Male dingo urinary scents code for age class and wild dingoes respond to this information.

Chemical information in canid urine has been implicated in territoriality and influences the spacing of individuals. We identified the key volatile organic compound (VOC) components in dingo (Canis lupus dingo) urine and investigated the potential role of scents in territorial spacing. VOC analysis, using headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), demonstrated that the information in fresh urine from adult male dingoes was sufficient to allow statistical classification into age categories. Discriminant function analyses demonstrated that the relative amounts or combinations of key VOCs from pre-prime (3-4 years), prime (5-9 years), and post-prime (≥10 years) males varied between these age categories, and that scents exposed to the environment for 4 (but not 33) days could still be classified to age categories. Further, a field experiment showed that dingoes spent less time in the vicinity of prime male dingo scents than other scents. Collectively, these results indicate that age-related scent differences may be discriminable by dingoes. Previous authors have suggested the potential to use scent as a management tool for wild canids by creating an artificial territorial boundary/barrier. Our results suggest that identifying the specific signals in prime-age male scents could facilitate the development of scent-based tools for non-lethal management.

The Posterior Shoulder Instability Questionnaire: internal consistency, content and criterion validity, responsiveness, and reliability of a new tool for the assessment of posterior shoulder instability.

BACKGROUND: Posterior shoulder instability (PSI) is an increasingly recognized cause of shoulder dysfunction particularly in young active patients and certain athlete populations. When evaluating the efficacy of treatment for PSI, specific outcome measures for this population are essential. The aim of the current research was to describe the development and evaluation of a patient reported outcome measure specific for PSI. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study design of patients with PSI was used to develop and evaluate the "Posterior Shoulder Instability Questionnaire (PSI-Q)". Items for PSI-Q were generated through an expert focus group and existing questionnaires. Preliminary data analysis identified redundancy of items and resulted in the PSI-Q being refined. The final PSI-Q was evaluated on 128 patients with PSI with a structural lesion requiring surgical intervention. Participants were excluded in the absence of a posterior glenohumeral joint lesion. Internal consistency (Cronbach α and corrected item-total correlation), content validity, criterion validity, responsiveness, and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) were examined. Content validity, criterion validity and responsiveness were compared with the Melbourne Instability Shoulder Scale (MISS) and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI). The minimum detectable change score (MDC) was calculated. RESULTS: The Cronbach α for the total scale preintervention and postintervention was high (α = 0.97). All five domains (pain, instability/weakness/stiffness, function, occupation and sport, and quality of life and satisfaction) demonstrated acceptable internal consistency for each subsection and the overall score of the scale (α > 0.70). The corrected-item total correlation for each domain was within an acceptable range. The responsiveness of the PSI-Q questionnaire was excellent (effect size, 2.06; standard response mean, 1.34) and was higher than the MISS and WOSI. There were no relevant floor effects and 1 ceiling effect. Reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient(1,1) = 0.93) and the calculated MDC was 10.9 points. DISCUSSION: This study designed and validated a questionnaire specific for measuring symptoms and function in people with structural PSI requiring surgery. The PSI-Q demonstrates good measurement properties and provides an MDC that is useful for researchers and clinicians. In structural PSI, the PSI-Q has a higher responsiveness and more accurately reflects a patient's overall perceived shoulder status compared to current patient reported outcomes for shoulder instability. The psychometric properties of the PSI-Q are still to be determined in a nonsurgical population.

Rehabilitation for atraumatic shoulder instability in circus arts performers: delivery via telehealth.

