The southern giant pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei) is a large rodent utilised in recognition of landmines, pulmonary tuberculosis and Brucella infection. Additionally, they are kept as pet animals. The aim of this study was to describe the radiological anatomy of the pelvis and hind limb and to provide measurements of the hind limb bones in southern giant pouched rats. Radiological examinations were performed in 10 live and five dead adult southern giant pouched rats. The pelvis had a relatively short pelvic symphysis and the ischial tuberosities were less prominent. The obturator foramina and cranial opening of the pelvis had a pear-shape. The proximal extremity of the femur had well-developed major, minor and third trochanters, with the major trochanter extending higher than the femoral head. All rats had medial and lateral fabellae. Ossicles of the menisci were visualised. The mineralised popliteal sesamoid bone was not seen. Tibia and fibula were fused in the distal third of the crus. Seven tarsal bones were seen and the tarsal sesamoid bone was present in all rats. Five slender metatarsal bones and digits were present. The os penis was seen in all male rats. The tibia was the longest bone of the hind limb. This study has provided the radiological anatomy of the pelvis and hind limb of the southern giant pouched rat. Information from this study will be beneficial to anatomists, clinicians and students in more understanding of the functional anatomy of the pelvis and hind limb of southern giant pouched rats.

To investigate the asymmetrical sacroiliac joint degeneration (SIJD) in degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS), and to evaluate the correlation between SIJ degeneration, spinopelvic parameters and clinical outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed 183 DLS patients. Preoperative measurements were measured on full-length plain radiographs. Backlund's protocol was used to assess SIJD on CT scans. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including the Visual analogue scale for back pain (VAS-BP) and leg pain (VAS-LP), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r) were recorded at baseline. Correlation analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between the SIJD and spinopelvic parameters and between the SIJD and PROMs. SIJ degeneration was more severe on the convex side than on the concave side (p = 0.013). The asymmetry degree of SIJD between the concave side and the convex side was significantly associated with Cobb angle (r = 0.251, p = 0.012) and lumbosacral coronal angle (r = 0.426, p = 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that factors associated with SIJ degeneration were the PIA (coefficient B = 0.153), and LSLA (coefficient B=-0.118). SIJ degeneration was significantly correlated with preoperative VAS-BP, SRS-22 pain, SRS-22 activity and SF-36 PCS (all p < 0.05). SIJ degeneration was more severe on the convex side compared to the concave side in DLS, and the asymmetry degree increased with both the Cobb angle and the lumbosacral coronal angle. PIA and LSLA were significantly associated with SIJ degeneration score. These findings highlight the importance of considering the SIJ during preoperative assessment and surgical planning for DLS, particularly in patients with severe SIJ degeneration, which may contribute to low back pain and functional limitation.

Double Crush Syndrome (DCS) represents a relatively uncommon peripheral neuropathy caused by compression of the same nerve at two distinct sites. A single lumbar nerve root traverses a long pathway within the spinal structure, making it susceptible to compression at multiple sites. This dual-site entrapment results in dysfunction of a single nerve root and may be easily overlooked in clinical practice, often leading to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. Considering the limited number of reported cases involving double-site compression of lumbar nerve roots, the present study aimed to report our institutional experience in managing such cases. All patients were treated using a unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) technique to achieve decompression at both compression sites. Furthermore, a comprehensive literature review on DCS was conducted, and a preliminary classification framework was proposed based on the patterns of pathology described in previous reports. A total of 16 patients diagnosed with DCS were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, clinical symptom characteristics, pre- and postoperative imaging, intraoperative details, functional outcome scores, patient satisfaction, and postoperative complications were collected and reviewed. These data were used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of UBE in the treatment of lumbar DCS. In addition, all English-language publications on DCS published after the year 2000 were narratively reviewed. The included studies were categorized according to the anatomical locations and pathological types of compression to establish a new classification system for DCS. Among the 16 patients, 12 had a double crush of the L5 nerve root, and 4 had a double crush of the L4 nerve root. All patients underwent single-stage dual-site decompression using the UBE technique. Postoperative clinical symptom scores improved significantly, and no recurrence of symptoms was observed at 1-year follow-up. The mean endoscopic operative time was 118.4 ± 13.5min, the mean postoperative bed rest duration was 1.8 ± 0.9 days, and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.7 ± 1.5 days. The patients' mean postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain and leg pain, as well as their Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), showed a significant decrease compared with preoperative values, with no significant changes observed after the 1-month follow-up. Postoperative imaging confirmed complete decompression in all cases, and no severe complications occurred. Based on the literature review, the newly proposed classification system divided DCS into two major categories comprising five subtypes. Single‑stage dual‑site UBE decompression is safe and effective for Type IIc lumbar DCS, providing significant and sustained symptom improvement. The proposed classification is a preliminary working framework to improve recognition and management of DCS. Given the retrospective design, small sample, and lack of specific diagnostic criteria, future prospective controlled studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate these findings.

