Leg Attachment Devices of Tiger Beetles (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae) and Their Relationship to Their Habitat Preferences.

The ability of many insects to adhere vertically or even upside down to smooth substrates is closely related to the morphology and distribution of the adhesive structures on their legs. During locomotion, the legs are in direct contact with different substrates, and it is hypothesized that the adhesive structures have been evolved as an adaption to smooth substrates in specific environments. To investigate whether there is a relationship between the presence of adhesive structures and the combined effects of different environments and mating behavior, we compared five species of tiger beetles belonging to two tribes living in arboreal and non-arboreal environments, respectively. In three non-arboreal species, we found a specific type of adhesive structure consisting of elongated spoon-like setae present on the protarsi of males but absent on the male meso- and metatarsi and on females. In Tricondyla pulchripes, an arboreal species living on stems, we found three types of adhesive setae on male protarsi, while only two types of setae were found on male meso- and metatarsi and on females. In Neocollyris linearis, an arboreal species living on leaves, we found three types of adhesive setae on male pro-, meso- and meta-tarsi but only two types of adhesive setae on females. The adaptive evolution of these adhesive structures was probably driven by the selective pressures of both mating behavior and the presence of smooth substrates in the respective environments. It is discussed that the adhesive structures in tiger beetles may be an adaptive evolutionary response to the plant surfaces and may play an important role in species differentiation.

Bionic Robot with Multifunctional Leg-Arm Mechanism for In-Orbit Assembly of Space Trusses.

This article aims to address the in-orbit assembly needs of truss structures in space missions by designing a robot capable of moving on trusses and manipulating parts. To enhance the stability of the robot during movement and part manipulation, inspiration was drawn from the Dynastes Hercules beetle. Building upon detailed research on the Dynastes Hercules beetle, a biomimetic structure was designed for the robot system. Based on specific task requirements, the overall plan of the robot was developed, and its kinematic and dynamic models were derived. A prototype of the robot was created, which is capable of both movement and assembly functions, including handling spherical and rod-like objects. Through a series of experiments conducted with the robot, the research results demonstrated that the proposed design can effectively achieve the intended functions.

Unveiling the cell dynamics during the final shape formation of the tarsus in Drosophila adult leg by live imaging.

Organisms display a remarkable diversity in their shapes. Although substantial progress has been made in unraveling the mechanisms that govern cell fate determination during development, the mechanisms by which fate-determined cells give rise to the final shapes of organisms remain largely unknown. This study describes in detail the process of the final shape formation of the tarsus, which is near the distal tip of the adult leg, during the pupal stage in Drosophila melanogaster. Days-long live imaging revealed unexpectedly complicated cellular dynamics. The epithelial cells transiently form the intriguing structure, which we named the Parthenon-like structure. The basal surface of the epithelial cells and localization of the basement membrane protein initially show a mesh-like structure and rapidly shrink into the membranous structure during the formation and disappearance of the Parthenon-like structure. Furthermore, macrophage-like cells are observed moving around actively in the Parthenon-like structure and engulfing epithelial cells. The findings in this research are expected to significantly contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms involved in shaping the final structure of the adult tarsus.

Ex vivo diffusion tensor imaging of the plantar nerves is feasible in the horse.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to optimize an MRI-based diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) protocol for imaging the plantar nerves at the level of the tarsus in normal equine limbs. SAMPLE: 12 pelvic cadaver limbs from horses without evidence of proximal suspensory pathology were imaged with a 3T MRI system. METHODS: For diffusion-weighted imaging, b values of 600, 800, and 1,000 s/mm2 were tested. Data were processed with DSI Studio. Cross-sectional areas of the medial and lateral plantar nerve along the plantar tarsus were recorded. The length and number of fiber tracts, signal-to-noise ratio, and DTI variables were recorded. RESULTS: At the level of interest, the mean cross-sectional areas of the plantar nerves ranged from 5.03 to 7.42 mm2. The DTI maps consistently generated tracts in the region of the lateral and medial plantar nerves with DTI values in the range of values reported for peripheral nerves in humans. Our findings demonstrate that DTI of the medial and lateral plantar nerves can be performed successfully and used to generate quantitative parameters including fractional anisotropy and mean, axial, and radial diffusivity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Quantitative data generated with this imaging technique can be used to noninvasively characterize the microstructural integrity of neural tissue with possible applications in the evaluation of pathologic changes to the plantar tarsal and metatarsal nerves of horses with proximal suspensory desmopathy.

