Hindlimb Research Articles

Early ambulation protocol after diagnostic transfemoral cerebral angiography: an evidence-based practice project

BackgroundNo uniform consensus has been achieved regarding the ambulation protocol after transfemoral cerebral angiography (TFA). Until now, in most hospitals patients are prescribed 8-12 h strict immobilization along with bed rest in the supine position after TFA in China, which causes great discomfort to patients.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of an evidence-based early ambulation protocol on the prevention of vascular complications and general discomfort in patients following transfemoral cerebral angiography (TFA).MethodsA prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted on 214 patients undergoing TFA with manual compression. Patients in the experimental group were placed supine position for 2 h with a sandbag placed on the wound dressing, followed by a semi-seated position for another 2 h. After this period, patients took 2 h bed rest (move freely) with the sandbag removed, and were allowed to get out of bed 6 h after TFA. Patients in the control group were restricted to an 8 h bed rest in a supine position with the affected leg straight and immobilized. The vascular complications (bleeding, hematoma, ecchymosis) and levels of comfort (low back pain, leg pain, and blood pressure) were evaluated after the procedure. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, systolic blood pressure (SBP); diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured hourly for 8 h after TFA.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the two groups with regard to vascular complications including bleeding events (P = 0.621), bleeding volume (P = 0.321), and area of hematoma (P = 0.156).The area of ecchymosis in the experimental group was significantly smaller than the control group (P = 0.031). Compared with the control group, the NRS score for low back pain in the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th hour after TFA were significantly lower (P < 0.05), and the NRS score for leg pain in the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th hour after TFA were significantly lower (P < 0.05). The SBP and DBP in the 6th, 7th, and 8th hour after TFA were significantly lower than the control group (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe evidence-based early ambulation protocol can effectively and safely increase comfort and decrease the pain level for patients undergoing TFA, without change in the incidence of vascular complications.

A Flexibly Function‐Oriented Assembly Mechanical Metamaterial

AbstractBased on the snap‐through instability, the pursuit for mechanical metamaterials with flexible functional applications and the ability to combine with information has been the Holy Grail for structural scientists. Here, the function/application‐oriented bistable unit motifs (UMs) are developed by an elaborately architectural design inspired by the hind leg of the frog in jumping, and a corresponding assembled strategy is proposed. Three functional applications derived from their progressive evolutions. The first is the construction of on‐demand assemblable mechanical curves, including multi‐stage vibration isolation, recoverable energy absorption, and energy dissipation along with integrated vibration isolation and energy dissipation characteristics. The second is the development of mechanic and temperature double pattern encryption strategy using bistability and shape memory programmability, resulting in 4n encryption and decryption modes for n‐bit encryption devices. Finally, five non‐volatile basic mechanical logic gates and a universal combinatorial half‐adder are built, affording guidance to unconventional computing devices with logic functions.

TMEM106B coding variant is protective and deletion detrimental in a mouse model of tauopathy.

TMEM106B is a risk modifier of multiple neurological conditions, where a single coding variant and multiple non-coding SNPs influence the balance between susceptibility and resilience. Two key questions that emerge from past work are whether the lone T185S coding variant contributes to protection, and if the presence of TMEM106B is helpful or harmful in the context of disease. Here, we address both questions while expanding the scope of TMEM106B study from TDP-43 to models of tauopathy. We generated knockout mice with constitutive deletion of TMEM106B, alongside knock-in mice encoding the T186S knock-in mutation (equivalent to the human T185S variant), and crossed both with a P301S transgenic tau model to study how these manipulations impacted disease phenotypes. We found that TMEM106B deletion accelerated cognitive decline, hind limb paralysis, tau pathology, and neurodegeneration. TMEM106B deletion also increased transcriptional correlation with human AD and the functional pathways enriched in KO:tau mice aligned with those of AD. In contrast, the coding variant protected against tau-associated cognitive decline, synaptic impairment, neurodegeneration, and paralysis without affecting tau pathology. Our findings reveal that TMEM106B is a critical safeguard against tau aggregation, and that loss of this protein has a profound effect on sequelae of tauopathy. Our study further demonstrates that the coding variant is functionally relevant and contributes to neuroprotection downstream of tau pathology to preserve cognitive function.