To explore effects of needle knife on autophagy and matrix degradation-related proteins of chondrocytes in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Eighteen healthy male New Zealand rabbits aged 6 months, with a body weight of (2.0±0.5) kg, were selected and randomly divided into blank group, model group and needle knife group, with 6 rabbits in each group. KOA rabbit animal model was established by fixing and immobilizing left hind limb of rabbits in an extended position with a plaster cast for 6 weeks, following the modified Videman method. The control group was not immobilized. Both of control group and model group were not intervened. The needle knife group received needle knife intervention once a week for 4 weeks. One week later, Kellgren-Lawrence(K-L) grading and Magnetic Resonance Knee Osteoarthritis Score (MOAKS) were used to evaluate bone spurs, joint space, cartilage smoothness and effusion on the left knee joint of rabbits; Lequesne MG score was used to evaluate effects of acupuncture knife on symptoms, signs and functional activities of rabbit's knee joint. After killing rabbits, cartilage morphology of left knee joint was observed;pathological changes of cartilage on the left knee joint of rabbits were examined by hematoxylin O-eosin staining under a light microscope;TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining technique was used to detect apoptosis rate of chondrocytes on the left knee joint of rabbits. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect autophagy of chondrocytes on the left knee joint and expressions of regulatory molecules for cartilage matrix degradation, including myosin-like bcl2 interacting protein (Beclin-1), light chain 3 (LC3), miR-107, cysteine aspartate-specific protease 1 (Caspase-1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), collagen typeⅡ(CollagenⅡ), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), at mRNA and protein levels. Compared with blank group, the surface of left knee joint cartilage in model group showed defects, with unclear structure, reduced matrix staining, disordered cell arrangement, mostly in clustered distribution, significantly reduced in quantity, and chaotic and unclear marginal lines;the apoptosis rate of chondrocytes increased, while K-L grading level, MOAKS score, Lequesne MG score rose, and visual assessment score also increased. The expressions of Caspase-1, IL-1β, MMP-3, and MMP-13 mRNA and proteins in cartilage tissue were upregulated, and all the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). The expressions of Beclin-1, LC3, miR-107, CollagenⅡmRNA, as well as Beclin-1, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ, and CollagenⅡproteins in cartilage tissue were all decreased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the surface of left knee joint cartilage in needle knife group was smoother, with fewer defects, clearer structure, more uniform and normal matrix staining, more orderly cell arrangement and an increase in cell number, and the ridges were clearer and more complete;K-L grade, MOAKS, and Lequesne MG scores decreased, the visual assessment score decreased(P<0.05), apoptosis rate of chondrocytes decreased, and mRNA and protein expressions of Caspase-1, IL-1β, MMP-3, and MMP-13 in cartilage tissue were all downregulated;all the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01);expressions of Beclin-1, LC3, miR-107, CollagenⅡmRNA, and Beclin-1, CollagenⅡproteins in cartilage tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01), and expression of LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰprotein in cartilage tissue was also increased, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Based on the theory of meridians, acupuncture and knife therapy could promote chondrocyte autophagy by regulating the expression of proteins such as Beclin-1, LC3, miR-107, and Caspase-1, reduce apoptosis, inhibit the degradation of cartilage matrix, lower the level of inflammation, delay degeneration of articular cartilage, and exert functions of protecting cartilage and improving knee joint pain and functional disorders.

