Calf Research Articles

S olanum aethiopicum Extract Used as Coagulant Affected Nutritional and Rheological Characteristics of Cheese

White cheeses made using extract from Solanum aethiopicum shum or calf rennet were compared for their microbiological, physicochemical, rheological, and sensory characteristics. Except Staphylococcus aureus which was higher in cheese manufactured with Solanum extract, the microbiological parameter values (coliforms, Lactobacillus spp, Listeria monocytogenes, yeasts/moulds, Escherichia coli, sulfito-reducer germs, Salmonella spp) were similar in all cheeses. In the same way, chemical parameter values (pH, ash, proteins, fats and sugar) were equivalent. Soluble nitrogen values were observed to be higher in the cheese made using Solanum extract than in the cheese made using calf rennet. The values for the non-protein nitrogen did not exhibit any difference according to the type of coagulant used. Textural profile showed different behaviour. However, cheese made with 1x Solanum (low quantity of extract) was close to calf rennet-based cheese. Such a trend was observed for the following parameters: cohesiveness, springiness, chewiness and adhesive strength. Cheese made with calf rennet was statistically harder than that made with Solanum extract. This hardness decreased with Solanum extract quantity. The values for sensory parameters did not show any difference between the 1x Solanum extract and calf rennet, excluding texture (hard, friability and soft). Therefore, the results suggest that Solanum extract might be used successfully to make cheese of acceptable nutritional quality.

Anthropometric characteristics of male rink hockey goalkeeper’s according to their competitive level

Objective: Evaluate the anthropometric characteristics of male rink hockey goalkeepers, and to compare the variation according to their competitive level (international vs. non-international).
 Methods: Body mass, stature, sitting height, arm span, waist and hip circumferences and four skinfold measurements (triceps, medial calf, subscapular and supraspinale) of international (n = 12) and non-international (n = 23) goalkeepers were taken. Body mass index (BMI, weight/height2), the sum of four skinfolds, the sitting height/stature ratio, waist/hip ratio and the relative arm span were also calculated.
 Results: International rink hockey goalkeepers have lower values of subcutaneous adiposity for the sum of the four skinfolds (P = 0.042; d = 0.76) particularly in the triceps (P = 0.016; d = 0.87) and are taller than non-international goalkeepers (+3.8 cm [2.2%]; 180.5 ± 7.0 vs. 176.6 ± 4.8 cm; t = 1.920; P = 0.064; d = 0.65).
 Conclusion: The findings could indicate that stature and body fat may have important implications for scouts regarding the selection process and coaches that work with players on developing performance. Future research should investigate the extent to which different anthropometric measures influence performance in rink hockey goalkeepers.

Effects of pre- and postpartum supplementation on lactational and reproductive performance of grazing Nellore beef cows

Context Few studies have evaluated the effects of providing concentrate pre- or postpartum, or during both of these intervals, to beef cows grazing tropical pastures, even though this information is important for planning breeder herd management. Aims A study was undertaken to examine the effects of supplementation with concentrates before calving (prepartum), after calving (postpartum) or during both these intervals on production and reproductive efficiency in Bos indicus beef cows grazing Urochloa decumbens pasture. Methods Nellore cows, initially 6 months pregnant (mean ± s.e.), weighing 516 ± 1.3 kg and body condition score 4.7 ± 0.15 (1–9 scale), were used in an experiment with four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design with 20 animals per treatment. The treatments comprised no supplementation or provision of a supplement (1 kg/cow.day containing 28% crude protein) for 90 days prepartum only, 90 days postpartum only or during the pre- and postpartum intervals. Key results Responses could be described in terms of the main effects of providing the supplement pre- or post-calving; the interactions were not significant (P > 0.05). Prepartum supplements increased the cow bodyweight at calving by 29 kg, and calf birthweight by 3.7 kg (P 4 did not change the response to postpartum supplementation. Implications Prepartum supplementation may increase cow performance and calf weight at birth, whereas postpartum supplementation may improve the reproductive efficiency.

