Dolor de espalda. Generalidades en su diagnóstico y tratamiento / Generalities of Back Pain in Diagnosis And Treatment

Introducción: El dolor de espalda es un síntoma frecuente y de distribución universal que afecta a personas de cualquier edad y de ambos sexos. El 80 % de la población presentará un dolor de espalda en algún momento de su vida. Los procesos agudos son autolimitados y se resuelven en el plazo de unas semanas, excepto algunos casos que se cronifican y requieren asistencia médica continuada. Los cuadros crónicos son más frecuentes en edades comprendidas entre 45 y 65 años y en el sexo femenino. Objetivo: Actualizar los elementos generales relacionados con el diagnóstico y tratamiento del dolor de espalda. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión detallada en la literatura en relación al dolor de espalda en cuanto a su diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se obtuvo literatura actualizada en las bases de datos Cumed, Ibec, Lilac, Pubmed/Medline, Scopus y Wholis. Se hizo una revisión del tema fundamentalmente de los últimos 5 años. Conclusiones: El dolor de espalda es un síntoma frecuente y de distribución universal que afecta a personas de cualquier edad y de ambos sexos. Las recomendaciones presentadas están basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible, con la intención de estandarizarlas para el tratamiento del dolor de espalda en la Atención Primaria de Salud y para el tratamiento farmacológico y no farmacológico(AU)

Introduction: Back pain is a frequent and universally distributed symptom that affects people of any age and of both sexes. 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Acute processes are self-limiting and resolve within a few weeks, except for some cases that become chronic and require continued medical care. Chronic symptoms are more frequent in ages between 45 and 65 years and in the female sex. Objective: To update the general elements related to the diagnosis and treatment of back pain. Methods: A detailed review of the literature was carried out in relation to back pain in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Updated literature was retrieved from Cumed, Ibec, Lilac, Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, and Wholis databases. A review of the subject was made fundamentally of the last 5 years. Conclusions: Back pain is a frequent and universally distributed symptom that affects persons of any age and both sexes. The recommendations are based on the best available evidence, with the intention of standardizing them for treating back pain in Primary Health Care and for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment(AU)

New fossils of Australopithecus sediba reveal a nearly complete lower back.

Adaptations of the lower back to bipedalism are frequently discussed but infrequently demonstrated in early fossil hominins. Newly discovered lumbar vertebrae contribute to a near-complete lower back of Malapa Hominin 2 (MH2), offering additional insights into posture and locomotion in Australopithecus sediba. We show that MH2 possessed a lower back consistent with lumbar lordosis and other adaptations to bipedalism, including an increase in the width of intervertebral articular facets from the upper to lower lumbar column ('pyramidal configuration'). These results contrast with some recent work on lordosis in fossil hominins, where MH2 was argued to demonstrate no appreciable lordosis ('hypolordosis') similar to Neandertals. Our three-dimensional geometric morphometric (3D GM) analyses show that MH2's nearly complete middle lumbar vertebra is human-like in overall shape but its vertebral body is somewhat intermediate in shape between modern humans and great apes. Additionally, it bears long, cranially and ventrally oriented costal (transverse) processes, implying powerful trunk musculature. We interpret this combination of features to indicate that A. sediba used its lower back in both bipedal and arboreal positional behaviors, as previously suggested based on multiple lines of evidence from other parts of the skeleton and reconstructed paleobiology of A. sediba.

