bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of inciting causes, alternative targets, and risk factors associated with redirected aggression in cats
Authors: Amat Marta , Manteca Xavier , Brech Susana Le , Ruiz de la Torre José Luís , Mariotti Valentina M. , Fatjó Jaume
Published: August 2008

Objective—To identify inciting causes, alternative targets, and risk factors associated with redirected aggression in cats.

Design—Case-control study.

Animals—19 cats with a history of redirected aggression and 64 cats with no such history.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed to identify cats evaluated for problems with redirected aggression (case cats), in which the primary inciting stimulus and alternative target of aggression were clearly identifiable. Data obtained from the records and from follow-up interviews included details about the cats and incidents of redirected aggression. Owners of control cats were interviewed via telephone to obtain similar information on their cats.

Results—22 incidents of redirected aggression were reported for the 19 case cats. In 95% of those incidents, loud noises or interactions with other cats were identified as the inciting stimuli. Case cats most commonly redirected their aggression toward the owner, followed by another cat living in the same household. Compared with control cats, case cats were more likely to have a sound phobia but were less likely to be outdoor cats. In addition, case cats were more likely to be from small households (≤ 2 people) than were control cats. In most situations, case cats had adopted a defensive body posture immediately before the incident of redirected aggression, which suggested that the underlying motivation was fear.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Fear was likely the most common motivation for redirected aggression in the cats of this report. To reduce the risk of redirected aggression, veterinarians should encourage owners to socialize kittens and habituate them to novel objects and sounds.
Ultrasonographic appearance of the coelomic cavity in healthy green iguanas
Authors: Holland Mason F. , Hernandez-Divers Stephen , Frank Paul M.
Published: August 2008

Objective—To describe the ultrasonographic appearance of the coelomic cavity in healthy green iguanas.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Animals—26 healthy green iguanas (20 males and 6 females).

Procedures—For coelomic ultrasonography, animals were physically restrained in dorsal recumbency by an assistant; chemical restraint was not used. Qualitative and quantitative observations were recorded.

Results—Structures that could be visualized in all animals included the heart and cardiac chambers; liver; caudal vena cava; hepatic veins; portal vein; gallbladder; pyloric portion of the stomach; and, when distended, urinary bladder. Visualization of the kidneys was poor. The spleen could be identified in 17 animals, and the gonads could be identified in 22, but were most easily identified in males evaluated during November (ie, during the breeding season); no females were evaluated during the breeding season. Physiologic enlargement of the testes yielded an acoustic window for the spleen by displacing overlying intestine. Anechoic, free coelomic fluid was identified in 3 animals. Measurements of overall cardiac size, ventricular wall thickness, gallbladder size, thickness of the pyloric portion of the stomach, and splenic size were obtained. Only ventricular wall thickness was significantly correlated with body weight.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that ultrasonography allowed examination of most coelomic structures in green iguanas. The procedure was easily performed and was well tolerated in conscious animals.
Clinical, radiographic, and pathologic abnormalities in dogs with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia: 19 cases (1991–2005)
Authors: Rørvik A. Magnus , Teige Jon , Ottesen Nina , Lingaas Frode
Published: August 2008

Objective—To determine clinical, radiographic, and pathologic abnormalities in dogs with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED).

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—19 dogs with MED from 10 litters.

Procedures—The diagnosis was made on the basis of radiographs of the shoulder region and vertebral column. Ten dogs underwent necropsy.

Results—There were 11 Hygenhund, 6 Dunker, 1 Golden Retriever, and 1 English Pointer. Most dogs were examined because of lameness that developed at 5 to 8 months of age. The most common radiographic abnormality was a deficiency in ossification of the epiphyses, apophyses, and cuboidal bones of the appendicular skeleton and the epiphyses of the vertebrae; ossification of the metaphyses and the diaphyses typically were normal. Disease severity was consistent among littermates, but varied among dogs from different litters.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that MED is a rare condition in dogs characterized by a deficiency in ossification of the epiphyses of the long bones, the epiphyses of the vertebrae, the cuboidal bones, and the apophyses. Radiographic abnormalities were evident in dogs examined as young as 8 weeks of age, and most dogs had developed severe lameness by 5 to 8 months of age. The condition most likely had an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, although genetic studies of mode of inheritance could not be performed.
Comparison of temperature readings from a percutaneous thermal sensing microchip with temperature readings from a digital rectal thermometer in equids
Authors: Robinson Tatiana R. , Hussey Stephen B. , Hill Ashley E. , Heckendorf Carl C. , Stricklin Joe B. , Traub-Dargatz Josie L.
Published: August 2008

Objective—To compare temperature readings from an implantable percutaneous thermal sensing microchip with temperature readings from a digital rectal thermometer, to identify factors that affect microchip readings, and to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the microchip for fever detection.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—52 Welsh pony foals that were 6 to 10 months old and 30 Quarter Horses that were 2 years old.

