Leg Scores Research Articles

106 Effect of Sire Breed on Gain, Carcass Characteristics and Parasite Resistance of Katahdin Crossbred Feedlot-Finished Lambs: Year 2

Improvement of carcass merit while maintaining parasite resistance is critical to retain profitability in Katahdin sheep. In year 2 of this study different Katahdin (KT), Suffolk and Texel (TX) sires were used to mate Katahdin ewes. Lambs were born and raised in confinement until weaning, then shipped to the West Virginia University Animal Science Farm. Lambs were transitioned onto a complete pellet (16% CP) and were fed ad lib throughout the study. After transition all lambs (n = 7 KT, 13 SU, 11 TX) were infected with 10,000 Haemonchus contortus larvae and weight, blood and fecal samples were collected weekly for the duration. After 5 wk all lambs were treated with levamisole (8mg/kg) and lambs were challenge infected 3 wk later with 10,000 H. contortus larvae. Ultrasonic determination of REA and fat depth occurred 1 wk prior to the end of the 77 d study. Upon study completion 5 lambs from each sire group were randomly selected for carcass analysis at the Virginia Tech Meats Laboratory. Analysis of parasitological data indicated no effect of sire during the primary infection however sire effects were observed during challenge infection as SU-sired lambs had a greater fecal egg count (FEC) (269 eggs/g) compared to KT-sired lambs (116 eggs/g; P = 0.04) whereas FEC of TX-sired lambs was not different from either sire group (170 eggs/g) P > 0.05. Upon slaughter no differences in worm burden of representative sire groups were observed. No significant differences were found in growth data between the sire groups, however, SU-sired lambs tended to have higher ADG (0.34 kg/d) vs. KT (0.25 kg/d; P = 0.051) but no advantage compared to TX-sired lambs (0.28 kg/d). Analysis of REA using ultrasound and direct carcass measurements revealed no sire effect (SU 15.19 cm2; TX 14.91 cm2, KT 12.71 cm2; P > 0.05). Leg score favored SU (11.6) and TX (11.2) lambs vs. KT-sired lambs (10.4) P < 0.05. A consistent trend can be observed across years, however there is a significant amount of sire variation which has the potential to impact performance of Katahdin crossbred lambs. These data indicate a need to further evaluate variation within the Texel breed to better identify superior rams.

Unilaterally posterior lumbar interbody fusion with double expandable peek cages without pedicle screw support for lumbar disc herniation

ObjectivesPosterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is usually bilateral procedure, and it is combined with posterior by bilateral pedicle screw support or with fixation. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the surgical outcomes of simple discectomy and PLIF without pedicle screw support in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Patients and methods60 patients with single segment LDH were operated between February 2010 and June 2013. 40 patients were treated with simple discectomy (Group 1) and 20 patients were treated with PLIF using double expandable polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages without instrumentation (Group 2) unilaterally. Pain and function were evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) before and 18 months after surgery. Besides, PLIF patients were evaluated with computerized tomography (CT) scan of lumbar vertebra for the evaluation of the height of the disc, instability and fusion. ResultsBoth leg and low back pain VAS scores were significantly improved 18 months after surgery in both of the groups (p<0.001). Significant decrease in VAS low back pain scores was seen in group 2 when compared to group 1 (p<0.001). Height of the intervertebral disc space was preserved and no instability was detected in group 2. No recurrence and 80% fusion rate was achieved in group 2. ConclusionThis study showed that unilateral PLIF intervention with double expandable PEEK cages without pedicle screw support would be sufficient in the management of single segment lumbar disc herniation in patients whom are thought to have lumbar stabilization.

Correlation Between Ankle-Dorsiflexion and Hip-Flexion Range of Motion and the Functional Movement Screen Hurdle-Step Score.