Evaluación antropométrica de un grupo de pacientes adultos mayores

Introducción: Las medidas antropométricas resultan de utilidad para evaluar el estado nutricional, son fáciles de obtener cuando se aplican a poblaciones de ancianos ambulantes. Objetivo: evaluar antropométricamente un grupo de adultos mayores; para ello se midieron las variables: edad, peso, talla, Circunferencia de cintura (CC), perímetro de pantorrilla (PP) y se calcularon IMC, ICT, IPCC y %GC. Métodos: Se seleccionó un grupo de adultos mayores, quienes asistieron a la consulta en una clinica privada, del área metropolitana de Caracas, durante los mese de junio y octubre de 2015. Se determinaron los indicadores IMC, CC, PP, ICT, IPCC y %GC, para clasificar, según las categorías de cada uno, a los adultos, y evaluar su estado nutricional. Resultados: Los resultados indican edad 71,9±7,9 años, peso 67,1±13,9, talla 157,6±9,2 cm, CC 93,7±12,2, PP 33,7±4,1, IMC 26,9±4,7, ICT 0,60±0,08, IPCC 0,71±0,10 y %GC 40,4±7,7. Desnutrición según el PP 42,3%(M) y 15,6%(F); Sobrepeso según IMC 69,1%(M) y 62,9% (F); obesidad 30,8% (M) y 37.1%(F). Riesgo elevado y riesgo muy elevado, según la CC, 42,1% (M) y 20,6% (F), y 58,9% (M) y 77,4% (F), respectivamente. ICT revela obesidad 20,7% (M) y 62,2% (F); IPCC riesgo 78,2% (M) y 49,6% (F); %GC obesida 95,5% (M) y 98,3% (F). Correlaciones altas entre CC-ICT, Peso-IMC, Peso-CC, Peso-IPCC (r ≥ 0,80 y p<0,001). Conclusión: los indicadores son muy útiles para evaluar el estado nutricional, y disponer de varios de ellos, permite complementar la evaluación nutricional en el adulto mayor.

Survival and Cause-Specific Mortality of Neonate Elk in a Unique Predator Environment in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, U.S.A.

We conducted a 2 y study of survival and cause-specific mortality of elk (Cervus elaphus) calves to determine the current status of elk occupying the southwestern region of the Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota and eastern Wyoming. We captured and fit 71 calves ≤10 d of age with expandable radiocollars during summer 2012 (n = 37) and 2013 (n = 34). We used known-fate analysis in Program MARK to estimate summer (15 May–25 Sep.) and annual (12 mo) survival for elk calves. The top model for summer survival was {S1–2wk,3–20wk} indicating mortality during 1–2 wk of age and 3–20 wk of age best explained survival; overall probability of surviving 20 wk was 0.79 (95% CI = 0.68–0.88). For annual (12 mo) survival, model {Sbirthweight} had the lowest AICc value indicating birth weight of elk calves best explained survival as heavier born calves had a higher probability of survival. The overall probability a calf survived to 12 mo of age was 0.75 (95% CI = 0.61–0.84). Cougar (Puma concolor) predation accounted for 81% of mortalities; remaining mortalities were from starvation (6.3%, n = 1) and unknown causes (6.3%, n = 1). Our results document high survival for calves likely due to productive habitats, an ecosystem-specific predator guild, and high alternative prey.

A snapshot on some everyday actions of a Middle Pleistocene hominin: the Trackway B at the Devil's Trails palaeontological site (Tora e Piccilli, Caserta, Central Italy).

This report aims to give notice of and provide a more detailed dataset and detailed remarks on what can be considered a one-of-a-kind hominin fossil walking pattern: Trackway B of the Foresta ichnological site (Tora e Piccilli, Caserta, Central Italy). Although the site is known since 2003, only recently has the study been performed by means of the newest photogrammetric and experimental techniques of collection, analysis and interpretation of ichnological data. The results obtained enable us to depict an astonishing movie printed in rock, describing some body features and common moments of the everyday movements of a hominin who lived about 350 ka. In particular, some up-to-now absolutely unique fossil prints of body parts of a Pleistocene hominin (calf, ankle, and gluteus), which have simply been mentioned in the ichnological fossil record, are here quantitatively described for the first time. The data coming from this research will provide scientists with new valuable elements thus far undetected anywhere else in the world.