Procedures—Data were collected in summer, winter, and fall in groups 1 (n = 23 ponies), 2 (29 ponies), and 3 (30 Quarter Horses), respectively. Temperature readings from a digital rectal thermometer and a percutaneous thermal sensing microchip as well as ambient temperature were recorded daily for 17, 23, and 19 days in groups 1 through 3, respectively. Effects of ambient temperature and rectal temperature on thermal sensor readings were estimated. Sensitivity and specificity of the thermal sensor for detection of fever (rectal temperature, ≥ 38.9°C [102°F]) were estimated separately for data collection at ambient temperatures ≤ 15.6°C (60°F) and > 15.6°C.

Results—Mean ambient temperatures were 29.0°C (84.2°F), −2.7°C (27.1°F), and 10.4°C (50.8°F) for groups 1 through 3, respectively. Thermal sensor readings varied with ambient temperature and rectal temperature. Rectal temperatures ranged from 36.2° to 41.7°C (97.2° to 107°F), whereas thermal sensor temperature readings ranged from 23.9° (75°F) to 42.2°C (75° to 108°F). Sensitivity for fever detection was 87.4%, 53.3%, and 58.3% in groups 1 to 3, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The thermal sensor appeared to have potential use for initial screening of body temperature in equids at ambient temperatures > 15.6°C.
Treatment of Syndesmotic Disruptions with the Arthrex Tightrope™: A Report of 25 Cases
Authors: Cottom James M. , Hyer Christopher F. , Philbin Terrence M. , Berlet Gregory C.
Published: August 2008

Background:

The complexity of syndesmotic injuries, often with both bone and soft tissue injury mandates an expeditious diagnosis and treatment to avoid unfavorable long term outcomes. Various methods of fixation of the syndesmosis have been reported. We present the largest series evaluating the Arthrex Tightrope™ for management of syndesmotic injuries.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-five patients with disruption of the distal tibiofibular articulation underwent treatment with an Arthrex Tightrope™. In 21 cases, a single tightrope was placed, and in four cases, two tightropes were utilized. Associated ankle fractures were treated using proper AO technique. Those patients with diabetes and/or neuroarthropathic changes foot or ankle were not included in this study. Postoperative evaluation parameters included radiographic measurements, a modified AOFAS scoring system and SF-12.

Results:

Average followup was 10.8 months. The mean time to full weight-bearing was 5.5 (range, 2 to 8) weeks. Postoperative radiographic analysis of the mean distance from the tibial plafond to the placement of the tightrope(s), medial clear space, average postoperative tibiofibular overlap and the mean tibiofibular clear space demonstrated no evidence of re-displacement of the syndesmotic complex at an average of 10.8 (range, 6 to 12) months. The modified AOFAS hindfoot scoring scale and SF-12 both demonstrated significant improvements; preoperative values were assessed in the office with the first patient visit as they are incorporated into the patient intake form that each patient fills out at the initial visit.

Conclusion:

Utilization of the tightrope in diastasis of the syndesmosis should be considered as a good option. The method of placement is quick, can be minimally invasive, and obviates the need for hardware removal. In this series, it maintained excellent reduction of the syndesmosis.
Results of Non-Surgical Treatment of Stage II Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction: A 7- to 10-Year Followup
Authors: Lin Johnny L. , Balbas John , Richardson E. Greer
Published: August 2008

Background:

There are few long-term studies on the non-operative treatment of Stage II Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD). The purpose of this study is to describe the natural history and determine the efficacy of non-operative treatment of Stage II PTTD using clinical outcome scores.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with Stage II PTTD treated with a Double Upright Ankle Foot Orthosis (DUAFO) with a minimum followup of 7 years were identified retrospectively. Patients were evaluated with the AOFAS Ankle/Hindfoot Score, SF-36, Foot Function Index (FFI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and a custom questionnaire in addition to a comprehensive physical examination.

Results:

Thirty-three feet in 32 patients were included with an average followup of 8.6 years. Success defined as being brace-free and avoiding surgery was 69.7%. Five patients (15.2%) were unable to completely wean from a brace. Five patients went on to surgery. The mean AOFAS and FFI score was 78.4 and 18.4, respectively. Compared to national norms, SF-36 subscores for each age sub-category showed no significant difference in any of the age groups ( p < 0.05). Average VAS pain scale score was 1.9. Satisfaction was rated as “satisfied” in 20 patients (60.6%), “satisfied with minor reservations” in 11 patients (33.3%), partially satisfied in one (3.0%), and “unsatisfied” in one (3.0%). None of the patients rated as “satisfied with major reservations”.

