Effect of isometric quadriceps exercise on local microcirculation of the infrapatellar fat pad in female patients with knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the local microcirculation of the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by determining the changes in IFP hardness and hemoglobin concentration during isometric quadriceps exercise (IQE). DESIGN: In this observational cross-sectional study, patients diagnosed with bilateral KOA were included in the KOA group (30 knees), healthy older adults in the control group (20 knees), and younger adults in the young group (20 knees). Ultrasonography was performed at rest and during IQE to measure IFP hardness based on shear wave velocity. Near-infrared spectroscopy was performed to measure oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb), and total hemoglobin (cHb) in the IFP before (Baseline), during (IQE task), and after IQE (Post). IFP hardness and O2Hb, HHb, and cHb concentration were analyzed using a linear mixed model for the groups and measurement points. RESULTS: During IQE, IFP hardness changes were significantly less in the KOA group than in the other groups (KOA: 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) [-0.854, 0.028]; control: 95 % CI [-0.941, -0.341]; and young: 95 % CI [-2.305, -1.706]). In the KOA group, O2Hb concentration exhibited no significant changes at Post compared with Baseline; however, significant changes were observed in the other groups (KOA: 95 % CI [-1.176, 0.423]; control: 95 % CI [-1.452, -0.276]; and young: 95 % CI [-4.062, -2.102]). CONCLUSIONS: During IQE, changes in hardness and hemoglobin concentration in the IFP were not significant in the KOA group, suggesting impaired local microcirculation of the IFP.

Effectiveness of Rehabilitation for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Scoping Review of Network Meta-Analyses.

BACKGROUND:  Although an increasing number of network meta-analyses have been conducted on the effectiveness of conservative therapy for knee osteoarthritis, these may have been poorly planned and executed.We aimed to review the qualities of a comprehensive set of network meta-analyses on rehabilitation therapies for knee osteoarthritis and provide an overview of the effectiveness of each therapy. METHODS: The eligibility criteria were as follows: (i) conservative rehabilitation was the primary treatment in the intervention group, (ii) included patients were diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, and (iii) patient groups were aged ≤75 years, and rehabilitation interventions comprised exercise, orthotic, or physical therapies or patient education. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of the identified records and selected the eligible reviews; their full texts were further assessed for eligibility. Then, a checklist derived from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension statement for the reporting of systematic reviews incorporating network meta-analyses of healthcare Interventions was used to validate the completeness of the reporting of each network meta-analysis. Furthermore, the statistical and outcome data regarding the quality of life, knee joint function and pain, adverse events, and physical functions were extracted using a customized spreadsheet. RESULTS: Overall, 2701 titles and abstracts were screened, and eight network meta-analyses were ultimately selected. Nearly all reviews adequately addressed the PRISMA extension checklist, and the completeness of reporting was adequate; therefore, all expected information could be extracted. However, the methodology used to confirm the transitivity assumption was insufficient in many reviews. The following interventions were effective in reducing pain and improving physical function: (i) strengthening, flexibility, aerobic, and mind-body exercises, (ii) pulsed ultrasound, (iii) focused and radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and (iv) continuous ultrasound. The following interventions were effective in improving the quality of life: (i) strengthening, (ii) mixed, and (iii) mind-body exercises. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that exercise therapies, including muscle-strengthening, aerobic, flexibility, and mind-body exercises, are likely to be effective for pain relief and functional improvement in knee osteoarthritis. This may be the first review to provide a comprehensive perspective for considering priorities for future rehabilitation interventions for knee osteoarthritis.

Effect of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Macrophage Properties and Fibrosis in the Infrapatellar Fat Pad in a Carrageenan-Induced Knee Osteoarthritis Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: In the progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), fibrosis of the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) is a key pathological change. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) inhibits IFP fibrosis by decreasing the gene expression and activity of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), which is a protein involved in IFP fibrosis in KOA rat models. On the other hand, macrophages play an important role in the progression of fibrosis in various tissues, and LIPUS irradiation suppresses macrophage infiltration and inflammatory cytokine secretion. However, whether LIPUS suppresses macrophage polarity and IFP fibrosis in KOA remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effect of LIPUS on macrophage polarity and IFP fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A KOA model was created by injecting carrageenin into the bilateral knee joints of Wistar rats (eight weeks old). Tissues were harvested over time for histological and molecular biological analysis. The KOA model was also subjected to LIPUS irradiation for two weeks following the injection of carrageenin. RESULTS: RM-4-positive cells were widely distributed in IFP two weeks after carrageenin administration, but M2 macrophages were significantly increased, and the Sirius red area was decreased in the LIPUS-irradiated group compared with those in the non-irradiated group. The gene expression of M1 macrophage markers was significantly decreased and that of M2 macrophage markers was significantly increased in the LIPUS-irradiated group. The expression of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and type 1 collagen was also significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that LIPUS may serve as a novel approach for the treatment of KOA through its effect on M1 macrophages and suppression of TGF-ß expression.

