Use of dishwashers fails to inactivate foodborne pathogens in home-canned model foods.

Risky home canning techniques are still performed for food preservation due to limited science-based recommendations. This study aimed to evaluate the inactivation of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica (ser. Typhimurium, Enteritidis, and Infantis) and Listeria monocytogenes during home canning with a household dishwasher. The 450 mL of blended tomato (acidic liquid food) and potato puree (non-acidic solid food) were prepared with 1.5 % salt and 25 mL vinegar as model foods in glass jars (660 mL). The two model foods were sterilized, then inoculated with separate cocktails of each pathogen at 106-107 CFU/g. The prepared jars were placed in the bottom rack of a dishwasher and subjected to the following cycles: economic (50 °C, 122 min), express (60 °C, 54 min), and intensive (70 °C, 96 min). Temperature changes in jars were monitored by using thermocouples during heat treatment. Within the center of the jars, temperatures were measured as 45 to 53 °C in blended tomato and 44 to 52 °C in potato puree during all tested dishwasher cycles, respectively. The economic cycle treatment reduced S. enterica, E. coli O157:H7, and L. monocytogenes populations by 3.1, 4.6, and 4.2 log CFU/g in blended tomato (P ≤ 0.05), where a <1.0 log reduction was observed in potato puree (P > 0.05). All pathogens showed similar heat resistance during the express cycle treatment with a log reduction ranging from 4.2 to 5.0 log CFU/g in blended tomato and 0.6 to 0.7 log CFU/g in potato puree. Reduction in L. monocytogenes population was limited (0.6 log CFU/g) compared to E. coli O157:H7 (2.0 log CFU/g) and S. enterica (2.7 log CFU/g) in blended tomato during the intensive cycle treatment (P ≤ 0.05). Dishwasher cycles at manufacturer defined settings failed to adequately inactivate foodborne pathogens in model foods. This study indicates that home-canned vegetables may cause foodborne illnesses when dishwashers in home kitchens are used for heat processing.

Assessment of Five-Foot Plantar Morphological Pressure Points of Children with Cerebral Palsy Using or Not Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis.

People with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) often experience a decline in gait function and flexion. The children's posture and hip strategy, which leads to knee flexion, predisposes these children to increased contact area in the medial foot region. This study investigated the use of DAFO (dynamic ankle-foot orthosis) prescribed to patients with cerebral palsy (CP) to determine the plantar pressure distribution with orthosis use. Eight children with spastic CP (age 4-12 years) were classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-II with a maximum spasticity level of 3 in their ankle muscles according to the Modified Ashworth Scale. We assessed the plantar distribution by using eight WalkinSense sensors in each trial and exported data from the proprietary software (WalkinSense version 0.96, Tomorrow Options Microelectronics, S.A.). The plantar pressure distribution was conducted under two conditions: only shoes and DAFO with shoes. The activation percentages for sensor number 1 under the 1st metatarsal and sensor number 4 under the lateral edge of the heel were significantly different under the DAFO condition. The 1-point sensor activation percentage significantly decreased, while the 4-point sensor activation percentage increased during DAFO walking. According to our study findings, there was an increase in pressure distribution in the lateral part of the foot during the stance phase in DAFO. DAFO improved the gait cycle and influenced the plantar foot pressure in children with mild cerebral palsy.

Paediatric flat foot and foot dimension in Central Anatolia.

BACKGROUND: Information on the foot structures of Central Anatolian children is limited. Foot structures of children aged 6-10 years were shown to be different according to sex and increasing age. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the foot anthropometric values by age and sex and collect the foot anthropometric data to reveal the relationship between pes planus and pes cavus in the arches of children according to age. METHODS: Footprints of 335 children (180 boys and 155 girls) aged 6-10 years were taken by the pedigraph method and evaluated using 18 different parameters. The TFL (Truncated foot length), FL (foot length), Arch Index, Chippaux Smirak Index, Staheli Arc Index, and foot rotation values of the children were examined. To examine the relationship between the parameters, normality values were examined. Independent samples t-test was used to analyze sex differences in terms of foot size and shape. RESULTS: Correlations between other parameters were determined using the correlations analysis method. TFL, metatarsal circumference, and FL were strongly correlated with age in the children. Foot rotation increased with body mass index in the girls compared to that in the boys. According to the evaluation results with the classification made with the Staheli arch index, 63.3% pes planus, 9.8% pes cavus and 27.7% of the normal arch structure were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Planning shoe production accordingly will contribute to the development of healthy feet in children. This article focused on foot structures of in Central Anatolia and to identify early foot deformities in children. This study found that the length of the TFL was smaller in boys than in girls.