Ultrasonography of the normal donkey tarsus (equus asinus).

Tarsal joint illness is a frequent source of hind limb lameness due to the complex anatomy of the region and the presence of numerous bony and soft tissue structures. Proper lameness diagnosis aims to discover the structure provoking lameness. Ultrasonography documents valuable information of soft tissues and characterizes soft tissue injuries that have heretofore been difficult to obtain either noninvasively or via radiography. The objectives of the current study were to develop and describe a standardized ultrasonographic protocol for investigation of the tarsal region in donkeys. The donkey tarsal anatomy was investigated in 5 cadavers and the tarsi of 11 healthy lameness free adult donkeys were echographically investigated. The dorsal, plantar, lateral and medial aspects of the tarsal region were substantially evaluated at four anatomical landmarks in both the longitudinal and horizontal planes using a multi-frequency 5-12 MHz linear transducer. Sonoanatomy of the extensor and flexor tarsal tendons, collateral and plantar ligaments, and synovial pouches was delineated and described. Systematic echography of the tarsal region allowed accurate localization and thorough exploration of various soft tissues of clinical interest in the donkey tarsus. Sonograms provided in this study should serve as a reference database for tarsal ultrasonography in clinical circumstances.

Equine Talocalcaneal subluxation.

A Quarter horse filly was evaluated for a two-week old wound of the right hind cannon bone after the mare stepped on her. A sequestrum was noted radiographically and was surgically debrided. After continued follow-up a left hind varus deformity was noted and was corrected with a lateral transphyseal screw in the distal left tibia. After the varus deformity was improved, a lateromedial radiograph was taken of the distal left tibia and tarsus and talocalcaneal subluxation was seen. The same view was taken of the right tarsus and the same deformity was noted. After finding no case reports on the condition with information on treatment or surgical correction, humane euthanasia was elected. A few months later, the same owner brought a two-month-old colt out of the same mare to the hospital for an elective procedure. Tarsal radiographs were taken due to the owner's previous experience, although the colt had no clinical history or any traumatic incidents. A lateromedial view of the right tarsus revealed talocalcaneal subluxation.

Pantarsal arthrodesis stabilized with circular external skeletal fixators in 8 dogs (2010-2022).

OBJECTIVE: To report the surgical technique, complications, and outcomes of 8 dogs that underwent a unilateral pantarsal arthrodesis stabilized using a circular external skeletal fixator (CESF) construct for the treatment of uni- or multilevel tarsal instability. ANIMALS: 8 dogs. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Medical records from 2010 to 2023 from 2 small animal hospitals were retrospectively reviewed for dogs undergoing pantarsal arthrodeses stabilized with CESF. Data collected for each dog included signalment, injury etiology, construct configuration, radiographic imaging, antimicrobial use, complications, length of time until construct removal, and outcome based on clinical evaluation by the owner and veterinary surgeon. RESULTS: 8 dogs met the requirements of inclusion for the study. Dogs had a mean age of 5.5 years (range, 0.42 to 13 years) and weight of 15.1 kg (range, 2.5 to 26.4 kg). Angulated 3- and 4-ring constructs were used in 5 and 3 dogs, respectively, with or without hybridization. Tarsi were stabilized with a mean angle of extension of 124.8° (range, 111.5° to 136.5°). Fixator removal was performed at a mean time of 11.3 weeks (range, 6 to 16 weeks). Complications developed in 4 dogs, 2 of which had poor clinical outcomes despite additional interventions, including recurrent digit trauma and poor limb use postoperatively. Six dogs had excellent outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A CESF may be considered as an alternative to plate stabilization when performing a pantarsal arthrodesis. This fixation requires rigorous postoperative care but obviates the need for supplemental postoperative coaptation.

Variation in bill surface area is associated with local climatic factors across populations of the plain laughingthrush.

