Motion Tracking Software Research Articles

Agreement in Knee Flexion and Hip Extension Range of Motion Assessment between Digital Goniometer and Video-based Motion Tracking Technology

Precise range of motion (ROM) measurements are critical for diagnosing musculoskeletal impairments, planning treatment strategies and monitoring rehabilitation progress. This study compares the reliability and accuracy of ROM measurements using the EasyAngle electronic goniometer device and the Kemtai pose estimation video-based motion tracking software. Participants performed hip extension and knee flexion movements, with measurements taken by two examiners using both tools. The results show that both EasyAngle and Kemtai provide high inter-repetition reliability for knee flexion (ICC 0.93 and. 0.91) and hip extension (ICC 0.96 and 0.93). Kemtai generally overestimated ROM compared to EasyAngle, with relative agreement ranging from poor to good (ICC = 0.71 for knee flexion, ICC = 0.66 for hip extension). Future development and research should focus on refining digital tools like Kemtai to enhance their accuracy and reliability. Given its low cost and ease of use, Kemtai could be a useful tool for clinical practice.

Protocol to record and analyze primate leaping in three dimensions in the wild.

Several studies comparing primate locomotion under lab versus field conditions have shown the importance of implementing both types of studies, as each has their advantages and disadvantages. However, three-dimensional (3D) motion capture of primates has been challenging under natural conditions. In this study, we provide a detailed protocol on how to collect 3D biomechanical data on primate leaping in their natural habitat that can be widely implemented. To record primate locomotion in the dense forest we use modified GoPro Hero Black cameras with zoom lenses that can easily be carried around and set up on tripods. We outline details on how to obtain camera calibrations at greater heights and how to process the collected data using the MATLAB camera calibration app and the motion tracking software DLTdv8a. We further developed a new MATLAB application "WildLeap3D" to generate biomechanical performance metrics from the derived x, y, z coordinates of the leaps. We provide details on how to collect data on support diameter, compliance, and orientation, and combine these with the jumps to study locomotor performance in an ecological context. We successfully reconstructed leaps of wild primates in the 3D space under natural conditions and provided data on four representative leaps. We provide exemplar data on primate velocity and acceleration during a leap and show how our protocol can be used to analyze segmental kinematics. This study will help to make motion capture of freely moving animals more accessible and help further our knowledge about animal locomotion and movement.

Quantifying the Effects of American Football Shoulder Pads on Reach Distance and Player Perception of Comfort and Fit

Background: The majority of sports equipment research to date has focused on their protective capabilities, and not on how they impact player performance and comfort while using them. Objective: The purpose of this study was to quantify the reach distances of players wearing different football shoulder pads and determine player perceptions of shoulder pad comfort and fit. Methods: Football players (n=10) underwent a standardized reach distance protocol comprised of three trials of repeated shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, horizontal flexion, and horizontal extension in each of the three shoulder pad conditions (no shoulder pad, standard shoulder pad, prototype shoulder pad). Player perceptions of shoulder pad comfort and fit, breathability, restrictiveness, and weight were also evaluated using a questionnaire. Reach distances were recorded using five GoPro Hero 9 cameras and analyzed using ProAnalyst®3D motion tracking software. Results: Reach distances were significantly affected during several movements, but especially in the vertical direction, for flexion and abduction, with mean differences between the prototype pad and standard pad of 10.3 cm and 23.1 cm, respectively (P = 0.007 and P = 0.003). Differences in reach distance were greater for the standard shoulder pad than the prototype shoulder pad on average. This indicates that the prototype shoulder pad was less restrictive, which aligned with what players reported. There was significantly more discomfort reported in the neck collar and armpit regions for the standard shoulder pad compared to the prototype pad. Participants also found the prototype shoulder pad to be lighter, and more breathable (P0.05). Conclusion: These results provide manufacturers with valuable insights from a design standpoint, and offer athletes who are looking for superior sport protective equipment key evidence regarding shoulder pad performance, fit, and comfort.

