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Summary: This study investigated the effects of skin‐on and skin‐off processing methods on processing efficiency, product yield and meat quality of goat carcasses. A total of twenty‐seven goats (nine/treatment, 6 months old) were processed using three methods: (1) skin‐on for ethnic consumers, (2) skin‐off for traditional consumers and (3) skin‐off‐late (skin removal after chilling) for primarily traditional consumers, with an option for ethnic consumers with skin‐on. Processing times (slaughter, chilling, fabrication) and yields (chilling and fabrication) were compared. Meat quality and appearance were evaluated using sarcomere length, Warner‐Brazler shear force, collagen content and muscle colour. Skin‐on carcasses required significantly longer chilling times to reach the internal body temperature at ≤4.4 °C (9.5 h) compared to skin‐off carcasses (7 h), presumably due to the presence of the skin. Despite this, the total processing time from stunning to fabrication showed no significant difference across treatments, although the skin‐off‐late carcasses had longer fabrication times due to the skin removal step (P < 0.05). Dressing yield was lower in the skin‐off group, and fabrication yield was reduced in the skin‐off‐late carcasses (P < 0.05). Skin‐on and skin‐off‐late carcasses showed longer sarcomere lengths and lower Warner Bratzler shear forces than skin‐off carcasses (P < 0.05). Additionally, the skin‐on group had higher collagen content than the skin‐off group. Muscle L* values were higher in skin‐on and skin‐off‐late carcasses (P < 0.05), with no significant differences in a* and b* values across treatments. This research highlights the potential benefits of the skin‐off‐late method for goat farmers, processors and consumers, offering improved dressing yield, meat tenderness and visual appearance. The skin‐off‐late method also provides an alternative processing option that could satisfy both traditional and ethnic consumer preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) is often used for analgesia after thoracic surgery. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been proposed to provide adequate analgesia. We hypothesized that ESPB would be noninferior to TEA as a part of multimodal analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing the Nuss procedure. Methods: Patients aged 7–18 years and scheduled for the Nuss procedure were randomly allocated to receive bilateral single-shot ESPB or TEA and a multimodal analgesic regimen including parent-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). At 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, and 24 h postoperatively, pain was evaluated using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and opioid consumption was assessed by counting the number of PCIA boluses. The joint primary outcomes were the average pain score and opioid consumption at 24 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes were the NRS scores and the number of opioid boluses administered at different postoperative time points, adverse events, and recovery quality. Results: Three hundred patients underwent randomization, and 286 received ESPB (147 patients) or TEA (139 patients). At 24 h postoperatively, ESPB was noninferior to TEA in terms of the average NRS score (mean difference, − 0.1, 95% confidence interval [CI], − 0.3–0.1, margin = 1, P for noninferiority < 0.001) and the number of opioid boluses administered (mean difference, − 1.1, 95% CI, − 2.8–0.6, margin = 7, P for noninferiority < 0.001). Adverse events and patient recovery were comparable between groups. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that combined with a multimodal analgesia, ESPB provides noninferior analgesia compared to TEA with respect to pain score and opioid consumption among pediatric patients undergoing the Nuss procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As few anaesthetists provide lumbar erector spinae block for disc surgery, there is a need to provide training to enable a randomised controlled trial investigating analgesia after painful spinal surgery (NIHR153170). The primary objective of the study was to develop and measure the construct validity of a checklist for assessment of skills in performing lumbar and thoracic erector spinae fascial plane injection using soft-embalmed Thiel cadavers. Twenty-four UK consultant regional anaesthetists completed two iterations of a Delphi questionnaire. The final checklist consisted of 11 steps conducive to best practice. Thereafter, we validated the checklist by comparing the performance of 12 experts with 12 novices, each performing lumbar and thoracic erector spinae plane injections or fascia iliaca, serrato-pectoral (PEC II) and serratus injections, randomly allocated to the left and right sides of six soft-embalmed Thiel cadavers. Six expert, trained raters blinded to operator and site of block examined 120 videos each. The mean (95% confidence interval) internal consistency of the 11-item checklist for erector spinae plane injection was 0.72 (0.63–0.79) and interclass correlation was 0.88 (0.82–0.93). The checklist showed construct validity for lumbar and thoracic erector spinae injection, experts vs novices {median (interquartile range [range]) 8.0 (7.0–10.0 [1–11]) vs 7.0 (5.0–9.0 [4–11]), difference 1.5 (1.0–2.5), P <0.001}. Global rating scales showed construct validity for lumbar and thoracic erector spinae injection, 28.0 (24.0–31.0 [7–35]) vs 21.0 (17.0–24.0 [7–35]), difference 7.5 (6.0–8.5), P <0.001. The most difficult items to perform were identifying the needle tip before advancing and always visualising the needle tip. Instrument handling and flow of procedure were the areas of greatest difficulty on the global rating scale (GRS). Checklists and GRS scores correlated. There was homogeneity of regression slopes controlling for status, type of injection, and rater. Generalisability analysis showed a high reliability using the checklist and GRS for all fascial plane blocks (Rho [ρ2] 0.93–0.96: Phi [ϕ] 0.84–0.87). An 11-point checklist developed through a modified Delphi process to provide best practice guidance for fascial plane injection showed construct validity in performing lumbar and thoracic erector spinae fascial plane injection in soft-embalmed Thiel cadavers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni Eochagain and colleagues report that programmed intermittent bolus and continuous infusion regimens in continuous erector spinae plane (ESP) block catheters produced similar quality of recovery (QoR-15) scores, pain scores, and use of rescue opioids after video-assisted thoracic surgery. This is a reassuring finding for practitioners without access to pumps with programmed intermittent bolus functionality. Nevertheless, it remains plausible that the benefit of one regimen over another might vary depending on the specific infusion parameters. There continues to be scope for research into optimising programmed intermittent bolus delivery and dosing regimens and identifying the most appropriate clinical applications for this mode of infusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional anaesthesia techniques, including the erector spinae fascial plane (ESP) block, reduce postoperative pain after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Fascial plane blocks rely on spread of local anaesthetic between muscle layers, and thus, intermittent boluses might increase their clinical effectiveness. We tested the hypothesis that postoperative ESP analgesia with a programmed intermittent bolus (PIB) regimen is better than a continuous infusion (CI) regimen in terms of quality of recovery after VATS. We undertook a prospective, double-blinded, randomised, controlled trial involving 60 patients undergoing VATS. All participants received ESP block catheters and were randomly assigned to CI or PIB of local anaesthetic regimen for postoperative analgesia. The primary outcome was Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative respiratory function, opioid consumption, verbal rating pain score, time to first mobilisation, nausea, vomiting, and length of hospital stay. Overall QoR-15 scores at 24 h after VATS were similar (PIB 115.5 [interquartile range 107–125] vs CI 110 [93–128]; Δ<6, P =0.29). The only quality of recovery descriptor showing a significant difference was nausea and vomiting, which was favourable in the PIB group (10 [10–10] vs 10 [7–10]; P =0.03). Requirement for rescue antiemetics up to 24 h after surgery was lower in the PIB group (4 [14%] vs 11 [41%]; P =0.04). There were no differences in other secondary outcomes between groups. Delivering ESP block analgesia after VATS via a PIB regimen resulted in similar QoR-15 at 24 h compared with a CI regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to comprehensively evaluate the driver's vibration comfort under different vibration conditions, eighteen subjects were required to drive a tractor at different speeds on field and asphalt roads respectively in the real vehicle experiment. The sEMG signals and vibration acceleration signals of the subjects were recorded. And the time-frequency domain analysis of sEMG signals and acceleration signals were used to determine the relationship among the characteristic indexes, tractor speed and road surfaces. The relevance analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between the integral electromyography (iEMG) and median frequency (MF) of the middle scalene muscle, erector spinae muscle and gastrocnemius muscle, the RMS of weighted acceleration (aw) of the neck, waist and legs, and the subjective comfort feelings. It was proven that the tractor speed had a significant impact on human body vibration based on the ANOVA result (p < 0.05). With the increase of running speed, the time domain indexes of sEMG signals including iEMG, RMS and the vibration acceleration signals of the testing body parts increased significantly, while the amplitudes of frequency domain indexes decreased. Therefore, a quantitative regression evaluation model for the comfort of the neck, waist and legs integrating the sEMG and vibration signals was established, and its relative errors were 5.05, 4.38 and 6.12% respectively. This proposed assessment model can combine characteristics of the partial and overall vibration response of human body effectively, predict the tractor driver's vibration comfort accurately, provide a theoretical basis for the evaluation of tractor cab vibration comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged standing in surgery has been linked to an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to determine whether sitting could serve as an alternative work posture in laparoscopic procedures. Twenty medical students in their third and fourth years were recruited. Sitting and standing were compared at two task complexity levels on a laparoscopic surgery simulator. Measured variables included user posture preferences, perceived discomfort, performance and biomechanics. Electromyography data from the upper trapezius and erector spinae muscles were analysed. Results showed that posture did not affect surgical performance and erector spinae muscle activation. Sitting showed higher muscle activation at the trapezius muscles; however, perceived discomfort was unaffected. Most participants preferred sitting for the difficult task and standing for the easy task. Findings showed that sitting, with appropriate seat design considerations, could serve as an alternative or even as a preferred work posture for simulated laparoscopic procedures. Practitioner Summary: Prolonged standing in surgery has been linked to increased musculoskeletal disorder risks. This study investigated sitting as a potential alternative work posture to standing. Both postures were tested during simulated laparoscopic procedures. Results showed that sitting can serve as an alternative or even preferred work posture for simulated laparoscopic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity is a rapidly growing global health concern. Limited long-term success of diet, behavioural modification and medical therapy have led to the increased performance of bariatric surgery. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, which permanently reduces the size of the stomach, has been shown to cause considerable weight loss, as well as improving or even eliminating obesity related medical comorbidities such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea and hypertension. Unfortunately, this surgery can also result in significant postoperative pain which, when combined with the dangers of perioperative opioid administration for bariatric patients, can lead to a significantly reduced quality of recovery. Opioid-sparing analgesia has been widely recommended for perioperative bariatric patients, but research into the optimum regional analgesia approach for this surgery is lacking, with no trials to date comparing different regional analgesic techniques. This study protocol describes a randomised clinical trial aimed at answering this question, comparing the quality of recovery after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for patients who receive erector spinae plane block, versus those who receive serratus anterior plane block plus subcostal TAP block. Methods: We propose a prospective, randomised, blinded (investigator) clinical trial in a tertiary hospital in Ireland. Seventy patients presenting for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy will be randomised to two study groups—group A will receive bilateral erector spinae blockade; group B will receive left sided serratus anterior plane block plus subcostal TAP blocks. Both groups will receive the same dose of the same local anaesthetic and the different regional technique performed will be the only difference in their care. The primary outcome will be QoR-15 scores at 24 h postoperatively, a validated international tool for assessing a patient's overall postoperative recovery. Discussion: Regional analgesia should be a mainstay of perioperative opioid-sparing analgesia where possible. This is especially important in the bariatric cohort who are particularly susceptible to the complications of perioperative opioid administration. To the best of our knowledge, this trial will be the first to compare efficacy of two different regional analgesia techniques for bariatric patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Trial registration: This trial was pre-registered on clinicaltrials.gov, registration number NCT05839704, on March 5, 2023. All items from the World Health Organisation Trial Registration Data Set have been included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paralympic cross-country sit-skiing is a discipline of the Paralympic Winter Games where athletes use a specialized sledge. Athletes are classified into different groups according to their functional abilities. The double poling technique is used to push the sledge forward and generate speed. Different sitting positions in the sledge are used based on the individual impairment. To date there is no data available on the effects of these different positions on muscle activation patterns. The aim of this study was to analyze the muscle activation patterns of the trunk and upper body muscles in relation to the poling force. Nine Able-bodied athletes were tested on a treadmill at submaximal speed in three sitting positions for 4 min in a flat and uphill condition. Sitting positions included a "knee-high" position, a "knee-low" position, and a "neutral" position with the sitting platform parallel to the ground. Unilateral pole forces and surface EMG from three trunk muscles, two upper limb muscles, and one lower limb muscle were recorded simultaneously on the dominate side. Data were segmented into individual cycles and mean values and standard deviations calculated for each subject and condition. Statistical analyses, including a Friedman test and Bonferroni correction, were applied to examine significant differences across different sitting positions. Our findings demonstrate that while certain muscle groups such as the erector spinae and triceps show consistent patterns of activation across different sitting positions, there is considerable variability among individual athletes, suggesting individualized strategies for task execution. Overall, force application was most efficient in the "knee low" position with 691.33 ± 148.83 N and least efficient in the "knee high" position with 582.81 ± 115.11 N. Testing impaired athletes will be the next step in understanding the neurophysiological aspects of the poling movement. This experimental protocol provides a basis for understanding the movement of paralympic cross-country sit-skiing in greater depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Demand for high-quality sheep meat with good nutritional properties and health value is increasing. We performed a meta-analysis to review how different feeding regimes affect sheep growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality. Compared with stall-finished feeding, animals fed solely on pasture had lower carcass yield, intramuscular fat, and meat edible quality, but higher meat protein content. Pasture-fed sheep for which the diet was supplemented had comparable carcass attributes to stall-fed sheep, but improved color and meat quality. Meat quality is important in the meat-production chain. Conflicting reports of the effects of feeding systems on sheep growth performance and meat quality exist. By way of meta-analysis, we reviewed the literature on the growth and slaughter performance, and meat quality of lambs that grazed solely on pasture, those that grazed on pasture but received a dietary supplement, and those were exclusively fed indoors. The relevant literature comprised 28 papers, from which response variables of interest were obtained. Compared with stall-fed sheep, pasture-grazing led to significantly (p < 0.05) lower average daily gain, slaughter live weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, and similar dressing percentage, but pasture-grazed sheep fed a supplement had similar (p > 0.05) values for each of these attributes to stall-fed sheep. The quality of the longissimus muscle from lambs that grazed either exclusively on pasture or pasture with a supplement had significantly (p < 0.05) lower lightness and intramuscular fat content, and significantly (p < 0.05) higher yellowness, Warner–Bratzler shear force, and protein content than meat from stall-fed sheep. We conclude that sheep that have fed exclusively on pasture have lower carcass yield and meat edibility, but improved meat quality, and that pasture-fed sheep that received a supplement had comparable carcass attributes, but greater meat color and health quality than stall-fed sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, we conducted genome-wide copy number variation (CNV) analysis using next-generation sequencing data from Large White (LW) and Minzhu (MZ) pigs and integrated transcriptomic data from dorsal adipose tissues of 180-day-old LW and MZ pigs for expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis. Among the identified CNVs, the transforming growth factor beta receptor 3 (TGFBR3) gene was found to be associated with back fat thickness (BFT), with a dose effect observed between the TGFBR3 gene at the genomic and transcriptomic levels. In vitro experiments further demonstrated that TGFBR3 expression is involved in the proliferation and differentiation of porcine preadipocytes. BFT is closely related to meat quality and lean meat percentage in pigs. The BFT traits of European LW pigs significantly differ from those of Chinese indigenous fatty MZ pigs. CNV is a prevalent genetic variation that plays an important role in economically important traits in pigs. However, the potential contribution of CNV to BFT in LW and MZ pigs remains unclear. In this study, whole-genome CNV detection was performed using next-generation sequencing data from LW and MZ pigs, and transcriptome data from back fat tissue of 180-day-old LW and MZ pigs were integrated for expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis. We identified a copy number variation in the TGFBR3 gene associated with BFT, showing a dose effect between the genome and transcriptome levels of the TGFBR3 gene. In porcine preadipocytes, TGFBR3 expression continuously increased during differentiation. Knockdown of TGFBR3 using specific siRNA inhibited preadipocyte differentiation and proliferation. Our study provides insights into the genetic regulation of pork quality and offers a theoretical basis for improving carcass quality by modulating BFT in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explored the potential role of various heat-shock proteins (HSPs) in the determination of postmortem metabolism and the development of meat quality of normal, atypical DFD, and typical DFD beef. Beef longissimus thoracis muscle samples were classified into normal, atypical DFD, and typical DFD beef. The HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90 levels, meat quality parameters, and glycolytic metabolites were tested. The results showed that color coordinates (L*, a*, and b*), glycogen, and lactate contents were lower, whereas water-holding capacity was higher in the typical DFD beef than in the normal and atypical DFD beef (p < 0.05). The expression of HSP27 on day 1 was higher in atypical DFD beef. However, expressions of HSP70 on days 1 and 3 were higher in typical DFD, while the expression of HSP90 on day 1 was higher in atypical and typical DFD compared to the normal beef (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the expression of HSP27 was positively correlated with shear force readings. HSP70 and HSP90 presented a direct correlation with pH and water-holding capacity and an indirect correlation with a* and b*, glycogen and lactate contents (p < 0.05). The study concluded that the heat-shock proteins could influence the formation of DFD beef possibly by regulating the development of postmortem metabolism and meat quality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paraspinal muscle degeneration occurs with age; however, it is unknown whether strength and endurance change with muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and fatty infiltration (FI) parameters in Chinese healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 94 asymptomatic Chinese volunteers were enrolled in this study. The participants were divided into three groups: young (20–39 years old, n = 27), middle-aged (40–59 years old, n = 49), and elderly (≥ 60 years old, n = 18). CSA and FI of the psoas (PS), quadratus lumborum (QL), multifidus (MF), and erector spinae (ES) were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. The Bionix Sim3 Pro was used to evaluate the maximum isometric torque and the Ito test to evaluate endurance. Results: The CSA of the PS and ES in the elderly group was smaller than those in the other groups, while the CSA of QL in the young group was larger than that in the other groups. There were differences in the MF and ES FI among the three groups. The maximum isometric torque and endurance test time decreased with increasing age; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Maximum isometric torque positively correlated with the average paraspinal muscle CSA and negatively correlated with the torque and FI of the MF and ES muscles. The endurance test was found to be positively correlated with the FCSA of the MF and to be negatively correlated with the FI of the MF and ES. PS and QL can predict the maximum isometric torque, and MF and PS can predict the endurance time. Conclusion: MF and ES showed earlier degeneration than PS and QL. MF is the first paraspinal muscle to undergo functional area atrophy, and it plays an important role in the endurance test. The maximum moment of equal length in all directions of the lumbar spine is not completely symmetrical, but it is correlated with the imaging parameters of the paraspinal muscles. QL and PS were more activated in the lumbar activity. Trial registration: The study was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry and the registration number is ChiCTR2000039073 on 15/10/2020 (https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=62785). Ethical Approval was obtained from the Peking University Third Hospital Medical Science Research Ethics Committee (IRB00006761-M2020305). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document, published in the Neurosurgical Review, provides a detailed description of the surgical technique known as "unilateral biportal endoscopy" (UBE) for the treatment of spinal disorders. The UBE technique involves the use of two small incisions to access the epidural and foraminal areas of the spine, allowing for a magnified view and precise surgical maneuvers. The document outlines the step-by-step process of the surgery, including the use of various instruments and techniques for exposure, laminectomy, flavectomy, hemostasis, and closure. The authors emphasize the benefits of the UBE technique, such as reduced muscle injury, shorter hospital stays, and improved patient recovery. They also provide specific indications and technical variations for different types of spinal hernias and cysts. Overall, this document serves as a comprehensive guide for spine surgeons interested in learning and implementing the UBE technique. [Extracted from the article]