Conclusion:

Treatment of Stage II PTTD with a DUAFO has been shown to be a viable alternative to surgery with a high likelihood of adequate function, avoidance of surgery, and being brace-free at 7- to 10-year followup.
Perioperative Differences between Bone Bridging and Non-Bone Bridging Transtibial Amputations for Wartime Lower Extremity Trauma
Authors: Gwinn David E. , Keeling John , Froehner Jerald W. , McGuigan Francis X. , Andersen Romney
Published: August 2008

Background:

The distal bone bridge transtibial amputation technique requires additional intraoperative surgical steps when compared to the non-bone bridging technique. Comparative functional data is not available showing a clearly superior outcome from either technique. Identifying perioperative differences could influence a surgeon's decision regarding the technique of amputation to be performed. This study's purpose was to compare perioperative differences between bone bridging transtibial amputation and non-bone bridging amputation techniques.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review from April 2004 to April 2007 identified 37 consecutive patients with 42 transtibial amputations as a result of wartime blast injuries. Twenty-two non-bone bridging and twenty bone bridging amputations were performed. Statistical comparisons of intraoperative time, tourniquet time, estimated blood loss, the need for postoperative transfusion and frequency of wound complications was performed.

Results:

The bone bridging amputation technique had significantly longer operative times (178.5 vs. 112.2 minutes, p < 0.0005) and tourniquet times (114.8 vs. 71.0 minutes, p < 0.0005). Regardless of technique used, amputations performed within the zone of injury had a 66.7% wound complication rate ( p < 0.0005). There was not a statistically significant difference in reoperation for wound complications between groups when controlling for zone of injury: bone bridge (6.3%) and non-bone bridge (0.0%). Amputation closure performed within the zone of injury was a significant predictor for subsequent wound problems regardless of amputation technique.

Conclusion:

Longer operative and tourniquet times should not be considered a contraindication to utilizing the bone bridging amputation technique in younger and otherwise healthy patients. Both amputation techniques have comparable rates of short term wound complications and associated blood loss. Wound closure for traumatic amputations should not be perfomed through the zone of injury.
Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy and Ruptures with Flexor Hallucis Tendon Transfer: Clinical Outcome and MRI Findings
Authors: Hahn Frederik , Meyer Patrick , Maiwald Christian , Zanetti Marco , Vienne Patrick
Published: August 2008

Background:

In patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy, augmentation with flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer can be performed to improve pain and functional limitations. There are no reports of postoperative imaging for evaluating tendon integration, inflammatory alterations or degeneration of the FHL muscle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative MR imaging based on clinical outcome and isokinetic strength.

Materials and Methods:

13 patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy (10 ruptures) underwent augmentation with FHL transfer. Clinical parameters, isokinetic strength and outcome measurements (AOFAS, SF-36) were evaluated at an average followup of 46.5 months. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of postoperative MRI were conducted using the non-operated side for comparison.

Results:

All patients had a significant reduction of pain. The operated side had a torque deficit of 35% for plantar flexion. Ten patients returned to their former level of activity. MRI showed a complete integration of the FHL tendon in six patients. Fatty atrophy in the triceps surae was found in ten patients. The FHL was free of degeneration in all patients. Hypertrophy of the FHL of more than 15% was observed in eight patients.

Conclusion:

Augmentation with FHL transfer is a valuable option in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy with and without rupture. Our results demonstrate high patient satisfaction without donor site morbidity. The FHL tendon is well integrated into the Achilles tendon. Hypertrophy of the FHL muscle suggests functional incorporation into plantar flexion. The primary benefit of the operation is pain relief and increased muscle strength.
Outcome of Achilles Tendon Ruptures Treated by a Limited Open Technique
Authors: Jung Hong Geun , Lee Keun Bae , Cho Sang Gwon , Yoon Taek Rim
Published: August 2008

Background:

The optimal surgical management of Achilles tendon ruptures remains a topic of active debate. Recently, many authors have preferred the limited open method because it afforded sufficient visualization to ensure anatomic apposition of disrupted tendon fibers, minimized local blood supply disturbances, guaranteed free tendon movement, and produced excellent cosmesis. We report our initial experience with this technique and review the literature.

Materials and Methods:

The outcomes of 30 consecutive patients that underwent limited open repair for Achilles tendon rupture using Achillon® (Newdeal SA, Lyon, France) from June 2003 to May 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 20 men and 10 women, of average age 38.6 years, and the average followup period was 18.5 months. Twenty of the injuries were sports-related, eight were caused by a fall, and two by a laceration. The clinical results were assessed using patient satisfaction, the ankle-hindfoot scale of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and the occurrence of complications.

Results:

At last followup, sixteen patients were very satisfied, 11 were satisfied, and the remaining three were dissatisfied. Mean patient AOFAS score was 93.0 points. Surgical complications noted were re-rupture in two cases, deep infection in one, and sural nerve injury in one. All patients except the three patients with a re-rupture or infection, returned to work 2 months postoperatively and resumed light exercise at 3 months, and previous sporting activities by 6 months.

Conclusion:

The described limited open repair technique for Achilles tendon ruptures provided excellent cosmetic results, satisfactory functional results, and a high level of patient satisfaction. Level of Evidence: Level III, therapeutic study.
The Achillon® Achilles Tendon Repair: Is it Strong Enough?
Authors: Ismail Mohammed , Karim Amer , Shulman Ryan , Amis Andrew , Calder James
Published: August 2008

Background:

Open repair of the Achilles tendon is associated with wound breakdown, infection and percutaneous methods risk sural nerve injury. The Achillon® mini-incision technique can reduce these risks and may provide the opportunity for early active rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to compare the strength of the Achillon® method with the commonly used Kessler method and to assess whether the strength of the repair was related to tendon diameter.