BACKGROUND: The Watson Instability Program (WIP1) is current best evidence for conservative management of atraumatic shoulder instability, but it is unknown if this program can be effectively delivered via tele-consultation. The purpose of this longitudinal pre-post intervention study was to determine the effects of the WIP1 on patient-reported outcome measures, scapular position, shoulder strength, and handstand stability in student circus performers with atraumatic shoulder instability when delivered via tele-consultation. METHODS: Student circus performers aged between 15 and 35 years from the National Institute of Circus Arts were recruited. A 12-week shoulder exercise program was delivered via tele-consultation during the Melbourne, Australia COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) lockdown. The primary outcome measures were the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index score and the Melbourne Instability Shoulder Scale score. Secondary outcomes measures included the Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, and physical assessment measures including strength via handheld dynamometry, scapular position using an inclinometer, and handstand stability via center-of-pressure fluctuation. Patient-reported outcomes were collected at baseline and 6-week, 12-week, 6-month, and 9-month time points, and physical outcomes were measured at baseline and 9-month time points. A repeated-measures mixed model (with effect sizes [ESs] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) was used to analyze patient-reported outcomes, handstand data, strength, and scapular measures. Significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Twenty-three student circus arts performers completed the study. Significant improvements were found in both Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scores (effect size [ES], 0.79 [95% CI, 0.31-1.33] at 6 weeks; ES, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.55-1.6] at 12 weeks; ES, 1.17 [95% CI, 0.62-1.78] at 6 months; and ES, 1.31 [95% CI, 0.74-1.95] at 9 months; P < .001) and Melbourne Instability Shoulder Scale scores (ES, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.22-1.22] at 6 weeks; ES, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.34-1.37] at 3 months; ES, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.46-1.54] at 6 months; and ES, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.43-1.50] at 9 months; P < .001), as well as Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire scores at all follow-up time points. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia scores reached significance at 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Following rehabilitation, we found statistically significant increases in shoulder strength in all positions tested and increased scapular upward rotation measured at end-of-range abduction, as well as during loaded external rotation. The affected arm showed greater instability than the unaffected arm with a significant intervention effect on the affected arm showing a greater consistent anterior-posterior movement pattern. CONCLUSION: In a group of circus performers with atraumatic shoulder instability, treatment with the WIP1 via telehealth resulted in clinically and statistically significant improvements in shoulder symptoms and function.

Intra-Rater and Inter-Rater Reliability of Hand-Held Dynamometry for Shoulder Strength Assessment in Circus Arts Students.

The purpose of this study was to establish the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of isometric shoulder strength assessment using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) in functional joint positions in student circus artists with symptomatic atraumatic shoulder instability. METHODS: Over two testing sessions, two experienced physiotherapists assessed the shoulder strength of 24 student circus artists with clinically diagnosed atraumatic shoulder instability. Both the symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulder was assessed using a HHD in 10 functional positions. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to determine the reliability of strength measurements. RESULTS: All examined positions showed moderate-high intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. External rotation at 0° and internal rotation in horizontal flexion at 45° revealed the most reliable results, and the shrug position the least reliable. Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability was high and demonstrated similar results in symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulders by both raters. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated clinical applicability in reliably measuring functional strength in symptomatic atraumatic instability or asymptomatic shoulders when assessed by experienced therapists using an HHD.

The effects of a conservative rehabilitation program for multidirectional instability of the shoulder.

BACKGROUND: Conservative management is commonly recommended as the first-line treatment for multidirectional instability (MDI) of the shoulder. Despite this, the evidence for efficacy of treatment is limited, and until recently, guidance for clinicians on conservative rehabilitation programs has been inadequate. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a physiotherapy-led exercise program for participants with MDI. METHODS: In a single-group study design, 43 participants (16 male, 27 female; mean age, 19.8 years, standard deviation, 4.9 years) diagnosed with MDI undertook a 12-week exercise program. Primary outcome measures were the Melbourne Instability Shoulder Score, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, and Oxford Shoulder Instability Score. Secondary outcomes were strength and scapular position. All measures were taken at baseline and repeated at the conclusion of the program. Test differences before and after rehabilitation were evaluated with dependent t tests and single-group effect size calculations (standardized mean difference [SMD]) to provide a measure of the magnitude of the difference. RESULTS: Large effects were found between pre- and postrehabilitation scores on all functional instability questionnaires, with the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index demonstrating the largest effect (SMD, -3.04). Scapular upward rotation improved significantly in the early ranges of abduction (0°-60°), with moderate to large effects (SMDs, 0.54-0.95). All strength measures significantly improved, with large differences identified (SMDs, 0.69-2.08). CONCLUSION: The identified improvement in functional status, shoulder muscle strength, and scapular positioning after rehabilitation allows greater confidence in the value of conservative management of MDI and informs further research by way of clinical trials in the area.