Application of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy combined with catheter directed thrombolysis in the treatment of acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis

Objective To investigate and compare the efficacy and safety of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) combined with catheter directed thrombolysis and catheter directed thrombolysis alone in the treatment of acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. Methods Retrospective analysis of clinical data of 69 patients with acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis who met the inclusion criteria of this study from January 2018 to December 2018 in department of vascular surgery, People′s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was performed. There were 35 males and 34 females, with an average age of 59 years and an age rang of 20 to 80 years. Patients were divided into PMT combined catheter directed thrombolysis treated group (n=38) and catheter directed thrombolysis treated group (n=31) according to different methods of intra-luminal thrombolysis. The thrombolysis time, dosage of urokinase, thrombotic clearance rate, perimeter difference of suffered limb, and total number of adverse events during perioperative period between two groups were recorded. At 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after discharge, patients underwent an ultrasonographic examination of lower extremity vessels to check and evaluate residual thrombolysis and thrombosis recurrence by outpatient review. The quantitative data in the two groups were expressed as mean±standard deviation(Mean±SD), t test was used for comparison between groups. Enumeration data in the two groups were expressed as percentage (%) and χ2 test was used for comparison between groups. Results The thrombolysis time of PMT combined catheter directed thrombolysis treated group and catheter directed thrombolysis treated group were (3.7±2.1) d and (5.2±2.1) d, respectively. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P=0.005). The dosage of urokinase were respectively (225.0±122.3)×104 units and (315.8±108.6)×104 units, the differences were statistically significant (P=0.001). PMTⅠ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ thrombus clearance rate in patients with PMT combined catheter directed thrombolysis treated group were 18.4% (7/38), 73.7% (28/38), 7.9% (3/38), while 16.1% (5/31), 77.4% (24/31), 6.5% (2/31) were observed in patients with catheter directed thrombolysis treated group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P= 0.803, P=0.720, P=0.818). After a period of 48h thrombolytic therapy, the cross-section diameters of suffered thigh and calf were (2.16±0.87) cm and (1.38±0.66) cm in PMT combined catheter directed thrombolysis treated group respectively. While the cross-section diameters of suffered thigh and calf were (1.21±0.59) cm and (1.02±0.49) cm in catheter directed thrombolysis treated group respectively. The differences in the cross-section diameters of suffered thigh and calf were statistically significant after a period of 48h thrombolytic therapy (P<0.001, P=0.014). Three cases (7.89%) had occurred adverse events during perioperative period in PMT combined catheter directed thrombolysis treated group, while there were 4 cases (12.90%) in catheter directed thrombolysis treated group, with no statistically significant difference between two groups (P=0.692). The six month follow-up rate of PMT combined with catheter directed thrombolysis treated group was 71.05%(27/38), while that of the catheter directed thrombolysis treated group was 64.52% (20/31), with no statistically significant difierence between the two groups (P=0.532). During the six month of follow-up, the recurrence rate of thrombus in PMT combined catheter directed thrombolysis treated group (3/27, 11.11%) was lower than those patients in catheter directed thrombolysis treated group (3/20, 15.00%), with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.693). Conclusions Compared with catheter directed thrombolysis treated group, PMT combined catheter directed thrombolysis treated group has a similar clinical efficacy for treatment of acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. PMT combined catheter directed thrombolysis treated group has advantages of reducing dosage of urokinase, shortening duration of thrombolysis time and relieving the swelling of suffered limb in a short time rather than catheter directed thrombolysis treated group. It shows a great result in the short term follow up. Key words: Venous thrombosis; Pulmonary embolism; Postthrombotic syndrome

Therapeutic effect of intravenous thrombolysis combined with drug therapy on mild ischemic stroke

Objective To explore the effect of dual antiplatelet combined with calf serum deproteinized injection in the treatment of mild ischemic stroke after intravenous thrombolysis. Methods From October 2017 to December 2018, 82 patients with mild ischemic stroke who were diagnosed in the People's Hospital of Ruian were selected.The patients were divided into control group (41 cases) and observation group (41 cases) according to random number table method.The control group was treated with aspirin after intravenous thrombolysis.On this basis, the observation group was treated with dual antiplatelet combined with calf serum deproteinized injection.The course of treatment was 3 months in both two groups.The total effective rate, the changes of hemorheological indicators, the improvement of neurological deficit, the ability of daily living and the ability of returning to society were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.The complications and prognosis were recorded. Results The total effective rate of the observation group was 95.12% (39/41), which was higher than 78.05% (32/41) of the control group (χ2=5.145, P 0.05). Conclusion After intravenous thrombolytic therapy for patients with mild ischemic stroke, dual antiplatelet therapy combined with calf serum deproteinized injection can improve the neurological function, life ability and hemorheological indicators of patients, with good prognosis, it is safe and effective. Key words: Stroke; Thrombolytic therapy; Aspirin; Platelet aggregation inhibitors; Calf serum deproteinized injection; Drug therapy, combination; Hemorheology; Prognosis

Comparison of the efficacy of three different drugs on dry eye after cataract surgery

