Comprehensive Isokinetic Knee Measurements And Quadriceps Tendon Evaluations In Footballers For Assessing Functional Performance

Objectives: To ascertain whether detailed isokinetic knee muscle testing reflects the results of other functional measurements in footballers and to look for any correlations between quadriceps tendon thickness and knee strength. Methods: Ultrasonographic evaluation of the quadriceps tendon (Hitachi EUB-405), isokinetic knee testing (Biodex System 3), and sprint measurements using telemetric photoelectric cells (Chronometre Prosport ESC TX02) were carried out on 29 elite footballers. Jumping capacity was evaluated using Bosco's jumping mat (Ergojump). Anaerobic fitness was assessed by auricular capillary blood lactate measurements (YSI Model 1500 Sport Lactate Analyzer). Results: Quadriceps tendon thickness correlated positively with jumping and sprint measurements and negatively with extensor and flexor strength. However, these correlations did not reach statistical significance. There were significant correlations between knee extensor strength at 60 degrees/s and jumping or sprint measurements and between the extension acceleration values of both knees during isokinetic tests at 240 degrees/s and the sprint measurements. No significant correlation was found between the fatigue ratio values of both knees at 240 degrees/s and the calculated fatigue ratios from the sprint measurements. Conclusions: Apart from a few variables which correlated with the performance tests, the isokinetic studies did not fully predict the various functional measurements. Neither was there any relation between the quadriceps tendon measurements and the knee strength values nor with the functional performance.WoSScopu

Familial Mediterranean fever-associated diseases in children

Ozcakar, Zeynep/0000-0002-6376-9189; Cakar, Nilgun/0000-0002-1853-0101WOS: 000402854700006PubMed: 28040706Background: MEditerranean FeVer (MEFV) gene encodes for the pyrin protein and a mutated pyrin is associated with a prolonged or augmented inflammation. Hence, various diseases were reported to be associated with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) or carriers of MEFV mutations. However, systematic evaluation of all associated diseases in children with FMF has not been done previously. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and type of FMF-associated diseases in children. Design and Methods: Files of FMF patients who had been seen in two reference hospitals in Ankara, in the last two years, were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with FMF and concomitant diseases were included to the study. Results: Among 600 FMF patients, 77 were found to have a concomitant disease (12.8%). Thirty patients (5%) had vasculitis; 21 (3.5%) had juvenile idiopathic artritis (JIA); 7 (1.16%) had inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and 19 had other diseases including 5 patients with isolated sacroiliitis. Overall, 13 (2.17%) patients had sacroiliitis in our cohort. The most frequent mutation was M694V/M694V (44%) and 81% of the patients had at least one M694V mutation. Majority of the patients (74%) developed associated diseases while they were not receiving colchicine therapy. Conclusions: Certain inflammatory diseases including vasculitis, chronic arthritis and IBD were more frequently detected in patients with FMF during childhood. M694V mutation is a susceptibility factor for associated diseases. In countries where FMF is prevalent, clinicians dealing with FMF and other inflammatory diseases should be aware of these associations

Quantification of the weakness and fatigue in thoracic outlet syndrome with isokinetic measurements

Objectives: Patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) complain of many subjective symptoms that are difficult to measure and quantify. In this study we have tried to assess the weakness (muscle strength) and fatigue (endurance) of these patients with an objective measurement method, isokinetic muscle testing. Methods: Twenty three TOS patients and 15 age matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Detailed histories of the patients were taken and the patients underwent complete physical examinations. Cervical radiographies, Doppler ultrasonography, electromyography, and isokinetic measurements were carried out. The isokinetic measurements were carried using the Biodex System 3 dynamometer during concentric shoulder flexions and extensions at velocities of 60°/s, 180°/s, and 240°/s. Results: Although the muscle strengths of both groups seemed to be similar, the fatigue ratios of TOS patients at 60°/s and 180°/s were found to be higher compared with those of healthy controls (p = 0.029, p = 0.007). Conclusions: TOS patients were found to have muscular performance similar to controls, but their upper extremities developed fatigue more easily than those of healthy individuals

Should we aim a lower blood pressure load (15%) to prevent left ventricular hypertrophy in children on chronic peritoneal dialysis?

WOS: 000257594600333

Frequent Mobile Phone Texters

Objective The aim of this study was to assess flexor pollicis longus tendon by using ultrasound imaging in frequent mobile phone texters.Subjects In total, 149 subjects, aged 18-40 yrs, were recruited as frequent mobile phone texters (n = 71) and infrequent texters (n = 78).Methods Demographic data and estimate frequency of texting were noted. Thumb pain during activity, range of motion for thumb joints, grip and pinch strengths, and Quick Disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand were evaluated. Standardized bilateral ultrasound evaluations were performed using a linear array probe, and tendon area measurements were done with axial imaging at midthenar region and midproximal phalangeal region with manual trace technique.Results The groups were similar except for the mean estimate number of messages/month (P = 0.001). Whereas grip and pinch strength values were significantly higher (frequent texter group, P = 0.001; infrequent texter group, grip strength P = 0.018; pinch strengths, P = 0.001) on the texting side in both groups, flexor pollicis longus tendons were larger (P = 0.001) and the activity pain was higher (P = 0.005) on the texting sides only in the frequent texter group. Flexor pollicis longus thickness significantly correlated with messages/month only in the frequent texter group (r = 0.592, P = 0.001).Conclusions Flexor pollicis longus tendons seem to be thicker at the midthenar level in subjects who frequently use mobile phone texting. Because this increase in thickness parallels the number of messages per day, the authors believe that further studies are needed to elucidate whether such changes become problematic later on in life

Evaluation and detailed analysis of accordance of diagnostic criteria in diagnosis of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome

WOS: 000382082600493

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome in infancy

Ozcakar, Zeynep/0000-0002-6376-9189; Cakar, Nilgun/0000-0002-1853-0101WOS: 000382082600487