Effectiveness of prehabilitation during neoadjuvant therapy for patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer: a systematic review.

Progression of the physical weakness during neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer is a serious problem; however, prehabilitation during NAT has the potential to overcome the unmet need. Nevertheless, systematic reviews on this topic have not been summarized. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to determine prehabilitation's effectiveness, acceptability, and safety during NAT for patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer. An electronic search was performed in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and PEDro databases. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effectiveness of prehabilitation during NAT, along with a descriptive analysis of acceptance and safety. This study analyzed data from three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nine non-RCTs involving 664 patients. The meta-analysis of two RCTs demonstrated that prehabilitation during NAT may be more effective than usual care in enhancing tolerance to NAT and grip strength; moreover, one RCT and three non-RCTs revealed that prehabilitation may reduce the risk of postoperative complications. The adherence rates for exercise programs in two RCTs and seven non-RCTs were 55-76%. Additionally, two studies reported a 76% adherence rate for multimodal prehabilitation programs, including exercise, dietary, and psychological care. Six studies reported no serious prehabilitation-related adverse events during NAT. Prehabilitation during NAT may be a safe and beneficial intervention strategy for patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer. However, the investigation of strategies to enhance adherence is essential. Furthermore, additional high-quality RCTs are needed to examine the effect of prehabilitation during NAT.

Safety and Effectiveness of Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Following Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Despite the potential of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) to reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA), its prescription is not routine. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CR in this setting. Inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CR with usual care in patients with AF following RFCA. We performed a comprehensive search of six databases up to August 17, 2023, and conducted a thorough risk of bias assessment. We synthesized safety outcomes using AF recurrence rates to calculate relative risks (RR). Furthermore, we conducted a meta-analysis on peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) and the six-minute walk test (6MWT) to gauge efficacy, utilizing mean differences (MD) for comparison. The GRADE framework was employed to determine the certainty of evidence, with two independent reviewers completing all processes. Our analysis encompassed eight studies with 772 participants aged 55-70 years engaged in moderate-intensity CR for a median of six months. Results showed no significant difference in AF recurrence after CR (RR = 0.69 (0.41-1.14)), with low evidence certainty due to heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses suggested a poor risk reduction effect in patients with obesity and persistent AF. Significant improvements were observed in VO2 peak and 6MWT outcomes (VO2 peak; MD = 2.53 (0.78-4.28), 6MWT; MD = 38.81 (0.65-76.97)), with moderate-certainty evidence. While CR may decrease AF recurrence after RFCA, its effectiveness varies, potentially diminishing in patients with obesity or persistent AF. Moderate gains in physical performance were achieved with minimal adverse events. Further RCTs are warranted to confirm these findings.

Effects of Compression Intervention on the Thigh Using Elastic Bandage on Lateral Femoral Pain After Trochanteric Fractures: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

A trochanteric fracture is one type of hip fracture. Management of postoperative pain after trochanteric fracture that is caused by decreased gliding between tissues in the lateral thigh is not established. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of compression of the thigh using an elastic bandage on trochanteric fracture after surgery. Multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted in collaboration with the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Unit (sub-acute rehabilitation Unit) in two hospitals. Eligible volunteers (n = 34) with trochanteric fractures after surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. In the treatment group, participants practiced standing and walking under compression of the thigh with an elastic bandage. The control group was blinded to the intervention and practiced standing and walking under non-compression of the thigh with an elastic bandage. Both groups underwent a standard physical therapy program 2 times a day, daily. Two-way repeated measures of ANOVA showed significant main effect between the groups for gliding between tissue (p < .001), lateral femoral pain (p < .001), subcutaneous tissue thickness (p = .044). Compression of the thigh with an elastic bandage significantly improved subcutaneous tissue thickness, gliding between tissues, lateral thigh pain. Gait velocity improved with these functional improvements.