The Specific AC Score (SACS): a new and validated method of assessment of isolated acromioclavicular joint pathology.

BACKGROUND: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint (ACJ) pathology is a common cause of shoulder dysfunction, and treatment recommendations vary. When the efficacy of treatment is evaluated, the ability to measure outcomes specific to the population is essential. The aim of the current research was to develop and validate a specific ACJ questionnaire. METHODS: Items for the "Specific AC Score" (SACS) were generated through the use of an expert panel, existing questionnaires, and patient feedback. Preliminary data analysis identified redundancy of items resulting in the questionnaire being refined. The final SACS was evaluated in 125 patients requiring surgical intervention of the ACJ. Internal consistency (the Cronbach α and corrected item-total correlation), content validity, criterion validity, responsiveness, and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) were examined and compared with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, Oxford Shoulder Score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form. The minimum detectable change score was calculated. RESULTS: The Cronbach α for the total scale preoperatively and postoperatively was high (preoperatively = 0.91, postoperatively = 0.93). All 3 domains (Pain, Function, Quality of Life) demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α > 0.70), and the correlation between items in each domain was satisfactory. The responsiveness was excellent (effect size, -2.32; standard response mean, -1.85) and was higher than the other general shoulder questionnaires. There were no relevant floor or ceiling effects. Reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.89) and the minimum detectable change was 6.5 points. DISCUSSION: This new ACJ-specific questionnaire has been robustly developed, has good measurement properties, and has excellent responsiveness. The SACS is recommended for measuring outcomes in ACJ patients.

What is the reliability of clinical measurement tests for humeral head position? A systematic review.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. INTRODUCTION: Physiotherapists routinely assess the position of the humeral head (HH) in patients with shoulder pain. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To conduct a systematic review to determine the quality and content of studies that evaluated the reliability of clinical measurement methods for assessing the HH position. METHODS: Five databases and gray literature were searched for studies fitting the eligibility criteria. After abstract and full-text review, the included studies were appraised using the Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies checklist. Articles were considered of high quality if 8 was achieved on the checklist, and the overall quality of evidence was classified using prespecified criteria. Multiple raters extracted and performed quality ratings; a consensus process was used to finalize the reliability data that were synthesized and presented in a narrative synthesis. Reliability was classified as excellent if the intracorrelation coefficients or intercorrelation coefficients (ICCs) reported exceeded 0.75. RESULTS: Fifteen studies on the reliability of ultrasound (US) and 3 studies on palpation were included. The methodologic quality was moderate in 17 of 18 studies. The intrarater reliability for all studies was excellent (ICC, 0.76-0.99) with the exception of the 90° abduction in internal rotation position (ICC, 0.48) for palpation. The inter-rater reliability tended to be lower (ICC, 0.48-0.68) for palpation and higher (ICC, 0.66-0.99) for US. Physiotherapists demonstrated excellent intrarater reliability across different levels of training in ultrasonography. DISCUSSION: Our study found a moderate overall level of evidence to support the use of US for assessing HH position in symptomatic or asymptomatic subjects. CONCLUSION: A moderate overall level of evidence exists for the use of US to reliably assess the HH position. Limited research supports the methods used for palpation within a clinical setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2a.

A comprehensive rehabilitation program for posterior instability of the shoulder.

Posterior shoulder instability is recognised as being less prevalent than anterior instability, however the diagnosis of this pathology is easily overlooked or missed and this may contribute to an underestimation of prevalence. Recently, there has been increasing recognition of this condition and consequently a greater requirement for knowledge of diagnostic procedures and treatment directions. Currently there is limited research into the conservative management of posterior instability, although it is recommended as first-line treatment prior to surgical review, particularly in those with an atraumatic instability mechanism. The aim of this paper is to outline a comprehensive rehabilitation program for the conservative management of posterior instability with a focus on scapular and humeral head control. The information provided includes extensive written information, flowcharts, figures and a table of management parameters that will provide therapists with adequate detail to replicate the program in the clinical setting.