Comparison of sway meter and Kinovea software as a tool of measurement for the sway parameters during quiet standing: An observational study

BackgroundSeveral attempts have been made to quantify postural sway, from simple observational techniques to advanced computer technology. Measuring sway using commercial motion tracking devices and force plates are expensive and not feasible in evaluation on non-standardised surfaces. Video cameras can be used as an affordable alternative to perform human motion capturing, and this data can be analysed using motion tracking software like Kinovea; a free, reliable software that provides valid data, and an acceptable level of accuracy in angular and linear measurements. This study evaluated the reliability of Kinovea software to measure the sway amplitude in comparison with sway meter. MethodsThirty-six young women were recruited by convenience to this prospective observational study. Sway amplitude of the participants were measured using a sway meter on three different surfaces, with eyes opened and closed conditions, using modified Lords sway meter and videography. Videos were later analysed using Kinovea motion analysing software. The quantitative data of sway parameters were analysed for reliability using intraclass-correlation co-efficient and Bland Altman plot. ResultsThere was an excellent correlation (>0.90) between the sway measurement values obtained from both methods irrespective of the surfaces. But the reliability was greater for the medio-lateral sway on the pebbled surfaces (0.981), and least for the anterior posterior sway on the same surface. ConclusionThis study concludes that, there is an excellent reliability for the video based sway analysis using Kinovea software. Hence this method can be used as an affordable alternative to measure the sway parameters.

Superior Capsular Reconstruction Partially Restores Native Glenohumeral Joint Loads in a Dynamic Biomechanical Shoulder Model

To evaluate the effect of an irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear (PSRCT) on glenohumeral joint loads and to quantify improvement after superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) using an acellular dermal allograft. Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested using a validated dynamic shoulder simulator. A pressure mapping sensor was placed between the humeral head and glenoid surface. Each specimen underwent the following conditions: (1) native, (2) irreparable PSRCT, and (3) SCR using a 3-mm-thick acellular dermal allograft. Glenohumeral abduction angle (gAA) and superior humeral head migration (SM) were measured using 3-dimensional motion-tracking software. Cumulative deltoid force (cDF) and glenohumeral contact mechanics, including glenohumeral contact area and glenohumeral contact pressure (gCP), were assessed at rest, 15°, 30°, 45°, and maximum angle of glenohumeral abduction. The PSRCT resulted in a significant decrease of gAA along with an increase in SM, cDF, and gCP (P < .001, respectively). SCR did not restore native gAA (P < .001); however, SM was significantly reduced (P < .001). Further, SCR significantly reduced deltoid forces at 30° (P= .007) and 45° of abduction (P= .007) when compared with the PSRCT. SCR did not restore native cDF at 30° (P= .015), 45° (P < .001), and maximum angle (P < .001) of glenohumeral abduction. Compared with the PSRCT, SCR resulted in a significant decrease of gCP at 15° (P= .008), 30° (P= .002), and 45° (P= .006). However, SCR did not completely restore native gCP at 45° (P= .038) and maximum abduction angle (P= .014). In this dynamic shoulder model, SCR only partially restored native glenohumeral joint loads. However, SCR significantly decreased glenohumeral contact pressure, cumulative deltoid forces, and superior migration, while increasing abduction motion, when compared with the posterosuperior rotator cuff tear. These observations raise concerns regarding the true joint-preserving potential of SCR for an irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear, along with its ability to delay progression of cuff tear arthropathy and eventual conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Indirect genetic effects for social network structure in Drosophila melanogaster.

The position an individual holds in a social network is dependent on both its direct and indirect social interactions. Because social network position is dependent on the actions and interactions of conspecifics, it is likely that the genotypic composition of individuals within a social group impacts individuals' network positions. However, we know very little about whether social network positions have a genetic basis, and even less about how the genotypic makeup of a social group impacts network positions and structure. With ample evidence indicating that network positions influence various fitness metrics, studying how direct and indirect genetic effects shape network positions is crucial for furthering our understanding of how the social environment can respond to selection and evolve. Using replicate genotypes of Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies, we created social groups that varied in their genotypic makeup. Social groups were videoed, and networks were generated using motion-tracking software. We found that both an individual's own genotype and the genotypes of conspecifics in its social group affect its position within a social network. These findings provide an early example of how indirect genetic effects and social network theory can be linked, and shed new light on how quantitative genetic variation shapes the structure of social groups. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Collective behaviour through time'.

