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Background: Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is uncommon but not insignificant. The current literature is limited, and the management is largely extrapolated from the treatment of lower extremity DVTs (LEDVT). Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients diagnosed with UEDVT at Northern Health, Victoria, Australia, between December 2010 and December 2022. Medical records were reviewed to assess baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes. The results were compared to our previously collected data for LEDVTs. Results: 137 patients with UEDVT were identified (52.6% females; median age 62 years, IQR 46–74 years). A total of 105 patients (76.6%) had at least one provoking factor at the time of diagnosis, most commonly malignancy (45.7%) and/or indwelling venous devices (58.1%). Fourteen patients (10.1%) were subsequently diagnosed with Paget–Schroetter syndrome, with nine receiving endovascular or surgical intervention. A total of 109 patients (79.6%) received limited therapeutic anticoagulation (median 3 months, IQR 1.5–6.0 months) with enoxaparin, the most common anticoagulant used. Six patients had major bleeding (5.2/100-patient-years), and seven developed clot progression while on anticoagulation (6.0/100-patient-years). Ten patients had recurrent VTE following anticoagulation cessation (4.6/100-patient-years). There were no significant differences seen in the complication rate between catheter-related UEDVT and other UEDVTs. Compared to LEDVT, UEDVT was more likely provoked with comparable complication rates. Conclusions: UEDVTs were commonly associated with a provoking factor, with indwelling catheters and/or malignancies being the most common. Interestingly, catheter-related UEDVT had comparable clot progression/recurrence and major bleeding compared to other UEDVTs and LEDVTs, which may be confounded by relatively high rates of malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor limb conformation in cattle is believed to be closely associated with claw and limb disorders. Limb conformation is part of genetic evaluation and is assessed visually. In this descriptive study, the assessment of conformation in calves was evaluated objectively using joint angle measurements. A total of 100 Brown Swiss (n = 50) and Holstein (n = 50) heifer calves, aged 30 to 90 d old, were photographed from both sides and from the front and rear. Carpal, tarsal, autopodium, and fetlock joint angles of the fore- or hind limbs were measured on the images using anatomic reference points and the ImageJ Fiji program. Each angle was measured 3 times, and the mean was used for analysis. Values from both sides were pooled. Deviations from defined standard angles were classified as slight or moderate. The positions of the front and hind feet were measured and scored. On average, the calves had moderate knock-kneed carpal conformation, and the autopodium of the front limb had a slight lateral deviation. In the rear view, the calves had slight, but close to moderate, cow-hocked tarsal conformation, and the autopodium of the hind limbs was parallel, but close to slightly deviated. Holstein calves were moderately and Brown Swiss calves slightly cow-hocked. A moderate lateral deviation occurred in the metacarpal–digit angle in the front view, and a slight lateral deviation occurred in the metatarsal–digit angle in the rear view. The front feet position score was >17° in 69% of the calves, and the hind feet position score was <17° in 90% of the calves. In the side views, the calves were slightly over at the carpus and slightly straight-hocked and had average fetlock conformation. In the mean values, most measured joint angles did not correspond to the straight or parallel classifications in our calves; moderate knock-kneed and slight cow-hocked and toed-out classifications were most common. The limb angles measured were based on anatomical features and therefore are unlikely to change substantially with increasing age. These aspects should be considered when assessing linear traits and investigating the relationship between limb conformation and claw diseases. The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Epidural administration of local anaesthetic agents provides good intraoperative antinociception for orthopaedic procedures of the pelvis and the pelvic limb. However, in cats the spinal cord extends approximately to the level of the first sacrococcygeal vertebra, and therefore the sacrococcygeal epidural could be a safer alternative to the lumbosacral epidural in cats. This case series describes perioperative analgesia and the haemodynamic status of seven client-owned cats that received sacrococcygeal epidural injection of 0.5% bupivacaine and underwent orthopaedic hind leg or pelvic surgeries under general anaesthesia. Case presentation Each cat received either 0.2 or 0.3 mL/kg of 0.5% bupivacaine with or without 0.2 mg/kg of morphine in the sacrococcygeal epidural space. Intraoperative antinociceptive response to surgical stimulus and haemodynamic changes were monitored and reported. Conclusion In these seven anaesthetised cats, 0.2 or 0.3 mL/kg of 0.5% bupivacaine, administered alone or in combination with morphine into the sacrococcygeal epidural space, enhanced antinociception so that intraoperative rescue analgesia was unnecessary in all but one cat. It also reduced the anticipated requirement for postoperative opioid use. However, a high incidence of hypotension was observed in the cats in this report, and hence intraoperative blood pressure monitoring should be considered mandatory in anaesthetised cats following epidural injection of local anaesthetic agents, regardless of injection site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lizard species of wide distribution can show differences in morphology and many other characteristics, in particular in the scutelation. In this study, we analyzed the variation of 22 meristic characters between sexes and among populations of Sceloporus variabilis from the state of Hidalgo in central Mexico. The variables such as dorsal scales, scales around the body, ventral scales, femoral pores, interfemoral scales, and lamellae of the fourth digit of the hindlimbs were different among populations; the population of San Pablo Tetlapayac presented the highest average values in these variables. A positive and significant relationship between snout–vent length and the number of ventral scales was found only in the females of San Pablo Tetlapayac and Santa Catarina. The variations recorded in the present study indicate an effect of environmental variation in the pattern of the number of scales, and suggest that both environmental conditions, such as precipitation and temperature, and ecological conditions, such as substrate or microhabitats, may be influencing differences in the number and size of scales among populations. Further studies on physiology and ecomorphology are necessary to determine the direction of variations in scutelation between sexes and populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of drug-coated balloons (DCB) on hemodialysis (HD) in patients with femoropopliteal (FP) disease remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of DCB therapy in patients with FP artery disease on HD. A total of 185 patients with FP lesions (140 HD patients) who underwent DCB treatment were included in the study. The incidence of restenosis and target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12 months were measured. Risk factors for TLR were also investigated. The mean age was 71.7 years, and diabetes was observed in 82.3% of patients. The mean duration of receiving dialysis was 8.8 years. The mean lesion length was 11.0 cm, and approximately half of the lesions were severely calcified. Severe dissection after DCB therapy was observed in 19.5% of patients. During the follow-up period, 74 restenosis, 68 TLRs, 8 major amputations, and 28 deaths were observed. The freedom rates from restenosis and TLR at 12 months were 63.8% and 71.3%, respectively. The freedom rates after low- and high-dose DCB at 12 months were 61.9% and 70.6% for restenosis (P = 0.49) and 66.4% and 79.4% for TLR (P = 0.095), respectively. Independent risk factors for TLR at 12 months of age were diabetes, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and severe calcification. When patients were divided into four groups according to the number of these three risk factors, the rates of freedom from TLR at 12 months were 100%, 94.8%, 76.7%, and 30.3% in the groups with no risk factors, any one risk factor, any two risk factors, and all risk factors, respectively (P < 0.0001). Clinical outcomes after endovascular therapy in HD patients with FP disease remain unsatisfactory, even if they are treated with DCB. In particular, patients on HD with diabetes, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and severe calcification have poor outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Investigating the ability of a 6-minute walking test (6MWT) to assess functional status in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Summary of Background Data. The 6MWT provides an objective assessment of a patient's ability to walk. There is the potential for its application to the assessment of functional status in patients with CSM. Materials and Methods. One hundred thirty-five patients from our institution were prospectively enrolled from July 2022 to August 2023. A control group of age-matched and sex-matched healthy individuals was established. The 6MWT was conducted in strict accordance with established guidelines. The Nurick score, the Prolo score, the Cooper-myelopathy-scale score (CMS), the Japanese Orthopedic Association score (JOA) and the European-myelopathy-scale score (EMS) were assessed preoperatively. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain or numbness and Oswestry Neck Disability Index (NDI) were also collected. Radiographic parameters were measured and recorded. Continuous variables between patients and controls were compared by applying the t test. The χ2 test was used to compare gender ratios between groups. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the association between continuous variables and ordinal variables. Subgroups of CSM patients were analyzed according to global spinal alignment types based on whether the SVA was =50 mm. Clinical scores and imaging parameters were compared by t test. Results. The preoperative 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) of CSM patients was 309.34 ± 116.71 m, which was significantly lower than that of the controls (464.30 ± 52.59 m, P<0.01). The 6MWD was significantly correlated with scores on all clinical scales except the VAS. CMS Lower extremity score had the strongest correlation with preoperative 6MWD in CSM patients (r=-0.794, P<0.01). Of the sagittal alignment parameters, only C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and T1 slope were significantly correlated with 6MWD(r=-0.510, -0.360, respectively). CSM patients with SVA >50 mm had significantly lower 6MWD than CSM patients with SVA =50 mm (168.00 ± 137.26 vs. 346.24 ± 84.27 m, P<.01). Conclusions. The 6MWD of CSM patients was significantly lower than that of the healthy population and correlated well with commonly used clinical scales. The 6MWD can potentially assist in the assessment of functional status in patients with CSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safe and effective chemical immobilization is a necessary component of large carnivore management and research, but laws regulating controlled substances can limit the use of many drugs by non‐veterinary personnel. NalMed‐A (40 mg/mL nalbuphine HCl, 10 mg/mL medetomidine HCl, 10 mg/mL azaperone tartrate) is a non‐controlled drug combination used to immobilize a number of free‐ranging species, but there are limited published reports of its usage by non‐veterinary personnel when immobilizing American black bears (Ursus americanus) and mountain lions (Puma concolor). Additionally, there are some safety concerns regarding anecdotal reports of spontaneous arousals occurring in large carnivores immobilized with NalMed‐A. We performed a retrospective analysis of capture forms for free‐ranging black bears (n = 34) and mountain lions (n = 7) immobilized with NalMed‐A by non‐veterinary personnel across Wyoming, USA, in 2017 and 2019–2024. Induction (x̅ ± SE) was 10.74 ± 1.16 minutes for black bears (n = 34) and 7.14 ± 1.60 for mountain lions (n = 7). Reversal was 14.21 ± 1.51 minutes for black bears (n = 28) and 10.00 ± 1.26 minutes for mountain lions (n = 5). We used non‐parametric tests (Kruskal‐Wallis, Wilcoxon rank sum) and odds ratios to examine the effect of certain parameters on induction times, redoses, and spontaneous arousals in black bears. Median induction time for black bears injected in their hind leg or rump was greater than for black bears injected in their shoulder (n = 34, W = 79.5, P = 0.045). Six black bears (18%) experienced spontaneous arousals. We recommend avoiding the hind leg and rump for dart placement in bears, and using hobbles and a muzzle for large carnivores when using NalMed‐A in a free‐ranging setting because of the risk of spontaneous arousals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the urgent tasks of modern medicine is to detect microcirculation disorder during surgery to avoid possible consequences like tissue hypoxia, ischemia, and necrosis. To address this issue, in this article, we propose a compact probe with sapphire tip and optical sensing based on the principle of spatially resolved diffuse reflectance analysis. It allows for intraoperative measurement of tissue effective attenuation coefficient and its alteration during the changes of tissue condition, caused by microcirculation disorder. The results of experimental studies using (1) a tissue‐mimicking phantom based on lipid emulsion and hemoglobin and (2) a model of hindlimb ischemia performed in a rat demonstrated the ability to detect rapid changes of tissue attenuation confirming the feasibility of the probe to sense the stressful exposure. Due to a compact design of the probe, it could be useful for rather wide surgical operations and diagnostic purposes as an auxiliary instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone fragility is a well-documented long-term side effect of radiotherapy, which currently has no preventative treatments. In this study, we applied a caloric restriction (CR) diet to attenuate both local and systemic bone loss after irradiation (RTx) in an established female Balb/c mouse model (4 consecutive daily doses of 5 Gy to the right hindlimb only). CR mice were tapered down to a 30% reduced calorie diet (RTx/CR) one week before irradiation, while regular diet (RD) mice received food ad libitum (RTx/RD). Unirradiated (sham) mice received either a 30% CR diet (SH/CR) or received food ad libitum (SH/RD). Irradiated, contralateral, and unirradiated hindlimbs were evaluated at 2, 4, and 8 weeks postirradiation using micro-computed tomography (μCT) to assess bone morphology and 3-point bending to quantify femur strength. Histological analysis of irradiated and unirradiated tibiae was performed to examine general bone tissue cytology and serum biomarker analysis was performed using terminal blood draw samples. After treatment, femur strength and metaphyseal bone quantity was decreased in irradiated and contralateral femora of RTx/RD mice compared to SH/RD femurs; this finding is consistent with previous studies. RTx/CR mice had positive effects when compared to RTx/RD mice, including increased strength relative to body mass in both the irradiated and contralateral limb, increased trabecular bone mass, and decreased marrow adiposity. However, a number of adverse effects were also observed, including a significant decrease in body mass and decreased cortical bone. Overall, CR shows promise as a preventative treatment for postirradiated bone fragility, yet questions remain to be addressed in future studies. Ideal diet duration, impact to normal tissue, and mechanism of action must be explored to better understand the clinical implication of a CR diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Dinosaur locomotion and biomechanics, especially of their pelvic girdles and hindlimbs, have been analyzed in numerous studies. However, detailed volumetric musculoskeletal models of their tails are rarely developed. Here, we present the first detailed threedimensional volumetric reconstruction of the caudal epaxial and hypaxial musculature of the Late Jurassic sauropod Giraffatitan brancai, and highlight the importance and necessity of 3D modeling in musculoskeletal reconstructions. The tail of this basal macronarian is relatively short compared to diplodocids and other coexisting macronarians. The center of mass lies well in front of the hindlimbs, which support only ca. half the body weight. Still, our reconstruction suggests a total weight for the entire tail of ca. 2500 kg. We conclude that the hypaxial and tail-related hindlimb muscles (most specifically the M. caudofemoralis longus and its counterpart the M. ilioischiocaudalis) in Giraffatitan were well developed and robustly built, compensating for the shorter length of the M. caufodemoralis longus, the main hindlimb retractor muscle, in comparison with other sauropods. Our methodology allows a better-constrained reconstruction of muscle volumes and masses in extinct taxa, and thus force and weight distributions throughout the tail, than non-volumetric approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This trial examined the effectiveness of the popliteal plexus block (PPB) and tibial nerve block (TNB) for early rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We allocated 136 participants to receive PPB or TNB with 0.25% levobupivacaine 10 mL in a randomized, double-masked manner. The primary outcome was achieving rehabilitation goals with a non-inferiority 9-hour margin, including adequate pain relief, knee flexion angles over 90 degrees, and enabling ambulatory rehabilitation. The time to reach rehabilitation goals showed non-inferiority with 49.7 ± 10.5 h for TNB and 47.4 ± 9.7 h for PPB, whose mean difference (PPB - TNB) was − 2.3 h (95% CI -5.8 to 1.2 h; P < 0.001). PPB showed higher dorsal and plantar percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (dorsal, PPB 87.7% ± 11.4% vs. TNB 74.0% ± 16.5%: P < 0.001; plantar, PPB 90.9% ± 10.3% vs. TNB 72.1% ± 16.0%; P < 0.001) at six hours after nerve block. No significant differences between the two groups emerged in pain scores, knee range of motion, additional analgesic requirements, success in the straight leg raise, and adverse events. PPB exhibited non-inferiority to TNB in achieving postoperative rehabilitation goals and had superiority in preserving foot motor strength after TKA. (200) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have recently made the strikingly discovery that upon a muscle injury, Wnt7a is upregulated and secreted from new regenerating myofibers on the surface of exosomes to elicit its myogenerative response distally. Despite recent advances in extracellular vesicle (EVs) isolation from diverse tissues, there is still a lack of specific methodology to purify EVs from muscle tissue. To eliminate contamination with non-EV secreted proteins and cytoplasmic fragments, which are typically found when using classical methodology, such as ultracentrifugation, we adapted a protocol combining Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) and Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). We found that this approach allows simultaneous purification of Wnt7a, bound to EVs (retentate fraction) and free non-EV Wnt7a (permeate fraction). Here we described this optimized protocol designed to specifically isolate EVs from hind limb muscle explants, without cross-contamination with other sources of non-EV bounded proteins. The first step of the protocol is to remove large EVs with sequential centrifugation. Extracellular vesicles are then concentrated and washed in exchange buffer by TFF. Lastly, SEC is performed to remove any soluble protein traces remaining after TFF. Overall, this procedure can be used to isolate EVs from conditioned media or biofluid that contains EVs derived from any cell type or tissue, improving reproducibility, efficiency, and purity of EVs preparations. Our purification protocol results in high purity EVs that maintain structural integrity and thus fully compatible with in vitro and in vivo bioactivity and analytic assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horseshoes used during racing are a major determinant of safety as they play a critical role in providing traction with the ground surface. Although excessive hoof slip is detrimental and can predispose to instabilities, falls and injuries, some slip is essential to dissipate energy and lower stresses on the limb tissues during initial loading. This study aimed to quantify hoof slip duration in retired Thoroughbred racehorses galloping over turf and artificial (Martin Collins Activ-Track) tracks at the British Racing School in the following four shoeing conditions: 1) aluminium; 2) steel; 3) GluShu (aluminium-rubber composite); and 4) barefoot. High-speed video cameras (Sony DSC-RX100M5) filmed 389 hoof-ground interactions from 13 galloping Thoroughbreds at 1000 frames per second. A marker wand secured to the lateral aspect of the hoof wall aided tracking of horizontal and vertical hoof position in Tracker software over time, so the interval of hoof displacement immediately following impact (hoof slip