Shoes Research Articles

Molecular docking and MD simulations reveal protease inhibitors block the catalytic residues in Prp8 intein of Aspergillus fumigatus: a potential target for antimycotics

Resistance to azoles and amphotericin B especially in Aspergillus fumigatus is a growing concern towards the treatment of invasive fungal infection. At this critical juncture, intein splicing would be a productive, and innovative target to establish therapies against resistant strains. Intein splicing is the central event for the activation of host protein, essential for the growth and survival of various microorganisms including A. fumigatus. The splicing process is a four-step protease-like nucleophilic cascade. Thus, we hypothesise that protease inhibitors would successfully halt intein splicing and potentially restrict the growth of the aforementioned pathogen. Using Rosetta Fold and molecular dynamics simulations, we modelled Prp8 intein structure; resembling classic intein fold with horse shoe shaped splicing domain. To fully comprehend the active site of Afu Prp8 intein, C1, T62, H65, H818, N819 from intein sequences and S820, the first C-extein residue are selected. Molecular docking shows that two FDA-approved drugs, i.e. Lufotrelvir and Remdesivir triphosphate efficiently interact with Prp8 intein from the assortment of 212 protease inhibitors. MD simulation portrayed that Prp8 undergoes conformational change upon ligand binding, and inferred the molecular recognition and stability of the docked complexes. Per-residue decomposition analysis confirms the importance of F: block R802, V803, and Q807 binding pocket in intein splicing domain towards recognition of inhibitors, along with active site residues through strong hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts. However, in vitro and in vivo assays are required to confirm the inhibitory action on Prp8 intein splicing; which may pave the way for the development of new antifungals for A. fumigatus. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Maximalist Shoes: Separating Science From Hype.

One of the most discussed but misunderstood topics in foot and ankle is shoe wear choices and the purported benefits of each type of shoe versus their actual scientific advantages. All foot and ankle care providers should be familiar with the various shoe wear types available to patients to improve their overall foot health. Recently, mainstream popularity and media coverage of maximalist shoes has created increased interest in the science and potential clinical benefits of maximalist shoes. The purpose of this review is to present the current biomechanical evidence of maximalist shoes and to help inform the foot and ankle community of their potential therapeutic applications.Levels of Evidence: Level V.

Single Case study on Horse Shoe Fistula with Partial Fistulectomy followed by Kshara Sutra Procedure

Bhagandara is enumerated under Astamahagada[1] and it is a Chedana Sadya Vyadi, clinically which can be correlated to Fistula-In-Ano. It is a communicating track lined by unhealthy granulation tissue; opens internally in the anal canal or rectum and perianal region. Commonly this disease develops after spontaneous bursting or inappropriate surgical drainage of an abscess. It then remains open with pus discharge.[2] The incidence of a Fistula-in-Ano developing from an anal abscess ranges from 26% to 38%, the prevalence rate of Fistula-in-Ano is 8.6 cases per 100,000 population worldwide, in men the prevalence rate is 12.3 cases per 100,000 population and in women it is 5.6 cases per 100,000 population.[3] Depending upon the extent and nature of Fistulous tracks, Acharya Sushruta has described different type of incision in the management of Bhagandara. Here in this article a small attempt has been made to throw light on Sushrutokta Chedana Karma in Bhagandara.

Comparing Outcomes of Acute Versus Gradual Surgical Correction in Brachymetatarsia

