Development of underground detection system using a metal detector and aluminum tag for, Copris ochus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

Tracking of soil-dwelling insects poses greater challenges compared to aboveground-dwelling animals in terrestrial systems. A metal detector system consisting of a commercially available detector and aluminum tags was developed for detecting dung beetle, Copris ochus Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). First, detection efficacy of the system was evaluated by varying volumes of aluminum tags attached on a plastic model of the insect and also by varying angles. Then, detection efficacy was evaluated by varying depths of aluminum-tagged models under soil in 2 vegetation types. Finally, the effects of tag attachment on C. ochus adults were assessed for survivorship, burrowing depth, and horizontal movement. Generally, an increase in tag volume resulted in greater detection distance in semi-field conditions. Maximum detection distance of aluminum tag increased up to 17 cm below soil surface as the tag size (0.5 × 1.0 cm [width × length]) and thickness (16 layers) were maximized, resulting in a tag weight of 31.4 mg, comprising ca. 9% of average weight of C. ochus adult. Furthermore, the detection efficacy did not vary among angles except for 90°. In the field, metal detectors successfully detected 5 aluminum-tagged models in 20 × 10 m (W × L) arena within 10 min with detection rates ≥85% for up to depth of 10 cm and 45%-60% at depth of 20 cm. Finally, aluminum tagging did not significantly affect survivorship and behaviors of C. ochus. Our study indicates the potential of metal detector system for tracking C. ochus under soil.

Population dynamics of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and their harboring rates of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) virus in four landscapes of Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.

Population dynamics of hard ticks and their harboring rates of fatal severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) were monitored from 2021 to 2022 in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Hard ticks were surveyed monthly using CO2-bait traps in four vegetation types, including grassland, grave, mountain trail, and shrub. From the 2-year monitoring, totals of 5,737 and 14,298 hard ticks were collected in 2021 and 2022, respectively, all of which belonged to the genus Haemaphysalis. Of these collected ticks, 97.9 and 98.3% of adults and nymphs were identified as Haemaphysalis longicornis. Generally, density peaks of H. longicornis nymphs and adults were observed from April to May and from June to July, respectively. For Haemaphysalis flava, adults showed density peaks in September, whereas no obvious seasonal patterns were observed for nymphs. The density peak of Haemaphysalis larvae was observed in August and September, followed by a density peak of adults. There was a large variation in the number of hard ticks collected among the four vegetation types, yielding no significant difference among them over the 2-year monitoring. Half of the collected ticks from each vegetation type were pooled into groups by species and developmental stage and subjected to analysis of SFTS virus harboring rates, which yielded no SFTS positive pool detected over the 2-year monitoring.

Effects of neuromuscular electrical muscle stimulation on the deltoid for shoulder function restoration after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in the early recovery period: a prospective randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a treatment modality that has been used to accelerate the rehabilitation of patients with neurological damage. However, it is unclear whether NMES of the deltoid can lead to the early restoration of shoulder function after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective and randomized study, 88 patients who underwent RSA with the same prosthesis design for cuff tear arthropathy or irreparable rotator cuff tear were assessed. The patients were divided into two groups (NMES group and non-NMES group, 44 patients each). For the NMES group, two pads of the NMES device were placed over the middle and posterior deltoid area, and NMES was maintained for 1 month after surgery. Shoulder functional outcomes and deltoid thickness were compared at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Shoulder functional outcomes were assessed based on the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Constant scores and the range of motion (ROM) and power of the affected shoulder. The thickness of the anterior, middle, and posterior deltoid was measured by ultrasonography. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients (NMES group, 33 patients; non-NMES group, 43 patients) were enrolled in the final analysis. The preoperative demographics and status of the remaining rotator cuff of both groups were not significantly different. At postoperative 3 months, the ROM and power of external rotation of the NMES group were significantly greater than those of the non-NMES group (ROM, 36° ± 14° vs. 29° ± 12°; P = .003; power, 4.8 kg ± 1.8 kg vs. 3.8 kg ± 1.0 kg; P < .002). The ROM of external rotation of the NMES group at postoperative 6 months was also greater than that of the non-NMES group (41° ± 12° vs. 34° ± 11°; P = .013). However, there was no significant difference in the VAS, ASES, and Constant scores at all follow-up points despite gradual improvements until 1 year postoperatively. Serial measurements of the thickness of the anterior, middle, and posterior deltoid of both groups did not show significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative NMES of the deltoid after RSA contributed to significantly faster ROM restoration and considerable improvement in the power of external rotation. Therefore, NMES following RSA could lead to the early restoration of external rotation and recovery of deltoid function.