The effects of domestic mechanical knee joints on pelvic motion in transfemoral amputees.

PURPOSE: Pelvic asymmetry in the sagittal and horizontal planes among prosthesis users is related to the strength of the abdominal and back muscles. Considering that lumbosacral pathologies and pain in long-term transfemoral prosthesis users can cause asymmetric pelvic motion, it is necessary to investigate pelvic asymmetry caused by prosthetic components. The aim was to compare the gait symmetry of the pelvis of active transfemoral amputees using different types of prosthetic knee joints (Non-microprocessor-controlled prostheses (NMCPs) and microprocessor-controlled prostheses (MCP) knees). METHODS: The two patient groups comprised eight transfemoral amputees: four patients had NMCP joints (Turkish products), and four patients had MCP knees. The reference group consisted of ten normal volunteers. In this work, the 3-D motion of the pelvis, hip, knee and ankle was assessed using the VICON system. RESULTS: The results revealed that during stance, the kinematics of pelvic movement in the amputee group differed from those of the control group in terms of the total excursion anterior pelvic tilt (APT) and maximum and minimum degrees of APT (p < .05). We evaluated the graphics of the NMCP and MCP knee joints and found that the prosthesis-side APT was closer to that of the control group during the stance phase among the NMCP users, while the APT of the MCP users was closer to that of the control group during the swing phase. CONCLUSION: The investigated MCP benefitted the patients considerably. The NMCP did not provide as much walking as the MCP but produced less APT.Implications for RehabilitationThe MCP may not provide symmetrical pelvic motion during all phases of the gait cycle. In transfemoral amputees using MCP, focusing on pelvis in walking training will contribute to pre-prosthetic and post-prosthetics rehabilitation.The NMCP knee joint may be closer in terms of APT.

Kinesiotaping Techniques to Alter Static Load in Patients With Foot Pronation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effect of kinesio tape (KT) application on foot pronation using the laser postural alignment system. METHODS: Twenty participants (10 females and 10 males, mean age 19.7 ± 1.2 years) with foot pronation were included in the study. The laser line projected on the participant by the laser postural alignment system showed the joint load carrying line. The location of the joint load carrying line was assessed during barefoot static standing with one foot on the force plate before KT application, immediately after application, then 24 and 48 hours later. Displacement of the load-carrying line was measured using a ruler placed tangentially to the patella and ankle joint at the level of the joint line. Weight bearing on the barefoot was assessed before KT application, immediately after, then 24 and 48 hours later. RESULTS: Weight bearing was not significantly changed after KT application. The load-carrying line measured using KT did not notably move with KT versus without KT in the ankle joint. Immediately after KT application, significant lateral knee joint movement was measured, but this change was not importantly 24 and 48 hours later. CONCLUSION: KT was not altered in changing weight bearing or moving the lower extremity load-carrying line in people with foot pronation. KT of the foot can amplify sensory input and improve perceived comfort; therefore, it can be used with an orthotic insole in footwear.

Improved Gait Parameters After Orthotic Treatment in Children with Infantile Tibia Vara.

The aim of this study was to investigate the modification of gait kinematics before and after orthotic treatment in patients with ITV. Vicon instrumented gait analysis was performed on three patients with ITV, pre and post treatment. Orthoses were applied a total of eighteen participants with ITV who were 25-38 months. 34 extremities were treated and radiographic evidence evaluated before and after orthotic treatment. Treatment duration for orthotic treatment ranged between 11 and 41 (25.9 ± 10.0) months. Only three patients were evaluated in gait analysis due to application difficulties. Three patients kinematic and kinetic instrumented gait analysis were found flatfoot, varus and internal rotation of the foot, hip flexion and external rotation. Study were reported an improvement in gait kinematics after orthotic treatment, in patients with ITV.