Brachymetatarsia consists of a shortened metatarsal resulting in a shorter toe. Pain with shoe wear and cosmetic concerns are the main reasons for surgical intervention. Surgical techniques to increase metatarsal length include acute lengthening with interpositional bone grafting or gradual lengthening with callus distraction. We performed a retrospective cohort study for 1 surgeon's patients at 1 institution over 10 years. Twenty-nine feet in 22 patients met inclusion criteria for acute correction; 16 feet in 11 patients were included for gradual correction. Mean ages were 26.3 ± 12.1 and 27 ± 10.8 in the acute and gradual groups, respectively (p = .79). Most patients were female: 95.4% of acute cases and 90.1% of gradual cases. Most involved lengthening the fourth metatarsal: 86.7% and 100% of acute and gradual groups, respectively (p = .54). Correction obtained amounted to 14.4 ± 2.97 mm (range, 10-22 mm) in acute cases and 14.8 ± 2.39 mm (range, 10-20 mm) in gradual cases (p = .81). The mean percent increase in metatarsal length was 21.1 ± 14% for acute and 22.6 ± 12.4% for gradual (p = .72). Mean consolidation was 8.9 ± 2.51 weeks for acute and 21.4 ± 10.8 weeks for gradual (p = <.001). Nonunions were most common in the gradual group (37.5%) with need for more revisional surgery (43.5%) compared with the acute group; both were statistically significant. We conclude that acute brachymetatarsia correction can obtain correction similar to the gradual technique with fewer postoperative complications and less osseous consolidation time.

Rare Occasion of Congenital Anomalies: Bilateral Syndactyly with Multiple Polydactyly of the Hands and Feet

Introduction: Upper and lower limb malformations are essential things that occur related to congenital disabilities, including syndactyly and polydactyly. It may appear in association with other birth defects as a part of a syndrome and may be present in the upper extremity or lower extremity. Cases of bilateral syndactyly with multiple polydactyly of the hands and feet are the first time in our center, and they must be promptly diagnosed and treated to avoid functional and cosmetic problems. Case presentation: A 3-month-old male toddler presented with webbed index, middle, and ring fingers with synonichia, accompanied by additional fingers on hands and feet. An x-ray examination revealed preaxial polydactyly at both hands with bifid phalanx (Wassel classification) and postaxial polydactyly type B. Duplicated postaxial metatarsal (Venn-Watson classification) and type B postaxial polydactyly also occur on both feet with webbed index and middle toe on the left foot. Direct closure was achieved with a dorsal trapezoidal and zig-zag flap to release the second and third fingers of the right hand, followed by resection of rudimentary fingers to help the child with early stages of motoric functions. Discussion: Syndactyly can cause a length difference that results in growth and functional difficulties. Surgical release of the index to middle and middle to ring fingers should be done early between 3-6 months of age and is expected to help the child grasp, write, and subsequently manipulate objects. We prioritize operating the right hand as around 90% of people prefer to use the right hand. Simple ligation was also performed to recess the rudimentary fingers on both hands and feet. It has no functional benefit and can limit function as it may get caught or make it difficult to wear shoes and gloves. We have to remind the parents that multiple surgeries may be necessary to achieve a satisfactory result and to complete the reconstruction before 24 months of age when the patterns of function of the digits are established. Conclusion: Bilateral complex syndactyly with preaxial and postaxial polydactyly on both hands and feet are distinctly uncommon entities that need multidisciplinary treatment. In this instance, the syndactyly releasing of the second and third fingers on the right hand is prioritized based on the function to be achieved, with excision of the rudimentary fingers.

Preoperative patient's expectations and clinical outcomes after rheumatoid forefoot deformity reconstruction by joint sacrificing surgery.

To study the clinical and radiologic factors related with overall patient satisfaction of joint scarifying reconstruction on severe rheumatoid forefoot deformity (RFD). Forty cases of RFD were retrospectively enrolled. A questionnaire on the factors for patient's expectations and satisfactions of the greater and lesser toes was administered, including repression of relapse in deformity (D), pain reduction (P), improvement in shoe wearing (S), barefoot activity (B), and appearance (A). Overall satisfaction were assessed using the 5-digit-scale. Hallux valgus angle, 1, 2 intermetatarsal angle, and other radiologic parameters were measured. Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between these factors and overall satisfaction. Overall satisfaction was 4.0±0.82. Postoperative radiologic parameters were corrected in adequate range. Visual analog scale (VAS) was reduced from 7.2±2.1 to 2.2±1.8. For the greater toe, patient's expectations (D, P, S, B, and A) were 4.2, 4.1, 3.0, 2.5, 2.7 and satisfactions were 4.2, 4.0, 3.4, 3.5, 3.3, respectively. For the lesser toes, patient's expectations (D, P, S, B, and A) were 3.9, 4.1, 3.4, 3.0, 2.8, and satisfactions were 3.4, 4.0, 3.4, 3.6, 2.9, respectively. Satisfactions with P and B, and reduction amounts of VAS were significantly correlated with overall satisfaction. Although forefoot reconstruction with a joint sacrificing procedure is non-physiological, it could be a good surgical option for severe RFD. Each patient's expectations and satisfactions with this procedure could vary. Thus, it seems important to inform patients preoperatively that expectation could be fulfilled well or less.