Seasonal activity of Haemaphysalis longicornis and Haemaphysalis flava (Acari: Ixodida), vectors of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus, and their SFTS virus harboring rates in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.

Seasonal activity of ticks, including disease vectors of fatal severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus, was monitored using CO2-bait traps from April to November in 2019 and 2020 in a rural area in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Traps were deployed for 24 h once a month in four vegetation types: grassland, grave, mountain trail, and shrubs. A total of 4516 ticks were caught, all of which belong to the genus Haemaphysalis; larvae, nymphs, and adults were 41.9, 39.5, and 18.6%, respectively. The nymphs and adults belonged to two tick species, H. longicornis and H. flava, and H. longicornis was dominant, comprising 97.9% of the two stages collected. Larvae were identified only to the genus level due to difficulty of morphological distinction between species. For H. longicornis, nymph numbers peaked between April and June, followed by adults between June and July. Haemaphysalis larvae showed clear peaks in August. In general, H. longicornis nymphs and adults were most abundant in grassland, whereas larvae were so in the grave area. Collected ticks were pooled and subjected to PCR analysis to estimate SFTS virus harboring rate. In 2019, only one SFTS virus-positive sample was detected in June. However, a total of 18 SFTS-virus positive samples were detected from August to October in 2020.

Early restoration of shoulder function in patients with the Grammont prosthesis compared to lateralized humeral design in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and radiographic parameters of patients after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) between the Grammont prosthesis and lateralized humeral design prosthesis. METHODS: A total of 114 patients who underwent RSA with a lateralized humeral design (group L; 71 shoulders) and medialized humeral design (group M; 43 shoulders) prosthesis for cuff tear arthropathy or irreparable rotator cuff tear were enrolled. Clinical outcomes including visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), and Constant scores and range of motion (ROM) were serially followed up at postoperative 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Radiographic parameters were measured to evaluate preoperative and postoperative status. RESULTS: Both prostheses demonstrated similar clinical outcomes and shoulder function preoperatively and at postoperative 2 years (P >.05). However, patients in group M had significantly better postoperative active forward flexion (postoperative 3 months, 115° ± 12° vs. 101° ± 14°; P <.001; 6 months, 125° ± 13° vs. 118° ± 13°; P <.013) and abduction (3 months, 105° ± 12° vs. 98° ± 12°; P = .002); VAS (3 months, 3.1 ± 1.2 vs. 3.7 ± 1.4; P = .031; 6 months, 2.3 ± 1.1 vs. 2.8 ± 1.3; P = .038); ASES (3 months, 64.2 ± 7.0 vs. 60.4 ± 9.2; P = .022; 6 months, 70.6 ± 6.0 vs. 66.6 ± 8.1; P = .007); and Constant scores (6 months, 59.6 ± 6.9 vs. 55.7 ± 9.3; P = .020). Group L showed a significantly lower rate of scapular notching than group M (15.5% vs. 41.8%; P < .001). The position of the proximal humerus in group L was more lateralized and less distalized than in group M after RSA. CONCLUSIONS: RSA with both the Grammont and lateralized humeral design prostheses provided similar shoulder ROM restoration and functional improvements at a minimum of 2 years. However, patients with a humeral lateralized prosthesis showed slower recovery of shoulder function and ROM up to postoperative 6 months despite a lower incidence of scapular notching.

