gastrointestinal toxicity during glioblastoma (GBM) treatment, but were recently identified as strong inducers of aldehyde dehydrogenase-1A1 (ALDH1A1). ALDH1A1 is a primary metabolic enzyme impacting the outcome of chemotherapy, including temozolomide. High expression of ALDH1A1 is associated with poor prognosis in multiple cancers, suggesting PPIs may have a negative impact on survival., Methods: Real-world data on GBM patients was annotated from electronic medical records (EMR) according to the prospective observational study, XCELSIOR (NCT03793088). Patients with known IDH1/2 mutations were excluded. Causal effects on survival were analyzed using a multivariate, time-varying Cox Proportional Hazard (CPH) model with stratifications including MGMT methylation status, age, sex, duration of corticosteroid use, extent of resection, starting standard-of-care, and PPI use., Results: EMR data from 554 GBM patients across 225 cancer centers was collected, with 72% of patients receiving care from academic medical centers. Patients treated with PPIs (51%) had numerically lower median overall survival (mOS) and 2-year OS rates in the total population and across most strata, with the greatest difference for MGMT-methylated patients (mOS 29.2 vs. 40.1 months). In a time-varying multivariate CPH analysis of the above strata, PPIs caused an adverse effect on survival (HR 1.67 [95% CI: 1.15-2.44], P  = .007)., Conclusions: Evidence from a nationwide cancer registry has suggested PPIs have a negative impact on OS for GBM patients, particularly those with MGMT promoter methylation. This suggests PPIs should be avoided for prophylactic management of gastrointestinal toxicity in patients with GBM receiving chemoradiotherapy., Competing Interests: MPC: Employment – Cellworks; Stock and Other Ownership Interests - Bugworks; DelMar Pharmaceuticals; Neurovigil; Honoraria - Guardant Health; Consulting or Advisory Role – Omicure; Speakers’ Bureau—Guardant Health; Research Funding—Exact Sciences. JQ, AW, AA, ZDC, and TJS: Employment—xCures; Stock and Other Ownership Interests—xCures. MAS: Employment—xCures; Leadership—xCures; Stock and Other Ownership Interests—xCures; Consulting or Advisory Role—BioNTech; Marinus Pharmaceuticals; Patents, Royalties, Other Intellectual Property—Various patents on software for AI-based clinical decision support technology. SK: Stock and Other Ownership Interests—xCures; Honoraria—Jubilant Biosys; Pyramid Biosciences; Consulting or Advisory Role—Biocept; iCAD; xCures; Research Funding—AIVITA Biomedical, Inc. (Inst); Bayer (Inst); Biocept (Inst); Blue Earth Diagnostics (Inst); Boehringer Ingelheim (Inst); Boston Biomedical (Inst); Caris MPI (Inst); cns pharmaceuticals (Inst); EpicentRx (Inst); Lilly (Inst); Oblato (Inst); Orbus therapeutics (Inst), (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology and the European Association of Neuro-Oncology.)

The complexity around the dynamic markets for new psychoactive substances (NPS) forces researchers to develop and apply innovative analytical strategies to detect and identify them in influent urban wastewater. In this work a comprehensive suspect screening workflow following liquid chromatography - high resolution mass spectrometry analysis was established utilising the open-source InSpectra data processing platform and the HighResNPS library. In total, 278 urban influent wastewater samples from 47 sites in 16 countries were collected to investigate the presence of NPS and other drugs of abuse. A total of 50 compounds were detected in samples from at least one site. Most compounds found were prescription drugs such as gabapentin (detection frequency 79%), codeine (40%) and pregabalin (15%). However, cocaine was the most found illicit drug (83%), in all countries where samples were collected apart from the Republic of Korea and China. Eight NPS were also identified with this protocol: 3-methylmethcathinone 11%), eutylone (6%), etizolam (2%), 3-chloromethcathinone (4%), mitragynine (6%), phenibut (2%), 25I-NBOH (2%) and trimethoxyamphetamine (2%). The latter three have not previously been reported in municipal wastewater samples. The workflow employed allowed the prioritisation of features to be further investigated, reducing processing time and gaining in confidence in their identification., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patients with relapsed or progressive glioblastoma only rarely respond to salvage therapies. Nevertheless, comprehensive genomic profiling can provide insight that can identify promising approaches. Signaling pathway analyses have revealed synthetic lethal partnerships, which create the possibility of targeting vulnerabilities arising from the loss of tumor suppressor genes. For synthetic lethal vulnerabilities that are not present in normal tissues, lethal cytotoxicity against cancer cells can be achieved without the necessity of causing normal tissue toxicity. This case report describes a patient with progressive glioblastoma with homozygous deletion of chromosome 9p21 ., Methods and Results: Vulnerabilities created by CDKN2A and MTAP loss were exploited with pemetrexed, bevacizumab, and candesartan to achieve a clinically meaningful remission by targeting multiple synthetic lethal nodes., Conclusion: Synthetic lethality can reveal the basis for exceptional responsiveness, thus extending the utility of molecular profiling and fulfilling the promise of precision medicine., Competing Interests: M.C. is employed by Cellworks Group, Inc., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press, the Society for Neuro-Oncology and the European Association of Neuro-Oncology.)