Zebrafish aversion to infrasound in an open field test.

Aquatic species are capable of detecting infrasound (sub-20 Hz frequencies) which may be a source of anthropogenic pollution and have a detrimental impact on the environmental fitness of fish. Infrasound is generated by infrastructure, producing acoustic frequency peaks that are not discernible by humans. The presence of these frequencies may therefore impact the environmental wellbeing of aquatic laboratory animals, which are often housed in spaces adjacent to facilities producing infrasound. To investigate the potential impact of infrasound, we used wild-type zebrafish (Danio rerio) and exposed them to short periods of infrasound at either 5, 10, 15, or 20 Hz, or 0 Hz as a control group. A motion-tracking software system was used to monitor fish movement in an open field test and arena location, distance moved, and immobility were quantified. There was a significant effect of 15 Hz which caused the fish to spend more time away from the infrasound source. The 20 Hz group also spent significantly less time in the zone closest to the speaker. There were no differences in distance moved or immobility between infrasound and control groups. These findings demonstrate that 15 Hz infrasound has aversive effects on zebrafish, causing them to move away from the sound source. To enhance environmental enrichment and wellbeing of aquatic laboratory animals, sources of infrasound pollution should be investigated and mitigated.

Video Analysis of Otologic Instrument Movement During Resident Mastoidectomies.

To measure surgical instrument movement during resident mastoidectomies and identify metrics that correlate with experience. Retrospective case series. Tertiary care center. Ten postgraduate year (PGY) 2, 6 PGY3, 7 PGY4, and 19 PGY5 recordings of mastoidectomy performed by otolaryngology residents. One-minute intraoperative recordings of mastoidectomies performed during cochlear implantation were collected. Drill and suction-irrigator motion were analyzed with sports motion tracking software. Mean instrument speed, angle, and angular velocity were calculated. Mann-Whitney U tests compared mean instrument metrics between PGY levels. Change in drill speed for seven residents between their PGY2 to PGY5 years was individually analyzed. Mean drill speed was significantly greater for PGY5 residents compared with PGY2s (2.9 versus 1.8 cm/s, p = 0.001). Compared with PGY2 residents, suction speed was greater as a PGY5 (1.2 versus 0.9 cm/s; p = 0.201) and significantly greater as a PGY4 (1.5 versus 0.9 cm/s, p = 0.039). Of the seven residents individually analyzed, group mean drill speed increased by 0.4 cm/s, yearly. Drill and suction-irrigator movement during the second minute of drilling of a cortical mastoidectomy seems to increase with resident level. Objective video analysis is a potential adjunct for differentiating novices from more experienced surgeons and monitoring surgical skills progress.

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) shoaling in light and dark conditions involves a complex interplay between vision and lateral line

We know little about how - or even if in some species – fish shoal in darkness. We hypothesized that ‘dark shoaling’ occurs in zebrafish and therefore must depend upon lateral line sensory input. Shoaling in groups of five adult zebrafish was analyzed with motion tracking software. We measured average inter-individual distance, time near the arena wall (thigmotaxis zone) and total distance traveled under normal room light, and in near-complete darkness (infrared light at 850 nm). These observations were repeated in fish treated with cobalt chloride (CoCl2), which ablates lateral line function. In untreated controls, dark shoaling was reduced compared to in light, but nonetheless still present. Elimination of lateral line sensory input by CoCl2 treatment similarly reduced, but did not eliminate, shoaling under both light and dark. Our findings indicate that normal zebrafish shoaling in light or dark requires both visual and lateral line inputs, with neither alone sufficient for normal shoaling.

Lack of avoidance of the fungal entomopathogen, Metarhizium brunneum, by male Agriotes obscurus beetles

Fungal entomopathogens can greatly reduce the fitness of their hosts, and it is therefore expected that susceptible insects will be selected to avoid exposure to pathogens. Metarhizium brunneum is a fungal pathogen that can infect Agriotes obscurus, which in its larval form is a destructive agricultural pest and is repelled by the presence of M. brunneum conidia. Due to the subterranean nature of larval A. obscurus, recent research has focused on targeting adult A. obscurus with M. brunneum. No-choice and choice behavioural assays were conducted to determine if male adult A. obscurus avoid M. brunneum mycosed cadavers, or conidia applied to either food or soil. To further investigate the response of A. obscurus beetles to conspecific cadavers, the movement and behaviour of beetles placed at the centre of a semi-circular arrangement of mycosed or control cadavers was examined using motion tracking software. We found little evidence to suggest that A. obscurus male beetles avoid M. brunneum conidia or mycosed conspecific cadavers or alter their behaviour in their presence.