Controlling a Below-the-Elbow Prosthetic Arm Using the Infinity Foot Controller

Nowadays there are various prosthetic arm designs in the literature, the market, and CAD design websites, with different shapes, sizes, and degrees of freedom. Only limited options are available for controlling such prostheses. Prosthetic arm users reported muscle fatigue and unreliability when using the market-dominated myoelectric sensors. This work presents the “Infinity Foot Controller” as a new approach to control a five-finger below-the-elbow prosthetic arm with wrist rotation and bending capabilities. This foot control system receives user input from a custom insole and a sensor-controller unit placed alongside the user’s shoe to perform various hand grips, gestures, and/or rotations. To demonstrate the new foot controller, a design of a 3D-printed below-the-elbow prosthetic arm, called the “Infinity Arm”, is presented. This arm is suitable for gripping relatively lightweight objects and making hand gestures. It includes a wrist actuation system that permits 120° wrist rotation and 70° wrist extension and flexion. It also includes a haptic feedback system that utilizes fingertip force sensors to relay a vibratory response in an armband placed on the user’s arm, giving the user a sense of touch. A proof-of-concept model was built to demonstrate the system and a testing procedure was proposed.

Analisis Pola Keausan Brake Shoe pada Kereta Mass Rapid Transit Jakarta

Brake shoe is one of the components on train that has an important role in braking process, to perform braking brake shoe rubs against the wheel. Friction between the brake shoe and wheel continuously can cause wear on brake shoe. The purpose of this study is to determine the wear rate and service life of brake shoe and main cause of brake shoe wear faster. The research method used in this research is descriptive quantitative method. Based on the results of the study, at a distance of about 7000 km to 10000 km the brake shoe on trailer car experienced wear of about 4 mm to 8 mm while brake shoe on motor car was about 1 mm to 3 mm. The service life of brake shoe on trailer car when mileage reaches 40000 km to 50000 km while on the motor car it can reach 70000 km to 90000 km and the main cause of brake shoe wear is faster due to the large braking force generated due to the frequent braking of the train so that the friction on the brake shoe and the wheel is more frequent and can cause hot temperatures which make wear occur faster.

Flat flexible school shoes for adolescents with patellofemoral pain: a randomised, assessor-blinded, parallel-group feasibility trial

ObjectivesTo determine the feasibility of conducting a large-scale randomised controlled trial on the efficacy of flat, flexible school footwear versus traditional school footwear in adolescents (aged 12–18 years) with patellofemoral...

The effects of different inner pressures of air insoles and walking durations on peak plantar pressure.

Exercise reduces chronic complications in individuals with diabetes and peripheral vascular diseases. In clinical practice, the use of air insole may reduce peak plantar pressure (PPP), and risk for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). However, there is no guideline on selecting air insole pressure for effectively reducing PPP. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of different air insole pressure on PPP at different walking durations. We tested 13 participants using repeated measures study design, including 3 air insole pressures (80, 160, and 240 mm Hg) and 2 walking durations (10 and 20 minutes) for 6 walking conditions. PPP values at the first toe, first metatarsal head, and second metatarsal head were calculated. The one-way ANOVA showed significant pairwise differences of PPP at 20 minutes duration in the first metatarsal head between 80 and 240 mm Hg (P = .007) and between 160 and 240 mm Hg (P = .038); in the second metatarsal head between 80 and 240 mm Hg (P = .043). The paired t test confirmed that walking duration significantly has lower PPP at 10 minutes than 20 minutes with 240 mm Hg air insole in the first metatarsal head (P = .012) and the second metatarsal head (P = .027). People at risk of foot ulcers are suggested to wear shoes with 80 mm Hg of air insole for reducing PPP in the first metatarsal head and the second metatarsal head. Moreover, people may avoid wearing the stiffer insole (240 mm Hg) for more than 20 minutes.