Background: The study aimed to compare the pain-relieving effectiveness of anterior quadratus lumborum block (QLB3) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB), both of which have been documented to provide relief during abdominal surgery. Methods: This prospective observational study, conducted between February and July 2023, included 96 patients who had undergone percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Patients were divided into three groups: QLB3, ESPB, and control (no block) and received the corresponding nerve block in the preanesthetic room for regional block. Cumulative morphine consumption during the initial 24 h after PCNL, numerical rating scale resting/movement scores, intraoperative remifentanil usage, rescue analgesic requirements, time when the first analgesic was requested, and postoperative nausea and vomiting scores were documented and compared between the groups. Results: Total median morphine consumption in the first 24 h postoperatively was similar in the QLB3 and ESPB groups but higher in the control group (QLB3, 7 mg [(Q1-Q3) 7–8.5]; ESPB, 8 mg [6.5–9]; control, 12.5 [10–17]; P < 0.001). Similarly, median intraoperative remifentanil consumption did not differ between the block groups but was higher in the control group (QLB3, 1082 µg [IQR 805.5–1292.7]; ESPB, 1278 µg [940.2–1297.5]; control, 1561 µg [1315–2068]; P < 0.001). The number of patients receiving rescue analgesic medication was similar in the block groups but higher in the control group (QLB3, n = 9 [30%]; ESPB, n = 14 [46.7%]; control, n = 21 [70%]; P = 0.008). Conclusions: QLB3 and ESPB were adequate and comparable in providing postoperative analgesia as part of multimodal analgesia after PCNL. Trial registration: The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05822492). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Massage is an effective treatment for reducing pain, swelling, stiffness, and improving muscle mobility. Although self-reported benefits on muscle stiffness and pain are well-known, studies measuring muscle stiffness objectively are scarce. Methods: A randomized controlled trial involving 30 recreationally active young women (22.3 ± 0.4 years) was conducted. The participants were randomly assigned to either the control group or the intervention group which received a series of five 30-min whole back therapeutic massage sessions over 5 weeks. Shear wave elastography was used to assess muscle stiffness (erector spinae (ESp) and upper trapezius (UT) muscles) before and after the intervention and at 3-week follow-up. Results: For ESp, there was no statistically significant time x group interaction (F =2.908; p = 0.063). However, there was a statistically significant and large time x group interaction for UT (F =13.533; p = 0.006; η² = 0.19). Post-hoc testing for time indicated that the shear modulus in the intervention group was reduced at follow-up (p = 0.005; d = 1.02), while the difference between baseline and post-intervention measurements were not statistically significant (p = 0.053; d =0.75). Conclusion: In conclusion, massage significantly reduced proximal UT stiffness both 3 days and 3 weeks after the intervention. However, it had no significant effect on the distal part of UT or the ESp muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of 7‐day subfreezing storage on the physicochemical properties, nutritional composition, and microstructure of pork was investigated. After 7 days of chilling at 4°C, the meat exhibited color deterioration and the development of off‐flavors. In contrast, the −12°C treatment significantly reduced the deterioration in water‐holding capacity and color of samples (p < 0.05) and prevented changes in pH value. Similarly, the treatments at −12 and −18°C effectively preserved the meat's tenderness, thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, protein solubility, and textural properties, maintaining these qualities close to those of fresh meat (p > 0.05). The nutrient content of samples stored at −12°C was comparable to those stored at −18°C (p > 0.05). Furthermore, subfreezing at −12°C was found to protect muscle integrity, promoting the formation of an elastic gel network and a homogenous muscle fiber structure. Therefore, the study concludes that 7‐day subfreezing storage at −12°C can reduce protein denaturation and maintain thequality of pork, a result that is typically achieved under more extreme freezing conditions at −18°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the degeneration patterns of paraspinal muscles in double-level degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (dl-DLS) versus single-level degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (sl-DLS). Methods: A total of 67 dl-DLS and 73 sl-DLS patients were included. Multifidus (MF), erector spinae (ES), and psoas major (PM)'s fatty infiltration (FI) and relative cross-sectional area (rCSA) were measured. Sagittal parameters such as lumbar lordosis (LL), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS) were also assessed. Comparisons and correlation analysis were performed between the 2 groups. Results: MF atrophy is worse in dl-DLS patients from L3–4 to L5–S1, with higher FI from L1–2 to L5–S1 compared to sl-DLS patients. ES atrophy and FI are more pronounced in dl-DLS patients from L1–2 to L5–S1. PM atrophy is more significant in dl-DLS patients at L2–3 to L5–S1, with heavier FI from L1–2 to L3–4, though no difference in FI from L4–5 to L5–S1. The rCSA and FI of MF and ES show significant differences between adjacent segments in both groups, except for MF rCSA between L3–4 and L4–5 in dl-DLS. In dl-DLS, PM rCSA negatively correlates with PT from L4–5 to L2–3, while FI of MF and ES in L5–S1 positively correlates with LL. In sl-DLS, PM FI in L4–5 and L5–S1 negatively correlates with LL. Conclusion: Degeneration of MF, ES, and PM is more severe in dl-DLS patients, particularly at the spondylolisthesis level. Severe paraspinal muscle degeneration can lead to spinal force imbalance and progression from sl-DLS to dl-DLS. The degradation of PM and ES correlates negatively with PT and SVA, indicating a link to pelvic decompensation and SVA abnormalities, potentially causing disproportionate degenerative changes in dl-DLS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Shortening the fattening period can reduce production costs and inedible fat, but may simultaneously negatively affect productivity and profitability. We hypothesized that increasing the crude protein and total digestible nutrients (TDN) in the formula feed could address the issues associated with shortened fattening periods without adversely affecting rumen fermentation. This study investigated the effect of a simultaneous increase of crude protein and TDN contents compared to conventional formula feed on growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass characteristics and meat composition of late fattening Hanwoo steers. Methods: Thirty Hanwoo steers were randomly assigned to one of two dietary groups: control group (16.4% crude protein and 83.6% TDN based on dry matter) and treatment group (17.4% crude protein and 84.6% TDN based on dry matter). Result: The rumen parameters were similar between the control and treatment groups. Likewise, the effect of additional crude protein and TDN contents in the formula feed showed no significant impact on the growth performance or blood metabolites. The carcass weight and yield index were slightly higher in the treatment group compared to the control, yet these differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the dietary treatment did not affect marbling score, meat color, fat color, texture, maturity, pH, surface colors, drip loss, cooking loss, sensory characteristics, or fatty acid composition in the longissimus muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) enables new ways of image reconstruction, e.g. material decomposition and creation of virtual non-contrast (VNC) series with higher resolution and lower radiation dose than standard computed tomography (CT). Clinical experiences of this are limited. Purpose: To compare true non-contrast (TNC) series with VNC series derived from non-enhanced (VNCu), arterial phase (VNCa) and portal venous phase (VNCv) in clinically approved PCCT. Material and Methods: A total of 45 clinical, tri-phasic abdominal CT scans from the PCCT Naetom Alpha, between February 2022 and November 2022, were retrospectively assessed. Placing a region of interest in six different locations in each VNC series – right liver parenchyma, left liver parenchyma, spleen, aorta, erector spinae muscle, and in the subcutaneous fat – absolute Hounsfield values (HU) and standard deviations (SD) were collected. Differences in HU (ΔHU) were compared and statistically analyzed. Results: Statistically significant differences between VNC and TNC were seen in all measurements, with the largest difference in the subcutaneous fat and the smallest difference in the erector spinae muscle. Only small differences were seen between VNCa and VNCv, where the largest differences were seen in the left and right liver lobes. Conclusion: VNC images from the first-generation clinically approved PCCT showed a significant difference between VNC and TNC images. The differences vary with the type of tissue. Only small differences were seen depending from which contrast phase the VNC was derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the differentially expressed genes associated with intramuscular fat deposition in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Xinjiang Brown Bulls. The longissimus dorsi muscles of 10 Xinjiang Brown Bulls were selected under the same feeding conditions. The intramuscular fat content of muscle samples was determined by the Soxhlet extraction method, for which 5 samples with high intramuscular fat content (HIMF group) and 5 samples with low intramuscular fat content (LIMF group) were selected. It was found that the intramuscular fat content of the HIMF group was 46.054% higher than that of the LIMF group. Muscle samples produced by paraffin sectioning were selected for morphological observation. It was found that the fat richness of the HIMF group was better than that of the LIMF group. Transcriptome sequencing technology was used to analyze the gene expression differences of longissimus dorsi muscle. Through in-depth analysis of the longissimus dorsi muscle by transcriptome sequencing technology, we screened a total of 165 differentially expressed genes. The results of Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes in the two groups were mainly clustered in biological pathways related to carbohydrate metabolic processes, redox processes and oxidoreductase activities. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were significantly clustered in 15 metabolic pathways, which mainly covered fatty acid metabolism (related to lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism), the pentose phosphate pathway, the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway and other important metabolic processes. The three genes that were predominantly enriched in the glycolipid metabolic pathway by analysis were SCD5, CPT1C and FBP2, all of which directly or indirectly affect intramuscular fat deposition. In summary, the present study investigated the differences in gene expression between high and low intramuscular fat content in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Xinjiang Brown Bulls by transcriptome sequencing technology and revealed the related signaling pathways. Therefore, we hypothesized that SCD5, CPT1C and FBP2 were the key genes responsible for the significant differences in intramuscular fat content of the longissimus dorsi muscles in a population of Xinjiang Brown Bulls. We expect that these findings will provide fundamental support for subsequent studies exploring key genes affecting fat deposition characteristics in Xinjiang Brown Bulls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia's impact on post-liver transplant outcomes remains a subject of debate, with limited data from South Asia on its association with post-liver transplant hospital stays. This study aims to investigate sarcopenia's influence on post-transplant hospitalization duration in South Asians. In this retrospective study, patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, between January 2022 and January 2023 were included. Computed tomography (CT) images were used to assess the skeletal muscle index (SMI). The areas of the psoas, erector spinae, multifidus, quadratus lumborum, rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, and internal/external oblique muscles were quantified at the level of L3. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 29.0 (IBM). There was a total of 84 patients. Mean age was 47.4 ± 12.0 years. There were 62 (73.8%) male patients and 22 (26.2%) female patients. Hepatitis C was noted in 36 (42.9%) patients. Twenty-two (26.2%) patients had hepatocellular carcinoma. Sarcopenia was identified in 58 (69.0%) patients. No significant association was observed between sarcopenia and intensive care unit (ICU) or general floor stays. Regression analysis identified pre-transplant model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) score as the sole significant factor associated with both ICU and total length of stay (P value.002; P value.009). In our population, sarcopenia did not correlate with post-transplant ICU or overall hospital stay. The pre-transplant MELD-Na score emerged as the most influential predictor of length of stay. Therefore, delaying liver transplant procedures based on muscle mass estimations may not be a practical clinical approach for South Asian patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat quality in goats is partly determined by the intramuscular fat (IMF) content, which is associated with the proliferation and differentiation of intramuscular preadipocytes. Emerging studies have suggested that miRNA plays a crucial role in adipocyte proliferation and differentiation. In our recent study, we observed the expression variations in miR-196a in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Jianzhou goats at different ages. However, the specific function and underlying mechanism of miR-196a in IMF deposition are still unclear. This study demonstrated that miR-196a significantly enhanced adipogenesis and apoptosis and reduced the proliferation of preadipocytes. Subsequently, RNA-seq was employed to determine genes regulated by miR-196a, and 677 differentially expressed genes were detected after miR-196a overexpression. The PI3K-Akt pathway was identified as activated in miR-196a regulating intramuscular adipogenesis via Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and further verified via Western blot and rescue assays. Lastly, using RT-qPCR, Western blot, dual-luciferase, and rescue assays, we found that miR-196a promoted adipogenesis and suppressed the proliferation of intramuscular preadipocytes by the downregulation of MAP3K1. In summary, these results suggest that miR-196a regulates IMF deposition by targeting MAP3K1 and activating the PI3K-Akt pathway and provide a theoretical foundation for improving goat meat quality through molecular breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: We previously demonstrated that Shaziling and Yorkshire pigs differ in growth rate and meat quality. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for such phenotypic differences remain unclear. In the present study, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of 36 longissimus dorsi (LM) and 36 soleus (SM) muscle samples from Shaziling and Yorkshire pigs at six postnatal stages (30, 60, 90, 150, 210 and 300 days) to explore the differences in postnatal skeletal muscle of Shaziling and Yorkshire pigs. RESULTS: Muscle morphological changes and the number of differentially expressed genes indicated the two stages of 60–90 days and 150–210 days were critical for the muscle growth and development in Shaziling pigs. Genes such as FLNC, COL1A1, NRAP, SMYD1, TNNI3, CRYAB and PDLIM3 played vital roles in the muscle growth, and genes such as CCDC71L, LPIN1, CPT1A, UCP3, NR4A3 and PDK4 played dominant roles in the lipid metabolism. Additionally, in contrast to the LM, the percentage of slow‐twitch muscle fibers in the SM of both breeds consistently decreased from 30 to 150 days of age, but there was a significant rebound at 210 days of age. However, the percentage of slow‐twitch muscle fibers in the SM of Shaziling pigs was higher than that in Yorkshire pigs, which may be associated with the calcium signaling pathway and the PPARβ/δ signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: The present study detected two critical periods and many functional genes for the muscle growth and development of Shaziling pigs, and showed differences in muscle fiber characteristics between Shaziling and Yorkshire pigs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In beef cattle breeding programs, various selection criteria have been proposed and employed with the aim of improving traits related to carcass composition and the quality of the final product, meat. However, the importance of genotype by environment interaction (G×E) for such traits is still not well understood. Our objectives were: 1) to investigate the importance of G×E on ultrasound carcass traits, growth and visual scores and 2) to estimate the genetic correlation of ultrasound carcass traits with growth and visual scores taking into account the G×E in Hereford and Braford cattle. A multiple-trait reaction norm model was fitted to the field records of 37,948 animals. With the exception of postweaning average daily weight gain (ADG), the G×E can lead to important changes in the ranking of estimated breeding values of sires across environments for all traits. Thus, models that consider heterogeneity of genetic variances along an environmental gradient may be considered more appropriate for genetic evaluations of animals reared under conditions similar to the present study. Based on estimates of genetic correlation, the quality of visual scores or ADG as indicators of carcass quality assessed by ultrasonography is dependent on the production environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: MR elastography (MRE) may provide quantitative imaging biomarkers of lumbar back muscles (LBMs), complementing MRI in spinal diseases by assessing muscle mechanical properties. However, reproducibility analyses for MRE of LBM are lacking. Purpose: To assess technical failure, within‐day and inter‐day reproducibility, robustness with the excitation source positioning, and inter‐observer agreement of MRE of muscles. Study Type: Prospective. Subjects: Seventeen healthy subjects (mean age 28 ± 4 years; 11 females). Field Strength/Sequence: 1.5 T, gradient‐echo MRE, T1‐weighted turbo spin echo. Assessment: The pneumatic driver was centered at L3 level. Four MRE were performed during two visits, 2–4 weeks apart, each consisting of two MRE with less than 10 minutes inter‐scan interval. At Visit 1, after the first MRE, the coil and driver were removed, then reinstalled. The MRE was repeated. At Visit 2, following the first MRE, only the driver was moved down 5 cm. The MRE was repeated. Two radiologists segmented the multifidus and erector spinae muscles. Statistical Tests: Paired t‐test, analysis of variance, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). P‐values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Mean stiffness of LBM ranged from 1.44 to 1.60 kPa. Mean technical failure rate was 2.5%. Inter‐observer agreement was excellent (ICC ranging from 0.82 [0.64–0.96] to 0.99 [0.98–0.99] in the multifidus, and from 0.85 [0.69–0.92] to 0.99 [0.97–0.99] in the erector spinae muscles). Within‐day reproducibility was fair in the multifidus (ICC: 0.53 [0.47–0.77]) and good in the erector spinae muscles (ICC: 0.74 [0.48–0.88]). Reproducibility after moving the driver was excellent in both multifidus (ICC: 0.85 [0.69–0.93]) and erector spinae muscles (ICC: 0.84 [0.67–0.92]). Inter‐day reproducibility was excellent in the multifidus (ICC: 0.76 [0.48–0.89]) and poor in the erector spinae muscles (ICC: 0.23 [−0.61 to 0.63]). Data Conclusion: MRE of LBM provides measurements of stiffness with fair to excellent reproducibility and excellent inter‐observer agreement. However, inter‐day reproducibility in the multifidus muscles indicated that the herein used MRE protocol may not be optimal for this muscle. Evidence Level: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) located in the low back and neck/shoulder regions are major concerns for both workers, workplaces, and society. Masons are prone to WMSD, because their work is characterized by repetitive work and high physical workload. However, the knowledge on the physical workload during bricklaying is primarily based on subjective measurements. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional field study with technical measurements aimed to quantify physical workload in terms of muscular activity and degree of forward bending during bricklaying at different working heights among masons, i.e., knee, hip, shoulder, and above shoulder height. METHODS: Twelve male (36.1±16.1 years) experienced masons participated in a cross-sectional field study with technical measurements. Surface electromyography from erector spinae longissimus and upper trapezius muscles and an inertial measurement unit-sensor placed on the upper back were used to assess the physical workload (level of muscle activation and degree of forward bending) different bricklaying heights. Manual video analysis was used to determine duration of work tasks, frequency, type, and working height. The working heights were categorized as 'knee', 'hip', 'shoulder', and 'above shoulder'. The 95 percentiles of the normalized Root Mean Square (RMSn) values were extracted assess from erector spinae and trapezius recordings to assess strenuous level muscle of muscle activation. RESULTS: The RMSn of dominant erector spinae muscle increased from hip- to shoulder height (from 26.6 to 29.6, P < 0.0001), but not from hip to above shoulder height and decreased from hip to knee height (from 26.6 to 18.9, P < 0.0001). For the dominant trapezius muscle, the RMSn increased from hip- to shoulder- and above shoulder height (from 13.9 to 19.7 and 24.0, respectively, P < 0.0001) but decreased from hip- to knee height (from 13.9 to 11.5, P < 0.0001). Compared to hip height (27.9°), an increased forward bending was detected during bricklaying at knee height (34.5°, P < 0.0001) and a decreased degree of forward bending at shoulder- and above shoulder height (17.6° and 12.5°, P < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Based on technical measurements, bricklaying at hip height showed the best compromise between muscular load and degree of forward bending. This study contributes to the development of the work environment for masons and can help guide preventive initiatives to reduce physical workload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the importance of advanced methods and technologies in the meat industry for meeting consumer demand and ensuring food safety. It highlights several studies that explore different aspects of meat quality, including the use of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to assess the quality of Portuguese Bísaro pork meat, the analysis of volatile organic components (VOCs) in Lueyang black chicken, the comparison of meat characteristics between a dual-purpose poultry crossbreed and commercial broilers, the impact of dietary energy and protein levels on goat meat quality, and the degradation of collagen and decorin in intramuscular connective tissue using cathepsin L. These studies provide valuable insights for improving meat quality, authenticity verification, and consumer satisfaction. [Extracted from the article]

