Twisted Neck Research Articles

Postural Assessment of Indian Masons and Prototype Design of Work Table

Indian Masons are engaged in different construction activities like bricklaying, plastering, and concreting work in prolonged standing, sitting, trunk flexion posture at lumbar, squatting, and truck twisting posture to pick the materials, tools and perform bricklaying and plastering work throughout the day. A different study revealed that prolonged working in flexion posture and working in squatting posture without supporting any fixture would cause work-related musculoskeletal disorders gradually. Earlier studies also showed that working in poor posture correlated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This study examines the influence of working in trunk flexion posture at the lumbar, trunk twisting, Neck twisting and squatting posture by the masons while performing different masonry work to find the discomfort among the Indian masons. The 64 male masons were observed and video-recorded at different construction sites. The REBA, ERIN, WERA and QEC methods are used for the assessment of exposure on the body. The assessment was performed on real-time images of masons performing bricklaying and plastering work. The REBA, ERIN, WERA and QEC results showed that masons were at high risk due to prolonged working in trunk flexion posture at the lumbar, working with twisting position of the trunk and Neck and squatting posture. The newly developed worktable will help the mason to reduce the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Pathological analysis and genetic characterization of the first outbreak H5N8 subtype avian influenza virus isolated from wild swan in Shandong, China.

In January 2021, an outbreak of H5N8 subtype avian influenza was identified from wild mute swans (Cygnus olor) in an overwintering site located within Yellow River Delta Nature Reserve in Shandong, China, for the first time. We sequenced the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genome segments of the virus, named A/mute swan/Shandong/1/2021 (H5N8), and explored the genetic characterization and comparative phylogenetic analysis to track its origin. The wild swans prior to death showed nervous signs accompanied by a twisted neck. The major pathological changes of the heart, lung, trachea, kidney, spleen, and glandular stomach were hemorrhage, and extensive necrotic lesions in the liver and pancreas were also observed. Further analysis of the HA and NA phylogenetic trees generated by H5N8 strains isolated worldwide revealed that the isolate has a close genetic relationship with the H5N8 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) recently isolated in Korea and Japan from 2020 to 2021, suggesting the potential role of mute swans in the global dissemination of the H5N8 subtype AIVs along the migration routes. Therefore, enhanced active surveillance in wild and domestic birds is required to monitor the introduction and spread of the H5N8 subtype AIV by migratory birds in order to decrease the risk of H5N8 outbreaks.

Welfare of cattle at local markets in Kaduna State: Handling and transportation - A major concern

The aim of the study was to evaluate the welfare of cattle at local markets in Kaduna State based via means of transportation, loading and unloading methods, abusive behaviours by stake-holders and stress-related behaviours of cattle. Ten different villages within Kaduna State were each visited twice during their market days. During the visits, 700 cattle were observed during handling, means of transportation by road and the behavioural responses, and in addition photographs were taken. The result showed that the most common means by which the cattle were transported were in buses (60%) and cars (55%), followed by pick-ups (35%) and trucks (20%). There were no loading or unloading ramps in all the markets. The most common abusive behaviour was beating of cattle with stick or club (80%), closely followed by horn/neck pulling (60%) and neck twisting (50%); while the most common stress-related behaviour of the cattle was aggression (70%), followed by panting and repeated vocalisation (40% each). The results showed that the welfare of the cattle was compromised, which may adversely affect their health, productivity and meat quality. It was concluded that cattle transported and sold at various local markets in Kaduna State were abused, poorly and inhumanely handled, and transported by means not specifically meant for animal transportation.

Developmental Delay with Intermittent Twisting of Neck

Developmental Delay with Intermittent Twisting of Neck

Estimated divergence times of Hirsutella (asexual morphs) in Ophiocordyceps provides insight into evolution of phialide structure