Multidirectional instability of the glenohumeral joint: Etiology, classification, assessment, and management.

Multidirectional instability of the shoulder is a type of glenohumeral joint shoulder instability. There are discrepancies in the definition and classification of this condition, which can make diagnosis and treatment selection challenging. Knowledge of contributing factors, the typical clinical presentation, and current best evidence for treatment options can assist in the diagnosis and appropriate treatment selection for this pathology. The purpose of this article is to present an overview of the current literature regarding the etiology, classification, assessment, and management of multidirectional instability of the glenohumeral joint.

Rehabilitation of symptomatic atraumatic degenerative rotator cuff tears: A clinical commentary on assessment and management.

STUDY DESIGN: Clinical Commentary. INTRODUCTION: Atraumatic rotator cuff (RC) disease, is one of the most common cause of shoulder pain, which encompasses a continuum from tendinopathy to full thickness cuff tears. Extrinsic, intrinsic and environmental factors have been implicated in the pathophysiology of this disorder, affecting the clinical presentation of symptoms including pain and irritability. Successful rehabilitation of symptomatic atraumatic degenerative rotator cuff (SADRC) tears must address the underlying mechanisms causing dysfunction and correct modifiable factors. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this paper is to review the shoulder complex anatomy, introduce atraumatic degenerative RC pathology, differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic degenerative RC tears, propose an assessment and introduce the Rotator Cuff Protocol 1 (RCP1) designed by the clinical reasoning of one of the lead authors (LW) as a rehabilitation management approach for those clients who present with SADRC tears. METHODS/RESULTS/DISCUSSION: N/A for clinical commentary. CONCLUSIONS: The ability to identify SADRC tears should consider shoulder anatomy, extrinsic, intrinsic and environmental factors, and the consideration for the natural history of atraumatic partial and full thickness tears in the general population. A thorough clinical history and examination, which includes shoulder symptom modification tests, allows the examiner to determine at what phase the patient may start their exercise program. The RCP1 is a program that has been used clinically by many therapists and clients over the years and research is underway to test this protocol in atraumatic rotator cuff disease including SADRC tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

Exercise-based management versus surgery for multidirectional instability of the glenohumeral joint: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The most commonly recommended treatment for multidirectional instability (MDI) is exercise-based management, followed by surgery if exercise management fails. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise-based management compared with surgery in patients with MDI. Secondary aims were to identify effective protocols and any adverse effects associated with exercise or surgery. METHOD: The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, Current Contents, AMED, AMI, Ausport and Clinical Trials Registers were searched for published and unpublished studies from inception date to August 2014, using the key words multidirectional instability, and glenohumeral and exercise and surgery. Selection criteria included all study designs (except case reports and case series) and participants with MDI where both exercise-based management and surgery were compared in the same study. Inclusion criteria were not limited by outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane criteria. The GRADE approach was used to synthesise the evidence. RESULTS: 4 non-randomised studies met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was high in all 4 studies. GRADE assessment revealed very low-quality evidence that surgery was superior to exercise therapy for impairment outcome measures, and exercise was favoured over surgery for patient-reported outcome measures. SUMMARY: The effect of exercise-based management compared with surgery for MDI is difficult to determine due to participant heterogeneity and a high level of bias across included studies.

Overexpression of STARCH BRANCHING ENZYME II increases short-chain branching of amylopectin and alters the physicochemical properties of starch from potato tuber.

