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The purpose of this study was to examine associations between lower-limb mechanical strength, phase-oriented composite strength indices, generalized neuromuscular activation, and maximal soccer ball kicking speed in trained athletes. Twenty-five male soccer players (age: 20.64 ± 2.50 years; height: 179.28 ± 4.27 cm; body mass: 75.80 ± 9.41 kg) participated in this cross-sectional study. Isometric ankle and knee joint torques were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer, and joint-specific and phase-oriented cross-joint composite indices were computed to represent integrated strength capacity across the kinetic chain. Neuromuscular activation was evaluated via surface electromyography during a standardized squat jump task. Ball-kicking speed was measured using Doppler radar during maximal instep kicks. Associations were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients (p ≤ 0.05) with false discovery rate correction for multiple comparisons. In unadjusted analyses, moderate positive correlations were observed for several ankle torque variables and composite ankle strength indices, while swing-phase composite measures demonstrated moderate correlations (r = 0.43–0.55). Knee strength indices and sEMG variables showed no significant relationships. However, none of the variables remained statistically significant after FDR correction, suggesting limited independent explanatory value of isolated isometric strength and non-task-specific neuromuscular activation assessed during a standardized squat jump for maximal kicking performance.

Background Epileptogenesis is a process that results in neurons firing abnormally, causing seizures. Increasing evidence has shown that miRNAs expressed in the epileptic hippocampus are involved in epileptogenesis. We demonstrated the expression changes of miRNAs that may be effective in epileptogenesis in silico analysis in the kindling model created with Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Thus, we aimed to identify the target genes responsible for epileptogenesis. Methods and results Fifteen male Wistar-albino rats (200–230 g) were randomly divided into two groups control (n = 6) and PTZ (n = 9). The control group received 0.5 ml saline, and the PTZ group (35 mg/kg i.p.) intraperitoneally (i.p.) (11 times, every other day) to induce tonic–clonic seizures. Seizures were observed and scored 30 min after PTZ injection. After the last dose of PTZ (75 mg/kg) administration, the hippocampus tissues of the rats were removed by anesthesia. Analysis of miRNAs was performed with the Affymetrix gene chip miRNA sequence (728 miRNA) and confirmed by the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (Real-Time PCR) method (29 miRNAs). We evaluated the expression change of the target gene of miRNA, whose expression change was detected using in silico analysis, by q-RT PCR. Eight miRNAs with changes in expression were detected. Of these miRNAs, miR-342-p was downregulated in the PTZ group and was statistically significant (p < 0.005). Ultimately, we determined that the target gene of miR-342-p is a metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (GRM2) and that GRM2 expression is upregulated. Conclusions Downregulation of miR-342-3p in the PTZ kindling model may result in the upregulation of GRM2 .

This study focuses on the preparation of camphene/palmitic acid mixture as novel phase change material for the first step of composite-based phase change materials. Camphene–palmitic acid-based composite phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage were prepared by vacuum impregnation method. The maximum incorporation percentage for camphene–palmitic into pyroclastic, fly ash, barite and marble powder were found to be 33.09, 55.5, 31.5 and 35.96 %, respectively. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed that the composite PCMs were suitable applicants for building applications in terms of their appropriate phase change temperatures and extensive latent heat values. The SEM results showed that the homogeneity of the samples is good, and according to supporting materials porosity formation is observed. Thermal cycling test indicated that the form-stable composite PCMs have good thermal reliability and chemical stability although they were subjected to 2,000 melting/freezing cycling.

