Abstract: To evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) angular displacement (Roll, Yaw, and Pitch) of the upper cervical vertebrae (C1, C2, and C3) in patients with severe mandibular deviation (MD) due to condylar hyperplasia (CH), utilizing a computed tomography (CT)-based segmentation approach. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 50 patients with MD ≥6 mm caused by hemimandibular elongation (HE) or hybrid form (HF) of CH. The skull, mandible, and cervical vertebrae (C1-C3) were segmented using 3D Slicer software. Angular deviations (Pitch, Yaw, Roll) were measured relative to the Frankfurt plane. Patients were categorized by the side of CH (right or left), and intergroup comparisons were performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Spearman correlation analyses assessed associations between MD magnitude and cervical angles. Results: CH was significantly more prevalent in females (58%; p = 0.021). C2 and C3 exhibited significantly increased lateral Roll inclination toward the side of deviation (p = 0.006 and p = 0.045, respectively). C2 Pitch negatively correlated with MD severity bilaterally (r ≈−0.51, p = 0.02 right; r ≈−0.50, p = 0.02 left). Strong intra-vertebral correlations between Pitch and Yaw were observed in C1 and C2, indicating synchronized vertical and rotational motion. No significant intergroup differences were found in Yaw angles (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with CH and severe MD exhibit consistent patterns of 3D cervical displacement, particularly in lateral inclination and vertical movement, suggesting compensatory postural adaptations in the upper cervical spine.

Abstract: Addiction is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterised by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. Ketamine a dissociative anaesthetic increasingly misused among young people has become a global public health concern, necessitating the search for effective neuroprotective interventions. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) a glutathione precursor with antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties, has shown promise in mitigating substance-induced neurotoxicity. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of NAC on ketamine induced cerebellar alterations in Wistar rats. Sixty adult Wistar rats (120–150 g) were randomly assigned to six groups. Group A received distilled water (control); Groups B and C received NAC (500 or 1000 mg/kg, orally) Group D received ketamine (15 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) while Groups E and F received ketamine followed by NAC (500 or 1000 mg/kg, respectively). Ketamine was administered for 10 days followed by NAC treatment from days 11 to 24. Behavioural assessments including open-field Y-maze, and catalepsy tests, were conducted on day 25. Animals were then euthanised for biochemical analyses of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukins IL-1 beta, IL-6, and IL-10. Cerebellar tissues were processed for histological evaluation. Ketamine exposure induced hyperlocomotion, increased rearing, working memory deficits, oxidative stress, and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, with a concomitant reduction in anti-inflammatory markers. NAC treatment at both doses significantly attenuated these behavioural and biochemical disturbances. Histological examination revealed marked cerebellar neurodegeneration, including Purkinje and granule cell loss, in ketamine-treated rats, whereas NAC particularly at 1000 mg/kg largely preserved cerebellar cytoarchitecture. In conclusion, NAC exerted significant neuroprotective effects against ketamine-induced behavioural, biochemical, and structural cerebellar damage in rats, supporting its potential therapeutic relevance in mitigating ketamine-related neurotoxicity.

Abstract: As sedentary lifestyles are becoming more common, related health conditions including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, etc. are also becoming more prevalent. Physical exercise and activity are proven to be important for improving health, however, less common yet just as important for overall health is using performance enhancing techniques. While there are a wide variety of performance enhancing techniques, this paper focuses on 4 of the most common: Cold-Water-Immersion (CWI), Heat Stress, Blood-Flow-Restriction (BFR), and sleep. Research has shown CWI decreases hypertrophy in response to resistance exercise and has been shown to increase some markers of endurance adaptations but has not shown long-term physiological benefits. Heat Stress has shown to improve both hypertrophy in response to resistance exercise and mitochondrial biogenesis in response to endurance exercise. BFR training has not been shown to contribute to significant improvements in exercise adaptations compared to traditional higher intensity resistance and endurance exercise. Finally, sleep deprivation has shown to significantly decrease hypertrophy and mitochondrial health, indicating sufficient sleep is very important to obtaining exercise adaptations and health benefits. All together, these results suggest the importance of performance enhancing techniques for overall skeletal muscle health.

