Forelimb Research Articles

Skeletal malformation in growing milk sheep.

Two six-month old female Lacaune lambs with severe skeletal malformations of both front limbs were presented to the Department of Farm Animals, University of Zurich. The clinical examination showed alert animals with a high body weight and body condition score as well as a valgus deformation without pain or swelling. Radiographic examination showed severe irregularities in the epiphysial plate of the metacarpal bones in both lambs. Delayed growth in the lateral aspects of the physis was evident and resulted in valgus deformation. Nutritional causes were considered as the main reason for this presentation and a nutritional consultation was performed by the Institute of Animal Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Zurich. The estimated energy intake of these lambs was 65 % higher than the recommended maximum for growing sheep and the estimated vitamin D content of the diet was 71 % below the recommended allowance. Both animals were euthanized, and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) was performed postmortem to measure total bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone mineral density (tBMD) and cortical bone mineral density (cBMD) of the left and right metatarsal bone of both animals. The BMD and the tBMD at 10 % of bone length were below the reference values and the BMD at 50 % was above the reference values. In addition, postmortem examination revealed a Salter-Harris-Typ-1 facture in the right caput humeri of one lamb. Histological evaluation showed defects in the articular cartilage with an eburnation in the metacarpal region and a disrupted area of columnar cartilage. This case report supports the fact that a high dietary energy intake leads to damage to the cartilage and the epiphyseal zone in sheep. In addition, insufficient dietary vitamin D intake contributed to the incomplete bone mineralization, as well as delayed growth and skeletal malformation.

Evaluation ofthe hoof's temperature variations depending onlesion presence, measurement points and leg position.

Inorder todetermine the possibility ofusing infrared thermography (IRT) inpreventing lameness indairy cows, the aim ofthis study was toevaluate temperature variations depending onthe lesion presence, measurement points and leg position. The study used about 3000IRT records from 60Holstein cows housed inafree-stall barn. Surface temperature measurements were taken attwo regions ofthe hooves: the region ofthecoronary band, and the region ofthe skin up to2cm above the coronary band. Ahighly significant (P=0.004; 0.006, P<0.01) difference intemperature was observed between healthy and diseased legs atboth measurement points. Additionally, asignificant (P=0.029; 0.037; 0.045; 0.012; 0.018, P<0.05) orhighly significant (P=0.004; 0.006, P<0.01) difference intemperature values between the front and rear legs was established for both measurement points, i.e., the coronary band and the skin. Despite confirming the potential applicability ofinfrared thermography inthedetection oflameness, itis crucial toconsider the significant influences ofthe environmental factors, impurities, and animal-related factors.

Новые погребальные комплексы сарматского времени из кургана на Кавказских Минеральных Водах

In 2010, the expedition of the Nasledie State Unitary Enterprise (Stavropol) conducted archaeological excavations on the territory of the Caucasian Mineral Waters and excavated the kurgan 1 of the Voniuchka-1 kurgan cemetery near the city of Pyatigorsk. The kurgan originated in the Eneolithic era; its construction and use as a cemetery continued up to the Early and Middle Bronze Ages. The most extensive changes in the kurgan are associated with the North Caucasian archaeological culture. The Sarmatian burials of the early Iron Age became the final ones in the kurgan; this study is devoted to their material publication and analysis. Single burials and grave goods (probably the remains of a funeral feast) were compactly located in the central part of the kurgan. The burial rite and the inventory are described in detail and examined in the system of both chronologically close Sarmatian newcomers and Pre-Caucasus aboriginal monuments. In general, the funeral rite of the published burials is quite uniform and corresponds to the canons of the pre-Caucasian Sarmatian kurgans. The burials and the cluster are chronologically close to each other, and the inventory found in them has numerous analogies among the synchronous sites of the Pre-Caucasus. At the same time, some details of the funeral rite, in particular the discovery of three left front legs of sheep in two burials, together with a number of other facts, indicate a kinship relationship between the buried. The Sarmatian burials in kurgan 1 of the Voniuchka-1 cemetery can be considered a small ancestral cemetery created, most likely, during the lifetime of one generation. The general dating of the burials and the accompanying funeral feast fits into the framework of the 3rd (possibly 2nd) – 1st centuries BC. There is a high probability of their connection with the Sirak tribal union, and this cemetery is located on the southern border of the territory occupied by it.