In this study, a series of shape-stabilized phase-change materials (PCMs) of camphene/stearic acid (CS) were prepared and their thermal properties were measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicated that the mixture consisting of 60 mass% camphene and 40 mass% stearic acid is the most favorable as a PCM, in terms of the phase-change temperature and latent heat. Thereafter, the CS was absorbed in fly ash, pyroclastic, barite, and marble powder, which acts as a supporting material, to prepare four kinds of composite-based PCMs. DSC, FT-IR, and scanning electron microscopy measurements were made to investigate the structures and properties of the PCMs. DSC results showed that the latent heats of melting and freezing of the composite PCMs were sharply decreased. Morphology and structural characterization revealed that, in form-stable PCMs, the dispersion of the supporting materials in the camphene/stearic acid matrix is homogeneous and there is no chemical interaction between the CS and composites. The composite PCMs showed excellent thermal stabilities and reliabilities, when their phase-change temperatures were concerned. These indicate that the prepared composite-based PCMs are suitable for thermal energy storage because of their applicable temperature range, thermal reliability, and chemical stability.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis is a common systemic vasculitis in children, involving the skin, joint, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. Scrotal involvement is a less common manifestation in the course of IgA vasculitis, which alters disease management. The purpose of this study was to present the characteristics of patients with IgA vasculitis with scrotal involvement and to compare patients with and without scrotal involvement. We also aimed to investigate the relationship between scrotal involvement and disease activity and inflammatory markers. This medical record review study was conducted in 234 male patients under the age of 18 years who were diagnosed with IgA vasculitis and followed for at least 6 months in the Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic. Demographic characteristics, clinical findings, laboratory findings, and pediatric vasculitis activity score (PVAS) of IgA vasculitis patients were recorded. CRP to albumin ratio (CAR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were calculated using the patients’ complete blood count parameters and C reactive protein (CRP) levels. Two hundred thirty four male patients with IgA vasculitis were included in the study. Scrotum involvement was detected in 34 (14.5%) of patients. The mean age at diagnosis of 34 patients with scrotal involvement was 7.37 (4.41–8.43) years. Of the 34 patients, 15 had scrotal pain, swelling and rash, 12 had scrotal pain and swelling, and 2 had only scrotal swelling. Two (5.9%) patients had penile involvement with scrotal involvement. Patients were divided into two groups as those with scrotal involvement ( n  = 34, 10.2%) and those without ( n  = 200, 89.8%). Local edema, widespread skin involvement, hematuria, penile involvement, PVAS and CAR were significantly higher in IgA patients with scrotal involvement than in those without ( p  < 0.001, p  < 0.001, p  = 0.019, p  = 0.001, p  < 0.001, and p  = 0.004, respectively). Conclusion : Widespread purpura, local edema, penile involvement and hematuria are more common in patients with scrotal involvement than those without. PVAS and some systemic inflammatory markers such as CAR may be helpful in predicting scrotal involvement. What is known: • IgA vasculitis is the most common type of vasculitis in childhood and scrotal involvement is very rare during the course of the disease. • PVAS is a scoring system used to measure the severity of childhood vasculitis. What is new: • PVAS might be promising surrogate tool for predicting scrotal involvement in patients with IgA vasculitis.

In this study, composite foams containing chitosan (CHI) and boron doped-biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) were developed using freeze-drying method. The quantities of BCP incorporated into the CHI matrix were introduced into the foams at three different ratios: 25 wt%, 50 wt%, and 75 wt%. The objective of this study was to investigate the microstructure, swelling, mechanical, and biological properties of boron-doped BCP/CHI-based composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed that all of the composites exhibited open and interconnected pore morphologies. The FTIR spectra demonstrated that boron doping interacts with the hydroxyl and phosphate groups in the CHI/BCP composites, which is evidenced by changes in peak intensities. It was found that low amounts of boron positively affected the compressive strength and in vitro cytotoxicity of the composites. Following simulated body fluid treatment, the boron-doped BCP/CHI composites exhibited robust apatite layer formation. These results indicated that the composite foams with modified physical and mechanical characteristics show considerable promise for use as composite materials in biomedical applications, including bone scaffolds or wound dressings.