Materials and Methods:

Simulated ruptures in sheep Achilles tendons were repaired using either the Achillon® method or a two-strand Kessler technique with a No. 2 Ticron suture (Tyco Healthcare, UK). Each tendon diameter was measured, and matched for both groups. Specimens were loaded to failure using an Instron tensile testing machine (Instron Limited, UK).

Results:

Mean load to failure for the Achillon® repair was 153 N ± 60 (range, 65 to 270), and the mean load to failure for the Kessler Repair was 123 N ± 24 (range, 75 to 150). This difference was not statistically significant ( p = 0.21). There was a statistically significant higher mean load to failure for wider tendons repaired by the Achillon® method ( p = 0.05), however mean load to failure was not related to tendon width in Kessler repairs ( p = 0.23).

Conclusion:

This is the first study to compare these two methods of repair. The Achillon® repair has comparable tensile strength to the Kessler Repair.

Clinical Relevance:

The Achillon® repair appears to be a biomechanically sound method of repair for the acutely ruptured Achilles tendon.
Comparison of Plantar Pressure, Clinical, and Radiographic Changes of the Forefoot after Biplanar Austin Osteotomy and Triplanar Boc Osteotomy in Patients with Mild Hallux Valgus
Authors: Cancilleri Francesco , Marinozzi Andrea , Martinelli Nicolò , Ippolito Massimiliano , Spiezia Filippo , Ronconi Paolo , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: August 2008

Background:

Boc's modification of the Austin procedure is a triplane distal osteotomy that achieves shortening and plantarflexion of the first metatarsal with a lateral translation of the metatarsal head. The clinical results and influence of the Austin and Boc osteotomies on plantar pressure have been compared retrospectively.

Materials and Methods:

The patients were divided into two groups: 30 Austin and 30 Boc osteotomies were performed with a mean followup of 37 (range, 29 to 56) months.

Results:

Sixty patients with mild hallux valgus deformities and central metatarsalgia, took part in the study. Pressure measurements were performed with a Diagnostic Support system® footplate. The average postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score of the Austin group was 81.9 and 86.4 for the Boc group. The pressure distributions under the fourth and fifth metatarsal head were comparable in both groups ( p > 0.05). The Austin group showed decreased load bearing under the hallux and the first metatarsal head ( p < 0.01), consistent with a persistent overloading of the second and third metatarsal head ( p > 0.05). The Boc group showed decreased weightbearing under the hallux with better load distribution beneath the second and the third metatarsal head ( p < 0.05). Correlation of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores and pressure variables confirmed a significant negative correlation with altered hallux and central metatarsal head loading ( p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

The Boc triplane osteotomy seems to restore more physiologic loading of the forefoot in comparison to the Austin procedure, reducing the incidence of painful callus under the second and third metatarsal head.
Treatment of Select Open Calcaneus Fractures with Reduction and Internal Fixation: An Intermediate-Term Review
Authors: Loutzenhiser Lonnie , Lawrence Steven J. , Donegan Ryan P.
Published: August 2008

Background:

Open calcaneal fractures are devastating, high-energy injuries frequently occurring in multiply-injured patients. Unsatisfactory outcomes with significant complications rates are frequently reported. Our purpose was to assess outcomes of delayed ORIF for open calcaneal fractures with medial hindfoot wounds and limited posterior facet comminution.

Materials and Methods:

Following acute management of the open fractures, seven patients were determined to have stable medial hindfoot wounds and posterior facet comminution of three or fewer fracture fragments. The average age was 32.5 years. These patients were treated with operative management with a plate-and-screw construct using the extensile lateral approach. RAND-36 Item Health, AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Survey, and physical examinations were undertaken to access outcomes.

Results:

All open calcaneal injuries were initially treated with irrigation and debridement, intravenous antibiotics, and plaster immobilization. Definitive fixation was performed at an average of 11.7 days. Six of seven patients were multiply injured. Prior to injury, five were employed on a full-time basis. Four returned to their original or a comparable job. The results of the RAND-36 Item Health Survey and the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot scores were 56.7 and 71, respectively. There were no postoperative infections. No patients required additional operative hindfoot procedures. Five continued to use tobacco products. None reported chronic narcotic usage.

Conclusion:

Aggressive treatment of select open calcaneal fractures with delayed ORIF produced satisfactory functional results. Most patients were able to return to gainful employment. There were no infections or wound complications.
Mid-Term Results of Futura Hemi-Great Toe Implants
Authors: Konkel Kurt Frederick , Menger Andrea Gayle , Retzlaff Sharon Ann
Published: August 2008

Background:

This study reviews our mid-term results and patient satisfaction using the Futura hemi-great toe implant.

