Effects of pseudoephedrine on rat fetal bone development: evaluation by three different methods.

Pseudoephedrine (PSE) is an agent that is contained in common cold medications. The agent, which is used to treat cold and cough, is the fourth most prescribed drug group in some countries. During pregnancy, expectant mothers use PSE for colds and other reasons. One out of every four expectant mothers use PSE alone or in combination with other medicines for various reasons. This study was aimed to investigate effects of PSE on long bones development in rat during fetal growth. Pregnant rats were divided into five groups: control and four experimental groups (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg PSE). Between 1 and 20 days of pregnancy, PSE was given to them by gavage. Weights and heights of fetuses isolated by cesarean on the 21st day were measured. Ossification of femur and humerus was examined by three different methods mentioned earlier. Depending on the dose increase, all morphometric data, ossification rate and bone length of the fetuses were decreased. Besides, it was determined that the amount of Calcium in the bone tissue decreased in the analyzes made with SEM-EDX Analysis. The data obtained from this study reveal that the use of PSE during pregnancy disrupts the existing balance in the bone and negatively affects ossification due to the dose increase. In conclusion, we present descriptive and novel data on the effects of PSE use during pregnancy on the bone development of rat fetal long bones.

Evaluation of cerebellum volume and trunk oscillation velocity in cases with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: It has been suggested that the cause of the balance disorder seen in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) originates from the central nervous system. However, the extent of the balance problem and the dysfunction of which part of the central nervous system has not been investigated in detail. This study aimed to correlate the values obtained by balance analysis and cerebellum volume measurement in female individuals with AIS with healthy individuals. METHODS: Cerebellum volume was calculated via the cloud-based software " https://volbrain.upv.es " using brain magnetic resonance images of 27 healthy and 26 individuals with AIS. The duration of stay in the test positions, the movement strategy used during this time and the amount of postural sway were analyzed by using a computer-assisted force platform and compared statistically. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the AIS and control groups in cerebellum total volume, vermis cerebelli volume (cm3), and trunk oscillation velocity (mm/s) parameters (p < 0.05). Cerebellum and vermis cerebelli volumes were found to be lower and trunk oscillation velocity was found to be greater in patients with AIS. CONCLUSION: Balance problems in patients with AIS are correlated with decreased cerebellum volume and increased trunk oscillation velocity.

Analysis of changes in brain morphological structure of taekwondo athletes by diffusion tensor imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Taekwondo, which is the most preferred sport among the martial arts, is known to improve individuals physically, spiritually and mentally. The aim of this study is to reveal the effect of teakwondo sport on the brain and brain structures. DESIGN;: 30 taekwondo athletes and 15 control groups were included in this study. Diffusion tensor MR images of each participant were taken. The information was obtained by the self-declaration of the athletes, whether they were sports years, amateur or elite. METHOD: Total brain volume and volumes of white matter, gray matter, frontal lobe, precentral gyrus, corticospinal tract, basal nuclei, postcentral gyrus, hippocampus and amigdala and the ratio of these volumes to total brain volume were evaluated statistically between the groups using MriCloud software and ROIEditor program. RESULTS: An increase in total brain volume, gray matter, frontal lobe and precentral gyrus volume in athletes was associated with taekwondo training. When the ratio of brain parts to total brain volume was examined, it was determined that there was a difference in the ratio of gray matter, white matter volumes in amateur athletes, right frontal lobe, left corticospinal tract, right postcentral gyrus volumes in elite athletes, and left postcentral gyrus volumes of both athletes compared to sedentary individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the volume of gray matter, frontal lobe, postcentral gyrus and corticospinal tract together with the brain volume shows that taekwondo exercise contributes to physical, spiritual and mental development.

Biopsychosocial Approach in Identifying Risk Factors of Kinesiophobia in Persons with Subacromial Pain Syndrome and Developing a Clinical Prediction Tool.

Introduction: Although the negative effects of kinesiophobia on functional status in subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) patients are clearly demonstrated, no study examines the risk factors of kinesiophobia in individuals with SAPS from a biopsychosocial perspective. The present study aims to determine the risk factors of kinesiophobia in individuals with SAPS using a biopsychosocial approach. This study also aims to explore the compounding effects of multiple associative risk factors by developing a clinical prediction tool to identify SAPS patients at higher risk for kinesiophobia. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 549 patients who were diagnosed with SAPS. The Tampa-Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) was used to assess kinesiophobia. Visual analog scale (VAS), The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, the presence of metabolic syndrome, using any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Illness Perception Questionnaire-revised (IPQ-R), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), behavioral pattern of the patient, sociodemographic characteristics, and treatment expectancy were outcome measures. Results: Thirteen significant risk factors of having kinesiophobia were: VASat rest (≥ 5.2), VASduring activity (≥ 7.1), DASH (≥ 72.1), presence of metabolic syndrome, PCShelplessness (≥ 16.1), IPQ-Rpersonal control (≤ 17.1), IPQ-Rtreatment control (≤ 16.3), HADSdepression (≥ 7.9), avoidance behavior type, being female, educational level (≤ high school), average hours of sleep (≤ 6.8), and treatment expectancy (≤ 6.6). The presence of seven or more risk factors increased the probability of having high level of kinesiophobia from 34.3 to 51%. Conclusions: It seems necessary to address these factors, increase awareness of health practitioners and individuals. Level of evidence: Level IV.