Effect of lumbar lordosis angle on the development of lumbar spondylolysis in adolescent baseball players: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar spondylolysis (LS) is a lumbar vertebral arch stress fracture that often occurs in adolescent athletes, especially baseball players. An increase in lumbar lordosis angle (LLA) increases the compressive stress on the vertebral arch, influencing the development of LS. However, the effect of LLA on LS development in adolescent baseball players is unknown. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the risk factors that influence the development of LS. This cross-sectional study aimed investigate the effect of LLA on LS development in adolescent baseball players. METHODS: Patients were male baseball players aged 11-18 years who visited an orthopedic clinic with a chief complaint of lumbar pain and underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination between January 1, 2018, and October 31, 2021. LLA was defined as the angle formed by the line parallel to the superior endplate of the L1 and S1. A person other than the data analyst measured LLA three times from the MRI, and the average value was used for data analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed, with the presence or absence of LS as the objective variable and LLA, age, and previous pitching experience as explanatory variables. RESULTS: Of the 112 subjects included, 79 were in the LS group and 33 in the non-LS group. The LLA was 45.42 ± 8.19° in the LS group and 36.68 ± 8.26° in the non-LS group, with significant differences between the groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that LLA significantly differed with an odds ratio of 1.140 (95% confidence interval: 1.070-1.21), even after adjusting for age and previous pitching experience. CONCLUSIONS: LLA in adolescent baseball players was significantly greater in the LS group than in the non-LS group, which may influence the development of LS.

Pre-treatment methods for stable oxygen and carbon isotope analyses of structural carbonates of bones in marine teleost fishes.

RATIONALE: Although the proportion of structural carbonates in vertebrate bones is low, the values of isotopes, namely stable oxygen (δ18 O) and carbon (δ13 C), in structural carbonates provide environmental and physiological information, which can be beneficial for estimating the palaeontological and ecological parameters of vertebrates. However, a few studies have analysed the isotopes of structural carbonates in modern teleost fishes, and a well-developed protocol for sample preparation is lacking. METHODS: We examined different pre-treatment methods of preparing bone samples of three marine teleost fishes (Japanese flounder, Pacific bluefin tuna and yellowtail) and investigated the effects of the cleaning methods on the stable isotope values of structural carbonates among vertebrae in the same individual. Isotope values were analysed using isotope ratio mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Physical cleaning was the most promising pre-treatment method and resulted in δ18 O values that were comparable to those of otoliths. Chemical treatments with NaOH and H2 O2 changed the percentage of structural carbonates in the bone and affected δ18 O and δ13 C values. High-temperature treatments, such as boiling and roasting, altered δ18 O values due to the exchange of oxygen with environmental water or vapour. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that chemical cleaning methods used to prepare bone phosphate or collagen samples for isotope analyses are not suitable for structural carbonates. Physical cleaning is the appropriate pre-treatment method for analysing the isotopes of structural carbonates. Also, we emphasise that standardising the vertebral number is necessary to make δ13 C values comparable between specimens in the same species.

Usefulness of muscle echo intensity for evaluating functional performance in the older population: A scoping review.

Muscle echo intensity, as measured by ultrasonography, could be used as a new marker of functional performance in older populations. This scoping review aimed to present evidence on the utility of muscle echo intensity as determined by ultrasonography for assessing functional performance in older adults. The eligibility criterion included observational studies that investigated the associations between muscle echo intensity and functional performance in older adults. Terms, such as "echo intensity" and "older adults", were searched for in databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane database of systematic reviews, and the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, in April 2021. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted the data; 46 papers, of which almost one-third were Japanese, were subsequently identified for inclusion. The representative functional performances included in this review were muscle strength, gait speed, sit-to-stand test results, and timed up-and-go test results. Poor to moderate associations were found between muscle echo intensity and functional performance; however, heterogeneities were observed in the characteristics of study participants. Moreover, the accurate effect size and causal inferences between muscle echo intensity and functional performance remained unclear. Further longitudinal studies are needed to determine these causal inferences.

mHealth for the Self-management of Knee Osteoarthritis: Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Educating patients on the self-management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) reportedly reduces pain, improves activities of daily living, and even reduces health care costs. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review will summarize the current evidence on mobile health (mHealth) and smartphone app-based disease self-management for patients with knee OA. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL were systematically searched in May 2021 using the keywords "knee osteoarthritis," "mobile health," and "self-management." Studies that investigated patients with knee OA based on radiography or clinical diagnosis were included. The following criteria were applied to the mobile phone apps included in the search-derived studies: the ability to (1) record and manage symptoms, (2) provide patient education, and (3) guide and record activities of daily living. Studies eligible for inclusion in this scoping review were interventional trials or observational studies published in English. RESULTS: This scoping review included 8 reports, of which 3 were randomized controlled trials and 1 was a conference abstract. Most studies provided data on the outcomes of pain, physical function, and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: An increasing number of reports are addressing the effectiveness of mHealth in patients with knee OA, and the data suggest that mHealth efficacy is similar to conventional management of health. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.17504/protocols.io.buuxnwxn.