Abstract:

The term fascia encompasses more than just connective tissue: it creates cohesion, space, and freedom of movement. This, however, contrasts with classical anatomical and histological classifications that reduce the fascia to a set of separate connective tissue structures and describe it in the narrowest possible sense. A phenomenological analysis of embryonic development now suggests that fascia is better understood as the inner-tissue that forms a continuous multi-dimensional matrix and thereby lays the foundation for physical cohesion of the body. The fascia is then no longer just another discrete anatomical system but is characterized by its continuities and the prerequisite for the formation of all the body’s ‘parts’. This study posits that the so-called mesodermal germ layer is NOT one of three equivalent elements, but rather the mesenchymal inner-tissue dimension of the body: an organizing substrate within which the organs and tissues differentiate. The hypothesis that fascia forms the neurophysiological basis of ‘interoception’ is then questioned with the latter also appearing as a non-anatomical dimension analogous to the fascia. Understanding fascia from this broader perspective thus requires a consideration of embryonic development as a whole-body process: one in which the ‘inner-self’ differentiates into the recognizable organs and tissues of anatomy.

Abstract: Correlation of in vivo morphological and functional changes in the degenerating retina in a large animal model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has not been characterized longitudinally. Herein, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to monitor the dynamic morphological changes in the Pro23His rhodopsin transgenic (TgP23H) pig model of RP and was correlated with electroretinography (ERG) in the rapid, early phase of photoreceptor degenera-tion. TgP23H and wild type (Wt) hybrid pig littermates at the ages of P30, P60, and P90 were studied. The thickness of different retinal layers was quantified using SD-OCT and compared with histology. Retinal function was evaluated with ERG at corresponding time points. In the Wt pig, retinal morphology on SD-OCT was consistent throughout the observation period. In the TgP23H pig, the retinal thickness decreased significantly from P30 to P90. Moreover, the relative intensity of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) progressively decreased, while the intensity of the interdigita-tion zone-retinal pigment epithelium (IZ-RPE) progressively increased during this period. Mor-phological changes in SD-OCT corresponded with histology, as well as the progressively de-creased amplitude of the ERG photopic a- and b-waves in TgP23H pigs. Thus, retinal degenera-tion can be quantified using SD-OCT by measuring retinal thickness and the intensity of the EZ and IZ-RPE bands in the TgP23H pig. The SD-OCT results correspond with the histologic and ERG assessments of retinal degeneration. These data provide a foundation for future preclinical studies investigating potential new therapeutic strategies in a large animal model of retinitis pigmentosa.

Abstract: This study investigates the effects of physical activity on serum cortisol levels and phagocytic capacity of the innate immune system in 8 captive bottlenose dolphins. Analysis of paired samples (n=16) revealed a significant increase in cortisol during periods of physical activity (mean increase of 1.27 µg/dL, 122% elevation), accompanied by decreased phagocytosis in granulocytes (92% reduction) and monocytes (52% reduction). Statistical analyses demonstrated consistent negative correlations between cortisol levels and phagocytic function, suggesting that physical activity influences hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation and, consequently, innate immune system function. Sex-differentiated responses were observed, with the male showing attenuated cortisol response but maintained monocyte sensitivity. These findings highlight the complex interplay between the neuroendocrine cortisol response and immune function in cetaceans, with important implications for controlled environments management and animal welfare assessment. A multi-method statistical framework incorporating Bayesian analysis, bootstrapping, and traditional approaches ensured robust inference despite limited sample size.

Abstract: Sinusitis is among the most frequently encountered conditions in primary care, otolaryngology, and radiology practice. Despite its clinical prevalence, accurate diagnosis and effective management depend on a sound understanding of paranasal sinus anatomy, developmental variation, and imaging appearances. This review revisits the gross and radiological anatomy of the paranasal sinuses, with a particular focus on embryological development, drainage pathways, and anatomical relationships that influence disease spread and surgical decision-making. Imaging plays a central role in this context. High-resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are invaluable in evaluating sinusitis, delineating anatomical variants, and identifying complications. Common variations, including concha bullosa, deviated nasal septum, Haller cells, Onodi cells, sinus hypoplasia, and pneumatosinus dilatans, are discussed with reference to their effects on sinus ventilation and their contribution to recurrent or chronic disease. The typical radiological appearances of acute and chronic rhinosinusitis, as well as variations, are also outlined. By integrating anatomical principles with radiological findings, this article highlights the value of imaging not only in confirming the diagnosis of sinusitis but also in identifying predisposing factors, guiding endoscopic intervention, and minimising the risk of serious complications. An anatomical–radiological approach remains central to contemporary, evidence-based management of sinonasal disease.

