Presence Of Spurs Research Articles

Plantar calcaneal spurs and their connection with lumbar herniating discs

Introduction: Calcaneal spurs are bony triangular projections of varying sizes that are found on the calcaneum. By analyzing the incidence of plantar spurs and lumbar herniated disks, the current research aims to provide a reliable baseline for determining the pathological significance of spurs with herniated disks. Methods: Consecutive patients who had visited a local physiotherapy clinic for plantar calcaneal spurs between October 2022 and February 2023 with no self-reported comorbidities such as diabetes or vascular diseases were qualified for the study. Of the eligible subjects, a total of 84 patients were randomly selected from the clinic’s database. All 84 patients were subjected to weight-bearing lateral foot radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging scans. A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure heel pain. Associations between the presence of spurs, herniated disks, sex, body mass index (BMI), and heel pain were then explored. Results: Of the 84 patients, 40 were males (48%) and 44 females (52%), with a mean age of 64.2 ± 5.6 years. The mean BMI was 28.5 ± 5.2 kg/m2. From the analysis of the imaging examination results, of the 84 patients with calcaneal spurs, 40 (48%) had lumbar disk herniation at L5-S1, 38 (45%) at L4-L5, 1 (1%) high lumbar herniations, and 5 (6%) no hernia. Women accounted for 45% of L5-S1 herniations and 41% of L4-L5 herniations. Pearson correlation between the variables speaks for a positive weak (r = 0.33) and significant relationship between VAS and weight and between VAS and BMI (r = 0.436, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Given the high percentage of patients suffering concomitantly from plantar calcaneal spurs and discal hernias (94%), we assume that there might be a probable link between the two disorders.

Котки різних конструкцій. Інженерний аналіз

Comparative field tests of similar in design ring-spur and gear-spur rollers for soil rolling provide their developers and users with information on the understanding of the design and technological features. The Goal of research – engineering analysis of structures of ring-spur and gear-spur rollers according to the criteria of weight, shape of working surfaces, soil pressure, completeness of compaction, penetrating ability in the range of depth of pre-sowing and surface tillage. Methods and Materials. Engineering analysis involved the study of three types of rollers. The research hypothesis assumed that the combination of weight characteristics of rollers and their geometric shapes of working surfaces in contact with the soil, in statics will provide the inherent properties of each cat (the first stage of research), which will potentially focus on choosing the most acceptable criteria for comparing functional features of rollers. necessary for field research in dynamics (the second stage of research). According to the criteria of static research were selected: penetrating ability (1); soil pressure (2); completeness of compaction of the area (3); direction of clamping forces (4); features of working surfaces (5); the nature of the mounting of solid disks on the shaft (6). Methodologically, the first three criteria required special adaptations (capacities) with the ability to change the height of the soil layer in the range of depths of pre-sowing and sowing tillage. Other criteria were supposed to be carried out by organoleptic evaluation. The study was supposed to be carried out on soil characteristic of the Forest-Steppe zone and homogeneous in fractional composition, to exclude the influence of soil inclusions of different sizes. Evaluation of soil characteristics was performed by thermostatic-weight method, according to the generally accepted method of "cutting ring" [Kaczynski, 1947] with a cylinder volume of 100 cm3. To determine the area of one elementary working surface of the annular disk, the application of a marking grid on its imprint on the surface left in the soil layers hmin, hmid, hmax was used. When determining the pressure on the soil, depending on the height of the treated layer, the marking grid was superimposed on the imprint of several areas of elementary working surfaces, which were fixed on the chord of immersion in the soil of the annular segment. Statistical analysis of experimental data was performed by the method of analysis of variance according to [Dospekhov, 1985] and interpreted by standard computer programs Excel and graphs. Results. According to the physical characteristics (weight and geometric parameters) of the roller combines the proximity of the diameter of the disks, the width of the working surfaces on the edge of the generator, the presence of spurs. The difference lies in the dimensional characteristics that fall on the width of the grip, the presence of aggressive protruding shapes (teeth) in the gear-spur structure. Each roller has an individual layout of elementary work surfaces. This allowed the conditional marking of rollers as "classic", "modernized" and "specialized". The working surfaces of the classic and specialized rollers provide vertical and lateral action of the clamping forces, while the modernized forms them in the vertical direction. These forces for each of the rollers are derived from the orientation of the working surfaces of different configurations (flat narrow, flat wide; a combination of point-focused with trapezoidal). In addition, work surfaces can have a one- or two-level sequence of contact with the soil at a variable depth. It is established that the nature of the attachment of adjacent disks on the shaft can be rigid or movable. Definitions of concepts and their estimation on indicators of pressure, completeness of consolidation, penetrating ability are resulted. Conclusions. According to the indicators of engineering analysis, each of the three rollers is predicted to have its inherent dominant feature for the most effective use in milling, pre-sowing and post-sowing tillage operations. It is determined that the most acceptable criteria for further research in the dynamics of variable speed should be the intensity of crushing lumps, the degree of soil compaction, the intensity of soil compaction, sticking of the working surface of the roller in high humidity, self-cleaning ability. The criteria of further research in dynamics are determined.