Estimating infant upper extremities motion with an RGB-D camera and markerless deep neural network tracking: A validation study.

Quantitative biomarkers of infant motion may be predictive of the development of movement disorders. This study presents and validates a low cost, markerless motion tracking method for the estimation of upper body kinematics of infants from which proper biomarkers may be extracted. The method requires a single RGB-D camera, a 2D motion tracking software publicly available (DeepLabCut) and an algorithm generating 3D point coordinates from the 2D tracked points, dealing with missing data, originating from various sources, for estimating joint kinematics. The proposed method is validated using known point kinematics obtained from a doll, with size and shape of an infant, lying on a turntable rotating at 33⅓ rpm. Two camera image plane orientations are tested: parallel to the turntable motion plane and forming a 45° angle with respect to the motion plane. The latter enhances the occurrence of body parts occlusions during motion as expected in live infant motion recordings. The length of upper body segments, elbow and shoulder joint angles and the linear point velocity determined with the proposed method are evaluated against reference values obtained from the known motion of the turntable. The relevant Mean Absolute Errors (MAE) found indicate the margin of error to expect when processing live infant motion. The proposed method may be improved if enhanced hardware and tracking software are employed, therefore reducing the above-mentioned margin of error. Clinical Relevance - The validation of the proposed method carried out in this study allows clinicians to select proper quantitative biomarkers obtained from infants upper body motion that may be useful for predicting movement disorders.

Assessment of left ventricle myocardial deformation in a hemorrhagic shock swine model by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.

Trauma-induced secondary cardiac injury has been associated with significant adverse cardiovascular events. Speckle tracking echocardiography is a novel technology that allows an accurate and reproducible cardiac structure and function assessment. We evaluated the left ventricle (LV) myocardial deformation by speckle tracking echocardiography in a hemorrhagic shock (HS) swine model. Seven healthy male Landrace pigs were included in this study. Severe HS was reached through three sequentially blood withdraws of 20% of estimated blood volume, and it was maintained for 60 minutes. Volume resuscitation was performed using all precollected blood volume. A 1.8- to 4.2-MHz phased-array transducer was used to acquire the two-dimensional echocardiography images. Strain measurements were obtained semiautomatically by wall motion tracking software. Results are presented as medians and interquartile ranges and compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The median weight was 32 (26.1-33) kg, and the median total blood volume withdrawn was 1,100 (1,080-1,190) mL. During the severe HS period, the median arterial systemic pressure was 39 (36-46) mm Hg, and the cardiac index was 1.7 (1.6-2.0) L/min/m 2 . There was statistically significant absolute decrease in the global longitudinal strain 2 hours postresuscitation comparing with the basal measurements (-9.6% [-10.7 to -8.0%] vs. -7.9% [-8.1 to -7.4%], p = 0.03). There were no statistically significant differences between the basal and 2 hours postresuscitation assessments in the invasive/noninvasive hemodynamic, other two-dimensional echocardiogram (LV ejection fraction, 49.2% [44-54.3%] vs. 53.2% [51.5-55%]; p = 0.09), and circumferential strain (-10.6% [-14.4 to -9.0%] vs. -8.5% [-8.6 to -5.2%], p = 0.06) parameters. In this experimental swine model of controlled HS, LV global longitudinal strain analysis accurately characterizes the timing and magnitude of subclinical cardiac dysfunction associated with trauma-induced secondary cardiac injury.