Functional movement screening (FMS) has been gaining popularity in the fields of sports medicine and performance. Currently, limited research has examined whether FMS screening that identifies low FMS scores is attributed primarily to limits in range of motion (ROM). To compare scores from the FMS hurdle-step movement with ROM measurements for ankle dorsiflexion and hip flexion (HF). Correlational research design. Sports medicine research laboratory. 20 healthy active male (age 21.2 ± 2.4 y, weight 77.8 ± 10.2 kg, height 180.8 ± 6.8 cm) and 20 healthy active female (21.3 ± 2.0 y, 67.3 ± 8.9 kg, 167.4 ± 6.6 cm) volunteers. All 40 participants completed 3 trials of the hurdle-step exercise bilaterally and goniometric ROM measurements for active ankle dorsiflexion and HF. Correlations were determined between ROM and FMS scores for right and left legs. In addition, mean data were compared between FMS scores, gender, and dominant and nondominant limbs. There were no significant correlations present when all participants were grouped. However, when separated by gender significant correlations were identified. There was a weak correlation with HF and both hurdle-step (HS) and average hurdle-step (AHS) scores on both left (r = .536, P = .015 and r = .512, P = .012) and right (r = .445, P = .049 and r = .565, P = .009) legs for women. For men, there was a poor negative correlation of HF and both HS and AHS on the left leg (r = -.452, P = .045 and r = .451, P = .046). Our findings suggest that although hip and ankle ROMs do not have a strong relationship with FMS hurdle-step scores, they are a contributing factor. More research should be conducted to identify other biomechanical factors that contribute to individual FMS test scores.

The Impact of Falls on Motor and Cognitive Recovery after Discharge from In-Patient Stroke Rehabilitation

Falls are common among community-dwelling stroke survivors. The aims of this study were (1) to compare motor and cognitive outcomes between individuals who fell in the 6 months' postdischarge from in-patient stroke rehabilitation and those who did not fall, and (2) to explore potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between falls and recovery of motor and cognitive function. Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of individuals discharged home from in-patient rehabilitation was conducted. Participants were recruited at discharge and completed a 6-month falls monitoring period using postcards with follow-up. Nonfallers and fallers were compared at the 6-month follow-up assessment on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment (CMSA), gait speed, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Measures of balance confidence and physical activity were also assessed. Twenty-three fallers were matched to 23 nonfallers on age and functional balance scores at discharge. A total of 43 falls were reported during the study period (8 participants fell more than once). At follow-up, BBS scores (P = .0066) and CMSA foot scores (P = .0033) were significantly lower for fallers than for nonfallers. The 2 groups did not differ on CMSA leg scores (P = .049), gait speed (P = .47), or MoCA score (P = .23). There was no significant association between change in balance confidence scores and change in physical activity levels among all participants from the first and third questionnaire (r = .27, P = .08). Performance in balance and motor recovery of the foot were compromised in fallers when compared to nonfallers at 6 months post discharge from in-patient stroke rehabilitation.

Stress and reactivity in three Italian chicken breeds

Heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, plasma corticosterone and tonic immobility test, plumage and leg score (Food Pad Dermatitis, FPD) are frequently used as indicators of welfare in chickens. Three traditional Italian chicken breeds (60 birds/group) were studied: Valdarnese Bianca (VB), Bionda Piemontese (BP) and Robusta Maculata (RM). At 80 days of age, reactivity was tested through Tonic Immobility (TI) and plumage and leg score tests. Immediately after phenotypical and behavioural tests, the blood samples were collected from the ulnar vein of chickens. TI duration was not significant among the breeds (VB 72.2 ± 8.3 s; BP 95.2 ± 9.0 s; RM 76.5 ± 8.6 s; mean ± SEM). RM and BP needed a mean number of induction significantly higher than VB (RM = 1.84 ± 0.1; BP = 1.96 ± 0.1; VB = 1.38 ± 0.1; p < 0.0001). The highest corticosterone mean concentration (3.4 ± 0.23 ng/mL) was found in the VB breed, whereas the lowest (1.71 ± 0.21 ng/mL) was found in BP birds. The heterophil to lymphocyte (H/L) ratio was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in the VB breed (0.86 ± 0.03) than BP (0.78 ± 0.02) and RM (0.75 ± 0.03). In all birds neither plumage damages nor FPD were found. In conclusion, the three breeds showed the typical reactivity of rural breeds adapted to alternative and organic rearing systems; the anti-predatory response, the plasma corticosterone concentration and the H/L ratio could be considered a positive adaptation indicator.