Effects of Different Target Distances on the Kinematics of Hip, Knee, and Ankle Joints in the Fencing Lunge

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different target distances on various leg joints in the fencing lunge (lunge). Fifteen fencers performed the lunges from three different target distances (normal, short, and long). Joint angle data in the sagittal plane of the hip, knee, and ankle of the front and rear legs were measured using a 3D motion analysis system (Miqus M3). Joint angle variables were compared between each distance using a one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and Friedman tests (p &lt; 0.05). The results showed significant differences in various extensions, ranges of motion, and flexion angles in the measured joints for all distances. As the distances increased, there was greater flexion of the rear knee joint early during the lunge, followed by greater extension of the rear hip and knee joints, greater plantar flexion of the rear ankle joint, and higher peak velocity of the body center of mass. Furthermore, target distance extension was suggested to significantly affect front hip and knee joint flexion during the braking phase of the lunge. This study provides insight and information valuable to coaches and fencers operating in actual competition settings.

The kinematics of pace bowling associated with lumbar bone stress injuries: Disparities observed in elite male and female cricketers

Elite cricket pace bowlers commonly sustain debilitating bone stress injuries. Lumbar bone stress injuries are more prominent in males, while lower limb bone stress injuries are more common in females. Bone stress injuries are partly attributable to bowling technique; however, scant research exists comparing bowling techniques of males and females as to better understand why males are more susceptible to lumbar bone stress injury. Three-dimensional pace bowling kinematics previously linked with lumbar bone stress injury were compared between 59 male and 19 female elite pace bowlers. Participants bowled 18 match-intensity deliveries indoors from a full run-up, whereby the mean of six deliveries was analyzed. Compared to females, males exhibited: a more extended thoraco-pelvic segment at back foot contact ( p = 0.039, g = 0.46), larger shoulder counter-rotation from back foot contact to front foot flat ( p = 0.021, g = 0.64), greater thoraco-pelvic lateral flexion at front foot flat ( p = 0.001, g = 0.95), larger front knee flexion at ball release ( p = 0.046, g = 0.57), and greater maximum front knee flexion from front foot flat to ball release ( p = 0.009, g = 0.57). Australian elite male pace bowlers performed techniques linked to lumbar bone stress injury to a much greater extent than their female counterparts. A straighter front leg technique observed in elite Australian females may be why they more commonly experience lower limb bone stress injuries via possibly higher vertical loading rates. This information may assist in developing sex-specific bone stress injury risk mitigation approaches.

Use of lower tolerance limits for designing chair frames with round-end mortise and tenon joints

ABSTRACT In this study, the reliability of the mortise-tenon (MT) joints was examined experimentally and numerically. The joint strength has been determined empirically and numerically, but the reliability of the joint does not rely on a single asset – mean and standard deviation. The prediction of its strength also refers to a single value in the future population, but tolerance limits are related to a portion of the future population. Therefore, ensuring joint reliability comes into prominence not only for empirical data but also for theoretical and numerical analysis. For this purpose, the moment capacity of the T-shaped MT joints constructed of white oak was determined, and the lower tolerance limits (LTLs) approach was used to construct confidence/proportion (γ/β) levels for reliability. According to the results, the moment capacity of the MT joints was 341 Nm. The LTL values at 0.95/0.95, 0.99/0.95, 0.95/0.99, and 0.99/0.99 γ/β levels were 231, 226, 187 and 181 Nm, respectively. The normal stresses at each γ/β level were calculated based on the moment capacity and tenon sizes and were compared with the finite element method (FEM). Experimental and numerical results varied from 0.3% to 13.4%. Furthermore, a side frame was imposed to a vertical load of 1000 N on the front leg, and the moment of the joint on the side rail to the back post was measured (196 Nm). The side frame was modeled on ABAQUS – FEM software – and subjected to a moment of 196 Nm on the side rail. The theoretical and numerical results of stresses on joints differed from – 4.3% to 5.8%. The study showed that the reliability value is known, and; the joints could be designed by using FEM.