Prognostic factors of acute ankle sprain: Need for ultrasonography to predict prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. To guide management decisions, a clear insight into the relevant subgroups of patients with a potentially better or worse prognosis is important. This study aimed to evaluate injury severity, using ultrasonography (US), as a prognostic factor of acute ankle sprain and other possible factors including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), level of job activity, and level of sports activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients with acute ankle sprain who reported at initial examination with an acutely twisted ankle. All patients had received a standard physical examination, radiography and standard ultrasound, to diagnose specific ligament injuries and their ankle sprain had been treated using standard conservative management. Various data including age, sex, BMI, level of sports activity, level of daily job activity, and final functional score (Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores, FAOS) were obtained. Mean comparison and correlations were used to assess risk factors. Risk factors associated with functional outcomes were evaluated using a multiple linear regression test. RESULTS: At final follow-up as 1 year after injury, FAOS differed significantly for injury severity, age, and BMI. There were no significant differences in sex, job activity, and exercise levels. The factor most affecting FAOS for both pain (FAOS-Pain) and symptoms (FAOS-Sx) was the number of completely torn ligaments. Age was the most important factor affecting the FAOS-Daily Living Activity (ADL). BMI was the most important factor for sports activity level (FAOS-Sports). Age and the number of completely torn ligaments were both important to FAOS-Sports and quality of life (FAOS-QOL). CONCLUSION: The severity of injury, defined using US, was a prognostic factor for long-term outcome following acute ankle sprain. Therefore, US imaging of acute ankle ligament injury may be important to predict prognosis of acute ankle sprain.

Use of Metarhizum aniopliae s.l. to control soil-dwelling longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis.

The longhorned tick (bush tick),Haemaphysalis longicornis (Ixodida: Ixodidae), is a serious pest; it transmits the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus to humans and has a wide distribution. The use of chemical control is not favored for environmental and health reasons, so more environmentally sound management methods need to be developed. Herein, we describe the use of an entomopathogenic fungal library to develop a fungus-mediated tick management system. Field-collected nymphs were assayed for their susceptibility to entomopathogenic fungi belonging to genera Beauveria, Metarhizium, Cordyceps, and Akanthomyces. Three M. anisopliae s.l. isolates, JEF-214, -279, and -290 showed high virulence in a dose-dependent manner. One Cordyceps isolate was pathogenic but virulence was much lower than the M. anisopliae isolates. Beauveria isolates were not pathogenic to the tick. Because the longhorned tick dwells on the soil surface except for blood-feeding periods, the soil surface was sprayed with conidial suspensions of the isolates after the release of longhorned ticks. The treatments resulted in 60-90% mortality after 30 days. M. anisopliae s.l. isolates were highly virulent against longhorned tick, and the application of fungus-based biopesticides on the soil surface could be an effective control strategy to reduce the tick population for long-term tick management.

Comparison Between Early Functional Rehabilitation and Cast Immobilization After Minimally Invasive Repair for an Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture.

The purpose of the present study was to compare the outcomes of patients with Achilles tendon rupture treated with minimally invasive repair and early functional rehabilitation with the outcomes of similar patients treated with cast immobilization. After undergoing minimally invasive surgery, a below-knee splint with the foot in 30° of plantarflexion was applied to each patient for the first week. Patients were then assigned to a cast immobilization group (IG; n = 25) or a functional group (FG; n = 16). Data were collected during outpatient checks at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Outcomes of interest included range of motion (ROM), heel height, calf circumference, pain and functional score, return to work and light sports activity, and complications. The time interval for return to work in the FG was faster than that in the IG (p = .026). There was no clinically important difference between the 2 groups with regard to heel height, ROM, return to sports, calf circumference, visual analog scale, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, or Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score at every outpatient check except ROM difference at 6 weeks and heel height at 3 months. Rerupture occurred in 2 patients (1 [4%] in the IG and 1 [6.25%] in the FG). Early functional rehabilitation seemed to be as safe as traditional postoperative immobilization with a similar functional result and complications, but it was advantageous for the early phase of rehabilitation only.

