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Quantifying thenar muscle biomechanical properties: Sex-based variations and implications for grip strength
No full textBackground: Quantifying the biomechanical properties of the thenar muscle can provide valuable insight into hand assessment methods. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the reliability of myotonometer measurements in determining the biomechanical properties (tone, stiffness and elasticity) of thenar muscles in healthy individuals and explore sex-based variations. Additionally, it assessed the relationship between pinch strength and these properties. Study Design: Cross-sectional reliability study. Methods: Fifty-five healthy young adult participants were recruited. Biomechanical properties of the abductor pollicis brevis and flexor pollicis brevis muscles — tone (Hz), stiffness (N/m), and elasticity (logarithmic decrement)—were measured using MyotonPRO, while pinch strength was assessed using a Baseline pinch gauge bilaterally. For intrarater reliability, the first rater (R1), conducted two sets of measurements at 30-minute intervals. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated by the second rater (R2) performing a set of measurements between R1's two sets. Results: Fifty participants [mean age = 22.84 (1.01) years, mean body mass index = 20.86 (2.82) kg/m²] completed the study. Test-retest reliability for the biomechanical properties of the abductor pollicis brevis and flexor pollicis brevis muscles showed good to excellent consistency (ICCs: 0.78-0.97). Inter-rater reliability demonstrated sufficient consistency across (ICCs: 0.78-0.93). Sex-based differences were observed on the nondominant side, with males exhibiting lower logarithmic decrement scores for both muscles (p < 0.05). Negative correlations were found between pinch strength and abductor pollicis brevis logarithmic decrement scores on both sides (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study confirms the reliability of MyotonPRO in evaluating the mechanical properties of the thenar muscle in healthy subjects, with good to excellent consistency. Sex-based differences in elasticity, along with the positive correlation between pinch strength, underscore the importance of sex-specific considerations, suggesting elasticity may be considered a key factor in grip strength improvement. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrial.gov/NCT0600463
The impact of alternate nostril breathing on the severity and frequency of migraine attacks: a randomized control trial
No full textBackground Migraine is a prevalent and debilitating neurological disorder that significantly affects quality of life. While pharmacological treatments exist, they can have limitations such as side effects, contraindications, and incomplete relief, prompting interest in non-pharmacological approaches for better symptom management.Objective This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of alternate nostril breathing (ANB) as a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks and associated disability in adult patients.Methods A single-center, open-label, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted at six Family Health Centers (FHCs) of Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey. A total of 86 migraine patients aged 18-50 years, diagnosed with migraine based on ICD-10 criteria, were randomized into control (n = 43) and intervention (n = 43) groups. The intervention group practiced ANB three times daily for three months, while the control group continued their usual care. The primary outcomes were changes in migraine frequency and severity. Secondary outcomes included changes in migraine-related disability, both outcomes measured using the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS).Results The intervention group showed a significant reduction in migraine attack frequency (P = 0.002) and MIDAS scores (P = 0.003) compared to the control group. Both groups experienced a reduction in attack severity (P = 0.001), though no significant difference was observed between the groups (P = 0.074). Within-group comparisons showed significant improvements in attack frequency, severity, and MIDAS scores in the intervention group (P = 0.001 for all).Conclusion ANB significantly reduced migraine frequency and disability, making it a promising non-invasive and accessible treatment option for migraine management. Further research with longer follow-up periods is needed to explore its long-term effects and broader applicability
Porcupine inhibitors LGK-974 and ETC-159 inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling and result in inhibition of the fibrosis
No full textObjectives: We evaluated potential therapeutic efficacy of LGK-974 and ETC-159 in fibrotic scleroderma cells. Methods: Primary scleroderma dermal fibroblast cells of mouse origin (SSc fibroblasts) and primary fibrotic lung fibroblast cells of human origin (CCL-191) were used in this study. PORCN inhibitors LGK-974 (S7143, 1 μM; Selleckchem, USA) and ETC-159 (S7143, 10 μM; Selleckchem, USA) were used. The possible therapeutic effects of LGK-974 and ETC-159 on scleroderma cells and fibrosis cells were examined. Cell viability experiments were performed for each substance, and the expression levels of WNT and fibrosis marker genes were determined by qPCR. Western blotting was also used to determine collagen, fibronectin and α-SMA protein markers. Results: This study showed that LGK-974 and ETC-159 probable protein-cysteine N-palmitoyltransferase porcupine (PORCN) inhibitors exert potent antifibrotic effects and reduce fibrosis by modulating the TGF-β signaling pathway in scleroderma cells. Using LGK-974 and ETC-159 PORCN inhibitors, either alone or in combination, can affect collagen deposition and fibrosis in patients with SSc. Conclusions: LGK-974 and ETC-159 may be a possible long-term therapeutic target for scleroderma
