The dual function of prokinesis in the feeding and locomotor systems of parrots.

Prokinesis, a mode of avian cranial kinesis involving motion between the neurocranium and upper beak, has long been investigated in biomechanical analyses of avian feeding and drinking. However, the modern avian beak is also used for non-feeding functions. Here, we investigate the dual function of prokinesis in the feeding and locomotor systems of the rosy-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis). Lovebirds and other parrots utilize their beak both during feeding and as a third limb during vertical climbing. Thus, we experimentally measured both force-generating potential and movement of the rosy-faced lovebird mandible and maxilla (via prokinetic flexion of the craniofacial hinge) during tripedal climbing and mandibular/maxillary adduction. We found that whereas the maxilla is primarily responsible for generating force during locomotion, the mandible is primarily responsible for generating force during forceful jaw adduction, hinting at a remarkable capacity to alter prokinetic function with differing neuromuscular control. The ability of the prokinetic apparatus to perform functions with competing optimality criteria via modulation of motor control illustrates the functional plasticity of the avian cranial kinesis and sheds new light on the adaptive significance of cranial mobility.

Mobility impairment and life satisfaction in the Northern Region of Malawi.

Background: There exist many psychosocial sequelae associated with mobility impairment, especially in low-resource settings where access to mobility assistive devices is limited. Objectives: This study aims to (1) define the burden and presenting aetiologies of mobility impairment in the rural Northern Region of Malawi and (2) assess the relationship between physical disability, life satisfaction and access to mobility aids. Methods: At mobility device donation clinics throughout the Northern Region of Malawi, adults living with mobility impairment were surveyed with a demographic questionnaire and a series of validated surveys to assess their physical activity levels (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire [GPAQ]), degree of mobility impairment (Washington Group Extended Set Questions on Disability) and life satisfaction (patient-reported outcomes measurement information systems satisfaction with participation in social roles and general life satisfaction). Results: There were 251 participants who qualified for inclusion, of which 193 completed all surveys. Higher physical activity scores were positively correlated with increased life satisfaction: (1) satisfaction with participation in social roles (0.481, p < 0.0001) and (2) general life satisfaction (0.230, p < 0.001). Respondents who had previously used a formal mobility device reported 235.5% higher physical activity levels ([139.0%, 333.0%], p = 0.006), significantly higher satisfaction with participation in social roles ([0.21, 6.67], p = 0.037) and equivocally higher general life satisfaction ([-1.77, 3.84], p = 0.470). Conclusion: Disability and mental health do not exist in isolation from one another. Given the positive correlations between formal mobility device usage and both physical activity and life satisfaction, interventions that increase access to mobility-assistive devices in undertreated populations are imperative. Contribution: This study contributes to the understanding of the complex relationship between physical disability, access to mobility aids, and life satisfaction. Results from this study suggest the potential benefit that increasing access to mobility aids may have in improving the quality of life of mobility impaired persons in resource-limited settings, such as the Northern Region of Malawi.

Xylaria feejeensis, SRNE2BP a Fungal Endophyte with Biocontrol Properties to Control Early Blight and Fusarium Wilt Disease in Tomato and Plant Growth Promotion Activity.

Over the past decade endophytic fungi have been known as a source of secondary metabolites with the ability to act as a biocontrol agents. Xylaria feejeensis, SRNE2BP a fungal endophyte isolated from a mangrove tree exhibited antagonistic activity against two fungal pathogens of tomato. Crude extract of X. feejeensis SRNE2BP significantly inhibited Fusarium oxysporum MFLUCC 19-0157 growth as shown approximately 60-75% in in vitro and in situ assays. Both assays showed that the endophyte also inhibited mycelium formation of Alternaria solani MFLUCC 19-0093 by 56% and 87%, respectively. The half maximal inhibitory concentration of X. feejeensis SRNE2BP crude extract against A. solani and F. oxysporum was approximately 7 mg/l. Crude extract and mycelium of X. feejeensis SRNE2BP showed potential in controlling early blight and fusarium wilt disease in tomato, respectively. Seedlings from seeds coated with crude extract of X. feejeensis SRNE2BP had lower disease severity (31.71%) of early blight disease compared to un-treated seeds (57.13%). Soil treated with 10% endophytic mycelium not only reduced fusarium wilt in tomato plant (55.55% severity compared with 91.66% in un-treated soil) but also promoted seed emergence and growth of tomato. Structure analysis revealed that 12 secondary metabolites, especially mellein derivatives, are major components of the crude extract of X. feejeensis SRNE2BP. These compounds could be responsible for antifungal activities; however, further study is required. Our findings strongly suggest that colonization with this fungal endophyte can be beneficial to the host plant especially with regards to plant growth promotion and broad antagonistic activity.