Is the Integration Problem in the Sensoriomotor System the Cause of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?

PURPOSE: The reason behind the balance control disorder seen in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has been suggested as a central nervous system dysfunction, yet it has not been investigated in detail whether this problem originates from sensory, motor, or from both systems. This study aimed to reveal the differences in the pathways that provide proprioceptive sense, motor control, and coordination between these 2 systems in female individuals with AIS. METHODS: Brain Diffusion Tensor Imaging was applied to 30 healthy individuals and 30 Lenke type 1 AIS patients. All of the individuals included in the study were predominantly right-handed and aged between 10 and 18. Diffusion tensor imaging of both groups were performed bilateral tractography on the corticospinal tract (CS tr), medial lemniscus (ML), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), and inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) tracts using DSI Studio software. RESULTS: Significant differences in the parameters of CS tr, ML, SLF, ILF pathways were found between the AIS and the control groups. In the AIS group, significant differences were found in the fiber count and fiber ratio of the ML that carries the proprioceptive sense and CS tr, which is responsible for the somatomotor system. There were also significant differences between the left and right CS tr, ML, SLF, and ILF pathways of the AIS group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Differences in the CS tr, ML, SLF, and ILF pathways may trigger muscular asymmetry and cause postural instability and thus spinal deformity in AIS.

The role of pineal gland volume in the development of scoliosis.

PURPOSE: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is believed to be caused by genetic, neurological, osseous growth anomalies, histological variables including muscle fiber percentage and core structure changes, metabolic and hormonal dysfunction, vestibular dysfunction, and platelet microarchitecture. The objective of this study was to contribute to the determination of the cause of AIS by analyzing the changes in pineal gland volume in AIS cases. METHODS: Study (AIS) and control group were each comprised of 26 patients who met the inclusion requirements. Scoliosis radiograph and MRI of the pineal glands were used for radiological examinations. The distribution of age, gender, Risser grading for skeletal radiological development, and sexual maturation according to Tanner categorization were uniform and statistically insignificant between groups. RESULTS: When the pineal gland volumes of the cases were evaluated according to age, the AIS group was found to have significantly reduced pineal gland volumes in all age groups. The pineal gland volume was found to be 38.1% lower in the AIS group compared to the control group (p˂0.001). In the AIS group, patients aged 13 years had the lowest pineal gland volume (77.2 ± 13.86 mm3), while patients aged 15 years had the highest volume (97.9 ± 16.47 mm3). CONCLUSION: Changes in pineal gland volume support the role of the pineal gland in the etiopathogenesis of AIS.

Masseter Muscle Thickness And Elasticity in Bruxism After Exercise Treatment: A Comparison Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Rocabado's 6 × 6 exercises on masseter muscle thickness, muscle elasticity, and pain scores in patients with bruxism. METHODS: A total of 58 participants with bruxism were divided into 2 groups as the exercise group (EG) and control group (CG). A self-care program was applied for the participants in the CG. For those in the EG, in addition to the self-care program, an exercise treatment was performed for 6 days per week for a total of 8 weeks. Using ultrasonography, bilateral masseter muscle thickness and elasticity were assessed before and after treatment. Pain was measured using a visual analog scale. Changes over time within the groups and group-time interactions for continuous variables were assessed using mixed 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: The improvement in muscle elasticity (P = .015; P = .004) and pain values (P = .049; P = .040) were greater in the EG compared with the CG. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups for masseter muscle thickness (P > .05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that Rocabado's 6 × 6 exercises are effective in the treatment of muscle elasticity and pain values in participants with bruxism.