duration) could be identified. Data were collected from leading and non-leading forelimbs at speeds ranging from 24–56 km h-1. Linear mixed models assessed whether surface, shoeing condition or speed influenced hoof slip duration (significance at p≤0.05). Day and horse-jockey pair were included as random factors and speed was included as a covariate. Mean hoof slip duration was similar amongst forelimbs and the non-leading hindlimb (20.4–21.5 ms) but was shortest in the leading hindlimb (18.3±10.2 ms, mean ± 2.S.D.). Slip durations were 2.1–3.5 ms (p≤0.05) longer on the turf than on the artificial track for forelimbs and the non-leading hindlimb, but they were 2.5 ms shorter on the turf than on the artificial track in the leading hindlimb (p = 0.025). In the leading hindlimb, slip durations were also significantly longer for the aluminium shoeing condition compared to barefoot, by 3.7 ms. There was a significant negative correlation between speed and slip duration in the leading forelimb. This study emphasises the importance of evaluating individual limb biomechanics when applying external interventions that impact the asymmetric galloping gait of the horse. Hoof slip durations and the impact of shoe-surface effects on slip were limb specific. Further work is needed to relate specific limb injury occurrence to these hoof slip duration data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of limb reduction in squamates is a classic example of convergence, but the skeletal morphological patterns associated with it are underexplored. To provide insights on the biomechanical and developmental consequences of transitions to limb reduction, we use geometric morphometrics to examine the morphology of pectoral and pelvic girdles in 90 species of limb-reduced skinks and their fully limbed relatives. Clavicle shapes converge towards an acute anterior bend when forelimbs are lost but hindlimbs are retained—a morphology typical of sand-swimmers. This may either indicate functional adaptations to locomotion in fine substrates, or a developmental consequence of complete limb loss. The shape of limb-bearing elements of both girdles (coracoid and pelvis) instead closely mirrors limb reduction, becoming more simplified as undulation replaces limbed locomotion. Integration between girdles decreases in taxa lacking elements of the forelimbs but not hindlimbs, indicating differential selection on each girdle in response to distinct locomotory strategies. However, this pattern becomes less clear when considering phylogenetic history, perhaps because it is limited to one specific clade (Lerista). We show how the functional demands of locomotion can induce changes at different levels of organismal organization, including both external and internal structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enantiornithines were the most diverse group of birds during the Cretaceous, comprising over half of all known species from this period. The fossil record and subsequently our knowledge of this clade is heavily skewed by the wealth of material from Lower Cretaceous deposits in China. In contrast, specimens from Upper Cretaceous deposits are rare and typically fragmentary, yet critical for understanding the extinction of this clade across the K-Pg boundary. The most complete North American Late Cretaceous enantiornithine is Mirarce eatoni, a member of the diverse clade Avisauridae. Except for Mirarce, avisaurids are known only from isolated hindlimb elements from North and South America. Here we describe three new enantiornithines from the Maastrichtian Hell Creek Formation, two of which represent new avisaurid taxa. These materials represent a substantial increase in the known diversity of Enantiornithes in the latest Cretaceous. Re-examination of material referred to Avisauridae through phylogenetic analysis provides strong support for a more exclusive Avisauridae consisting of six taxa. Exploration of the functional morphology of the avisaurid tarsometatarsus indicates potential strong constriction and raptorial attributes. The lower aspect ratio of the tarsometatarsus facilitates a more biomechanically efficient lever system which in extant birds of prey equates to lifting proportionally heavier prey items. In addition, the proportional size and distal position of the m. tibialis cranialis tubercle of the tarsometatarsus is similar to the morphology seen in extant birds of prey. Together with the deeply-grooved metatarsal trochlea facilitating robust and likely powerful pedal digits, morphologies of the hindlimb suggest avisaurids as Late Cretaceous birds of prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel host plants are incorporated into the diets of phytophagous insects when females oviposit and juveniles feed and survive on them. A change in diet, however, can have morphological consequences. We recently found a population of the leaf‐footed cactus bug, Narnia femorata (Hemiptera: Coreidae), a historical cactus specialist, living and feeding on Cirsium thistle. We also found adults breeding and males using their enlarged hind legs (i.e., weapons) in male–male combat on thistle. When we compared this thistle population with a population feeding on cactus, we found that both populations had similar body and weapon sizes as well as weapon composition. However, the population living on thistle had longer mouthparts than the population found on cactus, although this difference only occurred at larger body sizes. This difference in adult mouthpart size is likely a result of the juvenile rearing environment (i.e., thistle or cactus). However, genetic differences may also affect this trait. Our results provide some interesting avenues for future research (e.g., a reciprocal transplant experiment) in a species with a recent host range expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Versican is increased with inflammation and fibrosis, and is upregulated in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In fibrotic diaphragm muscles from dystrophic mdx mice, genetic reduction of versican attenuated macrophage infiltration and improved contractile function. Versican is also implicated in myogenesis. Here, we investigated whether versican modulated mdx hindlimb muscle pathology, where inflammation and regeneration are increased but fibrosis is minimal. Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were used to assess how fiber type and glucocorticoids (α-methylprednisolone) modify versican expression. To genetically reduce versican, female mdx and male versican haploinsufficient (hdf) mice were bred resulting in male mdx-hdf and mdx (control) pups. Versican expression, contractile function, and pathology were evaluated in hindlimb muscles. Versican immunoreactivity was greater in slow versus fast hindlimb muscles. Versican mRNA transcripts were reduced by α-methylprednisolone in soleus, but not in fast extensor digitorum longus, muscles. In juvenile (6-wk-old) mdx-hdf mice, versican expression was most robustly decreased in soleus muscles leading to improved force output and a modest reduction in fatiguability. These functional benefits were not accompanied by decreased inflammation. Muscle architecture, regeneration markers, and fiber type also did not differ between mdx-hdf mice and mdx littermates. Improvements in soleus contractile function were not retained in adult (20-wk-old) mdx-hdf mice. In conclusion, soleus muscles from juvenile mdx mice were most responsive to pharmacological or genetic approaches targeting versican; however, the benefits of versican reduction were limited due to low fibrosis. Preclinical matrix research in dystrophy should account for muscle phenotype (including age) and the interdependence between inflammation and fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Korean raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis) is an important species in Korea. However, there has been little research about its joint anatomy. In this study, we investigated the anatomy of the limb joints of the Korean raccoon dog using joint orientation angles, a method frequently used in humans, dogs, and cats. The findings of this study should be helpful not only for individual therapies, such as fracture repair, but also for comparative anatomy. Furthermore, this study is the first to measure joint orientation angles in wild animals such as the Korean raccoon dog, making it a useful reference for measurements in other wild canids. Studies are being conducted on the anatomical structures of various wild animals. Despite the ecological importance of the Korean raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis), limited research has been conducted on its anatomical structure. This study is the first to establish a reference range for joint orientation angles in the limbs of the Korean raccoon dog. Joint orientation angles are an unexplored concept not only in Korean raccoon dogs but also in other wildlife. However, they are important in the examination of the skeletal anatomy of humans and companion animals, such as dogs and cats. Because this type of measurement is still emerging in wildlife research, we applied the methodology used in the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Angles were measured between the mechanical or anatomical axis and the joint orientation lines in the thoracic and pelvic limbs of Korean raccoon dogs. No significant differences were observed between the sexes or between the left and right sides. These findings are consistent with those observed in domestic dogs. Based on this study, a reference range of joint orientation angles could be established for Korean raccoon dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: "Declawing" is the surgery in which the bone underneath the claw is removed entirely or in part. This has been shown to have substantial effects on the forearm muscles of members of the cat family, but no one has previously examined how it affects other species or the hindlimb. In this study, we examine the leg and forearm muscles of a kinkajou (a Central/South American tree-climbing relative of the raccoon) that was declawed on all four limbs and compare it to several kinkajous that were not declawed and to the previous cat findings. As expected, some of the declawed kinkajou's muscles were substantially different from those of the intact specimens, and as was seen in the cats, the muscles that normally attach to its claw bones appear to have been weaker. Surprisingly, the declawed kinkajou had larger forearm muscles and, even though its toe claws had also been removed, its hindlimb muscles were not very different—possibly because kinkajous rely more on their hands than their feet. Future studies should examine other declawed kinkajous and how this surgery affects other species, like kinkajou relatives that don't climb as much or other species, like monkeys, that do climb like kinkajous. Recently, onychectomy, the "declaw" surgery in which all or part of the distal phalanges are removed, has been shown to have significant effects on the forearm muscles of felids. While this surgery should clearly affect the limb muscles (especially those that insert on the removed or modified bone), these effects have not been studied beyond felids or in the hindlimb. To that end, we herein evaluated the muscle architecture of a kinkajou (Potos flavus) that was declawed on all four of its limbs and compared its anatomy to that of intact specimens and the felid findings. As expected, some of the declawed kinkajou's muscles were substantially different from those of the intact specimens, and as was seen in felids, its digital muscles appear to have been weaker. However, unlike in the felids, the declawed kinkajou had relatively larger forearm muscles. Also, contrary to expectation, the leg muscles of the declawed kinkajou were not substantially different, perhaps reflecting important differences in limb use. Future analyses should examine this anatomy in other declawed kinkajou specimens and also look at the effects of this surgery in other taxa, for instance, non-arboreal relatives of the kinkajou as well as other arboreal taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radiographs are useful for the initial evaluation of the hip joints. The information can be utilized for the betterment of animal health or other goals such as anatomic studies and gait analysis, among others. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate radiographic measurements of the hip joint in capuchin monkeys, kept under human care at a reference center for wildlife. Methods: Twelve capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.) (three adult males, seven adult females, and two sub‐adult females) were evaluated. Ventrodorsal radiographic views were taken under chemical restraint. All measurements on the digital images were performed in triplicate by one examiner. Results and Conclusions: None of the measurements evaluated were statistically different between males and females. No statistical differences were found between hind limbs. The mean (±SD) Norberg angle was 104.92° (±2.82°) and the Wiberg angle was 15.26° (±1.86°). The percentage of the femoral head covered by the acetabulum was 68.57% (±3.65%) and the acetabular index depth to width ratio was 54.66% (±3.85%). In conclusion, the radiographic measurements showed certain morphological features of the hip joint in Sapajus spp. that contribute to improving species knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The posterior meniscofemoral ligament (pMFL) of knee joint is a ligament that runs posterior to the posterior cruciate ligament and it is known that the height of the pMFL attachment site causes meniscus avulsion. Therefore, understanding the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the pMFL attachment site is essential to better understand the pathogenesis of meniscus disorders. However, the developmental process of pMFL has not been well investigated. The purpose of this study was to analyze pMFL development in rat knee joints using 3D reconstructed images produced from episcopic fluorescence image capture (EFIC) images and examine its relationship with other knee joint components. Methods: Knee joints of Wistar rat embryos between embryonic day (E) 16 and E21 were observed with HE-stained tissues. Serial EFIC images of the hind limbs of E17–E21 were, respectively, captured from which 3D images were reconstructed and the features of pMFL structure: length and angle were measured. Besides, the chronological volume changes and the volume ratio of the knee joint components compared to E17 were calculated to identify the differences in growth by components. Results: pMFL was observed from E17 and was attached to the medial femoral condyle and lateral meniscus at all developmental stages, as in mature rats. The lack of marked variation in the attachment site and angle of the pMFL with the developmental stage indicates that the pMFL and surrounding knee joint components developed while maintaining their positional relationship from the onset of development. Conclusion: Current results may support to congenital etiology of meniscus disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moose (Alces alces) in boreal habitats feed and rest where they are exposed to Dipteran flies and the parasites they carry. We collected 31,905 flies during the summer from 12 habituated moose on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Moose flies, Haematobosca alcis (Snow), Diptera: Muscidae—a species that completes its entire life cycle on or around moose—accounted for 91% of flies collected; the reminder of the flies collected included mosquitoes (Culicidae), black flies (Simuliidae), and deer flies (Tabanidae). Flies impose physiological costs for moose, e.g. vectors for parasites such as Legworm (Onchocerca spp.) which causes sores on the hind legs of moose. We found that the number of sores present on the hind legs of moose is positively correlated with body fat, which suggests a correlation between gains of energy and damage from flies. We also found that the number of sores is negatively correlated with serum albumin, which is indicative of an inflammatory response and body protein being used to repair injuries from flies and parasites. The number or type of flies present on a Moose were not correlated with the concentration of corticosteroids in saliva or feces. Flies do not elicit a stress response in moose even though the costs of repairing wounds and resisting infections of those wounds likely reduce gains of protein from summer foraging. Moose can tolerate the injuries from biting flies with regular gains from summer foraging but exposure to insect-borne parasites poses a risk to reproduction and survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive description of the histology of 10 postcranial bones taken from Liaoningvenator curriei (holotype: DNHM D3012) is presented. Corresponding bone samples were sectioned to a thickness of 30 micrometres. The sections were then examined using transmitted and crossed-polarised light microscopes and photographed using an adapted camera and associated capture software. The study reveals that DNHM D3012 was a subadult approaching adulthood, certainly in its fifth year at the time of death. The comparisons of the different sections revealed that in L. curriei (DNHM D3012), the bones from forelimb elements grew faster than those from hind limb elements, this growth strategy likely being linked to its ground-dwelling locomotion. Interspecific comparisons with those other deinonychosaurs and basal avialans suggest that L. curriei (DNHM D3012) exhibits a transitive growth pattern between basalmost, smaller forms of troodontid, and more derived forms that got larger by extending the period of fast growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The algorithm for reconstruction options for lower extremity soft‑tissue defects depends on the location, size, and depth of the wound. Regional options include muscle, fasciocutaneous, perforator, supramalleolar, and sural flap. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the return time of postoperative sensory innervations in patients whose reconstruction was performed with a reverse flow sural flap in distal third lower extremity injuries. Materials and Methods: Patients with lower extremity injuries, treated between September 2018 and December 2021, were retrospectively evaluated in terms of sensory innervation of the sural flap at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months postoperatively. Heat, cold, pain, stereognosis, two‑point discrimination, and superficial and deep sensory examinations were examined in stages. Results: A total of 12 patients were evaluated, 7 (58.3%) of whom were male and 5 (41.6%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 42.08 years. The mean follow‑up period of the patients was 20 months. In the acute postoperative follow‑up of the operated patients, infection was observed in three patients and venous congestion in one patient. Total flap loss was not observed in any patient. The superficial sensory test and the deep sensory test did not return until a mean of 6 months, and the stereognosis test did not return until 1 year, while the sensation of pain returned at an average of 18 months, and the heat, cold, and two‑point discrimination tests did not return during follow‑up in most patients. Conclusion: The reverse flow sural flap is a reconstruction option known to have rapid neurosensory recovery. The exact timing to minimize the risk of trauma that may occur in the flap area is an average of 18th month. Although larger studies are needed to support these results, studies to accelerate the sensory innervation of this flap are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experiment, five different parts of beef were selected to make boletus beef sauce, namely beef hind leg (BHL), beef shoulder (BS), beef knuckle (BK), beef brisket (BB), and beef tendon (BT), and the effects of different beef parts on the quality and volatile aroma components of spicy beef boletus sauce were investigated. The boletus beef sauce made from BB reported the highest sensory score of 87.4. In terms of texture, beef sauce made from BB exhibited the best quality, with hardness, elasticity, gumminess, and chewiness values of 14.01 N, 4.71 mm, 3.22 N, and 15.30 mJ, respectively. Significant differences (P<0.05) in color of beef sauce were observed among different beef parts based on the L* and a* values. Electronic nose could effectively distinguish the spicy beef boletus sauce made from different parts of beef. In terms of flavor substances, 84 volatile flavor substances were detected in BHL, 36 in BS, 52 in BT, 102 in BK, and 87 in BB. The main aroma components were consistent with the types of sensitive substances identified by the electronic nose. Among them, hexanal, D-limonene, α-pinene, diallyl disulfide, and anethole were the common aroma components in the five parts, with ROAV>1. In summary, the BB was proven to be the best raw material in making spicy beef boletus sauce. These research findings provide a theoretical basis and data reference for the future cooking process and flavor characteristics of beef sauce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone loss caused by long-duration spaceflight seriously affects the skeletal health of astronauts. There are many shortcomings in currently available treatments for weightlessness-induced bone loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive effect of Angelica dahuricae Radix (AR) on simulated microgravity-induced bone loss. Here, we established a hind limb unloading (HLU) mouse