Heart failure in children is a clinical and pathophysiological syndrome arising from ventricular dysfunction and pressure or volume overload of the circulatory system. Features of paediatric heart failure include feeding problems, poor weight gain, exercise intolerance, or dyspnoea. The aetiology of heart failure in children is complex, with the primary causes being CHD and cardiomyopathies. Cardiomyopathies occur at an incidence of 1.13–1.24 cases per 100,000 children. The prevalence of cardiomyopathy is estimated to be 7.8–8.3 cases per 100,000 infants, particularly common in patients under one year of age presenting with severe heart failure symptoms. Mitral valve insufficiency is a significant source of morbidity in children with dilated cardiomyopathy. Severe mitral insufficiency can lead to a decrease in cardiac output, independent of the left ventricular ejection fraction, exacerbating the clinical course of heart failure in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. As ventricular systolic function deteriorates, the options for treating mitral insufficiency decrease, leading to a loss of surgical intervention opportunities and making heart transplantation the only viable option. Close monitoring of mitral valve insufficiency in children with dilated cardiomyopathy is essential, as it may lead to decompensated heart failure. In patients who have lost the chance for valve surgery due to decompensation, the application of left ventricular assist device can help improve the decompensatory state and contribute to the reduction of left ventricular diastolic and systolic dimensions, consequently leading to improvements in the dilation of the mitral annulus and severe mitral insufficiency findings. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal timing for surgery in patients who have not missed the chance for valve surgery due to a decrease in ejection fraction.

Objective: To characterize the clinical spectrum, pattern of organ involvement, treatment strategies, and disease severity in patients with childhood- onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) at a tertiary pediatric rheumatology center. Methods: This retrospective study included patients <18 years with cSLE diagnosed by Systemic Lupus International Collaborative Clinics criteria and followed between August 2019 and September 2025. Disease activity was assessed using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), and lupus nephritis was classified according to International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society criteria. Results: The age at diagnosis was 13 years [interquartile range (IQR): 1115]. Mucocutaneous manifestations predominated, with a cutaneous rash present in 29 patients (54.7%). Other common features included non-erosive arthritis (43.4%, n=23), oral ulcers (13.2%, n=7), and alopecia (11.3%, n=6). Renal involvement occurred in 31 patients (58.5%). Renal biopsies were conducted in 25 patients (47.1% of the study population), all of whom had histopathological confirmation of lupus nephritis. The distribution among biopsied patients was as follows: Class II: 11 (20.7%); Class IV: 11 (20.7%); Class I: 2 (3.7%); and Class V: 1 (1.8%). All patients received hydroxychloroquine. Systemic corticosteroids were administered to 50 patients (94.3%). Mycophenolate mofetil was the primary immunosuppressive treatment in 43.4% (n=23) of patients, whereas cyclophosphamide was the primary immunosuppressive treatment in 41.5% (n=22) of patients. Disease activity was high at baseline (median SLEDAI-2K score: 16, IQR: 8-20), but showed a significant improvement by the final assessment (median SLEDAI-2K score: 1.5, IQR: 0- 4; p<0.001). Conclusion: This study emphasizes the heterogeneous presentation of cSLE, with frequent mucocutaneous and musculoskeletal involvement and notable renal and neurological manifestations. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy are essential for favorable outcomes. Keywords: Childhood, disease severity, lupus erythematosus, organ involvement Amac: Ucuncu basamak bir pediatrik romatoloji merkezinde cocukluk cagi baslangicli sistemik lupus eritematozus (cSLE) hastalarinin klinik spektrumunu, organ tutulum paternini, tedavi stratejilerini ve hastalik siddetini karakterize etmektir. Yontem: Bu retrospektif calismaya, Sistemik Lupus Uluslararasi Isbirligi Klinikleri kriterlerine gore cSLE tanisi almis ve Agustos 2019 ile Eylul 2025 arasinda takip edilen 18 yas alti hastalar dahil edildi. Hastalik aktivitesi Sistemik Lupus Eritematozus Hastalik Aktivite Indeksi 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) ile degerlendirildi ve lupus nefriti Uluslararasi Nefroloji Dernegi/Bobrek Patolojisi Dernegi kriterlerine gore siniflandirildi. Bulgular: Tani anindaki ortanca yas 13 yildi [ceyreklik aralik (IQR): 11- 15]. Mukokutanoz bulgular baskindi ve 29 hastada (%54,7) akut veya subakut kutanoz lupus dokuntusu mevcuttu. Diger yaygin ozellikler arasinda eroziv olmayan artrit (%43,4, n=23), oral ulserler (%13,2, n=7) ve alopesi (%11,3, n=6) yer aldi. Takip sirasinda 31 hastada (%58,5) bobrek tutulumu meydana geldi. Yirmi bes hastaya (kohortun %47,1'i) bobrek biyopsisi yapildi ve tum olgularda histopatolojik olarak lupus nefriti dogrulandi. Biyopsi yapilan hastalar arasindaki dagilim su sekildeydi: 11'inde Sinif II (%20,7), 11'inde Sinif IV (%20,7), 2'sinde Sinif I (%3,7) ve 1'inde Sinif V (%1,8). Tum hastalara (%100) hidroksiklorokin verildi. Elli hastaya (%91,3) sistemik kortikosteroidler uygulandi. Mikofenolat mofetil en sik kullanilan immunosupresif ajandi (%43,4, n=23), bunu siklofosfamid (%41,5, n=22) izledi. Hastalik aktivitesi baslangicta yuksekti (ortanca SLEDAI-2K skoru: 16, IQR: 8-20), ancak son degerlendirmede onemli bir iyilesme gosterdi (ortanca SLEDAI- 2K: 1,5, IQR: 0-4; p<0,001). Sonuc: Bu calisma, sik gorulen mukokutanoz ve kas-iskelet sistemi tutulumu ve belirgin renal ve norolojik bulgularla birlikte cSLE'nin heterojen bir tablo sergiledigini vurgulamaktadir. Olumlu sonuclar icin erken tani ve uygun tedavi esastir. Anahtar Kelimeler: Cocukluk cagi, hastalik siddeti, lupus eritematozus, organ tutulumu