A wireless controlled robotic insect with ultrafast untethered running speeds

Running speed degradation of insect-scale (less than 5 cm) legged microrobots after carrying payloads has become a bottleneck for microrobots to achieve high untethered locomotion performance. In this work, we present a 2-cm legged microrobot (BHMbot, BeiHang Microrobot) with ultrafast untethered running speeds, which is facilitated by the complementary combination of bouncing length and bouncing frequency in the microrobot’s running gait. The untethered BHMbot (2-cm-long, 1760 mg) can achieve a running speed of 17.5 BL s−1 and a turning centripetal acceleration of 65.4 BL s−2 at a Cost of Transport of 303.7 and a power consumption of 1.77 W. By controlling its two front legs independently, the BHMbot demonstrates various locomotion trajectories including circles, rectangles, letters and irregular paths across obstacles through a wireless control module. Such advancements enable the BHMbot to carry out application attempts including sound signal detection, locomotion inside a turbofan engine and transportation via a quadrotor.

240 Impact of structural traits on semen collection training and lesion characteristics in Duroc boars

Abstract Rising incidence of lameness in boar stud contributes to increased morbidity and mortality, affecting longevity and likely semen output. Lameness is not unique to the boar and affects the swine industry as a whole, contributing to millions of dollars in losses every year. Hypothesized contributors to lameness incidence are body, feet, and leg structure. In the boar stud lameness affects the ability of the boar to mount the dummy and can cause pain-related stress which can impact reproductive function. Lameness is also often accompanied by skin lesions or wounds which can lead to infection and further semen production. Our objectives were to evaluate the relationship between boar structural traits and semen collection training traits and determine if structural traits influence presence and severity of skin lesions. Structural traits of developing Duroc boars (n = 82; 190 ± 10.3 d of age) were assessed at arrival to the stud and 6 wk later. Structural traits assessed included front and rear leg set, foot shape, chest width, and hip width (1 = poor; 5 = ideal). An overall structure score for each boar was determined by adding all structural trait scores. Lesions were assessed on a zero to three scale (0 = no lesions; 3 = severe lesions). Based on overall structure score, boars were categorized into one of three groups (poor, intermediate, or ideal) to determine if structural traits affected the presence and severity of lesions. All boars were subjected to semen collection training 1 wk after arriving at the stud and considered trained when successful mounting and ejaculation occurred. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were determined between total structure score, lesion severity, and semen collection training characteristics. The GLIMMIX procedure of SAS was used to assess lesion presence differences between structure groups. Structure score and lesion severity were not significantly correlated (-0.017; P = 0.91) with number of attempts to train, time to mount, or time to collection of ejaculates. Upon arrival at the stud, boars in the poor structure group displayed a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) incidence of lesions than intermediate and Ideal structure groups but did not have greater lesion severity (P = 0.74). After 6 wk in the boar stud, there were no differences (P = 0.83) in lesion presence or severity between structure groups, suggesting the lameness issues are more likely caused by housing environment or other factors than structural traits.

Effect of video angle on detection of induced front limb lameness in horses

BackgroundLameness examinations are commonly performed in equine medicine. Advancements in digital technology have increased the use of video recordings for lameness assessment, however, standardization of ideal video angle is not available yielding videos of poor diagnostic quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of video angle on the subjective assessment of front limb lameness. A randomized, blinded, crossover study was performed. Six horses with and without mechanically induced forelimb solar pain were recorded using 9 video angles including horses trotting directly away and towards the video camera, horses trotting away and towards a video camera placed to the left and right side of midline, and horses trotting in a circle with the video camera placed on the inside and outside of the circle. Videos were randomized and assessed by three expert equine veterinarians using a 0–5 point scoring system. Objective lameness parameters were collected using a body-mounted inertial sensor system (Lameness Locator®, Equinosis LLC). Interobserver agreement for subjective lameness scores and ease of grading scores were determined.ResultsInduction of lameness was successful in all horses. There was excellent agreement between objective lameness parameters and subjective lameness scores (AUC of the ROC = 0.87). For horses in the “lame” trials, interobserver agreement was moderate for video angle 2 when degree of lameness was considered and perfect for video angle 2 and 9 when lameness was considered as a binary outcome. All other angles had no to fair agreement. For horses in the “sound” trials, interobserver agreement was perfect for video angle 5. All other video angles had slight to moderate agreement.ConclusionsWhen video assessment of forelimb lameness is required, a video of the horse trotting directly towards the video camera at a minimum is recommended. Other video angles may provide supportive information regarding lameness characteristics.

