Article
Biology
Nikolaos Papachatzis, Samuel F. Ray, Kota Z. Takahashi
Summary: Foot structures impact the leverage in locomotion by ankle muscles. However, the effect of foot anthropometry on the metabolic energy cost of walking remains inconclusive. This study tested the hypotheses that shorter heels and longer halluces are associated with enhanced force potential and reduce the energy cost of walking at faster speeds.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Shernice A. Thomas, Daisey Vega, Christopher J. Arellano
Summary: Arm swing can reduce net metabolic cost at intermediate and fast walking speeds, while showing no significant advantage at slow speeds.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lukas Loeffler, Jan Woelfer, Flavia Gavrilei, John A. Nyakatura
Summary: This study investigated the instantaneous muscle moment arm (IMMA) of the hip extensor M. gluteus medius in 18 species of caviomorph rodents. The results showed that scansorial species had the largest IMMA, while fossorial and cursorial species had smaller IMMA values. At larger extension angles, cursorial species displayed the second-largest IMMA after scansorial species. The results of the osteological in-lever matched the IMMA results only at larger hip extension angles, suggesting that modeling the IMMA provides more nuanced insights into adaptations of musculoskeletal lever-arm systems than this osteological proxy.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Asiyeh Shojaee
Summary: Tendons are important dense connective tissues in the musculoskeletal system, with their biomechanical properties playing a crucial role. Mechanical forces have been identified as influencing various aspects of tendon biology. Tendon injuries are common and treatment outcomes are often unsatisfactory, thus understanding tendon biomechanics and mechanobiology can aid in developing better treatment options.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
James Charles, Roger Kissane, Tatjana Hoehfurtner, Karl T. Bates
Summary: The size and arrangement of muscle fibers play a crucial role in their kinetic and energetic performance. However, previous studies have relied on a small number of fiber measurements to quantify muscle architectural properties, leading to potentially large errors. This study addresses this issue by combining medical imaging, statistical analysis, and computer simulation, and demonstrates the significant impact of errors in fiber architecture characterization on the prediction of in-vivo dynamics and muscle function, as well as the assessment of muscle specialization across species. These findings have important implications for a wide range of research fields.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kevin T. Du Clos, Brad J. Gemmell, Sean P. Collin, John H. Costello, John O. Dabiri, Kelly R. Sutherland
Summary: Many fishes and physonect siphonophores employ distinct swimming modes for routine swimming and predator escape. In this study, the researchers compared the performances of asynchronous and synchronous swimming in the physonect siphonophore Nanomia bijuga. They found that synchronous swimming produced higher speeds and accelerations at the expense of higher costs of transport, while asynchronous swimming had lower energy consumption.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Balint Kovacs, Sun Dong, Yang Song, Jingyi Ye, Sandor Beres, Jozsef Tihanyi, Jingfeng Zhang, Leonidas Petridis, Yaodong Gu
Summary: This study investigated the influence of variability in musculoskeletal and lower leg structure on hopping height. Contrary to the initial assumption, the changes in Achilles tendon moment arm length did not affect hopping performance directly. Instead, the mechanical characteristics of the tendon and the effective utilization of stored strain energy seemed to play a more important role in repetitive hopping.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Zsofia Kelemen, Herwig Grimm, Mariessa Long, Ulrike Auer, Florien Jenner
Summary: Horses need to lie down to achieve REM sleep, and not being able to do so due to environmental insecurities or pain can lead to REM sleep deficiency, negatively impacting welfare and health. Wearable sensor technology can help identify horses with short lying times at risk for REM sleep deficiency, and objectively assess and monitor equine welfare.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kohta Ito, Tomoya Nakamura, Ryo Suzuki, Takuo Negishi, Motoharu Oishi, Takeo Nagura, Masahiro Jinzaki, Naomichi Ogihara
Summary: The human foot demonstrates a greater stability margin and better propulsion efficiency in bipedal locomotion compared to the chimpanzee foot, predominantly influenced by the locations of the center of pressure (COP) and the distribution of loading.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Catherine Torcivia, Sue McDonnell
Summary: Researchers have compiled a comprehensive ethogram of behaviors associated with equine physical discomfort, aiming to improve recognition and understanding of pain management in horses. The ethogram provides clarity and communication regarding equine discomfort and pain, with the ultimate goal of enhancing horse welfare.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Kristin Bowers, Joshua T. Weinhandl, David E. Anderson
Summary: Tibial fractures in horses are relatively rare but have a high mortality rate. They can be caused by trauma or fatigue. Preventive measures aim to optimize diagnosis, shorten the time between injury and diagnosis, and modify training conditions. Treatment options are limited, but successful outcomes have been reported with open reduction and internal fixation.
EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ashleigh L. A. Wiseman
Summary: In order to understand the movement of an extinct species, we reconstructed the missing soft tissues of the skeleton and examined the segmental volume and muscular composition within the body. Using three-dimensional polygonal modeling, we reconstructed 36 muscles of the pelvis and lower limb based on imaging scan data and muscle scarring. Comparison with a modern human revealed similar limb functionality, suggesting comparable bipedal movement in the Australopithecus afarensis specimen AL 288-1. This polygonal muscle modeling approach shows potential for reconstructing soft tissues in hominins and providing information on muscle configuration and space filling.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
W. Wu, A. L. Bryant, R. S. Hinman, K. L. Bennell, B. R. Metcalf, M. Hall, P. K. Campbell, K. L. Paterson
Summary: Medial and lateral knee contact forces (KCFs) differ across grades of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) severity, but are not associated with knee pain severity. Medial KCFs during early and middle stance are higher in participants with moderate and severe OA compared to mild OA. In contrast, lateral KCFs are higher in mild OA during middle to late stance. The external loading component (KAM) of medial KCF during middle to late stance is greater in participants with moderate and severe OA, while the internal (muscle) component is greater in participants with moderate and severe OA during early stance. There are no associations between medial KCF and knee pain in any radiographic OA grade.
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lindsay B. St George, Tijn J. P. Spoormakers, Ineke H. Smit, Sarah Jane Hobbs, Hilary M. Clayton, Serge H. Roy, Paul Rene van Weeren, Jim Richards, Filipe M. Serra Braganca
Summary: This study compared the muscle activity and joint movement of selected fore- and hindlimb muscles between baseline and induced forelimb and hindlimb lameness conditions. The results showed that there were asymmetrical changes in muscle activity following induced lameness, and the muscular adaptations primarily involved increased bilateral activity and phasic activation shifts.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sophie Regnault, Philip Fahn-Lai, Stephanie E. Pierce
Summary: In this study, the behavior and outputs of a musculoskeletal model of the short-beaked echidna forelimb were evaluated using experimental data. The study found that a light-touch approach to model building can generate reasonably accurate muscle paths, and adding muscle architecture data can change some functional inferences, but in many cases reinforced conclusions based on MMAs alone.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Tamzin Furtado, Elizabeth Perkins, Gina Pinchbeck, Catherine McGowan, Francine Watkins, Robert Christley
Summary: This study provides insight into leisure horse owners' perceptions of weight and weight management, offering valuable information for communicating with owners about weight, tailoring weight management strategies, and promoting positive welfare.
EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Harry B. Carslake, Gina L. Pinchbeck, Catherine M. McGowan
Summary: The prevalence of EMS is high in UK native ponies and cobs, with modifiable risk factors such as obesity and sedentary activities. Animals with a history of laminitis are more likely to have EMS.
EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Amie Wilson, Gina Pinchbeck, Rachel Dean, Catherine McGowan
Summary: In the UK, there is significant variation among veterinarians treating horses in terms of vaccination practices, especially in the frequency of vaccinations for competition and noncompetition horses. Most vaccination practices do not adhere to manufacturer datasheet guidelines, potentially compromising immunity. Many horse owners express vaccine hesitancy, citing concerns over over-vaccination, cost, and adverse reactions.
EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rebecca C. Tatum, Cathy M. McGowan, Rachel S. Dean, Joanne L. Ireland
Summary: This study collected diagnostic, treatment, and prognosis questions related to PPID through an online survey, resulting in 47 important research questions. A consensus was reached at the Priority Setting Partnership workshop where participants prioritized the top 10 questions, focusing on long-term prognosis, diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and alternative management strategies.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Isabella Kaczmarczyk, Vishal Rawji, John C. Rothwell, Emma Hodson-Tole, Nikhil Sharma
Summary: This study examined the feasibility of using TMS-US to study less accessible muscles and found consistent results between sEMG and mUS measurements, supporting the use of TMS-US for such purposes.