Incomplete Kawasaki disease may present significant diagnostic challenges in young infants, frequently leading to delayed diagnosis and severe coronary complications. We report on a 3.5-month-old infant with a delayed diagnosis of incomplete Kawasaki disease who developed bilateral giant coronary artery aneurysms with progressive coronary obstruction. Despite appropriate medical management including immunoglobulin therapy and antithrombotic treatment, the patient developed ischemic heart failure and ultimately required coronary artery bypass grafting. This case highlights the diagnostic difficulty of incomplete Kawasaki disease in early infancy and emphasizes the importance of early echocardiographic evaluation in infants with prolonged unexplained fever.

AimThe emergence of advanced duct occluder devices has made transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure the preferred treatment for pediatric patients. This study compared the effectiveness, safety, and long-term outcomes of various transcatheter PDA closure devices.Materials and MethodsThis study involved 320 patients aged 0 to 18 years who underwent transcatheter PDA closure at our hospital from 2004 to 2023. We retrospectively reviewed their records in order to assess procedure success, demographic information, clinical features, angiographic parameters, and complications. Patients were categorized by closure type: Group I for coil closure, Group II for Amplatzer Duct Occluder (ADO)-I closure, and Group III for ADO-II closure.ResultsIn this study of 320 patients, 203 (63.4%) were female and 117 (36.4%) male. The average age was 56.5 months (±49.6), with a median weight of 15 kg (interquartile range 10.5-23 kg). The median diameter of the PDA at its narrowest point was 2.0 mm (interquartile range 2-3 mm). Ductal anatomy distribution was as follows: Type A (176 patients, 55%), type B (49 patients, 15.3%), type C (30 patients, 9.3%), type D (5 patients, 1.56%), type E (57 patients, 17.8%), and type F (4 patients, 1.25%). Arterial access was used in 263 patients (82.1%), and venous plus arterial access in 57 patients (17.8%). Closure techniques included the ADO-II in 107 cases (33.4%), ADO-I in 12 cases (3.75%), and coils in 201 cases (62%). The early closure rate was 97.5%, with initial shunt rates of 0.6% and 0.3% at one month. Device embolization occurred in 5 patients (1.87%). By the six-month follow-up, all PDAs had closed, resulting in an overall transaction success rate of 97.5%. The average follow-up period was 105.8±55 months.ConclusionPercutaneous closure of PDA in children is safe and effective, with a high success rate. Key factors include the patient’s age, weight, duct dimensions, and the type and size of the PDA. ADO-I devices are ideal for larger defects, while coil or ADO-II devices are preferable for smaller ones. Proper patient selection is critical for successful outcomes.