One of the defining features of humans is our ability to walk comfortably on two legs. To achieve this, our skeletons have evolved certain physical characteristics. For example, the lower part of the human spine has a forward curve that supports an upright posture; whereas the lower backs of chimpanzees and other apes ­ which walk around on four limbs and spend much of their time in trees ­ lack this curvature. Studying the fossilized back bones of ancient human remains can help us to understand how we evolved these features, and whether our ancestors moved in a similar way. Australopithecus sediba was a close-relative of modern humans that lived about two million years ago. In 2008, fossils from an adult female were discovered at a cave site in South Africa called Malapa. However, the fossils of the lower back region were incomplete, so it was unclear whether the female ­ referred to as Malapa Hominin 2 (MH2) ­ had a forward-curving spine and other adaptations needed to walk on two legs. Here, Williams et al. report the discovery of new A. sediba fossils from Malapa. The new fossils are mainly bones from the lower back, and they fit together with the previously discovered MH2 fossils, providing a nearly complete lower spine. Analysis of the fossils suggested that MH2 would have had an upright posture and comfortably walked on two legs, and the curvature of their lower back was similar to modern females. However, other aspects of the bones' shape suggest that as well as walking, A. sediba probably spent a significant amount of time climbing in trees. The findings of Williams et al. provide new insights in to our evolutionary history, and ultimately, our place in the natural world around us. Our lower back is prone to injury and pain associated with posture, pregnancy and exercise (or lack thereof). Therefore, understanding how the lower back evolved may help us to learn how to prevent injuries and maintain a healthy back.

Real-Time Back Surface Landmark Determination Using a Time-of-Flight Camera.

Postural disorders, their prevention, and therapies are still growing modern problems. The currently used diagnostic methods are questionable due to the exposure to side effects (radiological methods) as well as being time-consuming and subjective (manual methods). Although the computer-aided diagnosis of posture disorders is well developed, there is still the need to improve existing solutions, search for new measurement methods, and create new algorithms for data processing. Based on point clouds from a Time-of-Flight camera, the presented method allows a non-contact, real-time detection of anatomical landmarks on the subject's back and, thus, an objective determination of trunk surface metrics. Based on a comparison of the obtained results with the evaluation of three independent experts, the accuracy of the obtained results was confirmed. The average distance between the expert indications and method results for all landmarks was 27.73 mm. A direct comparison showed that the compared differences were statically significantly different; however, the effect was negligible. Compared with other automatic anatomical landmark detection methods, ours has a similar accuracy with the possibility of real-time analysis. The advantages of the presented method are non-invasiveness, non-contact, and the possibility of continuous observation, also during exercise. The proposed solution is another step in the general trend of objectivization in physiotherapeutic diagnostics.

Back-fat thickness as a primary index reflecting the yield and overall acceptance of pork meat.

Predicting aspects of lean meat yield and eating quality of pork based on some particular carcass traits become increasingly important from an economic profitability point of view. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between the back-fat (BF) thickness with lean meat yield and meat quality traits of crossbred pigs. A total of 220 crossbred pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) ♀ × Duroc ♂] reared under identical conditions and harvested at 180 days old were slaughtered and screened for BF thickness. Four BF thickness groups: 12-15, 16-20, 21-25, and 26-30 mm were classified, and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles from these groups were used to analyze meat quality characteristics. Results showed that increasing BF thickness decreased the lean meat yield and loin lean area. Increasing BF thickness up to 26-30 mm increased intramuscular fat content and pH of LD muscles. The LD muscles of the thicker BF (21-30 mm) groups received significantly higher flavor, juiciness, and overall acceptability scores than those of the thinner back-fat (12-20 mm) groups. Overall, when all the pre-harvest factors are kept the same, BF thickness could be considered as a primary index for predicting lean meat yield, and the minimal back-fat thickness of 21-30 mm is required to improve the overall acceptability of pork meat.

Back Pain in Children and Adolescents.

Back pain has long been considered an uncommon complaint in the pediatric population. When present, teaching had been that pediatric back pain almost always has a diagnosable cause, many of which are progressive and potentially debilitating. Recent evidence has suggested that pediatric back pain is not only more common than once thought but also, within certain populations, benign and idiopathic. This, in turn, places an increasing amount of pressure on pediatricians to accurately assess and manage their patients presenting with complaints of back pain. The aim of this article is to serve as a review of the current literature on pediatric back pain. The article reviews the epidemiology, basic anatomy, and important elements of a history and examination, which should be considered when a child presents complaining of back pain. Last, a common differential diagnosis with evaluation and management is also given to help guide pediatricians through their medical decision making.

Predicting spinal profile using 3D non-contact surface scanning: Changes in surface topography as a predictor of internal spinal alignment.

