Low Energy Turnover of Physically Inactive Participants as a Determinant of Insufficient Mineral and Vitamin Intake in NHANES.

Micronutrient requirements do not scale linearly with physical activity-related energy expenditure (AEE). Inactive persons may have insufficient micronutrient intake because of low energy intake (EI). We extracted data from NHANES 2003-2006 on 4015 adults (53 ± 18 years (mean ± SD), 29 ± 6 kg/m², 48% women) with valid physical activity (accelerometry) and food intake (2 × 24 h-dietary recall) measures. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was estimated by summing the basal metabolic rate (BMR, Harris-Benedict), AEE, and 10% of TEE for the thermic effect of food, to calculate the physical activity levels (PAL = TEE/BMR). Energy intake (EI) was scaled to match TEE assuming energy balance. Adjusted food intake was then analyzed for energy and micronutrient content and compared to estimated average requirements. The NHANES population was physically insufficiently active. There were 2440 inactive (PAL < 1.4), 1469 lightly to moderately active (PAL1.4 < 1.7), 94 sufficiently active (PAL1.7 < 2.0), and 12 very active participants (PAL ≥ 2.0). The inactive vs. active had significantly lower intake for all micronutrients apart from vitamin A, B12, C, K, and copper ( <i>p</i> < 0.05). The inactive participants had insufficient intake for 6/19 micronutrients, while the active participants had insufficient intake for 5/19 ( <i>p</i> < 0.05) micronutrients. Multiple linear regression indicated a lower risk for insufficient micronutrient intake for participants with higher PAL and BMI ( <i>p</i> < 0.001). Symmetrical up-scaling of PAL and EI to recommended physical activity levels reduced the frequency of micronutrient insufficiencies. It follows that prevalence of insufficient micronutrient intake from food in NHANES might be partly determined by low energy turnover from insufficient PAL

Molecular characterization of two common Chadian cattle breeds

In previous studies, significant differences in Mycobacterium bovis infection prevalence was reported between two Chadian cattle breeds. Those findings and the established differentiation due to phenotypic characteristics suggest that the two breeds (Arab and Mbororo) are genetically different. To evaluate the genetic structure and the differences between these breeds, the genetic diversity within and between breeds was evaluated based on a total of 205 multilocus genotypes (21 microsatellite loci). All of the loci under investigation were polymorphic and the number of alleles ranged from 4 to14 within the two populations. The analysis of population fixation resulted in a FST value of 0.006. Further the population assignment of the individual genotypes and the exact test of population differentiation did not support the hypothesis that the samples drawn from the two populations are genetically different. Population admixture and sample collection are discussed as possible reasons for the rejection of the hypothesis. Finally, recommendations for sample collection in extensive systems are give

Genome-wide association study for 13 udder traits from linear type classification in cattle

Udder conformation traits are known to correlate with the incidence of clinical mastitis and the length of productive life. The results of a genome-wide association study based on imputed high-density genotypes of 1,637 -Brown Swiss sires and de-regressed breeding values for 13 udder traits are presented here. For seven traits significant signals could be observed in five regions on BTA3, BTA5, BTA6, BTA17, and BTA25. For fore udder length and teats diameter significant SNPs were found in a known region around 90 Mb on BTA6. For the trait rear udder height significant SNPs are positioned in the coding region of the SNX29gene. Several significant SNPs around 62 Mb on BTA17 are associated with the traits rear udder width, frontteat placement and rear teat placement. The function of potential candidate genes and the influence of substructure will be addressed as next steps

Extent of posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fracture correlates with anterolateral complex injury and has an impact on functional outcome after ACL reconstruction

PURPOSE The impact of posterolateral tibial plateau impaction fractures (TPIF) on posttraumatic knee stability in the setting of primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is unknown. The main objective was to determine whether increased bone loss of the posterolateral tibial plateau is associated with residual rotational instability and impaired functional outcome after ACL reconstruction. METHODS A cohort was identified in a prospective enrolled study of patients suffering acute ACL injury who underwent preoperative standard radiographic diagnostics and clinical evaluation. Patients were included when scheduled for isolated single-bundle hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction. Exclusion criteria were concurrent anterolateral complex (ALC) reconstruction (anterolateral tenodesis), previous surgery or symptoms in the affected knee, partial ACL tear, multi-ligament injury with an indication for additional surgical intervention, and extensive cartilage wear. On MRI, bony (TPIF, tibial plateau, and femoral condyle morphology) and ligament status (ALC, concomitant collateral ligament, and meniscus injuries) were assessed by a musculoskeletal radiologist. Clinical evaluation consisted of KT-1000, pivot-shift, and Lachman testing, as well as Tegner activity and IKDC scores. RESULTS Fifty-eight patients were included with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. TPIF was identified in 85% of ACL injuries (n = 49). The ALC was found to be injured in 31 of 58 (53.4%) cases. Pearson analysis showed a positive correlation between TPIF and the degree of concomitant ALC injury (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed an increased association of high-grade TPIF with increased lateral tibial convexity (p = 0.010). The high-grade TPIF group showed worse postoperative Tegner scores 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION Higher degrees of TPIFs are suggestive of a combined ACL/ALC injury. Moreover, patients with increased posterolateral tibial plateau bone loss showed lower Tegner activity scores 12 months after ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