Transforaminal Endoscopic Ventral Stenosis Decompression in Calcified Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Long Term Outcome in 79 Patients

BackgroundCalcified lumbar disc herniations(CLDH) causing calcified ventral stenosis CVS) pose a therapeutic challenge to the treating surgeon due to their neural adhesions, location, and hardness. MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed all the cases of CLDH/CVS managed by transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy(TELD) with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The pre-operative images were analyzed for the level, migration; and grade(Lee’s migration zones), and location(MSU classification). Detailed surgical technique and intra-operative parameters including the duration of surgery, and complications have been recorded. The clinical parameters including VAS, ODI, length of stay (LOS) in hospital, days of return to basic work, and patient satisfaction index(PSI) were analyzed. Post-operatively the images were analyzed for the adequacy of decompression. ResultsThe mean VAS for back pain and leg pain was 4.7±2.6(0-9), and 7.45±2.2(1-10) respectively. The mean pre-operative ODI was 78.2±13.2(63.2-95.6). Nineteen patients(24%) had neurological deficits pre-operatively. The mean duration of surgery was 90.5±15.8(58- 131) minutes. Post-operative MRI revealed adequate decompression in 97.5%(n=77). The mean duration of hospital stay was 1.05±0.22(1-2) days, and the post-operative back and leg pain VAS was 1.14±1.2 (0-3) (p<0.05) and 1.7±0.5 (0-6)(p<0.05). The ODI at final follow-up was 6.5±3.7(2.2-18)(p<0.05). Neurological recovery occurred in 17(89.5%) patients and they returned to basic work/jobs in 19.5±3.3(14-26) days. The mean PSI was 1.18±0.47(1-2) at a mean follow-up of 5.52±2.91(2-12.75) years. ConclusionTELD is a complete, safe, and efficacious procedure in patients with CLDH with earlier recovery considering the surgery is performed with the patient being awake.

Establishment of humanised xenograft models as in vivo study for lung metastasis of osteosarcoma.

Humanised xenograft models and cancer cell lines are widely used for preclinical drug evaluation, biological studies, and targeted therapy strategies in cancer research. A humanised mouse model is a laboratory mouse that has been genetically modified to contain specific human genes, cells, or tissues. By introducing human-specific elements into rodents, researchers can create a more accurate representation of human physiological and pathological processes. Lacking an appropriate animal model for osteosarcoma (OS), hindered understanding of underlying mechanisms in OS metastasis progression. Markedly, metastasis influences the prognosis and treatment of osteosarcoma. Gaining insight into the mechanisms and occurrences of metastasis could potentially facilitate oncologists in improving therapies. Hence, it is important to develop a lung metastatic OS model to study the basic biology of its progression. This study has established a tumour-bearing mouse model using HOS-143B cell line which was injected into male NOD.SCID gamma (NSG) mice at two locations; intramuscularly (hind leg) and subcutaneously (back) respectively. The primary and metastatic tumour size was monitored by palpating the area of tumour induced and quantified using digital calliper. H&E staining was performed by pathologist to confirm metastasis. Our results showed that mice injected with 1 million cancer cells were unable to produce tumours. Meanwhile, mice injected with three million cancer cells showed tumour development and lung metastasis after 25 days of cancer cell inoculation. In conclusion, this study has successfully established a lung metastatic OS mouse model that could be useful for biological studies of OS. These findings imply that this model is essential for safety and efficacy before clinical trials, accelerate the translation from basic research to therapeutic applications.