Background and Objectives: This study is a retrospective analysis aimed at understanding the incidence and risk factors of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) following long-instrumented spinal fusion from L1 to the sacrum in patients with mild to moderate sagittal imbalance. Materials and Methods: It recruited consecutive patients undergoing instrumented fusion from L1 to the sacrum for degenerative lumbar disease between June 2006 and November 2019 in a single institution. The patients' preoperative clinical data, muscle status at T12-L1 on magnetic resonance images, and sagittal spinopelvic parameters were analyzed. Univariate analysis was used to compare clinical and radiographic data between PJK and non-PJK patients. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the independent risk factors for PJK. Results: A total of 56 patients were included in this study. The mean age at surgery was 67.3 years and mean follow-up period was 37.3 months. In total, 10 were male and 46 were female. PJK developed in 23 (41.1%) out of 56; of these patients, 20 (87.0%) developed PJK within 1 year postoperatively. In the univariate analysis between PJK and non-PJK patients, the PJK group showed more frequent osteoporosis, lower body mass index, smaller cross-sectional area (CSA) and more fat infiltration (FI) in erector spinae muscle at T12-L1 and larger preoperative TLK and PT with statistical significance (p < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, severe (>50%) FI in erector spinae muscle (OR = 43.60, CI 4.10–463.06, R2N = 0.730, p = 0.002) and osteoporosis (OR = 20.49, CI 1.58–264.99, R2N = 0.730, p = 0.021) were statistically significant. Conclusions: Preexisting severe (>50%) fat infiltration in the erector spinae muscle and osteoporosis were independent risk factors associated with PJK following instrumented fusion from L1 to the sacrum, but age was not a risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a passive back-support exosuit at reducing low back muscle fatigue during an 18-minute trunk posture maintenance task. On two separate days sixteen participants performed an 18-minute trunk posture profile that reflected trunk flexion postures observed during a challenging vascular surgery procedure. On one day they performed the procedure with the support of the exosuit, on the other day without. Test contractions were performed every three minutes to capture the time-dependent electromyographic activity of the bilateral erector spinae muscles. Time domain (amplitude) and frequency domain (median frequency) measures of erector spinae muscle fatigue were assessed. Results revealed that the exosuit significantly reduced the measures of erector spinae muscle fatigue in terms of both amplitude (6.1%) and median frequency (5.3%), demonstrating a fatigue reduction benefit of the exosuit in a realistic surgical posture maintenance task. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY: To examine the potential adoption of a back-support exosuit system in the surgical environment, this study used an 18-minute posture maintenance task that reflected trunk flexion postures observed during a vascular surgery procedure and suggests that the exosuit system can effectively reduce low back muscle fatigue during a vascular surgical procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nIMPLICATION FOR REHABILITATIONThis study investigated the effects of using the LiftCar-150 track-based stair-climbing robot on muscle activity, usability, and psychological anxiety. While stair-climbing robots enhance mobility for individuals with physical disabilities, existing research has predominantly focused on engineering perspectives, with limited attention to user-centered outcomes. Ten healthy participants and an 80 kg dummy rider completed stair-climbing tasks at slow (5 m/min) and fast (7 m/min) speeds. Muscle activity in the middle trapezius (MT), erector spinae (ES), multifidus (MF), gluteus maximus (Gmax), gluteus medius (Gmed), and anterior deltoid (AD) muscles was recorded by electromyography. Usability was evaluated in terms of safety, efficiency, and satisfaction using a 5-point Likert scale, while psychological anxiety was assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10. Results showed that during stair ascent, activities of the back extensors (ES and MF) and gluteus muscles (Gmax and Gmed) significantly increased compared to descent, while anterior deltoid activity was higher during descent. Usability scores averaged 4.05 for stability, 4.1 for efficiency, and 3.7 for satisfaction. Perceived psychological anxiety scores were 4.2 ± 0.3 and 5.4 ± 0.5 at slow speed, and 3.5 ± 0.2 and 5.7 ± 0.4 at fast speed during ascent and descent, respectively. While operators recognized the robot’s stability and efficiency, satisfaction levels were neutral, and specific muscle activation was increased. These findings provide essential insights into optimizing the design and usability of stair-climbing robots to better address user needs.The proposed user-centered approach in this study can be used to improve performance and user satisfaction of a wide range of mobility device.To reduce extensor muscle activity caused by forward bending during initial stair climbing, it is necessary to modify the fixed handle design to allow adjustable handle height.Additionally, exploring options for weight reduction and repositioning the power button may further optimize the LiftCar-150, contributing to increased usability and satisfaction for operators.The proposed user-centered approach in this study can be used to improve performance and user satisfaction of a wide range of mobility device.To reduce extensor muscle activity caused by forward bending during initial stair climbing, it is necessary to modify the fixed handle design to allow adjustable handle height.Additionally, exploring options for weight reduction and repositioning the power button may further optimize the LiftCar-150, contributing to increased usability and satisfaction for operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of high-intensity deep squat training integrated with various blood flow restriction (BFR) modalities on the activation of lower limb and core muscles. Methods: A randomized, self-controlled crossover experimental design was employed with 12 participants. The exercise protocol consisted of squat training at 75% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), performed in 3 sets of 8 repetitions with a 2-min inter-set rest period. This was conducted under four distinct BFR conditions: continuous low BFR (T1), intermittent medium BFR (T2), intermittent high BFR (T3), and a non-restricted control (C). Surface electromyography (EMG) was utilized to collect EMG signals from the target muscles during the BFR and squat training sessions. The root mean square (RMS) amplitude standard values were calculated for each squat set to quantify muscle activation levels, with these values expressed as a percentage of the maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC). Rating of Perceived Exertion was evaluated after each squat set, and leg circumference measurements were taken. Results: 1) During the first two sets of deep squats, the %MVC of the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis in all compression groups was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the first set, the %MVC of the vastus lateralis in Group T3 was significantly higher than in Group T2 (p < 0.05). In the third set, the %MVC of the vastus medialis in Groups T1 and T3 was significantly lower than in the first two sets (p < 0.05). 2) Group T1 showed an increased activation of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles in the second and third sets, with %MVC values significantly greater than in the first set (p < 0.05). Group T2 only showed an increase in biceps femoris activation in the third set (p < 0.05). Group T3 significantly increased the activation of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles only in the first set (p < 0.05). 3) No significant differences were observed in the changes of rectus abdominis %MVC among the groups (p > 0.05). In the first set, Group T3's erector spinae %MVC was significantly higher than the control group's; in the second set, it was significantly higher than both Group T2 and the control group's (p < 0.05). 4) After training, a significant increase in thigh circumference was observed in all groups compared to before training (p < 0.05). 5) For RPE values, Group T2's post-squat values were significantly higher than the control group's after all three sets (p < 0.05). Group T1's RPE values were also significantly higher than the control group's after the third set (p < 0.05). Groups T1, T2, and C all had significantly higher RPE values in the second and third sets compared to the first set (p < 0.05). Conclusion: All BFR modalities significantly enhanced the activation level of the anterior thigh muscles, with the continuous low BFR mode demonstrating a more stable effect. No significant differences were found in the activation level of the rectus abdominis among the groups. However, the intermittent high BFR mode was the most effective in increasing the activation level of the erector spinae muscles. While BFR did not further augment leg circumference changes, it did elevate subjective fatigue levels. The RPE was lowest during squatting under the intermittent high BFR condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the changes of analgesic effect, immune stress and cognitive function after preemptive analgesia with erector spinae plane block (ESPB) combined with nalbuphine in patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer. Methods: 124 patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer were divided into control group (62 cases, ESPB) and study group (62 cases, ESPB combined with nalbuphine preemptive analgesia) according to the random number table method.The changes of postoperative analgesia pump pressing times, pain score, hemodynamic index, cellular immune function index, stress response index and cognitive function score were compared between two groups. Results: The number of postoperative analgesia pump pressing in study group was less than that in control group (P＜0.05). 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h postoperative, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of pain in study group were lower than those in control group (P＜0.05). The heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) after catheterization, slicing and after extubation in study group were higher than those in control group (P＜0.05). The levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in study group were higher than those in control group at 24 h postoperative, CD8+, norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) in study group were lower than those in control group (P＜0.05). The scores of mini-mental state examination (MMSE) in study group were higher than those in control group at 24 h, 48 h and 7 d postoperative (P＜0.05). Conclusion: ESPB combined with nalbuphine for preemptive analgesia in patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer, which can exert good analgesic effect, stabilize hemodynamics, reduce immune stress and affect cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the effects of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and local infiltration anesthesia on analgesic effect, stress response and inflammatory response in elderly patients undergoing balloon kyphoplasty (PKP) operation. Methods: 110elderly patients undergoing PKP operation who were admitted to our hospital from April 2020 to April 2023 were selected. According to the random number table method, patients were divided into control group (receiving local infiltration anesthesia) and experimental group (receiving ESPB), 55 cases in each group. The hemodynamics, pain visual analogue scale (VAS), stress response and inflammatory response were compared in two groups, and incidence of adverse reactions was observed in two groups. Results: Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) in