Materials and Methods:

The authors were able to contact 11 of 15 patients. They were seen for chart review and mid-term evaluation.

Results:

All patients but one were improved and satisfied at mid-term followup (average, 8 years). The one unsatisfied patient had Grade IV arthritis at the time of surgery.

Conclusion:

Futura hemi-great toe implants lead to an 83% good to excellent mid-term results and over 92% patient satisfaction with no measureable subsidence of the implant over an 8-year average followup. Patients with Grade IV Hallux Rigidus should not be considered for Hemi-Great Toe implants and are probably best served with arthrodesis or interpositional arthroplasty at this time.
Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome in the Medial Compartment of the Foot
Authors: Jowett Andrew , Birks Christopher , Blackney Mark
Published: August 2008

Background:

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the foot has been previously described. There has been debate over the exact number and location of compartments. The involvement of the medial compartment has been consistently described in case reports; however, there is little in the orthopaedic literature on the exact anatomy for the fasciotomy and the resultant long term outcomes.

Materials and Methods:

We present the results of five patients (seven feet) who were surgically treated by medial compartment decompression, releasing both superficial and deep fascial layers. There were three females and two males, average age of 23 (17 to 34) years. Decompression was bilateral in one, sequential in one, and unilateral in three. Three patients also had surgical treatment of chronic compartment syndrome elsewhere in their lower limbs.

Results:

Preoperative post exertional compartment pressure measurements were 67.8 (32 to 114) mm at 1 minute and 50.2 (28 to 97) mm at 5 minutes. At an average of 21 (9 to 57) month followup, all but one patient had significant relief of their symptoms.

Conclusion:

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome may affect multiple compartments in the lower limb of a single patient. When affecting the medial compartment of the foot, release of the superficial and deep fascia is a reliable treatment. It is safe to perform bilaterally and in association with other lower limb decompressions as required.
The Distance between the Sural Nerve and Ideal Portal Placements in Lateral Subtalar Arthroscopy: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Tryfonidis Marios , Whitfield Christopher G. , Charalambous Charalambos P. , Baraza Wal K. , Blundell Chris , Sharp Robert J.
Published: August 2008

Background:

There have been limited studies assessing the relative safety of lateral portals for subtalar arthroscopy in terms of their distance from the sural nerve and its branches. The aim of this cadaveric study was to assess and compare the distance of lateral subtalar arthroscopy portal sites to the sural nerve and its branches.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty embalmed cadaveric lower limbs were dissected exposing the nerves and tendons and subtalar arthroscopy portals were replicated using pins. The anatomically important distances were measured with a digital caliper. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS for Windows 11.5 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL) using Friedman Tests and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests.

Results:

The median distance of the anterior and middle subtalar portals to the nearest nerve was 21.3 mm and 20.9 mm, respectively, and 11.4 mm for the posterior portal. There was no statistically significant difference between anterior and middle portals ( p = 0.87) but there was statistically significant difference between anterior versus posterior and middle versus posterior portals ( p = 0.001 in each comparison).

Conclusion:

The anterior and middle subtalar portals were both less likely to damage important structures than the posterior subtalar portal.

Clinical Relevance:

The results of this study can be of value to the surgeon when planning arthroscopic procedures to the subtalar joint from the lateral approach.
Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of the Plantar Fascia Due to the Windlass Mechanism
Authors: Cheng Hsin-Yi Kathy , Lin Chun-Li , Chou Shih-Wei , Wang Hsien-Wen
Published: August 2008

Background:

Tightening of plantar fascia by passively dorsiflexing the toes during walking has functional importance. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of big toe dorsiflexion angles upon plantar fascia tension (the windlass effect) with a nonlinear finite element approach.

Materials and Methods:

A two-dimensional finite element model of the first ray was constructed for biomechanical analysis. In order to imitate the windlass effect and to evaluate the mechanical responses of the plantar fascia under various conditions, 12 model simulations - three dorsiflexion angles of the big toe (45 degrees, 30 degrees, and 15 degrees), two plantar fascia properties (linear, nonlinear), and two weightbearing conditions (with body weight, without body weight) - were designed and analyzed.

Results:

Our results demonstrated that nonlinear modeling of the plantar fascia provides a more sophisticated representation of experimental data than the linear one. Nonlinear plantar fascia setting also predicted a higher stress distribution along the fiber directions especially with larger toe dorsiflexion angles (45 degrees > 30 degrees > 15 degrees). The plantar fascia stress was found higher near the metatarsal insertion and faded as it moved toward the calcaneal insertion.

Conclusion:

Passively dorsiflexing the big toe imposes tension onto the plantar fascia. Windlass mechanism also occurs during stance phase of walking while the toes begin to dorsiflex. From a biomechanical standpoint, the plantar fascia tension may help propel the body upon its release at the point of push off.