To observe the effect of acupotomy on the piezoelectric mechanical gating ion channel component 1(Piezo1)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)/long-chain acyl coenzyme A synthetase 4(ACSL4)signaling axis of knee chondrocytes in knee osteoarthritis(KOA)rabbits, so as to explore its mechanisms underly improvement of KOA. Twenty-four male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into blank control, KOA model and acupotomy groups, with 8 rabbits in each group. The KOA model was established by immobilizing the left hind limb (with a plaster cast) in an extended position for 6 weeks according to the modified Videman method. For rabbits of the acupotomy group, the needle-knife release technique was applied to the musculotendon lesion points ("Hedingci" "Binwaishang" "Binneishang" "Chengfeijian" "Weiyangci" and "Yinlingci") of the left knee, once a week for 4 weeks. The degree of the left knee joint dysfunction was assessed by referring to Lequesne MG's functional disability scale (pain reaction [0-3 points], gait [0-3 points], joint motion [0-3 points] and swelling [0-2 points]) before and after the intervention. Histopathological changes of the left knee joint cartilage tissue (chondrocytes) were observed after H.E. staining. The mitochondrial structure of the cartilage chondrocytes was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mRNA expression levels of Piezo1, GPX4 and ACSL4 in the cartilage tissue were detected by using real-time qPCR. The protein expression levels of Piezo1, GPX4 and ACSL4 in the cartilage tissue were detected by using Western blot. Compared with the blank control group, the model group showed a significant increase in the Lequesne MG score (P<0.01), expression levels of Piezo1 and ACSL4 mRNAs and proteins(P<0.01), and a notable decrease in the expression levels of GPX4 mRNA and protein(P<0.01, P<0.05).Compared with the model group, the acupotomy group had an evident decrease in the Lequesne MG score(P<0.05), expression levels of Piezo1 and ACSL4 mRNAs and proteins (P<0.01, P<0.05), and an evident increase in the expression levels of GPX4 mRNA and protein(P<0.01, P<0.05). The results of H.E. staining showed a rough surface of the cartilage of the left knee joint, wrinkled and broken nucleus, being sparse in number, scattered arrangement and with uneven level in the model group. Whereas in the acupotomy group, the cartilage surface of the knee joint was relatively flat, the nucleus was clear and increased in the number and the arrangement was in order, and the level was relatively distinct. The results of TEM showed shrunk and irregular chondrocytes, ruptured cell membrane, multiple dissolved cytoplasm, formation of some vacuoles, round or oval mitochondria with reduction in the number, shortening in the ridge, even disappearance, and dissolved matrix in a large area in the model group. In the acupotomy group, the chondrocytes were relatively regular in shape, with complete membrane and uniform cytoplasm, and the mitochondria were more in the number, with more uniform matrix and more ridges. Acupotomy can improve the motor function in KOA rabbits, which may be associated with its functions in inhibiting chondrocyte ferroptosis by regulating Piezo1/GPX4/ACSL4 signaling axis, and relieving cartilage injury.

To characterize hind limb extensor muscle activation timing during trotting in clinically normal Beagles using surface electromyography (EMG) within the context of canine gait analysis and to evaluate whether event-based kinematic reference points provide a physiologically meaningful framework for interpreting activation timing. An observational exploratory study was conducted in 4 clinically normal Beagles. Synchronized surface EMG (1,000 Hz) and 3-D motion capture (240 Hz) were recorded from 8 hind limbs during unrestrained overground trotting. Threshold-based muscle onset and offset timing were determined for the middle gluteal, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles. Two kinematic events, the swing vertical moment (SwV) and the stance vertical moment (StV), were defined to anchor activation timing relative to gait mechanics. Substantial inter- and intraindividual variability in muscle activation patterns was observed, including differences between contralateral hind limbs. Despite this variability, consistent intermuscle features emerged: the vastus lateralis most frequently exhibited delayed activation, whereas the middle gluteal muscle tended to terminate activity earlier during stance. Across most hind limbs, muscle onset clustered within the SwV-touchdown interval, and activity termination occurred after the StV. Hind limb muscle activation timing during trotting is characterized by pronounced limb-specific variability. Event-based kinematic references, such as the SwV and StV, provide a refined temporal reference for EMG interpretation without assuming fixed gait-cycle proportions. These findings support limb-specific neuromuscular assessment and event-based temporal analysis in canine gait evaluation, with potential relevance for veterinary biomechanics research and rehabilitation planning.

