Evaluation of simple blood counts as inflammation markers for brain tumor patients

Aims Hemogram parameters in routine blood panels have been proposed as inflammation markers. These parameters, especially the red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV), were evaluated as surrogate inflammatory markers in brain tumor patients. We aimed to observe RDW and MPV values of tumor patients and compare to those in healthy population. Methods We recorded white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, RDW, platelet count, and MPV of the study group at the time of diagnosis and compared to those of the control subjects. Results The RDW was significantly elevated in study group compared to that of the control subjects (p = 0.001). The MPV was significantly lower in study group than that of the control group (p = 0.01). Conclusion Decreased MPV and increased RDW were both associated with brain tumor. However, prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to support the results and expose MPV and RDW variations between metastatic and primary brain tumors. © 2016 Polish Neurological Societ

Evaluation of simple blood counts as inflammation markers for brain tumor patients

Aims Hemogram parameters in routine blood panels have been proposed as inflammation markers. These parameters, especially the red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV), were evaluated as surrogate inflammatory markers in brain tumor patients. We aimed to observe RDW and MPV values of tumor patients and compare to those in healthy population. Methods We recorded white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, RDW, platelet count, and MPV of the study group at the time of diagnosis and compared to those of the control subjects. Results The RDW was significantly elevated in study group compared to that of the control subjects (p=0.001). The MPV was significantly lower in study group than that of the control group (p=0.01). Conclusion Decreased MPV and increased RDW were both associated with brain tumor. However, prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to support the results and expose MPV and RDW variations between metastatic and primary brain tumors

Efficacy of the greater occipital nerve block in recurrent migraine type headaches

Aims We aimed to evaluate six months of results following repeated GON blocks. Methods We evaluated the results from GON block performed on 60 patients. Briefly, we applied a standard 2mL of 0.5% Bupivacaine GON blockage once a week for 4 weeks. We recorded the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, the number of migraine attacks and the Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire (MIDAS) scores. The study subjects were not allowed to use medication for prophylaxis, and Ibuprofen (400mg, 1200mg at maximum) was prescribed for any migraine attacks. Results The initial mean number of attacks per month before starting treatment was 8.33+2.31. After treatment, the initial MIDAS mean was found to be 2.82 per month; this declined to 1.47 in 3rd, and was 1.50 in the 6th month. The individual month values were found to be significant, and were listed respectively as, 1st month: 3.95+2.52, 2nd month: 3.23+1.82, 3rd month: 2.60+1.90, 4th month: 2.68+2.10, 5th month: 2.58+1.90 and 6th month: 2.58+1.90. The mean VAS scores were recorded as follows for each month: 6.28±1.24, 3.13±0.97, 2.55±1.19, 2.35±1.26, 2.38±1.20 and 2.48±1.30, respectively. This difference was noted to be statistically significant. No difference regarding the efficacy of the treatment was determined when the results were compared across age groups. Conclusion We assume that GON blockage with 2mL of 0.5% Bupivacaine can be a supportive treatment in migraine treatment, with no serious adverse effects reported

Mental health policy reactions during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in two worst-hit WHO European countries: a narrative review and lessons for the aftermath of mental health care

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging the health care systems and public wellbeing unprecedentedly. The United Kingdom and Turkiye were the countries worst hit by the pandemic in the World Health Organization European region. Purpose: This review investigated the mental health policies in these countries which draw a contrasting pattern of mental health care, sociodemographic background, and income level. Following the investigation, we recommended the possible directions to be pursued by European policymakers Methodology: The documents were picked from the health policy sections from the websites of international organizations (European Parliament, OECD, WHO, UN), online data and policy reports of national ministerial bodies, and general web search. Later, the papers were reviewed and the author identified the main concepts of the responses to discuss after policy review. The study was designed as a review; therefore, no statistical framework was conducted. Results: Identified concepts were as follows: a) continuing service provision for people with mental health conditions, b) digital mental health care interventions, c) building psychological resilience for citizens. Conclusions: A strategy only focusing on treating mental health conditions will not be sustainable during the post-pandemic era. It is essential to address mental health in all policies to foster a strong mental health care syste

Extraspinal findings on routine lumbar spinal MR imaging: Prevalence and etiologies in 4012 patients