Portable locomotion activity monitor (pLAM): A cost‐effective setup for robust activity tracking in small animals

Abstract Characterising the frequency and timing of biological processes such as locomotion, eclosion or foraging, is often needed to get a complete picture of a species' ecology. Automated trackers are an invaluable tool for high‐throughput collection of activity data and have become more accurate and efficient with advances in computer vision and deep learning. However, tracking activity of small and fast flying animals remains a hurdle, especially in a field setting with variable light conditions. Commercial activity monitors can be expensive, closed source and generally limited to laboratory settings. Here, we present a portable locomotion activity monitor (pLAM), a mobile activity detector to quantify small animal activity. Our setup uses inexpensive components, builds upon open‐source motion tracking software, and is easy to assemble and use in the field. It runs off‐grid, supports low‐light tracking with infrared lights and can implement arbitrary light cycle colours and brightnesses with programmable LEDs. We provide a user‐friendly guide to assembling pLAM hardware, accessing its pre‐configured software and guidelines for using it in other systems. We benchmarked pLAM for insects under various laboratory and field conditions, then compared results to a commercial activity detector. They offer broadly similar activity measures, but our setup captures flight and bouts of motion that are often missed by beam breaking activity detection. pLAM can automate laboratory and field monitoring of activity and timing in a wide range of biological processes, including circadian rhythm, eclosion and diapause timing, pollination and flower foraging, or pest feeding activity. This low cost and easy setup allows high‐throughput animal behaviour studies for basic and applied ecology and evolution research.

Validating the automation of different measures of high temperature tolerance of small terrestrial insects

Accurately phenotyping numerous test subjects is essential for most experimental research. Collecting such data can be tedious or time-consuming, and it can be biased or limited using manual observations. The thermal tolerance of small ectotherms is a good example of this type of phenotypic data, and it is widely used to investigate thermal adaptation, acclimation capacity and climate change resilience of small ectotherms. Here, we present the results of automatically generated thermal tolerance data using motion-tracking software on video recordings. The automatization was applied to two different heat tolerance assays, in two Drosophila species and used temperature acclimation to create variation in thermal tolerances. We find similar effect sizes of acclimation and hardening responses between manual and automated approaches, but different absolute tolerance estimates. This discrepancy likely reflects both technical differences in the assay conditions as well as the measured end-points of the assays. We conclude that both methods generate biological meaningful results, which reflect different aspects of the thermal biology, find no evidence of inflated variance in the manually scored assays, but find that automation can increase throughput several times without compromising quality. Further we show that the method can be applied to a wide range of arthropod taxa. We suggest that this automated method is a useful example of high throughput phenotyping. Further, we suggest this approach might be applied to other tedious laboratory traits, such as desiccation or starvation tolerance, with similar benefits to throughput but caution that the interpretation and potential comparison to results using different methodology rely on thorough validation of the assay and the involved biological mechanism.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair using cortical or anchor fixation with suture tape augmentation vs ACL reconstruction: A comparative biomechanical analysis

BackgroundThe purpose was to compare knee kinematics in a cadaveric model of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair using an adjustable-loop femoral cortical suspensory (AL-CSF) or independent bundle suture anchor fixation (IB-SAF) with suture tape augmentation to a bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) ACL reconstruction. MethodsTwenty-seven cadaveric knees were randomly assigned to one of three surgical techniques: (1) ACL repair using the AL-CSF technique with suture tape augmentation, (2) ACL repair using the IB-SAF technique with suture tape augmentation, (3) ACL reconstruction using a BPTB autograft. Each specimen underwent three conditions according to the state of the ACL (native, proximal transection, repair/reconstruction) with each condition tested at four different angles of knee flexion (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°). Anterior tibial translation (ATT) and internal tibial rotation (ITR) were evaluated using 3-dimensional motion tracking software. ResultsACL transection resulted in a significant increase in ATT and ITR when compared to the native state (P < 0.001, respectively). ACL repair with the AL-CSF or IB-SAF technique as well as BPTB reconstruction restored native ATT and ITR at all tested angles of knee flexion, while showing significantly less ATT at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° as well as significantly less ITR at 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion when compared to the ACL-deficient state. There were no significant differences in ATT and ITR between the three techniques utilized. ConclusionACL repair using the AL-CSF or IB-SAF technique with suture tape augmentation as well as BPTB ACL reconstruction each restored native anteroposterior and rotational laxity, without significant differences in knee kinematics between the three techniques utilized. Level of EvidenceControlled Laboratory Study.