Genetic relationship between lactation persistency and conformation traits in Polish Holstein-Friesian cow population

The objective of this study was to find genetic relationships between lactation persistency and conformation traits of Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. The data were derived from SYMLEK - the Polish National Database. The analysis used 22 conformation traits and 3 persistency measures of 18 216 first lactation cows. Persistency was defined as milk yield in the second 100 days in milk (DIM) divided by the yield in the first 100 DIM, milk yield in the third 100 DIM divided by the yield in the first 100 DIM, and milk yield at 280 DIM divided by milk yield at 60 DIM. The lactation curve was modelled with fourth-order Legendre polynomials using a multiple-trait prediction method. The multiple-trait REML method was applied for (co)variance component estimation. The linear model for persistency included fixed effects of herd-year-season of calving, age of calving class, and random animal effect; the linear model for type traits included fixed effects of herd-year-season of calving-classifier, age of calving class, lactation stage, and random animal effect. Stature and composite type traits (except type and conformation) were moderately or strongly genetically correlated with each of the three persistency measures. Genetic correlations of lactation persistency with overall feet and leg score and overall udder score were height and positive, whereas the correlations with stature and size were height but negative. All linearly scored traits had little genetic relationship with persistency measures except for rear udder height, udder width, and foot angle. In these three cases the genetic correlations with persistency measures were relatively high, positive, and preferable. The obtained genetic correlations suggest that increased weights of composite traits like size, overall feet and leg score, and overall udder score in the selection index, as well as selection for better rear udder height and foot angle, might cause a favourable correlated response in persistency.

Clinical Outcomes of Patients over 75 Years of Age with Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Following Bilateral Decompression via Unilateral Approach.

To investigate the clinical outcomes of bilateral decompression via unilateral approach (BDUA) on degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis in patients over 75 years of age. Elderly patients (n=41; average age=79.3±2.5 years) who underwent BDUA under spinal anaesthesia between April 2011 and May 2014 were enrolled. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) values of the patients were evaluated preoperatively and at the last visit postoperatively (Mean follow-up period=27 month). All parameters were analysed using Student paired-sample t test with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. All 41 patients experienced significant postoperative improvement in VAS leg (p < 0.01) and back pain (p < 0.05) scores. Average ODIs were 52±4.1% preoperatively and 39±3.5% postoperatively. All changes were statistically significant. BDUA is a safe and very effective treatment in elderly patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis. This procedure has a very low complication rate and can be performed successfully under spinal anaesthesia.

Supplementation of lactic and citric acid in antibiotic free diets and their influence on performance, meat yield and immune response of broiler chickens

The present study aimed at evaluating two organic acids, lactic acid (LA) and citric acid (CA), each at 1.0 and 2.0% levels for replacing antibiotic (AB-Virginiamycin 11 mg/kg) in diets. In a feeding trial with 270 broiler chicks (Vencobb) LA and CA were tested in 2 x 2 factorial design, and compared with AB and control diets from day-one to 42 d of age in battery cages. Each of the 6 test diets was offered to 9 replicates of 5 chicks, and their growth performance, carcass attributes, bone morphology and immune response were recorded. Supplemental LA or CA at 2% level in diets significantly (p 3.1%) and breast meat yield (>9.7%) with desirable decline in abdominal fat. LA even at 1% level supported higher tibia weight (5.96 g), length (8.11 cm) and low leg scores (1.08), indicating better bone condition. LA and CA at 2% level improved immune competence in broilers measured as humoral and cell mediated response, compared to the AB and control diets. It is concluded that LA and CA supplementation at 2% level improved the broiler performance, meat yields, bone conformation and immune response over AB and control diets, implying that organic acids could replace antibiotic from broiler diets effectively and beneficially.