Effectiveness of Rehabilitation for Knee Osteoarthritis Associated With Isolated Meniscus Injury: A Scoping Review.

Meniscus tear is the most common type of injury to the meniscus and occurs more frequently on the medial compartments than the lateral compartments. Further, it is often caused by trauma or degenerative processes and can occur anywhere on either the meniscus, anterior horn, posterior horn, or midbody. Treatment of meniscus injuries is likely to greatly impact the evolution of osteoarthritis (OA) as meniscus injuries can gradually progress to knee OA. Hence, treatment of these injuries is important for managing the progression of OA. While the types of meniscus injuries and symptoms have been reported previously, the effectiveness of rehabilitation according to the degree of meniscus injury (e.g., vertical, longitudinal, radial, and posterior horn tears) remains unknown. In this review, we aimed to investigate whether rehabilitation for knee OA associated with isolated meniscus injuries varies with the degree of injury and determine the effects of rehabilitation on outcomes. We searched PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database for studies published before September 2021. Studies on ≥40-year-old patients with knee OA and isolated meniscus injury were included for analysis. The types of meniscus injury were classified as longitudinal, radial, transverse, flap, combined, or avulsion of the anterior and posterior roots of the medial meniscus, and assigned knee arthropathy grades of 0-4 according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification. The exclusion criteria were meniscus injury, combined meniscus and ligament injury, and knee OA associated with combined injury in patients <40 years of age. There were no restrictions on the region, race, or gender of participants, or language or research format of the studies. The outcome measures were the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Score, Visual Analog Scale or Numeric Rating Scale, Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool, International Knee Documentation Committee Score, Lysholm Score, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, one-leg hop test, timed up and go test, and re-injury and muscle strength. A total of 16 reports met these criteria. In studies that did not classify or distinguish degrees of meniscus injury, the effects of rehabilitation were generally favorable in the medium-to-long term. In cases where the intervention was not sufficiently effective, patients were recommended either arthroscopic partial meniscectomy or total knee replacement. Studies on medial meniscus posterior root tear did not confirm the effectiveness of rehabilitation due to the short intervention period. Further, Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score cut-offs, clinically important differences in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and minimum important changes in patient-specific functional scales were reported. Of the 16 studies reported in this review, nine met the definition. This scoping review has a few limitations such as the effect of rehabilitation alone could not be examined, and the intervention effectiveness differed at short-term follow-up. In conclusion, there was a gap in evidence regarding the rehabilitation of knee OA after isolated meniscus injury due to differences in intervention duration and methods. In addition, on short-term follow-up, intervention effects varied across studies.

The combined intervention of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and nutrition therapy: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a safe and appropriate complement to voluntary resistance training for muscle weakness. However, its feasibility and effectiveness in combination with nutritional therapy remains unclear. This scoping review aimed to summarize the evidence on combined interventions for individuals with or at risk of sarcopenia for guiding future relevant research. METHODS: A systematic electronic search was conducted using the following databases and registry: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, PEDro, and ClinicalTrials. gov. Two independent reviewers summarized the characteristics, effectiveness, and feasibility of the combined intervention and the risk of bias in the literature. RESULTS: Nine RCTs and four non-RCTs involving 802 participants were eligible. A diverse group of participants were included: older adults with sarcopenic obesity, patients in intensive care, and patients with cancer. Evidence-based interventions combining NMES and nutritional therapy were tailored to each patient's underlying disease. Although most studies were of low to moderate quality, it can be suggested that combined interventions may be feasible and effective for increasing skeletal muscle mass. CONCLUSION: This scoping review demonstrates the potential of combined interventions as a new sarcopenia treatment strategy and highlights the need to examine the effects in high-quality RCTs with larger sample sizes.