Metabolomic analysis of dietary-restriction-induced attenuation of sarcopenia in prematurely aging DNA repair-deficient mice.

Sarcopenia is characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, and is a major risk factor for disability and independence in the elderly. Effective medication is not available. Dietary restriction (DR) has been found to attenuate aging and aging-related diseases, including sarcopenia, but the mechanism of both DR and sarcopenia are incompletely understood. In this study, mice body weight, fore and all limb grip strength, and motor learning and coordination performance were first analysed to evaluate the DR effects on muscle functioning. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was utilized for the metabolomics study of the DR effects on sarcopenia in progeroid DNA repair-deficient Ercc1∆/- and Xpg-/- mice, to identify potential biomarkers for attenuation of sarcopenia. Muscle mass was significantly (P<0.05) decreased (13-20%) by DR; however, the muscle quality was improved with retained fore limbs and all limbs grip strength in Ercc1∆/- and Xpg-/- mice. The LC-MS results revealed that metabolites and pathways related to oxidative-stress, that is, GSSG/GSH (P<0.01); inflammation, that is, 9-HODE, 11-HETE (P<0.05), PGE2, PGD2, and TXB2 (P<0.01); and muscle growth (PGF2α) (P<0.01) and regeneration stimulation (PGE2) (P<0.05) are significantly downregulated by DR. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory indicator and several related metabolites, that is, β-hydroxybutyrate (P<0.01), 14,15-DiHETE (P<0.0001), 8,9-EET, 12,13-DiHODE, and PGF1 (P<0.05); consumption of sources of energy (i.e., muscle and liver glycogen); and energy production pathways, that is, glycolysis (glucose, glucose-6-P, fructose-6-P) (P<0.01), tricarboxylic acid cycle (succinyl-CoA, malate) (P<0.001), and gluconeogenesis-related metabolite, alanine (P<0.01), are significantly upregulated by DR. The notably (P<0.01) down-modulated muscle growth (PGF2α) and regeneration (PGE2) stimulation metabolite and the increased consumption of glycogen in muscle and liver may be related to the significantly (P<0.01) lower body weight and muscle mass by DR. The downregulated oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory mediators, and upregulated anti-inflammatory metabolites resulted in a lower energy expenditure, which contributed to enhanced muscle quality together with upregulated energy production pathways by DR. The improved muscle quality may explain why grip strength is maintained and motor coordination and learning performance are improved by DR in Ercc1∆/- and Xpg-/- mice. This study provides fundamental supporting information on biomarkers and pathways related to the attenuation of sarcopenia, which might facilitate its diagnosis, prevention, and clinical therapy.

The phenomenon of anticipation in fencing. An applicability approach.

The aim of the study was to determine the structure of muscular activity and ground reaction forces during the preparatory period and the execution of a fencing lunge at the opponent's torso. The analysis focused on the correlations between three phases of a fencing technical action in the context of factors of temporal anticipation. Six female épée fencers from the Polish National Fencing Team participated in the study. The research tools included electromyography (EMG), ground reaction force (GRF) platforms, and the OptiTrack motion capture system. The fencers performed the lunge three times in response to visual cues from the coach. By integrating the testing system, the EMG signal indices of the fencers' upper and lower limbs and the vertical force values of the fencers' front and rear leg muscles were obtained simultaneously. The results of the study demonstrated the key role of five muscles: BICEPS BRACHII, LAT TRICEPS, EXTCARP RAD, BICEPS FEMORIS and MED GAS in influencing the speed of lunge execution. In addition, a significant correlation was found between the EMG signal of the gastrocnemius muscle of the rear leg and the movement time (MT) phase of the lunge execution. The anticipatory activation of the EMG signal in relation to the vertical force waveforms generated by the ground forces response platform in the 15-30 ms interval was demonstrated. Finally, the importance of the preparatory period for the effectiveness of the fencing lunge was highlighted based on the phenomenon of anticipation.