Dietary supplementation of propionic acid, butyric acid or antibiotic and their influence on the performance, carcass parameters and immune response in broiler

The effectiveness of organic acids: propionic acid (PA) and butyric acid (BA) at two levels (0.2 and 0.3%) replacing antibiotic (AB-Virginiamycin 11mg/kg) from chick diets was evaluated in a feeding trial with 270 broiler chicks (Vencobb) by recording their performance, meat yield and immune response up to 42 d of age. Each diet was offered ad libitum to 9 replicates of 5 birds per replicate in battery brooders. The results indicated that organic acids, PA and BA at both levels of inclusion (0.2% and 0.3%) in diets enhanced (p< 0.01) broiler body weight by 8–10% over the AB and control diets (2154g vs 1960g) at 42d of age. Both organic acids significantly (p< 0.01) improved FCR (1.68–1.91), tibia weight (5.75–5.31g), tibia length (7.96–6.16 cm), breast muscle yield (13.68–14.77%), butreduced leg scores (1.04–1.50) and abdominal fat (7.5%) compared to AB and control diets. However, there was no statistical difference between PA and BA for all the effects recorded. Organic acids supplemented at 0.2% in diets was effective or better than 0.3% level suggesting that the former level is adequate in broiler diets. The study also suggested that organic acids, PA and BA supplemented at 0.2% was effective in replacing Virginiamycin (11mg/kg) from broiler diets without affecting performance up to 42 d of age.

Aerobic training alone or combined with strength training affects fitness in elderly: Randomized trial

Purpose: To investigate if combined strength and aerobic training can enhance aerobic capacity in the elderly to a similar extent as aerobic training alone when training duration is matched. Methods: Elderly men and women (age 63.2 ± 4.7) were randomized into two intervention groups: an aerobic group (AG, n = 17) and a combined group (CG, n = 16). Subjects trained 40 minutes three times a week for 12 weeks. Both groups trained 20 minutes at 65% of heart rate reserve on ergometer cycles followed by another 20 minutes on the ergometer cycles for AG and 20-minute strength training for the lower body for CG. The primary outcome was VO2max. Secondary outcomes were maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) in isometric knee extension, 1 repetition maximum in three leg exercises, body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure and score on the Health Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36). Results: Both groups improved VO2max (p < .01) and MVC (p < .001). VO2max increased 17% confidence interval (CI) [7.4–26] in CG and 26% CI [14.1–38.2] in AG, with no significant difference between groups. MVC increased 22% CI [16.3–27.7] in CG and 9% CI [4.6–13.5] in AG with CG improving MVC more than AG (p < .01). CG's score on the general health dimension on the SF-36 health survey improved more than AG's score. Conclusion: Elderly can substitute a part of their aerobic training with strength training and still improve VO2max to a clinically significant degree when strength training is performed with large muscle groups subsequently to the aerobic training. Combined training additionally improves strength and self-assessed general health more than aerobic training alone.

Comparison of clinical and radiographic results between isobar posterior dynamic stabilization and posterior lumbar inter-body fusion for lumbar degenerative disease: A four-year retrospective study

PurposeA retrospective study was conducted to compare clinical outcome with radiographic data and clinical complications between isobar posterior dynamic stabilization (IPDS, Scient’x, France) and posterior lumbar inter-body fusion (PLIF) for lumbar degenerative disease. Methods113 consecutive patients (IPDS group, N=62; PLIF group, N=51) with lumbar degenerative disease were operated on between March 2009 and November 2011. Patient charts, radiographic films and medical records were reviewed. Clinical outcomes including the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, and radiographic outcomes, including disk height index (DHI) and range of motion (ROM) were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsThe ODI and VAS leg and back pain scores in two groups were significantly improved at 6 and, 24 months and at the final follow-up (all, P<0.05). The degree of improvements in the ODI and VAS back pain scores, the incidence of complications and the rate of adjacent segment degeneration were similar in both groups (P>0.05). However, operation times and blood loss were significantly reduced in the IPDS group (P<0.05). ConclusionIn summary, with similar symptoms improvement and complication rates, the results of this study demonstrate that IPDS is an effective and safe treatment for lumbar degenerative disease. There is currently insufficient evidence to indicate that the IPDS can avoid adjacent segment degeneration therefore, it is essential to conduct prospective, randomized, controlled multicenter studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up.