Abstract:

Fascia has traditionally been described as a passive connective tissue mainly composed of Collagen types I and III. Recent research, however, has revealed its structural and functional complexity, suggesting the possible presence of additional collagen types. This study aimed to quantify the presence and distribution of Collagen types I, III, VI, and XII in human superficial and deep fascia to improve understanding of fascial extracellular matrix composition. Superficial and deep fascia samples were collected from 19 adult patients (ages 20–83 years; thigh and lower back). Histology, Azan Mallory staining, hydroxyproline quantification, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were performed. Results indicated that deep fascia contained significantly more total collagen than superficial fascia (0.55 ± 0.17 µg/mg vs. 0.36 ± 0.14 µg/mg, p<0.01). Collagen type VI was the most abundant and diffusely distributed subtype in both superficial and deep fascia (mean ratio equal to 0.24 ± 0.13 and 0.27 ± 0.10, respectively), nearly double that of Collagen types I (0.12 ± 0.07 and 0.11 ± 0.08), III (0.13 ± 0.09 and 0.17 ± 0.11), and XII (0.13 ± 0.11 and 0.13 ± 0.04). Moreover, statistically significant anatomical differences were observed, although individual variability remained considerable. Fasciae from the thigh showed higher levels of Collagen types I and III (mean ratio of 0.17 and 0.27, respectively, in deep fascia; 0.14 for both types in superficial fascia), whereas fasciae of the low back region exhibited greater levels of Collagen types VI and XII (ratio equal to 0.33 and 0.15, respectively, in deep fascia; 0.36 and 0.20 in superficial fascia). Overall, these findings highlighted the structural complexity and regional specialization of human fasciae, with potential functional implications for mechanotransduction and tissue adaptation.

Abstract: Muscle regeneration following injury reveals a striking paradox: the same phenomenon, fiber branching, can serve as both a beneficial adaptation in healthy muscle and a pathological hallmark in disease. In healthy muscle, branched fibers emerge as an adaptive response to extreme mechanical loading, redistributing stress, enhancing hypertrophy, and protecting against injury. Conversely, in conditions such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, excessive and complex branching contributes to mechanical weakness, increased susceptibility to damage, and progressive functional decline. This review explores the dichotomy of fiber branching in muscle physiology, synthesizing current research on its molecular and cellular mechanisms. By understanding the paradoxical nature of fiber branching, we aim to uncover new perspectives for therapeutic strategies that balance its adaptive and pathological roles to improve outcomes for muscle diseases.

Abstract:

Very prevalent respiratory and cardiovascular diseases result in chronic hypoxia, promoting metabolic, kidney, heart, and other malignant diseases. Hypoxia research employs animal models based on chronically breathing hypoxic air (O₂<21%), usually by injecting N₂ into the animal’s chamber. However, continuous high-flow N₂ supply is available only in limited facilities, reducing the capability of widely conducting hypoxia research. Here, we describe an optimized setting for subjecting rodents to chronic normobaric hypoxia by requiring minimal N₂ supply. The setting is based on providing the O₂ consumed by the animals and eliminating the exhaled CO₂ and water vapor. O₂, CO₂, temperature, and humidity in the hypoxic chamber are controlled by an Arduino-based unit activating a pump that introduces room air to restore the metabolized O₂. Another pump continuously recirculates the chamber air through a Peltier-based dryer and CO₂-absorbing soda lime. To correct any deviation in the actual value of hypoxia within the chamber, the control unit allows the injection of N₂ into the chamber from a gas source. The setting performance was successfully tested in vivo when subjecting mice to 11%-O₂ chronic hypoxia. This device, requiring a low N₂ supply, may facilitate in vivo experimental research of hypoxiarelated diseases.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to characterise postural defects in children aged 10-12 years according to the author’s proposed typology, which was created based on measurements of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, taking compensatory mechanisms and postural and movement patterns into account. This will allow for more precise diagnosis of postural defects and the selection of individual corrective exercises. Methods: The research included 303 children aged 10-12 years. Measurements were taken using the Diers Formetric III 4D system, determining angles of thoracic kyphosis (42°-55°) and lumbar lordosis (33°-47°). Based on this, nine postural types were identified, encompassing various combinations of shallow, normal and deep kyphosis as well as lordosis. Results: The analysis revealed that only 29% of children had normal body posture, while 71% demonstrated abnormal spinal alignment. The most common finding was flattened thoracic kyphosis, often combined with varying degrees of lumbar lordosis. Each posture type is characterised by specific muscle patterns—lengthened, shortened, hypoactive and hyperactive muscles—which is crucial for individualising therapy and selecting corrective exercises. Conclusions: In the study, it was confirmed that posture in children aged 10-12 is a dynamic phenomenon which is strongly related to the maturation of the neuromuscular system. The nine-type classification revealed a wide variation in postural pattern—only a minority of children demonstrated normal posture, while the vast majority demonstrated the presence of characteristic compensatory mechanisms. The results clearly suggest that postural disturbances are not the result of deviations in individual spinal curvatures, but are a consequence of multi-segment, interconnected changes in the entire postural chain. Changes in kyphosis and lordosis coexist with disturbances in pelvic positioning, hip function, knee extension or flexion strategies, as well as compensations related to the feet, which are often the final result of deficits in core stabilisation. These relationships confirm that posture is an integrated system in which each segment influences consecutive ones. In this context, the nine-type classification has a distinct advantage over traditional assessments which are primarily focused on curvature angles. The new typology allows for the identification of not only structural deformities but, above all, compensatory patterns, the hierarchy of stabilisation mechanisms and disturbances in proximal-distal control. This makes it a more precise clinical tool and better reflects the child's actual postural organisation. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to clarify the evolution of these patterns during the maturation of the antigravity system and determine their significance in treatment planning.