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of three drugs in the treatment of dry eye after phacoemulsification. Methods A prospective case-control study. A total of 96 eyes of 96 patients with dry eye after phacoemulsification from Jun. 2017 to May 2018 in The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were analyzed. All cases were randomly divided into 3 groups, group A received the deproteinized calf blood extract eye gel, group B received vitamin A palmitate eye gel, and group C received Omega-3 fatty acid drug. Ocular surface disease index questionnaire (OSDI), tear film break-up time (BUT), corneal fluorescence staining (FL) and Schirmer I test (SIt) were performed before and 1 month after operation. Results The OSDI scores of the three groups at 1 month after operation were lower than those before operation.The difference was statistically significant(group A, t=60.012, P=0.001; group B, t=51.114, P=0.001; group C, t=39.427, P=0.001). There was no significant difference among three groups (F=5.684, P=0.051). BUT, SIt and OSDI scores were better in group A and C than those in group B (P<0.05). FL scores of group A were superior to group B and C, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Both deproteinized calf blood extract and Omega-3 fatty acid can extend BUT, and the former has more advantage in repairing corneal epithelium. Key words: Phacoemulsification, cataract; Dry eye; Drugs

Experimental infection of calves with seven serotypes of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease virus: production and characterization of reference sera.

The aim of this study was to produce reference sera against the seven serotypes of Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV‑1, EHDV‑2, EHDV‑4, EHDV‑5, EHDV‑6, EHDV‑7, and EHDV‑8). In a high containment unit, seven Prim 'Holstein calves were inoculated at day 0 (D0) with the selected strains (1 EHDV serotype per calf ). Blood samples (EDTA and whole blood) were periodically taken from D0 until the end of the experiment (D31). Sera were tested with two commercially available EHDV competitive ELISAs (c‑ELISA). Viral genome was detected from EDTA blood samples using in‑house real‑time RT‑PCR. Sera taken on D31 post infection (pi) were tested and characterized by serum neutralization test (SNT) and virus neutralization test (VNT) (for calibration of reference sera). Viral RNA was first detected at D2 pi in five calves. All infected animals were RT‑PCR positive at D7 pi. Seroconversion was observed between D10 and D23 pi depending on the EHDV serotype. SNT and VNT have allowed to determine the neutralizing antibody titers of each serum and the potential cross‑reactions between serotypes. The two c‑ELISA used in this study showed similar results. The calibrated sera are now available for the serological identification of an EHDV isolated on tissue culture or to be used as positive control in seroneutralization assay.

Case of Deep Venous Thrombosis Secondary to May-Thurner Syndrome

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) remains an underdiagnosed cause of venous thromboembolism (VTE) because most individuals with MTS anatomy are asymptomatic. The most common variant of MTS is due to compression of the left iliac vein between the overlying right common iliac artery and the fifth lumbar vertebrae. Clinical features include chronic venous hypertension that usually presents as lower extremity pain and swelling. Acute VTE almost exclusively affects the left lower extremity. In cases of acute VTE of an unknown etiology, MTS should be considered when other more common pathologies have been ruled out. A 65-year-old African American gentleman with past medical history of hypertension and coronary artery disease presented with left lower extremity pain and swelling of the leg for five days. He had no history of leg trauma, recent surgery, bed rest, travel, malignancy, previous clotting episodes or family history of hypercoagulable disorders. Patient regularly ambulates. He is a lifetime non-smoker and does not take any medication. His left lower extremity was swollen from the calf down to the ankle and foot, tense, erythematous and tender to palpation. Dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses were weakly palpable. Homan’s sign was appreciated while the rest of the physical exam was unremarkable. Duplex ultrasound of the left lower extremity showed thrombi in the left popliteal, posterior tibial and peroneal veins. CT abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast demonstrated significant compression of the left common iliac vein as it crosses posterior to the left internal iliac artery, consistent with MTS. Spiral chest CT was significant for subsegmental emboli in the bilateral lobe pulmonary arteries. Patient was started on anticoagulation, then he was referred to an advanced vascular center to consider the need for angioplasty and stenting and for possible thrombolysis. MTS was first described in 1908 by Virchow, who observed that iliofemoral vein thrombosis was five times more likely to occur in the left leg than in the right leg. May and Thurner discovered an anatomical variant where the right iliac artery compressed the left iliac vein against the fifth lumbar vertebra. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for MTS in the presence of unprovoked DVT in the left lower extremity, and/or signs of chronic venous hypertension. Angioplasty and stenting of the affected lesion is the definitive treatment for MTS, while anticoagulation management is similar to patients with provoked VTE. Therefore, it can be argued that in patients with an unexplained cause of VTE, investigation for MTS if clinically suspected can impact management decisions.