Expandable Polyaryl-Ether-Ether-Ketone Spacers for Interbody Distraction in the Lumbar Spine.

Study Design Retrospective case series. Objective StaXx XD (Spine Wave, Inc., Shelton, CT, United States) is an expandable polyaryl-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) wafer implant utilized in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease. PEEK implants have been successfully used as interbody devices. Few studies have focused on expandable PEEK devices. The aim of the current study is to determine the radiographic and clinical outcome of expandable PEEK cages utilized for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in patients with lumbar degenerative diseases. Methods Forty-nine patients who underwent lumbar interbody fusion with implantation of expandable PEEK cages and posterior instrumentation were included. The clinical outcome was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Radiographic parameters including disk height, foraminal height, listhesis, local disk angle of the index level/levels, regional lumbar lordosis, and graft subsidence were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at latest follow-up. Results At an average follow-up of 19.3 months, the minimum clinically important difference for the ODI and VAS back, buttock, and leg were achieved in 64, 52, 58, and 52% of the patients, respectively. There was statistically significant improvement in VAS back (6.42 versus 3.11, p < 0.001), VAS buttock (4.66 versus 1.97, p = 0.002), VAS leg (4.55 versus 1.96, p < 0.001), and ODI (21.7 versus 12.1, p < 0.001) scores. There was a significant increase in the average disk height (6.49 versus 8.18 mm, p = 0.037) and foraminal height (15.6 versus 18.53 mm, p = 0.0001), and a significant reduction in the listhesis (5.13 versus 3.15 mm, p = 0.005). The subsidence of 0.66 mm (7.4%) observed at the latest follow-up was not significant (p = 0.35). Conclusions Midterm results indicate that expandable PEEK spacers can effectively and durably restore disk and foraminal height and improve the outcome without significant subsidence.

Genetic association between leg conformation in young pigs and sow reproduction

Lameness is an issue of concern in pig production due both to animal welfare and to economical aspects. Lame sows are believed to suffer from pain and stress which is reported to have a negative influence on reproduction. Leg conformation and locomotion traits in young animals are associated with the risk of lameness at higher age. The purpose of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of leg conformation traits recorded at performance testing (around 5 months of age) and their genetic correlations with reproduction traits. Information on leg conformation traits from 123,307 pigs scored and on reproduction traits from 22,204 litters in the first and second parity from Swedish Yorkshire nucleus herds were available for genetic analysis. Eight conformation and locomotion traits, coming from the old or the new scoring system in Sweden, included old movement, old overall leg score, new movement, new toes quality, new front leg quality, new rear leg quality, standing-under-position syndrome and new overall score. Four reproduction traits were analyzed by parity: the number of total born piglets, the number of liveborn piglets, the number of stillborn piglets and weaning to service interval. Estimates of heritabilities and genetic correlations between traits were obtained using a multi-trait linear animal mixed model. The heritability estimates were low to moderate, ranging from 0.02 to 0.20 for conformation traits and from 0.06 to 0.10 for reproduction traits. Significant genetic correlations were found between new toes quality and new overall score and the number of liveborn piglets in the 1st parity (−0.35 and −0.31, respectively), indicating that sows with even toes and better overall leg score tend to have higher number of liveborn piglets. Old movement score showed significant correlations with number of total born and number of liveborn piglets in both parities (0.20 to 0.36) and with weaning to service interval in the 2nd parity (−0.35±0.11). Similarly, standing-under-position syndrome was highly associated with number of total born and number of liveborn piglets in both parities (−0.54 to −0.35), indicating that sows with better movement and not suffering from standing-under-position syndrome are likely to have larger litter size and shorter interval to return heat after weaning. Heritabilities and significantly favorable genetic correlation estimates suggest the possibility of simultaneous improvement of both leg quality and reproduction performance by selecting on sound leg conformation and locomotion of young pigs.