Adaptive insect locomotion depends on interactions between the nervous system and body dynamics, yet how these components contribute to inter-leg coordination remains unclear. We investigated the role of direct neural coupling by unilaterally transecting the posterior intermediate connective linking the mesothoracic and metathoracic ganglia in the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. We analyzed kinematic changes and compared them with predictions from a purely neural phase oscillator network model featuring hierarchical asymmetric coupling. The experiments showed a clear dissociation: transection disrupted anti-phase coordination between the contralateral hind legs (from 188°to 104°, Cohen's d > 1.5) while frequency synchronization across all six legs persisted despite a substantial overall frequency reduction (from 4.8 Hz to 2.0 Hz). Amplitude and mean angle also changed in legs ipsilateral to the transection. The neural model reproduced the phase shift quantitatively (98.25°, 5.5% error) but selectively departed from the biological data in three respects-the overall frequency reduction, the maintenance of synchronization among decoupled legs, and local amplitude and mean angle changes. Each departure points to a distinct role of embodied dynamics beyond neural connectivity alone. These results demonstrate a functional two-layer architecture: neural coupling determines phase relationships (timing coordination), whereas embodiment and sensory feedback regulate frequency and amplitude (tempo and magnitude control). By experimentally isolating neural connectivity and comparing biological responses with a neural-only model, this study disentangles the distinct contributions of central circuits and physical dynamics. The findings provide biological evidence for a hybrid control strategy in which fixed neural patterning establishes coordination templates continuously adapted by mechanical interactions, offering bio-inspired design principles for resilient legged robots.

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin with therapeutic potential, particularly in the fields of analgesia, cancer pain treatment, and drug addiction therapy. However, its high toxicity and lack of antidotes limit its clinical application. This study evaluated the acute toxicity and sub-acute toxicity of TTX via intramuscular injection in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The acute toxicity test employed the Bliss method to determine the median lethal dose (LD50), with 10 rats per group (sex-balanced). Rats received a single intramuscular injection at doses of 8.2-20.0μg/kg. The sub-acute toxicity study was conducted through daily intramuscular injections at doses of 1.5, 3.0, and 6.0μg/kg/day for 28 consecutive days. Parameters, including body weight, food consumption, hematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, and histopathology, were assessed. Acute toxicity was characterized by squinting, reduced spontaneous activity, convulsions, hind limb rigidity, limb weakness, and mortality. In the sub-acute toxicity study, no toxicity-related changes associated with TTX treatment were observed in any dose group compared to controls, including in food consumption, hematology, urinalysis, and histopathological examination. Although statistically significant differences in body weight, serum biochemical, and organ weights were noted at certain time points in individual dose groups, these were not dose-dependent and were of minimal magnitude. The LD50 of TTX administered via a single intramuscular injection in SD rats was 13.1μg/kg. In the sub-acute toxicity study, no adverse effects were observed up to the highest tested dose (6.0μg/kg/day), which was therefore considered the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) under the conditions.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe condition with high disability. We aimed to explore the role and mechanism of M2-EVs in SCI-induced inflammation in rats, providing novel treatment methods for SCI. Primary macrophages were differentiated into M2 macrophages. M2-EVs were extracted, followed by morphology detection and measurement of CD63, TSG101, and Calnexin. SCI rats were injected with M2-EVs, followed by assessment of hind limb motor ability, pathological changes, nerve cell morphology, and proinflammatory factor expression. LPS-stimulated spinal astrocytes were treated with M2-EVs. Cell viability, ROS levels, LDH and MDA contents, the expression of lncRNA FTX, FTX, KDM3A, and KLF3, the binding of FTX to KDM3A, and KDM3A enrichment and H3K9me2 on the KLF3 promoter were detected. Results exhibited that M2-EVs treatment increased BBB score, recovered the damaged spinal cord structure, reduced neuronal loss and proinflammatory factor expression. M2-EVs treatment increased cell viability and decreased inflammation. Mechanistically, M2-EVs delivered FTX into cells. FTX bound to KDM3A and inhibited KLF3 expression via blocking H3K9me2 demethylation. KDM3A and KLF3 overexpression partially reversed the inhibitory effect of M2-EVs on inflammation in SCI. In conclusion, M2-EVs suppress SCI inflammation by delivering FTX into cells and inhibiting the KDM3A/KLF3 axis.