Network targeting of disease-specific nodes represents a useful principle for designing combination cancer therapy. In this case of a patient with relapsed leptomeningeal glioblastoma, comprehensive molecular diagnosis led to the identification of a disease network characterized by multiple disease-specific synthetic lethal vulnerabilities involving DNA repair, REDOX homeostasis, and impaired autophagy which suggested a novel network-targeting combination therapy (NTCT). A treatment regimen consisting of lomustine, olaparib, digoxin, metformin, and high dose intravenous ascorbate was employed using the principle of intra-patient dose escalation to deliver the treatment with adequate safety measures to achieve a definitive clinical result., Competing Interests: Author MC was employed by the company Personalized Cancer Medicine, PLLC, Beverly Hills Cancer Center, and Cellworks Group, Inc. Author SB disclosed that she is a co-founder and managing director of the company CeGaT. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Castro, Sipos, Biskup and Kahn.)

Objective: Evaluate the discriminative and convergent validity of visual scales for the assessment of movement quality in the single-leg squat., Methods: Searches performed in CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases. Studies evaluating discriminative and convergent validity of movement quality visual assessments in single-leg squats were included. The COSMIN risk of bias checklist was used to assess the risk of bias, and certainty of evidence was assessed by the GRADE modified version., Results: Ten studies evaluating three different methods of visual assessment of the single-leg squat (Crossley scale; Whatman score and Medial knee displacement) were included. Very low certainty evidence suggests that the Crossley scale had sufficient discriminative validity for patient-centred outcomes. Very low to moderate certainty evidence suggests that the three visual methods of assessment of the single-leg squat had insufficient discriminative validity for surrogate outcomes and groups. None of the three methods had the convergent validity assessed., Conclusion: The Crossley scale exhibited sufficient discriminative validity for patient-centred outcomes, although the evidence supporting this conclusion is of very low certainty. Visual scales for the assessment of the single-leg squat movement quality should be used with caution in clinical practice as most methods had insufficient discriminative validity and no reports of convergent validity., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors of the study have no financial/personal affiliation (including research funding) or involvement with any commercial organization that has a direct financial interest in any matter included in this manuscript., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Rabbit is a reflexively ovulating species. Accordingly, in the practice of artificial insemination (AI) ovulation must be induced via exogenous GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone) administration, which may be performed intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or intravaginally. Unfortunately, the bioavailability of the GnRH analogue when added to the extender is lower due to the proteolytic activity in the seminal plasma and the poor permeability of the vaginal mucosa. The aim of the study was to refine the practice of AI practice in rabbits by replacing parenteral GnRH analogue administration (subcutaneous, intravenous, or intramuscular injection) with intravaginal application, while reducing its concentration in the diluent. Extenders containing the buserelin acetate in chitosan-dextran sulphate and chitosan-alginate nanoparticles were designed and 356 females were inseminated. Reproductive performance of females inseminated with the two experimental extenders, receiving 4 μg of buserelin acetate intravaginally per doe, was compared with that in the control group, the does of which were inseminated with the extender without the GnRH analogue and induced to ovulate with 1 μg of buserelin acetate administered intramuscularly. The entrapment efficiency of the chitosan-dextran sulphate complex was higher than that of chitosan-alginate. However, females inseminated with both systems showed similar reproductive performance. We conclude that both nanoencapsulation systems are an efficient way of intravaginal ovulation induction, allowing a reduction in the level of the GnRH analogue normally used in seminal doses from 15-25 μg to 4 μg.

The proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) over recent years has made their surveillance complex. The analysis of raw municipal influent wastewater can allow a broader insight into community consumption patterns of NPS. This study examines data from an international wastewater surveillance program that collected and analysed influent wastewater samples from up to 47 sites in 16 countries between 2019 and 2022. Influent wastewater samples were collected over the New Year period and analysed using validated liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry methods. Over the three years, a total of 18 NPS were found in at least one site. Synthetic cathinones were the most found class followed by phenethylamines and designer benzodiazepines. Furthermore, two ketamine analogues, one plant based NPS (mitragynine) and methiopropamine were also quantified across the three years. This work demonstrates that NPS are used across different continents and countries with the use of some more evident in particular regions. For example, mitragynine has highest mass loads in sites in the United States, while eutylone and 3-methylmethcathinone increased considerably in New Zealand and in several European countries, respectively. Moreover, 2F-deschloroketamine, an analogue of ketamine, has emerged more recently and could be quantified in several sites, including one in China, where it is considered as one of the drugs of most concern. Finally, some NPS were detected in specific regions during the initial sampling campaigns and spread to additional sites by the third campaign. Hence, wastewater surveillance can provide an insight into temporal and spatial trends of NPS use., Competing Interests: RUH and EMD are cofounders of AquaVitas, LLC, Phoenix, Arizona, United States, an Arizona State University startup company providing commercial services in wastewater-based epidemiology. RUH also is the founder of OneWaterOneHealth, a nonprofit project of the Arizona State University Foundation., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Background: In low- and middle-income countries, pregnant women and newborns are more vulnerable to adverse outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, in Venezuela, there are no integrated data in a national surveillance system to identify the clinical-epidemiological characteristics and maternal-foetal outcomes of pregnant women hospitalised with COVID-19., Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among Venezuelan pregnant women hospitalised with COVID-19 seen at the "Ruiz y Páez" University Hospital Complex and the San Cristobal Central Hospital between June 2020 and September 2021. Information was obtained from physical and digitised clinical records using a purpose-designed proforma to collect epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, treatment, obstetric and perinatal complications, and maternal-foetal outcomes data., Results: A total of 80 pregnant women with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection were seen within the study period, 59 (73.8%) survived and 21 (26.2%) died. The median (interquartile range) age was 29 (23-33) years, the majority being in the third trimester of pregnancy (81.2%; n = 65). Interestingly, four (5%) pregnant women were co-infected with malaria by Plasmodium vivax and three (3.8%) with syphilis. The most frequent symptoms were fever (75%; n = 60), dry cough (68.8%; n = 55), dyspnoea (55%; n = 44), and headache (53.8%; n = 43). The most frequent maternal complications were anaemia (51.5%; n = 66) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (17.5%; n = 14). The most frequent perinatal complications were preterm delivery (39.2%; n = 20/51) and oligohydramnios (31.3%; n = 25). A total of 29 (36.3%) adverse foetal outcomes were documented, 21 stillbirth and eight abortions., Conclusion: This is the first study to describe the clinical-epidemiological behaviour of COVID-19 in hospitalised Venezuelan pregnant women. Anaemia, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, oligohydramnios, and low birth weight were the most frequent maternal-foetal complications in this population of pregnant women., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Relapsed glioblastoma (GBM) is often an imminently fatal condition with limited therapeutic options. Computation biological modeling, i.e., biosimulation, of comprehensive genomic information affords the opportunity to create a disease avatar that can be interrogated in silico with various drug combinations to identify the most effective therapies., Case Description: We report the outcome of a GBM patient with chromosome 12q amplification who achieved substantial disease remission from a novel therapy using this approach. Following next generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on the tumor specimen. Mutation and copy number changes were input into a computational biologic model to create an avatar of disease behavior and the malignant phenotype. In silico responses to various drug combinations were biosimulated in the disease network. Efficacy scores representing the computational effect of treatment for each strategy were generated and compared to each other to ascertain the differential benefit in drug response from various regimens. Biosimulation identified CDK4/6 inhibitors, nelfinavir and leflunomide to be effective agents singly and in combination. Upon receiving this treatment, the patient achieved a prompt and clinically meaningful remission lasting 6 months., Conclusions: Biosimulation has utility to identify active treatment combinations, stratify treatment options and identify investigational agents relevant to patients' comprehensive genomic abnormalities. Additionally, the combination of abemaciclib and nelfinavir appear promising for GBM and potentially other cancers harboring chromosome 12q amplification., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://atm.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/atm-2022-62/coif). MPC has accepted employment at Cellworks and provides consultation services to Exact Sciences and Caris Life Sciences, and reports speakers honoraria from Guardant health. A Pampana, AA, DAL, KGGR, ARRA, A Prakash, DS, LB, AK, SK have accepted employment at Cellworks. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2022 Annals of Translational Medicine. All rights reserved.)