Abstract 2824: Establishing prostate cancer models for orthotopic and bone metastatic growth using the 22Rv1cell line

Abstract Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men with new cases diagnosed in 1.4 million men each year. Luckily the 5-year survival rates in developed countries are high reaching over 90%. However, approximately one third will develop a metastatic disease. In metastatic patients, prostate cancer almost always progresses despite the androgen deprivation therapy and is then referred to as “castration-resistant (mCRPC)”. Bone is involved in 80% of patients with metastasis, and the bone lesions are typically osteoblastic. The 22Rv1 human prostate carcinoma cell line is androgen sensitive and shown to express androgen receptor (AR). They also express low levels of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). The aim of this study was to establish orthotopic and intratibial preclinical in vivo prostate cancer models that can be used in drug development when targeting cancer cells and their local environment. Male athymic nude mice (5-6 weeks old) and NOG mice (over 20 weeks old) were used in the study. 2.5 × 105 22Rv1 cells (ATCC) were inoculated orthotopically into the prostate of NOG mice, and 5 × 105 cells were inoculated intratibially into the bone marrow cavity of athymic nude mice. Tumor growth was followed by PSA measurements every second week using Human PSA ELISA assay. In addition, in the intratibial model, tumor-induced bone changes were monitored by X-ray imaging of the hind limbs. Prostates and hind limbs were collected at sacrifice, fixed in 10% NBF, and processed to paraffin blocks for further histological analysis. Sections of prostate were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and AR. Tumor-bearing and contralateral (healthy) tibias were stained with HE - OrangeG, MGT, TRAP, and AR. The observed tumor take rate was 92% in the orthotopic and 100% in the intratibial models. Confirmed by IHC, tumors formed in both the orthotopic and intratibial models expressed AR. 22Rv1 cells formed osteoblastic - lytic mixed bone lesions in the intratibial model. Based on lesion areas, randomization of the tumor bearing mice in the intratibial model can be done after 2 weeks from cancer cell inoculation. Taken together, the 22Rv1 prostate cancer models are relatively fast growing, express AR and present good take rates. Furthermore, the intratibial model represents robust tumor-induced changes in bone with strong osteoblastic component. Thus, these models have several advantages in efficacy studies of novel drug candidates for prostate cancer. Citation Format: Justyna Zdrojewska, Katja Fagerlund, Jenni H. Mäki-Jouppila, Mari I. Suominen. Establishing prostate cancer models for orthotopic and bone metastatic growth using the 22Rv1cell line [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2824.

Efficacy of Biportal Endoscopic Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Meta-Analysis With Single-Arm Analysis and Comparative Analysis With Microscopic Decompression and Uniportal Endoscopic Decompression.

Biportal endoscopic decompression is a minimally invasive surgical technique for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biportal endoscopic decompression through both a single-arm analysis and a comparative analysis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify eligible studies reporting the outcomes of biportal endoscopic decompression for LSS. Single-arm analysis and comparisons with microscopic and uniportal endoscopic decompression were performed. Evaluated outcomes included visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back pain and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, operation time, estimated blood loss, duration of hospital stay, and adverse events. Single-arm analysis demonstrated significant improvements in VAS back pain, VAS leg pain, and ODI scores after biportal endoscopic decompression at postoperative 1-day to 36-month follow-up (all P < .001), compared with preoperative levels. The pooled mean single-level operation time was 71.44 min, and the pooled mean hospital stay was 3.63 days. The overall adverse event rate was 4.0%, with dural tear being the most common complication (3.0%). Compared with microscopic decompression, biportal endoscopic decompression showed significantly lower VAS back pain at 1-month ( P < .001) and 6-month ( P < .001) follow-up; lower VAS leg pain at 1-month ( P = .045) follow-up; lower ODI scores at 3-month ( P < .001), 12-month ( P = .017), and >12-month ( P = .007) follow-up; lower estimated blood loss ( P = .003); and shorter hospital stay ( P < .001). Adverse event rates did not differ between the techniques. No significant differences were observed between biportal endoscopic and uniportal endoscopic decompression groups for most efficacy and safety outcomes. Biportal endoscopic decompression emerges as a safe and effective alternative for LSS, presenting potential advantages over the microscopic technique and comparable efficacy with the uniportal endoscopic technique.

Novel Angiogenesis Role of GLP-1(32-36) to Rescue Diabetic Ischemic Lower Limbs via GLP-1R-Dependent Glycolysis in Mice.