Abstract: The systemic consequences of dermal exposure to cosmetic formulations containing reactive chemical agents are becoming increasingly important, particularly as calcium hypochlorite is now incorporated (often inappropriately) into some organic creams and skin-lightening products. Although valued for its antimicrobial and bleaching properties, the biological impact of calcium hypochlorite on glucose levels, lipid metabolism, antioxidant status and oxidative balance following topical application remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of an organic cream formulated with calcium hypochlorite on lipid profile and oxidative stress biomarkers in rabbits. Healthy rabbits were randomly assigned into four groups comprising a control which had topical application of base cream (coconut oil), while the three other groups had topical applications of calcium hypochlorite incorporated coconut oil-organic cream at 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mL, over a 28-day period. Blood glucose, liver function parameters [Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), and Albumin (ALB)], along with antioxidant enzymes [catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH)] and lipid peroxidation measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated using standard biochemical assays. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Calcium hypochlorite at all concentrations significantly increased blood glucose, ALT, AST, ALP, ALB and MDA levels, and reduced SOD, CAT and GSH level. In conclusion, these findings revealed that topical exposure to calcium hypochlorite-containing organic cream can disrupt lipid metabolism and compromise redox homeostasis in rabbits. The study underscores the potential systemic risks associated with unregulated hypochlorite-based cosmetic products and highlights the need for strengthened safety oversight in skincare formulations marketed for skin lightening.

Abstract: Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist commonly used in the treatment of hyperprolactinaemia and Parkinson’s disease, but prolonged administration has been linked to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, particularly within the cerebellum. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid with potent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, may counteract these effects, although its protective role against bromocriptine-induced cerebellar toxicity is not well established. This study evaluated the neurobehavioral, biochemical, and histological effects of quercetin in bromocriptine-treated rats. Sixty adult, male Wistar rats (120–150 g) were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 10). Group A received normal saline; Groups B and C received quercetin-supplemented feed (500 and 1000 mg/kg) for 14 days. Group D was administered bromocriptine (5 mg/kg) during the second 14-day period. Groups E and F received quercetin (500 and 1000 mg/kg) concurrently with bromocriptine. Bromocriptine-treated rats (Group D) exhibited significant reductions in body weight and feed intake, while Groups E and F showed significant recovery. Open-field novelty-induced behaviours were altered in Group D, with significant reductions in line crossing and rearing, whereas these behaviours improved in quercetin-treated groups. Self-grooming increased in Group D but declined significantly in Groups E and F. Biochemical analyses indicated heightened oxidative stress and inflammation in Group D, with increased MDA and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), and reduced TAC and IL-10. Histological assessment revealed cerebellar neuronal disruption in Group D, while quercetin co-treatment preserved cerebellar architecture. In conclusion, quercetin attenuated bromocriptine-induced behavioural deficits, oxidative damage, inflammation, and cerebellar histopathology, demonstrating promising neuroprotective potential.