Percutaneous arthroscopically assisted cheilectomy combined to percutaneous proximal phalanx osteotomy in hallux rigidus: Clinical and radiological outcomes in 30 feet at a 48-month follow-up

BackgroundHallux rigidus is a degenerative condition affecting the middle age population. It affects patients by limiting their first metatarsophalangeal range of motion (ROM) and also, their shoe wear. The objective of our work was to present an original operative technique which preserves the native joint and improves pain with minimal complications. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study of 28 patients (30 feet) suffering from moderate hallux rigidus, operated between October 2010 and October 2017 with at least 48months of follow-up. Clinical and radiological assessments included pre- and postoperative ROM, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and forefoot radiological evaluation. No patients were lost to follow-up. ResultsThe mean AOFAS score increased from 59 (range, 51 to 67) preoperatively to 84 (range, 80 to 88) at final follow-up. A total of 37 patients (97%) were satisfied. From a ROM point of view, this remained relatively unchanged between preoperative and postoperative values. ConclusionThe percutaneous arthroscopically assisted cheilectomy combined with a percutaneous proximal phalanx osteotomy, significantly improves pain in hallux rigidus with index minus in patients with Coughlin stage I and II after a mean of 4-year follow-up. Level of evidenceIV.

Comparison of Bone Healing and Delayed or Nonunion Rates Between Operatively and Non- operatively Treated Displaced Zone 1 Fifth Metatarsal Fractures

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Other Introduction/Purpose: Acute fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal are one of the most common injuries to the foot, occurring in up to 70% of all metatarsal fractures1. Displaced zone 1 fractures of the fifth metatarsal with greater than 2 mm fracture gap or those comprising greater than 30% of the cubometatarsal joint warrant operative treatment with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF)2,7, as satisfactory bone healing and patient-reported outcomes have been reported previously8–13. More recently, a few studies have demonstrated good functional outcomes after conservative treatment of zone 1 fractures with initial displacement greater than 2 mm7,13. Nevertheless, the lack of comparative studies and conflicting available evidence of outcomes warrant further investigation on this topic. Methods: A chart review was conducted to identify patients with displaced zone 1 fractures of the fifth metatarsal. Age at time of injury, gender, smoking and diabetes history, were collected. Degree of fracture displacement were measured (mm) on AP, lateral, and oblique view radiographs obtained at the initial encounter. Non-operatively treated patients were instructed to weightbear as tolerated in a Controlled Ankle Motion (CAM) boot for 6 weeks. Surgically-treated patients were placed in a short-leg splint for 2 weeks, and remained non-weightbearing in a CAM boot until 6 week period. They transitioned to normal shoe wear at the 8 week postoperative period. Chart notes were reviewed to identify the time to complete healing and incidences of delayed or nonunion. Means were compared using a one-way ANOVA or Kruskal Wallis test depending on normality, and categorical variables were compared using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test. Results: The average time to complete healing was greater in non-operatively treated patients by 3 weeks (17.1 vs. 14.1, p=0.282). 4/37 (10.8%) non-operatively treated patients experienced delayed or non-union whereas 4/38 (13.2%) operatively-treated patients experienced delayed or non-union. This difference was statistically non-significant. The average fracture displacement (mm) on the oblique view was significantly greater in operatively-treated patients (2.68 vs. 5.40, p&lt; 0.001). For patients with fracture gaps greater than 2 mm on the oblique view, non-operatively treated patients took 20.9 weeks whereas operatively- treated patients took 11.8 weeks to reach complete healing (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: Patients who were treated non-operatively for displaced zone 1 fractures of the fifth metatarsal took on average 3 weeks longer to reach complete healing than operatively-treated patients. For patients with fracture gap greater than 2 mm on the oblique view, operative treatment was associated with significantly reduced time to complete healing.