Restoring the capacity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to promote angiogenesis is the major therapeutic strategy of diabetic peripheral artery disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1; 32-36)-an end product of GLP-1-on angiogenesis of EPCs and T1DM (type 1 diabetes) mice, as well as its interaction with the classical GLP-1R (GLP-1 receptor) pathway and its effect on mitochondrial metabolism. In in vivo experiments, we conducted streptozocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice as a murine model of unilateral hind limb ischemia to examine the therapeutic potential of GLP-1(32-36) on angiogenesis. We also generated Glp1r-/- mice to detect whether GLP-1R is required for angiogenic function of GLP-1(32-36). In in vitro experiments, EPCs isolated from the mouse bone marrow and human umbilical cord blood samples were used to detect GLP-1(32-36)-mediated angiogenic capability under high glucose treatment. We demonstrated that GLP-1(32-36) did not affect insulin secretion but could significantly rescue angiogenic function and blood perfusion in ischemic limb of streptozocin-induced T1DM mice, a function similar to its parental GLP-1. We also found that GLP-1(32-36) promotes angiogenesis in EPCs exposed to high glucose. Specifically, GLP-1(32-36) has a causal role in improving fragile mitochondrial function and metabolism via the GLP-1R-mediated pathway. We further demonstrated that GLP-1(32-36) rescued diabetic ischemic lower limbs by activating the GLP-1R-dependent eNOS (endothelial NO synthase)/cGMP/PKG (protein kinase G) pathway. Our study provides a novel mechanism with which GLP-1(32-36) acts in modulating metabolic reprogramming toward glycolytic flux in partnership with GLP-1R for improved angiogenesis in high glucose-exposed EPCs and T1DM murine models. We propose that GLP-1(32-36) could be used as a monotherapy or add-on therapy with existing treatments for peripheral artery disease. URL: www.ebi.ac.uk/metabolights/; Unique identifier: MTBLS9543.

Evaluation of Anti-epileptic Effect of Sinapis alba using Maximal Electroshock Seizure Model

Background: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder, prompting an ongoing quest for new therapeutic agents. Sinapis alba, commonly known as yellow mustard, has garnered interest for its potential medicinal properties. This study aimed to assess the anti-convulsant potential of Sinapis alba in rats. Methods: Wistar albino rats were categorized into 5 distinct experimental groups (six each) : a normal control, a disease control, a group administered Sinapis alba seed oil (200mg/kg body weight), another given sodium valproate (300mg/kg body weight), and a combination group receiving both Sinapis alba seed oil and sodium valproate (150mg/kg body weight each). Antioxidant markers were subsequently extracted from the brain samples, and cresyl violet staining was employed to discern pathological changes. Results: The findings revealed a significant diminution in the durations of flexion, clonic convulsion, and stupor in the test, standard, and combination groups in contrast with the disease control. Additionally, the duration of tonic hind limb extension (THLE) noted a substantial decrease in the Sinapis alba group, sodium valproate group, and combination group. Moreover, the administration of Sinapis alba seed oil led to an elevation in antioxidant levels and a concomitant reduction in lipid peroxide levels. Intriguingly, a synergistic effect on generalized tonic-clonic seizures was observed upon integrating mustard oil with sodium valproate. Conclusion: Our research suggests that Sinapis alba seed extract demonstrates promising anti-epileptic properties and stands as a potential supplementary drug for managing generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

The Equiband Pro System improves gait symmetry in horses at the trot.

Abstract It has been shown that there is a relationship between spinal stability and gait symmetry in horses (1-3). Use of the Equiband Pro System, an elastic band system used for in-hand or ridden work with horses, has previously been shown to improve spinal stability and abdominal muscle engagement (4-6). More recently, it was demonstrated that a 4 week handwalking protocol with the System improves hindlimb symmetry in horses with a mild hind limb lameness (7). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Equiband Pro System affects gait symmetry immediately in horses trotting on the lunge, using a repeated measures crossover study design. Six horses with varying degrees of gait asymmetries trotted on a lunge in both directions, with and without the abdominal and hindquarter bands of the Equiband Pro System. After evaluation of movement symmetry data, generated by an inertial measurement unit (the Equestic SaddleClip), landing forces were found to be significantly more symmetrical between the left and right diagonal limbs in horses while using the Equiband Pro System (p = 0.05). These results suggest that the Equiband Pro System can immediately alter motor patterns, leading to improved gait symmetry. More work is needed to understand the precise mechanism of this effect.