INTRODUCTION: 3D non-contact surface scanners capture highly accurate, calibrated images of surface topography for 3D structures. This study sought to establish the efficacy and accuracy of using 3D surface scanning to characterise spinal curvature and sagittal plane contour. METHODS: 10 healthy female adults with a mean age of 25 years, (standard deviation: 3.6 years) underwent both MRI and 3D surface scanning (3DSS) (Artec Eva, Artec Group Inc., Luxembourg) while lying in the lateral decubitus position on a rigid substrate. Prior to 3DSS, anatomical landmarks on the spinous processes of each participant were demarcated using stickers attached to the skin surface. Following 3DSS, oil capsules (fiducial markers) were overlaid on the stickers and the subject underwent MRI. MRI stacks were processed to measure the thoracolumbar spinous process locations, providing an anatomical reference. 3D coordinates for the markers (surface stickers and MRI oil capsules) and for the spinous processes mapped the spinal column profiles and were compared to assess the quality of fit between the 3DSS and MRI marker positions. RESULTS: The RMSE for the polynomials fit to the spinous process, fiducial and surface marker profiles ranged from 0.17-1.15mm for all subjects. The MRI fiducial marker location was well aligned with the spinous process profile in the thoracic and upper lumbar spine for nine of the subjects. Over the 10 subjects, the mean RMSE between the MRI and 3D scan sagittal profiles for all surface markers was 9.8mm (SD 4.2mm). Curvature was well matched for seven of the subjects, with two showing differing curvatures across the lumbar spine due to inconsistent subject positioning. CONCLUSION: Comparison of the observed trends for vertebral position measured from MRI and 3DSS, suggested the surface markers may provide a useful method for measuring internal changes in sagittal curvature or skeletal changes.

[Quantification of changes in the external morphology of the back by means of surface topography based on structured light in idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents after a year of treatment with orthopedic corse]. / Cuantificación de cambios en la morfología externa de la espalda mediante topografía de superficie basada en luz estructurada en la escoliosis idiopática del adolescente tras un año de tratamiento con corsé ortopédico.

BACKGROUND: To quantify the morphological changes in the surface of the back of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis as a result of treatment with braces and to correlate them with radiographic changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analytical, cohort, prospective study on a sample of 31 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. We divided them into two groups: eleven treated with braces and twenty without them. Quantification of the deformity was performed on two separate occasions with an interval of one year using three systems: 1) angle of trunk rotation (scoliometer); 2) surface topography; 3) full spine X-rays. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were detected between the initial and final assessment of the topographic and radiographic variables in the group with braces. In the untreated group, only in measures with the scoliometer significant differences were registered. A positive correlation was found between the Cobb angle difference of the main curve with two topographic variables that quantify the asymmetry in the axial and coronal plane, respectively. DISCUSSION: In following patients with scoliosis treated with braces, we should consider and evaluate not only radiographic parameters such as the Cobb angle, but also clinical and topographic parameters that quantify the external deformity of the back, as there is a clinical-radiographic discrepancy amply demonstrated in the literature. The improvement of the external shape of the back is a very important factor for the patient, and can influence a better completion of the orthopedic treatment. In our study, the scoliotic curve and external deformity of the back remained stable during the follow-up period in both treated and untreated patients.