Which additional augmented fixation procedure decreases surgical failure after proximal humeral fracture with medial comminution: fibular allograft or inferomedial screws?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical and radiologic results between treatment with locking plate fixation and fibular allograft augmentation (FA) and treatment with locking plate fixation and additional inferomedial screws (IMSs) in 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures with medial comminution in geriatric patients. METHODS: We enrolled 164 patients with 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures with medial comminution who were treated with locking plates. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to additional augmented fixation procedures. The IMS group was composed of patients treated with additional IMSs (80 patients), whereas the FA group was treated with an additional fibular allograft (84 patients). On the basis of fracture classification, the IMS group was subdivided into those with 3-part fractures (52 patients) and those with 4-part fractures (28 patients) and the FA group was subdivided into those with 3-part fractures (55 patients) and those with 4-part fractures (29 patients). Clinical and radiographic results were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: In patients with 3-part fractures, no differences in clinical outcomes were found regardless of additional procedures. However, the FA group showed superior clinical outcomes in patients with 4-part fractures (P = .038 for Constant score and P = .045 for visual analog scale score). The postoperative neck-shaft angle was maintained in the FA group compared with the IMS group with both fracture types at the last follow-up (P = .048 for IMS vs FA with 3-part fractures and P = .023 for IMS vs FA with 4-part fractures). The number of complications was significantly higher in the IMS group (5.5%) than in the FA group (1.2%) (P = .001). CONCLUSION: An FA technique is considered a primary additional procedure for medial support in patients with 4-part proximal humeral fractures involving medial metaphyseal comminution when treated with locking plate fixation.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide Injection in the Treatment of Chronic Supraspinatus Tendinopathy: A Case-Controlled, Retrospective, Comparative Study With 6-Month Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) injection for rotator cuff disease (RCD). DESIGN: Case-controlled, retrospective, comparative study. SETTING: Outpatient clinic at a university-affiliated tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=106) with chronic nontraumatic refractory RCD who were unresponsive to at least 1 month of conservative treatment: 55 patients received PDRN injection (PDRN group) and 51 continued conservative treatment (control group). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, score on a visual analog scale of the average shoulder pain level, number of analgesic ingestions per day, isometric strength of shoulder abductor, active range of motion (flexion, abduction, internal rotation, external rotation), and maximal tear size of tendon on ultrasonography at pretreatment and 3 and 6 months postinjection. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of age, sex, shoulder affected, duration of symptoms, and ultrasonographic findings at pretreatment. Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed a significant improvement in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, visual analog scale score, and number of analgesic ingestions per day. However, there was no difference in isometric strength, active range of motion, and maximal tear size of tendon. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the efficacy of PDRN injection for patients with RCD. The PDRN injection group showed improvement in pain and subjective disability in patients with RCD and continued to show improvement for 3 months thereafter; the PDRN injection can be an optional treatment for patients with chronic RCD who show no response to other treatments.

Relation Between Subacromial Bursitis on Ultrasonography and Efficacy of Subacromial Corticosteroid Injection in Rotator Cuff Disease: A Prospective Comparison Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlations between subacromial bursitis (bursal thickening and effusion) on ultrasonography and its response to subacromial corticosteroid injection in patients with rotator cuff disease. DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal comparison study. SETTING: University-affiliated tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with rotator cuff disease (N=69) were classified into 3 groups based on ultrasonographic findings; (1) normative bursa group (group 1, n=23): bursa and effusion thickness <1mm; (2) bursa thickening group (group 2, n=22): bursa thickness >2mm and effusion thickness <1mm; and (3) bursa effusion group (group 3, n=24): bursa thickness <1mm and effusion thickness >2mm. INTERVENTION: A single subacromial injection with 20mg of triamcinolone acetonide. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual analog scale (VAS) of shoulder pain, Shoulder Disability Questionnaire (SDQ), angles of active shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation), and bursa and effusion thickness at pre- and posttreatment at week 8. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the 3 groups in demographic characteristics pretreatment. Groups 2 and 3 showed a significant difference compared with group 1 in changes on the VAS and abduction; group 3 showed a significant difference compared with group 1 in changes of the SDQ, internal rotation, and external rotation; and all groups showed significant differences when compared with each other (groups 1 and 3, 2 and 3, and 1 and 2) in changes of thickness. CONCLUSIONS: A patient with ultrasonographic observation of subacromial bursitis, instead of normative bursa, can expect better outcome with subacromial corticosteroid injection. Therefore, we recommend a careful selection of patients using ultrasonography prior to injection.