A histological examination of the effects of Ferula elaeochytris extract on kidney and liver tissues in myoglobinuric acute renal failure

ABSTRACT Myoglobinuric acute renal failure (MARF) is a structural and functional disorder that occurs in the kidney following the release of muscle cell contents into the circulation. In this present study, possible protective and curative effects of Ferula elaeochytris extract against kidney and liver damage in experimentally induced MARF in a rat model were investigated. 3–4 Month-old, 200–250 g Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 8 equal groups with 7 rats per group. Group I was a no-intervention Control group. All groups except for the Group I were dehydrated for 16 hours. Following this dehydration, 50% v/v aqueous glycerol solution was injected into both hind leg muscles of the animals, at a dose of 8 ml/kg. The rats were given physiological saline (SF) once orally before the model was administered (Group II) and after the model was administered (Group V). Similarly, two different doses of Ferula elaeochytris root extract (40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) were dissolved in 2 ml of SF and administered orally before (Groups III and IV) and after (Group VI, VII) the model was created. Following the experimental period, kidney and liver tissues were removed from all groups, and fixed in 10% neutral formaldehyde solution for light microscopic examinations. Intracellular vacuolization, enlargement in the Bowman’s space, widespread atrophy in the tubular structures, luminal enlargement, and desquamation were detected in the kidney tissue sections of all the experimental model groups. In the liver tissue sections, was detected hepatocyte degeneration, intracellular vacuolization, irregularity in cell membrane borders, and apoptotic bodies. These histopathological consequences of MARF were evaluated for all groups, and whereas a curative effect of Ferula elaeochytris could be seen, its protective effect was higher than its curative effect.

Analysis of effectiveness of one-hole split endoscopy technique in treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis

To investigate the effectiveness of one-hole split endoscope (OSE) technique in the treatment of single segment lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The clinical data of 32 single segment LSS patients treated with OSE technique for simple spinal canal decompression between January 2022 and December 2022, who met the selection criteria, were retrospectively analysed. There were 18 males and 14 females, the age ranged from 45 to 82 years, with an average of 65.1 years. The disease duration was 9-72 months, with an average of 34.9 months. The surgical segments included L 3, 4 in 3 cases, L 4, 5 in 19 cases, and L 5, S 1 in 10 cases. The incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative radiation exposure frequency, postoperative mobilization time, and the area of the patient's lesion segment dural sac before operation and at 1 month after operation were recorded. Low back pain and leg pain were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) score before operation and at 3 days, 3 months, and 12 months after operation; functional recovery was assessed by Oswestry disability index (ODI) before operation and at 3 months and 12 months after operation; the effectiveness was assessed by modified MacNab criteria at last follow-up. All 32 patients successfully completed the operation, with an average incision length of 2.05 cm, an average operation time of 88.59 minutes, an average intraoperative blood loss of 46.72 mL, an average intraoperative radiation exposure frequency of 3.84 times, and an average postoperative mobilization time of 11.66 hours. All patients were followed up 12-16 months, with an average of 13.5 months. One patient experienced lower limb numbness, pain, and decreased muscle strength after operation, while the remaining patients did not experience complications such as dural tear or important nerve damage. The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain and ODI in patients at various time points after operation were significantly better than preoperative ones, and each indicator further improved with time. The differences between time points were significant ( P<0.05). At 1 month after operation, the area of the patient's lesion segment dural sac was (123.13±19.66) mm 2, which significantly increased compared to preoperative (51.25±9.50) mm 2 ( t=-18.616, P<0.001). At last follow-up, the improved MacNab criteria were used to evaluate the effectiveness, with 18 cases achieving excellent results, 11 cases being good, and 3 cases being fair, with an excellent and good rate of 90.6%. The effectiveness of using OSE technique for simple spinal canal decompression treatment of single segment LSS is satisfactory, with the advantages of minimal surgical trauma and fast recovery.