Effect of pH on lipid oxidation of red onion skin extracts treated with washed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) muscle model systems.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of pH on the lipid oxidation of red onion skin extracts (ROSEs) treated with washed tilapia muscle model systems (WTMS). Minced and buffered washed samples were prepared at pH 6.3 and 6.8. The WTMS were treated with2 different concentrations of red onion skin prior to storage for 5 days. Lipid oxidation was investigated via peroxide values (PVs), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and the formation of volatile compounds. Fatty acid profiles of the samples were also identified. The ROSEs were able to significantly suppress the PV (~71%) and TBARS (~42%) formation. Hexanal and octanal formations in the WTMS were relatively less in the ROSE-treated samples. The WTMS samples prepared at pH 6.3 were more vulnerable to lipid oxidation than those prepared at pH 6.8. Red onion skin polyphenols may increase the lag phase of lipid oxidation, depending on pH levels, resulting in the shelf life extension of raw fish.

Effects of heel height with backpack loading in young people.

BACKGROUND: There are many intrinsic and extrinsic factors that could affect posture. Two of them are backpack and heel height. The aim of this study is to investigate the immediate static effects on cervical and lumbosacral postural changes to determine the effects of heel and forefoot heights with backpack loading on both vertebral curves and posture. METHODS: Craniovertebral (CVA), pelvic tilt (APT), and ankle joint motion angles were measured from sagittal photographs of 20 university students in a static posture while carrying backpacks. The same measurements were taken and recorded conventional shoes with heel and forefoot heights. Postural analysis software (PAS/SAPO) was used to conduct angle assessments of the photos. RESULTS: Postural angles of the vertebral column on the cervical and lumbosacral regions are changed immediately up to the posterior thoracic load with backpacks in young people. CVA was an average of 52° only shoes and no load condition, while the angle was reduced to 49° with loading. In contrast, an increasing angle with additional heel height and zero heel height in conventional shoes were reported. CVA increased with heights to 53° for the heel and 55° at the forefoot. The average APT angle was 14° only shoes and no load condition, and this angle increased to 18.9° with the 20% BW load. Accordingly for the no load and load conditions, the significant increase in the APT angle was 21° with the 20% BW load with heel height and 23° for the 20% BW load along with forefoot height. The heights provided negative effects on the vertebral posture and ankle angle. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that it may not be advisable for young people to wear shoes with high heels and negative heel height by taking into account the risk factors in the body and ankle postural compensation while carrying a backpack.

Effect of insoles with arch support on gait pattern in patients with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the effect of insoles with arch support on gait patterns in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and somatosensory impairment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients (7 females, 3 males; mean age 34.9±6.8 years; range, 48 to 35 years) with clinically definite relapsing remitting MS and age- and sex-matched 10 healthy volunteers (7 females, 3 males; mean age 33.8±3.2; range, 40 to 31 years) were included in the study between January 2011 and January 2012. A medial longitudinal arch and transverse arch supporting polyurethane insole covered with foam shaped using plantar sensory feedback was used. Three-dimensional gait analysis was performed via a Vicon 612 system with six cameras. The participants initially walked barefoot and, then, wore the insoles in their short slipper socks. RESULTS: All participants were evaluated in terms of kinetics, kinematics, and temporospatial parameters with a gait analysis system. The patients with MS showed improvements in cadence and walking speed when using the insoles. Sagittal plane angles of the hip and knee were increased while using insoles (p<0.05) and ankle plantar flexion was found to be decreased, compared to barefoot walking (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that insole with arch support affects gait cycle, but does not improve gait impairments in patients with MS. Insoles may ensure plantar sensory feedback in feet during walking, which increases pressure in the mid-forefoot area.

Functional results in periacetabular osteotomy: is it possible to obtain a normal gait after the surgery?

INTRODUCTION: Gait analysis is one of the poorly understood dimensions of the functional results obtained after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) due to dysplasia of the hip. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Spatiotemporal parameters as well as coronal and sagittal plane kinematics and moments were compared among three demographically similar groups of subjects: (i) 23 patients with excellent results according to the Harris Hip Score (HHS) (mean 6.6 years of follow-up); (ii) 12 patients with good and fair results according to the HHS (mean 9.3 years of follow-up); and (iii) 35 asymptomatic controls. RESULTS: 50% of the analysed sagittal plane kinematic parameters were significantly better (p<0.05) in the control group not only for the hip joint but also for the ipsilateral knee and ipsilateral ankle. A vast majority of the other evaluated gait parameters resulted similar among the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, most of the gait parameters after PAO are close to those observed in control subjects; however, the obtained pattern cannot be classified as a completely normal gait. The excellence in terms of functional results seems not to be determined by the achievement of this theoretical goal.