Is scoliosis related to mastication muscle asymmetry and temporomandibular disorders? A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) may face motor control problems and health disability barriers during mandibular movements and chewing. However, studies investigating the extent of these disadvantages, and possible associated factors are quite limited in patients with AIS. This study was conducted to gain a deeper perspective on the effect of AIS on temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and to contribute to the small amount of data on this subject. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with AIS and 29 age- and sex-matched asymptomatic controls participated in this cross-sectional study. Cobb's method was used to measure scoliosis curves. In both groups, the volume of the masseter muscle was determined on magnetic resonance imaging, and Helkimo and Fonseca anamnestic indexes were used to evaluate temporomandibular joint (TMJ). RESULTS: It was observed that the TMD symptoms were higher in the AIS group (22.6- Helkimo and 1.2 - Fonseca) than the asymptomatic group (13.6 - Helkimo and 0.7 - Fonseca). There was no significant asymmetry in masseter volume in patients with AIS, however the volume of the masseter muscles was smaller in the AIS group (R = 14.6/L = 13.6) compared to the control group (R = 16.1/L = 16.2). CONCLUSIONS: The study results indicate that spinal curvatures affect the anatomical, biomechanical, and kinesiological features of the masticatory system, and individuals with AIS may experience more chewing problems than asymptomatic individuals. Examining musculoskeletal properties of masticatory system can provide information about the limitation of the TMJ in patients with AIS.

The relationship between muscle size, obesity, body fat ratio, pain and disability in individuals with and without nonspecific low back pain.

Patients with nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) may face motor control problems and health disability barriers during various tasks. However, studies investigating the extent of these disadvantages, and possible associated factors are quite limited in patients with NSLBP. To compare motor control performances and physical assessment domains between patients with NSLBP and asymptomatic controls. Twenty-seven patients with NSBLP and 27 age- and sex-matched asymptomatic controls participated in this cross-sectional study. Ultrasonographic imaging was used to determine abdominal and multifidus muscles thicknesses and adipose tissue rate. Visual analog scale was used to assess LBP severity. Body mass index (BMI) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores of the participants were physical assessment domains of LBP. BMI values were greater in the NSLBP group compared to the asymptomatic participants. ANCOVA revealed a significant interaction effect regarding external abdominal oblique and multifidus lumborum muscles thickness, and abdominal adipose tissue (p = 0.015; p = 0.001; p = 0.006), respectively in terms of two groups. The thicknesses of these muscles were lesser in the NSLBP group compared with the control group. Similarly, abdominal adipose tissue was higher in the NSLBP group. The stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the Oswestry Disability Index and abdominal adipose tissue rate were significant and independent factors of the low back pain severity with 73.5% of the variance. The study results indicate that increased disability and fat infiltration are possible determinants influencing pain severity, although further research is required. Examining musculoskeletal properties of lumbar region could provide information about the limitation in patients with NSBLP.

Determination of Biodex Balance System Cutoff Scores in Older People With Nonspecific Back Pain: A Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine cutoff scores for the Biodex Balance System (BBS) and verify if they could be used to discriminate older people with nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) with poor postural performance from those with good postural performance. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 52 participants with NSLBP older than 65 years. One level of stability (level 5; intraclass correlation ≥0.70) and 2 conditions (eyes open and eyes closed) were selected for the testing procedure. Anterior-posterior stability index (APSI), medial-lateral stability index (MLSI), and overall stability index (OSI) scores were calculated. The participants were classified into 2 groups: high risk of falling and low risk of falling. Both the receiver operating characteristic and the area under the curve were used to determine the best BBS cutoff values. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the ability of BBS scores to predict risk of falling. RESULTS: BBS cutoff scores in the eyes-open condition (APSI = 2.60, MLSI = 1.95, OSI = 2.95) and eyes-closed condition (APSI = 3.05, MLSI = 2.17, OSI = 3.25) were found to be sensitive and specific in determining postural performance. Participants with index values lower than the cutoff scores had, respectively, 6.42, 4.20, and 3.72 times lower risk of falling in the eyes-open condition and 3.33, 5.50, and 3.00 times lower risk of falling in the eyes-closed condition. The predictive characteristics of the models for risk analysis were excellent and good to excellent. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that BBS cutoff scores are sensitive and specific in distinguishing between poor and good postural performance in older people with NSLBP.

The intracranial and posterior cranial fossa volumes and volume fractions in children: a stereological study / Los volúmenes de la fosa craneal intracraneal y posterior y las fracciones de volumen en los niños: un estudio estereológico

SUMMARY: The size of intracranial cavity (IC) and posterior cranial fossa (PCF) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of various disorders. In this study, we aimed at establishing normal volume data of the IC and PCF in Turkish population according to age and sex by using stereological method. This study was carried out retrospectively on 339 individuals (168 females and 171 males) between 0 and 18 years old with no medical or neurological disorders that affected the skeletal morphology of the cranial cavity. Volumetric estimations were determined on computed tomography (CT) images using point-counting approach of stereological methods. Intracranial volume (ICV) and posterior cranial fossa volume (PCFV) were increased with age in both sexes. They reached adult dimensions at 5 years of age during the teenage years. According to sex; the mean ICV and PCFV were 1594.51±245.57cm3 and 244.89±53.86 cm3 in males, 1456.34±241.85 cm3 and 228.24±41.38 cm3 in females, respectively. Generally, significant differences were determined in ICV and PCFV according to sex after they reached maximum growth period. According to age the volume ratios of PCF to IC was ranged from 13.03 to 17.48 in males and 12.06 to 18.54 in females. This study demonstrated that these volume ratios could help the physician for both patient selections for surgery, and for the assessment of any surgical technique used to treatment of PCF malformations. However current study revealed that point counting method can produce accurate volume estimations and is effective in determining volume estimation of IC and PCF.