BackgroundHirsutella Pat genus, the asexual morphs of the Ophiocordyceps Sung, is globally distributed entomopathogenic fungi, which infect a variety of arthropods, mites and nematodes. The fungal species also have shown potential application in the field of biological control, bio-medicine and food development. Although these fungi are synonymized under Ophiocordyceps, formal taxonomic assignments remain necessary for classification of species in Hirsutella. However, due to the heterogeneity and complexity of Hirsutella genus, more detailed taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses are required to address the following subjects: (1) the relationships between the phialide morphological characteristics and phylogenetic information of Hirsutella with asexual morphs, (2) the origin and evolution of the phialide structure, and (3) host specificity and fungal pathogenicity.ResultsFive typical phialide structures are summarized, in which the variation in phialide characteristics overlaps well with phylogenetic information. A new member of the special twisted neck clade in the Hirsutella-like group, Ophiocordyceps retorta, was reported based on these analyses. The molecular clock calibration analysis based on one fossil record revealed that Hirsutella (asexual morph) species originated from a common ancestor approximately 102 million years ago (Mya) (Early Cretaceous, Lower Albian) and then resolved into two major lineages. One lineage was typically phialidic, which was a larger shape, including H. guyana, H. nodulosa and H. sinensis clades (86.9 Mya, 95% highest posterior density (HPD): 69.1–101.4 Mya). Another main lineage of the phialides was more diversified and smaller than the former, which included H. citriformis and H. thompsonii clades (71.9 Mya, 95% HPD: 41.8–99.6 Mya).ConclusionsOur results showed that certain phialide characteristics of Hirsutella were phylogenetically informative for two groups of taxa. The differentiation of the phialides structures in the major clades demonstrated a clear evolutionary path of Hirsutella (asexual morph) species, which exhibited two trends depending on the host size. Fungi in one of the groups displayed elongated conidiogenous cells with increased complexity of auxiliary structures from the mycelia. The species in another group reduced the volume of phialides and spores, which might be due to an energy-efficient strategy. These results suggested that a common origin allowed for diversification of given clades into separate niches. The distinct parallel evolutionary path combined with the specific phialides structure might result in the host specificity of Hirsutella (asexual morphs). A direct relationship between Hirsutella (asexual morphs) and the Cretaceous–Tertiary extinction was not found, which suggested that the diversity of phialides is more likely to be caused by long-term environmental adaptation and evolution rather than dramatic extinction events. This evolutionary result might correspond to the background of important biological and geological events in the late Cretaceous occurring near the divergence times of Hirsutella (asexual morphs).

Formulation and Clinical Evaluation of Orphenadrine citrate as a Plain Tablet

Orphenadrine is an anticholinergic ,antimuscarinic , centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant .It presents in the form of citrate and HCl salts which are used in treatment of the symptoms of mild Parkinson's disease and also it is used as adjuvant with other drugs in the therapy .
 Many trials were made to formulate Orphenadrine citrate as a plain tablet using wet granulation or direct compression technique in order to get a satisfactory formula through studying the effect of various factors such as binders , diluents and disintegrants types .
 The best formula was obtained by using Poly Vinyl Pyrolidine (PVP) as a binder also the results indicated that starch and mannitol gave acceptable physical properties to the tablets when they were used as diluents . At the same time , the results showed that Avicel which was used as a disintegrant gave an acceptable disintegration and dissolution time in comparison with the reference tablet DISIPAL Ò. In addition , the selected formula was used to study the effect of method of incorporation of disintegrant on the physical properties of tablets .It was found that the intragranular incorporation resulted in a shorter disintegration and dissolution times .The stability of Orphenadrine citrate prepared tablets was also studied upon storage at 50°C, 60°C and 70°C for four months .The drug was fairly stable and the expiration date for the prepared tablet was considered to be equal for 5 years .On the other hand , the results of clinical study on patients suffering from Parkinson's disease indicated that patients with tremor (regular rhythmic oscillation of extremities especially hand and finger ) and mild symptoms of Parkinson's disease showed a good response to the prepared tablets , but it had no effect on patients of dystonia ( fixed upward gaze , neck twisting ,clenching jaws ) and akinesia ( slow down of movement of voluntary muscle and difficulty of initiation of movement ).
 The overall results of this study indicate that the drug can be prepared as tablets , which fit the requirements of British Pharmacopoeia since the prepared tablets gave satisfactory results .

INTERNAL CAROTID ARTERY DISSECTION AND DELAYED STROKE FOLLOWING RUGBY TACKLE – A CASE REPORT

Following England's grand slam success in the ‘Six Nations’ tournament in 2016, publicity around the safety of rugby football is likely to be greater than ever before. Recent media coverage...

Successful therapeutic management of pigeon (Columba livia domestica)malaria with Chloroquine

Pigeons from two different flocks were presented to Teaching Veterinary Hospital of Institute, Ludhiana with the history of dullness, depression, decreased feed intake, twisting of neck, incordination, difficulty in maintaining balance and death. Physical examination of the affected birds revealed weakness, ruffled feather, lameness, dyspnea, lethargy and poor growth. Blood smear examination revealed presence of pigmented intraerythrocytic halter shaped gametocytes of Hemoproteus columbae. The birds were treated with Chloroquine and multivitamin. After 5 days of treatment mortality was stopped in the birds and remaining birds regain their appetite and became alert and active. During a follow up period of one month no recurrence of disease and any further mortality were observed in the pigeon flocks.