MASTERS-D: Final Results of a Prospective Multicenter Observational Data-Monitored Study of Minimally Invasive Fusion to Treat Degenerative Lumbar Disorders

Introduction Evaluation of 1- or 2-level minimally invasive posterior lumbar interbody fusion (MILIF) for degenerative lumbar (DL) disorders in a multicenter 1-year prospective observational study (NCT01143324). Material and Methods A total of 252 patients (56% female patients, mean age: 54 years, mean BMI: 28, mean duration of symptoms: 29 months [m]) enrolled by 19 centers in 14 countries underwent 1- (83%) or 2-level (17%) MILIF (TLIF: 95%; PLIF: 5%) for treatment of leg pain (52%), back pain (39%), or claudication (9%) due to DL pathologies, including spondylolisthesis (53%), stenosis (71%), and/or disc pathology (94%). Participating surgeons were required to have a minimum prestudy experience of 30 MILIF cases. A total of 15.1% of patients had previous decompression surgery at the target level. Patient demographics, intraoperative data, complications, time to first ambulation, time to study-defined recovery, surgical duration, blood loss, fluoroscopy time, and adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Outcome scores (VAS back and leg, ODI, EQ-5D) were assessed preoperatively and at defined time points through 12 m postoperatively. Results Available for the follow-up: 249 (99%) patients at 4 weeks (w) and 233 (92.5%) at 12 m. One-level surgery occurred at L4–5 or L5–S1 in 91% and 2-level surgery at L4–S1 in 74%. Mean surgical duration, blood loss, and intraoperative fluoro-time were 128 versus 182 minutes, 164 versus 233 mL, and 115 versus 154 seconds in 1- and 2-level cases, respectively. The mean time to first ambulation was 1.3 days and time to study-defined recovery was 3.2 days. Mean preoperative VAS back (6.2) and VAS leg (5.9) scores dropped significantly ( p &lt; .0001) to 3.1 (2.9) and 1.9 (2.5) at discharge (4 w), respectively. VAS improvement was sustained between 4 w and final follow-up at 12 m. Fusion rates: 90.8% fusion in 1- and 90.7% for 2-level procedures (141 and 27 patients evaluated, respectively). Preoperative ODI (45.5%) and EQ-VAS (52.9) changed to 34.5% (22.4%) and 65.4 (71.0) at 4 w (12 m) ( p &lt; 0.0001). There was a constant improvement in EQ-5D subscales and reduction of pain medication from 4 w to 12 m. A total of 50 AEs in 39 patients (15.5%) were attributed to surgery, approach, or device (including 9 AEs in 8 patients), out of which 3 AEs in 3 patients (1.2%) were due to the minimally invasive approach (including 1 SAE); no deep surgical site infections and 7 reoperations occurred. Conclusion This is the largest data-monitored prospective multicenter observational study of MILIF to date, following routine local standard of practice and providing objective results for this procedure. MILIF demonstrated favorable clinical results with early and sustained improvement in patient-reported outcomes and low major perioperative morbidity.

What is the fate of clubfoot patients treated by posteromedial release?

Management and long-term results of operatively treated clubfoot deformity still remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiological and clinical results of adult clubfoot patients treated with posteromedial release. Between 2005 and 2012, we evaluated patients with congenital foot deformities regarding clubfoot who were operatively treated with complete posteromedial release. Out of 320 patients evaluated, 29 patients (40 feet) were included the study. We also included foot radiographies of 40 healthy adults. Talocalcaneal angle on the dorsoplantar projection (TC-DP) and lateral projection (TC-L) and talus-first metatarsal angle on the dorsoplantar projection (TFM-DP) were measured for both clubfeet and control groups. Laaveg-Ponseti functional rating system was used for clinical evaluation and measurement of lower leg circumference was used for detection of atrophy. The average age was 21.5years (range 19-34). The mean TC-DP angle was 16.97 in the clubfeet group and 21.03 in the control group. The mean TC-L angle was 23.34 in the clubfeet group and 33.98 in the control group. The mean TFM-DP angle was 9.02 in the clubfeet group and 7.9 in control group. There were statistically significant difference between clubfoot and control groups regarding the TC-DP angle and the TC-L angle. The average Laaveg-Ponseti score was 74 points (range 42-96). While no significant correlations could be detected between the TC-DP angle, the TC-L angle, the TFM-DP angle and the functional score, a significant correlation was detected between circumferential measurement of lower leg and functional score (p=0.04). Functional outcome may be affected by lower leg muscular atrophy instead of foot alignment disturbance. Lastly we believe that results for treatment of clubfoot-a three-dimensional deformity-need to be evaluated with three-dimensional imaging techniques.