Clinical Relevance:

A controlled stretch via dorsiflexing the big toe may have a positive effect on treating plantar fasciitis by providing proper guidance for collagen regeneration. The windlass mechanism is also active during the stance phase of walking when the toes begin to dorsiflex.
Ramping Up
Authors: Flanagan David , Wylie Lisa
Published: August 2008

Up, up and away: An increased ISI Impact Factor for 2007 shows that Advanced Materials continues to enjoy the complete confidence of the community when it comes to publishing the top research in materials science. Falling publication times and an expansion of the editorial team this year means that we are better equipped than ever to bring our readers the best in materials science.
Temporal variation and interaction between nutritional and developmental instability in prehistoric Japanese populations
Authors: Hoover Kara C. , Matsumura Hirofumi
Published: August 2008

We examined nutritional and developmental instability in prehistoric Japan, using data from 49 individuals across 13 archaeological sites. Hypoplasia incidence was used as a measure of nutritional stress, and fluctuating asymmetry (of upper facial breath, orbital breadth, and orbital height) as an indirect assessment of developmental instability. Abundant resources due to a stable climate during the Middle Jomon (5,000–3,000 BP) encouraged population growth, which led to regional cultural homogeneity and complexity. A population crash on Honshu in the Late/Final Jomon (roughly 4,000–2,000 BP) led to regionally divergent subsistence economies and settlement patterns. We find that the nutritional stress was consistent between periods, but developmental instability (DI) decreased in the Late/Final Jomon. While the DI values were not statistically significant, the higher values for Middle Jomon may result from sedentism, social stratification, and differential access to resources. On Hokkaido, Jomon culture persisted until the Okhotsk period (1,000–600 BP), marked by the arrival of immigrants from Sakhalin. Nutritional stress was consistent between Middle and Late/Final Jomon, but DI increased in the Late/Final. Nutritional and developmental instability decreased from Late/Final to Okhotsk, suggesting a positive immigrant effect. We expected to find an association between stress markers due to the synergistic relationship between nutrition and pathology. The data support this hypothesis, but only one finding was statistically significant. While high critical values from small sample sizes place limits on the significance of our results, we find that the impact of environmental and cultural change to prehistoric Japanese populations was minimal. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is Central Asia the eastern outpost of the Neandertal range? A reassessment of the Teshik‐Tash child
Authors: Glantz Michelle , Athreya Sheela , Ritzman Terrence
Published: August 2008

Since its discovery in southeastern Uzbekistan in 1938, the Teshik‐Tash child has been considered a Neandertal. Its affinity is important to studies of Late Pleistocene hominin growth and development as well as interpretations of the Central Asian Middle Paleolithic and the geographic distribution of Neandertals. A close examination of the original Russian monograph reveals the incompleteness of key morphologies associated with the cranial base and face and problems with the reconstruction of the Teshik‐Tash cranium, making its Neandertal attribution less certain than previously assumed. This study reassesses the Neandertal status of Teshik‐Tash 1 by comparing it to a sample of Neandertal, Middle and Upper Paleolithic modern humans, and recent human sub‐adults. Separate examinations of the cranium and mandible are conducted using multinomial logistic regression and discriminant function analysis to assess group membership. Results of the cranial analysis group Teshik‐Tash with Upper Paleolithic modern humans when variables are not size‐standardized, while results of the mandibular analysis place the specimen with recent modern humans for both raw and size‐standardized data. Although these results are influenced by limitations related to the incomplete nature of the comparative sample, they suggest that the morphology of Teshik‐Tash 1 as expressed in craniometrics is equivocal. Although, further quantitative studies as well as additional sub‐adult fossil finds from this region are needed to ascertain the morphological pattern of this specimen specifically, and Central Asian Middle Paleolithic hominins in general, these results challenge current characterizations of this territory as the eastern boundary of the Neandertal range during the Late Pleistocene. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: Dental development and enamel thickness in the Lakonis Neanderthal molar
Authors: Smith T.M. , Harvati K. , Olejniczak A.J. , Reid D.J. , Hublin J.‐J. , Panagopoulou E.
Published: August 2008

Developmental and structural affinities between modern human and Neanderthal dental remains continue to be a subject of debate as well as their utility for informing assessments of life history and taxonomy. Excavation of the Middle Paleolithic cave site Lakonis in southern Greece has yielded a lower third molar (LKH 1). Here, we detail the crown development and enamel thickness of the distal cusps of the LKH 1 specimen, which has been classified as a Neanderthal based on the presence of an anterior fovea and mid‐trigonid crest. Crown formation was determined using standard histological techniques, and enamel thickness was measured from a virtual plane of section. Developmental differences include thinner cuspal enamel and a lower periodicity than modern humans. Crown formation in the LKH 1 hypoconid is estimated to be 2.6–2.7 years, which is shorter than modern human times. The LKH 1 hypoconid also shows a more rapid overall crown extension rate than modern humans. Relative enamel thickness was approximately half that of a modern human sample mean; enamel on the distal cusps of modern human third molars is extremely thick in absolute and relative terms. These findings are consistent with recent studies that demonstrate differences in crown development, tissue proportions, and enamel thickness between Neanderthals and modern humans. Although overlap in some developmental variables may be found, the results of this and other studies suggest that Neanderthal molars formed in shorter periods of time than modern humans, due in part to thinner enamel and faster crown extension rates. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Technical note: Standardized and semiautomated Harris lines detection
Authors: Suter S. , Harders M. , Papageorgopoulou C. , Kuhn G. , Székely G. , Rühli F.J.
Published: August 2008