ANTECEDENTES: Cuantificar los cambios morfológicos producidos en la superficie de la espalda de adolescentes con escoliosis idiopática como resultado del tratamiento mediante corsé y correlacionarlos con las variaciones radiográficas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio analítico, de cohortes, prospectivo, sobre una muestra de 31 adolescentes con escoliosis idiopática divididos en dos grupos: 11 con tratamiento mediante corsé y 20 sin corsé. Se realizó una cuantificación de la deformidad en dos ocasiones separadas entre sí por un intervalo de un año mediante tres sistemas: 1) ángulo de rotación del tronco (escoliómetro); 2) topografía de superficie; 3) radiografía simple de raquis completo. RESULTADOS: No se detectaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la valoración inicial y final de las variables topográficas y radiográficas en el grupo con corsé. En el grupo no tratado, sólo hubo diferencias significativas para las medidas del escoliómetro. Se encontró una correlación positiva entre la diferencia del ángulo de Cobb de la curva principal con la de dos variables topográficas que cuantifican la asimetría en el plano axial y en el coronal, respectivamente. DISCUSIÓN: En el seguimiento de pacientes con escoliosis tratados con corsé, se deben tener en cuenta y valorar no sólo parámetros radiográficos como el ángulo de Cobb, sino también parámetros clínicos y topográficos que cuantifiquen la deformidad externa de la espalda, ya que existe una discrepancia clínico-radiográfica demostrada de manera amplia en la literatura. La mejoría de la forma externa de la espalda es un factor muy importante para el paciente y es lo que va a percibir fundamentalmente, lo que puede influir en una mejor cumplimentación del tratamiento ortopédico. En nuestro estudio, la curva escoliótica, así como la deformidad externa de la espalda, se mantuvo estable en el período de seguimiento tanto en los pacientes tratados con corsé como en los no tratados.

Standard reference values of the upper body posture in healthy young female adults in Germany: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Classifications of posture deviations are only possible compared with standard values. However, standard values have been published for healthy male adults but not for female adults. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main. PARTICIPANTS: 106healthy female volunteers (21-30 years old; 25.1±2.7 years) were included. Their body weight ranged from 46 to 106 kg (60.3±7.9 kg), the heights from 1.53 to 1.82 m (1.69±0.06 m) and the body mass index from 16.9 kg/m² to 37.6 kg/m² (21.1±2.6 kg/m²). OUTCOME MEASURES: A three-dimensional back scan was performed to measure the upper back posture in habitual standing. The tolerance ranges and CI were calculated. Group differences were tested by the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: In normal posture, the spinal column was marginally twisted to the left, and the vertebrae were marginally rotated to the right. The kyphosis angle is larger than the lumbar angle. Consequently, a more kyphotic posture is observed in the sagittal plane. The habitual posture is slightly scoliotic with a rotational component (scapular depression right, right scapula marginally more dorsally, high state of pelvic right, iliac right further rotated anteriorly). CONCLUSIONS: Healthy young women have an almost ideally balanced posture with minimal ventral body inclination and a marginal scoliotic deviation. Compared with young males, women show only marginal differences in the upper body posture. These values allow a comparison to other studies, both for control and patient data, and may serve as guideline in both clinical practice and scientific studies.

Cuantificación de cambios en la morfología externa de la espalda mediante topografía de superficie basada en luz estructurada en la escoliosis idiopática del adolescente tras un año de tratamiento con corsé ortopédico / Quantification of changes in the external morphology of the back by means of surface topography based on structured light in idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents after a year of treatment with orthopedic corse

Resumen: Antecedentes: Cuantificar los cambios morfológicos producidos en la superficie de la espalda de adolescentes con escoliosis idiopática como resultado del tratamiento mediante corsé y correlacionarlos con las variaciones radiográficas. Material y métodos: Estudio analítico, de cohortes, prospectivo, sobre una muestra de 31 adolescentes con escoliosis idiopática divididos en dos grupos: 11 con tratamiento mediante corsé y 20 sin corsé. Se realizó una cuantificación de la deformidad en dos ocasiones separadas entre sí por un intervalo de un año mediante tres sistemas: 1) ángulo de rotación del tronco (escoliómetro); 2) topografía de superficie; 3) radiografía simple de raquis completo. Resultados: No se detectaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la valoración inicial y final de las variables topográficas y radiográficas en el grupo con corsé. En el grupo no tratado, sólo hubo diferencias significativas para las medidas del escoliómetro. Se encontró una correlación positiva entre la diferencia del ángulo de Cobb de la curva principal con la de dos variables topográficas que cuantifican la asimetría en el plano axial y en el coronal, respectivamente. Discusión: En el seguimiento de pacientes con escoliosis tratados con corsé, se deben tener en cuenta y valorar no sólo parámetros radiográficos como el ángulo de Cobb, sino también parámetros clínicos y topográficos que cuantifiquen la deformidad externa de la espalda, ya que existe una discrepancia clínico-radiográfica demostrada de manera amplia en la literatura. La mejoría de la forma externa de la espalda es un factor muy importante para el paciente y es lo que va a percibir fundamentalmente, lo que puede influir en una mejor cumplimentación del tratamiento ortopédico. En nuestro estudio, la curva escoliótica, así como la deformidad externa de la espalda, se mantuvo estable en el período de seguimiento tanto en los pacientes tratados con corsé como en los no tratados.