Morphological Characteristics and Nest Structure of Stingless Bee (Heterotrigona itama) from Different Meliponiculture Practices

Exploration of Heterotrigona itama biology characteristics besides being valuable for health and biodiversity also beneficial as well as an environmental bioindicator. This research aims to evaluate morphology characteristics and nest structure of stingless bee Heterotrigona itama from three different meliponiculture practices (MP1:meliponiculture in the back yard; MP2:meliponiculture in the rubber garden and MP3: meliponiculture in the side yard) in Banjar Regency, Indonesia. The parameters studied are morphology, nest design, colony structure, and environmental suitability. One-way ANOVA at a 95% confidence level was used to analyze differences between parameters. The results show Heterotrigona itama body size average from rubber gardens is bigger (7.11±0.60 mm) than the side yard (6.79±0.34 mm) and back yard (6.64±0.46 mm). The degree of difference is visible in the fore leg (α=0.00&lt;0.05) and hind leg (α=0.004&lt;0.05). The nest structure in MP3 was significantly different than MP1 and MP2, especially in terms of funnel length (p=0.007&lt;0.05) and nest height from the ground (p=0.000&lt;0.05). Environmental conditions MP3 (temperature 31.69±1.93 0C, humidity 60.70±11.2 % and water source) is more supportive for meliponiculture than MP2 (disturbed by household waste) and MP3 polluted by chicken farms. Meliponicultures practices based on various locations and environmental characteristics influence several parameters of Heterotrigona itama morphology and nest structure.

Female Lower Body Muscle Forces: A Musculoskeletal Modeling Comparison of Back Squats, Split Squats and Good Mornings.

The aim of this study was to analyze lower leg muscle forces during strength exercises such as back squats, good mornings and split squats, with a particular emphasis on females. By focusing on females, who are more vulnerable to anterior cruciate ligament injuries, we aimed to better understand muscle engagement and its role in injury prevention. Eight participants were monitored during exercises with a barbell load of 25% of body weight and, during the back squat, an additional 50% load. The analysis was conducted using personalized musculoskeletal models, electromyography (EMG) and Vicon motion capture systems to assess various muscle groups, including the m. gluteus maximus and m. gluteus medius, as well as the hamstring and quadriceps muscles. The back squat produced the highest forces for the quadriceps muscles, particularly the rectus femoris (>25 N/kg), as well as in the back leg during the split squat (>15 N/kg). The gluteal muscles were most active during good mornings and in the front leg of the split squat, especially the m. gluteus maximus medial part (>20 N/kg). The hamstrings generated the highest muscle forces in the front leg of the split squat, with the greatest forces observed in the m. semimembranosus. Our research highlights how musculoskeletal modeling helps us to understand the relationship among muscles, joint angles and anterior cruciate ligament injury risks, especially in strength training females. The results emphasize the need for personalized exercise guidance and customized models to make strength training safer and more effective.

A comparison of anesthesia induction by two different administration routes and doses of ketamine and medetomidine in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans)

This study aimed to assess the efficiency of ketamine and medetomidine by two different doses and routes on anesthesia depth and cardiac stability in red-eared sliders. Each turtle was anesthetized two times, with seven days wash-out period. Induction of anesthesia consisted of a bolus combination of ketamine (10 mg/kg) and medetomidine (0.2 mg/kg) administered in the left brachial biceps in the intramuscular protocol, or a bolus combination of ketamine (20 mg/kg) and medetomidine (0.2 mg/kg) administered in subcarapacial sinus after clear blood presence confirmation in the intravenous protocol. Vital signs, reaction on the skin palpation, manual mouth opening for endotracheal intubation, palpebral and cloacal reflex, and the withdrawal reflex of the front and hind limbs were measured and recorded every 5 minutes for 60 minutes after anesthesia injection. Atipamezole (1 mg/kg) was administered in the right brachial biceps one hour after ketamine and medetomidine administration. Needle insertion and possible painful reactions to drug administration were also evaluated and recorded. Obtained data were analyzed for normality and paired t-tests, Wilcoxon, or McNamar tests were performed where appropriate. The values of P≤0.05 were considered significant. A significantly less pronounced decrease in heart rate was observed with intravenous anesthesia protocol. Both protocols recorded complete anesthesia recovery 60 minutes after intramuscular atipamezole administration. A ketamine-medetomidine dose combination administered intravenously provides a more stable and consistent anesthetic plane in red-eared sliders than ketamine-medetomidine administered intramuscularly.

New insights into morphological adaptation in common mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus) along an aridity gradient.