Carcass parameters and meat quality in meat-goat kids finished on chicory, birdsfoot trefoil, or red clover pastures

This study was conducted during the 2009 and 2010 grazing seasons to assess carcass parameters and chevon (goat meat) quality when meat-goat kids (n=72) were finished on pastures of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.; RCL), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.; BFT), or chicory (Cichorium intybus L.; CHIC). Final live weight (P<0.05) and carcass weight (P=0.10) were greater when goats were finished on RCL compared to CHIC with BFT being intermediate. Ribeye area, backfat thickness, body wall thickness, internal fat score, and leg score were not different (P>0.10) among treatments when adjusted for the covariate of carcass weight. Finishing meat-goat kids on RCL, BFT, or CHIC impacted concentrations of fatty acids (FAs) 18:1 trans-10, 18:1 cis-11, 18:2, 18:3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-6, omega-3, and PUFA:saturated fatty acid ratio in longissimus lumborum samples. Finishing meat-goat kids on CHIC, RCL, or BFT pastures produced carcass weights acceptable for most ethnic markets in the USA.

The Effect of Adding Forward Head Posture Corrective Exercises in the Management of Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the immediate and long-term effects of a multimodal program, with the addition of forward head posture correction, in patients with chronic discogenic lumbosacral radiculopathy. MethodsThis randomized clinical study included 154 adult patients (54 females) who experienced chronic discogenic lumbosacral radiculopathy and had forward head posture. One group received a functional restoration program, and the experimental group received forward head posture corrective exercises. Primary outcomes were the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcomes included the anterior head translation, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, trunk inclination, lateral deviation, trunk imbalance, surface rotation, pelvic inclination, leg and back pain scores, and H-reflex latency and amplitude. Patients were assessed at 3 intervals (pretreatment, 10-week posttreatment, and 2-year follow-up). ResultsA general linear model with repeated measures indicated a significant group × time effect in favor of the experimental group on the measures of ODI (F = 89.7; P < .0005), anterior head translation (F = 23.6; P < .0005), H-reflex amplitude (F = 151.4; P < .0005), H-reflex latency (F = 99.2; P < .0005), back pain (F = 140.8; P < .0005), and leg pain (F = 72; P < .0005). After 10 weeks, the results revealed an insignificant difference between the groups for ODI (P = .08), back pain (P = .29), leg pain (P = .019), H-reflex amplitude (P = .09), and H-reflex latency (P = .098). At the 2-year follow-up, there were significant differences between the groups for all variables adopted for this study (P < .05). ConclusionsThe addition of forward head posture correction to a functional restoration program seemed to positively affect disability, 3-dimensional spinal posture parameters, back and leg pain, and S1 nerve root function of patients with chronic discogenic lumbosacral radiculopathy.

Analysis of candidate SNPs affecting milk and functional traits in the dual-purpose Italian Simmental cattle

A total of 113 DNA polymorphisms in 32 candidate genes were pre-screened to assess their variability in 32 Italian Simmental bulls. A total of 64 variants successfully genotyped and having a minor allele frequency (MAF) higher than 0.03 were then analyzed in 477 Italian Simmental bulls. Among these 37 had a MAF ≥0.05 and were investigated for association with milk production and functional traits. Daughter yield deviations (DYD) were available for milk, protein and fat yield (MY, PY and FY, respectively), somatic cell count (SCC), udder score (US), feet and legs score (FLS), while for protein percent (PP), calving ease direct effect (CED), fertility (FE) and milkability (MA) associations were computed using (EBVs).Twelve SNPs were significantly associated with at least one trait (P≤0.05). The strongest association (P=0.0009) was found between rs385640152 in the growth hormone receptor gene (GHR) and PP. Also marker rs42714483 in the thyroid hormone responsive gene (THRSP) was associated with PP (P=0.004). Pleiotropic effects were detected only for β-lactoglobulin (LGB or PAEP progestagen-associated endometrial protein) polymorphisms on. SNP rs29004488 in the leptin gene (LEP) and rs41974998 in milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 protein gene (MFGE8) were associated with MY (P=0.043 and P=0.033, respectively). Suggestive associations with functional traits were also detected: rs43347906 in the leptin receptor gene (LEPR) with US (P=0.029), rs29004485 in LEP with FLS (P=0.049), rs41703837 in the v-src sarcoma (Schmidt-Ruppin A-2) viral oncogene homolog (SRC) with CED (P=0.021) and rs109019599 in the oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1 gene (OLR1) with MA (P=0.024). Our results both provide loci newly associated with functional traits and confirm associations already detected in Italian Holstein and Italian Brown breeds.