Spurs, sexual dimorphism and reproductive maturity in Tasmanian echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus setosus)

We present data from an 18-year study of a wild population of Tasmanian echidnas, which show that the presence of spurs in an adult are a reliable indicator of sex, and that there is a slight but significant sexual dimorphism in size, with a male to female mass ratio of 1.1. Minimum age at first breeding in the wild for Tasmanian echidnas was 5 years, as has been found on Kangaroo Island, compared with 3 years in captive echidnas. It is often assumed that although the echidna is distributed throughout Australia, New Guinea and off-shore islands that all aspects of its basic biology are the same in all populations, but comparisons of our results with data from other populations suggest that there may be differences in size and sexual dimorphism.

Redescription, molecular features, and neotype deposition of Rhipicephalus pusillus Gil Collado and Ixodes ventalloi Gil Collado (Acari, Ixodidae).

Two species of ticks, Rhipicephalus pusillus Gil-Collado and Ixodes ventalloi Gil-Collado are redescribed, their molecular features (16S rDNA) compared with near species, and neotypes named and deposited. The male of R. pusillus is characterized by a smooth dorsal surface, with relatively short marginal grooves, not reaching the eyes and reaching the first festoon, longer than wide adanal plates, internally concave and widely rounded posteriorly, without internal spurs, accessory adanal plates not projecting over the cuticle, and a narrow, long and straight process on the spiracular plate. The female has very small porose areas, separated by 2.5-3 diameters, and a large triangular spur on the ventro-internal side of the palpal article 1. The nymph has lateral processes curved anteriorly in the ventral aspect of the basis capituli, long auriculae, and internal spurs on the four coxae. The larva of R. pusillus is separated by the presence of spurs on the ventral surface of palpal segment I, together with the rounded apices of the palpi. Features of 16S rDNA cluster this species near the R. sanguineus s.l. complex of species. The distinctive feature of the female of I. ventalloi is the long and curved auriculae, which are absent in every other species of Ixodes reported in the Western Palaearctic. The male is characterized by relatively long conscutal setae and deep and well defined cervical fields. The nymph is unique by having slightly apparent lateral carinae and small cornua, very abundant and long alloscutal setae, about six times longer than those on the scutum and internal spur of coxa I reaching coxa II. The larva of I. ventalloi has Md1-Md3 setae of the same size as the rest of the conscutal setae, which are only slightly longer than the scutal setae, cornua present, and anal groove clearly divergent. In addition to the unique combination of morphological features, the molecular 16rDNA sequence clearly separates I. ventalloi from other species of the I. ricinus group. We named and deposited in an internationally accessible collection the neotypes of both species, since the holotypes were lost.

Subtalar Joint Instability and Calcaneal Spurs Associated with the Configuration of the Articular Facets of Adult Human Calcaneum in Indian Population.

