Effectiveness of kinesio taping on postoperative morbidity after impacted mandibular third molar surgery: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study

Objective: Our study seeks to investigate the effectiveness of kinesio taping (KT) on postoperative morbidity compared to placebo and control groups after impacted third molar surgery. Methodology: Sixty patients with impacted mandibular third molar were included in this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study. After surgical extraction of the impacted tooth, patients were allocated into three groups (20 patients each): group 1 received KT (kinesio), group 2 received placebo taping (placebo), and group 3 received no taping (control). The groups were compared regarding facial swelling, pain and trismus. Swelling was evaluated using a tape measuring method. Pain was assessed by a visual analog scale and the number of analgesic tablets taken. Trismus was determined by measuring maximum mouth opening. Results: In the KT group, all parameters reduced significantly on 2nd and 4th postoperative days compared to other groups; however, placebo and control groups revealed comparable outcomes. On 7th day, all groups showed comparable results. Conclusions: The KT application is an effective method for reducing morbidity after impacted mandibular third molar surgery. However, placebo taping is not as effective as proper taping. Placebo taping shows similar results compared to no taping regarding facial swelling percentage, pain and trismus

Computed tomography depiction of normal inguinal lymph nodes in children

Background: The aim of the study was to establish computed tomography (CT) characteristics, distribution and provide normative data about size of normal inguinal lymph nodes in a paediatric population. Materials and methods: Four hundred eighty-one otherwise healthy children (147 girls, mean age: 8.87, range 0–17 years) underwent pelvic CT in the setting of high-energy trauma were included in the study. Both axial and coronal 1.25-mm reconstructions were evaluated for the presence, location (deep or superficial), number, presence of fat attenuation, and shape of the lymph nodes, short-axis diameter of the biggest lymph node for each of right and left inguinal regions. Results: A total of 7556 lymph nodes were detected in 481 subjects (the mean count of superficial and deep inguinal lymph nodes was 13.35 [range 6–23] and 2.36 [range 0–7] per subject, respectively): 15% (1135/7556) deep located, 85% (6421/7556) superficially located, 86.6% (6547/7556) with fat attenuation, 99.2% (7496/7556) oval in shape, 0.8% (60/7556) spherical. The short-axis diameter of the lymph nodes increased with age. Pearson’s correlation coefficient for superficial and deep lymph nodes in boys and girls, respectively: 0.538 (p < 0.001), 0.504 (p < 0.001), 0.452 (p < 0.001) and 0.268 (p < 0.001). The mean maximum short-axis diameters in different age groups and gender varied between 6.33 ± 0.85 mm and 8.68 ± 1.33 mm for superficial, 3.62 ± 1.16 mm and 5.83 ± 1.05 mm for deep inguinal lymph nodes. Conclusions: Inguinal lymph nodes were multiple, commonly contained fat, and were oval in shape. The data determined about inguinal lymph node size in different paediatric age groups may be applicable as normative data in daily clinical CT evaluation practice

Scleral Proteome in Noninfectious Scleritis Unravels Upregulation of Filaggrin-2 and Signs of Neovascularization

Purpose: Scleritis is a severe inflammatory ocular disorder with unknown pathogenesis. We investigated healthy sclera as well as sclera affected by noninfectious scleritis for differentially expressed proteins using a mass spectrometry approach. Methods: We collected scleral samples of enucleated eyes due to severe noninfectious scleritis (n = 3), and control scleral tissues (n = 5), all exenterated eyes for eyelid carcinomas (n = 4), or choroidal melanoma (n = 1) without scleral invasion. Samples were prepared for the nano liquid-chromatography mass spectrometer (LC-MS), data were analyzed using proteomics software (Scaffold), and is available via ProteomeXchange (identifier PXD038727). Samples were also stained for immuno-histopathological evaluation. Results: Mass spectrometry identified 629 proteins within the healthy and diseased scleral tissues, whereof collagen type XII, VI, and I were the most abundantly expressed protein. Collagen type II-XII was also present. Filaggrin-2, a protein that plays a crucial role in epidermal barrier function, was found upregulated in all scleritis cases. In addition, other epithelial associated proteins were upregulated (such as keratin 33b, 34, and 85, epiplakin, transglutaminase-3, galectin 7, and caspase-14) in scleritis. Further, upregulated proteins involved in regulation of the cytoskeleton (vinculin and myosin 9), and housekeeping proteins were found (elongation factor-2 and cytoplasmic dynein 1) in our study. Upregulation of filaggrin-2 and myosin-9 was confirmed with immunohistochemistry, the latter protein showing co-localization with the endothelial cell marker ETC-related gene (ERG), indicating neovascularization in scleral tissue affected by scleritis. Conclusions: We found upregulation of filaggrin-2 and signs of neovascularization in scleral tissue of patients with noninfectious scleritis. Further research, ideally including more scleritis cases, is needed to validate our findings.</p