A comparison of different exercise intensities for improving bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of moderate- and high-intensity resistance and impact training (MiRIT and HiRIT, respectively) on changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Methods: Randomized controlled trials that compared the intervention effects of MiRIT and HiRIT were used as selection criteria to assess study patients with osteoporosis or an osteoporotic condition. Database searches were conducted on August 25, 2022, using CENTRAL, PubMed, CINAHL Web of Science, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. A risk of bias assessment was performed using Revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for the assessment of randomized controlled trials. Point estimates and 95 % confidence intervals of change in BMD derived using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were collected as outcomes, and a meta-analysis was performed using the amount of change in BMD before and after the intervention. Adverse event data were also collected. Results: The search yielded six studies (391 patients, mean age 53-65 years) that met the inclusion criteria. The intervention duration ranged from 24 weeks to 13 months. Compared with the MiRIT group, the HiRIT group showed significantly improved BMD of the lumbar spine (standardized mean difference 2.37 [0.10-4.65]). However, a high degree of heterogeneity was observed for three studies (154 patients, I2 = 98 %). Almost all studies reported minimal adverse events. The certainty of evidence was extremely low because of the risk of bias, inconsistency among studies, and imprecision in terms of sample size. Conclusion: Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis may achieve more significantly improved lumbar spine BMD with HiRIT than with MiRIT.

Inhibitory effect of low­intensity pulsed ultrasound on the fibrosis of the infrapatellar fat pad through the regulation of HIF­1α in a carrageenan­induced knee osteoarthritis rat model.

Fibrotic changes in the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) are involved in the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). HIF-1α is a transcription factor that is activated during hypoxia and is suggested to play a role in fibrosis in various organs. However, its participation in the fibrotic changes in IFP remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the role of HIF-1α in IFP fibrosis using a carrageenan-induced KOA rat model and evaluated the potential of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) as a novel treatment for KOA. A rat model was prepared by intra-articular injection of 0.5% carrageenan (50 µl) using 8-week-old male Wistar rats. Fibrosis of the IFP was evaluated histologically by hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius Red staining at 1 and 2 weeks after intra-articular injection. The mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α and fibrosis-related molecules, CTGF and VEGF, were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, and the DNA binding activity of HIF-1α was assessed using a binding assay. In addition, the effect of irradiation with LIPUS on the fibrosis of IFP was verified. Histological studies demonstrated a significant increase in the fibrosis of IFP 1 and 2 weeks after intra-articular injection of carrageenan, accompanied by overexpression of CTGF and VEGF, which was followed by upregulation of transcriptional activation of HIF-1α. Moreover, intervention with LIPUS for 2 weeks after injection of carrageenan attenuated fibrosis of IFP, accompanied by a significant reduction in the transcriptional activation of HIF-1α and decreased the gene expression levels of HIF-1α, CTGF, and VEGF. The present study demonstrated that activation of HIF-1α promoted fibrosis of IFP in carrageenan-induced arthritis in rats and that intervention with LIPUS decreased the activity of HIF-1α and inhibited fibrosis. These results suggest that LIPUS may serve as a novel approach for the treatment of KOA, through its modulation of HIF-1α.

Rapid endothermal development of juvenile pacific bluefin tuna.

An important trait of Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT) is their ability to maintain their body temperature above the ambient temperature, which allows them to occupy a wider ecological niche. However, the size at which this ability in nature develops is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify this point by monitoring the body temperature and the surrounding ambient temperature as the fish grew. PBT with fork lengths (FLs) ranging from 19.5 to 28.0 cm were implanted with archival electronic tags and released into the ocean. Data from 41 fish were obtained (recorded body and water temperatures, light level, and swimming depth (pressure) at 30-s intervals) and analyzed to elucidate the development of the ability of PBT to maintain a high body temperature. Body temperature of a PBT (< FL of ca. 40 cm) decreased in response to a vertical movement down to cooler depths, but higher body temperatures were maintained as the fish grew. The body temperature was then continuously maintained above ambient temperatures and fluctuated independently when fish attained more than 40 cm FL. Estimation of the whole-body heat-transfer coefficient and heat-production rate indicated that the latter decreased slowly with growth, while the former decreased by one order of magnitude when tuna reached 52 cm FL. Additionally, in the daytime, the whole-body heat-transfer coefficient was significantly higher than that at nighttime. Unlike other fishes including other Thunnus species, inhabiting tropical/subtropical waters, PBT rapidly acquire higher thermo-conservation ability when young, allowing capture of high-quality prey abundant in temperate waters to support high growth rates during early life.

Effectiveness of a supervised rehabilitation compared with a home-based rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to compare the effectiveness of supervised rehabilitation with regard to knee function with that of home-based rehabilitation in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: The databases searched were: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central), EMBASE, MEDLINE (via Ovid) and PEDro. All randomized controlled trials comparing supervised rehabilitation (SVR) with home-based rehabilitation (HBR) following ACLR were included. Two reviewers evaluated the study quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment (RoB 2.0) tool. Estimates are presented as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: A total of nine studies met the inclusion criteria, and five studies were included in the meta-analysis. The key outcomes analyzed were self-reported knee function and knee muscle strength. Across all comparisons, there was very low-quality evidence of no significant difference between the SVR and HBR groups at 24 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The limited evidence available does not suggest that SVR results in superior outcomes than HBR in patients with ACLR. Additional studies are needed to clarify whether patient characteristics and study protocols with longer interventions effect the results.

Relationship between Tissue Gliding of the Lateral Thigh and Gait Parameters after Trochanteric Fractures.

Trochanteric fractures lead to severe functional deficits and gait disorders compared to femoral neck fractures. This study aims to investigate gait parameters related to gliding between tissues (gliding) after trochanteric fracture (TF) surgery. This study implemented a cross-sectional design and was conducted amongst patients who underwent TF surgery (n = 94) approximately three weeks post-trochanteric fracture surgery. The following parameters were evaluated: (1) gliding between tissues; (2) lateral femoral pain during loading; (3) maximum gait speed; (4) stride time variability and step time asymmetry as measures of gait cycle variability; (5) double stance ratio and single stance ratio for assessment of stance phase, (6) jerk; and (7) Locomotor rehabilitation index as a measure of force changes during gait. The gliding coefficient was significantly correlated with lateral femoral pain (r = 0.517), jerk root mean square (r = -0.433), and initial contact-loading response jerk (r = -0.459). The jerk of the force change value during gait was also effective in understanding the characteristics of the gait in the initial contact-loading response in patients with trochanteric fractures. Additionally, gliding is related not only to impairments such as pain but also to disabilities such as those affecting gait.

Significance of sea entry pathway of chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta fry, inferred from the differential expressions of Na+,K+-ATPase α-subunit genes in the gills.

Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) α-subunit 1a (α1a) and 1b (α1b) gene expressions in the gills are changeable in response to ambient salinity in a few salmonids. In this study, the expressions were compared among ambient salinities and used to infer sea entry migration of chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta fry. The expression of α1a decreased from the 2 days after seawater (SW) transfer from freshwater (FW) and was significantly lower in SW-acclimated fry than that in FW-fry. On the other hand, the expression of α1b peaked on the first to second day after SW transfer and then settled to a level 2-fold higher than in FW-fry. In fry caught in the waterfronts of the beaches, the expression levels were quite similar to those on the first and second days after SW transfer, whereas, in fry caught off beach, the expressions were identical to those of SW-acclimated fry. These suggest that fry adapt to SW with moving along the shoal in the bay, and move to off beach after completing SW adaptation. One of the physiological significances in a usage of waterfront may be to transform the gills to SW type. Only fry on the 2 days after SW transfer failed to exhibit condition factor-dependency of burst swimming, probably due to physiological perturbation, which may be related to poor predation avoidance. The physiological approach used in this study inferred sea entry migration of fry; furthermore, it shows the possible significance of adaptation to SW in the shoal is to reduce predation risk.

Effect of physical therapy on the flexibility of the infrapatellar fat pad: A single-blind randomised controlled trial.

The infrapatellar fat pad plays a biomechanical role in the knee joint. After knee injury or surgery, its dynamics decrease because of an inflammatory response. Physical therapy might be one of the valuable treatments for the recovery of knee joint mobility. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effect of physical therapy on the dynamics of the infrapatellar fat pad in healthy participants using ultrasonography. In this prospective, single-blind, randomised controlled trial, 64 healthy young participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the following three interventions: manual therapy, hot pack treatment, and control. Ultrasound images of the infrapatellar fat pad were obtained before and after the intervention. The thickness change ratio of the infrapatellar fat pad was calculated to compare the changes between and within groups before and after the intervention. No significant inter-group differences were observed. The effect sizes were relatively small. Manual therapy or hot pack intervention might not have an immediate effect on infrapatellar fat pad flexibility in healthy participants. Thus, it is necessary to consider more intensive treatments to change the dynamics of the infrapatellar fat pad.