Comparison of effectiveness between unilateral biportal endoscopic and uniportal interlaminar endoscopic decompression in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis

To compare the effectiveness between unilateral laminotomy and bilateral decompression (ULBD) with unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) and uniportal interlaminar endoscopy (UIE) in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. A clinical data of 52 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, who met the selection criteria and treated with ULBD between March 2021 and November 2022, was retrospectively analyzed. The patients were allocated into UBE group (23 cases) and UIE group (29 cases) according to the surgical methods. There was no significant difference ( P>0.05) in age, gender, body mass index, surgical segment, type of lumbar stenosis, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score of low back pain, VAS score of leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), disc height, and dural sac area between the two groups. Perioperative indexes (incision length, operation time, hospital stay, and surgical complications), clinical indicators (VAS score of low back pain, VAS score of leg pain, and ODI before operation and at 3 days, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months after operation), and imaging indicators (disc height and dural sac area before operation and at 1, 12 months after operation, and dural sac expansion area) were recorded and compared between the two group. All operations in both groups were successfully completed. Compared with the UIE group, the UBE group had shorter operation time and longer incision length, with significant differences ( P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in hospital stay and incidence of complications between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 12-20 months (mean, 14 months). The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain and ODI after operation significantly improved when compared with preoperative values ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the above indicators between different time points after operation ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups at different time points ( P>0.05). Imaging examination showed that there was no significant difference in disc height between the two groups at different time points after operation ( P>0.05). However, the dural sac area and dural sac expansion area were significantly larger in the UBE group than in the UIE group ( P<0.05). ULBD with UBE and UIE can achieve satisfactory effectiveness in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. But the former has more thorough decompression and better dural sac expansion than the latter.

Diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemia causes sex-dependent deficiencies in offspring musculature and brain function.

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), characterized by elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels, is a known risk factor for cardiovascular, renal, and neurological diseases, as well as pregnancy complications. Our study aimed to investigate whether HHcy induced by a high-methionine (high-Met) diet exacerbates cognitive and behavioral deficits in offspring and leads to other breeding problems. Dietary HHcy was induced four weeks before mating and continued throughout gestation and post-delivery. A battery of behavioral tests was conducted on offspring between postnatal days (PNDs) 5 and 30 to assess motor function/activity and cognition. The results were correlated with brain morphometric measurements and quantitative analysis of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/autophagy markers. The high-Met diet significantly increased parental and offspring urinary tHcy levels and influenced offspring behavior in a sex-dependent manner. Female offspring exhibited impaired cognition, potentially related to morphometric changes observed exclusively in HHcy females. Male HHcy pups demonstrated muscle weakness, evidenced by slower surface righting, reduced hind limb suspension (HLS) hanging time, weaker grip strength, and decreased activity in the beaker test. Western blot analyses indicated the downregulation of autophagy and the upregulation of mTOR activity in HHcy cortexes. HHcy also led to breeding impairments, including reduced breeding rate, in-utero fetal death, lower pups' body weight, and increased mortality, likely attributed to placental dysfunction associated with HHcy. In conclusion, a high-Met diet impairs memory and cognition in female juveniles and weakens muscle strength in male pups. These effects may stem from abnormal placental function affecting early neurogenesis, the dysregulation of autophagy-related pathways in the cortex, or epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation triggered by HHcy during embryonic development.

Influence of radiological factors, psychosocial factors, and central sensitization-related symptoms on clinical symptoms in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis.

No study to date has concurrently evaluated the impact of radiological factors, psychosocial factors, and central sensitization (CS) related symptoms in a single lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS) patient cohort. To investigate the associations between these factors and clinical symptoms in LSS patients. We recruited 154 patients with LSS scheduled for surgery. Patient-reported outcome measures and imaging evaluation including clinical symptoms, psychosocial factors, CS-related symptoms, and radiological classifications. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and multiple regression analyses were employed. Spearman's correlation revealed CS-related symptoms positively correlated with low back pain (r= 0.25, p< 0.01), leg pain (r= 0.26, p< 0.01), and disability (r= 0.32, p< 0.01). Pain catastrophizing positively correlated with leg pain (r= 0.23, p< 0.01) and disability (r= 0.36, p< 0.01). Regression analysis showed that pain catastrophizing was associated with disability (β= 0.24, 95%CI = 0.03-0.18), and CS-related symptoms with low back pain (β= 0.28, 95%CI = 0.01-0.09). Radiological classifications were not associated with clinical symptoms. Our findings suggest that psychosocial factors and CS-related symptoms, rather than radiological factors, seem to contribute to clinical symptoms in patients with LSS.