Relation of Quantitative Glenohumeral Subluxation with Clinical Variables in Patients with Post-Stroke Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain

WOS: 000445290000002Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between glenohumeral subluxation (GHS) and the clinical variables in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. The hypothesis, "Spasticity, motor recovery and ambulatory status are associated with GHS in hemiplegic patients" was tested. Methods: Post-stroke hemiplegic patients who had undergone anteroposterior shoulder radiography with a complaint of shoulder pain were included in the study. In this retrospectively designed study, demographic features (age, sex), disease duration, Functional Ambulation Scale (FAC) score, upper extremity Brunnstrom's motor recovery stage, spasticity grade of the affected upper limb according to the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) were recorded from the electronic medical database. It was also noted whether the patients were diagnosed with GHS or not. In patients with GHS, vertical and horizontal distances were measured on anteroposterior shoulder radiographs, which were taken at the time of physical examination. Results: Data of 47 hemiplegic patients underwent anteroposterior shoulder radiographs due to shoulder pain was obtained. Following the application of exclusion criteria, 41 patients with a mean age of 66.2 +/- 12.1 were analysed. Of them, 22 (53.7%) had GHS. Subluxation rate was significantly higher among patients in Brunnstrom category I (Brunnstrom 1-3) than those in category II (Brunnstrom 4-6) (p0.05). Subluxation frequency was also similar between patients with non-functional (FAC 0-2) and functional ambulation (FAC 3-5) (p>0.05). In patients with GHS, vertical and horizontal distances did not differ by FAC and MAS category (p>0.05). Since Brunnstrom category II did not have enough number of patients for statistical tests, comparative analysis could not be applied. Conclusion: Among patients with post-stroke hemiplegia, presence of GHS is related to the motor recovery stage, but is regardless of ambulation and spasticity level. In patients with GHS, level of ambulation and spasticity had no impact on the quantitative measures of subluxation

Short-term treatment experience with teriparatide in pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis

PubMedID: 24911426[No abstract available

Kinesio Taping for temporomandibular disorders: Single-blind, randomized, controlled trial of effectiveness

PubMedID: 26966829BACKGROUND: Data regarding the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of Kinesio Taping (KT) in patients with TMD. METHODS: Patients with TMDs were randomized into experimental and control groups. The experimental group (n = 14) received KT in combination with counseling and jaw exercise, whilst controls (n = 14) were given the regimen of counseling and exercise alone. Jaw movements, Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and self-reported measures (functional limitation and masticatory efficiency) were evaluated at baseline, first and sixth weeks of the treatment. Biobehavioral questionnaire was filled out at baseline and at sixth week. RESULTS: Active mouth opening improved more in the experimental group than controls (p = 0.003). In the experimental group, VAS for temporomandibular joint, masticatory efficiency and functional limitation improved significantly at the sixth week when compared to baseline (p = 0.011, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), but not in controls. Subjective treatment efficacy was higher in the experimental group than that of controls (p = 0.000). Pain, depression and disability scores reduced significantly in the experimental group (p = 0.001, p = 0.006 and p = 0.01, respectively), but not in controls. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, KT in combination with counseling and exercise is more effective than counseling and exercise alone in TMDs. © 2016 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved

Vitamin D profile of patients with spinal cord injury and post-stroke hemiplegia: All in the same boat

PubMedID: 26406185BACKGROUND: Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and hemiplegia are at risk of fractures partly due to decreased bone mineral density with relation to the low levels of vitamin D. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the vitamin D profile of patients with SCI and post-stroke hemiplegia. METHODS: 25(OH)D levels of patients with SCI and hemiplegia were obtained from the electronic medical record database and compared with age- and sex-matched non-disabled controls. Furthermore, the effect of Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) level and Brunnstrom's recovery stage, on vitamin D insufficiency, was studied. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 173 individuals (118 patients and 55 controls). Vitamin D levels and sufficiency rates of the neurologically disabled patients was significantly lower than that of controls (p = 0.000 and p = 0.000, respectively). However, there was no difference between patients with SCI and hemiplegia regarding the 25(OH)D levels and vitamin D insufficiency (p = 0.303 and p = 0.952, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences in vitamin D status by American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) level and Brunnstrom's score. However, regression analysis revealed that vitamin D insufficiency rate of non-functionally ambulatory (FAC = 0-2) patients was higher than that of functionally ambulatory (FAC = 3-5) ones (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D status of patients with neurological disabilities was lower than that of controls. Non-functionally ambulatory patients had higher vitamin D insufficiency rate than functionally ambulatory patients. Preventative measures including adequate supplementation of vitamin D should be directed to neurologically disabled subjects, particularly those with non-functional ambulation. © 2016 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved

Bilateral Incomplete Atypical Femoral Fracture due to Long-Term Bisphosphonate Use: A Case Report

WOS: 000410750200011Although the overall safety profile of bisphosphonates (BP) is favorable, adverse effects associated with long-term use have came up during recent years. In this report, a case of bilateral incomplete atypical femoral fracture (AFF) due to prolonged BP use was presented. A 69-year-old patient, who has been in surgical menopause for 20 years and was started on BP following vertebral fracture almost 10 years ago, was admitted with thigh pain, which was increased two weeks ago. On physical examination, she had antalgic gait, increased thoracic kyphosis and tenderness to percussion over the thoracolumbar region. Lateral cortical thickness in the subtrochanteric region of both femurs and cortical radiolucency on the left femur were observed on plain radiography. Loss of height in L3 and L4 vertebrae was detected on vertebral radiography. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH) D], parathyroid hormone, alkaline phosphatase and calcium levels, along with osteoporosis markers were all within the normal ranges. As the patient was diagnosed with AFF, BP therapy was terminated and vitamin D-calcium supplementation was continued. Since she did not have severe pain, conservative management (limited weight bearing, using a walking stick) was recommended for 3 months. Teriparatide therapy was started and she was discharged with recommendations. AFF, which is a rare disorder, should be kept in mind in patients on long-term BP treatment who are admitted with thigh pain and, necessary interventions should be tailored before the occurrence of complete fracture

Neither got a good bill of musculoskeletal health: a comparative study among medical and dental students

PubMedID: 29874980Objectives: It has been well established that musculoskeletal complaints are common among dentistry students. However, data regarding the comparison of overall musculoskeletal health between dental and medical students is scarce. The objective of the current study was to compare musculoskeletal health between medical and dental students. Methods: The population of the current study was comprised of fourth- and fifth-year students from medical and dental faculties of the same university who were at least three months in clinical training. Self-administered multi-item questionnaires regarding the musculoskeletal complaints were distributed to these students. A comparative analysis was carried out on the responses derived from the medical and dental students. Results: A total of 219 students completed the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 81.1%. Almost four fifth (80.4%) of the students reported musculoskeletal pain, with frequencies of 85.9 and 75.8% in dental and medical students, respectively (p > 0.05). Total, upper extremity and neck VAS scores were significantly higher in dental students than those in medical students (p < 0.01, p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). The rate of mild-severe pain sufferers in the upper extremity was also higher among dental students (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Musculoskeletal pain is frequent in both medical and dental students. However, the intensity of pain–particularly for the upper extremity and neck–is higher among dental students. The findings of the current study might be attributed to the fact that dental education requires more physical burden during routine clinical training than medical education. © 2018, © Acta Clinica Belgica 2018

Vitamin D status: Effects on quality of life in osteoporosis among Turkish women

PubMedID: 17828579Background and objectives: Vitamin D deficiency causes muscle weakness, impairs bone formation and neuromuscular coordination thus leading to an increase in fracture risk. It has been found that inadequate levels of vitamin D are present in most of the osteoporosis patients. However, very few studies investigate the association between vitamin D status and quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of vitamin D on QOL among Turkish women with osteoporosis. Methods: 259 patients (61.0 ± 8.9 years) with osteoporosis were evaluated by physical activity level, back pain, bone turnover markers, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], parathyroid hormone levels and bone mineral density. QOL was assessed using QOL Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO). 25(OH)D levels below 20 ng/ml was defined as vitamin D insufficiency, below 12 ng/ml as vitamin D deficiency. Results: Mean 25(OH)D level was 22.7 ± 12.6 ng/ml and mean total QUALEFFO score was 43.3 ± 14.9. Vitamin D levels were significantly correlated with all subscales and total score of QUALEFFO (r = -0.25, P = 0.0001). Vitamin D insufficiency was determined in 132 patients (51%). In vitamin D deficient (<12 ng/ml) group all subscales and total QOL were found to be poorer when compared with the groups whose vitamin D levels were ?12 and <20 ng/ml and ?20 ng/ml (effect sizes 0.41 and 0.62 respectively, P = 0.0001 for total QOL). Vitamin D level, education, concomitant diseases, physical activity level and pain severity were found to be significantly associated with QOL in multiple linear regression analysis model. Conclusions: Vitamin D insufficiency affects physical, social and mental functions of osteoporosis patients and impairs QOL. Vitamin D was found to be one of the factors affecting QOL. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V