model and treated HLU mice with AR (2 g/kg) for 4 weeks. Results indicated that AR significantly inhibited simulated microgravity-induced bone loss. In addition, the components in AR were analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS; results showed that a total of 224 compounds were detected in AR, which mainly contained 7 classes of components. Moreover, the network pharmacological predictions suggested that active ingredients of AR might act on PTGS2 to prevent bone loss. These results elucidate the efficacy of AR in preventing microgravity-induced bone loss and its potential for use in protecting the bone health of astronauts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body size has an impact on all biological functions and analyzing how body size impacts functional traits such as locomotion is critical. Body size does not only vary across species but also during ontogeny. Indeed, juvenile animals are often at a competitive disadvantage due to their smaller absolute size. Consequently, understanding size‐ and age‐related changes in the locomotor system is critical for our understanding of adult phenotypes. Here, we address this question by exploring growth of the hind limb muscles in two species of closely related baboons that differ in their ecology, the olive baboon, Papio Anubis, the Guinea baboon, and Papio papio. To do so, we dissected 40 P. anubis and 10 P. papio and measured the mass and physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) of the hind limb muscles. Our results showed no sexual differences in size‐ or age‐related growth patterns, but did show differences between species. Whereas the scaling of muscle mass and PCSA was largely isometric in P. anubis, allometric scaling was more common in P. papio. Despite these differences between species, the knee extensors and external rotators at the knee scaled with positive allometry in both species highlighting their important role during adult locomotion. Although life‐history data for P. papio are scarce, we suggest that differences between species may be associated with differences in adult body size and age of locomotor independence between species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Robot-Assisted Gait Training (RAGT) is a novel technology widely employed in the field of neurological rehabilitation for patients with subacute stroke. However, the effectiveness of RAGT compared to conventional gait training (CGT) in improving lower extremity function remains a topic of debate. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of RAGT and CGT on lower extremity movement in patients with subacute stroke. Methods: Comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Embase, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang, SinoMed and Vip Journal Integration Platform. The database retrieval was performed up until July 9, 2024. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. Results: A total of 24 RCTs were included in the analysis. The results indicate that, compared with CGT, RAGT led to significant improvements in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity [MD = 2.10, 95%CI (0.62, 3.59), P = 0.005], Functional Ambulation Category[MD = 0.44, 95%CI (0.23, 0.65), P < 0.001], Berg Balance Scale [MD = 4.55, 95%CI (3.00, 6.11), P < 0.001], Timed Up and Go test [MD = −4.05, 95%CI (−5.12, −2.98), P < 0.001], and 6-Minute Walk Test [MD = 30.66, 95%CI (22.36, 38.97), P < 0.001] for patients with subacute stroke. However, it did not show a significant effect on the 10-Meter Walk Test [MD = 0.06, 95%CI (−0.01, 0.14), P = 0.08]. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that RAGT can enhance lower extremity function, balance function, walking ability, and endurance levels compared to CGT. However, the quality of evidence for improvements in gait speed remains low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In Traditional Chinese Medicine and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Wei Syndrome is a prevalent condition. Canine Wei Syndrome usually exhibits symptoms including hind limb paralysis, muscle weakness or even atrophy, disappearance of deep or shallow pain, and urinary and fecal incontinence. Hemorheological indicators play a crucial role in assessing blood viscosity. However, research on canine Wei Syndrome and its hemorheological characteristics remains limited. Understanding the factors such as gender, season, breed, and age that predispose dogs to Wei Syndrome can aid in its prevention. Early detection and diagnosis of canine Wei Syndrome can be facilitated by monitoring hemorheological data. Therefore, investigating the epidemiology of canine Wei Syndrome and its correlation with hemorheology is of paramount importance. This study revealed that male Poodle dogs aged 3–6 years are more susceptible to Wei Syndrome during Winter, with abnormal hemorheology being a distinct feature among affected dogs. These findings contribute significantly to the prevention and management of canine Wei Syndrome and offer valuable insights for the treatment of dogs with Wei Syndrome. Canine paraplegia is a common condition in small animal medicine, referred to as Wei Syndrome (WS) in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). Common clinical manifestations encompass hind limb paralysis, motor dysfunction, muscle atrophy, and the absence of pain perception. WS is considered a difficult-to-treat disease in small animal practice. The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of canine WS and the characteristics of hemorheology. A total of 53 dogs with WS and 53 healthy dogs were included in this study. A retrospective case-controlled study design was employed. Data regarding the gender, season of WS occurrence, breed, and age of dogs with WS, as well as hemorheology from dogs with WS and healthy dogs, were collected and analyzed using SPSS 27.0. The study findings revealed that male dogs were more susceptible to WS (77.36%, 41/53). WS cases occurred more frequently in Winter (33.96%, 18/53), and were commonly found in Poodle breeds (43.40%, 23/53). The most affected age of WS was between 3 and 6 years old (54.72%, 29/53). Except for plasma viscosity and fibrinogen, the hemorheology indices of canine WS were significantly higher than those of healthy dogs (p < 0.05), especially in male dogs, Poodles and Bulldogs, those between 3 to 10 years, and in Autumn and Winter. This study provides evidence that male Poodles and Bulldogs aged 3 to 6 years are more prone to developing WS, with Winter being the season of high disease incidence. Abnormal hemorheology is a characteristic feature in dogs with WS, which should be considered during the treatment of WS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Discriminating the underlying cause of gait abnormalities can be challenging in a clinical setting, especially in the presence of bilateral disease. Pressure-sensitive walkways (PSWs) have been utilized to characterize the gait of dogs with various neurologic or orthopaedic conditions. The potential use of the PSW includes the discrimination of conditions that can be similar in clinical presentation, such as bilateral hindlimb lameness and hindlimb ataxia. The primary aim of this study was to describe the spatial, temporal, and kinetic gait parameters of dogs with hindlimb ataxia or bilateral hindlimb lameness and compare them to those of normal dogs. Forty-six dogs were prospectively recruited. The normal group included 20 dogs with normal neurologic and orthopaedic exams. The orthopaedic group included 15 dogs with bilateral hindlimb orthopaedic diseases with weight-bearing hindlimb lameness and normal neurologic exams. The neurologic group included 11 dogs with ambulatory paraparesis and normal orthopaedic exams. Each dog was walked across the PSW, and at least 3 valid trials were collected. The stride time, stance time, swing time, stride length, gait velocity, peak vertical force (PVF), vertical impulse (VI), and limb symmetry were recorded. The mean values of all parameters from the valid trials were calculated and used for data analysis. The outcomes were compared among all groups. Results: Compared with the normal group, the orthopaedic group had a significantly greater percent body weight distribution (%BWD) and vertical impulse distribution (VID) in the forelimbs. When comparing the spatiotemporal parameters, the neurologic group showed an increase in forelimb stance time compared to that of the normal group. Compared with that in the normal group, the stride velocity in the forelimbs in the orthopaedic group was greater. There were no significant differences in the kinetic parameters between the neurologic group and the normal group, nor in stride time or stride length among the groups. Conclusion: The gait parameters obtained by PSW demonstrated that the orthopaedic and neurologic groups may have different compensatory mechanisms for their gait deficiencies. These parameters can potentially be used to construct a predictive model to evaluate PSW as a diagnostic tool in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals with subacute severe hemiplegia often undergo alternate gait training to overcome challenges in achieving walking independence. However, the ankle joint setting in a knee–ankle–foot orthosis (KAFO) depends on trunk function or paralysis stage for alternate gait training with a KAFO. The optimal degree of ankle joint freedom in a KAFO and the specific ankle joint conditions for effective rehabilitation remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of different degrees of freedom of the ankle joint on center-of-pressure (CoP) parameters and muscle activity on the paretic side using a KAFO and to investigate the recommended setting of ankle joint angle in a KAFO depending on physical function. Methods: This study included 14 participants with subacute stroke (67.4 ± 13.3 years). The CoP parameters and muscle activity of the gastrocnemius lateralis (GCL) and soleus muscles were compared using a linear mixed model (LMM) under two ankle joint conditions in the KAFO: fixed at 0° and free ankle dorsiflexion. We confirmed the relationship between changes in CoP parameters or muscle activity under different conditions and physical functional characteristics such as the Fugl–Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity Synergy Score (FMAs) and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) using LMM. Results: Anterior–posterior displacement of CoP (AP_CoP) (p = 0.011) and muscle activity of the GCL (p = 0.043) increased in the free condition of ankle dorsiflexion compared with that in the fixed condition. The FMAs (p = 0.004) and TIS (p = 0.008) demonstrated a positive relationship with AP_CoP. A positive relationship was also found between TIS and the percentage of medial forefoot loading time in the CoP (p < 0.001). Conclusions: For individuals with severe subacute hemiplegia, the ankle dorsiflexion induction in the KAFO, which did not impede the forward tilt of the shank, promotes anterior movement in the CoP and muscle activity of the GCL. This study suggests that adjusting the dorsiflexion mobility of the ankle joint in the KAFO according to improvement in physical function promotes loading of the CoP to the medial forefoot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The task faced by surgeons becomes significantly more challenging when they encounter lower extremity bone defects due to a variety of causes requiring lengthening. The most discussed and successful approach is the Illizarov technique, or lengthening over a nail (LON):distraction osteogenesis is also widely performed with monoliteral external fixators and intramedullarylengthening nails have increasingly been used in the last decade. Methods: The data were collected from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and the Web of Science for all available studies comparing the outcomes of Ilizarov technique alone and LON technique (from January 1, 1997, to November 30, 2023). The outcomes of interest encompassed the external fixation index (EFI) (month/cm), mean duration of follow-up (MFT) (month), length gained (LG) (cm), consolidation index (CIx) (month/cm), and bone healing index (BHI) (month/cm).Complications include pin tract infection rate (PTI), axial deviation rate (AD), occurrence of intramedullary infection (II), delayed consolidation rate (DC), as well as data categorized into three levels of problems, obstacles, and sequelae based on the severity of complications.Two reviewers independently assessed each study for quality and extracted data. The case–control or respective cohort studies were evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) to determine their techniqueological rigor.The Cochrane Collaboration's risk assessment tool was employed to perform quality evaluations for randomized controlled trials. Results: This review included thirteen studies comprising a total of 629 patients.The external fixation index (month/cm) was significantly smaller in the LON technique compared to the Ilizarov technique alone [Mean Difference(MD) = -29.59, 95% CI -39.68–-19.49, P < 0.00001].In terms of the mean follow-up time(month) (MD = -0.92, 95% CI -3.49–1.65, P = 0.57), length gained (cm) (MD = -0.87, 95%CI -2.80–1.07, P = 0.38), consolidation index (month/cm) (MD = 0.66, 95% CI -3.44–4.77, P = 0.75), and bone healing index (month/cm) (MD = -3.33, 95% CI -13.07–6.41, P = 0.5), there were no significant differences observed. The LON technique exhibited a lower incidence of axial deviation [Odds Ratio(OR) = 0.06, 95%CI 0.03–0.16, P < 0.00001] and pin tract infection (OR = 0.30, 95%CI 0.18–0.50, P < 0.00001) compared to the Ilizarov technique alone.The remaining complications, such as intramedullary infection rate (OR = 0.93, 95%CI 0.42–2.06, P = 0.85) and delayed consolidation rate(OR = 0.61, 95%CI 0.20–1.86, P = 0.38), did not exhibit statistically significant differences.Our findings demonstrated that the LON technique results in lower incidences of problems (38.5%vs.58.6%) and sequelae (16.6% vs.30.9%) when compared to the Ilizarov technique alone. However, the rates of obstacles (32.4% vs.32.3%) were comparable between the two methods. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that patients treated with the LON technique experienced significantly shorter external fixation durations and a lower incidence of complications (e.g., pin tract infections and axial deviation) compared to those treated with the Ilizarov technique alone. Other outcome metrics showed no significant differences between the two techniques. However, the LON technique offers substantial benefits, including reduced external fixation times and increased comfort, which enhance patient compliance. In conclusion, the LON technique is a safe, reliable, and effective method for treating tibial and femoral defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an arboreal animal, tree frogs face diverse challenges when landing on perches, including variations in substrate shape, diameter, flexibility, and angular distribution, with potentially significant consequences for failed landings. Research on tree frog landing behavior on perches, especially concerning landing on vertical substrates, remains limited. This study investigated the landing strategies (forelimb, abdomen, and hindlimb) of tree frogs on vertical perches, considering perch diameter. Although all three strategies were observed across perches of different diameters, their frequencies differed. Forelimb landing was most common across all perch diameters, with its frequency increasing with perch diameter, while abdomen and hindlimb landing strategies were more prevalent on smaller diameter perches. During the process from take‐off to landing, the body axis underwent some deviation owing to the asymmetric movement of the left and right limbs; however, these deviations did not significantly differ among landing strategies. Additionally, different landing strategies led to variations in the landing forces, with abdominal landings generating significantly higher impact forces than the other two strategies. These findings provide insights into the biomechanics and biological adaptations of tree frogs when landing on challenging substrates, such as leaves or branches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although blood urine is frequently observed in dromedary camels, little attention is gained and only it was reported as case reports. Aim: This study was carried out to examine dromedary camels suffering from red urine syndrome from the points of clinical, etiological, hematobiochemical, ultrasonographic, and pathological characteristics. Methods: Thirty-one camels with red urine and fifteen controls were enrolled. With a duration ranging from five days to nine months, clinical manifestations included weakness, red discoloration of the urine, dribbling of urine, straining during urination, and abdominal pain. Blood was sampled in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and plain tubes. Results: The urine red color intensity was marked in 23 camels. In five camels discolored red urine was moderate while red urine was voided intermittently in the remaining three camels. The wide stance of the hind legs and pain reactions during urination were recorded in 18 camels. In all 31 camels, urine samples were centrifuged and sedimentation of red deposits was found. Nephrolithiasis was detected in three animals. One female camel had bilateral hydronephrosis. Hyperechoic urine was imaged within the renal pelvis in seven camels. In addition, hypoechoic fluid was imaged within the peritoneal cavity in 8 animals. A ruptured and collapsed urinary bladder was found in two male camels. In addition, bilateral pyelonephritis was found in another male camel. Abscessation of the left and right kidneys confirmed by ultrasound-guided aspiration was confirmed in 3 and 2 females, respectively. Peri-renal abscessation of the right kidney was detected in a female camel. A large, misshaped hypoechoic mass involving the right kidney was found in 1 female. A large mass king neoplasia was also imaged in a female camel distal to and compressing the left kidney, which proved histologically to be a leiomyoma. Moderate to severe thickening and corrugation of the urinary bladder mucosa were detected in 18 of the diseased camels. Conclusion: This study's syndrome of red urine in camels resulted mainly from hematuria. The existing etiologies were nephrolithiasis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, peri-renal and renal abscessation, and renal neoplasia. Ultrasonography was superior in assessing the renal parenchyma and urinary bladder for the verification of the existing nephrolithiasis, hydronephrosis, pyelonephritis, peri-renal and renal abscessation, cystitis, and ruptured or perforated bladder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populations of the same species that inhabit contrasting environments may be subject to different selection pressures, promoted by the local environment. Therefore, the individuals of the different populations respond to these pressures with adaptations to local environments; however, not all species or populations respond in the same way. We compared some morphological and ecological traits of the lizard Sceloporus mucronatus that inhabits contrasting environments in central Mexico. The results show male-biased sexual size dimorphism in Tecocomulco, but no differences in size between sexes in Parque Nacional El Chico (PNCH). Significant differences were observed in morphometric traits and in body mass between sexes and populations, but not in the interaction between these two factors. In general, females were heavier than males, while males had larger head structures, jaws, and hind limbs than females. In addition, differences were recorded in the volume of the abdomen, which was female-biased in the PNCH, and male-biased in Tecocomulco. Between populations, it was recorded that the organisms from the PNCH were heavier and had larger heads than those from Tecocomulco. Thermal traits showed differences among populations, but not between sexes nor in the interaction among these factors. Individuals from the locality with lower temperature and higher precipitation (PNCH) reached higher body temperatures and used warmer microhabitats than those individuals from the locality with higher temperature and lower precipitation (Tecocomulco). Females from both populations showed a greater degree of active thermoregulation compared to males. In addition, in both sexes and populations, average values of behavioral thermoregulation were different from zero. Significant differences were recorded in microhabitat use between populations. In agreement with previous studies of morphology and thermal ecology carried out in this species from this and other localities, and in different years, we suggest that its populations present a wide phenotypic plasticity. Highlights: Sceloporus mucronatusis an active thermoregulator. Females from both populations showed higher percentages of negative values of behavioral thermoregulation compared to males. Males have larger head structures, jaws, and hind limbs than females. Between populations, differences were recorded in some morphometric and thermal traits, and use of microhabitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Spinal cord injuries (SCI) pose persistent challenges in clinical practice due to the secondary injury. Drawing from our experience in spinal cord fusion (SCF), we propose vascularized allogeneic spinal cord transplantation (vASCT) as a novel approach for SCI, much like organ transplantation has