Biosecurity Measures and Constraints Among Rural Poultry Farmers in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Poor biosecurity and Newcastle disease continues to be a major constraint to rural poultry production system in Nigeria. This study was conducted among 200 poultry farmers in the state with the use of questionnaire to assess the level of biosecurity and constraints among rural poultry farmers in six Local Government Areas of Zamfara State, Nigeria. Information obtained from respondents showed that, only about 12% of the farmers practice combination of hand washing and footbath in their poultry pens as well. Only about 13% of the farmers most times clean their pens and 50% of the respondents dispose carcasses by refuse dumping. Newcastle disease is reported as the most common disease and the major clinical signs were greenish diarrhoea and twisting of neck. During outbreaks the most farmers preferred to slaughter (42.5%), while the others treat (27.0%) the birds with veterinary methods. Antibiotics (25.0%), antiviral agents (4.0%) and local remedies (33.0%). Most of the respondents (53.0%) sometimes clean their poultry pen. Finally, it concluded that, the low level of commercial poultry production in the study area might be due to poor practices by the farmers. So, it is recommended that, government should put program about training poultry farmers on biosecurity, disease prevention and the adoption of modern husbandry practices suitable for the traditional poultry production system.

P156 – 2357: Torticollis: Different etiologic conditions in childhood

Objective Torticollis is an abnormal head posture that occurs at all ages, seen in childhood with an estimated incidence of 1.3%. Clinical presentation includes ipsilateral tilt and controlateral rotation and translation. The purpose of this studyis to better understand the spectrum of disease in torticollis except congenital muscular torticollis. Methods 17 patients presented with complaints of twisted neck, neck pain, weakness of extremity, esotropia and gait disorder between May 2012 and November 2014 were enrolled in this study. Cranial and/or spinal MR, CT imaging, ultrasound and ph meter studies were performed in order to reveal etiology. Results Nine patient underwent surgery, two patientes received medical therapy for reflux and benign paroxysmal torticollis. For six patients only clinical follow-up was sufficient. Conclusion There is a wide differential diagnosis for a patient with torticollis, not just neurological in etiology which should be considered in any patient with torticollis. Moreover, early diagnosis of etiological disease will reduce mortality and morbidity. Therefore, clinicians managing children with torticollis must be vigilant about underlying neurological complications.

First Report of Plant-Parasitic Nematode Meloidoderita salina in the Netherlands.

After the description of the root-parasitic nematode Meloidoderita salina from a tidal salt marsh in France (1), an additional sampling was carried out to search for the presence of this unusual nematode in a tidal salt marsh area close to Sint-Annaland, Zeeland Province, the Netherlands. In August and October 2012, a total of 25 soil and root samples were collected from the halophytic plants Atriplex portulacoides L. (so far the only known host for this nematode species), A. littoralis L., A. prostrata Boucher ex DC., Limonium vulgare Mill., Salicornia europaea L., Aster tripolium L., and Plantago maritima L. All these halophytes grow in a cohesive muddy soil type within the salt marsh, except A. littoralis and A. prostrata, which grow in the litter tidal zones on the edges of this area. Nematodes from roots and soil were extracted by centrifugal flotation (2) and Oostenbrink's cotton-wool filter methods (4), respectively. Additionally, roots were used for direct observation of females and young cystoids with a dissecting microscope. Finally, all stages were compared morphologically with available type material (1). Root and soil samples demonstrated that only nematodes isolated from A. portulacoides, A. littoralis, and A. prostrata contained all life stages of the genus Meloidoderita, while on the roots of L. vulgare, S. europaea, A. tripolium, and P. maritima, no Meloidoderita was observed. The soil samples included males, cystoids, and second-stage juveniles (J2) in low densities (<20 nematodes/100 ml), while swollen females and young cystoids were observed on root samples. All stages (n = 10 per life stage) fit morphologically with the recently described M. salina. Females were swollen with an oval to pear shaped body with a small posterior protuberance, irregular and twisted neck, oval and backwardly sloping stylet knobs, a prominent secretory-excretory (S-E) pore with cuticular lobes, and a swollen uterus with a thick hyaline wall. Males were without stylet, strongly sclerotized S-E duct, and tail tapering to rounded terminus ending in one or two ventrally terminal mucron. J2s had a well-developed stylet and rounded knobs set off from shaft and conical tail slightly curved ventrally and tapering to a finely pointed terminus with a finger-like projection. Cystoids showing the unique sub-cuticular hexagonal beaded pattern (1). J2s were also used for molecular analysis. DNA was extracted by incubating individual J2s in a lysis buffer as described in (3). Two primer combinations were used to amplify the small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) from a 100-times-diluted crude lysate (two overlapping fragments, [3]). The resulting (nearly) full-length SSU-rDNA sequences (GenBank KF751617 and KF751618) showed >99% identity with M. salina sequences from nematodes collected in the aforementioned tidal salt marsh in France (FJ969126 and FJ969127). To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. salina in the Netherlands. Moreover, this is the first record of M. salina parasitizing A. littoralis and A. prostrata. Although these Atriplex species are used for human consumption, the effect of M. salina on the host is unknown so far.