Abstract: The anatomy and mechanical strength of aortic valve leaflets are critical determinants of the valve biomechanical behavior and long-term structural integrity. The embryonic de-velopmental period, when valves are forming, is critical in establishing baseline leaflet properties. Yet, final stages of valve development are not well understood. This study employs a parametric approach to model the leaflet anatomy of an HH40 chick embryo aortic valve approximating its native curvature. To perform biomechanical analysis, a pressure profile derived from in-ovo Doppler ultrasound measurements was applied, and an Ogden hyper elastic material model was employed following a sensitivity analysis. To determine the effect of valve anatomy on leaflet tissue deformation and stresses, we changed the leaflet midline curve from its native curvature to a linear profile, and quan-tified biomechanical responses. Our analysis revealed a strong decrease in average leaflet effective stress as its midline curvature was shifted towards a linear profile. However, this reduction in average stress was at the expense of a biomechanical trade-off. The shift induced a progressive localization of stress concentration at the leaflet tips and commis-sures, and a distinct bending deformation mode at the tip under peak load. Moreover, the midline curvature shift had a non-linear impact on function: the valve geometric orifice area (GOA) increased initially with the anatomy shift but then reached a maximum and subsequently decreased. Our findings demonstrate that while the curvature of the leaflet midline modulates tissue stress during valve opening a low-stress anatomy does not align with hemodynamic performance. This work characterizes competing leaflet biomechan-ical responses that shape valve leaflet formation, providing fundamental insights into developmental valve biomechanics.

Abstract: The anatomical variability of the human foot represents a subject of substantial interest, offer-ing valuable insights in anthropological research as well as in clinical practice. The aim of this study is to document anatomical variants of the tarsal bones in the CISC//XXI skeletal sample (21st Century Identified Skeletons Collection), with a particular focus on the prevalence of ac-cessory ossicles. The studied sample consisted of 163 individuals (83 female and 80 males). The prevalence of six accessory tarsal bones was registered (os trigonum, calcaneum secundarium, the accessory navicular bone, os sustentaculum, os vesalianum and os intermetatarseum). A total of 35 individuals (21.4%; 35/163) exhibited at least one accessory ossicle, 13 females (15.7%; 13/83) and 22 males (27.5%; 22/80). The os trigonum and calcaneum secundarium were the most frequently observed accessory bones, respectively in 9.3% (15/162) and 6.9% (11/159) of the in-dividuals. No sex differences were observed. All the accessory bones occurred more frequently unilaterally, and no co-occurrences of accessory bones were observed. These findings are crucial in both the biomedical and anthropological fields, where a detailed knowledge of foot anatomy and its variations is relevant.

Abstract: Training adaptation encompasses not only muscular and metabolic remodeling but also personality‑linked traits such as motivation, self‑regulation, and resilience. This narrative review examines how training load oscillation (TLO)—the deliberate variation of exercise intensity, volume, and substrate availability—may function as a systemic epigenetic stimulus. Fluctuating energetic states reconfigure AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), calcium/calmodulin‑dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and sirtuin‑1 (SIRT1) signaling, influencing DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and microRNA programs governed by peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor‑γ coactivator‑1α (PGC‑1α) and brain‑derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We synthesize evidence linking these molecular adaptations to behavioral consistency and stress tolerance. Building on this literature, we propose a systems model of molecular–behavioral coupling in which TLO entrains phase‑shifted AMPK/SIRT1 and mTOR windows, with CaMKII pulses and a delayed BDNF crest; over time, this rhythm may promote conditions that enable epigenetic resonance, potentially aligning energetic signals with motivational processes. The framework suggests testable predictions (e.g., amplitude‑dependent PGC‑1α demethylation and BDNF promoter acetylation; NR3C1 recalibration with recovery‑weighted cycles) and practical implications for precision training that times nutritional and cognitive inputs to molecular windows. Understanding TLO as an entrainment signal may help integrate physiology and psychology within a coherent strategy for durable performance.