Background: Hip torque ratios are considered a useful measure for patients with hip pain. However, evidence regarding this measure for patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome is scarce. The primary aim of this study was to compare hip external-internal rotation and abduction-adduction torque ratios between patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and asymptomatic individuals. The secondary aim was to compare hip torque ratios between the asymptomatic group and femoroacetabular impingement syndrome patients grouped according to the severity of symptoms and functional limitations., Methods: Hip abduction-adduction and external-internal rotation torque ratios of 134 individuals with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and 134 asymptomatic matched controls was assessed through isokinetic testing. Severity of symptoms and functional limitations was assessed through the iHOT-33. Mann Whitney U and Kruskall-Wallis tests were used to compare hip torque ratios between asymptomatic individuals and patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and to patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome with different severities of symptoms and functional limitations., Findings: No differences were identified in hip abduction-adduction (U = 7659.5, p = 0.192) and external-internal rotation (U = 8787.5, p = 0.764) torque ratios between patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and asymptomatic individuals. Hip abduction-adduction torque ratio was higher (p = 0.0127) in patients with a severe state (median = 1.80, IQR = 0.61) when compared to asymptomatic individuals (median = 1.52, IQR = 0.45) (moderate effect size, r = 0.45)., Interpretation: Patients with severe symptoms and functional limitations related to FAI syndrome presented greater hip abduction-adduction torque ratio than asymptomatic individuals, suggesting a decreased adduction torque capacity relative to abduction torque in this subgroup of femoroacetabular impingement., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors confirm that they have no financial or involvement with any commercial organization that has a direct financial interest in any matter included in this manuscript. Ethics approval: This study was approved by the local ethical committee with the protocol number of CAAE 96023618.0.0000.0118 (Brazil). All individuals provided written informed consent before participating in the study., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the ability of ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) to diagnose the initial stages of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a rat model., Methods: Eighteen male Wistar rats were allocated to control or experimental groups. A high-fat diet (HFD) with 20% fructose and 2% cholesterol, resembling a common Western diet, was fed to animals in the experimental groups for up to 16 weeks; those in the control group received a regular diet. A 21 MHz UBM system was used to acquire B-mode images at specific times: baseline (T0), 10 weeks (T10), and 16 weeks (T16). The sonographic hepatorenal index (SHRI), based on the average ultrasound image gray-level intensities from the liver parenchyma and right renal cortex, was determined at T0, T10, and T16. The liver specimen histology was classified using the modified Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network NAFLD activity scoring system., Results: The livers in the animals in the experimental groups progressed from sinusoidal congestion and moderate macro- and micro-vesicular steatosis to moderate steatosis and frequent hepatocyte ballooning. The SHRI obtained in the experimental group animals at T10 and T16 was significantly different from the SHRI of pooled control group. No significant difference existed between the SHRI in animals receiving HFD between T10 and T16., Conclusion: SHRI measurement using UBM may be a promising noninvasive tool to characterize early-stage NAFLD in rat models.