Diagnostic merit of using the calf circumference to estimate the muscle mass as a component of sarcopenia in elderly outpatients

Objective: Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome that can lead to poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, a simple measurement is necessary to estimate the muscle mass as a component of sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic merit of using the calf circumference (CC) to estimate the muscle mass in elderly individuals. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of patients over 60 years conducted at the Geriatric Clinic of the Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia, from April to June of 2018. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used as a reference test for the muscle mass measurements, and the classification of normal or low muscle mass was based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. The nondominant leg was used to measure the CC. Results: Out of 120 patients, 74 were female (61.7%). The optimal CC cutoff points for low muscle mass were 34 cm for the male patients (the values for the sensitivity [Sn], specificity [Sp], positive predictive value [PPV], negative predictive value [NPV], and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] were 64.7%, 79.3%, 64.7%, 79.3%, and 73.1%, respectively) and 29 cm for the female patients (the values for the Sn, Sp, PPV, NPV, and AUC were 71.4%, 95.5%, 62.5%, 97.0%, and 96.4%, respectively). Conclusion: The sensitivities and specificities of the CCs were 64.7% and 79.3%, respectively, for the males and 71.4% and 95.5%, respectively, for the females. The CC could be used in clinical practice to estimate the muscle mass of elderly outpatients.

Implications of human-animal interactions on mother-calf interactions in a Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) dyad

Studies on human-animal interactions (HAIs) in zoos focus on the influence of familiar (keepers) or unfamiliar (visitors) humans on the animals. Limited research focusses on the familiar HAI and is yet to investigate the impact of familiar HAIs on mother-calf interactions, a topic yet to be explored in any species. The Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) has been bred and trained in captivity for years and therefore provides scope to investigate the impact that familiar HAIs can have on mother-calf interactions. This study aimed to compare the dolphin-dyadic interactions before, during and after a training session. A single mother-calf dyad was observed for 50 hours at Mundomar dolphinarium, Spain. Instantaneous focal samples recorded the mother-calf interactions exhibited before, during and after HAI. The HAI category (medical, training, gating, separation and presentation) was also recorded. A Friedman Two-Way ANOVA and Related-Samples Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test showed no negative implications of HAI on mother-calf interactions, with ‘suckling’ observed significantly more after HAI and ‘not-interacting’ seen significantly less. HAI category found that dolphin interactions were seen more after medical interactions than other categories. Results suggest that the HAIs are encouraging increased interactions between the mother-offspring dyad and therefore suggests that the effect of HAIs is having a positive impact on dolphin mother and calf interactions. This study has provided a first step in assessing the impacts of positive HAI, in the form of training, on the development of the mother-calf relationship and given scope for further research in this area.

Nutritional risk and nutritional support of stroke patients during hospitalization

Objective To investigate the nutritional risk status and nutritional support status of stroke patients during hospitalization so as to provide appropriate post-disease nutritional support for stroke patients and to avoid the risk of malnutrition. Methods A total of 93 stroke patients admitted in a Class III Grade A hospital in Harbin from December 1st 2017 to September 1st 2017 were selected as the research objects in this study. Traditional evaluation method and comprehensive evaluation method were adopted to investigate and analyze the stroke patients' nutritional risk status, incidence of malnutrition and nutritional support status, and to understand the stroke patients' risk factors for malnutrition and status of getting nutritional support. Results In 93 stroke patients, 14.0% (13/93) patients had varying degrees of malnutrition; the proportion of malnutrition risk was 36.56% (34/93) . Upon discharge, the handgrip strength, calf circumference and upper arm circumference were lower than those at admission and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) ; the stroke inpatients receiving nutritional support accounted for 11.83%. Conclusions The risk of malnutrition in patients post-stroke is high and the proportion of them who receive nutritional support is low, their nutritional status should be paid more attention to. Key words: Stroke; Nutritional assessment; Nutritional support; Nutritional risk

The effect of hub design on lower limb muscle activation while riding on different terrain