revolutionized organ failure treatment and vascularized composite‐tissue allotransplantation has addressed limb defects. Materials and Methods: In this study, 24 dogs were paired and underwent vASCT, with donor spinal cord grafts and polyethylene glycol (PEG) application for SCF. The experimental group (n = 8) received tacrolimus and methylprednisolone, while the control group (n = 4) received only methylprednisolone. Safety and efficacy of vASCT were evaluated through electrophysiology, imaging, and 6‐month follow‐up. Results: The experimental group showed substantial recovery in hind limb motor function. Imaging revealed robust survival of spinal cord grafts and restoration of spinal cord continuity. In contrast, the control group maintained hind limb paralysis, with imaging confirming spinal cord graft necrosis and extensive defects. Electrophysiologically, the experimental group exhibited restored motor evoked potential signal conduction postoperatively, unlike the control group. Notably, PEG application during vASCT led to signal conduction recovery in intraoperative spinal cord evoked potential examinations for all dogs. Conclusion: In the vASCT surgical model, the combination of PEG with tacrolimus has demonstrated the ability to reconstruct spinal cord continuity and restore hind limb motor function in beagles. Notably, a low dose of tacrolimus has also exhibited an excellent anti‐immune rejection effect. These findings highlight vASCT's potential promise as a therapeutic strategy for addressing irreversible SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects exhibit remarkable adaptability in their locomotive strategies in diverse environments, a crucial trait for foraging, survival, and predator avoidance. Microvelia americana , tiny 2–3 mm insects that adeptly walk on water surfaces, exemplify this adaptability by using the alternating tripod gait in both aquatic and terrestrial terrains. These insects commonly inhabit low-flow ponds and streams cluttered with natural debris like leaves, twigs, and duckweed. Using high-speed imaging and pose-estimation software, we analyze M. americana movement on water, sandpaper (simulating land), and varying duckweed densities (10%, 25%, and 50% coverage). Our results reveal M. americana maintain consistent joint angles and strides of their upper and hind legs across all duckweed coverages, mirroring those seen on sandpaper. Microvelia americana adjust the stride length of their middle legs based on the amount of duckweed present, decreasing with increased duckweed coverage and at 50% duckweed coverage, their middle legs' strides closely mimic their strides on sandpaper. Notably, M. americana achieve speeds up to 56 body lengths per second on the deformable surface of water, nearly double those observed on sandpaper and duckweed, which are rough, heterogeneous surfaces. This study highlights M. americana 's ecological adaptability, setting the stage for advancements in amphibious robotics that emulate their unique tripod gait for navigating complex terrains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The air–water interface of the planet's water bodies, such as ponds, lakes, and streams, presents an uncertain ecological niche with predatory threats from above and below. As Microvelia americana move across the water surface in small ponds, they face potential injury from attacks by birds, fish, and underwater invertebrates. Thus, our study investigates the effects of losing individual or pairs of tarsi on M. americana 's ability to walk on water. Removal of both hind tarsi causes M. americana to rock their bodies (yaw) while running across the water surface at |$\pm 19^{\circ }$|⁠ , compared to |$\pm 7^{\circ }$| in nonablated specimens. This increase in yaw, resulting from the removal of hind tarsi, indicates that M. americana use their hind legs as "rudders" to regulate yaw, originating from the contralateral middle legs' strokes on the water's surface through an alternating tripod gait. Ablation of the ipsilateral middle and hind tarsi disrupts directionality, making M. americana turn in the direction of their intact limbs. This loss of directionality does not occur with the removal of contralateral middle and hind tarsi. However, M. americana lose their ability to use the alternating tripod gait to walk on water on the day of contralateral ablation. Remarkably, by the next day, M. americana adapt and regain the ability to walk on water using the alternating tripod gait. Our findings elucidate the specialized leg dynamics within the alternating tripod gait of M. americana , and their adaptability to tarsal loss. This research could guide the development and design strategies of small, adaptive, and resilient micro-robots that can adapt to controller malfunction or actuator damage for walking on water and terrestrial surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin has been reported to regulate circadian rhythms and have anti‐inflammatory characteristics in various inflammatory autoimmune diseases, but its effects in diseases‐associated muscle atrophy remain controversial. This study is aimed to determine the evidence of melatonin in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)‐related pathological muscle atrophy. We used initially bioinformatics results to show that melatonin regulated significantly the correlation between pro‐inflammation and myogenesis in RA synovial fibroblasts (RASF) and myoblasts. The conditioned medium (CM) from melatonin‐treated RASF was incubated in myoblasts with growth medium and differentiated medium to investigate the markers of pro‐inflammation, atrophy, and myogenesis. We found that melatonin regulated RASF CM‐induced pathological muscle pro‐inflammation and atrophy in myoblasts and differentiated myocytes through NF‐κB signaling pathways. We also showed for the first time that miR‐30c‐1‐3p is negatively regulated by three inflammatory cytokines in human RASF, which is associated with murine‐differentiated myocytes. Importantly, oral administration with melatonin in a collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model also significantly improved arthritic swelling, hind limb grip strength as well as pathological muscle atrophy. In conclusion, our study is the first to demonstrate not only the underlying mechanism whereby melatonin decreases pro‐inflammation in RA‐induced pathological muscle atrophy but also increases myogenesis in myoblasts and differentiated myocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The avian scavenger raptors guild of Patagonia, the southernmost region of South America (37–56°S), comprises 3 species of obligate scavengers and 7 species of facultative scavengers. Despite the species richness, there is little information about the anthropogenic threats this guild might face. Here, based on 164 h of observations and photographic records across 3 austral winters, we reveal a broad range of lesions (missing legs, digits or talons, fractures, luxations, pododermatitis, necrosis, hyperkeratosis, and beak and ocular lesions) and mortalities among scavenger raptors in Argentine Patagonia at 2 anthropogenic food-rich sites located 1,750 km apart at 38° and 54°S. We photographed 146 individuals with 174 physical lesions and found 61 dead individuals, including one obligate scavenger species (Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus) and 4 facultative scavenger species (Crested Caracara, Caracara plancus; Chimango Caracara, Daptrius chimango; White-throated Caracara, D. albogularis; and Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Geranoaetus melanoleucus). Ninety percent of the lesions we recorded on the individuals were located on their hindlimbs. None of the carcasses we found exhibited any apparent lesions. The precise nature and origins of these lesions and mortalities remain uncertain. However, the hindlimb lesions align with the effects of leg-hold traps, while poisoning emerges as the most likely cause of mortality among individuals foraging at these anthropogenic food-rich sites. These findings suggest a notable human-induced threat to the avian scavenger raptors guild in Patagonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Cow–calf contact (CCC) rearing is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to the common practice of early separation of cow and calf in dairy management. Milkability can be impaired in nursing cows, which contributes to the loss of machine milk yield caused by calf intake, especially in pure dam–calf contact (DCC) systems. The aims of this study were (1) to describe the current status quo of DCC rearing regarding management and milking and (2) to evaluate the effects of DCC (suckling and milking vs. milking alone) and the effects of different types of DCC on milkability parameters, teat condition, and behavior during milking on Swiss DCC farms. By means of 17 telephone interviews with DCC farmers, we collected data on DCC management, housing, separation and weaning processes, milking procedures and techniques, and perceived milkability problems. Subsequently, we collected data on 10 of the interviewed DCC farms (183 cows): 4 DCC farms with a whole-day contact (WDC) system, 3 farms with DCC before milking (CBM), and 3 farms with DCC after milking (CAM). Five farms on which calves had no contact with dams were chosen as reference farms (178 cows). Using a milk flow meter, the occurrence of ejection disorders, bimodality of the milk flow curve, machine milk yield, duration of the decline phase, and duration of prestimulation were measured. The average mouthpiece chamber vacuum during the main milking phase and hind leg activity during milking were measured using a pressure sensor and an accelerometer, respectively. After cluster removal, the teat condition was evaluated, and a stripping milk sample was taken for fat content analysis. The interview results revealed that 8 of the 17 farms surveyed had a WDC system, and 2 farms operated a daytime DCC system. Contact before milking was applied by 3 farms, and 3 farms allowed CAM. On one farm, calves had access to dams 3 times a day. A great diversity in cow–calf management was found. In the on-farm data collection, 20 milkings of a total of 701 milkings examined met the criteria for a clear ejection disorder, with 17 of these observations occurring on WDC farms and none on reference farms. The stripping milk fat content was lower in nursing cows, indicating a lower degree of udder emptying. Machine milk yield was higher in nursing CAM cows than in nursing WDC and CBM cows. Farm types did not differ regarding teat condition, hind leg activity, or the occurrence of bimodal milk flow curves. In conclusion, the large variation in individual management approaches to DCC rearing even within DCC types, such as calf housing or cow breeds, implies caution when interpreting