Comparison of interobserver and Intraobserver reliability of alpha angle measurements using different types of circles for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome
No full textABSTRACT The alpha angle is a radiological measurement that has been proposed for the detection of cam morphology in patients suspected of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). After analysing published articles on FAIS, it is apparent that different types of circles are used in the measurement of alpha angles. To determine the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of alpha angle values measured using different types of circles on a 45∘ Dunn lateral radiograph in patients with symptomatic FAIS. The 45∘ Dunn lateral radiographs of the operated hips of patients who underwent hip preservation surgery in Dokuz Eylül University Hospital between 2014 and 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Alpha angles were measured manually with transparent goniometers using three different circle types: thin full circle, thin-dashed circle, and thick full circle, and eye estimation without circle insertion. Measurements were made separately by an orthopaedist and a radiologist. A second measurement was made by the radiologist 1 month later for intraobserver reliability. Interobserver reliability for the thin full circle, thin-dashed circle, thick circle, and eye estimation (ICC = 0.645, 0.525, 0.494, and 0.588, respectively). Intraobserver reliability for the thin, thin-dashed, thick line, and eye estimation (ICC= 0.626, 0.681, 0.681, and 0.462 respectively). Interobserver difference of mean values of alpha angles for thin full, thin-dashed, thick full, and eye estimation were 2.7∘, 0.9∘, 1.1∘, and 2.3∘, respectively. Intraobserver differences between measurements were 1.5∘, 0.9∘, 0∘, and 1.6∘, respectively. Our study demonstrated that interobserver reliability is highest when measurements are made using a thin full circle.</p
Phylogenomics reveal species limits and inter-relationships in the narrow-range endemic lycian salamanders
No full textSalamanders of the genus Lyciasalamandra are represented by as many as 20 narrow-range endemic taxa inhabiting the Mediterranean coast of Turkey and a handful of Aegean Islands. Despite recent molecular phylogenetic studies, the genus is rife with uncertainty about the number of contained species and their phylogenetic relationships, both of which can interfere with needed conservation actions. To test species limits and infer interrelationships we generated as many as 113,176 RAD loci containing 229,427 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), for 110 specimens of Lyciasalamandra representing 19 of the 20 described taxa. Through a conservative species delimitation approach, we found support for eight species in the genus which broadly agree with currently described species-level diversity. We then use multiple coalescent-based species tree methods to resolve relationships in this relatively old, synchronous species radiation. We recommend synonymization of the largely over-split subspecific taxa, and the elevation of L. luschani finikensis to full species status as L. finikensis. Our hope is that this revised taxonomic framework provides a stable foundation for conservation management in these fragile, microendemic taxa
Eccentric Fixation Can Sometimes Be Useful: Unilateral Foveal Preservation in a Child with Bilateral Laser-Induced Maculopathy
No full textSuperficial palmar branch of radial artery flap for digital skin reconstruction: anatomical study and clinical applications
No full textBackground: This study investigates the anatomy of the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (SUPBRA) for palmar skin reconstruction. It aims to detail SUPBRA’s anatomical features for hand/finger reconstruction and pinpoint reference points for efficient harvesting. Materials and methods: Nineteen male hand specimens (aged 18–70 years), fixed in 10% formalin, were dissected to study the anatomy of SUPBRA island flap. All measurements such as the external diameter of the SUPBRA, its bifurcation point from the radial artery, length of the SUPBRA pedicle, accompanied by venae comitantes, the number and location of perforators were used analyzed. Two flap techniques based on SUPBRA, the mid-palmar axis and wrist line axis, were studied. SUPBRA flap designs were used in three hand injury cases. Results: The distance from SUPBRA’s origin to the styloid process averaged 9.4 ± 1.1 mm, and its mean diameter was 2.4 ± 1.5 mm. It has not been encountered a pattern with a narrow diameter of 1.1 mm or less, which is considered hypoplastic and unsuitable for a flap due to inadequate nourishment, in SUPBRA. Mean length of the SUPBRA pedicle was 31.0 ± 6.3 mm. The SUPBRA was typically accompanied by two vena comitantes. The location of the musculocutaneous perforators, approximately 10 mm distal to the scaphoid tubercle, suggests that when the SUPBRA flap is designed transversely along the distal wrist crease, the direct cutaneous perforators will play a crucial role in providing adequate blood supply to the flap as a pedicle. Flap sizes ranged from 1.5 × 3.0 mm to 2.5 × 6.5 mm. To obtain a longer pedicle, the flap was designed with a long-skin pattern along the long-axis direction, and the accompanying veins were dissected proximally to the radial artery. All cases confirmed the SUPBRA flap’s viability for microvascular anastomosis in the thenar regions. Conclusion: SUPBRA flap isa valuable option for hand and finger reconstruction,. providing detailed anatomical insights, including its external diameter, bifurcation point from the radial artery, flap length, presence of venae comitantes, and the number and locations of perforators. This flap is particularly suitable for reconstructing palmar defects of the radial digits, palm, and first webspace, and its arterial dimensions and lengths make it well-suited for microvascular anastomosis