To develop an integrated system for tendon injury repair that combines electrical stimulation, drug iontophoresis, and electromyography (EMG) monitoring, and validate it in a rat Achilles tendon injury model. A flexible 16-channel acquisition and stimulation system was constructed based on field programmable gate array. The system had a sampling rate ranging from 250 SPS to 16 kSPS with a resolution of 5 μV, and the stimulation current was 2.55 mA with a resolution of 10 nA, enabling synchronous and stable stimulation and signal monitoring. Fifteen Sprague-Dawley rats with induced Achilles tendon injuries were randomly allocated to three groups ( n=5): blank control, electrical stimulation, and drug iontophoresis groups. The Achilles tendon injury model was established by injecting typeⅠcollagenase solution into the Achilles tendon of right hind limb. At 3 days after modeling, the electrical stimulation group and drug iontophoresis group received corresponding interventions with the self-developed system for 2 consecutive weeks, and aspirin was delivered via iontophoresis in the latter group. No treatment was performed in the blank control group. The survival status and limb motor function of rats were observed, and EMG signals were recorded throughout the intervention. Gross observation and histological examination (HE staining and Sirius red staining) of Achilles tendons were performed at 2 and 4 weeks since the initiation of intervention to evaluate the repair effect. All rats survived until the scheduled experimental time point. All animals presented postoperative limping, which recovered spontaneously within 2 weeks without obvious intergroup difference. EMG results demonstrated that all groups underwent a consistent three-stage recovery process, namely compensatory activation, collagen remodeling, and functional recovery. The electrical stimulation group exhibited the mildest EMG fluctuations, whereas the drug iontophoresis group showed the most significant early muscular compensatory activation. Obvious differences in EMG characteristics between the injured and contralateral healthy sides were observed in the early stage, which gradually diminished and finally achieved synchronization with the progression of tendon repair. The support vector machine (SVM) achieved a classification accuracy of 85.8% for recovery stage identification. Gross observation and histological examination revealed that both intervention groups displayed milder peritendinous adhesion and better tendon luster compared with the blank control group, and achieved superior tendon repair outcomes. The integrated system proves to be effective for both the assessment and intervention of tendon injury repair. EMG signals can reliably distinguish between different stages of Achilles tendon recovery. Furthermore, both electrical stimulation and iontophoretic drug delivery promote repair by effectively regulating collagen remodeling and modulating compensatory muscle activation patterns.

Normative data on the hind foot of Sprague-Dawley rats.

Aqua training promotes changes of skeletal muscle mass in show jumping horses.

The paired appendages of vertebrates are a pivotal developmental innovation, of which the pelvic fins of teleosts are evolutionarily homologous to the hind limbs of tetrapods. The small snakehead (Channa asiatica), an important freshwater fish with significant commercial value, lacks the pelvic fins while some other fish species in the same genus have. To determine the genetic changes underlying the pelvic fin loss in the small snakehead, we assembled the chromosome-level genome of the species based on PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing technology and performed comparative genomics analyses. The final genome assembly of the small snakehead has a total length of 714.57 Mb with 23 chromosomes (contig N50 of 27.93 Mb and scaffold N50 of 28.54 Mb), and 193.09 Mb (27.02%) interspersed repeats and 22,300 protein-coding genes were annotated. Phylogenetic and divergence analyses indicated that the small snakehead was the sister branch to the combination of the northern snakehead (C. argus) and the blotched snakehead (C. maculata) and diverged from the common ancestor approximately 24.7 Mya. Three small snakehead-specific missense mutations were identified in tbx4 gene whose loss could cause the pelvic fin loss. Significant chromosomal rearrangement and 214 small snakehead-specific structural variations (SSSVs) were detected between the small snakehead and other Channa species. Among these SSSVs, the deletion in pax7a was likely to play a role in the pelvic fin loss. Furthermore, the specific loss of conserved non-coding regulatory elements (CNEs) related to limb/fin development was detected in the small snakehead, which possibly led to the pelvic fin loss of the small snakehead. The present study generated the high-quality chromosome-scale reference genome of the small snakehead, which provided a valuable genomic resource for the follow-up studies, and our findings shed light on the important genetic clues regarding pelvic fin loss in the species.

Musculoskeletal and Marrow Sparing with Proton FLASH Radiotherapy in Juvenile Mice.

