The use of trunk diameter fluctuations and their derived parameters for irrigation scheduling in woody crops is reviewed. The strengths and weaknesses of these continuously measured plant-based water ...stress indicators compared with other discretely measured indicators for diagnosing plant water status in young and mature trees are discussed. Aspects such as sensor reading variability, signal intensity and the relationship between trunk diameter fluctuations and plant water status are analyzed in order to assess their usefulness as water stress indicators. The physiological significance of maximum and minimum daily trunk diameter and maximum daily trunk shrinkage (MDS) are also considered. Current knowledge of irrigation protocols and baselines for obtaining maximum daily trunk shrinkage reference values is discussed and new research objectives are proposed. We analyze the response of woody crops to continuous deficit irrigation scheduled by maintaining MDS signal intensity at threshold values to generate mild, moderate and severe water stress and assess the possibility of using linear variable displacement transducer (LVDT) sensors in trunk as a precision tool for regulated deficit irrigation scheduling. Finally, the possibility of using MDS signal intensity as a tool to match the irrigation regime to tree water requirements is also reviewed.
OBJECTIVE:To assess the efficacy of conservative management of women with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) using trunk stabilization.
DESIGN:Randomized controlled trial (level of evidenceI).
...SUBJECTS:Twenty FAI female patients who met the inclusion FAI criteria.
METHODS:A prospective, randomized, controlled study was performed on 20 female patients with symptomatic FAI comprising 2 groups (10 hips in trunk stabilization exercise group vs 10 hips in control group). We evaluated hip range of motion, isometric muscle strength using a handheld dynamometer (μ-TasMF-01; Anima, Co), and patient-reported outcome measures, including modified Harris hip score, Vail hip score, and international hip outcome tool 12 (iHOT12) before and at 4 weeks and 8 weeks after the intervention.
RESULTS:There was a significant improvement in the range of motion of hip flexion in the trunk training group detected as early as 4 weeks after the intervention compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Hip abductor strength significantly improved in the trunk training group at 4 weeks after the intervention, whereas it did not improve in the control group (P < 0.05). Vail hip score and iHOT12 were significantly increased at 8 weeks after the intervention in the trunk training group compared with the control group (iHOT1278.7 ± 22.4 vs 53.0 ± 22.3; P < 0.01, Vail hip score81.6 ± 18.5 vs 61.1 ± 11.6; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the modified Harris hip score between both the groups at 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention.
CONCLUSIONS:The addition of trunk stabilization exercise to a typical hip rehabilitation protocol improves short-term clinical outcomes and may augment nonoperative and postoperative rehabilitation.
Kicking is a sporting gesture that generates high stress demands on the musculoskeletal system. The participation of the trunk in the kick has been studied since the flexion-extension and rotation ...moments of the trunk and pelvis can favor the energy transmission mechanism for the kicking lower limb. This allows the performance of the maximum kick with sharing of demands between the trunk and the lower limb. Thus, the magnitude of the joint moment produced in the trunk during the kick can influence the magnitude of the moment produced in the lower limb and the power of the kick. However, there are no reports on the existence of these possible relationships.
To investigate the relationship between bisegmented trunk moments (thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic) and kicking lower limb moments, as well as kick power (foot velocity pre-impact with the ball) in a maximum instep soccer kick.
Cross-sectional study carried out with eighteen male volunteers who practiced soccer as a recreational activity (1x/week, for at least 1 year and without musculoskeletal injuries in the last 6 months), between 18 and 35 years old, with a body mass index ≤ 25 kg/m². Data collection was carried out at the Movement Analysis Laboratory (LAM), at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). The variables collected were the peak moment of ipsilateral thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic flexion and rotation, peak moment of flexion of the right hip, peak moment of extension of the right knee, and peak velocity of the foot pre-impact with the ball. Pearson's correlation analyzes were performed to investigate the relationships between trunk moment and lower limb moment and pre-impact foot velocity.
Peak thoracolumbar flexor moment had a moderate to good significant negative correlation with knee extensor peak moment (r= -.519, p < 0.05). Peak ipsilateral thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic rotator moments, and peak knee extensor and hip flexor moments had significant positive correlations, from moderate to good, with pre-impact foot velocity peak (.481≤ r ≥ .677 p < 0.05). Peak ipsilateral thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic rotator moments had significant positive correlations, from moderate to good, with peak hip flexor moment (r= .671, p < 0.01; r= .659, p < 0. 01, respectively).
There are relationships between the magnitudes of trunk moment, the magnitudes of hip and knee moments and kick power. There seems to be a compensatory relationship in which the knee extension moment is greater in those individuals who produce lower thoracolumbar flexion moment. In addition, more powerful kicks are related both to greater hip flexion and knee extension moments and to greater thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic rotation moments in the transverse plane.