RESUMEN: El tamaño de la cavidad intracraneal (CI) y la fosa craneal posterior (FCP) desempeñan un papel importante en la fisiopatología de diversos trastornos. En este estudio, se pretende establecer los datos de volumen normal de la CI y FCP en la población turca, de acuerdo a la edad y el sexo, mediante el uso de métodos estereológicos. Este estudio se realizó retrospectivamente en 339 individuos (168 mujeres y 171 hombres) entre 0 y 18 años sin trastornos médicos o neurológicos que afectaron la morfología esquelética de la cavidad craneal. Las estimaciones volumétricas se determinaron en imágenes de tomografía computarizada (TC) utilizando el conteo de puntos de los métodos estereológicos. El volumen intracraneal (VIC) y el volumen posterior de la fosa craneal (VFCP) aumentaron con la edad en ambos sexos. Alcanzaron dimensiones adultas a los 5 años de edad durante la adolescencia. Según el sexo, el promedio de VIC y VFCP fue de 1594,51 ± 245,57 cm3 y de 244,89 ± 53,86 cm3 en los hombres, 1456,34 ± 241,85 cm3 y 228,24 ± 41,38 cm3 en las mujeres, respectivamente. En general, se determinaron diferencias significativas en VIC y VFCP de acuerdo con el sexo después de alcanzar el período de crecimiento máximo. Según la edad, las proporciones de volumen de FCP a CI oscilaban entre 13,03 a 17,48 en los hombres y 12,06 a 18,54 en las mujeres. Este estudio demostró que estas proporciones de volumen podrían ayudar al médico tanto en la selección de pacientes para la cirugía, como para la evaluación de cualquier técnica quirúrgica utilizada en el tratamiento de malformaciones de FCP. Además, el estudio actual reveló que el método de conteo de puntos puede producir estimaciones precisas de volumen siendo eficaz para determinar la estimación de volumen de IC y FCP.

Effect of respiratory muscle training on pulmonary function and aerobic endurance in soccer players.

BACKGROUND: Few studies investigated the effects of the respiratory muscle training (RMT) in soccer although exhaustive high intensity exercise is known to lead to muscle fatigue in respiratory muscles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of RMT on pulmonary function and aerobic endurance in soccer players. METHODS: Eighteen male soccer players (mean age 22.2±1.4 years) participated in this study. Participants were assigned randomly to either an RMT or a control (CON) group. The RMT group performed a 15-minute endurance training of respiratory muscles twice a week for 5 weeks. The CON group did not receive RMT during this period. All participants were evaluated for aerobic endurance using 20-meter shuttle run test (20-MST), pulmonary function, maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory mouth pressure (MEP) using spirometry. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in RMT group (14%) as compared to CON group (4%) in MIP measurement (P=0.04). No significant differences were observed in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), and MEP after a five week of RMT (P>0.05). Similarly, there was no difference in 20-MST in the RMT group compared to CON group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that a five week of RMT increased MIP, but FVC, FEV1, MVV, MEP and aerobic endurance did not improve in soccer players. The RMT in addition to soccer training may improve MIP but not the tolerance to high intensity exercise.

The effect of kinesio taping versus stretching techniques on muscle soreness, and flexibility during recovery from nordic hamstring exercise.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of static stretching, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching, or kinesio taping (KT) on muscle soreness and flexibility during recovery from exercise. Sixty-five females were randomly assigned to four groups: PNF stretching (n = 15), static stretching (n = 16), KT (n = 17), and control (n = 17). All participants performed nordic hamstring exercise (5 sets of 8 repetitions). In all groups, hamstring flexibility at 24 h and 48 h was not changed from baseline (p > .05). The muscle soreness was measured higher at 48 h post-exercise compared with baseline in the control group (p = .04) and at 24 h post-exercise compared with baseline in the PNF group (p < .01). No significant differences were found for intervention groups compared with control group in all measurements (p > .05). The KT application and pre-exercise stretching have no contribute to flexibility at 24 h and 48 h after exercise, but may attenuate muscle soreness.