Effects of a flotation vest and water flow rate on limb kinematics of Siberian Huskies swimming against a current.

To evaluate the effects of a flotation vest (FV) and water flow rate (WFR) on limb kinematics of dogs swimming against a current. 7 (1 male and 6 female) healthy adult Siberian Huskies. Dogs were habituated to swim with and without an FV beside an investigator in a continuous-flow pool against WFRs up to 2.9 km/h. During each of 4 experimental sessions in a repeated-measures study, markers were wrapped around the right carpus and tarsus, and a video was recorded while each dog swam with or without an FV for about 2 minutes at each of 7 WFRs between 0 and 2.9 km/h when the WFR was incrementally decreased or increased. Motion tracking software was used to measure stroke excursion and frequency. Stroke excursion varied more than frequency among all dogs and in response to changes in experimental conditions. The male dog and 1 female dog were unable to complete the study. For the remaining 5 dogs across all experimental conditions, mean tarsus excursion was 30% that of the carpus. Mean total excursion (sum of the excursion-frequency products for the carpus and tarsus) decreased when an FV was worn and increased with WFR by 69% and 19% when WFR was incrementally increased and decreased, respectively. In dogs, range of motion during swimming was greater for the carpus than tarsus, when an FV was not worn, and increased more with WFR when WFR was incrementally increased. Those factors should be considered during swimming-based rehabilitation.

Nontarget Impacts of Herbicides on Spiders in Orchards.

Spiders are key predators in many agroecosystems, including orchards. Despite the importance of spiders in biological control, pesticide nontarget effects on this group are poorly described. This is especially true for herbicides, which spiders frequently encounter as they move between the ground cover and tree canopy. We sought to determine the nontarget effects of seven herbicides used in orchards on three species of spiders that are commonly found in Washington state (USA) orchards: Pelegrina aeneola (Curtis) (Araneae: Salticidae), Philodromus cespitum (Walckenaer) (Araneae: Philodromidae), and Phanias watonus (Chamberlin & Ivie) (Araneae: Salticidae). Immature spiders were collected from orchards and used in laboratory assays. Single spiders were placed in vials with dried herbicide residues and mortality was evaluated after 1, 2, and 5 d. We also evaluated herbicide impacts on prey consumption rates and on spider movement using motion-tracking software. Only oxyfluorfen caused significant spider mortality. P. cespitum seemed to be less acutely sensitive to oxyfluorfen than the two salticid species. Several herbicide treatments significantly increased locomotion in P. cespitum, whereas rimsulfuron numerically decreased movement of P. aeneola. Sulfonylurea herbicides (rimsulfuron, halosulfuron) decreased prey consumption of P. aeneola. Our work indicates that although spiders may be less acutely sensitive to some pesticides than beneficial insects, they can be affected by sublethal effects of herbicides. Future work should determine if herbicide applications impact spider abundance in the field and reduce biological control services. In general, more work is needed on the impacts of herbicides on natural enemies.

Increased Glenohumeral Joint Loads Due to a Supraspinatus Tear Can Be Reversed With Rotator Cuff Repair: A Biomechanical Investigation

To evaluate the effect of an isolated full-thickness supraspinatus (SSP) tear on glenohumeral kinematics and contact mechanics, as well as to quantify improvement following rotator cuff repair (RCR). Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders (mean age: 63.1 ± 4.6 years) were tested using a dynamic shoulder simulator. A pressure-mapping sensor was placed between the humeral head and the glenoid. Each specimen underwent the following three conditions: 1) native, 2) isolated full-thickness SSP tear, and 3) RCR. Maximum abduction angle (MAA) and superior humeral head migration (SHM) were measured using 3D motion tracking software. Cumulative deltoid force (CDF) and glenohumeral contact mechanics, including contact area (GCA) and contact pressure (GCP), were assessed at the resting position, as well as at 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60° of glenohumeral abduction. Compared to native, the SSP tear resulted in a significant decrease in MAA (Δ-8.3°; P < .001) along with a SHM of 6.4 ± 3.8 mm, while significantly increasing CDF (Δ20.5 N; P=.008), GCP (Δ63.1 kPa; P < .001), and peak GCP (Δ278.6 kPa; P < .001), as well as decreasing GCA (Δ-45.8 mm2; P<.001) at each degree of abduction. RCR reduced SHM to 1.2 ± 2.5 mm, while restoring native MAA, CDF (Δ1.8 N), GCA (Δ4.5 mm2), GCP (Δ-4.5 kPa) and peak GCP (Δ19.9 kPa) at each degree of abduction (P > .999, respectively). In a dynamic biomechanical cadaveric model, increased glenohumeral joint loads due to a full-thickness SSP tear can be reversed with RCR. More specifically, RCR restored native glenohumeral contact area and contact pressure, while preventing superior humeral head migration and decreasing compensatory deltoid forces. These time 0 observations indicate that undergoing rotator cuff repair may prevent the development of degenerative changes by significantly reducing glenohumeral joint loads and ensuring sufficiently stable joint kinematics.