Recent studies have found that avian bill and tarsus morphology may have evolved in response to climatic conditions, and these organs play important roles in thermoregulation and water retention in extreme environments. Here, we examined whether bill surface area and tarsus length were associated with climatic conditions in the plain laughingthrush, Garrulax davidi, which mainly occurs in north China and occupies several climatic zones from east to west. We measured bill surface area and tarsus length in 321 adults from 11 populations, almost encompassing all habitat types of the species. We analyzed the relationships among these morphological traits and local climatic factors. Bill surface area was positively correlated with maximum temperature, indicating that bill surface area tended to be larger in hotter environments. Furthermore, we found a negative relationship among bill surface area and winter precipitation, indicating that bill surface area tended to be larger in arid areas. However, we did not find any relationships between tarsus length and climatic factors. These results suggest that local climates may shape the evolution of bill morphology divergence, and summer seems to be the critical season for thermoregulation in this temperate zone passerine.

Morphology and ontogeny of carpus and tarsus in stereospondylomorph temnospondyls.

Skeletal development is well known in temnospondyls, the most diverse group of Paleozoic and Mesozoic amphibians. However, the elements of carpus and tarsus (i.e., the mesopodium) were always the last bones to ossify relative to the other limb bones and with regard to the rest of the skeleton, and are preserved only in rare cases. Thus, in contrast to the other parts of the limb skeleton, little is known about the ontogeny and sequence of ossification of the temnospondyl carpus and tarsus. We intended to close this gap by studying the ontogenies of a number of Permo/Carboniferous stereospondylomorphs, the only temnospondyls with preserved growth series in which the successive ossification of carpals and tarsals can be traced. Studying the degree of mesopodial ossification within the same species show that it is not necessarily correlated with body size. This indicates that individual age rather than size determined the degree of mesopodial ossification in stereospondylomorphs and that the largest individuals are not necessarily the oldest ones. In the stereospondylomorph tarsus, the distal tarsals show preaxial development in accordance with most early tetrapods and salamanders. However, the more proximal mesopodials exhibit postaxial dominance, i.e., the preaxial column (tibiale, centrale 1) consistently started to ossify after the central column (centralia 2-4, intermedium) and the postaxial column (fibulare). Likewise, we observed preaxial development of the distal carpals in the stereospondylomorph carpus, as in most early tetrapods for which a statement can be made. However, in contrast to the tarsus, the more proximal carpals were formed by preaxial development, i.e., the preaxial column (radiale, centrale 1) ossified after the central column (centralia 2-4, intermedium) and before the postaxial column (ulnare). This pattern is unique among known early tetrapods and occurs only in certain extant salamanders. Furthermore, ossification proceeded from distal to proximal in the central column of the stereospondylomorph carpus, whereas the ossification advanced from proximal to distal in the central column of the tarsus. Despite these differences, a general ossification pattern that started from proximolateral (intermedium or centrale 4) to mediodistal (distal tarsal and carpal 1) roughly in a diagonal line is common to all stereospondylomorph mesopodials investigated. This pattern might basically reflect the alignment of stress within the mesopodium during locomotion. Our observations might point to a greater variability in the development of the mesopodium in stereospondylomorphs and probably other early tetrapods than in most extant tetrapods, possibly mirroring a similar variation as seen in the early phases of skeletogenesis in salamander carpus and tarsus.

Characteristics, surgical treatment, and outcomes of injuries involving the tarsus in greyhounds.

Objective: The first objective of this study was to describe the type of tarsal injuries sustained, surgery performed, and postoperative complications in greyhounds presenting to a single veterinary hospital. An additional objective of the study was to determine the surgical site infection (SSI) and explantation rate, and if any variables were associated with an increased risk of SSI and/or explantation. Animals: 116 greyhounds receiving surgical intervention for a tarsal injury. Proceures: Medical records from a single veterinary referral hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Data retrieved included signalment, details regarding the injury, surgical intervention, concurrent castration, surgical/anesthesia times, postoperative management, time to healing, and postoperative complications. In cases that underwent explantation, cause, time from initial surgery, and risk factors were evaluated. Results: The most frequently diagnosed tarsal injuries were fracture of the central tarsal bone (CTB; 57.8%), calcaneal fracture (56.9%) and proximal intertarsal subluxation (34.5%). The most common injury combination was a CTB fracture with a calcaneal fracture (31.9%). In total 115 (99.1%) survived to discharge. Of these, 46 (40.0%) were diagnosed with an SSI and 59 (51.3%) underwent explantation. The most common indication for explantation was SSI. Concurrent medial and lateral surgical approaches was found to be associated with an increased likelihood of SSI and explantation. Clinical relevance: Practitioners performing surgical intervention for tarsal injuries in greyhounds should be aware of the high SSI rate and likelihood that explantation will be required. This risk is elevated for injuries requiring a bilateral surgical approach.