Capsule-Preserving Hydrodilatation With Corticosteroid Versus Corticosteroid Injection Alone in Refractory Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether capsule-preserved hydrodilatation with corticosteroid improves pain and function in patients with refractory adhesive capsulitis (AC) better than intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IACI) alone. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled study. SETTING: University-affiliated tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects with primary AC (N=64) with shoulder pain level of visual analog scale (VAS) score ≥5, even after the initial administration of IACI alone. INTERVENTIONS: Participants randomly received ultrasound-guided IACI alone with 1mL of 40mg/mL triamcinolone acetonide and 3mL of 1% lidocaine (n=32) or ultrasound-guided capsule-preserved hydrodilatation with corticosteroid with a mixture of 1mL of 40mg/mL triamcinolone acetonide, 6mL of 1% lidocaine, and normative saline (n=32). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index score. Secondary outcomes were the VAS of shoulder pain level and angles of shoulder passive range of motion, including flexion, abduction, extension, external rotation, and internal rotation at pretreatment and weeks 3, 6, and 12 of posttreatment. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of demographic characteristics (age, sex, duration of symptoms, shoulder affected, and body mass index) at baseline. Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant effect of time in all outcome measurements in both groups. However, group-by-time interactions were not significantly different for any of the outcomes between groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that compared with pretreatment, all outcome measures improved significantly in both groups by time; however, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. Therefore, we recommend IACI alone over capsule-preserved hydrodilatation with corticosteroid when considering the corticosteroid injection as a secondary option after the initial IACI fails to improve symptoms for patients with refractory AC.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for four-part proximal humerus fracture in elderly patients: can a healed tuberosity improve the functional outcomes?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether healed tuberosities yield better rotational range of motion (ROM) and functional outcomes compared with unhealed tuberosities after reverse shoulder arthroplasty in elderly patients with comminuted proximal humerus fractures. METHODS: This study included 38 patients who underwent reverse arthroplasty because of 4-part proximal humerus fractures; 14 patients had healed tuberosities (group A) and 24 patients had unhealed tuberosities (group B). Functional assessments included visual analog scale pain score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, and active ROM. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the patients' demographics between the 2 groups. At final follow-up, no significant differences were found between groups in visual analog scale score (group A, 1.4; group B, 1.6; P = .647), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (74.3 and 70.7; P = .231), and Constant score (67.9 and 63.9; P = .228) and ROM with forward flexion and internal rotation. However, in external rotation, there was a significant difference between groups (29° and 10° in external rotation with the elbow at the side [P < .001]; 25° and 7° in external rotation with shoulder abduction [P < .001]). CONCLUSION: After reverse shoulder arthroplasty for 4-part proximal humerus fracture, tuberosities were healed in an anatomic position in 37% of patients. However, there were no significant differences in functional outcomes and ROM between the 2 groups, with the exception of external rotation, which was better in the healed tuberosity group. Therefore, tuberosity healing is not a prerequisite for satisfactory outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty for 4-part proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients.

Early range of motion exercise in pediatric patients with olecranon fractures treated with tension band suture with double loops and double knots.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric patients with olecranon fractures are uncommon. The tension band suture technique was introduced to reduce the burden of implant removal and other complications. However, to our knowledge, early range of motion (ROM) exercise has not been introduced in this population of patients. Double Vicryl loops and knots with 2 cross-pins are used to maintain the benefits of the tension band suture technique and to enhance fixation tensile strength. We believe that early ROM exercises could be achieved without nonunion or fixation failure. METHODS: Twelve pediatric patients with olecranon fractures were treated with tension band suture with double loops and knots between 2004 and 2015. Vicryl No. 1 was used for wiring. ROM exercises were initiated 1 week postoperatively with a customized functional brace. Early functional outcomes were evaluated by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score at every visit after 8 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Nine boys and 3 girls (average age, 10.6 years; range, 5 years 7 months-16 years 2 months) were included in the study. Initial displacement and angulation of the fractures were 5 mm (2-7 mm) and 12° (4°-25°), respectively. Two cases had radial neck fractures of the ipsilateral elbow. All patients had a perfect Mayo Elbow Performance Score after 8 weeks postoperatively. Pin removals were performed at 13.1 weeks. No complications, including growth arrest, were observed. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Tension band suture with double loops and knots, combined with early ROM exercise, may be a complete alternative to tension band wiring.