Arrest in long bone growth and the subsequent resumption of growth may be visible as radiopaque transverse lines in radiographs (Harris lines, HL; Harris, HA. 1933. Bone growth in health and disease. London: Oxford University Press). The assessment of individual age at occurrence of such lines, as part of paleopathological skeletal studies, is time‐consuming and shows large intra‐ and interobserver variability. Thus, a standardized, automated detection algorithm would help to increase the validity of such paleopathological research. We present an image analysis application facilitating automatic detection of HL. On the basis of established age calculation methods, the individual age‐at‐formation can be automatically assessed with the tool presented. Additional user input to confirm the automatic result is possible via an intuitive graphical user interface. Automated detection of HL from digital radiographs of a sample of late Medieval Swiss tibiae was compared to the consensus of manual assessment by two blinded expert observers. The intra‐ and interobserver variability was high. The quality of the observer result improved when standardized detection criteria were defined and applied. The newly developed algorithm detected two‐thirds of the HL that were identified as consensus lines between the observers. It was, however, necessary to validate the last one‐third by manual editing. The lack of a large test series must be noted. The application is freely available for further testing by any interested researcher. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Allometry of facial mobility in anthropoid primates: Implications for the evolution of facial expression
Authors: Dobson Seth D.
Published: August 2008

Body size may be an important factor influencing the evolution of facial expression in anthropoid primates due to allometric constraints on the perception of facial movements. Given this hypothesis, I tested the prediction that observed facial mobility is positively correlated with body size in a comparative sample of nonhuman anthropoids. Facial mobility, or the variety of facial movements a species can produce, was estimated using a novel application of the Facial Action Coding System (FACS). I used FACS to estimate facial mobility in 12 nonhuman anthropoid species, based on video recordings of facial activity in zoo animals. Body mass data were taken from the literature. I used phylogenetic generalized least squares (PGLS) to perform a multiple regression analysis with facial mobility as the dependent variable and two independent variables: log body mass and dummy‐coded infraorder. Together, body mass and infraorder explain 92% of the variance in facial mobility. However, the partial effect of body mass is much stronger than for infraorder. The results of my study suggest that allometry is an important constraint on the evolution of facial mobility, which may limit the complexity of facial expression in smaller species. More work is needed to clarify the perceptual bases of this allometric pattern. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
mtDNA and Y‐chromosome variation in the Talysh of Iran and Azerbaijan
Authors: Nasidze Ivan , Quinque Dominique , Rahmani Manijeh , Alemohamad Seyed Ali , Asadova Pervin , Zhukova Olga , Stoneking Mark
Published: August 2008

The Northern Talysh from Azerbaijan and the Southern Talysh from Iran self‐identify as one ethnic group and speak a Northwestern Iranian language. However, the Northern and Southern Talysh dialects are so different that they may actually be separate languages. Does this linguistic differentiation reflect internal change due to isolation, or could contact‐induced change have played a role? We analyzed mtDNA HVI sequences, 11 Y‐chromosome bi‐allelic markers, and 9 Y‐STR loci in Northern and Southern Talysh and compared them with their neighboring groups. The mtDNA data show a close relatedness of both groups with each other and with neighboring groups, whereas the Northern Talysh Y‐chromosome variation differs from that of neighboring groups, probably as a result of genetic drift. This genetic drift most likely reflects a founder event in the male gene pool of Northern Talysh: either fewer males than females migrated to Azerbaijan, or there was a higher degree of relatedness among the male migrants. Since we find no evidence of substantial genetic contact between either Northern or Southern Talysh and neighboring groups, we conclude that internal change, rather than contact‐induced change, most likely explains the linguistic differentiation between Northern and Southern Talysh. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relative limb strength and locomotion in Homo habilis
Authors: Ruff Christopher
Published: August 2008