Effect of two different kinesio taping techniques on knee kinematics and kinetics in young females.

[Purpose] The application of kinesio taping may improve strength and performance, inhibit and facilitate motor activity, and increase range of motion. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of kinesio taping facilitation and inhibition applications on spatiotemporal knee kinematics and kinetics during walking activity in healthy subjects. [Subjects and Methods] A three-dimensional quantitative gait evaluation was performed without tape and with, facilitation and inhibition kinesio taping application on the knee. Sixteen healthy female college students (age, 19.7 ± 0.4 years; height, 1.64 ± 3.4 cm; body mass, 51.5 ± 4.8 kg) participated in the study. [Results] Spatiotemporal parameters (cadence, walking speed, stride length) were significantly different among the trials. Knee joint sagittal plane range of motion was not different with either kinesio taping application. Knee external flexion moment during the early stance phase decreased significantly with facilitation kinesio taping and increased with the inhibition kinesio taping. Knee external extension moment during the mid-stance phase increased with facilitation kinesio taping. Knee power parameters, eccentric activity in the rectus femoris during the pre-swing phase was significantly increased with inhibition kinesio taping application, while eccentric activity of the hamstrings during the terminal swing of gait was decreased. [Conclusion] These findings showed that facilitation kinesio taping application affected the terminal stance phase and that inhibition kinesio taping influenced the terminal swing phase compared with the no tape condition.

Orthosis Effects on the Gait of a Child with Infantile Tibia Vara.

Infantile tibia vara (ITV) is an acquired form of tibial deformity associated with tibial varus and internal torsion. As there is currently insufficient data available on the effects of orthotics on gait parameters, this study aimed to document the influence of orthosis on walking. A male infant with bilateral tibia vara used orthoses for five months. Gait evaluations were performed pre- and posttreatment for both legs. The kinematic parameters were collected by using a motion analysis system. The orthotic design principle was used to correct the femur and tibia. Posttreatment gait parameters were improved compared to pretreatment parameters. After 5 months, there was remarkable change in the stance-phase degrees of frontal plane hip joint abduction and knee joint varus. We found that orthoses were an effective treatment for the infantile tibia vara gait characteristics in this patient. Full-time use of single, upright knee-ankle-foot orthosis with a drop lock knee joint and application of corrective forces at five points along the full length of the limb were effective.

Knee muscle strength in multiple sclerosis: relationship with gait characteristics.

[Purpose] To investigate the relationship between isokinetic knee muscle strength and kinematic, kinetic and spatiotemporal gait parameters of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-nine MS patients (mean age 31.5±6.5) were investigated in this study. The isokinetic knee muscle strength and gait parameters of MS patients with moderate and severe disability, as determined by the expanded disability status scale (EDSS): EDSS=1-4.5 (n=22, moderate disability) and EDSS>4.5 (n=7, severe disability) were measured. [Results] Isokinetic knee muscle strength, kinematic, kinetic and spatiotemporal gait parameters differed between moderate (EDSS=1-4.5, n=22) and severe disability (EDSS>4.5, n=7). The correlation between each of gait speed, stride length, total range of knee joint movement and the four strength parameters (minimum and maximum quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengths) were significant for the MS group as a whole. Within subgroups, the correlation between minimum hamstring strength and total range of knee movement was significant only in group EDSS>4.5; minimum hamstring correlated with peak knee extensor moment in group EDSS=1-4.5, but at a reduced level of significance. [Conclusion] The present study revealed significant correlations between gait characteristics and isokinetic strength parameters of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. Our study suggests that rehabilitation protocols for MS patients should include a critical strength training programme particularly for the hamstring and quadriceps muscles.