Trissolcus japonicus foraging behavior: Implications for host preference and classical biological control

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, is an alien pest native to East Asia, which in the past two decades has invaded USA, Europe and other countries around the globe, causing severe economic losses and public nuisance. The Asian egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus is the most promising agent currently under study for the classical biological control of H. halys. The foraging behavior of this wasp was investigated in response to chemical traces – ‘footprints’ – deposited by its host H. halys and by a suboptimal predatory host species, the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris. Motion tracking software (Ethovision) was employed to record and analyze the behavior of T. japonicus on stink bug-contaminated and on control substrates. Wasps exhibited a ‘motivated searching’ behavior (i.e. longer residence time, slower walking velocity, higher angular velocity and coverage of greater distances) in response to footprints originating from females and from males of both species compared to blank controls. However, this searching behavior was significantly more intense on H. halys footprints, compared to those of P. maculiventris. Moreover, T. japonicus significantly intensified its searching on footprints of all mobile nymphal instars of H. halys, but not on those of P. maculiventris nymphs. Additionally, the longevity of H. halys female trails was assessed, and footprints remained bioactive, eliciting a consistent searching behavior in the wasp for 72 h after initial deposition. A series of GC–MS chemical analyses revealed components of these trails, with n-tridecane and (E)-2-decenal found to be the most abundant, and probably the key components of the kairomone utilized by the wasp for short range host location. Solutions of the synthetic compounds were tested both together and singly. The blend of n-tridecane and (E)-2-decenal (4: 1) significantly prolonged the residence time of T. japonicus, as did n-tridecane alone. These results are discussed in the context of host preference and classical biological control.

Furthering GPR171 as a novel pain target by assessing its abuse liability

Previous work from our lab showed a small-molecule ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor, GPR171, is capable of modulating morphine antinociception in mice. This suggests possible clinical use as a combination therapeutic with opioids, but side effects, such as reward modulation, must be assessed. Here we investigated this ligand, MS15203, further by asking whether it alters morphine reward. To investigate this question, we used in vivo conditioned place preference and ex vivo immunohistochemistry. For conditioned place preference (CPP), animals were injected with MS15203 alone or in combination with morphine on Days 2-9 and placed in an isolated compartment of a three-chamber CPP apparatus. On Day 1 and 10 animals were allowed to roam freely through the entirety of apparatus, time spent in each chamber was quantified using motion tracking software. CPP results show MS15203 alone does not cause aversion or preference for the drug-paired chamber. MS15203 when combined with morphine decreases time spent in the drug-paired chamber compared to morphine alone, but is not significant. To test whether MS15203 alters dopamine neuron function, neuronal activity was assessed within the ventral tegmental area of animals treated with MS15203 alone or with morphine. Thirty minutes following injection of the drugs, animals were transcardially perfused and brains were sliced coronally (50 µm). Slices of ventral tegmental area (VTA) were stained for cfos and tyrosine hydroxylase, and colocalization of the two antibodies were subsequently visualized and quantified. IHC results corroborate in vivo CPP results by showing similar cfos activation in the VTA for controls and MS15203 groups. Taken together, these results further the potential of GPR171 as an opioid antinociceptive enhancer that does not increase the abuse liabilities of opioids. NARSAD Young Investigator Award Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, 2017 – 2019.