Abstract: Aerobic exercise with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may enhance cognition via cerebro-vascular pathways. We tested whether mild hyperbaric oxygen (HBO; 1.41 atmospheres absolute [ATA], approximately 30% O₂) adds to gains in cognitive processing capacity (throughput) versus normobaric normoxia (1.0 ATA, approximately 21% [20.9%] O₂). Young healthy males (n=16) performed cycling exercise at 60–70% VO₂peak for 60 min, twice weekly, for 4 weeks per environment with a 1-week washout; EPA (2,170 mg·day⁻¹) continued for 8 weeks. An EPA-only control (n=8) was included for supplementary analysis. The primary outcome was throughput (correct·min⁻¹; T1–T4); secondary out-comes were interference indices (I1: stroop interference, I2: reverse-stroop interference). Effects were estimated using linear mixed models [environment, time, environment × time; AR(1), REML] and Hedges’ g_av; accuracy used generalized estimating equations. Throughput improved mainly with time (T1–T2 p<.001; T4 p=.017; T3 p=.055), with no environment or interaction effects. I1/I2 showed no significant change, and one task ex-hibited an accuracy ceiling. Under safe, feasible conditions (≤1.41 ATA), aerobic exercise improved processing capacity (throughput) independently of environmental oxygenation level. The absence of additive effects may be due to the conservative settings used in this study.

Abstract: Aim: To examine whether strength and thigh muscle activation patterns were associated with throwing velocity in a collegiate fast-pitch softball pitcher with national-level experience. Methods: Five female pitchers from a college team in Ontario, Canada, participated for comparison. The team’s top pitcher, recently selected for national team training, was classified as elite; the remaining four were categorized as high-performance. Upper- and lower-body strength was estimated using one-repetition maximum tests. Surface electromyography (EMG) of the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) was recorded during windmill pitches, while ball velocity was measured with radar. The maximum peak-to-peak RMS EMG signal, as well as timing of activation and inactivation, were analyzed across pitchers. Results: The elite pitcher demonstrated the highest average throwing velocity (59 mph vs. 54 mph) and greater overall strength. She also displayed a distinct three-phase activation pattern of thigh musculature with minimal coactivation, while the high-performance pitchers showed less distinct patterns and greater overlap of RF and BF activity. Conclusion: This case highlights that both superior strength and a distinct thigh activation profile may contribute to higher throwing velocity in elite softball pitchers. Further research integrating EMG with biomechanical video analysis may clarify how neuromuscular coordination supports performance.

Abstract: This study explores the diagnostic complexity and phenotypic variability of congenital thoracoabdominal anomalies in dogs. It focuses on 20 cases, comprising three original cases and 17 cases reviewed from the literature. Most cases exhibited features that overlapped, challenging traditional classification systems. All three original cases presented with thoracoschisis, which was categorized as a bridging anomaly due to its presence within both body wall and sternal defect domains. Cases 1 and 2, which presented with central abdominoschisis and umbilical cord anomalies, were indicative of early embryonic disruption, which is consistent with syndromic conditions such as Cantrell pentalogy. Case 3, featuring right lateral abdominoschisis and a normal umbilical cord, reflects a more localised defect that is likely to have arisen later in development. These findings support the concept of a syndromic continuum and emphasize the need for diagnostic frameworks that integrate anatomical presentation, embryonic timing and cross-species comparisons. The Venn diagram developed in this study can be used as a tool for categorizing and understanding the development of syndromic and non-syndromic phenotypes.

Abstract: Background/Objective: Individuals experiencing long-COVID frequently report or-thostatic intolerance symptoms, which may be linked to autonomic and cardiovascular dysfunction. The active standing test provides a simple, clinically relevant means to assess these impairments. This systematic review aims to determine the use of the ac-tive standing orthostatic stress test in evaluating cardiovascular, autonomic, and res-piratory responses in people experiencing LC. Methods: A systematic search, accord-ing to PRISMA guidelines, was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Scopus for articles published between 2020 and 2025. This study was registered in PROSPERO CRD-42024615872. Studies were included if they used the active standing test, enrolled adults (≥18 years), included both Long-COVID and healthy control groups, used continuous beat-to-beat measurements, and reported physiological out-comes. Risk of bias was assessed using the nine-point Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale. Re-sults: Three studies (216 participants with Long-COVID and 186 controls) met the in-clusion criteria. Across studies, Long-COVID individuals consistently exhibited ele-vated heart rate in both supine and standing positions. However, blood pressure find-ings were more variable: only one study reported 13% of participants met orthostatic hypotension criteria, while another found significant increases in diastolic blood pres-sure during standing. Long-COVID groups also showed reduced heart rate variability compared to controls. Conclusions: Individuals experiencing Long-COVID show ele-vated heart rate and impaired autonomic function during active standing, with sub-group-specific blood pressure changes. These alterations may contribute to dizziness, fatigue, and reduced activity tolerance. Incorporating active standing into clinical as-sessment could aid early identification of autonomic dysfunction and inform rehabili-tation strategies, though more research is urgently needed.