Investigating the effect of posture correction on the amount of musculoskeletal pain of patient carriers in Bahoner Hospital, Kerman

Introduction: Due to the obviousness of musculoskeletal disorders in health workers, especially patient carriers, we felt it necessary to check the amount of musculoskeletal pain in these workers by correcting the posture. &#x0D; Mateials and Methods:The study is semi-experimental. First, a demographic questionnaire, a self-made questionnaire on the level of awareness and a Nordic questionnaire along with a numerical rating scale to measure the amount of pain related to musculoskeletal disorders were completed for all participants. Then, theoretical and practical interventions were carried out in order to correct posture using occupational medicine, ergonomics, and sports specialists, and again one month and six months later, questionnaires were completed and data were collected. At the end, data analysis was done with SPSS version 24 software.&#x0D; Results: Descriptive statistics show that interventions aimed at correcting posture reduce the average scores of pain for different body parts of patient carriers. And the most obvious musculoskeletal disorder is back pain.&#x0D; Statistical analysis showed that comparing the average score of back pain (p=0.000), neck (p=0.014), shoulder (p=0.006), knee (p=0.006) and leg (p=0.016) in patient carriers before There is a significant difference between postural correction and six months later.&#x0D; However, comparing the average pain score of elbow (p=0.18), wrist (p=0.06), back (p=0.3) and thigh (p=0.08) at the end of six months after correcting the posture, no significant difference was observed.&#x0D; Conclusion: It seems that correcting the posture while carrying and moving the patient with the help of occupational medicine, ergonomics and sports specialists can reduce musculoskeletal pain in medical workers, especially patient carriers. It was also seen that correcting posture has the fastest and greatest effect on reducing back, neck, shoulder, knee and leg pain.

Body Size Effect in Eothenomys miletus of Different Regions from Hengduan Mountain Regions: Roles of Growth Factor Contents

Background: Growth factors are active substances secreted by a variety of cells, acting as messengers to regulate cell migration, proliferation or differentiation, which had important regulatory roles in the growth of individual cells, tissues or organs. Growth factors can regulate the proliferation and differentiation ability of cells, which keep the internal environment stable and affect the body size. Methods: In order to investigate the influence of the changes of growth factors contents on body size in Eothenomys miletus from Hengduan mountain regions, E. miletus in Dali (DL), Jianchuan (JC), Lijiang (LJ), Xianggelila (XGLL) and Deqin (DQ) were collected and their 7 morphological indicators and 9 growth factors, including insulin-like growth factor1 (IGF1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), growth hormone release inhibitory factor (GRIF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transcription elongation factor1 (TCEA1), a disintegrin and metalloprotease17 (ADAM7), branched-chain amino acid transaminase1 (BCAT1), high mobility group protein1 (HMG1) were measured. Result: The results showed that body size of E. miletus among five regions had significant differentiated, body mass, body length, forelimb length, hind limb length, tail length, IGF, bFGF, EGF, PDGF, TCEA1 contents in DL, JC and LJ were greater than those of in XGLL and DQ and the contents of GRIF, ADAM7, BCAT1 and HMG1 were also different, decreasing with the increasing of regional latitude. Moreover, the increases in the contents of growth factors lead to the increase of body size in E. miletus, which does not support Bergman's law. Regional differences in body size of E. miletus in different regions may be related to the changes in body mass, morphological indicators and the content of growth factors. Moreover, growth factors may affect the body size of E. miletus by affecting the proliferation of bone, epidermis, muscle and differentiation of cells.

Prevalence of Lameness in Dairy Cows and Associated Risk Factors at Hawassa Town Dairy Farms, Ethiopia.

