Influence of phase of respiratory cycle on ultrasound imaging of deep abdominal muscle thickness.

Background: It is difficult to evaluate the transversus abdominis (TrA) and internal oblique (IO) due to their dual role in both trunk control and breathing.

Objectives: To investigate whether TrA and IO thickness as measured by ultrasound differs across the respiratory cycle in upright standing.

Design: Observational study.

Environmental Fate of RNA Interference Pesticides: Adsorption and Degradation of Double-Stranded RNA Molecules in Agricultural Soils.

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) pesticides are a new generation of crop protectants that interfere with protein expression in targeted pest insects by a cellular mechanism called RNA interference (RNAi). The ecological risk assessment of these emerging pesticides necessitates an understanding of the fate of dsRNA molecules in receiving environments, among which agricultural soils are most important. We herein present an experimental approach using phosphorus-32 (P)-radiolabeled dsRNA that allows studying key fate processes of dsRNA in soils with unprecedented sensitivity.

Functioning Without Cartilage: Older People With Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis Who Self-Report No Functional Limitations Do Score Lower on a Performance Battery.

The majority of the older population shows signs of radiographic knee osteoarthritis. However, many remain without functional complaints for a long period. This study aims to find early functional changes associated with stages of radiographic knee osteoarthritis.

Mosquito Rasputin interacts with chikungunya virus nsP3 and determines the infection rate in Aedes albopictus.

Background: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthritogenic alphavirus (family Togaviridae), transmitted by Aedes species mosquitoes. CHIKV re-emerged in 2004 with multiple outbreaks worldwide and recently reached the Americas where it has infected over a million individuals in a rapidly expanding epidemic. While alphavirus replication is well understood in general, the specific function (s) of non-structural protein nsP3 remain elusive.

Effects of self-reported osteoarthritis on physical performance: a longitudinal study with a 10-year follow-up.

Background And Aims: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee or hip is associated with limitations in activities of daily life. There are only a few long-term studies on how knee or hip OA affects the course of physical performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of knee or hip OA on physical performance during a follow-up period of 10 years.

Effect of stimulation intensity on assessment of voluntary activation.

Introduction: The interpolated twitch technique is often used to assess voluntary activation (VA) of skeletal muscles. We investigated VA and the voluntary torque-superimposed torque relationship using either supramaximal nerve stimulation or better tolerated submaximal muscle stimulation, which is often used with patients.

Methods: Thirteen healthy subjects performed maximal and submaximal isometric knee extensions with superimposed maximal or submaximal doublets (100 Hz).