two groups increased first and then decreased from the time of puncture (T1) to the time before the end of operation (T4), and experimental group were lower than those of control group at the same time (P＜0.05). The VAS scores in two groups increased and then decreased at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after operation, and experimental group were lower than those of control group (P＜0.05). The inflammatory response indexes [C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and stress response indexes [norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E) concentration, cortisol (Cor)] increased in two groups 1 d after operation, but experimental group were lower than those of control group at the same time (P＜0.05). The total incidence of adverse reactions in experimental group and control group was 9.09% and 5.45% respectively, and there was no difference between two groups (P＞0.05). Conclusion: Compare with local infiltration anesthesia, ESPB can better control the hemodynamic stability of elderly patients undergoing PKP operation, reduce stress response and inflammatory response, and exert a good analgesic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The paravertebral block (PVB) is a well-studied, effective method of analgesia for breast surgery. Alternative techniques involving the blockage of intercostal nerve branches are the serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) and the erector spinae plane block (ESPB). However, no studies comparing both fascial blocks to PVB in breast surgery have been published to date. We evaluated the effectiveness of ESPB and SAPB vs. PVB, expressed as the requirement for intraoperative fentanyl, pain intensity at rest and during coughing, and morphine consumption on the first postoperative day. Additional aims were to perform an evaluation of the safety of the block types used. Materials and Methods: A total of 77 women and 1 man with stage I and II clinical breast cancer, aged 18–85 years, were randomized into one of three study groups: SAPB, PVB, and ESPB. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in fentanyl consumption during surgery with respect to the type of block used (p = 0.4246). Morphine consumption in the postoperative period was highest in the ESPB group, averaging 9.4 mg. There was a statistically significant difference in pain intensity from 4 pm on the day of surgery to 8 am the following morning. No complications related to the blocks were observed on the first postoperative day. Conclusions: Both the serratus anterior plane block and the erector spinae plane block were as effective as the paravertebral block in achieving intraoperative analgesia. The serratus anterior plane block was equally as effective as the paravertebral block in achieving postoperative analgesia. The erector spinae plane block was significantly less effective in achieving postoperative analgesia than both the paravertebral block and serratus anterior plane block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study investigates how different housing systems affect daily step counts and their impact on body conformation, carcass traits, meat quality, and serum biochemical parameters of Jiuyuan Black chickens. Chickens were monitored from 60 to 150 days old, with step counts recorded using pedometers. The study showed that free-range chickens with high step counts had significantly higher daily and total steps compared to other groups, as well as higher heart weight, lower abdominal fat, and better meat quality, but lower intramuscular fat. The CK and LDH levels in chickens exhibited an almost consistent upward trend as exercise levels increased. Overall, free-range chickens with more exercise volume improved heart weight and reduced fat but negatively impacted some body measurements and meat quality. These findings help in choosing housing systems for Chinese indigenous chickens. This study aims to investigate the dynamic changes in daily step counts under different housing systems and further explore the effects of housing system on the body conformation, carcass traits, meat quality, and serum biochemical parameters of a Chinese indigenous chicken breed. At 60 d of age, 300 Jiuyuan Black male chickens with similar body weights in each housing system were further raised until the age of 150 d. At 90, 120, and 150 d of age, in both cage-reared and free-range systems, the top 20 chickens with the highest step counts measured using pedometers and the bottom 20 chickens with the lowest step counts were designated as the cage high-steps group (CHS), the cage low-steps group (CLS), the free-range high-steps group (FHS), and the free-range low-steps group (FLS), respectively. The results show that, at any age stage, the average daily steps (ADS) and total steps (TS) of the FHS group are significantly higher than the other three groups (p < 0.05). The TS of almost all groups showed an overall downward trend as the age increased. Increased exercise volume results in reduced shank length (90 d), breast width (90 d), and keel length (150 d) (p < 0.05). Only birds at 90 d of age from the FHS and FLS groups exhibited lower live body weight, carcass weight, half-eviscerated weight, eviscerated weight, breast muscle weight, leg muscle weight, and percentage of eviscerated weight than the CLS group (p < 0.05). Birds from the FHS group showed the highest heart weight values but the lowest abdominal fat weight values among these four groups (p < 0.05). Both the breast and leg muscle samples from the FHS group displayed higher dry matter and shear force than those from the CHS and CLS groups (p < 0.05). The FHS group displayed the lowest intramuscular fat among the four groups (p < 0.05). The creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in chickens of all age stages were almost observed to rise with increased physical activity. In conclusion, free-range chickens with more exercise volume exhibited an elevated heart weight and reduced abdominal fat but showed negative effects on some body measurements and carcass traits. These results can provide a theoretical basis for the selection of different housing systems for Chinese indigenous chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Growth and meat production traits are significant economic traits in pigs. In this study, we investigated the differences in phenotypic traits as well as the genes and pathways affecting meat production traits in individuals from Duroc × Bama Xiang F2 crossbred pigs with different growth rates. The regulatory relationships between genes and meat production traits were explored by utilizing whole transcriptome sequencing technology and ceRNA regulatory network analysis. The results of this study provide a reference for the genetic basis analysis of porcine meat production traits. The meat production traits of pigs are influenced by the expression regulation of multiple gene types, including mRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs. To study the differences in meat production traits at the transcriptional level among individuals with different growth rates, the longissimus dorsi samples from eight Duroc × Bama Xiang F2 crossbred pigs with a fast growth rate (high gTroup) or a slow growth rate (low group) were selected to perform whole transcriptome sequencing and ceRNA regulatory network construction. This study first analyzed the differences in physiological and biochemical indicators, muscle histological characteristics, and muscle fiber types. A total of 248 mRNAs, 25 miRNAs, and 432 lncRNAs were identified as differentially expressed by whole transcriptome sequencing. Key genes that may influence meat production traits include MTMR14, PPP1R3A, PYGM, PGAM2, MYH1, and MYH7. The ceRNA regulatory network map showed that ENSSSCG00000042061-ssc-mir-208b-MYH7, ENSSSCG00000042223-ssc-mir-146a-MTMR14, ENSSSCG00000045539-ssc-mir-9-3-MYH1, and ENSSSCG00000047852-ssc-mir-103-1-PPP1R3A may be the key factors affecting meat production traits through their regulatory relationships. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying porcine muscle development and can aid in improving meat production traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion Clarifying paraspinal muscle (PM) change in degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) is positive to evaluate the progression of scoliosis. This research compares the characteristic of PM change among different coronal sub‐types of DLS and explores its potential clinical significance.A total of 84 DLS patients between June 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into three types based on the coronal balance distance (CBD): Type A, CBD <3 cm; Type B: C7 Plumb Line (C7PL) shifted to the concave side of the curve, and CBD >3 cm; Type C: C7PL shifted to the convex side of the curve, and CBD >3 cm. Fat infiltration rates in the multifidus (MS) and erector spinae (ES) at the apex of the main and fractional curves, and spinopelvic parameters were analyzed statistically. Pearson's or Spearman's correlation was applied to analyze the correlation between asymmetric degree of PM change and these parameters in three types.There were 62 cases with coronal sub‐Type A, 6 cases with Type B, and 16 cases with Type C. Patients in Type B and C demonstrated higher fat infiltration in MS on the concave side of both the main and fractional curves when compared to those in Type A. The asymmetric degree of ES change was positively correlated with CBD at the apex of the main curve in Type B and at the apex of the fractional curve in Type C respectively, and that of MS was positively correlated with apical vertebral rotation, while negatively strong‐correlated with pelvic incidence and sacral slope in Type C.PM fatty infiltration presented difference among varied coronal sub‐types of DLS patients. The CBD in Type B and C patients was correlated with the asymmetric degree of ES change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of allicin on the growth performance, meat quality, and economic benefits of finishing pigs, and to determine the optimal supplemental level of allicin in finishing pigs. A total of 280 healthy finishing pigs with similar body weights were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with seven replicates per group and 10 of pigs per replicate. The control group of finishing pigs was fed a basic diet, while the experimental groups were fed a basic diet supplemented with 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of allicin, respectively. The preliminary trial lasted for 1 week, followed by a formal experimental period of 60 days. The results showed that compared to the control group, the average daily weight gain of pigs fed with 400 and 800 mg/kg of allicin increased by 10.53% and 7.89%, respectively (P<0.05), and the feed-to-gain ratio decreased by 9.19% and 7.42% (P<0.05), respectively. Compared to the control group, feeding 400 and 800 mg/kg of allicin improved the carcass weight, lean meat rate, and slaughter rate of finishing pigs (P<0.05), and reduced the backfat thickness (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, feeding 400 and 800 mg/kg of allicin reduced the L* value of the meat color and the drip loss and shear force (P<0.05), and increased the pH24 h value of the back longest muscle after slaughter of finishing pigs (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the weight gain income of the allicin groups increased by 4.12%, 10.34%, and 7.67%, profits increased by 8.80%, 27.40%, and 20.83%, respectively. The study indicates that an appropriate amount of allicin can improve the growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality of finishing pigs, increase breeding profits, and the optimal addition level of allicin is 400 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pain is the most unpleasant subjective feeling comprising of innumerable emotional and psychological components that require medical advice for relief, regardless of the cause. Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block and Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) block are effectively studied blocks that provide adequate pain control. Aim: To compare postoperative analgesic efficacy in pregnant women undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia with Ultrasound (USG)-guided TAP block and USG-guided ESP block. Materials and Methods: In this institution-based interventional randomised clinical study, two categories comprising 30 subjects in group I with USG-guided bilateral TAP block and group II with USG-guided bilateral ESP block using Ropivacaine were involved. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to compare analgesic efficacy. Other parameters for analysis included time of first rescue analgesia, total number of administrations of rescue analgesia within 24 hours, together with Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs). Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Student's t-test and Chi-square test were used for data analysis. Results: Subjects in group I had a mean age of 24.9±4.66 years while those in group II were 25.5±3.99 years. The VAS score at 24 hours in group I was 7.22±0.89 and in group II was 6.8±0.83, which was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.0241. USG-guided ESP block was superior to USG-guided TAP block, providing analgesia for 24 hours. Following the first dose, there was a significant delay in rescue analgesia and a reduction in the total administration of rescue analgesia within 24 hours. The first rescue analgesia in group I was at 10.66±2.32 hours and in group II was at 16.66±2.53 hours, with a p-value of 0.0001 indicating a statistically significant difference. No ADRs were reported in either group of participants. Conclusion: ESP block provided a prolonged duration of analgesia, as shown by a decrease in the total VAS score. There was also a significant reduction in the total number of administrations of rescue analgesia within 24 hours when compared to TAP block, suggesting that ESP block provides superior analgesia. Hence, for pain relief in postcaesarean section individuals, ESP block can be regarded as a novel potent option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ningxiang pigs are known for tasty meat and high intramuscular fat content. Currently, the slow growth rate and low lean meat rate of Ningxiang pigs have greatly restricted the development of its market. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the changes in carcass traits, meat quality, visceral organ weight indices, bones and muscles development with slaughter ages of Ningxiang pigs. Methods: The experiment used 0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 360 days old Ningxiang pigs as the research objects, and 6 castrated male pigs in each group were randomly selected. The carcass traits, meat quality, visceral organs weights and skeletal muscle weights were measured. The correlation between carcass traits and meat quality were analyzed by bivariate analysis, and the regression equations between slaughter ages and these indicators were established. Result: The results showed that pre-slaughter weight and weights of carcass, head, feet, skeleton and muscle, loin eye area, cooking yield, marbling and the large intestine weight index at 0 d, backfat thickness at 60 d, fat percentages at 60 and 120 d and the lean meat percentage at 240 d, redness at 120 d of Ningxiang pigs were lowest, the heart, lung, kidney and small intestine weight percentages were highest at 0 d (P<0.05). Carcass traits and meat quality had different significant correlation at different slaughter ages. So the indices of carcass, meat quality, bones and muscles of Ningxiang pigs changed with slaughter ages. In general, the overall performance of 300 d Ningxiang pigs is better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-two (32) TN70 (Topigs Norsvin) weaned pigs, aged 7 weeks, having an average weight of 10.5±0.5 kg were used to evaluate the effect of corn and cob meal (CCM) on the carcass parameters, organ weight, villi morphometric, and organoleptic properties of the pigs. CCM was produced by grinding the grain and the cob together. The pigs were acclimatized for seven days before they were randomly allotted to four (4) dietary treatments with eight (8) pigs per replicate in a completely randomized design. The experiment lasted for seven weeks. The feed had 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% corn and cob meal (CCM) in the diets tagged as D1, D2, D3, and D4 respectively. All the data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and the means were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Except for the eviscerated weight, back fat, and loin, all the carcass parameters were significantly influenced (P<0.05). The weight of the visceral organs was significantly influenced (P<0.05) except for the weight of the lungs. All the villi morphometric parameters differed significantly (P<0.05) except the crypt width. CCM influenced (P<0.05) the colour, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability of the meat. The use of 30% CCM stimulated pancreas hypertrophy, increased carcass weight, belly, ham, picnic shoulder, villi height, muscle thickness, and improved organoleptic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to investigate the potential prognostic role of preoperative measurement of erector spinae myosteatosis with Hounsfield unit average calculation as a marker for sarcopenia and frailty in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. METHODS Preoperative computer tomography-derived measurements of 479 consecutive patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery between January 2017 and December 2019 were retrospectively performed. The erector spinae muscle at the level of the 12th vertebra was manually outlined bilaterally on the axial computer tomography slices and Hounsfield unit average calculation was performed. The lower quartile of muscle density values was defined as myosteatotic and thus sarcopenic. Sarcopenic (n  = 121) versus non-sarcopenic patients (n  = 358) were compared regarding postoperative morbidity and short- and long-term mortality. Results were adjusted for age, body mass index, atrial fibrillation and hypertension using inverse probability weighting. RESULTS Sarcopenia was associated with higher 30-day mortality (4.1% vs 0.8%; P  = 0.012), mid-term mortality after 1 year (9.3% vs 3.1%; P  = 0.047) and 2 years (10.8% vs 4.2%; P  = 0.047). Long-term mortality (5 years) was 20.8% for sarcopenic and 13.0% for non-sarcopenic patients but was not found to be significantly different (P  = 0.089). Sarcopenia was associated with higher rates of reintubation (7.5% vs 1.1%; P  < 0.001), sternal wound infections (7.5% vs 2.8%; P  = 0.039) and acute kidney injury requiring haemodialysis (2.5% vs 0.4%; P  = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS In patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery, sarcopenia was associated with increased short-term mortality, mid-term mortality and morbidity. The measurement of erector spinae myosteatosis could be an easy and useful parameter in preoperative risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of slaughter age on carcass traits, meat quality, and the relative mRNA levels of lipid metabolism-related genes in different muscles of Taihang black goats. Methods: In this study, the triceps brachii (TB), longissimus dorsi (LD) and gluteus (GL) muscles of 15 grazing Taihang black goats slaughtered at the age of 2, 3, and 4 (designated as 2-year-old, 3-year-old, and 4-year-old, respectively) were collected. The differences in carcass shape, meat quality, amino acid composition and lipid metabolism gene expression among Taihang black goats of different ages and from different plant parts were compared. Results: Compared with goats at other ages, goats slaughtered at the age of 4 had greater live and carcass weights, meat weights, bone weights and skin areas (p<0.05). LD in the 4-years-old had the lowest cooking loss and moisture content. The crude protein content in the LD of 2-year-old was significantly greater than that in the other age group, and at the age of 2, the LD had the highest crude protein content than TB and GL. The highest fat content was in LD, followed by TB, for goats slaughtered at the age of 4. Eight out of 9 essential amino acids had higher content in the TB compared with other muscles, regardless of age. The total essential amino acid content was highest in the 4-year-old and lowest in the GL muscle at the age of 3. The sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) genes were significantly more abundant in the TB muscle than in the other muscles for goats slaughtered at the age of 2. At the age of 4, the ATGL and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) genes were significantly more abundant in the GL than in the LD, while the fatty acid synthase (FAS) genes were significantly less abundant in the GL than in the other muscles. Similarly, compared with those in goats of other ages, the relative mRNA expression levels of the FAS and heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) genes in goats slaughtered at the age of 4 were the highest, and the relative mRNA expression of the PPARγ gene was the lowest (p<0.05). The relative mRNA expression of the H-FABP and FAS genes was positively correlated with the intramuscular fat (IMF) content, while the relative mRNA expression levels of the PPARγ and ATGL genes was negatively correlated with the IMF content. Conclusion: Overall, a better nutritional value was obtained for TB from 4-year-old goats, in which the total essential amino acid and fat contents were greater than those of other muscles. The comprehensive action of lipid metabolism genes was consistent with that of the IMF content, among which the FAS, H-FABP, PPARγ, and ATGL genes had positive and negative effects on the process of IMF deposition in Taihang black goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Multiple‐level Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is related to postoperative re‐herniation and low back pain. Although many investigators believed that there is an interdependence between paraspinal muscles degeneration and IDD, few studies focused on the fatty infiltration of paraspinal muscles on single‐ and multiple‐level IDD in patients with LDH. This study aims to investigate the difference on the fatty infiltration of paraspinal muscles between single‐ and multiple‐levels IDD in patients with LDH. and to explore in patients with LDH whether fatty infiltration is a potential risk factor for multiple‐level IDD. Methods: This study was conducted as a retrospective observational analysis of 82 patients with LDH from January 1, 2020 to December 30, 2020 in our hospital were enrolled. Twenty‐seven cases had single‐level IDD (Group A), and 55 cases had multiple‐level IDD (Group B). We measured the mean computed tomography (CT) density value of the paraspinal muscles, including multifidus (MF), erector spinae (ES) and psoas muscle (PM) at each disc from L1 to S1. Subgroups were set to further analyze the odds ratio (OR) of fatty infiltration of paraspinal muscles in different sex and BMI groups. We measured sagittal angles and analyzed the relationships between these angles and IDD. Finally, we use logistic regression, adjusted for other confounding factors, to investigate whether fatty infiltration is an independent risk factor for multi‐level IDD. Results: The average age in multi‐level IDD (51.40 ± 15.47 years) was significantly higher than single‐level IDD (33.37 ± 7.10 years). The mean CT density value of MF, ES and PM in single‐level IDD was significantly higher than multi‐level IDD (all ps < 0.001). There was no significant difference of the mean value of angles between the two groups. No matter being fat (body mass index [BMI] > 24.0 kg/m2) or normal, patients with low mean muscle CT density value of MF and ES are significantly easier to suffer from multiple‐level IDD. In the pure model, the average CT density value of the MF, ES and PM is all significantly associated with the occurrence of multi‐IDD. However, after adjusting for various confounding factors, only the OR of the average CT density value for MF and ES remains statistically significant (OR = 0.810, 0.834, respectively). Conclusions: In patients with LDH, patients with multiple‐level IDD have more severe fatty infiltration of MF and ES than those with single‐level IDD. Fatty infiltration of MF and ES are independent risk factors for multiple‐level IDD in