Review of the Idaeaproximaria complex (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Sterrhinae) with descriptions of four new species.

The Idaeaproximaria complex is reviewed and four new species are described from China: Idaearectangularis Cheng & Han, sp. nov. from Guangxi and Fujian provinces, Idaearectispina Cheng & Han, sp. nov. from Hunan province, Idaeasetosa Xue & Han, sp. nov. from Hainan province, and Idaealinearis Xue & Han, sp. nov. from Hubei and Shaanxi provinces. Illustrations of adults and genitalia of the new species and known species are presented, and the variations in the form of the aedeagus of Idaeaproximaria are discussed.

The Nictavi Tarsus Patch: A New Device for Achieving Temporary Eyelid Closure in Lagophthalmos.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of the Nictavi Tarsus Patch™ (NTP) in inducing temporary eyelid closure for the management of lagophthalmos in the pediatric and young adult population. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 20 patients <21 years of age who had previously been managed for lagophthalmos to trial the NTP in clinic. Inter-palpebral fissure distance (IPFD) was compared before and after the placement of the NTP in the eyes-closed position using paired t-tests. Subjects then underwent a 3-night home trial with the NTP, and parent and subject perceptions of effectiveness, comfort, and complications with the patch were analyzed using Likert scale survey questions. Results: Twenty subjects ages 2-20 years with paralytic (65%) and non-paralytic (35%) lagophthalmos were enrolled. The NTP improved lagophthalmos from a mean pre-placement IPFD of 3.3 mm to post-placement IPFD of 0.4 mm (p < 0.01). Overall, 80% of subjects achieved successful eyelid closure defined as ≤1 mm of post-placement IPFD. When stratified by subtype, 100% of subjects with paralytic lagophthalmos achieved successful eyelid closure compared to 71% of subjects with non-paralytic lagophthalmos. On a scale of 1 (worst) to 5 (best), parents rated the NTP at 4.3±0.7 for comfort while wearing, 4.3±1.0 for comfort in removing, 4.6±0.7 for ease of use, and 4.3±0.9 for effectiveness. Ninety-three percent of parents reported preferring NTP to other eyelid closure methods previously tried and indicated that they would use it again. Conclusion: The NTP is an effective, tolerable, and safe method of eyelid closure for children and young adults.

"Rejoice Therapy": Creating and Shaping 'Joy' according to St. Paul of Tarsus.

St. Paul of Tarsus, in 1 Thessalonians (5:16), urges his suffering addressees to 'rejoice always.' This can seem not only inappropriate, but even inhumane. It can be argued, however, that a unique therapy to strengthen the disheartened is at work. St. Paul applies to his readers what can be described as an authorial therapeutic method-"rejoice therapy"-to help them create and shape their joy despite the difficult situation in which they live. St. Paul employs more than just rhetorical strategies in order to achieve this intended effect. St. Paul provides his readers with practical and universalistic techniques, which can continue to have therapeutic value today.

Venous wall graft in the eyelid reconstruction: observations drawn from 64 cases.

The aim of this report is to illustrate the venous wall graft and to present the observations drawn from a large series of eyelid reconstructions performed with this method. Sixty-four patients underwent venous wall grafts, mostly after resection of invasive carcinomas of the eyelids and, in only one case, after traumatic injury. All patients had good functional and cosmetic results. The average follow-up time was 6.5 years. Few negligible complications were observed. Only two cases (3.1%) needed further surgical treatment. Vein graft is a reliable alternative to traditional procedures in replacing tarsus-conjunctival layer, achieving satisfactory results. A single surgical session is required, usually without complications.

Acute limb shortening and modified pantarsal arthrodesis for the treatment of a highly comminuted distal tibial articular fracture in a dog.

A three-year-old female spayed Lurcher was referred for the treatment of a highly comminuted distal tibial articular fracture. Resection of the area of comminution with a transverse osteotomy of the tibial diaphysis and talar ridges was performed, followed by modified pantarsal arthrodesis and a calcaneotibial screw. The treatment resulted in 7 cm of tibial shortening, equating to a 28% reduction in the total tibial length. Radiographic union of the arthrodesis was successful. Fair use of the pelvic limb was documented long-term. Combined acute limb shortening and modified pantarsal arthrodesis resulted in an acceptable outcome and could be considered in cases of highly comminuted distal tibial fractures.

