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Background and Objective: To analyse the range of motion of the thoracic spine by radiographically measuring changes in the sagittal profile of different thoracic segments during maximal inspiration and exhalation. The starting hypothesis was that forced deep breathing requires an active, but non-uniform widening of the lordotic–kyphotic range of motion of the different thoracic segments.Methods: Cross-sectional study. Participants were 40 healthy volunteers aged 21–60. Conventional anteroposterior and functional sagittal chest radiographs were performed during maximal inspiration and exhalation. The range of motion of each spinal thoracic functional segment, global T1–T12 motion, and the sagittal displacement of the thoracic column during breathing were measured. Considering the different type of ribs and their attachment the spine and sternum, thoracic segments were grouped in T1–T7, T7–T10, and T10–T12. The displacement of the thoracic spine with respect to the sternum and manubrium was also recorded.Results: The mean difference from inspiration to exhalation in the T1–T12 physiologic kyphosis was 15.9° ± 4.6°, reflecting the flexibility of the thoracic spine during deep breathing (30.2%). The range of motion was wider in the caudal hemicurve than in the cranial hemicurve, indicating more flexibility of the caudal component of the thoracic kyphosis. A wide range of motion from inspiration to exhalation was found at T7–T10, responsible for 73% of T1–T12 sagittal movement. When the sample was stratified according to age ranges (20–30, 30–45, and 45–60 yr.), none of the measurements for inspiration or exhalation showed statistically significant differences.Only changes at this level showed a positive correlation with changes in the global thoracic kyphosis (r = 0.794, p <0.001).Conclusion: The range of motion of the thoracic spine plays a relevant role in respiration dynamics. Maximal inspiration appears to be highly dependent on the angular movements of the T7–T10 segment.

This study was carried out to assess the effect of fasting and feeding on growth, intestinal morphology and density of cholecystokinin (CCK‐) and neuropeptide Y (NPY‐) immunoreactive cells in Rhamdia quelen. Fish were fed during 30 days with three commercial feeds containing different protein levels (T1 = 25%, T2 = 30% and T3 = 45%) while one group remained food deprived (T0). Our results show that the T3 group presented higher final mean weight and specific growth rate, while food‐deprived group showed a significant weight loss. Histological analyses showed that the epithelial area of the intestine was significantly affected by fasting. Also, immunohistochemical analyses showed changes in enteroendocrine cells density, according to nutritional status. Cholecystokinin cell density was higher in T2 and T3 groups, while no differences in NPY cell density were observed between fed groups. Neuropeptide Y and CCK cell densities decreased in fasted group. Nevertheless, this group presented a higher NPY:CCK cell ratio (5:1) compared to fed groups (1–1.5:1), suggesting NPY acts as a peripheral orexigenic factor. These results show that the structure and endocrine functions of R. quelen intestine respond with a downregulation mechanism to endure long‐term starvation.

Introduction Distal chevron osteotomy is commonly used for the operative treatment of hallux valgus (HV). However, there are several operative procedures that can be used to treat HV. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of distal chevron osteotomy with different operative procedures. Materials and methods A systematic search was conducted using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The variables were radiological (hallux metatarsal phalangeal angle [HVA] and intermetatarsal angle [IMA]) and clinical (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Score [AOFAS]). Heterogeneity was assessed with chi2 and I2 statistics. A random effects model was used for significant heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated with funnel plots. Results Ten studies involving 985 patients were evaluated in the meta-analysis. Distal chevron osteotomy was associated with a mean IMA correction 2.18° greater than the scarf procedure (MD − 2.18; 95% CI − 3.67, − 0.69; p = 0.004; I2 = 0%). In addition, the proximal chevron was associated with a mean IMA correction 1.08° greater than the distal chevron (MD − 1.08; 95% CI − 1.86, − 0.29; p = 0.007; I2 = 0%). The AOFAS assessment showed an overall advantage of 3.2 points in favor of the Lingdren group compared with distal chevron osteotomy (MD 3.20; 95% CI 0.37, 6.04; p = 0.03; I2 = 0%). Conclusions Our findings indicate that distal chevron osteotomy provides a greater HVA correction than scarf osteotomy, and proximal chevron provides a larger IMA correction than distal chevron osteotomy. Lingdren osteotomy provides a greater AOFAS correction than distal chevron osteotomy. Level of evidence Level I, meta-analysis.

Objective: The aim of the current study was to compare pressures exerted on the lower limb by a high compression bandage as recorded by sub-bandage sensors and those estimated by Laplace's law. The correlation between pressures obtained in each anatomical zone and the corresponding limb perimeters were explored. Method: For the measurement of sub-bandage pressures, four anatomical zones in the lower right limb were determined. Pressures were recorded by nine pneumatic sensors and a PicoPress transducer. A two-layer compression bandage system (UrgoK2, Urgo Group, France) was used for the dressing. Pressures were registered in supine position. Sensor pressures were compared with those estimated by a modified Laplace's equation. Results: A total of 47 female volunteers were recruited (mean age: 21.9±2.3 years) to the study. In the four anatomical segments studied, pressures obtained by the sensors were lower than would be expected by applying Laplace's law (p<0.05). The biggest difference between the two methods was found at the supramalleolar level (42.1% lower by sensors compared with Laplace's equation). The correlation coefficient between pressure recorded by the sensors and that calculated at the perimeters was very weak, ranging from 0.5233 to 0.9634. Conclusion: Laplace's law, used to predict the sub-bandage pressure after applying a compressive bandage in the lower limb, was not useful, providing significantly higher pressures than those obtained by pneumatic sensors. Laplace's law underestimates the variable musculoskeletal components at the different segments of lower limb that act as compression damping forces.

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