The findings make it possible to explain possible mechanisms of stress demands that can lead to typical kicking injuries, providing the planning of prevention and rehabilitation strategies.
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 12-week online-delivered isometric and dynamic core stability exercises on functional movements, dynamic postural control, and core ...endurance in healthy young adults.METHODS This is a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Sixty young adults (age range: 19-34 years; 12 males, 48 females) participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to the isometric core exercise ICE, dynamic core exercise DCE, or control group. Participants in the ICE and DCE groups performed 40-60 min real-time online-delivered core exercise session via Zoom video conferencing application, twice a week for 12 weeks. Participants in the control group did not participate in exercise intervention. All participants were asked not to participate in other exercises for 12 weeks. The outcome measurements include the functional movement screen, Y-balance test (upper & lower), and core endurance tests (flexor, extensor, and lateral flexor of the trunk).RESULTS The results of this study showed significant improvement in core endurance, functional movement, and dynamic postural control of the upper body in the ICT and DCE groups compared with the control group. However, significant differences were not found between the ICE and DCE groups in all variables.CONCLUSIONS Both types of online-delivered core exercise programs have been shown to be effective in improving functional movement, dynamic posture control, and core endurance in young adults. In addition, since both types of exercise have been shown to be effective on core stability related variables, both types of exercise can be recommended for young adults. However, further studies are warranted to investigate the gender differences on the effects of the core stability exercises.
The predissection aortic diameter is the best reference for determining the size of the frozen elephant trunk in aortic dissection. We aimed to develop a new prediction method to estimate the ...predissection diameter of proximal descending aorta. Furthermore, we evaluated the accuracy of the estimated predissection proximal descending aortic diameters calculated using 3 prediction methods.
A total of 39 patients with acute type A aortic dissection who underwent predissection computed tomography were included in derivation sets. We measured the aortic dimensions at 3 levels of the proximal descending aorta: 5, 10, and 15 cm from zone 2. We developed a new prediction method—postdissection aortic diameter divided by 1.13 (AoDNew factor)—and estimated the predissection aortic diameter using the new and previously proposed methods by Rylski (AoDRylski) and Yamauchi (EquationYamauchi). Furthermore, we validated the new prediction method using a validation dataset with 24 patients.
The rate of bias ≤2 mm was significantly greater with EquationYamauchi and AoDNew factor than with AoDRylski in the derivation group at each level of the proximal descending aorta (P < .001). In the validation group, the rate of bias ≤2 mm was significantly greater with EquationYamauchi and AoDNew factor than with AoDRylski at 10 cm and 15 cm from zone 2 (10 cm: P = .014, 15 cm: P < .001).
These results suggest that the new prediction method can be used as a simple and accurate estimation method for the predissection aortic diameter at the proximal descending aorta.
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Purpose: yoga has many uses in rehabilitation in addition to its health benefits for managing and preventing disease (rehabilitare, from the Latin, means to restore). Rehabilitation comes in a ...variety of forms, including social, psychological, and physical. As a way of life, yoga has assisted people with physical ailments in regaining their health. Hatha yoga practices are an effective means to improve the flexibility in college students. The Purpose of this investigation was to study benefits of hatha yoga practices on range of motion of trunk lateral flexion and thoracolumbar spine trunk rotation in college men. Material & Methods: thirty untrained college students were randomly assigned to Hatha Yoga Practice group (HYP) (n=15) (Age: 19.1±0.9, Height: 171.7±2.5, Weight: 63.9±2.4) and control group (CG) (n=15) (Age: 19.1±0.8, Height: 171.2±2.6, Weight: 63.9±1.8) and their ranged from 18 to 23 years. The HYP group performed their respective training, three times per week for twelve weeks. Prior to and after the training, TLF, and TSTR were evaluated using standardized tests. The dependent ‘t’ ratio was used to analyze pre- and post-intervention data. Results: the results showed that the HYP group significantly (p=0.00) improved in TLF and TSTR compared to the control group. Conclusion: the twelve weeks of Hatha yoga training produced better improvement over TLF and TSTR in college men.
Purpose
To present a novel set of Left–Right Trunk Asymmetry (LRTA) indices and use them to assess the postoperative appearance of the trunk in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patients.
Methods
...We hypothesize that LRTA measurements provide complementary information to existing trunk asymmetry indices when documenting the outcome of scoliosis surgery. Forty-nine AIS patients with thoracic curves who underwent posterior spinal fusion were included. All had surface topography scans taken preoperatively and at least 6 months postoperatively. We documented spinal curvature using Radiographic Cobb angles, scoliometer readings and coronal balance. To evaluate Global Trunk Asymmetry (GTA), we used the standard measures of Back Surface Rotation (BSR) and Trunk Lateral Shift (TLS). To measure LRTA, we identified asymmetry areas as regions of significant deviation between the left and right sides of the 3D back surface. New parameters called Deformation Rate (DR) and Maximum Asymmetry (MA) were measured in different regions based on the asymmetry areas. We compared the GTA and LRTA changes with those in spinal curvature before and after surgery.