Influence of surface free energy of the substrate and flooded water on the attachment performance of stick insects (Phasmatodea) with different adhesive surface microstructures.

Stick and leaf insects (Phasmatodea) are exclusively herbivores. As they settle in a broad range of habitats, they need to attach to and walk on a wide variety of plant substrates, which can vary in their surface free energy (SFE). The adhesive microstructures (AMs) on the euplantulae of phasmids are assumed to be adapted to such substrate properties. Moreover, the natural substrates can often be covered with water as a result of high relative humidity or rain. Although considerable experimental research has been carried out on different aspects of stick insect attachment, the adaptations to cope with the influence of flooded water on attachment performance remain unclear. To elucidate the role of AMs in this context, we here measured attachment forces in three species of stick insects with different AMs. The results show that attachment forces of the three species studied were influenced by the SFE and the presence of water: they all showed higher pull-off (vertical) and traction (horizontal) forces on dry surfaces, compared with when the surfaces were covered with a water film. However, the extent to which the surface properties influenced attachment differed depending on the species and its AMs. All three species showed approximately the same attachment performance on dry surfaces with different surface free energy but maintained attachment underwater to different extents.

Radiographic changes of the proximal third metatarsal bone do not predict presence or severity of proximal suspensory desmopathy in a predominately Quarter Horse population.

BACKGROUND: Comparison of radiography to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help objectively assess the value and limitations of radiographs in orthopaedic disease processes. The tarsus and proximal suspensory origin of the metatarsus are commonly imaged regions for lameness. The knowledge gained by comparison between imaging modalities will aid in improving accuracy of radiographic interpretation. OBJECTIVE: To compare the radiographic and MRI findings of the proximal third metatarsal bone (MTIII) and proximal suspensory ligament using MRI as the gold standard. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: Single hindlimbs of 35 horses with radiographic and high-field (3Tesla (3T)) MRI studies were blindly evaluated by two board-certified veterinary radiologists and a radiology resident. Severity and location of the following parameters were assessed: radiographic MTIII sclerosis and lucent regions, MRI endosteal metatarsal sclerosis and bone marrow lesions, plantar cortical proliferation and resorption, and proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD). RESULTS: Radiographic osseous changes of MTIII were identified in 54% of limbs, whereas 40% limbs had osseous changes on MRI: 43% of limbs had PSD on MRI. No significant association was found between the presence of radiographic changes in MTIII and PSD on MRI (P = .7). A statistically significant association and positive correlation was found between the severity of radiographic changes and MTIII plantar cortical proliferation and resorption on MRI (P = .01). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study with no histopathology. Ability to correlate findings with lameness was limited by the lack of standardised time intervals between onset of lameness, diagnostic analgesia and advanced imaging. CONCLUSION: Radiographic bony changes of proximal MTIII do not reliably predict presence or severity of PSD but are associated with osseous changes at the proximal MTIII. The presence of radiographic changes should warrant additional diagnostics in the region prior to making conclusions about the presence or absence of PSD.