دراسة مبنية على المجتمع لانتشار البلهارسيا البولية وعوامل اختطارها في مديرتين موبؤتين في محافظة تعز-اليمن

Background: Schistosomiasis is still a major public health problem despite launching preventive chemotherapy campaigns (using Praziquantel) through yearly treatment of school-age children since 2008. Objective: To conclude: prevalence, contributing factors, intensity for Schistosoma Haematobium in Al-Shmaytin &amp; Al-Mwaset districts-Taiz, Yemen. Methods: a cross-sectional study, data on age, sex, marital status, income, education, location, water contact, medical history (MH), urine test results (filtration method used to detect S. haematobium &amp;concentration methods for the detection of infection intensities), were gathered using structured questionnaires between March &amp; April 2021. Sample size calculated using appropriate formula. 298 individuals selected by systematic random sampling. Informed consent obtained. For statistical analysis, SPSS version 24 is used. For “p”-values, the statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: S. haematobium was found in 17 of 273 respondents, with a prevalence of 6.2%, higher in Al-Shmaytin (9.2%) than in Al-Mwaset (3.5%), and a light-intensity 59%. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) for the following variables (95% confidence interval (CI)): district 3.7 (12 cases from Al-Shmaytin 9.2%), age 1.0 (13 cases from 6-18 years 7.8%), sex 2.8 (13 cases from female 7.4%), marital 0.3 (15 cases from single 8%), educational status 1.3 (15 cases from Illiterate/Essential School 6%), swimming/bathing 2.0 (13 cases 8.6%), wear shoes 0.4 (15 cases from those who do not wear shoes 8.1%), urinate near water 1.7 (8 cases 9.8%), family member with disease 1.0 (5 cases 7.1%), dysuria 1.7 (8 cases 8.3%), and receiving anti-schistosomiasis drugs 0.9 (9 cases among those didn’t receiving drugs 7%). All had low monthly incomes and no sanitation. Prevalent among: secondary school and higher (2, 8.7%), unaware of schistosomiasis (15, 7.4%), and unaware of prophylaxis (16, 7.1%). Conclusions: Hypo-endemic urinary schistosomiasis in study areas. Most patients from Alsafiah, females, 6-18 years, light-intensity, swimming/bathing, single, didn't receive Praziquantel®, urinated near water, had dysuria, didn't wear shoes, had diseased family members, lacked sanitation, were unaware of schistosomiasis and its prevention, lived near water sources, and had low monthly income.

Determination method of co-orbital objects in the solar system

ABSTRACT In this paper, based on two-dimensional maps from the semi-analytical Hamiltonian approach, we proposed an improved determination method to classify co-orbital objects in the solar system without numerical integration. Taking advantage of a simple pattern analysis, we present two certainty conditions to recognize co-orbital objects with uncertain orbital parameters. Then, our determination method is applied to classify potential co-orbital objects (PCOs) of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, and then their results are verified through numerical integration in the multiplanet model, respectively. Through our method, we identify 11 new co-orbital objects for the first time, including four Mars trojans i.e. tadpole (TP) objects, one short-term Mars quasi-satellite (QS), one Mars horseshoe (HS), one Jupiter QS, one short-term Uranus trojan, one Uranus PCO, and one Neptune PCO with short-term transitions between QS and HS, and one Neptune PCO with short-term transition between QS and TP. Numerical computation shows that except Saturn PCOs significantly perturbed by Jupiter, our determination method for co-orbital objects in the solar system is effective, but it cannot deal with the classification of PCOs near the boundary of different co-orbital regions. Since our method does not rely on time-consuming numerical integration, it is efficient and suitable for a large amount of screening for numerous co-orbital objects in the solar system.

Determinants of Podoconiosis in Bensa District, Sidama Region, Ethiopia: A case control study.