Mobility impairment and life satisfaction in the Northern Region of Malawi

There exist many psychosocial sequelae associated with mobility impairment, especially in low-resource settings where access to mobility assistive devices is limited. Objectives: This study aims to (1) define the burden and presenting aetiologies of mobility impairment in the rural Northern Region of Malawi and (2) assess the relationship between physical disability, life satisfaction and access to mobility aids. Methods: At mobility device donation clinics throughout the Northern Region of Malawi, adults living with mobility impairment were surveyed with a demographic questionnaire and a series of validated surveys to assess their physical activity levels (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire [GPAQ]), degree of mobility impairment (Washington Group Extended Set Questions on Disability) and life satisfaction (patient-reported outcomes measurement information systems satisfaction with participation in social roles and general life satisfaction). Results: There were 251 participants who qualified for inclusion, of which 193 completed all surveys. Higher physical activity scores were positively correlated with increased life satisfaction: (1) satisfaction with participation in social roles (0.481, p < 0.0001) and (2) general life satisfaction (0.230, p < 0.001). Respondents who had previously used a formal mobility device reported 235.5% higher physical activity levels ([139.0%, 333.0%], p = 0.006), significantly higher satisfaction with participation in social roles ([0.21, 6.67], p = 0.037) and equivocally higher general life satisfaction ([−1.77, 3.84], p = 0.470). Conclusion: Disability and mental health do not exist in isolation from one another. Given the positive correlations between formal mobility device usage and both physical activity and life satisfaction, interventions that increase access to mobility-assistive devices in undertreated populations are imperative. Contribution: This study contributes to the understanding of the complex relationship between physical disability, access to mobility aids, and life satisfaction. Results from this study suggest the potential benefit that increasing access to mobility aids may have in improving the quality of life of mobility impaired persons in resource-limited settings, such as the Northern Region of Malawi

Atypical presentation and late diagnosis of acute aortic dissection without timely surgical treatment: case report and literature review. / Presentación atípica y diagnóstico tardío de disección aórtica aguda sin tratamiento quirúrgico oportuno: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

Acute aortic syndrome includes a group of diseases that have clinical similarity in their natural history, the most important characteristic being their association with a high vital risk. The diagnosis and management of aortic dissection depends on the degree of aortic involvement according to the location of the lesion, as defined by the Stanford classification. In this syndrome, chest pain is considered the cardinal symptom; however, there are situations where clinical feedback is difficult. We present the case of a patient who debuted with a Stanford A aortic dissection, with an indication for surgical resolution in the acute phase, but who unexpectedly presented unspecific clinical manifestations. An opportune diagnosis was not obtained. After repeated consultations for changes in his symptoms, the definitive diagnosis was determined through imaging study, evolving favorably with ambulatory therapy.

El síndrome aórtico agudo incluye un grupo de enfermedades que poseen similitud clínica en su historia natural, siendo la característica más importante su asociación a un alto riesgo vital. Entre estas patologías, el diagnóstico y manejo de la disección aórtica depende del grado de compromiso aórtico según la ubicación de la lesión definida bajo la clasificación de Stanford. Dentro de las manifestaciones clave se considera al dolor torácico como el síntoma cardinal. Sin embargo, existen situaciones que por ambigüedad clínica retrasan el diagnóstico. Se presenta el caso de un paciente que debutó con una disección aórtica Stanford A, con indicación de resolución quirúrgica en fase aguda pero que dado lo inespecífico de su cuadro clínico, no se logró un diagnóstico oportuno. Posterior a reiteradas consultas por cambios en su sintomatología, se determinó el cuadro definitivo a través de estudio imagenológico, evolucionando de forma favorable con terapia ambulatoria.