Aim: To investigate the prevalence and reporting rates of incidental findings (IF) in the routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine, and to emphasize their clinical importance. Methods: A total of 4012 lumbar MRI taken between January 2014 and December 2016 were reevaluated. The low back pain and sciatalgia those suspected for lumbar spinal pathology were chosen for this study.  Extra-spinal abnormalities were classified according to a modified CT Colonography Reporting and Data System (C-RADS) and analyzed. Results The mean age of patients was 49, 83 (range 17-87) years. Of the cases, 2472 were women and 1540 were men. In 3834 cases, disk pathology was observed. In 1282 cases extraspinal pathology was detected. The largest group in the study consisted of C-RADS E2 with 1048 patients (82.5%). There were 195 patients (28.3%) in the C-RADS E3 group and 23 (1.8%) patients in the C-RADS E4 group, potentially important. Conclusion: Our results show that random extra-spinal abnormalities in the lumbar spine MRI, are very common and systematic evaluation and proper reporting of MRI are crucial

Conversation Partnerships: An Educational Tool for Cross-Cultural Understanding

This article describes one study of conversation partnerships between American students enrolled in teacher education programs, and international students enrolled at the same large midwestern university. Twenty-nine pairs of partners during one 15-week semester were directed to meet at least 10 times minimally 30 minutes each. Topics for initial meetings were recommended, to help partners get started. As the semester progressed, topics were based on interests and needs of the partners. Three data sources were collected and analyzed. International students were surveyed at the end of the program with demographic and open-ended question about their perceived outcomes of the experience. American students were required to keep and submit weekly logs of the meetings and their thoughts about the meeting. These students were further required to write an end-semester reflection paper, exploring their learning in areas of: better understanding the English language; learning about other cultures; and any other meaningful insights about the experience. These latter two data sources were analyzed qualitatively, using constant comparative analysis. Results of the study, overall, were positive with interesting insights from participants. International students reported improving their English. American students had their “eyes opened” repeatedly about other cultures. Many of the partners reported the forming on genuine and hopefully sustainable friendships. Often, the partnerships went beyond the course requirements spending evenings, or weekend days together

Assessment of the effectiveness of low-dose chest computed tomography in the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia

Aim:  To determine whether low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) imaging protocol is appropriate in terms of technical success and radiation safety, by comparing it with standard protocols in terms of reaching diagnosis and X-ray exposure. Additionally, to investigate radiation dose criteria in patients undergoing CT scan for COVID-19.Method: CT scans of 149 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between January 2022 and March 2023 were analyzed. Patients were randomly assigned to either a standard protocol or a low-dose protocol. Factors such as technical success, diagnostic accuracy, exposure dose and side effects were analyzed.Results: A statistically significant difference was found between low-dose and standard-dose CT scans for tube current-time product (p<0.001), CTDI (p<0.001), DLP (p<0.001), effective dose (p<0.001). , and cancer risk (p<0.001).Conclusion: The low-dose CT protocol in COVID-19 patients yields similar results to standard protocols in terms of technical success and diagnostic accuracy, while significantly reducing exposure dose. Therefore, the use of low-dose protocol can be considered as an option to reduce the radiation dose that patients are exposed to

Relationship between osteoarthritis findings in knee radiography and meniscus lesion in magnetic resonance imaging in symptomatic knee pain cases

Aim: Knee osteoarthritis is a very common joint disease in the community. However, some meniscus lesions are asymptomatic. Studies show that a significant number of individuals with knee pain without radiographic osteoarthritis findings show meniscus injury on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our study aimed to evaluate the relationship between meniscus lesions and the presence of radiographic knee osteoarthritis in individuals over 50 years of age with knee pain complaints. Methods: Radiographic and MRI results of two hundred and forty patients who applied to our hospital with the complaint of knee pain between August 2018 and January 2020 were analyzed. Radiographic grading for knee osteoarthritis was performed using the Kellgren Lawrence scale. Classification of meniscus lesions in MRI was made as per the criteria defined by the British Knee Meniscus Surgery Association. Intergroup results were evaluated statistically. Results: Osteoarthritis was detected in 110 (45.8%) of 240 knee radiographs. In 78.3% of all cases, meniscus lesions were detected in 96.4% of those with osteoarthritis and 63% of those without osteoarthritis. In patients with osteoarthritis, the prevalence of surgically targeted and possible target lesions was found to be significantly higher than those with no arthritis findings. Conclusions: According to our study results, meniscus lesions were found quite common in individuals with knee pain, especially those with osteoarthritis. Particularly in patients with radiographic osteoarthritis findings, surgical targets and possible target meniscus lesions were more common than those without osteoarthritis findings. Therefore, MRI, in addition to direct radiography, should not be overlooked when determining treatment