Podoconiosis is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTD) with the greatest potential for elimination. Despite its public health importance, podoconiosis is a poorly understood disease which led to a widespread misconception about its cause, prevention, and treatment. Even though the exact global burden is still to be measured, it is estimated that at least 4 million people are affected with podoconiosis worldwide, of which more than 1.5 million people are in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to identify the determinants of podoconiosis in Bensa District, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia. A community-based unmatched case-control study was used to identify the determinants of podoconiosis. The sample size was estimated using the double population proportion formula. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Blood specimens collected from cases were tested by Filariasis Test Strip to exclude lymphatic filariasis. Data were checked for completeness, coded and entered into Epi-data Version 4.6, and exported to the SPSS version 22 software. Variables with a p<0.2 in the bivariate analysis were further analyzed using multivariable binary logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine determinants that could be associated with podoconiosis with a 95% confidence interval. A total of 459 (153 cases and 306 controls) participants were included with a response rate of 100%. Factors such as the age of participant [AOR = 0.34, 95% CI (0.13-0.87)], being female [AOR = 2.90, 95% CI (1.40-6.10)], age at which shoe wearing started [AOR = 0.7, 95% CI (0.03-0.16)], not wearing shoe daily [AOR = 2.26, 95% CI (1.05-4.86)], wearing hard plastic shoe [AOR = 3.38, 95% CI (1.31-10.89)], and family history with a similar disease (leg swelling) [AOR = 10.2, 95% CI (3.97-26.37)] were significantly associated with the occurrence of podoconiosis. The age of the participants, gender, the age at which shoe wearing started, type of shoe the participants' wear, frequency of shoe wearing, traveling barefoot, and family history with similar disease (leg swelling) were significantly associated with the occurrence of podoconiosis. Sidama regional health bureau along with non-governmental organizations working on the neglected tropical disease should plan modalities on awareness creation and comprehensive health education on shoe wearing and foot hygiene.

Traction performance modeling of worn footwear with perpendicular treads

ABSTRACT The traction performance of the footwear deteriorates due to outsole wear which further increases the risk of slip and fall related accidents. To date, several studies have tested footwear tractions across several slippery conditions but only a few studies have attempted to assess their performance considering worn shoes. In this work, nine outsoles, with systematically modified tread geometries, were investigated, to study the effects of tread patterns in new and worn conditions on traction, across common slippery conditions. The outsoles were progressively worn in three wear cycles. Outsoles with increased worn regions generated lower friction and higher fluid pressures, indicating increased slipping risks. Also, diversion of fluid flow due to large worn regions produced high fluid accumulations at other locations over the outsoles. The methods and results are anticipated to help footwear manufacturers with the strategic design of tread patterns that can provide improved friction even when completely worn.

Effect of wearing high heels on the biomechanical parameters of the foot

Introduction: Today's fashion and footwear market offers a wide range of stilettos. For women, stilettos are an important part of their wardrobe, providing a sense of confidence and enhancing physical attractiveness. Unfortunately, they also raise latent concerns among healthcare professionals due to the forced position of the foot. The aim of this study is to analyse present the effect of high heels on the distribution of foot forces on the ground in adult women attending high-heels dance classes. Material and Methods: The distribution of foot forces on the ground and the body balance of HHS female students before and after the training session were investigated. Foot arch measurements were taken using EPSR1 mats (Letsens Group, Letsens S.R.L. Via Buozzi, CastelMaggiore; Bologna, Italy). Results: The foot arch test showed that the entire study population had highly arched left feet (mean arched level of 8.85%) and right feet (3.70%). Analysis of the data showed that training in high heels reduced the longitudinal arch of the right foot (p=0.04942) by increasing metatarsal pressure. Pressure on the heel of the right foot decreased (p=0.017621). Statistical analysis of the stabilographic measurements showed statistically significant changes only in the distance from the centre of pressure before and after the test (p=0.047531). Conclusions: The results suggest that the development of an abnormal longitudinal arch (flatfoot) and a reduction in body balance may be attributable to prolonged wearing of high-heeled shoes.