To describe and demonstrate subjective and objective techniques for assessing the quality and passive range of motion (ROM) of the distal forelimb and hind limb joints of the horse. Special attention will be given to the tarsus, carpus, and fetlock joints, as these sites are most prone to injury and/or pathology and thus most clinically relevant. Adult horses undergoing distal limb joint ROM assessment for clinical diagnostic or treatment monitoring purposes. First, subjective techniques for assessing distal limb joint motion and end-feel as well as general guidelines for normal joint ROM are described and demonstrated in the sagittal plane (flexion/extension). Then, a step-by-step guide to objective joint ROM assessment using goniometry is presented for the metacarpophalangeal, metatarsophalangeal, radiocarpal, and tibiotarsal joints. Finally, clinical considerations, indications, and contraindications for distal limb joint ROM assessment are discussed, alongside common pathologies associated with increased or decreased joint ROM. Instructions for obtaining goniometric measures of joint flexion/extension angle in selected distal forelimb and hind limb joints are provided and, when executed correctly, correlate to radiographic measurements, offering a straightforward, objective technique for establishing a baseline and monitoring treatment progress. A systematic assessment of distal limb joint ROM, combining subjective and objective techniques, is an integral part of the clinical orthopedic examination of equine patients. When executed correctly, quantifying distal limb joint ROM with the use of goniometry, which has been shown to correlate with joint angles measured radiographically, can aid the clinical decision-making process and enables objective monitoring and response to treatment.

To demonstrate the uses, data interpretation, and limitations of objective gait analysis methods in equine practice. Teaching and client-owned horses. Informed owner consent was obtained for all animals used in the making of this technical tutorial video. Primary literature relevant to this video was reviewed from January 2016 to January 2026. Images and data were collected from teaching horses and client-owned horses. Objective gait analysis provides accurate and repeatable data on the locomotion of a horse; however, inaccuracies may occur, especially in cases of mild hind limb lameness and inaccurate sensor placement. Inertial measurement unit systems offer good repeatability across trials and function in differing environmental conditions. They provide objective assessment of changes in lameness after flexion tests and local analgesia. However, inertial measurement units require precise and time-consuming sensor placement, as well as establishment of a wireless connection. In contrast, camera-based systems have a faster setup, are less expensive, and are portable. They also allow owner-recorded videos to be uploaded for at-home analysis. Camera-based systems frequently require more trot-up and are more sensitive to suboptimal environmental conditions. The use of α-2 agonists during lameness evaluation can mask forelimb lameness but have limited effects on hind limb lameness. Tranquilizers generally do not interfere with gait analysis. In summary, objective gait analysis is a useful aid for clinicians in assessing mild or multilimb lameness and should be used in conjunction with subjective lameness evaluation.

To describe the anatomic landmarks and demonstrate the method used to collect goniometric measurements of dog and cat joints. Dogs and cats evaluated for joint and bone problems, as shown in the video. A goniometer is used to measure flexion and extension to detect joint disease and monitor response to therapy and disease progression. The dog or cat is placed in lateral recumbency. A hinged plastic goniometer with 2 arms adapted to the pet size is used. The proximal arm is stationary. The distal arm moves with the limb segment. To place the goniometer consistently, the long axis of the stationary and moving arms of the goniometer are aligned with specific anatomic landmarks palpable from the skin surface. For the forelimb, the landmarks include the spine of the scapula, greater tubercle, caudal aspect of the humeral head, lateral epicondyle, craniocaudal midpoint of the distal aspect of the antebrachium, and dorsal aspect of the metacarpals. For the hind limb, the landmarks include the tuber sacrale and ischiadicum, greater trochanter, patella, lateral fabella, tibial tubercle, fibular head, lateral malleolus, and dorsal aspect of the metatarsals. Measurements are collected in full flexion and extension. Goniometry enables the collection of objective and repeatable measurements of joint motion in dog limbs. Goniometry is a safe and convenient method to measure flexion and extension of normal and abnormal joints that has been validated in healthy Labrador Retrievers and cats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of low-load blood flow restriction (BFR) training on lower limb kinematics during the fencing lunge, quadriceps strength, and balance in collegiate fencers. Sixteen collegiate sabre and epee fencers were randomly assigned to either a BFR group (n = 8) or a general leg extension (GLE) group (n = 8). Both groups performed 6 weeks of leg extension training. The BFR group trained at 30% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and the GLE group at 70% of 1RM. Due to dropouts, data from 14 participants were included in the final analysis. Primary outcomes were lower limb kinematics during three defined phases of the fencing lunge, quadriceps isometric strength, and static balance, assessed before and after the intervention. Between-group comparisons of change scores (Δ) were evaluated using effect sizes (Rank-biserial r) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Between-group Δ comparisons revealed small-to-large effect sizes favoring BFR across rear leg kinematic variables in all fencing lunge phases (r = 0.24-0.52). The largest effect was observed in rear leg hip flexion angle during Phase 3 (r = 0.52, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.83). Significant between-group differences were found in front leg knee flexion angle during Phase 2 (p = .043) and rear leg hip extension angular velocity during Phase 3 (p = .029). Both groups showed significant increases in rear leg quadriceps strength (p < .05), with no meaningful changes in static balance. These kinematic improvements are functionally relevant, as greater rear leg hip flexion and faster angular velocity during the fencing lunge are associated with increased propulsive force and more effective lunge execution in competitive fencing. Preliminary evidence suggests that low-load BFR training may produce small-to-large effects on rear leg kinematics during the fencing lunge and may enhance quadriceps strength, providing a safe and practical alternative to high-load training for improving fencing performance.