Tibial tunnel enlargement is affected by the tunnel diameter-screw ratio in tibial hybrid fixation for hamstring ACL reconstruction

INTRODUCTION There is no evidence on screw diameter with regards to tunnel size in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using hybrid fixation devices. The hypothesis was that an undersized tunnel coverage by the tibial screw leads to subsequent tunnel enlargement in ACLR in hybrid fixation technique. METHODS In a retrospective case series, radiographs and clinical scores of 103 patients who underwent primary hamstring tendon ACLR with a hybrid fixation technique at the tibial site (interference screw and suspensory fixation) were obtained. Tunnel diameters in the frontal and sagittal planes were measured on radiographs 6 weeks and 12 months postoperatively. Tunnel enlargement of more than 10% between the two periods was defined as tunnel widening. Tunnel coverage ratio was calculated as the tunnel diameter covered by the screw in percentage. RESULTS Overall, tunnel widening 12 months postoperatively was 23.1 ± 17.1% and 24.2 ± 18.2% in the frontal and sagittal plane, respectively. Linear regression analysis revealed the tunnel coverage ratio to be a negative predicting risk factor for tunnel widening (p = 0.001). The ROC curve analysis provided an ideal cut-off for tunnel enlargement of > 10% at a tunnel coverage ratio of 70% (sensitivity 60%, specificity 81%, AUC 75%, p  10% in the frontal plane if the tunnel coverage ratio was < 70% (sagittal plane: OR 14.7, p = 0.001). Clinical scores did not correlate to tunnel widening. CONCLUSION Tibial tunnel widening was affected by the tunnel diameter coverage ratio. To minimize the likelihood of disadvantageous tunnel expansion-which is of importance in case of revision surgery-an interference screw should not undercut the tunnel diameter by more than 1 mm

The Unloading Effect of Supramalleolar Versus Sliding Calcaneal Osteotomy for Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Medial Talus: A Biomechanical Study

BACKGROUND In patients with osteochondral lesion, defects of the medial talus, or failed cartilage surgery, a periarticular osteotomy can unload the medial compartment. PURPOSE To compare the effects of supramalleolar osteotomy (SMOT) versus sliding calcaneal osteotomy (SCO) for pressure redistribution and unloading of the medial ankle joint in normal, varus-aligned, and valgus-aligned distal tibiae. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS Included were 8 cadaveric lower legs with verified neutral ankle alignment (lateral distal tibial angle [LDTA] = 0°) and hindfoot valgus within normal range (0°-10°). SMOT was performed to modify LDTA between 5° valgus, neutral, and 5° varus. In addition, a 10-mm lateral SCO was performed and tested in each position in random order. Axial loading (700 N) of the tibia was applied with the foot in neutral alignment in a customized testing frame. Pressure distribution in the ankle joint and subtalar joint, center of force, and contact area were recorded using high-resolution Tekscan pressure sensors. RESULTS At neutral tibial alignment, SCO unloaded the medial joint by a mean of 10% ± 10% or 66 ± 51 N (P = .04) compared with 6% ± 12% or 55 ± 72 N with SMOT to 5° valgus (P = .12). The achieved deload was not significantly different (ns) between techniques. In ankles with 5° varus alignment at baseline, SMOT to correct LDTA to neutral insufficiently addressed pressure redistribution and increased medial load by 6% ± 9% or 34 ± 33 N (ns). LDTA correction to 5° valgus (10° SMOT) unloaded the medial joint by 0.4% ± 14% or 20 ± 75 N (ns) compared with 9% ± 11% or 36 ± 45 N with SCO (ns). SCO was significantly superior to 5° SMOT (P = .017) but not 10° SMOT. The subtalar joint was affected by both SCO and SMOT, where SCO unloaded but SMOT loaded the medial side. CONCLUSION SCO reliably unloaded the medial compartment of the ankle joint for a neutral tibial axis. Changes in the LDTA by SMOT did not positively affect load distribution, especially in varus alignment. The subtalar joint was affected by SCO and SMOT in opposite ways, which should be considered in the treatment algorithm. CLINICAL RELEVANCE SCO may be considered a reliable option for beneficial load-shifting in ankles with neutral alignment or 5° varus malalignment