Lameness is one of the greatest constraints on the productivity, health, and welfare of dairy cattle. A cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2021 to September 2021 in Hawassa town with the aim of assessing the prevalence and identifying the associated risk factors of lameness in dairy farms. The study was conducted on 440 animals belonging to 19 randomly selected intensive dairy farms. Data regarding lameness and its possible risk factors were collected both at animal and farm level using a questionnaire. The results showed that the overall prevalence of lameness was 10.2% (n = 45/440). The association of lameness prevalence with various risk factors including milking status, exercise, age, parity, milk yield, and lactation stage was statistically tested using logistic regression model. There was a significant variation in the prevalence of lameness (P < 0.05) between cattle with different milking status, age, parity, milk yield, and stage of lactation by the univariable analysis result. According to the multivariable analysis, only milk yield and lactation stage were statistically associated with the occurrence of lameness. Milking animals (8%) had higher prevalence of lameness than nonmilking (2.2%). The occurrence of lameness increased with milk yield. The highest prevalence of lameness was recorded in the early stage of lactation. Lameness was more frequent in hind limbs (6.6%) than in forelimbs (3.6%). The main causes of lameness observed in this study were both claw overgrowth 10 (2.3%), unequal claw size 10 (2.3%), solar ulcer 8 (1.8%), interdigital necrobacillosis 2 (0.5%), interdigital hyperplasia 2 (0.5%), and digital dermatitis 1 (0.2%). There was no means of early lameness diagnosis in 94.7% of farms. Lameness was found to be an important disease in dairy cows at Hawassa town. Prevention and early diagnosis leading to prompt treatment of lameness in cows should be part of dairy farm management practice.

Does type of bone graft matter? A retrospective review of the use of biological bone grafts in patients undergoing elective 1-3 level spinal interbody fusion.

There is a lack of strong evidence for use of expensive bone substitutes. This study compares perioperative data and patient reported quality-of-life outcomes across the varied types of bone graft extenders. The study analyzes the existing Quality and Outcomes Database and evaluates patient reported outcomes for 1-3 level lumbar fusion procedures comparing across different types of biologics bone graft. We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively collected data registry. Bone graft implant data were collected and grouped into the following categories: (1) Autograft with basic allograft (2) Enhanced, synthetic, or cellular allograft (3) Use of BMP. Preoperative and 1year patient reported outcomes and perioperative data from the prospective collected registry were analyzed. There were 384 patients included in this study. There were 168 (43.8%) patients in group 1, 133 (34.6%) patients in group 2, and 83 (21.6%) in group 3. There were no group differences in baseline or 1year back pain, leg pain, ODI, or EQ-5D. The GLM Repeated Measures results indicate a significant difference within each of the three groups between the preoperative and postoperative measures for back pain, leg pain, ODI, and EQ-5D. The change over time was not significantly different between the groups. Bone graft extenders are a significant contributor to the cost of lumbar fusion. This study demonstrates no difference in preoperative, and 1year patient reported outcomes between the three groups. There was no significant difference in rate of reoperations across the three groups.

Mitochondrial Transplantation Therapy Ameliorates Muscular Dystrophy in mdx Mouse Model.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by loss of the dystrophin protein. This pathology is accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction contributing to muscle fiber instability. It is known that mitochondria-targeted in vivo therapy mitigates pathology and improves the quality of life of model animals. In the present work, we applied mitochondrial transplantation therapy (MTT) to correct the pathology in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. Intramuscular injections of allogeneic mitochondria obtained from healthy animals into the hind limbs of mdx mice alleviated skeletal muscle injury, reduced calcium deposits in muscles and serum creatine kinase levels, and improved the grip strength of the hind limbs and motor activity of recipient mdx mice. We noted normalization of the mitochondrial ultrastructure and sarcoplasmic reticulum/mitochondria interactions in mdx muscles. At the same time, we revealed a decrease in the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation in the skeletal muscle mitochondria of recipient mdx mice accompanied by a reduction in lipid peroxidation products (MDA products) and reduced calcium overloading. We found no effect of MTT on the expression of mitochondrial signature genes (Drp1, Mfn2, Ppargc1a, Pink1, Parkin) and on the level of mtDNA. Our results show that systemic MTT mitigates the development of destructive processes in the quadriceps muscle of mdx mice.