INTRODUCTION/CONTEXTE: La comparaison de la radiographie avec l'imagerie par résonance magnétique (IRM) peut assister dans l'évaluation objective de la valeur et des limites des radiographies pour les processus pathologiques orthopédiques. OBJECTIFS: Comparer les trouvailles radiographiques et d'IRM du métatarsien principal proximal (MTIII) et de la portion proximale du ligament suspenseur du boulet, en utilisant l'IRM comme référence. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Étude de observationnelle rétrospective. MÉTHODES: Les images radiographiques et d'IRM à haut champ (3 Tesla (3T)) d'un seul membre postérieur chez 35 chevaux ont été évalués à l'aveugle par deux radiologistes vétérinaires diplômés et un résident en radiologie. La sévérité et localisation des paramètres suivants ont été documentés : sclérose et régions lytiques radiographiques du MTIII, sclérose métatarsienne de l'endostéum à l'IRM et lésions de la moelle osseuse, prolifération et résorption plantaire corticale et desmopathie du ligament suspenseur du boulet (DLSB). RÉSULTATS: Des changements radiographiques osseux du MTIII ont été identifiés sur 54 % des membres contre 40% des membres ayant des changements osseux à l'IRM. 43% des membres avaient une DLSB à l'IRM. Aucune association significative n'a pu être identifiée entre la présence de changements radiographiques du MTIII et DLSB à l'IRM (P = 0.7). Une association statistiquement significative et une corrélation positive a été identifiée entre la sévérité des changements radiographiques et la résorption/prolifération plantaires corticales du MTIII à l'IRM (P = 0.01). LIMITES PRINCIPALES: Étude rétrospective sans histopathologie. La possibilité de corréler les données de l'examen de boiterie a été limitée par le manque d'intervalle de temps standardisés entre l'apparition de la boiterie, l'analgésie diagnostique et l'imagerie avancée. CONCLUSIONS: Ces trouvailles démontrent que les changements osseux radiographiques du MTIII proximal ne peuvent prédirent de façon fiable la présence ni la sévérité de DLSB, mais ils sont par contre associés aux changements osseux du MTIII proximal à l'IRM. La présence de changements radiographiques justifie l'utilisation de méthodes diagnostiques additionnelles du MTIII proximal avant de conclure sur la présence ou l'absence de DLSB.

A Case Series of 11 Horses Diagnosed with Bone Spavin Treated with High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT).

The aim of this work was to characterize and describe the effect of High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) used in the treatment of chronic osteoarthritis in horses. Over a 2 year period, 11 horses with diagnosed bone spavin were treated with HILT as a monotherapy. The horses chosen for this report presented hind limb lameness, were positive in a spavin flexion test and showed improvement after intra-articular anesthesia of the tarsometatarsal joint. Additionally, all the horses presented radiological signs of tarsus osteoarthritis and had not been treated for bone spavin for a minimum of 6 months. Each horse received 10 HILT therapies over 14 days' treatment time with the same laser protocol. At post-treatment orthopedic examination, 4 horses (36%) had improved 2 lameness grades (in the 5 grade American Association of Equine practitioners lameness scale), 4 horses (36%) had improved 1 lameness grade and 3 horses (28%) did not improve. Additionally, 3 horses were totally sound after HILT. Post-treatment spavin test result improvement was observed in 5 horses (45%), and 6 horses (55%) showed the same spavin test grade as before treatment. There were no horses that were sound in the spavin test performed after HILT. Therefore, it seems probable that the application of HILT in horses suffering from bone spavin may decrease joint pain, which influences visual lameness reduction.

Attachment Performance of Stick Insects (Phasmatodea) on Plant Leaves with Different Surface Characteristics.

Herbivorous insects and plants exemplify a longstanding antagonistic coevolution, resulting in the development of a variety of adaptations on both sides. Some plant surfaces evolved features that negatively influence the performance of the attachment systems of insects, which adapted accordingly as a response. Stick insects (Phasmatodea) have a well-adapted attachment system with paired claws, pretarsal arolium and tarsal euplantulae. We measured the attachment ability of Medauroidea extradentata with smooth surface on the euplantulae and Sungaya inexpectata with nubby microstructures of the euplantulae on different plant substrates, and their pull-off and traction forces were determined. These species represent the two most common euplantulae microstructures, which are also the main difference between their respective attachment systems. The measurements were performed on selected plant leaves with different properties (smooth, trichome-covered, hydrophilic and covered with crystalline waxes) representing different types among the high diversity of plant surfaces. Wax-crystal-covered substrates with fine roughness revealed the lowest, whereas strongly structured substrates showed the highest attachment ability of the Phasmatodea species studied. Removal of the claws caused lower attachment due to loss of mechanical interlocking. Interestingly, the two species showed significant differences without claws on wax-crystal-covered leaves, where the individuals with nubby euplantulae revealed stronger attachment. Long-lasting effects of the leaves on the attachment ability were briefly investigated, but not confirmed.

[Injuries of the foot and ankle in winter sports]. / Fuß- und Sprunggelenkverletzungen im Wintersport.

Winter sports injuries of the foot and ankle are a relevant entity due to the high enthusiasm for alpine skiing and snowboarding. The condition of the footwear and rigidity of the binding have a significant influence on the pathobiomechanics of fracture development and have been shown to influence the frequency of knee and ankle injuries. Foot injuries are rare due to the sport-specific footwear with good padding and frequent hard shell casings.