The Homo habilis OH 62 partial skeleton has played an important, although controversial role in interpretations of early Homo locomotor behavior. Past interpretive problems stemmed from uncertain bone length estimates and comparisons using external bone breadth proportions, which do not clearly distinguish between modern humans and apes. Here, true cross‐sectional bone strength measurements of the OH 62 femur and humerus are compared with those of modern humans and chimpanzees, as well as two early H. erectus specimens—KNM‐WT 15000 and KNM‐ER 1808. The comparative sections include two locations in the femur and two in the humerus in order to encompass the range of possible section positions in the OH 62 specimens. For each combination of section locations, femoral to humeral strength proportions of OH 62 fall below the 95% confidence interval of modern humans, and for most comparisons, within the 95% confidence interval of chimpanzees. In contrast, the two H. erectus specimens both fall within or even above the modern human distributions. This indicates that load distribution between the limbs, and by implication, locomotor behavior, was significantly different in H. habilis from that of H. erectus and modern humans. When considered with other postcranial evidence, the most likely interpretation is that H. habilis, although bipedal when terrestrial, still engaged in frequent arboreal behavior, while H. erectus was a completely committed terrestrial biped. This adds to the evidence that H. habilis (sensu stricto) and H. erectus represent ecologically distinct, parallel lineages during the early Pleistocene. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Growth in colony living anubis baboon infants and its relationship with maternal activity budgets and reproductive status
Authors: Garcia Cécile , Lee Phyllis C. , Rosetta Lyliane
Published: August 2008

Early growth is of interest because it is susceptible to maternal effects and linked to fitness components for a range of species. Here we present anthropometric measurements on 23 infant olive baboons born into a captive colony in order to describe growth over the first 2 years of life, to explore maternal influences on growth, and to assess the impact of growth profiles on maternal reproduction. Six main findings emerged: 1) Infant growth rates in our colony were higher than those reported for wild populations but comparable to those observed for food‐enhanced animals. 2) The ratio of infant mass to maternal mass was positively associated with reproductive parameters, such as duration of post‐partum amenorrhea and interbirth interval. 3) Mothers resumed cycling and reconceived when their infants attained a relatively consistent threshold mass. 4) Infant mass‐for‐age was associated with maternal rank and, independently, with maternal mass such that females of high dominance rank and heavy females had relatively large infants at their resumption of cycling. 5) Low‐ranking and lighter females had longer investment periods but smaller infants. They continued investment in infant through prolonged lactation until their infants reached a mass similar to that of infants of high‐ranking/heavy mothers, suggesting that the lengthening of investment is essentially compensatory for slow early growth. 6) There was no relationship between infant growth and maternal activity budgets. Maternal physical and social factors, not energetics, contributed to differences among infants in growth trajectories, and infant growth temporally influenced successive reproductive events. Am J Phys Anthropol 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rhesus macaque milk: Magnitude, sources, and consequences of individual variation over lactation
Authors: Hinde Katherine , Power Michael L. , Oftedal Olav T.
Published: August 2008

Lactation represents the greatest postnatal energetic expenditure for mammalian mothers, and a mother's ability to sustain the costs of lactation is influenced by her physical condition. Mothers in good condition may produce infants who weigh more, grow faster, and are more likely to survive than the infants of mothers in poor condition. These effects may be partially mediated through the quantity and quality of milk that mothers produce during lactation. However, we know relatively little about the relationships between maternal condition, milk composition, milk yield, and infant outcomes. Here, we present the first systematic investigation of the magnitude, sources, and consequences of individual variation in milk for an Old World monkey. Rhesus macaques produce dilute milk typical of the primate order, but there was substantial variation among mothers in the composition and amount of milk they produced and thus in the milk energy available to infants. Relative milk yield value (MYV), the grams of milk obtained by mammary evacuation after 3.5–4 h of maternal‐infant separation, increased with maternal parity and was positively associated with infant weight. Both milk gross energy (GE) and MYV increased during lactation as infants aged. There was, however, a trade‐off; those mothers with greater increases in GE had smaller increases in MYV, and their infants grew more slowly. These results from a well‐fed captive population demonstrate that differences between mothers can have important implications for milk synthesis and infant outcome. Am J Phys Anthropol 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new method for estimating age‐at‐death from the first rib
Authors: DiGangi Elizabeth A. , Bethard Jonathan D. , Kimmerle Erin H. , Konigsberg Lyle W.
Published: August 2008

A new method for estimating adult age‐at‐death from the first rib was developed as a modification of the Kunos et al. (Am J Phys Anthropol 110 (1999) 303–323) method. Data were collected on three aspects of the first rib (costal face, rib head, and tubercle facet) for 470 known‐age males of Balkan ancestry collected as evidence during investigations conducted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Ages‐at‐death range from 12 to 90 years (mean of 47.7 years). Several variables were extracted from the original study utilizing all three skeletal aspects of the first rib. This list was modified to 11 variables as preliminary tests on seriations of the samples were undertaken. A cumulative probit model with age measured on a log scale was used to calculate the mean and standard deviation of the ages‐of‐transition for each component. Multivariate analysis of the three components was also performed. The lowest correlation (r= 0.079, controlling for age) was between the geometric shape of the costal face and the surface texture of the tubercle facet. Assuming a correlation of zero, these two traits were used to calculate the highest posterior density regions for estimating individual ages‐at‐death. Age‐at‐death estimates generated from 50 and 95% posterior density regions indicate that this method captures age‐related change reaching the ninth decade. The Bayesian statistical approach used here produced a valuable and promising new method for estimating age‐at‐death. Additional research is necessary to determine if these highest posterior density regions produce results highly correlated with age in other samples and its applicability to females. Am J Phys Anthropol 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.