Background :   In cycling, bike wheels are the direct bike-to-ground object that plays one of the most important roles that keeps the bike moving. However, in all structures that make up a wheel, hub stands the most important part. Yet, whether different hub design would influence lower limb muscle activation or not is currently uncertain. Purpose :         The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between different hub designs and terrains to lower limb muscle activation. Methods :     In this study, we recruited 12 experienced cyclists (average stature: 172.5±5.3 cm, average weight:70.1±8.8 kg). No musculoskeletal and neuromuscular injuries happened in the past 6 months. The study implemented DELSYS EMG to compare lower limb muscle activation by riding same wheel models equipped with 2 different hubs (Figure 1 and 2) at 3 different terrains (Figure 3 and 4) respectively. The EMG were positioned on vastus lateral, vastus medial, rectus femoris, bicep femoris, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius of the participants’ dominate leg with sampling frequency was set as 1000Hz. During the trial, the participants were freed to shift the gears and pedaling cadence to make sure they could finish the lap in the shortest (fastest) time. Differences in muscle activity between 2 hubs and between 3 terrains were determined using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. (I±=.05) Results: The results showed no interaction effect between hubs and terrains. There were no main effect for different hubs on lower limb muscle activation. However, the main effect for different terrain lower limb muscle activation. Muscle activation observed in vastus lateral, vastus medial, rectus femoris, bicep femoris were higher at uphill and flat road cycling compared to downhill. The gradient would not influence tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscle activation (Figure 5). Hubs won’t impact the lower limb muscle activation. Thus, no significant differences were found in lap times between same wheel models equipped with different hubs (K SHARP :7.43 0.88 VS K DT240 : 7.34 1.33 min). Discussions: Hubs will not vary the lower limb muscle activation as the result showed similarities during uphill and flat road cycling. The possible reason could be contributed to the fraction caused by bearing rolling in the hubs that are not great enough to influence the pedaling performance.   Muscle of thigh plays the main role in cycling to which it’s activation can be differed depending on the terrain. On the other hand, muscle of calf is responsible for power transmission, therefore, gradient will not affect the calf muscle activation. Conclusions: The Hubs design could not affect muscle of lower limb. It is similarities lower limb muscle activation at uphill and flat road cycling.

Analysis of clinical effect of mini-invasive knotless bridge-suture technique for acute achilles tendon rupture

Objective To investigate clinical effect of minimally invasive knotless bridge-suture technique for acute achilles tendon rupture. Methods The clinial data of 23 patients with acute achilles tendon rupture treated in Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People′s Hospital from August 2017 to February 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 21 males and 2 females, aged (37.1±5.6) years, with an age range of 29-51 years. Minimally invasive knotless bridge-suture technique was performed in all cases until the soft tissue condition of the patients improved. Patients were followed up by outpatient review at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3rd, and 6th months postoperatively, followed by every 3 months, followed up 12 to 18 months, and the deadline was April 2019. Ratio of perimeter of the affected lower extremity to that of the uninjuried, number of repetitions for one leg calf rise in one minute, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hind foot score, the achilles tendon total rupture score(ATRS) and time to return to work were investigated at last follow-up, as well as complications during the follow-up period. Results Twenty-three cases were followed up. At last follow-up, ratio of perimeter of the affected lower extremity to that of the uninjuried was (92.7±1.8)%, number of repetitions for one leg calf rise in one minute was (25±2) times, AOFAS ankle-hind foot score was (91.5±2.2) scores, ATRS was (92.6±2.4) scores, time to return to work ranged from 6 to 9 weeks. All patients underwent first-stage healing. No skin necrosis, superficial infection and sural nerve injury occurred. No achilles tendon re-rupture was seen during the follow-up period. Conclusion Minimally invasive knotless bridge-suture technique for acute achilles tendon rupture is applied easily and less invasive, enabling patients to return to work earlier and proved to be a secure and effective treatment. Key words: Achilles tendon; Suture technique; Rehabilitation; Knot