Abstract: Background: To quantify the morphological changes in the surface of the back of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis as a result of treatment with braces and to correlate them with radiographic changes. Material and methods: An analytical, cohort, prospective study on a sample of 31 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. We divided them into two groups: eleven treated with braces and twenty without them. Quantification of the deformity was performed on two separate occasions with an interval of one year using three systems: 1) angle of trunk rotation (scoliometer); 2) surface topography; 3) full spine X-rays. Results: No statistically significant differences were detected between the initial and final assessment of the topographic and radiographic variables in the group with braces. In the untreated group, only in measures with the scoliometer significant differences were registered. A positive correlation was found between the Cobb angle difference of the main curve with two topographic variables that quantify the asymmetry in the axial and coronal plane, respectively. Discussion: In following patients with scoliosis treated with braces, we should consider and evaluate not only radiographic parameters such as the Cobb angle, but also clinical and topographic parameters that quantify the external deformity of the back, as there is a clinical-radiographic discrepancy amply demonstrated in the literature. The improvement of the external shape of the back is a very important factor for the patient, and can influence a better completion of the orthopedic treatment. In our study, the scoliotic curve and external deformity of the back remained stable during the follow-up period in both treated and untreated patients.

Identifying characteristic back shapes from anatomical scans of wheelchair users to improve seating design.

Spinal deformities are common in people who require the use of a wheelchair for mobility as a result of spinal cord injuries and other disabilities. Sitting positions vary between individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs and individuals without disabilities. In individuals with spinal cord injury, spinal deformities can result in the development of back contours that deviate from the shape of standard rigid back support shells. The purpose of this study was to distinguish and classify various back contours of wheelchair users by utilizing digital anatomic scanning technology in order to inform the future development of back supports that would enhance postural support for those with spinal deformities. The three dimensional (3D) locations of bony landmarks were digitized when participants were in position, using a mechanical wand linked to the FastScan(tm) system commonly used to measure surface contours. Raw FastScan(tm) data were transformed according to bony landmarks. A total of 129 individuals participated in this study. A wide range of back contours were identified and categorized. Although participant characteristics (e.g., gender, diagnosis) were similar amongst the contour groups; no one characteristic explained the contours. Participants who were seated in a forward lean position had a higher amount of pelvic obliquity compared to those seated in an upright position; however, participants' back contour was not correlated with pelvic obliquity. In conclusion, an array of different back shapes were classified in our cohort through 3D laser scanning technology. The methods and technology applied in this study could be replicated in future studies to categorize ranges of back shapes in larger populations of people with spinal cord injuries. Preliminary evidence indicates that customized postural support may be warranted to optimize positioning and posture when a standard rigid shell does not align with contours of a person's back. To optimize positioning, a range of contoured rigid backrests as well as height and angle adjustability are likely needed.

[Rediscussion on the relationshin between back-shu points and twelve meridians].

In current theory, back-shu points are categorized into the bladder meridian of foot-taiyang, resulting in difficulties in interpretation and ineffective guide for clinical acupuncture. The development of acupuncture theory indicates that the relationship between back-shu points and corresponding meridians is established by manifestation and root cause of meridian, and enriched in Qianjin Yifang (A Supplement to Recipes Worth a Thousand Gold), but it has been categorized into the bladder meridian of foot-taiyang since Waitai Miyao Fang (Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library) and its influences remain so far. After analysis on this academic development and basis of understanding, it is believed that the problems of back-shu points and twelve meridians are presented with how toselect existing theories; it is proposed that the academic value of relationship between back sha points and twelve meridians should be explored and promoted to establish the theory form and structure relationship. As a result, the theory can be completed to guide the clinical treatment.