Morphological adaptation is the change in the form of an organism that benefits the individual in its current habitat. Mole-rats (family Bathyergidae), despite being subterranean, are impacted by both local and broad-scale environmental conditions that occur above ground. Common mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus) present an ideal mammalian model system for the study of morphological variation in response to ecology, as this species is found along an aridity gradient and thus can be sampled from geographically non-overlapping populations of the same species along an environmental longitudinal cline. Using the mass of five internal organs, ten skeletal measurements and 3D morphometric analyses of skulls, we assessed the morphology of wild non-breeding individuals from five common mole-rat populations in South Africa. We found that the body mass and mean relative mass of the spleen and kidneys in arid populations was larger, and individuals from arid regions possessed shorter legs and larger inter-shoulder widths compared to individuals from mesic regions. Additionally, arid populations demonstrated greater skull depth, and shape change of features such as angular processes of the lower jaw than mesic individuals, indicating that these distinct geographic populations show differences corresponding to the aridity gradient, potentially in response to environmental factors such as the variation in food sources found between different habitats, in addition to different soil compositions found in the different regions. Arid populations potentially require a stronger jaw and neck musculature associated with mastication to chew xeric-adapted plants and to dig through hard soil types, whereas mesic populations excavate through soft, looser soil and may make use of their front limbs to aid the movement of soils when digging. Aridity influences the morphology of this species and could indicate the impact of environmental changes on speciation and mammalian skull morphology.

Characterization of Normal Bone in the Equine Distal Limb with Effective Atomic Number and Electron Density Determined with Single-Source Dual Energy and Detector-Based Spectral Computed Tomography.

Single-source dual energy (SSDECT) and detector-based spectral computed tomography (DBSCT) are emerging technologies allowing the interrogation of materials that have different attenuation properties at different energies. Both technologies enable the calculation of effective atomic number (EAN), an index to determine tissue composition, and electron density (ED), which is assumed to be associated with cellularity in tissues. In the present prospective observational study, EAN and ED values were determined for 16 zones in normal subchondral and trabecular bone of 37 equine cadaver limbs. Using both technologies, the following findings were obtained: 1. palmar/plantar EAN zone values in the fetlock increased significantly with increasing age of the horse; 2. all EAN and ED values were significantly lower in the trabecular bone than in the subchondral bone of all phalanges; 3. in the distal phalanx and navicular bone, most EAN and ED values were significantly lower compared to the proximal and middle phalanx; and 4. some EAN and ED values were significantly different between front and hind limbs. Several EAN and ED values significantly differed between SSDECT and DBSCT. The reported EAN and ED values in the subchondral and trabecular bone of the equine distal limb may serve as preliminary reference values and aid future evaluation and classification of diseases.

Multiple forces facilitate the aquatic acrobatics of grasshopper and bioinspired robot

Aquatic locomotion is challenging for land-dwelling creatures because of the high degree of fluidity with which the water yields to loads. We surprisingly found that the Chinese rice grasshopper Oxya chinensis, known for its terrestrial acrobatics, could swiftly launch itself off the water's surface in around 25 ms and seamlessly transition into flight. Biological observations showed that jumping grasshoppers use their front and middle legs to tilt up bodies first and then lift off by propelling the water toward the lower back with hind legs at angular speeds of up to 18°/ms, whereas the swimming grasshoppers swing their front and middle legs in nearly horizontal planes and move hind legs less violently (~8°/ms). Force measurement and model analysis indicated that the weight support could be achieved by hydrostatics which are proportionate to the mass of the grasshoppers, while the propulsions for motion are derived from the controlled limb-water interactions (i.e., the hydrodynamics). After learning the structural and behavioral strategies of the grasshoppers, a robot was created and was capable of swimming and jumping on the water surface like the insects, further demonstrating the effectiveness of decoupling the challenges of aquatic locomotion by the combined use of the static and dynamic hydro forces. This work not only uncovered the combined mechanisms responsible for facilitating aquatic acrobatics in this species but also laid a foundation for developing bioinspired robots that can locomote across multiple media.

Evaluation of variability in performance and paw placement patterns by dogs completing the dog walk obstacle in an agility competition.