MRI presentation and pathogenesis of tennis legs

Objective To evaluate the imaging features of MRI of tennis legs and to explore the pathogenesis of tennis legs. Methods A retrospective analysis was made on the MRI images of 38 patients with tennis legs which met the criteria and were clinically diagnosed in our hospital from May 2014 to June 2018. All patients underwent non-enhanced MRI. Coronal T1WI、T2WI fast spin echo (TSE) and transverse proton density weighted imaging (PDWI) were performed. The signs of fluid collection between gastrocnemius muscle (GM) and soleus muscle (SM),muscle and tendon injuries, superficial vein dilatation of calf were observed and recorded. Results Coronal T1WI, T2WI TSE and transverse PDWI sequences showed 30 (75.0%) places fluid collection (hematoma or effusion) between medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle (MCM) and SM,11 (27.5%) places fluid collection (hematoma or effusion) between lateral head of gastrocnemius muscle (LGM) and SM,7 (17.5%) places fluid collection (hematoma or effusion) in MGM and 2 (5.0%) placesin SM. There were 17 (42.5%) places that hematoma or effusion spread around the fascia of the lower leg. The diameter and thickness of hematoma or effusion are about 1.7-22.3 cm and 0.2-3.5 cm,respectively. Rupture of the GM was seen in 37 (92.5%) places,including 37 places rupture of the MGM at the myotendinous junction, 15 places rupture of the LGM at the myotendinous junction, 24 places tendonrupture of MGM,3 places tendon rupture of MGM and LGM,and 2 places tendon rupture of LGM. The maximum diameter of tendon rupture was 1.2-27.0 mm. The muscle rupture of MGM was seen in one place,and muscle rupture of MGM and LGM was seen in one place at the same time. Rupture of the SM was seen in15 (37.5%) places,including 15 places rupture of the SM at the myotendinous junction, 2 places muscle rupture of SM, 6 places tendonrupture of SM. The maximum diameter of tendon rupture was 2.5-14.9 mm. Rupture of plantaris tendon (PT) was seen in 4 (10.0%) places. Superficial vein dilatation was seen in 3 (7.5%) places. Conclusion This study shows that the rupture of the MGM at the myotendinous junction and the tendon is the main responsibility of tennis leg. Key words: Tennis legs; Gastrocnemius muscle; Plantaris tendon; Soleus muscle

Quantification of fat content of lower limbs using iterative decomposition of water and fat with asymmetry and least squares estimation-quantitative fat imaging in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Objective To evaluate the fatty infiltration of lower limbs (pelvis, thighs and calf) by using iterative decomposition of water and fat with asymmetry and least squares estimation-quantitative fat imaging (IDEAL-IQ) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients, and correlate muscle fat fraction(FF) with clinical assessments. Methods The prospective study method was applied, twenty-one patients with DMD were diagnosed by genetic analysis and/or muscle biopsy and twenty-one age-matched healthy control subjects, were evaluated using IDEAL-IQ, calculating fat fraction (FF) of muscles in the lower limbs. The clinical data of patients, such as age, height, weight, course of disease, time to walk 10 m, Medical Research Council Scale score, were collected. The age and height between DMD group and control group were compared by independent sample t test. The weight, BMI and FF values between two groups were compared by independent samples nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney U tests). K related samples nonparametric test (Friedman test) was used for comparison of FF values between pelvic muscles, thighs muscles and calf muscles. The relationships between FF values and clinical assessments were investigated using Spearman correlation test. Results The mean FF of pelvic muscles [13.1(6.9, 33.8)] was significantly higher than that of the thighs muscles [8.3 (23.4, 4.5)] and calf muscles [8.3 (23.4, 4.5)] (all P<0.05) in DMD group. The FF of all the pelvic muscles in DMD were significantly higher than that of the control group muscles (all P<0.05). The gluteus maximus had the greatest mean FF values [34.7 (26.4, 63.7)] in pelvic muscles. The FF of all the thigh muscles in DMD were significantly higher than that of the control group muscles, except for the sartorius, adductor longus and gracilis (Z=0.69, 1.67 and 1.22, respectively, P=0.489, 0.094 and 0.222, respectively). The adductor magnus had the greatest mean FF values [27.2 (12.4, 58.5)] in thigh muscles. The FF of all the calf muscles in DMD were significantly higher than that of the control group muscles, except for the tibialis anterior and tibialis posterior (Z value was1.77 and 1.85, respectively, P value was 0.076 and 0.064, respectively). The gastrocnemius lateral had the greatest mean FF values [7.4 (4.6, 20.9)] in calf muscles. The mean FF value of pelvic muscles (r=0.679, 0.704, −0.761, 0.755, respectively, all P<0.001), thighs muscles (r=0.801, 0.813, −0.738, 0.706, respectively, all P<0.001) and calf muscles (r=0.502, 0.682, −0.637, 0.664, respectively, all P<0.05) were significantly correlate with age, course of disease, %MRC and time to walk 10 m. Conclusions The fat infiltration of lower limbs in DMD patients showes a distinct involvement pattern. IDEAL-IQ technique is able to quantitatively and objectively evaluate the degree of fat infiltration of lower limbs in DMD, and it has great value in clinical application. Key words: Muscular dystrophies; Magnetic resonance imaging; Muscle, skeletal

Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Biological Studies of Schiff Base Complexes Bearing Indole Moiety

Schiff base complexes of N 2 O 2 type derived from indole-3-carboxaldehyde(ind) and amino acids such as glycine(gly), L-valine(val), and L-tryptophan(try) with Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Co(II) and Mn(II) were synthesized and characterized by physical and analytical techniques. The complexes are of non-electrolytic nature having 1:2 (metal:ligand) ratio. The geometry of the complexes was predicted with the combined data obtained from electronic spectral and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The mode of coordination of the Schiff base ligands with the metal ions is through the carboxylate oxygen and the azomethine nitrogen as confirmed by FT-IR spectra. The cyclic voltammogram of the Cu(II)complexes exhibit Cu(II)®Cu(I) peak in the cathodic side and the corresponding quasi-reversible type peak is obtained in the anodic side. The thermal behavior (TG/DTA) of the synthesized complexes shows that the complexes loose water molecules in the first step followed by decomposition of the ligand, which follows first order kinetics. The SEM analysis reveals the particle size and the morphology of the complexes. The X-band EPR spectrum of Cu-indgly complex in DMSO solution at 300 and 77 K was recorded. The calculated g tensor values agree with the geometry proposed by the electronic absorption spectral measurements. The M-indval complexes were studied for their cleaving ability with calf thymus DNA by gel electrophoresis method. The antibacterial activity of the Schiff base metal complexes was tested in vitro against some common bacteria using ampicillin as control. Antifungal activities were determined using nystatin as control. The results are compared with control; most of the metal chelates exhibited higher biological activities.

Clinical efficacy of Da Vinci robot-assisted iliofemoral vein bypass grafting

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of Da Vinci robot-assisted iliofemoral vein bypass grafting. Methods The retrospective descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of one 66-year-old male patient who underwent Da Vinci robot-assisted iliofemoral vein bypass grafting in the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Military Medical University in March 2019 were collected. The patient was failed to recanalize iliofemoral vein stent thrombosis by endovascular measures and underwent Da Vinci robot-assisted iliofemoral vein bypass grafting after balloon occlusion preset in the common iliac vein. Observation indicators: (1) intra- and post-operative situations; (2) follow-up and survival situations. Follow-up using outpatient examination was performed to detect the patient′s postoperative survival and swelling reduction of affected extremity up to April 2019. Results (1) Intra- and post-operative situations: the patient underwent Da Vinci robot-assisted iliofemoral vein bypass grafting successfully. The operation time of balloon occlusion preset by digital subtraction angiography was 35 minutes. The operation time of Da Vinci robot-assisted iliofemoral vein bypass grafting was 502 minutes (50 minutes of exposure time of femoral vein, 80 minutes of exposure time of iliac vein, 40 minutes of great saphenous vein harvesting time, 70 minutes of end to side anastomosis between autogenous great saphenous vein and femoral vein, 10 minutes of subcutaneous tunnel construction, 90 minutes of end to side anastomosis between autogenous great saphenous vein and iliac vein, 60 minutes of suturing except vessel closure, 102 minutes of preparation time, check and washing time). The volume of intraoperative blood loss was 500 mL and no intraoperative complications occurred. The autogenous great saphenous vein graft was well filled and no bleeding was found at both proximal and distal anastomoses after iliofemoral vein bypass grafting. There were 4 abdominal Trocar holes including 2 of 1.2 cm and 2 of 0.8 cm. The incisional length of right groin and left great saphenous vein harvesting region was 5.0 cm and 15.0 cm, respectively. At the discharge time, the patient had swelling subsided partially at right lower extremity and skin tesion reduced significantly compared with the admission. The perimeters at 15 cm above right knee joint and left knee joint were 53.5 cm and 48.0 cm. The maximum perimeters of right calf and left calf were 41.0 cm and 38.0 cm. No postoperative complications occurred. Duration of hospital stay after surgery was 3 days. (2) Follow-up and survival situations: the patient was followed up for 1 month, with good survival. The patient had swelling subsided of affected extremity. The perimeters at 15 cm above right and left knee joint were 52.0 cm and 48.0 cm. The maximum perimeters of right calf and left calf were 40.0 cm and 38.0 cm. Conclusion The Da Vinci robot-assisted iliofemoral vein bypass grafting is safe and feasible, with good short-term outcomes. Key words: Vein thrombus; Da Vinci robotic surgical system; Vein; Bypass grafting; Minimally invasive surgery