Determination of five times-sit-to-stand test performance in patients with multiple sclerosis: validity and reliability

Purpose/AimAlthough Five Times-Sit-To-Stand test (FTSST) performance is known to be a valid and reliable method in people with chronic stroke, Parkinson's disease, and balance disorder, it has not been widely studied in patients with Multiple sclerosis (MS). The main aim of this study was to evaluate validity and reliability of the FTSST in patients with MS.MethodsThe first outcome measure of the study was the FTSST, which was conducted by two different researchers. Secondary outcome measures were Biodex Stability System (BSS), 10-meter walk test, time up go test (TUG), EDSS scoring, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Barthel Index, Quadriceps Muscle strength test, Functional Reach test. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for the validity and reliability of the FTSST, which was made by two different researchers, and Pearson Correlation Analysis was used to determine its relationship with other measurements.ResultsInterrater and test-retest reliability for the FTSST were excellent (Intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.98 and 0.99, respectively). A statistically significant correlation was found between all secondary outcome measures and FTSST (p < 0.05).ConclusionFTSST is considered to be a valid, reliable, easy, and rapid method for evaluating lower extremity muscle strength and balance in patients with MS

Nest survival and transplantation success of formica rufa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) ants in Southern Turkey: A predictive approach

Research highlights: Formica rufa is used widely for biocontrol in Turkish forests. Although ecological characteristics of red wood ant habitats are well known, the statistical significance of these characteristics and their effects on nest transplantation success are largely unknown. Having such knowledge on a local scale, however, can help to predict the success of a scheduled transplantation effort, and can prevent loss of time and money. Background and objectives: In the present study, we used nest transplantation data from southern Turkey to determine habitat parameters that have a significant impact on nest survival, and to investigate possibility of predicting transplantation success from habitat parameter data. Materials and methods: Algorithms of data mining are widely used in agricultural and forestry applications for a wide range of tasks. In the present study, we used descriptive statistics to summarize the transplantation profile according to six habitat parameters (altitude, aspect, canopy closure, landform, nest substrate, and slope). We also used classification, a data mining approach, with two of its methods (decision tree and naive Bayes) to determine the most important habitat parameters for nest survival and predict nest transplantation success in southern Turkey. Results: We found that altitude, aspect, and canopy closure were the most important factors affecting transplantation success. We also show that classification methods can be used in not only classifying, but also predicting the success rate of future transplantations. Thus, we show that the possibility of success for a given area can be predicted when certain parameters are known. Conclusions: This method can assist biological control practitioners in planning biocontrol programs and selecting favorable spots for red wood ant nest transplantation. © 2020 by the authors

Factors influencing of quality of life in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the lateral and horizontal deformity of the vertebral column which occurs idiopathically during adolescence. The aim of this study is to identify independent predictors of quality of life in AIS patients. Methods: In total, 31 adolescent patients diagnosed with AIS aged between 10 and 18 years old were included in the study. The scoliosis severity was determined for each patient according to the Cobb method, and their scoliosis perception using the Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale, a pain assessment was conducted based on the Visual Analog Scale, quality of life using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire, and depression level according to the Children's Depression Scale. Multiple Linear Regression analysis was then performed in order to determine the independent determinants of health-related quality of life. Findings: According to the Linear Regression analysis results, children's depression scale, walter reed visual assessment scale, cobb, and anterior trunk rotation explained 52.7% of the variance as independent determinants of SRS-22. Interpretation: The study examined the determinants affecting the quality of life in AIS patients. The results of the study showed that scoliosis severity, perception of cosmetic deformity, degree of rotation, and depression level to be predictors of quality of life in AIS patients. “This trail registered with NCT05242601.” © 202

Are perioperative near-infrared spectroscopy values correlated with clinical and biochemical parameters in cyanotic and acyanotic infants following corrective cardiac surgery?