results. Contact after milking may be the system most beneficial for some productivity parameters, but adequate calf supply must be ensured. Higher amounts of milk remaining in the udder after cluster removal indicate that nursing can affect milkability, but future research should consider the effects of udder filling before milking to better interpret the fat content of stripping milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preclinical studies have shown a preferential normal tissue sparing effect of FLASH radiation therapy with ultra-high dose rates. The aim of the present study was to use a murine model of acute skin toxicity to investigate the biologic effect of varying dose rates, time structure, and introducing pauses in the dose delivery. The right hind limbs of nonanaesthetized mice were irradiated in the entrance plateau of a pencil beam scanning proton beam with 39.3 Gy. Experiment 1 was with varying field dose rates (0.7-80 Gy/s) without repainting, experiment 2 was with varying field dose rates (0.37-80 Gy/s) with repainting, and in experiment 3, the dose was split into 2, 3, 4, or 6 identical deliveries with 2-minute pauses. In total, 320 mice were included, with 6 to 25 mice per group. The endpoints were skin toxicity of different levels up to 25 days after irradiation. The dose rate 50 , which is the dose rate to induce a response in 50% of the animals, depended on the level of skin toxicity, with the higher toxicity levels displaying a FLASH effect at 0.7-2 Gy/s. Repainting resulted in higher toxicity for the same field dose rate. Splitting the dose into 2 deliveries reduced the FLASH effect, and for 3 or more deliveries, the FLASH effect was almost abolished for lower grades of toxicity. The dose rate that induced a FLASH effect varied for different skin toxicity levels, which are characterized by a differing degree of sensitivity to radiation dosage. Conclusions on a threshold for the dose rate needed to obtain a FLASH effect can therefore be influenced by the dose sensitivity of the used endpoint. Splitting the total dose into more deliveries compromised the FLASH effect. This can have an impact for fractionation as well as for regions where 2 or more FLASH fields overlap within the same treatment session. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to investigate the ability of a biological oxygen enhancement ratio–weighted dose, D OER , to describe acute skin toxicity variations observed in mice after proton pencil beam scanning irradiations with changing doses and beam time structures. In five independent experiments, the right hind leg of a total of 621 CDF1 mice was irradiated previously in the entrance plateau of a pencil beam scanning proton beam. The incidence of acute skin toxicity (of level 1.5-2.0-2.5-3.0-3.5) was scored for 47 different mouse groups that mapped toxicity as function of dose for conventional and FLASH dose rate, toxicity as function of field dose rate with and without repainting, and toxicity when splitting the treatment into 1 to 6 identical deliveries separated by 2 minutes. D OER was calculated for all mouse groups using a simple oxygen kinetics model to describe oxygen depletion. The three independent model parameters (oxygen-depletion rate, oxygen-recovery rate, oxygen level without irradiation) were fitted to the experimental data. The ability of D OER to describe the toxicity variations across all experiments was investigated by comparing D OER -response curves across the five independent experiments. After conversion from the independent variable tested in each experiment to D OER , all five experiments had similar MDD OER 50 (D OER giving 50% toxicity incidence) with standard deviations of 0.45 - 1.6 Gy for the five toxicity levels. D OER could thus describe the observed toxicity variations across all experiments. D OER described the varying FLASH-sparing effect observed for a wide range of conditions. Calculation of D OER for other irradiation conditions can quantitatively estimate the FLASH-sparing effect for arbitrary irradiations for the investigated murine model. With appropriate fitting parameters D OER also may be able to describe FLASH effect variations with dose and dose rate for other assays and endpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual dimorphism and male combat are observed in many species. Often, the outcome of male combat affects the outcome of subsequent combats, mating success, number of sperm, and fitness of the male's offspring. Also, the quantity and quality of sperm may be regulated by winning or losing, depending on species ecology and mating system. However, very few studies have experimentally examined the influence of fight outcomes on male offspring fitness. We studied male combat in the giant mealworm (Zophobas atratus) in which males bite each other's hind legs. We hypothesized that subsequent fitness could differ between winners and losers in the escalated male combat of this species. We measured several fitness traits including the number of eggs laid by mated females, and the number of hatches sired by uncontested males, winners, and losers in escalated and non-escalated combat, and compared the fitness of each winner and loser to that of an uncontested male. We also measured mating duration. The numbers of eggs and the percentages of hatched eggs of losers in the escalated combat were significantly reduced compared to that of the uncontested males. This reduction may be due to injuries from escalated leg- biting fights and a result of the sperm amount of the uncontested males being greater than that of the loser males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limb immobilization is considered to contribute to limb pain including hyperalgesia. Approximately 50% of patients with such chronic limb pain complain that their abnormal pain worsens after exposure to cold. However, there have been few studies on the relationship between limb immobilization and cold hypersensitivity. The aim of this study was to examine whether limb immobilization induces cold hypersensitivity, and whether physical exercise such as ankle stretching prevents its induction in model mice. We used forty-four 8-week-old male C57Bl/6J mice, consisting of 32 immobilized mice and 12 control mice. The bilateral hind limbs of the mice were immobilized by a thermoplastic cast. After limb-immobilization for 1 week, changes in mechanical, thermal and cold hypersensitivity, and the expression levels of TRPV1, TRPA1, TRPM8, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα in the spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia and the affected hind paw were evaluated in comparison with those in the control mice. In addition, we examined the effect of ankle stretching on the hypersensitivity and expression levels in the limb-immobilized mice. Mechanical, thermal and cold hypersensitivity were significantly increased in the limb-immobilized mice. In addition, ankle stretching during the immobilization period significantly prevented the increases in those hypersensitivities. There were no significant differences in the expression levels of TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPM8 among the control, and limb-immobilized mice with and without ankle stretching. The expression levels of IL-1 and IL-6 were significantly increased in the immobilized hind limb paw. Furthermore, ankle stretching significantly prevented the increases in their expression levels. Limb-immobilization induced cold hypersensitivity as well as mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity, and ankle stretching significantly prevented the hypersensitivity induction in the model mice. It would be of great interest to clarify whether a patient with limb-immobilization experiences cold hypersensitivity and whether ankle stretching might prevent hypersensitivity induction in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of less lethal weapons aims to mitigate civilian casualties caused by firearm use. However, due to numerous cases in which these weapons caused serious injuries, even lethal injuries, both legislation and the forensic field are interested in characterizing and regulating them better. In the forensic field, there is a lack of strong research about injury patterns of these weapons which makes it difficult to identify the type of weapon employed. In this study, the main objective was to characterize the injury pattern produced by the impact of the 9 mm P.A.K. projectile. A porcine model was used. Four different distances were studied: firm contact, 10 cm, 60 cm and 110 cm, using 3 of the more representative anatomical sites: the head, the hind leg and the ribs. The average measurement of the entrance orifice varied according to the anatomical site, being 6.67 mm wide and 6.25 mm long in the thorax, 7.3 mm wide and 8.8 mm long in the hind legs, and 7.62 mm wide and 7.54 mm long in the head. The variation in width and length measurements was not found to be directly related to the shot distance. The gunshot residues had similar characteristics to those of conventional lead projectiles, however there was more unburned powder deposit near the wounds, with a less dense soot and more dense powder tattoo. Depth varied widely regardless of tissue and firing distance, although loss of penetrating power and injury is observed as one moves away from the target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium spiroforme has been associated with spontaneous and antibiotic-associated enteric disease (C. spiroforme– associated enteric disease, CSAED) in rabbits, which is clinically characterized by anorexia, diarrhea, or sudden death. Diagnosis is usually based on gross and microscopic lesions, coupled with finding the characteristic coiled bacteria in intestinal smears. Isolation of C. spiroforme is often challenging, and a PCR protocol has been developed. We reviewed 32 cases of CSAED submitted for autopsy to the Davis, Tulare, and Turlock laboratories of CAHFS between 1992 and 2019. The reported gross findings were soiling of the perineum, tail, and/or hind legs with diarrhea (16 of 32); gastric (16 of 32), small intestinal (6 of 32), cecal (15 of 32), and/or colonic (4 of 32) distention with brown-to-green, watery content; and serosal hemorrhages in the cecum (15 of 32). The most common microscopic finding was necrotizing enteritis (19 of 32), followed by cecal mucosal or submucosal edema (8 of 32), necrotizing or pleocellular typhlitis (6 of 32), necrotizing or heterophilic typhlocolitis (6 of 32), and cecal transmural hemorrhages (5 of 32). In all 32 rabbits, typical helically coiled, gram-positive bacilli were observed in fecal or intestinal smears. C. spiroforme was isolated from the intestinal content of 2 of 24 rabbits and detected by PCR assay in 8 of 8 rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]