• AI with linear appraisal enhances fertility management in dairy goats. • Skeletal robustness and hind leg soundness improve fertility resilience. • Angular frames and compact udders show links with fertility variation. • Bone quality and udder attachment emerge as key reproductive traits. • Excessive stature and deep udders reduce reproductive efficiency. This study examines the relationship between linear appraisal and long-term fertility dynamics in Murciano-Granadina goats, analyzing a dataset of 21,757 does and 32,693 artificial insemination (AI) records collected over 10 years. Fertility was assessed by day of insemination, buck batch, and semen type (fresh/chilled vs. frozen/thawed). Descriptive fertility rates revealed mean values of 52.6% (day of insemination), 53.4% (buck batch/day), and 48.3% (semen type). Canonical correlation analysis (rCCA) showed significant but moderate associations between fertility and morphology (canonical correlations: 0.191, 0.144, and 0.045). First two canonical functions explained 96.7% of variability, though redundancy coefficients were low (≤0.0146), indicating that morphology accounted for only a moderate proportion of fertility variability. Specific LAS traits provided subtle insights: chest width and rump width negatively correlated with fertility (r = –0.14 and –0.11, respectively), while bone quality showed the highest positive association (r ≈ 0.05). Rear udder insertion height and hind leg side view were positively linked to fertility resilience under frozen/thawed semen use. Conversely, excessively deep udders and large body size tended to compromise fertility, likely through mastitis risk or negative energy balance. Findings suggest skeletal robustness, udder attachment, and hind leg conformation support both fertility and productive longevity, while extreme dairy specialization may reduce reproductive outcomes. Overall, fertility in Murciano-Granadina does is multifactorial and moderately explained by linear appraisal traits, hence integrating morphological evaluation with artificial insemination strategies may enhance selection decisions. Future breeding programs should prioritize bone quality, functional udder morphology, and locomotor soundness to balance milk productivity with reproductive efficiency.

The growth of birds is a subject of constant interest to researchers, and somewhat contradictory data on this issue have accumulated. It is known that the growth patterns of fore- and hind limbs differ during the embryonic and postnatal periods, whereas their increments change rather similarly. The question arises: how are these contradictory trends reconciled, and what role do they play in shaping body proportions? Our study was carried out on Rook embryos and nestlings. We studied the dynamics of changes in head, forelimb, and hind limb length in relation to body mass using regression analysis. Then, the dynamics of relative sizes were compared with the dynamics of relative increments of these traits that we studied earlier. We distinguished four periods in the dynamics of relative sizes, just as we identified earlier in the dynamics of relative increments, when the growth trajectories of traits undergo significant changes. The studied traits scaled mainly with positive allometry in the first period (from the 10th to 13th days of embryogenesis) and third period (from the 5th to 23rd days of the postnatal period), negative allometry in the second period (from the 14th day of embryonic to the 3rd day of postnatal development) and isometrical in the fourth period (from 25th to 30th days of the postnatal period). Despite the roughly consistent changes in an organism within the designated periods, variations in the regression exponents led to changes in proportions. The hind limb had the highest growth rate during embryogenesis, while the forelimb grew faster across most of the nesting period. We assume that changes in the dynamics of body parts' growth are associated with the preparation of organs for function and with the influence of factors that limit the growth of an entire organism.