BACKGROUND: Starch is biosynthesised by a complex of enzymes including various starch synthases and starch branching and debranching enzymes, amongst others. The role of all these enzymes has been investigated using gene silencing or genetic knockouts, but there are few examples of overexpression due to the problems of either cloning large genomic fragments or the toxicity of functional cDNAs to bacteria during cloning. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of potato STARCH BRANCHING ENZYME II (SBEII) using overexpression in potato tubers. RESULTS: A hybrid SBEII intragene consisting of potato cDNA containing a fragment of potato genomic DNA that included a single intron was used in order to prevent bacterial translation during cloning. A population of 20 transgenic potato plants exhibiting SBEII overexpression was generated. Compared with wild-type, starch from these tubers possessed an increased degree of amylopectin branching, with more short chains of degree of polymerisation (DP) 6-12 and particularly of DP6. Transgenic lines expressing a GRANULE-BOUND STARCH SYNTHASE (GBSS) RNAi construct were also generated for comparison and exhibited post-transcriptional gene silencing of GBSS and reduced amylose content in the starch. Both transgenic modifications did not affect granule morphology but reduced starch peak viscosity. In starch from SBEII-overexpressing lines, the increased ratio of short to long amylopectin branches facilitated gelatinisation, which occurred at a reduced temperature (by up to 3°C) or lower urea concentration. In contrast, silencing of GBSS increased the gelatinisation temperature by 4°C, and starch required a higher urea concentration for gelatinisation. In lines with a range of SBEII overexpression, the magnitude of the increase in SBEII activity, reduction in onset of gelatinisation temperature and increase in starch swollen pellet volume were highly correlated, consistent with reports that starch swelling is greatly dependent upon the amylopectin branching pattern. CONCLUSION: This work reports the first time that overexpression of SBEII has been achieved in a non-cereal plant. The data show that overexpression of SBEII using a simple single-intron hybrid intragene is an effective way to modify potato starch physicochemical properties, and indicate that an increased ratio of short to long amylopectin branches produces commercially beneficial changes in starch properties such as reduced gelatinisation temperature, reduced viscosity and increased swelling volume.

The effect of exercise-based management for multidirectional instability of the glenohumeral joint: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The most commonly recommended treatment for multidirectional instability (MDI) of the glenohumeral joint is exercise-based management. The primary objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise-based management in patients with MDI. The secondary aim was to observe the types of exercise protocols and outcomes used, as well as any adverse results associated with exercise. METHODS: The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Medline, Embase, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), PEDro, Current Contents, Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED), Australasian Medical Index (AMI), Ausport, and Clinical Trials Registers were searched for published and unpublished studies from the inception date to June 2012 using the keywords multidirectional instability, glenohumeral, and exercise. Selection criteria included all study designs (except case reports and case series) and participants with clinically diagnosed MDI using exercise-based management. Inclusion criteria were not limited by outcomes. The authors' own risk-of-bias tool was used for quality assessment of studies. The GRADE approach (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) was used to synthesize the evidence. RESULTS: The risk of bias was high in all 7 included studies. For before-and-after comparisons of exercise-based management, GRADE assessment showed very low-quality evidence for improvements in shoulder kinematics, the Rowe score, overall status rating, and peak muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of exercise-based management on MDI was variable across the included studies because of study heterogeneity and a high level of bias. There is a need for high-quality intervention studies to be undertaken to validate the effect of exercise for MDI.

Effect of a physiotherapy-directed rehabilitation programme on patients with multidirectional instability of the glenohumeral joint: a multimodal interventional MRI study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Altered neuromuscular control of the scapula and humeral head is a typical feature of multidirectional instability (MDI) of the glenohumeral joint, suggesting a central component to this condition. A previous randomised controlled trial showed MDI patients participating in the Watson Instability Program 1 (WIP1) had significantly improved clinical outcomes compared with a general shoulder strength programme. The aim of this paper is to outline a multimodal MRI protocol to identify potential ameliorative effects of the WIP1 on the brain. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Thirty female participants aged 18-35 years with right-sided atraumatic MDI and 30 matched controls will be recruited. MDI patients will participate in 24 weeks of the WIP1, involving prescription and progression of a home exercise programme. Multimodal MRI scans will be collected from both groups at baseline and in MDI patients at follow-up. Potential brain changes (primary outcome 1) in MDI patients will be probed using region-of-interest (ROI) and whole-brain approaches. ROIs will depict areas of functional alteration in MDI patients during executed and imagined shoulder movements (MDI vs controls at baseline), then examining the effects of the 24-week WIP1 intervention (baseline vs follow-up in MDI patients only). Whole-brain analyses will examine baseline versus follow-up voxel-wise measures in MDI patients only. Outcome measures used to assess WIP1 efficacy will include the Western Ontario Shoulder Index and the Melbourne Instability Shoulder Score (primary outcomes 2 and 3). Secondary outcomes will include the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Short Form Orebro, Global Rating of Change Score, muscle strength, scapular upward rotation, programme compliance and adverse events. DISCUSSION: This trial will establish if the WIP1 is associated with brain changes in MDI. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Participant confidentiality will be maintained with publication of results. Swinburne Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 20202806-5692). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12621001207808).