Superovulation treatments aim to stimulate multifollicular recruitment, maximizing the number of oocytes or transferable embryos produced. Factors associated with the superovulation protocol, female characteristics and many other factors are determinants in the number and quality of oocytes obtained. An accurate way to assess oocyte quality more precise than morphological appearance is genetic expression. The present study aims to compare the response of nulliparous and multiparous females to superovulatory stimulation, studying its effect on the expression of some genes associated with the activation, growth, development and oocyte-embryo transition of oocytes, as well as its impact on in vivo embryonic development and viability rate at birth. In a first experiment, the effect of stimulation treatment on the ovulation response and the expression of the MSY2, MATER, ITPR1, ITPR2, ITPR3, eIF4E, PAR1, PAPOL-A, PAPOL-G, ZAR1 and YY1 genes in nulliparous and multiparous females were determined. In a second experiment, the implantation and viability at birth of embryos from superovulated nulliparous and multiparous females were analysed. The ovulation rate was significantly higher in the superovulation groups than in the control groups. The ovulation rate was significantly increased in nulliparous females compared with multiparous does. From the eleven genes analysed, only the expression of MATER, PAPOL-A, PAPOL-G and ZAR-1 genes was shown to be different among experimental groups. Finally, in terms of implantation rate and viability at birth, the nulliparous control group showed better results than the rest of the groups. Both hyperstimulation treatment and reproductive female's history seem to alter the transcriptome of important genes related to oocyte maturation and competence acquisition, affecting in vivo embryo viability., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. The funder had no role in the study design, data collection and analyses or interpretation., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The hip abductor muscles control the pelvis in the frontal plane and allow the maintenance of trunk position and dynamic balance during weight-bearing activities., Objective: To compare the side-lying and standing positions for hip abductor strength assessment with regards to torque production and myolectric activity., Method: Concentric and eccentric hip abductor peak torque and total work, and myoelectric activity of the tensor fascia lata, gluteus medius, and inferior and superior portions of the gluteus maximus muscles were measured during maximal isokinetic tests for hip abductor strength in the side-lying and standing positions. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare variables between the positions., Results: Peak torque values did not differ between side-lying and standing positions for both concentric and eccentric contraction modes (p > .05). During standing position, greater concentric total work was observed (p = .013). This position resulted in a lower activity of the tensor fascia lata muscle (p = .005) compared to side lying position. Myoelectric activity of gluteus medius, and inferior and superior portions of the gluteus maximus was similar between positions (p > .05)., Conclusion: Both positions presented similar peak torque values and, during the standing position, a greater concentric total work and lesser activation of the tensor fascia lata was observed. Standing position can be used when emphasis on the superior portion of gluteus maximus over the tensor fascia lata is intended., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We wish to confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this study., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background The primary aim of this study was to compare knee and hip dynamic muscle strength of individuals with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome scheduled for hip arthroscopy with healthy controls. Our secondary aim was to compare hip and knee muscle strength between male and female patients with FAI syndrome. Methods One hundred and thirty-four individuals with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome scheduled for hip arthroscopy and 134 healthy controls matched for sex and age (within 5 years range) underwent an isokinetic assessment of knee extension and flexion and hip abduction, adduction, external rotation and internal rotation dynamic muscle strength. Two MANOVAs were conducted to compare isokinetic peak torque and total work between groups and sexes. Findings Individuals with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome demonstrated lower values of all variables representing knee and hip isokinetic peak torque and total work measures when compared to healthy controls, with differences ranging from 0.09 Nm/kg (95%CI: 0.06-0.12 Nm/kg) to 0.64 Nm/kg (95%CI: 0.49-0.79 Nm/kg). Female participants from both FAI syndrome and control group showed less knee and hip muscle strength compared to male participants. There was no significant interaction between group and sex regarding knee or hip isokinetic peak torque and total work (p > 0.05). Interpretation Individuals with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome scheduled for hip arthroscopy present impairments in knee or hip dynamic muscle strength when compared to controls. Female participants present less knee and hip muscular strength compared to male participants, these between-sex differences are similar for both FAI syndrome and control group participants., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is typically accompanied by changes in movement pattern. However, it is unclear if these changes persist in the remission phase of symptoms. Investigating movement patterns in individuals in remission phase of PFP may help to further guide the rehabilitation process and to understand whether changes are due to high levels of pain or related to other factors., Purpose: To compare 3D kinematics during walking and the single leg squat (SLS) between individuals with history of PFP in remission phase and a control group without history of lower limb injuries and PFP., Study Design: Cross-sectional case-control study., Methods: Individuals with onset of PFP for at least one year and in phase of remission of symptoms (experimental group [EG]; n=13, 30±8 years) were compared to a control group (CG, n=13, 28±7 years). A 10-camera motion analysis system (Vicon-Nexus®) was used to record 3D ankle, knee, hip and trunk angles during walking and SLS., Results: The EG presented less ankle dorsiflexion, knee and hip flexion during the stance phase of walking compared to the CG (p=0.005, large effect size ηp2 = 0.141). During the SLS, no between-group differences were observed for the ankle, knee and hip angles at the peak of knee flexion (p>0.05). A trend for increased trunk range of movement in the EG compared to the CG was observed (p=0.075, medium effect size ηp2 = 0.127)., Conclusion: The results of this study indicate less movement in the sagittal plane during walking, and a trend towards more movement of the trunk during SLS in the EG compared to the CG. The participants of the EG had minimal symptoms, to the point of not classifying them as pathological. However, the between-group differences suggest that even in the remission phase, kinematic differences persist for some reason and may contribute to the recurring pain in PFP individuals., Level of Evidence: Level 3., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest or bias in this work.