WOS: 000371172200007PubMed ID: 26034194Background: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a useful non-invasive tool for monitoring infants undergoing cardiac surgery. In this study, we aimed to determine the NIRS values in cyanotic and acyanotic patients who underwent corrective cardiac surgery for congenital heart diseases. Methods: Thirty consecutive infants who were operated on with the diagnosis of ventricular septal defect (n=15) and tetralogy of Fallot (n=15) were evaluated retrospectively. A definitive repair of the underlying cardiac pathology was achieved in all cases. A total of six measurements of cerebral and renal NIRS were performed at different stages of the perioperative period. The laboratory data, mean urine output and serum lactate levels were evaluated along with NIRS values in each group. Results: The NIRS values differ in both groups, even after the corrective surgical procedure is performed. The recovery of renal NIRS values is delayed in the cyanotic patients. Conclusion: Even though definitive surgical repair is performed in cyanotic infants, recovery of the renal vasculature may be delayed by up to two days, which is suggestive of a vulnerable period for renal dysfunction

The Pediatric Tracheostomy Practice During COVID-19 Pandemic at a PICU

Introduction:To evaluate pediatric tracheostomies performed at a tertiary care pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) before and after the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods:A total of 57 pediatric tracheostomy patients performed at a tertiary care PICU were included. Prognostic scores including pediatric risk of mortality 2, pediatric index of mortality 2 and pediatric logistic organ dysfunction scores, the family education process and time to home discharge were evaluated according to time of tracheostomy (pre-pandemic vs. after pandemic) and responsible surgeon (pediatric surgeon vs. otolaryngologist). MedCalc® Statistical Software version 19.7.2 (MedCalc Software Ltd, Ostend, Belgium; https: //www.medcalc.org; 2021) was used for statistical analysis.Results:A non-significant tendency for higher rate of pediatric surgery-based tracheostomies was noted after the pandemic (76.0 vs. 24.0%, p=0.134). No significant difference was noted between tracheostomies performed before vs. after the COVID-19 pandemic and those performed by otolaryngologists vs. pediatric surgeons in terms of prognostic scores and time to home discharge.Conclusion:Our findings emphasize the maintenance of high quality patient care for pediatric tracheostomy patients in accordance with standardized tracheostomy protocols and policies during the pandemic period with no significant difference between tracheostomies performed before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and those performed by pediatric surgeons vs. otolaryngologists in terms of prognostic scores and time to home discharge

Closed Fracture of the Medial Malleolus Accompanied by A Rupture of the Tibialis Anterior Tendon: An Unusual Case Report

Isolated medial malleolus fractures comprise two-thirds of all ankle fractures and are rarely accompanied by a posterior tibial tendon rupture and dislocation. However, a medial malleolus fracture accompanied by an anterior tibial tendon rupture is unusual, and has not yet been reported. In this paper, a case of medial malleolus fracture accompanied by a tibialis anterior tendon rupture is presented and discussed

Production of Bovine Colostrum for Human Consumption to Improve Health

Colostrum contains all essential nutrients for the neonate during the first days of life, with impacts that continue far beyond these first days. Bovine colostrum has been used for human consumption due to the high concentrations of bioactive proteins, vitamins, minerals, growth factors, as well as free and conjugated oligosaccharides. Processes involved in the preparation of bovine colostrum for human consumption play a pivotal role in preserving and maintaining the activity of the bioactive molecules. As bovine colostrum is a multifunctional food that offers a myriad of benefits for human health, assessing the main processes used in preparing it with both advantages and disadvantages is a crucial point to discuss. We discuss major processes effects for colostrum production on the nutritional value, some advanced technologies to preserve processed bovine colostrum and the endproduct forms consumed by humans whether as dairy products or dietary supplements

Okul Öncesi Dönemdeki Çocukların Nörolojik Durumları,Gelişimsel Parametreleri ve Fiziksel Uygunlukları Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi

Alkan, H. Investigation of the relationship between neurological status, developmental parameters and physical fitness in preschool children, Hacettepe University, Graduate School Health Sciences, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Program, Ph.D. Thesis, Ankara, 2019. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between neurological status, developmental parameters and physical fitness in preschool children. The study was carried out in 212 healthy children aged 4-6 years in schools of Muş Province depending Ministry of National Education. To assess the neurological status of children, Touwen Examination was used, to assess the developmental parameters of children, Denver Developmental Screening Test (DGTT) II was used, to assess the physical fitness of children, PREFIT test battery was used, and to assess the cognitive levels of children, a questionnaire form asked to family was used. There was a statistically significant relationship between neurological status and developmental parameters of children (r = -0,398, p <0,001), between neurological status and physical fitness of children (r = -0,221, p <0,01), between physical fitness and developmental parameters of children (r = -0,231, p <0,01). In addition to these findings, when the children were compared with gestational age, the presence of Minor Neurological Dysfunction (MND), cognitive level and body mass index, statistically significant differences were found (p <0,05). As a result, the developmental parameters, physical fitness and neurological status of the preschool children are related. Thus, in planning physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs, these children should be considered as a whole in order to prevent bad prognosis and provide better treatment results. In addition, since gestational age, presence of MND, cognitive level and body mass index affect physical fitness in preschool, these conditions should be considered during the activity, exercise or physical fitness programs applied to this age range.Alkan, H. Okul öncesi dönemdeki çocukların nörolojik durumları, gelişimsel parametreleri ve fiziksel uygunlukları arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi, Hacettepe Üniversitesi, Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Programı, Doktora Tezi, Ankara, 2019. Bu çalışmanın amacı; okul öncesi dönemdeki çocukların nörolojik durumları, gelişim parametreleri ve fiziksel uygunlukları arasındaki ilişkiyi araştırmaktı. Çalışma Muş İl Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı'na bağlı okulların ana sınıflarında bulunan, 4-6 yaş aralığındaki 212 sağlıklı çocuklar üzerinde yapıldı. Çocukların nörolojik durumları Touwen Muayenesi, gelişim parametreleri Denver Gelişimsel Tarama Testi (DGTT) II, fiziksel uygunlukları PREFİT test bataryası, kognitif seviyeleri ise ailelere sorulan anket şeklindeki bir form ile değerlendirildi. Çocukların nörolojik durumları ile gelişimsel parametreleri (r=-0,398, p<0,001), nörolojik durumları ile fiziksel uygunlukları (r=-0,221, p<0,01), gelişimsel parametreleriyle fiziksel uygunlukları (r=-0,231, p<0,01), arasında ilişkiler bulundu. Bu bulgulara ek olarak çocuklar gestasyonel yaşa, Minör Nörolojik Disfonksiyon (MND) varlığına, kognitif seviye ve vücut kütle indeksine göre fiziksel uygunlukları karşılaştırıldığında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklar bulundu (p<0,05). Sonuç olarak okul öncesi dönemdeki çocukların gelişim parametreleri, fiziksel uygunlukları ve nörolojik durumları birbiriyle ilişki içindedir. Böylece fizyoterapi ve rehabilitasyon programları planlanırken, kötü prognozun engellemesi ve daha iyi tedavi sonuçları sağlaması açısından bu çocuklar bir bütün olarak ele alınmalıdır. Ayrıca okul öncesi dönemdeki çocuklarda gestasyonel yaş, MND varlığı, kognitif seviye ve vücut kütle indeksi fiziksel uygunluğu etkilediği için bu yaş aralığına uygulanan aktivite, egzersiz ya da fiziksel uygunluk programları esnasında bu durumlar göz önünde bulundurulmalıdır

Investigation of Factors Associated With Pain Intensity in Office Workers With Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Background: Low back pain is an important health problem causing serious physical, psychological, and economic losses in developed and developing countries. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate comprehensively the factors related to the intensity of pain in office workers with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Methods: The study included 71 university office workers with NSLBP, aged 21-55 years. In addition to evaluating the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of office workers with NSLBP, visual analog scale (VAS), Short-Form 36 (SF-36), Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TKS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) outcome measurements were applied. Results: There was a statistically significant association between the intensity of pain and TUG test (p = .000), job satisfaction (p = .015), percentages of disability (p = .000), quality of life (role difficulty due to physical limitation, p = .010; pain, p = .000; social the function, p = .044), and depression (p = .004). Conclusions: While the functional performance, job satisfaction level, and quality of life in office workers with NSLBP with severe-intensity pain were lower, level of disability, depression were higher in office workers with NSLBP with mild-to-moderate-intensity pain. © 2022 American Society for Pain Management Nursin