Minimally Invasive Extraforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Revision Surgery: A Technique through Kambin's Triangle.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of minimally invasive extraforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (ELIF) for revision surgery.MethodsFrom January 2011 to December 2012, 12 patients who underwent minimally invasive ELIF through the Kambin's triangle for revision surgery were included in this study. All patients underwent the surgical procedure in the following sequence: (1) epidural anesthesia, (2) exposing the Kambin's triangle toward the lateral part of the dura (partial resection of the superior articular process), (3) bilateral cage insertion for reinforcement of stabilization and fusion, and (4) percutaneous transpedicular screwing. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Imaging and clinical findings including surgical techniques, clinical outcomes, and related complications were depicted and analyzed.ResultsThe mean age of the patients (5 men, 7 women) was 60.7±13.4 years, and the mean follow-up period was 27.1±4.9 months. The mean VAS (back and leg) score improved significantly at final follow-up. The mean ODI score decreased as follows: preoperative, 76.78±6.08; 3 months after the surgery, 37.74±6.67; and at final follow-up, 29.91±2.98. Two patients presented with transient nerve root irritation, but there were no cases of incidental dural tear or serious infection. No significant neurological deterioration or major complication was noted in any of the patients.ConclusionMinimally invasive ELIF for revision surgery is an effective surgical option with a low complication rate.

Genetic parameters for lamb carcass traits assessed by video image analysis, EUROP classification and in vivo measurements

The heritability of yield predictions obtained from video image analysis (VIAscan®) of lamb carcasses (n=18,680) and EUROP classes obtained by abattoir assessors (n=26,795) was estimated, as well as the genetic and phenotypic correlations between VIAscan® traits and in vivo lamb traits (n = 9,930), including ultrasonic measurements, visual conformation score and length of the cannon bone. The main objective of the study was to test the equivalence of EUROP classes obtained by VIAscan® and visual scoring as selection criteria in the breeding work. Genetic correlations between EUROP scores from VIAscan® and from abattoir assessors were 0.94 for conformation and 0.82 for fat score. The heritability of conformation score was 0.32 and 0.35 based on VIAscan® and visual scoring, and 0.29 and 0.31 for the fat score, respectively. Yield predictions as proportions of lean meat of carcass weight from VIAscan® were highly heritable, h 2 ranging from 0.39 to 0.63. Lean meat yield (LMY) estimated as lean weight in major cuts had a direct heritability ranging from 0.17 to 0.21, maternal heritability ranging from 0.09 to 0.11 and a common environmental (c 2 ) effect of 0.22-0.23. Lean meat yield of the whole carcass (LMY_%) had the highest genetic correlation to visual leg score (0.44) while correlations between lean yield of three carcass parts (LegY_%, LoinY_% and ShoulderY_%) and in vivo measurements were low to moderately high and favourable except for loin yield. The EUROP scores obtained by both methods had similar genetic and phenotypic correlations to in vivo traits where conformation scores were highly correlated to visual scores for legs and shoulders and ultrasonic muscle measurements and fat scores were positively correlated to ultrasonic fat measurements and shoulder scores. It is concluded that VIAscan® can be used as a grading tool for the Icelandic sheep industry and measurements of carcass traits obtained from the system would be useful in the national sheep breeding program.