[Bone-length measurement at low back and its application].

By reviewing some acupuncture literature regarding the settings of bone-length measurement at low back, it was found out that ancient and modern descriptions were not consistent. In China current acupuncture textbook, it was mostly described as "the horizontal distance between inner borders of two scapulas was 6 cun". However, after analysis, it was believed that this setting was not reasonable in the clinical application of acupuncture, and it was agreed with the opinion that "midpoint of inner borders of two scapulas when scapulas are in abduction position" should be taken as bone-length measurement of low back. Besides, a self-made bone-length scale was applied to locate acupoint at low back, which could provide references for its standardized application manipulation.

Morphological, comparative and qualitative tissue reaction analysis due to the implantation of alloplant™ to the eyelid and subcutaneous of rabbits / Análise morfológica comparativa e qualitativa da reação tecidual à colocação do alloplant™ (aloimplante) em pálpebra e dorso de coelhos

Purpose:To compare by optical microscopy, tissue reaction caused by the Alloplant ™ to conjunctiva and backs of 24 rabbits.Methods:All rabbits underwent implantation of Alloplant ™ on the inner third of the lower eyelid, replacing the tarsal conjunctiva of one eye. After thirty days six rabbits (Group I) were sacrificed and lower eyelids of both sides and a back fragment (control) routed to optical microscopy. After sixty days six rabbits (group II) were sacrificed and their eyelids and a back fragment (control) sent for microscopic examination. That day were also performed surgical implantation of Alloplant ™ on the back of the twelve remaining rabbits. They were sacrificed ninety days (group III) and one hundred and twenty days (group IV) after the first surgery of the eyelids and microscopic study backs.Results:The “Alloplant™” (aloimplante), caused an intense inflammatory reaction, mixed exudative and proliferative with a predominance of lymphocytes, macrophages and formation of foreign body granulomas in both locations, which evolved with the replacement of the implant by dense fibrous connective tissue.Conclusion:eyelid inflammatory reaction was more intense and more prolonged in the eyelid than in the back. In the back the formation of fibrosis was more intense, what is not suitable for eyelid surgery.

Objetivo:Analisar comparativamente através da microscopia óptica, a reação tecidual causada pelo Alloplant Ô na conjuntiva e dorso de 24 coelhos.Métodos:Todos os coelhos foram submetidos a implantação do AlloplantÔ no terço interno da pálpebra inferior, em substituição à conjuntiva tarsal de um dos olhos. Após trinta dias seis coelhos (grupo I) foram sacrificados e as pálpebras inferiores dos dois lados e um fragmento do dorso (controle) foram encaminhados para a microscopia óptica. Após sessenta dias foram sacrificados mais seis coelhos (grupo II) e suas pálpebras um fragmento do dorso (controle) foram encaminhados para estudo microscópico. Nesse dia também foram realizadas implantações cirúrgicas do aloimplanteÔ no dorso dos doze coelhos restantes, os quais foram sacrificados noventa (grupo III) e cento e vinte (grupo IV) dias após a primeira cirurgia para estudo microscópico das pálpebras e dorsos.Resultados:O “Alloplant Ԕ (aloimplante), causou intensa reação inflamatória mista exsudativa e proliferativa com predominância de linfócitos, macrófagos e formação de granulomas de corpo estranho nas duas localizações, que evoluiu com a substituição do implante por tecido conjuntivo fibroso denso.Conclusão:na pálpebra a reação inflamatória foi mais intensa e mais prolongada do que no dorso e no dorso a formação de fibrose foi mais intensa, mostrando inadequação ao uso cirúrgico.

A longitudinal study of back dimension changes over 1 year in sports horses.