Morphological variations of articular facets of calcaneum may predispose people to joint instability, ligamentous laxity and development of arthritic changes in the subtalar joint. Knowledge of such variations is essential for treatment and diagnostic procedures in orthopaedic surgeries. The aim of this study was to determine patterns of articular facets of calcanei and to establish its correlation with calcaneal spurs. The study was conducted on 580 adult calcanei of Indian origin at Maulana Azad Medical College and pattern of articular facets were observed and classified according to five patterns described in literature. A digital vernier calliper was used to measure separation between anterior and middle facet. Degree of intersecting angle between anterior and medial facets was calculated using UTHSCSA Image Tool software. The calcaneal spurs were observed by visual inspection. Out of 580 calcanei, 66.55% had fused anterior and middle facets (Pattern I), 27.59% had all three facets separate (Pattern II), 5.52% had absence of anterior facet (Pattern III), 0.17% had all three facets fused (Pattern IV) and 0.17% had fused middle and posterior facets (Pattern V). A significant side variation was present in Pattern III with predominance on left side. Mean angle of intersection was 147.700 in Pattern I and 133.340 in Pattern II calcaneum. Calcaneal spurs were found in 61.38% out of which it was associated with Pattern I in 43.62%, Pattern II in 14.66% and Pattern III in 2.76%. Individuals with Pattern I and III calcaneum were found to be at a greater risk of subtalar joint instability than individuals with Pattern II. Angle of intersection was obtuse in Pattern I which resulted in ligament laxity and unstable joint. Pattern I was more common in Indian population and this fact necessitates modifications of the western surgical techniques to suit the Indian scenario. An association between the presence of spur and facet configuration was found to be significant.

Relationship between structural joint damage and urate deposition in gout: a plain radiography and dual-energy CT study

ObjectivesThe aim of this work was to examine the relationship between joint damage and monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition in gout.MethodsPlain radiographs and dual-energy CT (DECT) scans of the feet...

Plantar calcaneal spurs in older people: longitudinal traction or vertical compression?

BackgroundPlantar calcaneal spurs are common, however their pathophysiology is poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and correlates of plantar calcaneal spurs in a large sample of older people.MethodsWeightbearing lateral foot radiographs of 216 people (140 women and 76 men) aged 62 to 94 years (mean age 75.9, SD 6.6) were examined for plantar calcaneal and Achilles tendon spurs. Associations between the presence of spurs and sex, body mass index, radiographic measures of foot posture, self-reported co-morbidities and current or previous heel pain were then explored.ResultsOf the 216 participants, 119 (55%) had at least one plantar calcaneal spur and 103 (48%) had at least one Achilles tendon spur. Those with plantar calcaneal spurs were more likely to have Achilles tendon spurs (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 to 3.5). Prevalence of spurs did not differ according to sex. Participants with plantar calcaneal spurs were more likely to be obese (OR = 7.9, 95% CI 3.6 to 17.0), report osteoarthritis (OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.6 to 4.8) and have current or previous heel pain (OR = 4.6, 95% CI 2.3 to 9.4). No relationship was found between the presence of calcaneal spurs and radiographic measures of foot posture.ConclusionCalcaneal spurs are common in older men and women and are related to obesity, osteoarthritis and current or previous heel pain, but are unrelated to radiographic measurements of foot posture. These findings support the theory that plantar calcaneal spurs may be an adaptive response to vertical compression of the heel rather than longitudinal traction at the calcaneal enthesis.

A new species of Tardigrada (Eutardigrada: Milnesiidae): Milnesium krzysztofi from Costa Rica (Central America)

A new eutardigrade species Milnesium krzysztofi sp. nov. is described from Costa Rica. M. krzysztofi sp. nov. differs from the most similar Milnesium katarzynae Kaczmarek et al., 2004 mainly by the presence of spurs on internal claws I–III and on external claw IV.

Influence of genotype, year and type of fruiting branches on the productive behaviour of almond

Abstract The effect of the type of fruiting branch was studied over 2 years in nine almond selections in order to investigate its relationship with bloom density, fruit set, the level of the subsequent crop, and the physical traits of the fruits. The effect of the fruiting branch, defined by the presence of spurs, was found to be highly significant for bloom density, productivity and fruit size, but not for fruit shape, showing that nut and kernel shapes are cultivar traits. Bloom density and its components, as well as fruit set, fruit density and productivity were highly genotype and year dependent, but the interaction genotype × year was less important or even non-significant, stressing the special behaviour of each genotype as well as the effect of the year, probably linked to the climatic conditions and to the physiological status of the trees.