Colloid-Facilitated Transport of Radionuclides Through The Vadose Zone

The main purpose of this project was to advance the basic scientific understanding of colloid and colloid-facilitated Cs transport of radionuclides in the vadose zone. We focused our research on the hydrological and geochemical conditions beneath the leadking waste tanks at the USDOE Hanford reservation. Specific objectives were (1) to determine the lability and thermodynamic stability of colloidal materials, which form after reacting Hanford sediments with simulated Hanford Tank Waste, (2) to characterize the interactions between colloidal particles and contaminants, i.e., Cs and Eu, (3) to determine the potential of Hanford sediments for in situe mobilization of colloids, (4) to evaluate colloid-facilitated radionuclide transport through sediments under unsaturated flow, (5) to implement colloid-facilitated contaminant transport mechanisms into a transport model, and (6) to improve conceptual characterization of colloid-contaminant-soil interactions and colloid-facilitated transport for clean-up procedures and long-term risk assessment

Colloid-Facilitated Transport of Radionuclides through the Vadose Zone

This project seeks to improve the basic understanding of the role of colloids in facilitating the transport of contaminants in the vadose zone. We focus on three major thrusts: (1) thermodynamic stability and mobility of colloids formed by reactions of sediments with highly alkaline tank waste solutions, (2) colloid-contaminant interactions, and (3) in situ colloid mobilization and colloid-facilitated contaminant transport occurring in both contaminated and uncontaminated Hanford sediments

Colloid-Facilitated Transport of Radionuclides through the Vadose Zone

The main purpose of this project was to advance the basic scientific understanding of colloid and colloid-facilitated Cs transport of radionuclides in the vadose zone. We focused our research on the hydrological and geochemical conditions beneath the leaking waste tanks at the USDOE Hanford reservation. Specific objectives were (1) to determine the lability and thermodynamic stability of colloidal materials, which form after reacting Hanford sediments with simulated Hanford Tank Waste, (2) to characterize the interactions between colloidal particles and contaminants, i.e., Cs and Eu, (3) to determine the potential of Hanford sediments for \textit{in situ} mobilization of colloids, (4) to evaluate colloid-facilitated radionuclide transport through sediments under unsaturated flow, (5) to implement colloid-facilitated contaminant transport mechanisms into a transport model, and (6) to improve conceptual characterization of colloid-contaminant-soil interactions and colloid-facili\-tated transport for clean-up procedures and long-term risk assessment. We have previously shown that upon contact with simulated waste tank solutions, Hanford sediments change their mineralogical composition. Certain minerals, i.e., quartz, smectite, and kaolinite, are partially dissolved, and new mineral phases, i.e., the feldspathoids cancrinite and sodalite, are formed. We have characterized these mineral transformations and clarified the mineral transformation pathways. The new minerals were mainly in the colloidal size fraction (diameter less than 2 mum), had a negative surface charge, and were microporous, meaning they contained small pores. When Cs was present during the formation of the minerals, contaminants, like Cs, could be trapped inside the mineral structure. Transport experiments under water saturated and unsaturated conditions showed that the colloids were mobile in Hanford sediments. As the water saturation of the sediments decreased, the amount of colloids transported also decreased. The colloids had the ability to enhance the migration of the radionuclide Cs; however, Cs initially sorbed to colloids was desorbed during transport through uncontaminated Hanford sediments. The finding that Cs was stripped off the colloids during the transport through uncontaminated sediments implies that colloids will likely not be an effective carrier for Cs, unless the Cs is incorporated into the mineral structure of the colloids such that the radionuclide cannot desorb from the colloids. Nevertheless, it appears that the amount of Cs that can be transported by mobile colloids beneath Hanford waste tanks is limited. Colloids will not be able to move the bulk mass of Cs through the vadose zone at Hanford. Colloid stability studies indicate that Hanford sediment form stable colloidal suspensions when suspended in Hanford sediment pore waters. Colloid stability was assessed by determination of the critical coagulation concentration, i.e., the chemical electrolyte concentration at which colloidal suspensions flocculate and settle out (become unstable). Although in the stable mode, Hanford colloids will settle out of solution after extended periods of time (months to years). Given the low recharge rates at Hanford range, which from near 0 to more than 100 mm/year, and the long travel times for rainwater to reach the groundwater of more than 40 years, it appears that colloidal transport is unlikely to occur if colloids are initially to be suspended close to the soil surface by infiltrating rainwater. However, if preferential flow or transient flow occurs, then colloidal transport may become more important. The results of this project have also led to improvements of our fundamental understanding of colloid transport and mobilization under unsaturated flow conditions in porous media. We have found that colloid attachment to the liquid-gas interface is not that relevant and that colloids rather attached near the triple phase interface where air, water, and solid phases meet. We have also found that capillary forces are the most dominant forces governing colloid release in unsaturated porous media. These results help to advance our understanding of colloid fate and transport in unsaturated porous media