The objective of this study was to describe paw placement patterns for canine athletes completing the dog walk obstacle during canine agility trials. It was hypothesized that dogs would demonstrate defined sets of paw placement patterns as they complete the dog walk obstacle and that those could be classified based on end contact behavior. Videos of 296 dogs attempting the dog walk obstacle at the 2021 UK Agility International (UKI) US Open were reviewed online. Data observed from video evaluation included front and rear limb paw placement across the dog walk and time to complete the obstacle. Results showed a high variability in obstacle performance. Mean time to complete the entire obstacle was 2.26 seconds (sd = 1.03). Mean and median completion times were qualitatively similar across all height classes. A slight majority of dogs hit the up ramp with their right foot first indicating running on their left lead (n = 185, 63%) with some variation observed between heights. Likewise, a slight majority (58%) of dogs hit the down ramp with their right front foot first (151/262). Given the high variation in completion times and paw placements, we could not identify clear patterns of dog walk performance. The large amount of variation observed with the dog walk obstacle suggests a need for future studies to employ alternative methods for objective gait analysis and to strategically select dogs to reflect the large variety in obstacle performance observed here.

A 3D Printed Anatomically Pre-Contoured Plate for the Treatment of Y-T Humeral Condylar Fractures: A Feline Cadaveric Study.

(1) Background: Anatomically pre-contoured plates usually require only minimal or even no intraoperative contouring. For complex cases, such plates also assist the surgeon as an anatomical template during fracture reduction. In this study, we present our experience of using a 3D printing technology for the treatment of bicondylar humeral fractures in feline cadavers. (2) Methods: Surgeries were performed on 15 pairs of front limbs amputated at the scapula. The limbs were obtained from 15 adult cats without obvious pathology of the skeleton. After flexion of the elbow and subperiosteal elevation of the anconeus muscle, the humeral Y-T fractures were created using a bone chisel and mallet. A custom-made anatomically pre-contoured interlocking plate was used to reduce and stabilise the medial aspect of the humeral condyle to the humeral diaphysis. After reduction of the humeral condyle, a positional locking screw was then inserted from the medial to the lateral side and a straight 2.4/2.7 interlocking bone plate was used to stabilise the lateral part of the condyle to the humeral diaphysis. (3) Results: The length of the humerus ranged from 98.2 to 107.0 mm and did not differ significantly between the left and right bone. The diameter of the isthmus of the humeral condyle ranged from 5.2 to 5.5 mm and did not differ significantly between the left and right bone. In all 30 limbs, bicondylar fracture was accompanied by epicondylar comminution. In 7/30 limbs (4 left, 3 right) the fracture of the humeral shaft was also present. In the left limbs, the postoperative articular surface defect of the humeral condyle was small (<1 mm) in 11/15 cases, moderate (1-2 mm) in 2/15 cases and large (>2 mm) in 2/15 cases in which the condylar screw was incorrectly inserted. In the right limbs, the postoperative articular surface defect of the humeral condyle was small (<1 mm) in 14/15 cases and moderate (1-2 mm) in 1 case. (4) Conclusions: 3D printing and the technology of metal powder sintering offers a wide range of possibilities for the development of new surgical implants. The anatomically pre-contoured bone plate appears to be a valuable tool in the reduction and stabilisation of Y-T humeral fractures in adult domestic cats weighing 3.0 to 4.5 kg.

THE EFFECT OF USING SULFUR SOAP ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HANDLING DEMODICOSIS CASES IN KINTAMANI CROSS-BREED DOG

Demodecosis is a skin disease caused by Demodex spp. mites that can cause itching and trigger the scratching reflex. The purpose of writing this case report article is to determine the cause of the skin disease that occurred in the case dog and the effectiveness of the sulfur soap treatment performed. A male Peranakan kintamani dog named Siba, 5 months old, weighing 7 kg, and having black hair color had skin problems since 1 month before. The dog's appetite was good, defecation and urination were normal. The dog was fed rice mixed with chicken. The case dog was kept loose and sometimes tied around the house. The results of the physical examination showed skin lesions in the form of erythema, crusts, alopecia, and hyperkeratosis on the face, neck, front legs, hind legs, abdomen, around the anus and swollen interdigit. A deep skin scrapping examination found Demodex spp. Routine hematology examination showed the case dog was anemic. The dog was diagnosed with demodecosis. Treatment was ivermectin, antihistamine (diphenhydramine), vitamin B complex, and sulfur soap. Evaluation after 14 days showed changes in the lesions and reduced pruritus. It is recommended to implement good husbandry management and maintain the dog's immunity to avoid recurrent infections.