Evaluation of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder With Fat-Suppressed T2-Weighted MRI: Association Between Clinical Features and MRI Findings.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between clinical features and MRI findings in adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 103 patients (41 men, 62 women) with adhesive capsulitis. The MRI findings were correlated with pain intensity, range of motion, and clinical stage. Joint capsule edema in the axillary recess, extracapsular edema, obliteration of the subcoracoid fat triangle, and effusion in the long head biceps tendon sheath were assessed by two radiologists using fat-suppressed T2-weighted images. Joint capsule thickness in the axillary recess and degree of external rotation during MRI were also measured. Intraclass correlation coefficient and kappa values were obtained. Associations between MRI findings and clinical features were assessed by statistical analyses. RESULTS: Anterior extracapsular edema was associated with range of motion on external rotation and abduction (p < 0.01). Joint capsule edema in the humeral portion of the axillary recess was associated with range of motion on external rotation (p = 0.01). Joint capsule thickness in the humeral portion of the axillary recess and height of the axillary recess were associated with pain intensity (p < 0.05). Joint capsule edema in the humeral portion of the axillary recess and obliteration of the subcoracoid fat triangle were significantly more common in the early stages of adhesive capsulitis (p < 0.05). Joint capsule thickness in the humeral portion of the axillary recess at stage 1 (4.67 ± 1.73 mm) was significantly different from the thickness at the later stages (stage 2, 3.73 ± 1.49 mm; stages 3 and 4, 3.67 ± 1.44 mm) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MRI is useful for assessing clinical impairment and predicting the clinical stage of adhesive capsulitis.

Electromyographic activities of the subscapularis, supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles during passive shoulder and active elbow exercises.

PURPOSE: Postoperative exercises may increase load on repaired tendons. Differences in the activity of the rotator cuff muscles were assessed during several different types of passive shoulder and active elbow exercises. METHODS: In 15 healthy subjects, passive forward flexion of the shoulder was performed using a table, pulley and rope, and a cane, and external rotation was performed using a cane and a wall. The active elbow flexion-extension exercise was also performed while holding the upper arm with the contralateral hand. Activation amplitudes of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus and subscapularis muscles were evaluated using electromyography with fine wires. RESULTS: During passive forward flexion, the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles exhibited lower activity when using a table compared with a cane (both P < 0.01) and a pulley and rope (both P < 0.05). Flexion of <90° decreased supraspinatus activation compared with 170° (P = 0.047). During external rotation of the shoulder while using the cane and wall, there was no difference in the activity of any muscles. Electromyographic activity during the active elbow exercise was lower in the supraspinatus while holding the upper arm (P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: The table sliding exercise may reduce stress on the rotator cuff during passive forward flexion more than the other exercises do. Decreasing the range of motion to less than 90° in forward flexion activated the supraspinatus less. Moreover, movement of the elbow can be performed holding the upper arm to activate the rotator cuff to a lesser extent. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, Level II.

