Fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene influences skeletal muscle phenotypes in non-resistance trained males and elite rugby playing position

Background FTO gene variants have been associated with obesity phenotypes in sedentary and obese populations, but rarely with skeletal muscle and elite athlete phenotypes. Methods In 1089 participants, comprising 530 elite rugby athletes and 559 non-athletes, DNA was collected and genotyped for the FTO rs9939609 variant using real-time PCR. In a subgroup of non-resistance trained individuals (NT; n = 120), we also assessed structural and functional skeletal muscle phenotypes using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, ultrasound and isokinetic dynamometry. In a subgroup of rugby athletes (n = 77), we assessed muscle power during a countermovement jump. Results In NT, TT genotype and T allele carriers had greater total body (4.8% and 4.1%) and total appendicular lean mass (LM; 3.0% and 2.1%) compared to AA genotype, with greater arm LM (0.8%) in T allele carriers and leg LM (2.1%) for TT, compared to AA genotype. Furthermore, the T allele was more common (94%) in selected elite rugby union athletes (back three and centre players) who are most reliant on LM rather than total body mass for success, compared to other rugby athletes (82%; P = 0.01, OR = 3.34) and controls (84%; P = 0.03, OR = 2.88). Accordingly, these athletes had greater peak power relative to body mass than other rugby athletes (14%; P = 2 x 10-6). Conclusion Collectively, these results suggest that the T allele is associated with increased LM and elite athletic success. This has implications for athletic populations, as well as conditions characterised by low LM such as sarcopenia and cachexia

Hallux rigidus: A cross-sectional study to evaluate clinical parameters

Background: Hallux rigidus (HR) is a common condition with history and physical examination used to help evaluate pathology, grade clinical changes and to inform treatment. Method: A cross-sectional study was undertaken to evaluate the demographics of and clinical parameters encountered in HR. In 110 subjects (180 feet) aged 18–70 years (mean 52 years) a standardized history and physical examination was undertaken. Clinical parameters associated with HR were evaluated. The Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) was used to measure health-related quality-of-life dimensions. Results: Seventy (64%) subjects had bilateral HR and 73 (66%)were female. Mean HR onsetwas 44 (14–68 years) years and median HR duration 6 years (1–33 years). A history of 1st MTPJ trauma presented in 22% of subjects; 74% of whom had unilateral HR. Eighty-four (47%) feet had pes planus based on a positive Foot Posture Index. A correlation between pes planus and 1st MTPJ pain was found (r = 0.84, p = 0.05). In 74% of feet, hallux abductus interphalangeus angle (HAI◦) was greater than normal (≤10◦). A correlation between HAI and reduced 1st MTPJ ROM was found (r = 0.92, p = 0.05). Second toe length was the same as the hallux in 111 feet (62%). A correlation between valgus hallucal rotation and 1st MTP joint pain in HR was found (r = .78, p = .05). A positive relationship was found between 2nd toe length and 1st MTPJ pain (p = 0.001 < 0.05). A correlation between hallucal interphalangeal joint (IPJ) hyperextension and 1st MTPJ pain was found (r = 0.78, p = 0.01). A positive relationship was found between lesser MTPJ pain and supination at propulsion (p < 0.001). There was no evidence of Achilles tendon contracture. The FHSQ results concur with clinical findings. Conclusions: HR was associated with female gender, bilateral involvement, older age groups, increased HAI◦, 2nd toe length similar to hallux, hallucal IPJ hyperextension, lesser MTP joint pain, flat foot and certain gait alterations. HR was not associated with Achilles tendon tightness or footwear. The content validity of clinical parameters of HR needs to be established by formal research prior to their inclusion in a classification of H

Hemorroidectomia híbrida: uma nova abordagem no tratamento das hemorróidas mistas Hybrid hemorrhoidectomy: a new approach in the treatment of hemorrhoids

Este trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar uma nova abordagem mini-invasiva das Hemorróidas Mistas, a Hemorroidectomia Híbrida, que consiste na associação da Ligadura Elástica (LE) das Hemorróidas Internas com a ressecção complementar dos Plicomas Externos sob anestesia local. Num universo de 326 cirurgias orificiais realizadas na Proctoclínica num período de 4 anos, 300 (92%) foram submetidos a procedimentos mini-invasivos, 223 (68,40%) foram submetidos a LE como tratamento exclusivo e 77 (23,60%) à Hemoirroidectomia Híbrida) e 26 (8%) foram submetidos a outros procedimentos cirúrgicos (Hemorroidectomias a Milligan-Morgan, Fistulectomias etc. A abordagem proposta permite absenteísmo mínimo ao trabalho, mini-invasividade e baixa morbidade pós-operatória, ressaltando-se ainda a realização ambulatorial, excelente tolerabilidade e baixos custos.<br>The goal of this work is to present a new mini-invasive approach of the Internal and External Hemorrhoids Treatment, the Hybrid Hemorrhoidectomy, that consists of an association of the Rubber Band Ligation (RBL) of the Internal Hemorrhoids with complementary withdraw of the External Piles under local anesthesia. In a universe of 326 anal surgeries carried through in Proctoclínica in a period of 4 years, a number of 300 patients (92%) had been submitted to mini-invasive procedures (223 (68,40%) had been submitted to RBL as exclusive treatment and 77 (23,60%) to Hybrid Hemorrhoidectomy) and 26 patients (8%) had been submitted to other surgical procedures (Hemorrhoidectomy Milligan-Morgan, Fistulectomy, etc.) The proposal approach allows minimum absenteism to the work, mini-invasivity and low pos-operative morbidity with the advantage of office and outpatient procedures, excellent tolerability and low costs