Major back dimension changes over time have been observed in some horses, the speed of which may be influenced by work type, skeletal maturity, nutrition and saddle fit. Currently, there are no longitudinal data quantifying changes in back dimensions. The objectives of this study were to quantify back dimension changes over time, to identify the effects of horse, saddle and rider on these dimensions, and to determine their association with season, weight, work and saddle management. A prospective, longitudinal study was performed, using stratified random sampling within a convenience sample of 104 sports horses in normal work. Thoracolumbar dimensions/symmetry were measured at predetermined sites every second month over 1 year; weight, work and saddle management changes were recorded. Descriptive statistics, and univariable and multiple mixed effects linear regression were performed to assess the association between management changes, horse-saddle-rider factors and back dimension changes. Complete data was available for 63/104 horses, including horses used for dressage (n= 26), showjumping (n= 26), eventing (n= 26) and general purpose (n= 26), with age groups 3-5 years (n = 24), 6-8 years (n = 28), 9-12 years (n = 24) and ≥ 13 years (n = 28). There were considerable variations in back dimensions over 1 year. In the multivariable analysis, the presence of gait abnormalities at initial examination and back asymmetry were significant and had a negative effect on changes in back dimensions. Subsequent improved saddle fit, similar or increased work intensity, season (summer versus winter) and increased bodyweight retained significance, having positive effects on changes in back dimensions. In conclusion, quantifiable changes in back dimensions occur throughout the year. Saddle fit should be reassessed professionally several times a year, especially if there has been a change in work intensity.

Soft tissue artefacts of the human back: comparison of the sagittal curvature of the spine measured using skin markers and an open upright MRI.

Soft tissue artefact affects the determination of skeletal kinematics. Thus, it is important to know the accuracy and limitations of kinematic parameters determined and modelled based on skin marker data. Here, the curvature angles, as well as the rotations of the lumbar and thoracic segments, of seven healthy subjects were determined in the sagittal plane using a skin marker set and compared to measurements taken in an open upright MRI scanner in order to understand the influence of soft tissue artefact at the back. The mean STA in the flexed compared to the extended positions were 10.2±6.1 mm (lumbar)/9.3±4.2 mm (thoracic) and 10.7±4.8 mm (lumbar)/9.2±4.9 mm (thoracic) respectively. A linear regression of the lumbar and thoracic curvatures between the marker-based measurements and MRI-based measurements resulted in coefficients of determination, R2, of 0.552 and 0.385 respectively. Skin marker measurements therefore allow for the assessment of changes in the lumbar and thoracic curvature angles, but the absolute values suffer from uncertainty. Nevertheless, this marker set appears to be suitable for quantifying lumbar and thoracic spinal changes between quasi-static whole body postural changes.

The interrelationship of lameness, saddle slip and back shape in the general sports horse population.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Saddle slip is usually blamed on saddle fit, crooked riders or horse shape, but may reflect hindlimb lameness. There are no studies of the frequency of occurrence of saddle slip and risk factors within a tested sample population of the general sports horse population. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the frequency of saddle slip and to describe the association with lameness, thoracolumbar shape/symmetry, crooked riders and ill-fitting saddles. STUDY DESIGN: Nonrandom, cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling. METHODS: Five hundred and six sports horses in normal work were assessed prospectively. Thoracolumbar shape/symmetry were measured at predetermined sites; the presence of lameness (in hand and/or ridden) and saddle slip was recorded. Descriptive statistics, univariable and multiple logistic regression were performed to assess the relationship between horse-saddle-rider factors and saddle slip. RESULTS: The frequency of lameness, quadrilaterally reduced cranial phase of the stride or stiff, stilted canter was 45.7%, saddle slip 12.3%, left-right thoracolumbar shape asymmetries ≥ coefficient of variance of 8% (1.2 cm) 0.6%; and 103 of 276 riders (37.3%) sat crookedly. The saddle consistently slipped to one side in 24.4% of horses with hindlimb lameness alone, 45.5% of horses with concurrent hindlimb and forelimb lameness, compared with 5.4% with forelimb lameness, 17.4% with stiff, stilted canter, 20% with quadrilaterally reduced cranial phase of stride and 5.5% nonlame horses. Nineteen horses (30.6%) with saddle slip had no detectable hindlimb lameness; however, 14 had a gait abnormality, particularly in canter. Multivariable analysis revealed that saddle slip was significantly associated with hindlimb lameness and gait abnormalities (odds ratio [OR] = 52.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 17.3-159.7), a saddle fitted with even contact and uniform flocking (OR = 15.49, 95% CI 1.9-125.5), riders sitting crookedly (OR = 6.32, 95% CI 2.9-13.7), a well-balanced saddle (OR = 3.05, 95% 1.4-6.9) and large back shape ratio at T18 (OR = 1.2, 95% 1.1-1.3). CONCLUSIONS: Many horses with hindlimb and/or forelimb lameness go unrecognised. Saddle slip may be a sign of hindlimb lameness. Education of the equestrian population to identify lameness and saddle slip is required. The Summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting information.