Carbon deprivation-driven transcriptome reprogramming in detached developmentally arresting Arabidopsis inflorescences.

Senescence is genetically controlled and activated in mature tissues during aging. However, immature plant tissues also display senescence-like symptoms when continuously exposed to adverse energy-depleting conditions. We used detached dark-held immature inflorescences of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) to understand the metabolic reprogramming occurring in immature tissues transitioning from rapid growth to precocious senescence. Macroscopic growth of the detached inflorescences rapidly ceased upon placement in water in the dark at 21°C. Inflorescences were completely degreened by 120 h of dark incubation and by 24 h had already lost 24% of their chlorophyll and 34% of their protein content. Comparative transcriptome profiling at 24 h revealed that inflorescence response at 24 h had a large carbon-deprivation component. Genes that positively regulate developmental senescence (ARABIDOPSIS NAC DOMAIN CONTAINING PROTEIN92) and shade-avoidance syndrome (PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR4 [PIF4] and PIF5) were up-regulated within 24 h. Mutations in these genes delayed degreening of the inflorescences. Their up-regulation was suppressed in dark-held inflorescences by glucose treatment, which promoted macroscopic growth and development and inhibited degreening of the inflorescences. Detached inflorescences held in the dark for 4 d were still able to reinitiate development to produce siliques upon being brought out to the light, indicating that the transcriptional reprogramming at 24 h was adaptive and reversible. Our results suggest that the response of detached immature tissues to dark storage involves interactions between carbohydrate status sensing and light deprivation signaling and that the dark-adaptive response of the tissues appears to utilize some of the same key regulators as developmental senescence.

Posterior Shoulder Instability in Tennis Players: Aetiology, Classification, Assessment and Management.

Background: Micro-traumatic posterior shoulder instability (PSI) is an often missed and misdiagnosed pathology presenting in tennis players. The aetiology of micro-traumatic PSI in tennis players is multifactorial, including congenital factors, loss of strength and motor control, and sport-specific repetitive microtrauma. Repetitive forces placed on the dominant shoulder, particularly combinations of flexion, horizontal adduction, and internal rotation contribute to the microtrauma. These positions are characteristic for kick serves, backhand volleys, and the follow-through phase of forehands and serves. The aim of this clinical commentary is to present an overview of the aetiology, classification, clinical presentation, and treatment of micro-traumatic PSI, with a particular focus on tennis players. Level of Evidence: 5.

Advances in the Non-Operative Management of Multidirectional Instability of the Glenohumeral Joint.

Multidirectional instability (MDI) of the glenohumeral joint refers to symptomatic subluxations or dislocations in more than one direction. The aetiology of MDI is multifactorial, which makes the classification of this condition challenging. A shoulder rehabilitation program is the initial recommended treatment for MDI, however available rehabilitation programs have varying levels of evidence to support their effectiveness. In 2016, we published the details of an evidence-based program for MDI that has been evaluated for efficacy in two single-group studies and a randomised controlled trial. In 2017, we published a clinical commentary on the aetiology, classification, and treatment of this condition. The aim of this paper is to provide an update on the components of these publications with a particular focus on new advances in the non-operative management of this condition.

Posterior Shoulder Instability Classification, Assessment, and Management: An International Delphi Study.