Results
The GTA indices, mainly TLS, showed improvement for more than 75% of patients. There was significant improvement of LRTA in the shoulder blades and waist regions (95% and 80% of patients respectively).
Conclusion
We report positive outcomes for LRTA in the majority of patients, specifically in the shoulder blades and waist, even when no reduction of BSR is observed. The proposed indices can evaluate local trunk asymmetries and the degree to which they are improved or worsened after scoliosis surgery.
Hemifacial spasm (HFS) results from vascular compression at the root exit of the facial nerve. Although the underlying etiology has yet to be identified, it has been suggested that congenital ...vascular anomalies are involved. We have hypothesized common trunk anomaly of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) which may play a role in HFS. However, no previous studies have directly compared the incidence of this anomaly between HFS patients and normal subjects. The present study was designed to address this gap in the literature.OBJECTIVEHemifacial spasm (HFS) results from vascular compression at the root exit of the facial nerve. Although the underlying etiology has yet to be identified, it has been suggested that congenital vascular anomalies are involved. We have hypothesized common trunk anomaly of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) which may play a role in HFS. However, no previous studies have directly compared the incidence of this anomaly between HFS patients and normal subjects. The present study was designed to address this gap in the literature.This case-control study compared magnetic resonance angiography data from 65 HFS patients and 65 normal subjects. Dominant AICA/PICA is defined as the absence of PICA/AICA, with the remaining AICA/PICA supplying both vascular territories. The term "common trunk" encompasses both dominant AICA and dominant PICA. The frequency of common trunk and dominant AICA/PICA was compared between the 2 groups.METHODSThis case-control study compared magnetic resonance angiography data from 65 HFS patients and 65 normal subjects. Dominant AICA/PICA is defined as the absence of PICA/AICA, with the remaining AICA/PICA supplying both vascular territories. The term "common trunk" encompasses both dominant AICA and dominant PICA. The frequency of common trunk and dominant AICA/PICA was compared between the 2 groups.There were no significant differences in the incidence of a common trunk (68.5% and 64.6%), dominant AICA (30.8% and 32.3%) and dominant PICA (37.7% and 32.3%) between the 2 groups. Additionally, no differences were found in the frequency of atherosclerosis risk factors.RESULTSThere were no significant differences in the incidence of a common trunk (68.5% and 64.6%), dominant AICA (30.8% and 32.3%) and dominant PICA (37.7% and 32.3%) between the 2 groups. Additionally, no differences were found in the frequency of atherosclerosis risk factors.There was no apparent association between common trunk anomaly and HFS. It is suspected that some vascular anomalies other than a common trunk are involved in HFS.CONCLUSIONSThere was no apparent association between common trunk anomaly and HFS. It is suspected that some vascular anomalies other than a common trunk are involved in HFS.
BACKGROUND—Preventing atherosclerotic plaque destabilization and rupture is the most reasonable therapeutic strategy for acute myocardial infarction. Therefore, we tested the hypotheses that (1) ...inflammatory monocytes play a causative role in plaque destabilization and rupture and (2) the nanoparticle-mediated delivery of pitavastatin into circulating inflammatory monocytes inhibits plaque destabilization and rupture.
METHODS AND RESULTS—We used a model of plaque destabilization and rupture in the brachiocephalic arteries of apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE) mice fed a high-fat diet and infused with angiotensin II. The adoptive transfer of CCR2Ly-6C inflammatory macrophages, but not CCR2 leukocytes, accelerated plaque destabilization associated with increased serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), monocyte-colony stimulating factor, and matrix metalloproteinase-9. We prepared poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles that were incorporated by Ly-6GCD11b monocytes and delivered into atherosclerotic plaques after intravenous administration. Intravenous treatment with pitavastatin-incorporated nanoparticles, but not with control nanoparticles or pitavastatin alone, inhibited plaque destabilization and rupture associated with decreased monocyte infiltration and gelatinase activity in the plaque. Pitavastatin-incorporated nanoparticles inhibited MCP-1–induced monocyte chemotaxis and the secretion of MCP-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 from cultured macrophages. Furthermore, the nanoparticle-mediated anti–MCP-1 gene therapy reduced the incidence of plaque destabilization and rupture.
CONCLUSIONS—The recruitment of inflammatory monocytes is critical in the pathogenesis of plaque destabilization and rupture, and nanoparticle-mediated pitavastatin delivery is a promising therapeutic strategy to inhibit plaque destabilization and rupture by regulating MCP-1/CCR2–dependent monocyte recruitment in this model.
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