Waxing and waning pattern of choroidal detachment post scleral buckle.

Description of evolving and resolving pattern of choroidal mounds at different quadrants post scleral buckle surgery in a myopic patient. A 48-year-old male with axial length of 32mm underwent scleral buckling for subtotal fresh retinal detachment with 360-degree multiple lattices with superior horse shoe tear. A posterior buckle was placed superiorly traversing 180-degree, 14 mm beyond muscle insertion. Uneventful drainage of sub-retinal fluid was performed intra-operatively. Post-operative day 1 depicted two choroidal detachment (CD) mounds in the ST quadrant with an adequate break buckle relationship. Post-operative day 2 depicted an additional CD mound in the inferonasal with an additional mound supero-nasally on day 4. Spontaneous resolution of the mounds was observed from day 7 with complete resolution by one month. Fragility of the choroidal vasculature in axial myopia can aggravate venous congestion when associated with one or two vortex vein obstruction after scleral buckle. Choroidal vasculature remodeling occurs after vortex vein obstruction leading to formation of new venous drainage routes.

The effect of training load stress on salivary cortisol concentrations, health parameters and hematological parameters in horses

The performance of sport horses is conditioned not only by the quality of its gene pool, but also by a large number of external factors. The most dominant being nutrition, quality of breeding, level of zootechnical care and the quality of the sports rider and coach. Important factor is the process of individuals’ adaptation to the training load occurring during the training itself. This study was focused on the analysis of salivary cortisol levels as well as hematological and biochemical blood parameters in relation to load to which the tested horses were subjected. In the study 14 horses of sport breeds were analyzed a all tested horses were in the same (medium) level of training load. Tested horses underwent following stages of workload – transportation, jumping training, parkour competition, treadmill training, riding training, shoeing and lunging of various intensity. Saliva samples were obtained using a tampon on a string which was inserted into horse's oral cavity, chewed by the horse and placed in a sterile tube with a closable lid. Afterwards, the samples were then stored in deep-freezing boxes at temperature of −80 °C. The EIA cortisol kit was used in this study. The absorbance was read at the wavelength of 450 nm against a reference wavelength of 620–630 nm or a blank sample. Blood samples were obtained at the beginning of the experiment, after half a year of running the experiment and at the end of the experiment from v. jugularis. Hematological analysis were carried out using automatic hematologic analyser and multiple parameters were observed. Analysis of biochemical parameters in blood serum were realized using commercial DiaSys kits and semiautomatic biochemical spectrophotometer. Sodium, potassium and chlorides were measured using automatic analyzer EasyLytePlus. In all monitored forms of exercise (transportation, jumping training, parkour competition, treadmill training, riding training, horse shoeing, lunging), an increase in cortisol concentrations immediately after the exercise was recorded, but only spotted statistically significant differences were found during the transportation of monitored horses. The levels of blood parameters were within the reference range during the experiment period. From a comprehensive evaluation of the results, it can be stated that there were no visible health changes to the horses that underwent the experimental load and that manipulation with horses is an important factor that has effect on horses’ stress response. In general, the results of this study show no visible impact of training and/or load on the health status of horses over entire 12-month duration of the experiment.

Neobjavljeni arheološki materijal sa lokaliteta brda Stražbenica u naselju Bukovača kod Bosanskog Petrovca / Unpublished archaeological materials from the site of Stražbenica hill in Bukovača near Bosanski Petrovac

On the territory of the municipality of Bosanski Petrovac in the village of Bukovača., there is the fort on the Stražbenica hill. It is a known but unexplored locality that has been recorded in professional literature based on traces of architectural buildings, as well as movable archaeological material. To this day, it is known for its Roman coins, jewelry, fibulae, and late antique tomb and necropolis. In this context, there are accidental findings that are presented for the first time in this paper. These are coins, ceramics, horse shoes, three-edged arrows, fibulae that can be dated in a wide time interval from prehistory to late Antiquity and the early Middle Ages.