Editorial Material
Veterinary Sciences
Marcus Bennett, Catherine M. McGowan
EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Hannah R. Cutler, Emma Hodson-Tole
Summary: This study assessed the consistency of intermuscular coordination patterns in recreationally active individuals across different visit days and cadence conditions. The results suggest that within individual participants, a consistent neuromuscular control strategy is used during cycling on different days. However, the underlying structure of muscle coordination is more persistent when pedalling at slower cadences with large individual differences.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Tamzin Furtado, Mollie King, Elizabeth Perkins, Catherine McGowan, Samantha Chubbock, Emmeline Hannelly, Jan Rogers, Gina Pinchbeck
Summary: Equestrian land has the potential to be an important environmental resource, but it has been overlooked in research and policy. This study examines the environmental practices of horse, pony, donkey, and mule keepers in the UK. The results show that keepers are engaged in promoting healthy pastures and animals, and their practices vary based on different management approaches. The study provides insights into equid keepers' behavior and attitudes towards sustainability.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Fernando Malalana, Joanne L. Ireland, Gina L. Pinchbeck, Catherine M. McGowan
Summary: This study investigates the risk factors for the development of a first episode of primary uveitis in horses in the UK and documents the proportion of cases that experience recurrence following this first episode. The study finds that being close to a pig farm and a recent history of flooding of the pasture are associated with an increased risk of uveitis, while being in the same owner's possession for a longer amount of time has a protective effect. The proportion of cases that experience recurrence appears low in the UK.
EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Amie Wilson, Tim Mair, Nicola Williams, Catherine McGowan, Gina Pinchbeck
Summary: This study aimed to describe current antimicrobial prescribing practices in equine practice in the UK and Europe, and to understand the surveillance and audit processes for antimicrobial resistance. The results showed that although overall antimicrobial usage seems to be declining, there are still many practices using high priority critical antimicrobials.
EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Elizabeth Rumfola, Heidi E. Banse, Megan Atkins, Catherine M. McGowan, Joanne L. Ireland
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the approach of North American veterinary practitioners to endocrinopathic laminitis and found that their approach to laminitis has changed.
JOURNAL OF EQUINE VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Evan Holdsworth, John S. P. Tulloch, Catherine M. McGowan
Summary: This study investigated the perceived effect of the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP) on its graduates in terms of career advancement, professional practice, and contentment with work in the veterinary industry. The majority of the respondents felt that CertAVP led to improvements in professional practice but did not improve work-life balance.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Allison J. Stewart, Joanne L. Ireland, Andy E. Durham, Catherine M. Mcgowan
Summary: Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is common in aged horses. Diagnosis is crucial and involves considering clinical factors and using diagnostic tests such as basal ACTH concentration and thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test. Treatment is lifelong and accurate diagnosis is essential.
VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Joanne Ireland, Catherine Mcgowan
Summary: Reference intervals (RIs) and clinical decision limits (CDLs) are commonly used in the interpretation of endocrine biomarkers for disease diagnosis. RIs compare a test result with a healthy population to determine the individual's health status, while CDLs compare a test result with a population associated with a specific disease state or increased risk of adverse outcomes. Additionally, considering a range of uncertain test results, known as the 'grey zone', avoids the limitation of binary decision-making.
VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biology
Kasim Rafiq, Neil R. Jordan, Krystyna Golabek, John W. Mcnutt, Alan Wilson, Briana Abrahms
Summary: This study provides empirical evidence that temperature affects the temporal partitioning within a carnivore guild, leading to asymmetrical behavioral responses among functionally similar species. The activity and temporal overlap of African large carnivores were influenced by light availability and temperature, with most species becoming more nocturnal and decreasing activity levels with increasing temperatures. Cheetahs showed the most pronounced shift in activity, resulting in increased temporal overlap with other carnivore species. Considering the responses of interacting sympatric species is essential for understanding the impacts of climate change on ecosystems.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