Growth forms and palaeoenvironmental interpretation of stromatoporoids in a Middle Devonian reef, southern Morocco (west Sahara)

Growth forms of well-preserved stromatoporoids, including genera Actinostroma, Stachyodes, and Stromatopora, are described for the first time from the Devonian Sabkhat Lafayrina reef complex of southern Morocco (west Sahara), one of the best exposed Middle-Devonian stromatoporoid-dominated fossil reefs. Three facies types representing the well illuminated fore-reef, reef-core and transition to back-reef facies display the distribution and growth of stromatoporoids in a high latitude setting at 40–50° south of the palaeoequator. Stromatoporoids are largely in growth position and reflect the well-preserved reef architecture. Although outcrops are low topography, the reef's prominent profile is indicated by presence of spur and groove form and a clearly defined reef margin. Stromatoporoids are mostly laminar and domical forms, with little evidence of ragged margins, and indicate normal turbulence shallow waters, with low sediment deposition.

Morphological variability within the genus Calciosolenia (coccolithophorids) from the eastern Mediterranean Sea

Different species and types of extant Calciosolenia are described in this paper. The two species C. murrayi Gran 1912 and Anoplosolenia brasiliensis (Lohmann 1919) Deflandre 1945 were traditionally placed in separate genera, the main differences being in the presence or absence of spines in the apical part of the coccosphere. Recent work (Young et al. 2003) transferred A. brasiliensis into the genus Calciosolenia , due to the high similarity in coccolith morphology. Within this paper, the varimorphic nature of both species is shown and the coccolith ultrastructure is described in detail, with the recognition of new diagnostic characters, such as the presence of spurs at the coccolith ends. Four different morphotypes are recognized within C. murrayi , based on the variability in central area structure; a further type shows affinity to both C. brasiliensis and C. murrayi , depending on the characters considered: this is defined as a new species, C. corsellii , and its taxonomic position is discussed. These observations reveal a high morphological diversity within the Calciosoleniaceae, with complex relations between individual species.

ANATOMICAL STUDY FOR THE PATHOGENESIS OF ACROMIAL SPUR UTILIZING MACERATED SKELETONS

In clarifying the pathogenesis of an acromial spur formation, sixty macerated whole body skeletons were studied by utilizing visual measurement. The criterion for judging the presence of spurs was determined as spurs: >3 mm. Spur formation at eight different extra-spinal skeletal bones was measured bilaterally. Additionally, the morphological features of acromial spurs were classified. Comparative study on the paired acromial spur, both in the length and the morphology, was demonstrated to be significantly symmetric. Moreover, in the case of bilateral giant acromial spur presence: >4 mm, three out of six were associated with skeletal hyperostosis. Impingement and overuse have been considered to be the common preceding factors in acromial spurs. Based on our study, two additional factors might be proposed. It may either be due to a local finding of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis or to intrinsic factors.

上腕骨大結節，小結節の骨きょくの発生頻度

This study elucidated the factors causing spur formation at the greater tuberosity and lesser tubercle of the humerus.260 shoulder joints of 138 preserved skeletons were investigated. The average age at the time of death was 58.7 years (range, 20-86 years).Presence of spur in the acromion and in the tuberosities of the humerus were observed macroscopically. The angle formed by the tangent line of the front of the condyles and that of the bicipital groove was also measured.The incidence of spur formation was statistically higher with increasing age. There was a statistical relationship between presence of spur at the humerus and also at the acromion.According to Neer, elevation of the arm in the anatomical position of external rotation causes the critical area to pass under the anterior process of the acromion. However, this study revealed that the presence of more spurs in the tuberosities makes the humerus statistically internally rotated. Therefore, it may be suggested that the incidence of bony spurs is not only due to impingement, but rotation of the humerus and other factors are also responsible.

Population Analysis of Vigor and Growth Pattern of Apple Seedlings with Short Internode Parentage

Abstract The vigor of growth and branching pattern of about 2000 apple seedlings were assessed. The seedlings were 8 years of age and were obtained by intercrossing 4 ‘Goldspur Delicious’ × ‘Redspur Delicious’ hybrids. The seedlings differed considerably in their vigor; the largest tree measured 16 times larger than the smallest one. The short internode condition seemed to exert some dwarfing effect on tree size but was not, however, the sole factor accounting for the degree of dwarfing observed. Measurements revealed that short internode conditions occurred within the most vigorous tree class as well as within the least vigorous one. A continuous variation rather than discontinuous segregation was observed with regard to both vigor of the trees and presence of spurs. Branching pattern also differed with the most numerous pattern being trees with upright branches, some of which produced only a limited number of third-order branches while the others produced a more pronounced number of second-order laterals. Trees with spread-shape crowns consisted of about 20% of the total count, while trees with natural-shape crowns, only 8%.