Medial hip rotation is typically attributed to the tensor fascia latae (TFL) and lateral rotation, to the gluteus maximus. However, experimental studies in cadavers suggest that the TFL lacks a moment arm for medial rotation and that the gluteus maximus may act as hip medial rotator depending on the hip flexion angle. In order to address this contradictory thinking, we measured the myoelectric activity of TFL, gluteus medius and gluteus maximus (superior portion, GMaxS, and inferior portion, GMaxI) for increasing levels of medial rotation torque applied to the hip. To keep frontal and sagittal plane hip joint net torques constant during the experiments, the medial hip rotation torque was changed by displacing standard weights along an aluminum bar device, thereby producing pure medial hip rotation torques. The effect of increasing medial hip rotation torque was investigated for a fully extended hip (0°), and at 45° and 90° of flexion. We found an increase in the myoelectric activity of the TFL (∼90%↑, p = 0.002) at 90° of flexion and of the GMaxS (∼7%↑, p = 0.048) at the extended position with an increase in medial hip torque application (from 0 to 7.4 N.m.). For the GMed (regardless of hip position) and for the 45° position (regardless of muscle), no systematic changes across torque conditions were observed. In contrast to the common clinical assumption and current practice thinking, our results indicate that an increase in TFL activity is required to control for an increase in external torque towards hip medial rotation., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Limited passive ankle dorsiflexion range has been associated with increased knee valgus during functional tasks. Increased knee valgus is considered a contributing factor for musculoskeletal disorders in the lower limb. There is conflicting evidence supporting this association. The extent of passive ankle dorsiflexion range is associated with dynamic ankle dorsiflexion range and the way how these variables are related to lower limb or trunk kinematics is unclear., Research Question: What is the association between passive ankle dorsiflexion range or dynamic ankle dorsiflexion range with shank, thigh, pelvis or trunk movements during the single-leg squat?, Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample. Thirty uninjured participants performed the single-leg squat with their dominant limb. Ankle, shank, thigh, pelvis and trunk 3D kinematics were recorded. Passive ankle dorsiflexion range was assessed through the weight-bearing lunge test and the dynamic ankle dorsiflexion range was defined as the ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in the sagittal plane during the single-leg squat., Results: Greater passive ankle dorsiflexion range was associated with smaller thigh internal rotation (r= -0.38). Greater dynamic ankle dorsiflexion range was associated with smaller trunk flexion (r = 0.59) and pelvis anteversion (r= -0.47). Passive ankle dorsiflexion range and dynamic ankle dorsiflexion range were not associated., Significance: Greater passive ankle dorsiflexion range seems to be associated with a better lower limb alignment during the single-leg squat, while dynamic ankle dorsiflexion range seems to reflect different lower limb and trunk kinematic strategies., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Although great attention is paid to hygiene during semen collection and processing, bacteria are commonly found in the semen of healthy fertile males of different species. As the storage of extended semen might facilitate bacterial growth, extenders are commonly supplemented with antibiotics. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), bestatin and chitosan-based nanoparticles added to rabbit semen extender and their effect on reproductive performance under field conditions. Four different extenders were tested, supplemented with antibiotics (TCG+AB), with EDTA and bestatin (EB), with EDTA, bestatin and chitosan-based nanoparticles (QEB) or without antibiotics (TCG-AB). Extended semen was cooled at 15 °C for three days. Cooled samples were examined for bacterial growth and semen quality every 24 h for 3 days. The enterobacteria count increased considerably during storage at 72 h in semen extended with TCG+AB and TCG-AB, while extenders EB and QEB showed a bacteriostatic effect over time. After 24, 48 and 72 h, quality characteristics were retained in all groups, with no significant motility differences, either in acrosome integrity, membrane functionality or the viability of spermatozoa. Additionally, bacterial concentration present in fresh semen did not affect reproductive performance. In conclusion, EDTA and bestatin exerted a potent bacteriostatic effect over time and could be used as an alternative to conventional antibiotics in rabbit semen extenders.