Co-occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders and influence factors among Chinese auto workers

To analyze the prevalence and risk factors of multiple musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in auto workers and the associations between MSDs at different sites. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 3998 workers, who were selected from a Chinese auto corporation by cluster random sampling, using the revised Nordic MSDs standard questionnaire; 3800 completed questionnaires were returned. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors for multiple MSDs. The logbinomial model was used to calculate the prevalence ratios (PRs) of MSDs at different sites and evaluate the associations between MSDs at different sites. Of the 3800 subjects, 2452 (64.5%) had MSDs at two or more sites, and 469 (12.3%) had MSDs at one site. The PRs varied from 1.5 to 6.7, with significant differences among different sites (P < 0.01). Relatively close associations were found between the MSDs at neck and shoulders, back and shoulders/waist, elbows and wrists/hands, waist and neck, wrists/hands and waist, hip and waist, knees and waist, and ankles/feet and elbows. The multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that the highest risk factor for MSDs was poor posture, including often working in an uncomfortable posture, neck bending forward, and neck twisting (ORs = 3.39, 1.93, and 1.38), followed by labor organization, in which break between tasks could decrease the risk of MSDs at three or more sites to 31%, staff shortage, which could increase the risk of MSDs by 75%, and pushing and pulling heavy objects (> 20 kg) (OR = 1.76). Most auto workers with MSDs have multiple sites affected, and there are high associations between the MSDs at different sites. The major risk factors for multiple MSDs in auto workers include poor posture, labor organization, and heavy physical labor.

Helping Your Baby With Torticollis

Torticollis is another name for “twisted neck.” It sounds like “tōr’ti-kol’is” when you say it out loud. Sometimes babies are born with their necks twisted more to one side than the other. Other times this can happen after birth. In either case, the neck muscle on one side is tighter or shorter than usual. (It is not a bone problem. Your baby’s bones are normal.) We don’t really know for sure why some babies have torticollis. It can happen if a baby is lying a certain way when he is inside his mother. Or it can happen during birth. The cause might be uneven pressure on the neck muscles while baby is being born. A newer idea is that sometimes torticollis happens from babies lying on their backs a lot. In this position some babies don’t move much. This may cause torticollis and sometimes a flat head (“plagiocephaly”). We know that for safe sleep it is important to put babies to sleep on their backs. So while awake, babies should be in other positions: on their stomach, on their sides or upright.

Significance of prevention and early treatment of a postoperative twisted neck: atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation after head and neck surgery

Atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation (AARS) is an infrequent condition that occurs most commonly in children for unknown reasons. Pediatric surgery, otopharyngeal inflammation, general anesthesia, and extreme rotation of the head are risk factors for development of postsurgical AARS, but AARS can often occur unnoticed, and the syndrome is not well known. We encountered three cases of postoperative AARS that occurred within 7 months; therefore, we have developed guidelines for prevention and early treatment of postoperative AARS. Postoperative AARS cannot be eliminated completely, but informed consent, a preoperative check, an appropriate surgical position, and a postoperative check may reduce the risk and damage related to this condition.

