Joint and segment sequencing and its relationship to ball velocity and throwing arm kinetics in professional pitchers.

BACKGROUND: Temporal variations during the pitch have demonstrated significant impacts on the kinetic chain, and as such, have implications in injury risk. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of varying chronological orders of maximum joint and segment velocities on ball velocity and upper extremity kinetics. METHODS: Professional baseball pitchers (n = 287) were assessed with 3D-motion capture (480 Hz) while pitching. Pitches were categorized into one of the following groups dependent on the first maximum joint or segment velocity achieved out of chronological order in an inferior to superior direction: knee extension (DscK), pelvis rotation (DscP), trunk rotation (DscT), shoulder rotation (DscS), forearm pronation (DscF), and Proper (for pitchers with the correct temporal sequence), and Total Population, for all pitchers. Ten normalized throwing arm kinetic variables were compared among groups. Regression analysis was conducted on the timing of maximum velocities with ball velocity. RESULTS: The majority of pitches were in the DscK group (64.5%). The DscK group had a significantly slower maximum lead knee extension velocity compared with the Proper group (253°/s vs. 316°/s, P = .017). The Proper group had a significantly faster ball velocity compared with the Total Population (39.0 ± 1.9 m/s vs. 38.3 ± 2.1 m/s, P = .013). The DscP group had a significantly slower maximum pelvis rotation velocity compared with the Proper group (596°/s vs. 698°/s, P < .001). The Proper group had no significant difference in kinetics relative to the population. For every 1 standard deviation delay in attaining maximum lead knee extension velocity, ball velocity increased by 0.38 m/s (B = 3.5, ß = 0.18, P < .001). For every 1 standard deviation delay in timing to achieve maximum pelvis rotation velocity, maximum pelvis rotation velocity and ball velocity increased by 22.5°/s (B = 1107.0, ß = 0.23, P < .001) and 0.48 m/s (B = 23.4, ß = 0.23, P < .001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Pitchers with a discordant sequence of knee extension and pelvis rotation velocity timing had significantly slower corresponding segment/joint velocities. Conversely, pitchers with a proper sequence had the fastest ball velocity with minimal differences in throwing arm kinetics. To maximize ball velocity, professional pitchers should consider achieving maximal velocities in an inferior to superior chronological sequence, with a particular focus on the knee and pelvis.

Candidatus Krumholzibacterium zodletonense gen. nov., sp nov, the first representative of the candidate phylum Krumholzibacteriota phyl. nov. recovered from an anoxic sulfidic spring using genome resolved metagenomics.

The accumulation of genomes of uncultured organisms has highlighted the need for devising a taxonomic and nomenclature scheme to validate names and prevent redundancies. We here report on the recovery and analysis of four phylogenetically related genomes recovered from an anoxic sulfide and sulfur-rich spring (Zodletone spring) in southwestern Oklahoma. Phylogenetic analysis based on 120 single copy markers attested to their position as a novel distinct bacterial phylum. Genomic analysis suggests Gram-negative flagellated organisms that possess type IV pili. The organisms are predicted to be rod-shaped, slow-growers, with an anoxic, heterotrophic, and fermentative lifestyle. Predicted substrate utilization pattern includes multiple amino acids, dipeptides, tripeptides, and oligpopeptides; as well as few sugars. Predicted auxotrophies include proline, vitamin B6, lipoic acid, biotin, and vitamin B12. Assessment of the putative global distribution pattern of this novel lineage suggests its preference to anoxic marine, terrestrial, hydrocarbon-impacted, and freshwater habitats. We propose the candidatus name Krumholzibacterium zodletonense gen. nov, sp. nov. for Zgenome0171T, with the genome serving as the type material for the novel family Krumholzibacteriaceae fam. nov., order Krumholzibacteriales ord. nov., class Krumholzibacteria class nov., and phylum Krumholzibacteriota phyl. nov. The type material genome assembly is deposited in GenBank under accession number QTKG01000000.

Earlier Onset of Maternal Excess Adiposity Associated with Shorter Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration.

BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is recommended; however, women with obesity have lower exclusive breastfeeding rates than their normal weight peers. The impact of the timing of maternal excess adiposity onset is unknown. RESEARCH AIM: We examined whether the timing of onset of excess weight was related to exclusive breastfeeding duration. METHODS: Snowball sampling was used for the cross-sectional Breastfeeding Opinions, Outcomes, Behaviors, and Services online survey. The sample was 1,570 mothers who reported their breastfeeding and weight history. Exclusive breastfeeding duration (for first biological child only) was calculated in months and dichotomously (0=< 6 months exclusive breastfeeding; 1=⩾ 6 months exclusive breastfeeding). Participants self-reported their excess weight onset (0=before/during puberty or 1=after puberty). RESULTS: Analysis of covariance results indicated that earlier onset of excess weight was associated with shorter exclusive breastfeeding ( F (1, 1518) = 11.29, p<.001, η2=.01). Those with excess adiposity onset before or during puberty were 1.6 times more likely to experience exclusive breastfeeding failure (< 6 months exclusive breastfeeding) than those with onset after puberty ( OR = 1.57, ß = .46, Wald = 11.81, p = .001). CONCLUSION: Earlier onset of excess adiposity had an adverse influence on exclusive breastfeeding duration. Women with a history of excess adiposity before or during puberty who want to breastfeed may require additional intervention to promote their breastfeeding success.

A right scrotal abscess and foreign body ingestion in a schizophrenic patient.

A 38-year-old man with a history of schizophrenia presented with pain and swelling of his testicles, with the right side worse than the left. Physical examination was remarkable for a very firm, large, right-sided scrotal mass. Testicular ultrasound was suspicious for neoplasm or abscess. On the pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan, which was obtained as part of a metastatic cancer work-up, two metallic foreign bodies were identified in the pelvis. On further questioning, the patient admitted to ingesting the nails 2 days prior, in a suicide attempt. We review the evaluation of unilateral scrotal pain and swelling, and incidental foreign body ingestion.