Yoga therapy and ambulatory multiple sclerosis Assessment of gait analysis parameters, fatigue and balance.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Gait impairment, falls due to balance problems and fatigue are among the most important complaints in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and cause significant functional limitation. Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to help symptom management and to improve quality of life is growing among MS patients. Yoga is widely used as one of these CAM interventions, however, the number of studies that show the efficacy of yoga training in MS is inadequate. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a short term yoga program on fatigue, balance and gait in patients with MS. METHOD: Eight volunteer ambulatory MS patients with clinically definite relapsing remitting MS whose Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) is less than or equal to 6.0, and eight healthy subjects were included in the study. Patients participated in 12 weeks of a bi-weekly yoga program under supervision. At their baseline and after yoga therapy, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) are used to assess fatigue and balance. Three dimensional gait analysis is done using the Vicon 612 system with six cameras and two Bertec force plates, before and after therapy. RESULTS: After short term yoga therapy, statistically significant achievements were obtained in fatigue, balance, step length and walking speed. Although sagittal plane pelvis and hip angles, ankle plantar flexor moment, powers generated at the hip and ankle joints at the pre-swing were improved, the improvements were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Yoga therapy is a safe and beneficial intervention for improving fatigue, balance and spatiotemporal gait parameters in patients with MS. Further studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-up will be needed to evaluate the long term effects of yoga therapy.

Effects of different strength training on muscle architecture: clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation in knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Different strengthening exercises are generally prescribed to overcome the undesirable effects of decreased muscular function on the osteoarthritic joint. Although a few studies have shown the effects of strengthening on the muscle structure in healthy individuals, the literature lacks relevant data concerning knee osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of different exercises on quadriceps muscle strength and structure in persons with knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: A randomized controlled study. SETTING: Physical medicine and rehabilitation department of a university hospital. POPULATION: Sixty-one patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned into 6 exercise groups (isometric right/left, isotonic right/left, isokinetic right/left). METHODS: Subjects were evaluated for pain and functional status with use of the visual analog pain scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, 50-step walking, and single-leg stance tests before and after 15 sessions of physical therapy. Isokinetic tests were performed at 60° per second. Ultrasonographic measurements for pennation angle, fascicle length, and muscle thickness were performed from the vastus lateralis muscles bilaterally. RESULTS: Increased knee extensor strength was observed bilaterally in the isometric group (P < .01). In the same group, fascicle length and muscle thickness on the strengthened side (P < .01) and fascicle length on the contralateral side (P < .05) were increased. In the isokinetic group, muscle thickness bilaterally and fascicle length on the contralateral side increased (all P < .05). In the isotonic group, muscle thickness increased bilaterally (P < .05). CONCLUSION: These findings showed that isometric quadriceps training resulted in bilateral strengthening and that accompanying increase in muscle thickness and fascicle length in the same group was consistent with the strength improvement. In this study we evaluated the effects of different strength training on muscle strength and architecture in patients with knee osteoarthritis by using isokinetic measurements and ultrasound. Our results suggest that exercises may influence the muscle architecture in patients with knee osteoarthritis. To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the effects of cross-education on muscle architecture.

Orthotic variations in the management of infantile tibia vara and the results of treatment.

BACKGROUND: Infantile tibia vara is an acquired form of tibial deformity associated with tibial varus and internal torsion. Several methods have been described for orthotics treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of orthotics treatment in infantile tibia vara. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled trial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different types of orthoses and correction methods on decreasing the curve in children with severe genu varum. METHODS: Three different types of knee-ankle-foot orthoses were applied to 35 lower extremities of 22 pediatric participants who were 19-38 months of age. The same orthotic design principles were used to correct the femur, while different designs were applied to correct the tibia. The orthoses used on 20 participants were evaluated for differences among them and their effects on the treatment process. In addition, methods used in the treatment, problems encountered, production of different types of orthoses, convenience of application of the orthoses, and degree of patients satisfaction are discussed in this article. RESULTS: The mean duration of treatment of the participants until completion of treatment was 25.3 ± 9.7 weeks with a minimum of 9 weeks and a maximum of 41 weeks. No statistically significant correlation was found between the duration of orthotic use in patients with a successful outcome and percentile height and percentile weight. When the duration of treatment using the different types of orthoses was analyzed, significant differences were found between Type 1 and Type 2, and Type 1 and Type 3 orthoses (p < 0.05), while no difference was observed between Type 2 and Type 3 orthoses (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found that bracing is an effective form of treatment for infantile tibia vara up to 38 months of age. We conclude that full-time use of knee-ankle-foot orthoses exerting corrective forces from five points along the full length of the limb was effective.