OBJECTIVE: To reach consensus among international shoulder experts on the most appropriate assessment and management strategies for posterior shoulder instability (PSI). DESIGN: Delphi. METHODS: In phase 1 of the study, we reviewed the literature, generated the Delphi items, created the survey, and identified clinical experts. In phase 2 of the study, clinical shoulder experts (physical therapists, orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, and researchers) participated in a 3-round e-Delphi survey. For consensus, we required a minimum of 70% agreement per round. Descriptive statistics were used to present the characteristics of the respondents, the response rate of the experts in each round, and the consensus for PSI classification, assessment, and management. RESULTS: Round 3 was completed by 47 individuals from 5 different countries. The response rate ranged from 57/70 (81%) to 47/50 (94%) per round. Respondents agreed on 3 subgroups to define PSI: traumatic (100% agreement), microtraumatic (98% agreement), and atraumatic (98% agreement). CONCLUSION: International shoulder experts agreed that the clinical presentation, management strategy, and outcome expectations differ for traumatic, microtraumatic, and atraumatic PSI. Their recommendations provide a framework for managing these subgroups, with additional consideration of sport and work participation and subsequent risks. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(7):373-380. Epub 29 Apr 2020. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.9225.

Accumulation of an organic anticancer selenium compound in a transgenic Solanaceous species shows wider applicability of the selenocysteine methyltransferase transgene from selenium hyperaccumulators.

Tolerance to high selenium (Se) soils in Se-hyperaccumulating plant species is correlated with the ability to biosynthesise methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys), due to the activity of selenocysteine methyltransferase (SMT). In mammals, inclusion of MeSeCys in the diet reduces the incidence of certain cancers, so increasing the range of crop plants that can produce this compound is an attractive biotechnology target. However, in the non-Se accumulator Arabidopsis, overexpression of SMT does not result in biosynthesis of MeSeCys from selenate because the rate at which selenate is reduced to selenite by ATP sulfurylase (ATPS) is low. This limitation is less problematic in other species of the Brassicaceae that can produce MeSeCys naturally. We investigated the potential for biosynthesis of MeSeCys in other plant families using Nicotiana tabacum L., a member of the Solanaceae. When plants were watered with 200 microM selenate, overexpression of a SMT transgene caused a 2- to 4-fold increase in Se accumulation (resulting in increased numbers of leaf lesions and areas of necrosis), production of MeSeCys (up to 20% of total Se) and generation of volatile dimethyl diselenide derived directly from MeSeCys. Despite the greatly increased accumulation of total Se, this did not result in increased Se toxicity effects on growth. Overexpression of ATPS did not increase Se accumulation from selenate. Accordingly, lines overexpressing both ATPS and SMT did not show a further increase in total Se accumulation or in leaf toxicity symptoms relative to overexpression of SMT alone, but directed a greater proportion of Se into MeSeCys. This work demonstrates that the production of the cancer-preventing compound MeSeCys in plants outside the Brassicaceae is possible. We conclude that while the SMT gene from Se hyperaccumulators can probably be utilised universally to increase the metabolism of Se into MeSeCys, the effects of enhancing ATPS activity will vary depending on the species involved.

Current evidence for nonpharmacological interventions and criteria for surgical management of persistent acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this systematic review was to investigate the individual/combined effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions in individuals with persistent acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis. The secondary aims were to investigate the comparative effectiveness of nonpharmacological versus surgical interventions, and to identify the criteria used for defining failure of conservative interventions in individuals who require surgery for persistent acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis. METHOD: Major electronic databases were searched from inception until October 2018. Studies involving adults aged 16 years and older, diagnosed clinically and radiologically with isolated acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis for at least three months or more were included. Studies must explicitly state the type and duration of conservative interventions. Methodological risk of bias was assessed using the Modified Downs and Black checklist. RESULTS: Ten surgical intervention studies were included for final synthesis. No studies investigated the effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions or compared them with surgical interventions. Common nonpharmacological interventions trialed from the 10 included studies were activity modification (n = 8) and physiotherapy (n = 4). Four to six months was the most often reported timeframe defining failure of conservative management (range 3-12 months). CONCLUSIONS: Currently, there is no evidence to guide clinicians about the individual or combined effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions for individuals with persistent acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis.