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The purpose of this study was to determine morphologic and morphometric structure and arterial vascularization of glandula interdigitalis in male Hemshin sheep. In the study, 40 feet (20 fore-feet, 20 hind-feet) were used as material. Latex was injected into arteries of fore- and hindfeet in order to determine vascularization of glandula interdigitalis. In the study, 6 measurements were taken from different points of glandula interdigitalis in order to determine its morphometric values. These values were statistically analyzed. Consequently, length of the gland was measured as 30.18±1.93 mm in fore-feet and 25.67±1.77 mm in hind-feet. The gland in fore-feet was determined to be considerably greater than the gland in hind-feet (P

Background: The aim of the study was to determine morphometric and macroanatomic features of auditory ossicles and the tympanic bulla in wolf.Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 7 skulls of adult male wolf were used in the study. Auditory ossicles was photographed on a dissection microscope after it was removed from the skull. A total of 14 morphometric measurements were taken among the different points of malleus, incus and stapes in Image J programme. Mean values of the measurements were obtained and statistically compared in terms of sides (right-left).Results: In male wolves, the lengths of the right and left malleus were determined as mean 9.35 ± 0.14 and 9.57 ± 0.25 mm, the lengths of the incus as mean 3.01 ± 0.32 and 2.94 ± 0.16 mm, and the lengths of the stapes as mean 2.57 ± 0.12 and 2.59 ± 0.14 mm, respectively. The differences were not statistically significant when all the morphometric parameters were compared in terms of sides (p > 0.05).Conclusions: It is considered that this study will contribute to the anatomical studies to be conducted in the Canidae family regarding auditory ossicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to define the morphological and morphometric development of the foetus heart obtained from the domestic cattle in the gestation period of 15-25 weeks.Materials and Methods: For this purpose, a total of 30 hearts belonging to cattle foetuses (15 males, 15 females) were used. The ages of foetuses were calculated according to the forehead-to-tail length and examined in three different groups. After dissection; biometric, macroanatomic, morphometric and histological findings were obtained from the foetal hearts according to the groups. In addition, mean values of the morphometric findings were determined.Results: As a result of the study, it was found that with the advancing age the convexity of margo ventricularis dexter increased and margo ventricularis sinister transformed from a convex-concave shape to a flat shape. The heart-to-body weight ratio was determined as 0.08% for Group II female foetuses and 0.09% for all other groups. The heart heights for Groups I, II, and III females were identified as 26.21, 41.00, and 46.27 mm, respectively, and for the males 26.45, 34.89, and 47.15 mm, respectively. In the statistical analysis, it was determined that all the morphometric values measured from the heart correlated significantly with the forehead-to-tail length.Conclusions: The data obtained as a result of the study is thought to help understand the morphological and morphometrical development of the heart, pioneer the attempts to create a foetal cattle heart model, and thus help in the diagnosis of the foetal heart pathologies.acielecka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was aimed to examine the detailed morphometrical and morphological characteristics of the bone by creating three-dimensional images through multidetector computed tomography images of ossa cruris in brown bears.Materials and Methods: Four brown bear ossa cruris were used in the study.Results: It was observed that tibia and fibula articulated at proximal and distal epiphysis and they combined, and ossa cruris were shaped in this way. Cochlea tibiae were determined to be sagittally oriented. The length of the tibia was determined to be 268.97 mm and 266.32 mm at right and left sides, respectively. The length of the fibula was determined to be 249.16 mm and 250.19 mm on average at the right and left sides, respectively. In consequence of the correlation analysis, statistical relationships at different rates were detected between the measured values.Conclusions: Detailed anatomical examinations are very important in terms of determining the similarities and differences of bear bones with those of the other species in the order Carnivora. Therefore, it is thought that this study will reveal detailed characteristics of ossa cruris of bears and provide data for further studies on archaeological and forensic sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People spend majority of their times in the buildings. Despite all part-time, flexible and distant working options offered to employees, in developed industrial societies, the vast majority of people still work in office buildings. The design, construction and maintenance of buildings have been the subject of separate disciplines such as architecture, engineering and facility management. Research on the employee issues such as productivity, job satisfaction, health and well-being, is also mostly handled in the field of organizational behavior. However, while have been an extensive research in United States, Canada and Europe for many years that bring together these disciplines, are not yet common in Turkey. The purpose of this study is to create a conceptual framework and inform the occupants of workplaces how work environments effects their health, well-being, and productivity based on the current literature. Study emphasizes the importance of environmental factors affecting work environment in personal and working lives. It states that good building designs can serve this need and underlines if investors make the necessary investments, they will be able to compensate the return on their investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Ataluren is conditionally approved for nmDMD, in boys ≥ 5 years of age on steroid treatment with a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) ≥ 300m in Turkey. Our aim was to assess demographics and long-term motor functional outcomes of nmDMD patients. Among 45 patients with nmDMD, 26 males aged ≥ 5 years, with a follow-up period of at least 12 months were included. The 6MWT at baseline and every 6 months was the primary outcome measure. Time to rise from the floor, to climb and descend 4 standard-sized stairs, 10 m walk were secondary outcome measures. The median age at presentation was 36 (6-95) months. Presenting complaints were incidentally detected high serum creatine kinase (n=11, 42.3%), abnormal gait pattern and difficulty climbing stairs (n=9, 34.5%), motor developmental delay (n=2, 7.7%), motor and language developmental delay (n=1, 3.8%) and family history (n=3, 11.5%). The median age at clinical diagnosis was 44.5 (11-72) months. Clinically, 61.5% (n= 16) were diagnosed ≤ 4 years of age. The median age at genetic diagnosis, initiation of steroids and ataluren were; 65 (18-124), 60.5 (36-105.9) and 78.5 (60-126) months, respectively. Treatment was discontinued in 13 patients. Median duration of follow-up and Ataluren treatment were; 87.5 (25-149), 34.5 (7-76) months, respectively. At the last visit, 21 patients were ambulatory, and 5 patients were non-ambulatory. There was a significant difference in ambulatory vs non-ambulatory patients at the 1st year and the last assessments in terms of 6 MWT compared to the baseline (p=0.004, p=0.007, respectively). A significant negative correlation was found between the age of onset of Ataluren and the peak 6 MWT distances (rho=-0.456, p=0.019). Among the time function tests, the most significant increase was seen in stand from a sit position. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment in combination with standards of care are effective in gaining and maintaining motor functions in nmDMD at a real-world setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a heterogenous group of inherited disorders due to impaired neuromuscular transmission and fatigable weakness. Monitoring and measuring fatigue and fatigability in CMS is challenging especially in the pediatric age group, in the rare diseases setting and even with small number of patients within different genetic subgroups. The aim of this study was to determine whether the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) predicts muscular fatigability in children with CMS. Eight children (4 males, 4 females), [COLQ, n= 5; CHRNE, n= 2; CHAT, n= 1] with a mean age of 11.75±3.54 years were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment regime included mono-or combination therapy including salbutamol, pridostigmin, ephedrine and 3,4-diaminopyridine. The distance and walking speed of each minute for 6 MWT were determined. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used to compare the mean distance and walking speed in the 6 MWT. Body mass index of children was 17.78±5.98 kg/m2. The mean distance and walking speed of 6 MWT were 463.38±132.59 m and 1.29±0.37 m/s. There was no difference between the first minutes and the last minutes, between the first 2 and the last 2 minutes during 6 MWT in terms of distance and speed (p>0.05). The 6MWT which is suggested as an outcome measure for fatigability across neuromuscular diseases, did not provide additional evidence to predict muscular fatigue in CMS. This observation in this small series highlights the need for multidimensional assessment of fatigue and fatigability, combining validated questionnaires and objective measures of function with remote monitoring techniques and wearable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motor imagery (MI) ability has been studied extensively in healthy children and more recently in developmental coordination problems and cerebral palsy. It is a representation of the action of planning, execution and modulation of movement in the absence of any evident motor output. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of telerehabilitation-based motor imagery (Tele-MI) training on MI ability and motor function in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). This prospective, randomized controlled study included 23 children with DMD and 12 healthy children aged 7-15 years. The children with DMD were randomized into two; considering the age, corticosteroid use and the functional status as study (n=12) and control (n=11) groups. The study group received Tele-MI training and telerehabilitation-based physical therapy program (Tele-PTP) while the control group received only Tele-PTP for 8 weeks. MI ability was assessed by the Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire-10 (KVIQ-10) and motor function by Motor Function Measure (MFM) before and after the training. DMD and healthy subjects were similar in terms of demographics (p>0.05). KVIQ-10 scores of the DMD population (visual: 17.30±4.69, kinestehic: 13.04±4.01, total: 30.35±7.46) were significantly lower than the healthy peers (visual: 20.25±3.01, kinesthetic: 18.08±4.68, total: 38.33±5.87; p=0.003). In the within group analysis, significant improvements were determined in the KVIQ-10 total score (p=0.003) and MFM scores (p=0.026) only in the study group (p<0.05). Between groups, KVIQ-10 total score was improved in study group after the intervention (p=0.014). This study showed that MI training improved MI ability and motor function in children with DMD. Although functional improvements were achieved by Tele-MI training, it was not superior to Tele-PTP. Development and evolution of MI ability in pediatric neuromuscular diseases requires further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While trunk control is essential for daily activities and motor function, there is currently sparse information regarding the psychometric properties of the outcome measures used for assessing trunk control in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), characterized by proximal muscle weakness. The Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) was developed to assess trunk control in children with cerebral palsy. We aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the TCMS for children with DMD. We determined the functional level of 52 children with DMD (median age: 8.83 years) with the Vignos Scale, and we further evaluated them with the Motor Function Measure (MFM), a gold standard for determining the validity of the TCMS. Internal consistency of the Turkish TCMS was excellent with a Cronbach's alpha of .95. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values for intra-rater reliability were between 0.90-0.96 and for inter-rater reliability were between 0.91-0.95. We reported positive moderate to strong correlations between the TCMS and trunk flexors strength ( p < .001, r = 0.77), back extensors strength ( p < .001, r = 0.68) and MFM ( p < .001, r = 0.85). Thus, we found the Turkish version of TCMS to be a reliable and valid instrument for assessing trunk control of children with DMD in clinical and research settings., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Purpose: The North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) is a functional motor outcome measure originally developed for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The aim of this study was to perform the cultural adaptation and investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the NSAA (T-NSAA) in DMD., Methods: After translation process, internal consistency, interrater and test-retest reliability of the NSAA were determined by using the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), respectively. Absolute reliability was determined by using the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) with minimal detectable change at 95% limits of confidence (MDC 95 ). Lower limb functionality of children was evaluated by Vignos Lower Extremity Scale (VLERS). To establish convergent validity, the correlations between T-NSAA and Motor Function Measure (MFM-32), 6-minute walk test (6-MWT), and VLERS were analyzed by using the Spearman's correlation coefficient., Results: The study was completed with 86 patients with DMD whose age were mean 104.56 ± 24.66 months. The internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.94), intra-reliability (ICC = 0.977) and inter-reliability (ICC = 0.972) of T-NSAA were excellent. SEM and MDC values were low indicating satisfactory absolute agreement (< %10). The T-NSAA had strong correlations with the MFM-total score, 6-MWT, and VLERS (p < 0.01)., Conclusion: T-NSAA is a valid and reliable tool to assess ambulatory status of Turkish-speaking DMD population., Clinical Trial Number: NCT05549999, Date of registration: September 19, 2022., (© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Belgian Neurological Society.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the cognitive and emotional-behavioural outcomes of Turkish children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in comparison with healthy peers, to determine its relationship with motor functions, and to analyse the difference of cognitive and emotional-behavioural outcomes according to the site of mutations., Method: Children aged 7-16 years with DMD (n = 68) and age-matched typically developing children (n = 33) were included in the study. The cognitive and emotional-behavioural status and the motor functions were assessed in detail. Children with DMD also divided into two groups as "proximal" and "distal" site mutation groups to compare the cognitive and emotional-behavioural outcomes., Results: The children with DMD and typically developing children were similar in terms of age and body mass index (p > 0.05). Significant differences were found between children with DMD and typically developing peers in almost all subtests of both cognitive and emotional-behavioural assessments (p < 0.05). Cognitive and emotional-behavioural parameters were weakly correlated with specific motor parameters responsive to cognitive functioning (p < 0.05). Children with distal site mutation performed significantly worser than those with proximal site mutation in particular cognitive subtest (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: It is concluded that comprehensive and detailed evaluation of cognitive and emotional-behavioural features of children with DMD is essential for better implementation of rehabilitation programs to maintain motor function which especially requires cognitive ability, since a Turkish cohort represented challenges in particular domains of cognitive and emotional-behavioural areas., Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT05661071., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that there is no potential conflict of interest for the study., (Copyright © 2024 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: While there are limited studies focusing on sleep quality of family caregivers of children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), there are no studies on daytime sleepiness in SMA., Aims: This study aimed a) to compare the sleep quality and daytime sleepiness between caregivers of children with SMA and those of healthy peers and b) to investigate the sleep quality and daytime sleepiness of family caregivers of children with different types of SMA., Methods and Procedures: This study included 30 family caregivers of children with SMA (SMA Type 1:12, SMA Type 2:10, and SMA Type 3:8) and 31 family caregivers of healthy peers. Sleep quality and daytime sleepiness of family caregivers were evaluated using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (EPS), consecutively., Outcomes and Results: Demographic characteristics of children with SMA and healthy peers were similar (p > 0.05). The mean ages of family caregivers of children with SMA and healthy peers were 36.07 ± 5.84 and 35.26 ± 5.02 years, respectively (p = 0.6). The PSQI scores of family caregivers of children with SMA (7.50 ± 3.90 points) were lower than those of healthy peers (4.09 ± 1.97 points) (p < 0.001). There was no difference in PSQI scores between SMA types (p = 0.8). Also, no difference was found between SMA types and between SMA and healthy peers in terms of EPS (p > 0.05)., Conclusions and Implications: Family caregivers of children with SMA had poor sleep quality but similar daytime sleepiness compared with those of healthy peers. Among SMA types, family caregivers had similar sleep quality and daytime sleepiness. It was demonstrated that the sleep quality of family caregivers should be taken into consideration in the disease management of SMA., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Recent studies revealed the connection between the endurance of neck muscles and pain, neck awareness, and fear of movement in patients with chronic neck pain in literature., Objectives: To investigate the association between cervical, scapular, trunk, and upper extremity muscles' endurance and neck pain, disability, neck awareness, and kinesiophobia in patients with chronic neck pain., Design: Cross-sectional, observational study., Methods: Thirty-six patients with chronic neck pain (aged 18-65 years) were included in the study. Endurance tests were performed for 9 muscles/muscle groups in the cervical and scapular region, upper limb, and trunk. Pain severity, neck disability, neck awareness, and fear of movement were measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire (FreNAQ), and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), respectively., Results: Negative, weak-to-moderate relations were found between VAS (at rest and during activity) and the endurance of muscles evaluated in the cervical and scapular regions, upper extremity, and trunk as well as between NDI and endurance of the same muscles, similar to the relations between FreNAQ scores and the endurance of the cervical flexor, anterior trunk flexor, and upper extremity muscles ( p  < 0.05). No relation was found between the endurance of the muscles and TSK ( p  > 0.05)., Conclusions: Since the decrease in upper extremity, scapular region, and trunk muscles' endurance may contribute to neck pain and disability, and decrease neck awareness in patients with chronic neck pain; the evaluation of muscular endurance of upper body and trunk should also be considered., Clinical Trials: NCT05121467.

Background and Aims: Although aerobic exercises such as cycling and swimming are increasingly being recommended in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), their effect on gait and balance parameters is unclear. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of cycling training on balance and spatio-temporal gait parameters in children with DMD., Methods: Ambulant children (age range: 6.17-11.33 years) were randomly divided into two groups: home-based exercise training applied in the control group (n = 12) while 12 weeks of supervised submaximal lower extremity cycling training in addition to home-based exercise training performed in the study group (n = 11). Gait and balance parameters were evaluated using the GAITRite electronic walkway system and the Bertec Balance Check Screener™, respectively. Assessments were applied before and after 12 weeks of training., Results: The mean ages of the children in the study and control groups were 8.20 (SD:1.34) and 8.86 (SD:1.30) years, consecutively (p > 0.05). Considering the baseline values, the balance and spatio-temporal gait parameters of the children were similar except for the antero-posterior postural sway on the perturbed surface with eyes open (p > 0.05). There was a significant time x group interaction effect in favor of the study group for the antero-posterior postural sway of children on the normal surface with eyes open (F (1,58) = 12.62, p = 0.002). It was found that the antero-posterior postural sway on the normal surface with eyes open was improved in the study group within group comparison (F (1,10) = 8.50, p = 0.015)., Conclusions: The study showed that both the cycling and the home-based exercise training groups may maintain gait and balance parameters during the study. Adding a cycling training to the rehabilitation program can also provide additional contribution to improve antero-posterior balance., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Abnormal foot anthropometry and posture of patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) can be considered as possible risk factors for performance and ambulation. It was aimed to examine the effects of foot posture and anthropometric characteristics, which deteriorated from the early period, on ambulation and performance of patients with DMD., Methods: The foot arch height (FAH), the metatarsal width (MW), subtalar pronation angle, and ankle limitation degree (ALD) were evaluated to determine the foot anthropometric characteristics of the patients. Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6) was used to evaluate foot posture. The performance of the patients was determined by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), the 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and ascend/descend a standard 4-step test, and the ambulation was determined by the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA). Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the relationship between foot anthropometric characteristics and posture, and performance and ambulation., Results: The sample consisted of 48 patients with DMD aged 5.5 to 12 years. Both of the right and left foot FPI-6 scores were associated with all parameters, except descending 4-step. The left FAH was associated with 6MWT and NSAA, and the left MW was associated with 6MWT. The ALD of right foot was associated with 6MWT, ascending/descending 4 steps, and NSAA, and left ankle limitation was associated with NSAA (p<0.05). There was no relationship between other parameters., Conclusions: These findings suggest that postural disorders in the foot and ankle may contribute to the decrease in performance and ambulation in patients with DMD.

Purpose: To investigate validity and reliability of the Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire-10 (KVIQ-10) in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), to compare the motor imagery (MI) ability with age-matched controls, and to examine the relationship between MI ability and cognitive status., Methods: The research involved 38 children who were diagnosed with DMD, as well as 20 healthy controls aged between 7 and 18 years. The KVIQ-10 was assessed for its test-retest reliability, internal consistency, construct and concurrent validity. The Motor Imagery Questionnaire for Children (MIQ-C) was selected as the gold standard test for concurrent validity. Cognitive function was assessed using the Modified Mini Mental Test (MMMT) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)., Results: KVIQ-10 showed excellent test-retest reliability (ICC>0.90) and high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha>0.70). A moderate-to-strong association was found between KVIQ-10 and MIQ-C subscales (p < 0.001). KVIQ-10 and MIQ-C subscores were statistically lower in the DMD group (p ≤ 0.05). A correlation was found between MoCA and KVIQ-10 in children with DMD (p ≤ 0.05)., Conclusions: The KVIQ-10 is a reliable and valid measure to assess the MI ability of children with DMD whose imagery ability was determined to be impaired., Clinical Trial Registration Number and Url: NCT05559710 (https://classic., Clinicaltrials: gov/ct2/show/NCT05559710?term=NCT05559710&draw=2&rank=1)., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study is to evaluate orbital symmetry in goat and sheep skulls. For this purpose, a total of 83 skulls, including 50 sheep and 33 goat skulls, were used in the study. Geometric morphometry method was applied. For symmetric analysis, one side of each orbit was photographed twice and mirror images were created. There were 36 landmards marked to determine the outer limit of the orbita. As a result of the study, asymmetric components (fluctuating asymmetry and directional asymmetry) for shape were statistically significant in both goats and sheep (p < 0.0001). The first three principal components explained 52.558% of the total shape variation in goats and 61.245% in sheep. This value for symmetric components was 59.095% and 67.742% for goats and sheep, respectively, and 66.791% and 71.154% for asymmetric components. As a result of discriminant function analysis, right and left orbital shapes showed grouping characteristics with similar success rates according to species. Although limited, the right orbit in goats (100%) and the left orbit in sheep (96.5%) were grouped more accurately., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of a solution including honey, ethyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, distilled water and citric acid (HEFS) as a preservative for rabbit cadavers, serving as a potential substitute for formaldehyde. The cadavers underwent preservation using three distinct solutions: 10% formalin, 35% alcohol and HEFS. The cadavers were subjected to a total of four sampling events, occurring at 4-month intervals, in order to collect specimens for microanatomical, histological, microbiological, mycological, colourimetric, texture and odour analysis. In terms of hardness, suitability for dissection and joint mobility metrics, the cadavers fixed with HEFS had superior qualities to those fixed with formalin. The fixation quality of HEFS for histological analyses was deemed acceptable, except kidney and intestinal tissues. In texture analysis, differences only in the elasticity parameter (p < 0.05) in the same sampling period. A total of 10 (13.9) bacteria isolates were identified among which, Metasolibacillus meyeri 3 (30%) was predominantly followed by Staphylococcus aureus 2 (20%), Bacillus siamensis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudarthrobacter oxydans, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis with a proportion of 1 (10%), respectively, by both microbiological and molecular analysis. However, no anaerobic bacteria and fungi were isolated. A considerable percentage of the students had the perception that HEFS was appropriate for utilization in laboratory settings due to its absence of unpleasant odours and detrimental impact on ocular and respiratory functions. In conclusion, we consider that HEFS may serve as a viable substitute for formalin solution in the preservation of rabbit cadavers., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The purpose of this study was to identify the dimorphic structures of the orbita based on breed and sex factors through shape analysis across species. Additionally, the study aimed to ascertain the variability between the two species. A total of 86 (51 sheep-Akkaraman [Ak] and Morkaraman [Mk], 35 goats-Hair [Hr] and Honamlı [Hm]) skulls were used in the study. It was decided to designate 36 landmarks to represent the orbit's edge. In the principal component analysis, 68 PCs were calculated. It was determined that PC1, PC2 and PC3 explained the total variance in morphology by 26.909%, 16.147% and 13.616%, respectively. According to the cross-validation results, the goats were grouped with 95% (Hm: 100%, Hr: 90%), while the sheep were grouped with 56% (Ak: 50%, Mk: 63%). Therefore, dimorphism among goat breeds on orbita shape was more pronounced compared to sheep. In the discriminant function analysis of the sex groups, Procrustes and Mahalanobis distance values in goats were 0.04425425 (p < 0.0001) and 5.3733 (p = 0.9550), in sheep 0.03513424 (p < 0.0001) and 7.1003 (p = 0.9414), respectively, was detected. According to the cross-validation results, in terms of sex, goats were correctly grouped at a rate of 74% (F: 73%; M: 75%) and sheep breeds were correctly grouped at a rate of 72% (F: 77%; M: 66%). Factors such as habitat selection, breeding behaviours and ecological environment may show anatomical differences within breeds as well as between breeds. Therefore, various measurement techniques are used to reveal these differences. As a result, it is thought that the study will contribute to many disciplines, especially taxonomy and zooarchaeology, by analysing the shape of the orbita of sheep and goat breeds, the domestication of which dates back to ancient times, and revealing the similarities and differences between species and according to sex., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

In this study, the composition of the volatile oils obtained from the fruits of 8 Ferulago species (Ferulago cassia Boiss., F. isaurica Peşmen, F. humilis Boiss., F. macrosciadia Boiss. & Balansa, F. setifolia K.Koch, F. silaifolia (Boiss.) Boiss., F. syriaca Boiss., F. trojana Akalın & Pimenov) growing naturally in Türkiye were examined by means of GC/MS and GC-FID and α-pinene was determined to be present in the fruits of four species along with other monoterpenes as major components. Principal Component Analyses (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) was performed, utilizing ten major components in the eight essential oils. Also, a Venn diagram was used to demonstrate chemotaxonomical variations in the composition of the essential oils of eight Ferulago species., (© 2023 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

Background: Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) have gait disorders. Therefore, specific gait assessment tools are needed., Aims: The aim of this study was to develop a gait assessment instrument for DMD patients (DMD-GAS), and investigate its validity and reliability., Study Design: The scale was developed considering the expert opinions which included 10 physiotherapists who had experience in the management of patients with DMD, and the Content Validity Index (CVI) was calculated. The final version of the DMD-GAS that was agreed upon the experts consisted of 10 items, and each item scored between 0 and 2. The intra-rater reliability was established by the video analysis of children with a 1-month interval and inter-rater reliability was determined by the scores of 3 physiotherapists., Subjects: The study included 56 patients with DMD., Outcome Measures: The criterion validity was determined by investigating the relationship between the total score of the DMD-GAS and Motor Function Measure (MFM), 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and the data obtained from GAITRite., Results: The CVI of the DMD-GAS was 0.90 (p < 0.05). The construct validity and internal consistency of the DMD-GAS were excellent as well as the intra- and inter-rater reliability (>0.90). Moderate-to-very strong correlations were found between the total score of the DMD-GAS and the MFM-total score (r = 0.78), 6MWT (r = 0.71), gait speed (r = 0.50), stride length (r = 0.56), and base of support (r = -0.70) (p < 0.01)., Conclusions: The results indicated that DMD-GAS was a reliable and valid instrument to determine gait characteristics of the patients with DMD in clinical settings., Clinical Trial Number: NCT05244395., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors report there are no competing interests to declare., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Although the gait and balance disturbances of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients were evaluated by using different methods in literature, the impact of the foot and body posture on gait and balance has not been clearly described yet in DMD., Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between foot-body posture and gait and balance in patients with DMD., Methods: Ambulatory patients with DMD who had > 90° range of motion at ankle joint were included in the study. Foot and body posture were evaluated with the Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) and the New York Posture Rating (NYPR). The limitation degree at the ankle joint (ALD) was recorded. Gait characteristics and balance were evaluated objectively by using the GAITRite system and the Bertec Balance Check Screener ™ force platform system, respectively., Results: A total of 38 ambulatory patients with DMD (age: 92.44 ± 17.91 months) were recruited. Both the right and left foot FPI-6 scores were correlated with GAITRite parameters such as ambulation time, gait speed, number of steps, and left and right stride lengths (p < 0.05). A relationship was determined between right foot FPI-6 score and anterior-posterior limits of stability (LoS) obtained by force platform (p < 0.05). NYPR score was also correlated with the postural control parameters such as left and right base of support and anterior posterior LoS (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: The current findings indicate a contribution of foot and body posture to gait and balance disorders of children with DMD., Clinical Trial Number: NCT04353167, Date of registration: April 16, 2020., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.)

In this study, the geometric morphometry of the pelvis of 32 (16 male, 16 female) crossbreed cats was investigated. Pelvis images of cats were obtained by computerized tomography method. Then, these images were modelled and geometric morphometry was applied. Shape variations of the pelvis of all individuals were obtained by principal component analysis. The first principal component (PC1) value explained 18.44% of the total variation. Second principal component (PC2) and third principal component (PC3) values explained 16.84% and 13.60% of the total variation, respectively. The difference in the shape of the pelvis of female and male cats was more pronounced in PC2 and PC3, which differed in the linea terminalis. The centroid size difference in terms of sex in the Procrustes ANOVA result is statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). However, the shape difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). As a result of discriminant analysis, the pelvis of female and male cats was completely separated from each other. The crista iliaca of males was more lateral than females. Linea terminalis was wider in shape in females. The edge of the acetabulum was higher in shape in males. Regression analysis was performed to see whether the age and weight of the cats had an effect on the centroid size of the cats. Age and weight were not found to be effective on centroid size. The shape variations of the anatomical formations obtained by geometric morphometry method can be revealed, and it can be examined whether there is a shape difference between the groups., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Few studies have examined the effect of intensive therapy on gross motor function and trunk control in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study evaluated the effects of an intensive burst of therapy on the lower limbs and trunk by comparing qualitative functional and functional approaches. This study was designed as a quasi-randomized, controlled, and evaluator-blinded trial. Thirty-six children with bilateral spastic CP (mean age = 8 y 9 mo; Gross Motor Function Classification II and III) were randomized into functional ( n = 12) and qualitative functional ( n = 24) groups. The main outcome measures were the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), the Quality Function Measure (QFM), and the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS). The results revealed significant time-by-approach interaction effects for all QFM attributes and the GMFM's standing dimension and total score. Post hoc tests showed immediate post-intervention gains with the qualitative functional approach for all QFM attributes, the GMFM's standing and walking/running/jumping dimension and total score, and the total TCMS score. The qualitative functional approach shows promising results with improvements in movement quality and gross motor function., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the study&rsquo;s design; in the collection, analysis, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

Ferulago glareosa Kandemir & Hedge. is an endemic species of the family Apiaceae for Turkey and has interesting morphological characteristics compared to the other members of the genus Ferulago Koch. In this study we investigated the essential oil compositions of the roots and aerial parts of F. glareosa for the first time and compared them with essential oil compositions of the roots and aerial parts of other species of the genus. In our study, major components of the essential oil of the roots were determined to be 2,3,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde (32.2 %), falcarinol (23.7 %), hexadecanoic acid (9.5 %) and 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (5.9 %); and major components of the essential oil of the aerial parts were found to be α-pinene (33.7 %), p-cymene (14.8 %), γ-terpinene (13.2 %), (Z)-β-ocimene (12.4 %) and terpinolene (8.2 %). The essential oil compositions of F. glareosa root compare with essential oils components in the literature differ varies greatly. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) was performed with Minitab software, utilizing 8 major components in the published 20 literatures, as well as in this study. Principal Component Analyses (PCA) were used in order to demonstrate chemotaxonomical variations in the composition of the essential oils of Ferulago species., (© 2023 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

This study presented the Turkish translation of the Early Activity Scale for Endurance (T-EASE) which was developed to evaluate the endurance for physical activity of preschool children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), and its validity and reliability. Fifty-five children with CP aged between 2 and 5 years were included in the study. The Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) were used to determine motor function levels and quality of life of the study population. The T-EASE had good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.996), internal consistency (α = 0.903), higher construct validity approved by confirmatory factor analysis, and criterion validity supported by the weak-to-strong correlations between T-EASE and GMFCS, and PODCI. The T-EASE scores were significantly different between GMFCS levels (p < .05). The T-EASE was found to be valid and reliable to determine the endurance for physical activity of Turkish pre-school children with CP with the sensitivity to changes in motor function levels.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate validity, reliability and feasibility of the Four Square Step Test (FSST) in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)., Methods: The study included 44 children with DMD aged 5-12 years. The functional level of the children was determined by using the Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification (BLEFC). The concurrent validity of the FSST, a dynamic balance assessment, was investigated by analyzing the association between FSST and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) and Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distance. The intra- and inter-rater reliability of the FSST was determined by using the Intra Class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) while the feasibility of the test was determined by calculating the percentage of children who successfully completed the test in accordance with the test instructions., Results: The FSST score of the children (mean age 9.25 ± 2.14 years) was 11.91 ± 3.43 and the BLEFC level ranged from Level 1 (65.9%) to Level 3 (9.1%). FSST had positive, moderate relation with BLEFC (r = 0.447; p = .002); positive, strong relation with TUG (r s  = 0.623), and negative, moderate correlations with NSAA (r s  = -0.529) and 6MWT distance (r s  = -0.592) (p < .001). Intra-rater (ICC: 0.965) and inter-rater (ICC: 0.991) reliability was "excellent," and the test was feasible with successful performance of 88% children., Discussion: The FSST is a valid, reliable and feasible instrument to assess dynamic balance as well as having the ability to reflect falling risk and different functional levels of children with DMD.

This study aims to determine the differences in skull between Asian and golden palm civets by geometric morphometric method. The landmarks were marked on these photographs, and principal component, classical cluster and canonical variance analyses were performed. The method of geometric morphometry of the skull is a powerful tool used to differentiate the species. Fourteen and 20 homologous landmarks were marked using tpsutil and tpsdig2 programs on the frontal and palatinal directional photographs, respectively. As a result of the study, the first principal component (PC1) accounted for 33.586% on the frontal view, 41.602% on the palatinal view of the total shape differences, respectively. Distinctive differences on the frontal and palatinal view were observed in the caudal, rostrolateral and the last molars and the caudal palatine, respectively., (© 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate falls and the fear of falling (FOF) in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and to determine the relationships between the FOF and physical performance, balance, and ambulation., Methods: Thirty-eight ambulatory children with DMD were included in the study. The functional level, falling history, FOF, physical performance, balance, and ambulation were assessed by using Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification, History of Falls Questionnaire, Pediatric Fear of Falling Questionnaire (Ped-FOF), timed performance tests, Timed "Up and Go" (TUG) test, and North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), respectively., Results: Of the 38 children (mean age: 9.00 ± 2.03 years) 97.4% had a history of serious fall last year and 62.2% were injured due to this fall. The Ped-FOF score was 13.79 ± 7.20. Weak to moderate relations were determined between Ped-FOF and functional level ( r  = 0.33), frequency of falls ( r  = 0.41), duration of climbing 4-steps ( r  = 0.38), TUG ( r  = 0.36), and NSAA ( r  = -0.32) ( p  < 0.05)., Conclusion: Ambulatory children with better performance scores had lower levels of FOF despite their history of serious falls and injuries. FOF tends to increase as the symptoms of the disease progresses. Investigating the history of falls and FOF from the earliest period will guide to take precautions and make necessary interventions on time in treatment programs., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To explore the effects of aerobic training adding to home-based exercise program on motor function and muscle architectural properties in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy., Design: This is a prospective randomized controlled study., Setting: Pediatric neuromuscular clinic in a tertiary care center., Subjects: Children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy., Interventions: Children were randomly divided into two groups whereby 12-weeks aerobic training was additionally given in treatment group in contrast to the control group which received only home-based exercise program., Main Measures: Motor Function Measure and Six Minute Walk Test were used for clinical evaluation, and muscle architectural properties (thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length) were measured by ultrasound imaging. Both groups were assessed at baseline and after 12-weeks of training., Results: Median age of children was 7.9 years in the treatment group and 8.6 years in the control group ( p  > 0.05). Significant improvements were obtained for Motor Function Measure and Six Minute Walk Test from baseline to 12-weeks in the treatment group; Motor Function Measure total score changed from 83.2 (6.1) to 86.9 (4.0) vs. 82.3 (10.2) to 80.4 (9.4) points in the control group ( p   =  0.006 ) ; 6 Minute Walk Test distance changed from 395.3 (46.6) to 413.0 (52.3) vs. 421.7 (64.4) to 393.8 (68.2) meters in the control group ( p  < 0.001). However, muscle architectural parameters did not change during study period ( p  > 0.05)., Conclusion: Aerobic training may be of additional value in improving motor function and performance with no remarkable effect on muscle architectural properties.

Background: Muscle imaging methods such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging have been used for many years to determine the dystrophic process in muscular dystrophies. However, the knowledge regarding muscle architecture in children at early-stage Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) with different functional levels is limited., Objective: To explore the effect of functional level on muscle architectural properties in children with early stage DMD and the difference between DMD and typically developing (TD) peers., Methods: Thirty children with DMD (15 Grade 1 and 15 Grade 2 according to the Vignos Scale) and 5 TD peers were included. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure muscle thickness (MT), fascicle length (FL), and pennation angle (PA) of vastus lateralis (VL) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles bilaterally., Results: The MT and FL values for VL, and MT, FL and PA values for MG muscles were higher in children with DMD compared with those of TD peers (p<0.05). The FL of VL, and MT and FL of GM muscles of children with DMD Grade 2 were higher than those of children with DMD Grade 1 (p<0.05)., Conclusions: MT and FL are increased in children with DMD compared with TD peers. Additionally, muscle architecture seems to be affected even at the early stages of the disease.

Objective: The aims of this study were (a) to examine the surface electromyography (sEMG) amplitude values of the lower limb muscles during stair climbing both between different functional levels of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), in comparison with healthy children, and (b) to investigate the relationships between sEMG amplitudes and physical performance., Methods: sEMG amplitudes of the lower limbs of twenty-one children with DMD between levels I and III according to the Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification Scale and eleven healthy peers were evaluated by using sEMG during stair climbing task. Physical performance was evaluated by 6-min walk test and ascending 4-step timed performance test., Results: The lower limb sEMG amplitude values of children with DMD were statistically higher than healthy children (p < 0.001). sEMG amplitudes of the right (p = 0.01) and left (p = 0.003) biceps femoris, the right (p < 0.001) and left (p = 0.001) gastrocnemius medialis, and the right vastus lateralis (p = 0.02) muscles were higher in children with levels 2-3 than those in level 1. Moderate-to-strong relations were found between the gastrocnemius medialis and biceps femoris sEMG amplitudes and physical performance assessments (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Increased sEMG amplitude values in the lower limbs during stair climbing task are thought to be caused by the effort to compensate for progressive muscle weakness and are associated with lower physical performance in children with DMD. Further, sEMG amplitude values are determined to increase as the functional level deteriorates., Clinical Trial Registration Number and Url: NCT04287582 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04287582?term=merve+bora&draw=2&rank=1 )., (© 2021. Fondazione Società Italiana di Neurologia.)

Background: This study aimed to analyze the reliability of concentric isokinetic strength assessments (knee and hip) using the Biodex System 4 in healthy children and assess the association with functional strength tests (sit-to-stand [STS], lateral-step-up [LSU])., Methods: 19 children (6-12 years) were included. Knee and hip flexion and extension, and hip abduction and adduction were tested at 60 and 90°/s., Results: Relative and absolute reliability at 60°/s tended to show better results compared to those at 90°/s. Intra class correlations (ICCs) of knee flexion and extension at 60°/s were good (0.79-0.89). For hip flexion, extension, abduction and adduction at 60°/s ICCs were moderate to good (0.53-0.83). The smallest detectable change (SDC) values (expressed in %) were highly variable. The SDC% for knee flexion and extension and hip abduction at 60°/s were around 50%. Positive associations were found between hip extension and abduction isokinetic strength and the STS test., Conclusion: Concentric isokinetic strength assessments in healthy children using the Biodex System 4 were found reliable for knee flexion and extension and hip abduction. Limited associations were found between concentric isokinetic strength tests and functional strength tests., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 van Tittelboom, Alemdaroglu-Gürbüz, Hanssen, Heyrman, Feys, Desloovere, Calders and Van den Broeck.)

Introduction : The aim of this study was to investigate whether trunk control is associated with the upper limb function of children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Methods : The children included in the study were divided into two groups according to the Trunk Control Measurement Scale total scores. Twenty-five children whose trunk control levels were lower than 30.5 points were included in Group 1 while 31 children who had good levels of trunk control between 30.5 and 58 points were included in Group 2. General functional levels, muscular strength, and function of the upper limb were assessed and compared between the groups. Results : According to the results of the assessments, children in Group 2 were found to have better upper limb function and muscular strength than Group 1 ( p < .001). Conclusions : The current study demonstrated better upper limb functional performance of children with DMD that had good-level trunk control thus suggesting the possible association between trunk stability and upper limb function. The results reveal the need to improve and protect trunk muscle strength and stability as well as upper limb strength, and to optimize trunk stability during upper limb movement in rehabilitation programs.