Value of stress ultrasound for the diagnosis of chronic ankle instability compared to manual anterior drawer test, stress radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: Clinicians frequently diagnose chronic ankle instability using the manual anterior drawer test and stress radiography. However, both examinations can yield incorrect results and do not reveal the extent of ankle instability. Stress ultrasound has been reported to be a new diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of chronic ankle instability. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of stress ultrasound for chronic ankle instability compared to the manual anterior drawer test, stress radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and arthroscopy. METHODS: Twenty-eight consecutive patients who underwent ankle arthroscopy and subsequent modified Broström repair for treatment of chronic ankle instability were included. The arthroscopic findings were used as the reference standard. A standardized physical examination (manual anterior drawer test), stress radiography, MRI, and stress ultrasound were performed to assess the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) prior to operation. Ultrasound images were taken in the resting position and the maximal anterior drawer position. RESULTS: Grade 3 lateral instability was verified arthroscopically in all 28 cases with a clinical diagnosis (100%). Twenty-two cases showed grade III instability on the manual anterior drawer test (78.6%). Twenty-four cases displayed anterior translation exceeding 5 mm on stress radiography (86%), and talar tilt angle exceeded 15° in three cases (11 %). Nineteen cases displayed a partial chronic tear (change in thickness or signal intensity), and nine cases displayed complete tear on MRI (100%). Lax and wavy ATFL was evident on stress ultrasound in all cases (100 %). The mean value of the ATFL length was 2.8 ± 0.3 cm for the stressed condition and 2.1 ± 0.2 cm for the resting condition (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Stress ultrasound may be useful for the diagnosis of chronic ankle instability in addition to the manual anterior drawer test and stress radiography. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Behavioral responses of the invasive Halyomorpha halys (Stål) to traps baited with stereoisomeric mixtures of 10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-OL.

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive insect in the United States that is capable of inflicting significant yield losses for fruit, vegetable, and soybean growers. Recently, a male-produced aggregation pheromone of H. halys was identified as a 3.5:1 mixture of (3S,6S,7R,10S)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol and (3R,6S,7R,10S)-10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol, two stereoisomers of a natural sesquiterpene with a bisabolane skeleton, potentially existing in 16 stereoisomeric forms. In this study, we assessed attraction to pheromonal and non-pheromonal stereoisomeric mixtures of 10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol, which are easier to synthesize than single isomers, and evaluated dose-dependent responses to attractive mixtures in field trials. Some treatments not containing the natural pheromone components were moderately active in field-trapping studies, signifying that some stereoisomers of 10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol are sufficiently similar to the true pheromone in structure to trigger behavioral responses. Importantly, we found that mixtures of stereoisomers containing pheromone components were also highly attractive to H. halys, even in the presence of multiple "unnatural" stereoisomers. Further, adult and nymphal captures were dose-dependent, regardless of whether the lure contained pheromonal or non-pheromonal components. Our findings of attraction to pheromonal and non-pheromonal stereoisomers and lack of inhibition from non-pheromonal stereoisomers of 10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol increase the flexibility of developing pheromone-based products for H. halys.

Prolotherapy for Refractory Rotator Cuff Disease: Retrospective Case-Control Study of 1-Year Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of prolotherapy for refractory rotator cuff disease. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: University-affiliated tertiary care hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with nontraumatic refractory rotator cuff disease (N=151) who were unresponsive to 3 months of aggressive conservative treatment. Of the patients, 63 received prolotherapies with 16.5% dextrose 10-ml solution (treatment group), and 63 continued conservative treatment (control group). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual analog scale (VAS) score of the average shoulder pain level for the past 1 week, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score, isometric strength of the shoulder abductor, active range of motion (AROM) of the shoulder, maximal tear size on ultrasonography, and number of analgesic ingestions per day. RESULTS: Over 1-year follow-up, 57 patients in the treatment group and 53 in the control group were analyzed. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in age, sex, shoulder dominance, duration of symptoms, and ultrasonographic findings at pretreatment. The average number of injections in the treatment group is 4.8±1.3. Compared with the control group, VAS score, SPADI score, isometric strength of shoulder abductor, and shoulder AROM of flexion, abduction, and external rotation showed significant improvement in the treatment group. There were no adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the efficacy of prolotherapy in rotator cuff disease. Prolotherapy showed improvement in pain, disability, isometric strength, and shoulder AROM in patients with refractory chronic rotator cuff disease. The results suggest positive outcomes, but one should still take caution in directly interpreting it as an effective treatment option, considering the limitations of this nonrandomized retrospective study. To show the efficacy of prolotherapy, further studies on prospective randomized controlled trials will be required.