Dietary fat content and fiber type modulate hind gut microbial community and metabolic markers in the pig.

Obesity leads to changes in the gut microbial community which contribute to the metabolic dysregulation in obesity. Dietary fat and fiber affect the caloric density of foods. The impact of dietary fat content and fiber type on the microbial community in the hind gut is unknown. Effect of dietary fat level and fiber type on hindgut microbiota and volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles was investigated. Expression of metabolic marker genes in the gut, adipose tissue and liver was determined. A 2 × 2 experiment was conducted in pigs fed at two dietary fat levels (5% or 17.5% swine grease) and two fiber types (4% inulin, fermentable fructo-oligosaccharide or 4% solka floc, non-fermentable cellulose). High fat diets (HFD) resulted in a higher (P<0.05) total body weight gain, feed efficiency and back fat accumulation than the low fat diet. Feeding of inulin, but not solka floc, attenuated (P<0.05) the HFD-induced higher body weight gain and fat mass accumulation. Inulin feeding tended to lead to higher total VFA production in the cecum and resulted in a higher (P<0.05) expression of acyl coA oxidase (ACO), a marker of peroxisomal ß-oxidation. Inulin feeding also resulted in lower expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), a marker of lipid anabolism. Bacteria community structure characterized by DGGE analysis of PCR amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments showed that inulin feeding resulted in greater bacterial population richness than solka floc feeding. Cluster analysis of pairwise Dice similarity comparisons of the DGGE profiles showed grouping by fiber type but not the level of dietary fat. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) of PCR- DGGE profiles showed that inulin feeding negatively correlated with back fat thickness. This study suggests a strong interplay between dietary fat level and fiber type in determining susceptibility to obesity.

Identification of porcine glycogen synthase kinase 3α (GSK-3α) gene and its association with carcass traits.

GSK-3 plays an important role on numerous cellular processes involved in the regulation of embryonic development, protein synthesis, glycogen metabolism, inflammatory, mitosis and apoptosis. In this study, we obtained the cDNA and promoter sequences of the porcine GSK-3α gene, analyzed its genomic organization and mapped it to SSC6q12 through comparative mapping method. Moreover, the qRT-PCR analysis revealed that porcine GSK-3α gene was widely expressed in many tissues, and a high expression level was observed in the brain and spleen. In addition, seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in the promoter region of porcine GSK-3α gene. Association analysis revealed that the GSK-3α Hin1I and MspI polymorphisms both had significant associations (p < 0.05) with loin muscle area, average backfat thickness, thorax-waist fat thickness, and buttock fat thickness. These results provide useful information for further investigation on the function of porcine GSK-3α gene.

A method for 3D detection of symmetry line in asymmetric postures.

The methods for symmetry line detection presented in the literature are typically suited to analyse symmetric upright postures, both standing and seated. The proposed method focuses on the symmetry line detection in subjects assuming asymmetric postures in which this line falls far outside the sagittal plane. The proposed approach evaluates the symmetry line by means of an autoregressive process in order to determine the set of planes suited to slice the back coherently with its geometric spatial configuration. The method is analysed assuming the cutaneous marking as reference and it is compared with a previous one, also developed by these authors. Results are analysed and critically discussed.