Pathological and epidemiological investigations into listerial encephalitis in sheep

Three outbreaks of encephalitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes were investigated in the migratory flocks of sheep in Punjab, India. Sixty-nine sheep were affected out of 930 animals (875 sheep and 55 goats) during these outbreaks, with cumulative morbidity, mortality and case fatality rate of 7.89, 7.08 and 89.85%, respectively. Incidence of disease was low in sheep below 6 months of age with cumulative morbidity and mortality rate of 3.75% as compared to 9.5 and 8.3%, respectively in sheep above 6 months of age. Case fatality was highest (100%) in young sheep below 6 months of age when compared to 88.3% in adult sheep above 6 months of age. Clinical signs included circling movements, unilateral facial paralysis, twisting of neck, stiffening and opisthotonus, blindness, corneal opacity and retention of food in mouth. Histopathologically, extensive perivascular cuffing, microabscesses and meningitis were observed in medulla oblongata, pons and anterior part of spinal cord. In few cases, microabscesses were also present in liver. Cerebrospinal fluid revealed higher concentration of total proteins with increase in globulins. Isolation of L. monocytogenes was made from hind brain and anterior part of spinal cord using cold enrichment method. There was no symptom of disease in the goats.

Zeno and the Beginning of Stoicism

On the north side of the Athenian agora there was a colonnade known as the Stoa Poikile, or the Painted Stoa, named after the famous paintings which decorated its rear wall. Here a visitor to third century Athens might have seen a thin, rather tall man with a slightly twisted neck, pacing up and down as he addressed a small group of listeners. This was Zeno, the founder of one of the most influential philosophical schools in antiquity, a school which would later number among its adherents the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. These philosophers would come to be known as Stoics after the building in which their founder taught. The term 'stoical' has entered many European languages. The Oxford English Dictionary offers the following definition: 'Of a person: Resembling a Stoic in austerity, indifference to pleasure and pain, repression of all feeling, and the like.' Yet Zeno himself appears to have been a somewhat discontented man, far from happy with the status quo. His most famous and controversial work was the Republic, a vigorous reaction against both his philosophical predecessors and the society he observed around him. No other work by Zeno, or

Rhizomucor pusillus mucormycosis combined with chlamydiosis in an African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus)

This paper describes a case of mucormycosis combined with chlamydiosis in an African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus). The clinical signs included diarrhoea, an unsteady gait and a twisted neck....

Hexavalent chromium-induced congenital abnormalities in chick embryos.

The embryotoxic and teratogenic potential of hexavalent chromium was evaluated in chick embryos. Different concentrations of aqueous solution of potassium dichromate ranging from 1.00 to 100.00 microg per egg were injected into chick eggs before incubation. A dose-dependent embryonic mortality was observed in all the groups examined on days 7 and 14 of incubation. The following malformations were observed in survivors: reduced body size and organs; microphthalmia; micromelia; everted viscera; abnormal and twisted neck, beak and spinal cord; isolated epicarditis; club foot; haemorrhage; and patchy feathers. Total mortality showing embryonic resorption was noted in higher dose groups (25-100 microg per egg) on day 14 of incubation.

Job demands, physical fitness, work ability, and age of vehicle inspectors

The aim of this field, laboratory, and questionnaire study was to quantify and compare job demands, physical fitness, and work ability of aging (over 45 years) and young male vehicle inspectors. Dynamic and perceived job demands were moderately low, whereas static load on the neck-shoulder region was high due to bent and/or twisted head and neck postures which occurred at an average of 42% of working hours. Physical job demands were about equal for aging and young subjects. Aging subjects had lower aerobic and muscular fitness than young ones. A reduced work ability was detected in 14% of the aging inspectors. Technical and organizational measures are necessary to reduce static load and fixed repetitiveness of the job. Furthermore, individual physical training is recommended to maintain work ability of both the aging and young vehicle inspectors.

Acrolein and embryogenesis: An experimental study

The effects of acrolein were studied on the chick embryos of 48 and 72 hr of incubation. Acrolein was dissolved in physiological saline and injected into the air sacs of the eggs at doses ranging from 0.001 to 0.1 mg per egg. The controls received and equal amount of saline only (0.1 ml per egg). All the embryos including controls were examined at Day 13. In all, 600 eggs were utilized for this investigation. At 48 hr incubation, the percentage survival ranged from 80 to 0 as the dosage of acrolein was increased. Embryonic mortality following 72 hr incubation did not increase significantly at any dose level. Gross malformations such as short and twisted limbs, everted viscera, microphthalmia, short and twisted neck, and hemorrhage over the body were observed. The frequency and the types of gross abnormalities did not vary much in the 48- or 72-hr-treated groups. The incidence of malformation in the controls was low. The results of this study indicate that acrolein is embryotoxic at higher doses and moderately teratogenic to chick embryogenesis.