LDH patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we introduce a two-dimensional (2D) human skeletal model coupled with knee, spine, and shoulder exoskeletons. The primary purpose of this model is to predict the optimal lifting motion and provide torque support from the exoskeleton through the utilization of inverse dynamics optimization. The kinematics and dynamics of the human model are expressed using the Denavit–Hartenberg (DH) representation. The lifting optimization formulation integrates the electromechanical dynamics of the DC motors in the exoskeletons of the knee, spine, and shoulder. The design variables for this study include human joint angle profiles and exoskeleton motor current profiles. The optimization objective is to minimize the squared normalized human joint torques, subject to physical and task-specific lifting constraints. We solve this optimization problem using the gradient-based optimizer SNOPT. Our results include a comparison of predicted human joint angle profiles, joint torque profiles, and ground reaction force (GRF) profiles between lifting tasks with and without exoskeleton assistance. We also explore various combinations of exoskeletons for the knee, spine, and shoulder. By resolving the lifting optimization problems, we designed the optimal torques for the exoskeletons located at the knee, spine, and shoulder. It was found that the support from the exoskeletons substantially lowers the torque levels in human joints. Additionally, we conducted experiments only on the knee exoskeleton. Experimental data indicated that using the knee exoskeleton decreases the muscle activation peaks by 35.00%, 10.03%, 22.12%, 30.14%, 16.77%, and 25.71% for muscles of the erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The pickling process with NaCl is an essential step for pork preservation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different ultrasonic intensities of tri‐frequency simultaneous ultrasound (TSIU) pickling on the NaCl content and quality of pork (longissimus dorsi). After 30 min pickling, the NaCl content, moisture content, pickling yield, cooking loss, textural properties, color, pH, moisture migration and distribution as well as microstructure of pork were assessed. RESULTS: Results showed that among all the ultrasonic treatment intensities (85–150 W L−1), the NaCl content of the sample pickled by an intensity of 101.3 W L−1 was higher than that of other intensities. TSIU 101.3 W L−1 showed 59.95% higher NaCl content than the control sample. In addition, the sample treated with TSIU of 101.3 W L−1 had higher pickling yield and moisture content, better textural properties of pork (including hardness and chewiness), and less cooking loss. The results of the low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance showed that, compared with the control group, the relaxation time T21 of the ultrasound‐assisted pickling samples increased, while the proportion of T22 (A22) reduction ranged from 175.0% to 379.9%. The microstructure designated that the ultrasonic treatment could facilitate changes in meat texture. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound marination of different intensities promoted the diffusion of NaCl and affected the quality of pork tenderloins. The TSIU at 101.3 W L−1 could better accelerate NaCl transport and homogeneous distribution on meat, thereby improving the sample quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS) is defined as the anterior translation of one lumbar vertebra relative to the next caudal segment as a result of a unilateral or bilateral fracture of the pars interarticularis. These fractures are interchangeably known as "pars defects" or "spondylolysis." Many risk factors have been proposed to explain the progression of a spondylolytic defect to IS, however, none are validated. This systematic review provides an overview of various radiological and imaging parameters that can help predict the risk of progression of a spondylolytic defect into IS. Systematic review. Medline, Embase and Cochrane online database were searched. The various correlations between imaging features with observed spondylolisthesis prevalence or severity or spondylolysis rates of spondylolisthesis were evaluated to provide a list of imaging risk factors to predict IS. Significance of the correlations in the original article was recorded to enable comparison of the collected evidence of separate image features. All searches combined generated a total of 431 results of which 26 articles were included into this study. Of the 22 potential risk factors identified, 5 were found to be statistically insignificant, 8 were found to be significant and 9 had mixed results. The following features were found to be significant risk factors in at least on study: disc degeneration, transverse process width, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, lumbar index, thoracic kyphosis, facet joint angle above the level of defect, facet joint degeneration, facet tropism, multifidus size, lateral erector spinae size, mesenteric fat thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness and soft tissue calcification. Our research suggests that only disc degeneration had moderately strong evidence with consistent significant associations with development of IS in patients with spondylolysis. Transverse process width, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, lumbar index, thoracic kyphosis, facet joint angle above the level of defect, facet joint degeneration, facet tropism, multifidus size, lateral erector spinae size, mesenteric fat thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness and soft tissue calcification had some evidence. All other radiological factors had weak evidence. The results of this study can be used to improve early clinical decision making for patients with spondylolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) administration at varying distances from the incision (ES distance) does not significantly affect postoperative pain scores within the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for lumbar spine surgery. • Postoperative pain management with ESPB shows no significant difference in Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores between different ES distances immediately after surgery and up to 72 hours postoperatively within the ERAS group. • Patients in the ERAS group reported significantly lower pain scores and reduced morphine consumption compared to the non-ERAS group, indicating the effectiveness of the ERAS protocol. • ERAS protocols facilitated quicker resumption of diet and reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. • The study suggests that lumbar ESPB may be preferable due to difficulties with sonovisualization and to avoid the risk of pleural injury, establishing a safe and effective range for ESPB application. Postoperative pain control following spine surgery can be difficult. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs use multimodal approaches to manage postoperative pain. While an erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is commonly utilized, the ideal distance for injection from the incision, referred to as the ES (ESPB to mid-surgical level) distance, remains undetermined. We evaluated the impact of varying ES distances for ESPB on Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) measures of postoperative pain within the ERAS protocol. Retrospective observational study. Adult patients who underwent elective lumbar spine fusion surgery. Primary outcome measures include the comparative postoperative NRS scores across groups at immediate (T1), 24 (T2), 48 (T3), and 72 (T4) hours postsurgery. For secondary outcomes, a propensity matching analysis compared these outcomes between the ERAS and non-ERAS groups, with opioid-related recovery metrics also assessed. All included patients were assigned to one of three ERAS groups according to the ES distance: Group 1 (G1, ES > 3 segments), Group 2 (G2, ES = 2–3 segments), and Group 3 (G3, ES<2 segments). Each patient underwent a bilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB with 60 mL of diluted ropivacaine or bupivacaine. Patients within the ERAS cohort reported mild pain (NRS < 3), with no significant NRS variation across G1 to G3 at any time. Sixty-five patients were matched across ERAS and non-ERAS groups. The ERAS group exhibited significantly lower NRS scores from T1 to T3 than the non-ERAS group. Total morphine consumption during hospitalization was 26.7 mg for ERAS and 41.5 mg for non-ERAS patients. The ERAS group resumed water and food intake sooner and had less postoperative nausea and vomiting. ESPBs can be effectively administered at or near the mid-surgical level to the low thoracic region for lumbar spine surgeries. Given challenges with sonovisualization, a lumbar ESPB may be preferred to minimize the risk of inadvertent pleural injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) is a prevalent spinal condition that can result in significant disability. DLS is thought to result from a combination of disc and facet joint degeneration, as well as various biological, biomechanical, and behavioral factors. One hypothesis is the progressive degeneration of segmental stabilizers, notably the paraspinal muscles, contributes to a vicious cycle of increasing slippage. To examine the correlation between paraspinal muscle status on MRI and severity of slippage in patients with symptomatic DLS. Retrospective cross-sectional study at an academic tertiary care center. Patients who underwent surgery for DLS at the L4/5 level between 2016–2018 were included. Those with multilevel DLS or insufficient imaging were excluded. The percentage of relative slippage (RS) at the L4/5 level evaluated on standing lateral radiographs. Muscle morphology measurements including functional cross-sectional area (fCSA), body height normalized functional cross-sectional area (HI) of Psoas, erector spinae (ES) and multifidus muscle (MF) and fatty infiltration (FI) of ES and MF were measured on axial MR. Disc degeneration and facet joint arthritis were classified according to Pfirrmann and Weishaupt, respectively. Descriptive and comparative statistics, univariable and multivariable linear regression models were utilized to examine the associations between RS and muscle parameters, adjusting for confounders sex, age, BMI, segmental degeneration, and back pain severity and symptom duration. The study analyzed 138 out of 183 patients screened for eligibility. The median age of all patients was 69.5 years (IQR 62 to 73), average BMI was 29.1 (SD±5.1) and average preoperative ODI was 46.4 (SD±16.3). Patients with Meyerding-Grade 2 (M2, N=25) exhibited higher Pfirrmann scores, lower MF fCSA and MF HI , and lower BMI, but significantly more fatty infiltration in the MF and ES muscles compared to those with Meyerding Grade 1 (M1). Univariable linear regression showed that each cm2 decrease in MF fCSA was associated with a 0.9%-point increase in RS (95% CI -1.4 to - 0.4, p<.001), and each cm2/m2 decrease in MF HI was associated with an increase in slippage by 2.2%-points (95% CI -3.7 to -0.7, p=.004). Each 1%-point rise in ES FI and MF FI corresponded to 0.17%- (95% CI 0.05–0.3, p=.01) and 0.20%-point (95% CI 0.1–0.3 p<.001) increases in relative slippage, respectively. Notably, after adjusting for confounders, each cm2 increase in Psoas fCSA and cm2/m2 in Psoas HI was associated with an increase in relative slippage by 0.3% (95% CI 0.1–0.6, p=.004) and 1.1%-points (95% CI 0.4–1.7, p=.001). While MF fCSA tended to be negatively associated with slippage, this did not reach statistical significance (p=.105). However, each 1%-point increase in MF FI and ES FI corresponded to increases of 0.15% points (95% CI 0.05–0.24, p=.002) and 0.14% points (95% CI 0.01–0.27, p=.03) in relative slippage, respectively. This study found a significant association between paraspinal muscle status and severity of slippage in DLS. Whereas higher degeneration of the ES and MF correlate with a higher degree of slippage, the opposite was found for the psoas. These findings suggest that progressive muscular imbalance between posterior and anterior paraspinal muscles could contribute to the progression of slippage in DLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]