Evaluation of pain pressure threshold and widespread pain in chronic low back pain [Kronik bel agri{dotless}si{dotless}nda basi{dotless}nç agri{dotless} eşigi ve yaygi{dotless}n agri{dotless}ni{dotless}n degerlendirilmesi]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine differences in pain pressure threshold (PPT) values between patients with chronic low back pain (CLPB) and healthy people and to also evaluate widespread pain sensitivity by testing PPT in different sites of patients with CLBP. Material and Methods: Seventy subjects with CLBP and 62 healthy controls were included in the study. PPT values were evaluated for a total of 34 points, including 18 tender points defined for fibromyalgia syndrome by the American College of Rheumatology, 12 points for testing of sciatic valleix, and 4 lumbar paravertebral points, in both groups. An electronic pressure algometer was used to measure PPT with a stimulation surface area of 1 cm2. Results: A significantly lower mean PPT was determined for all test sites in the patients with CLBP compared with healthy controls (p=0.001). Conclusion: The study showed that patients with CLBP have significantly lower PPT values at every individual site compared with healthy controls. This result suggests that widespread pain should be taken into account in the evaluation of patients with CLBP. © 2014 by Turkish Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Platelet lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio are predictors of ST segment resolution following thrombolytic treatment

BACKGROUND: The platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis. Our aim is to investigate the relationship between ST segment resolution and these inflammation markers in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) following thrombolytic treatment. METHODS: We included 55 patients suffering from STEMI who were administered thrombolytic treatment and met the inclusion criteria. The sum of ST segment elevation was measured at presentation and 60–90 minutes after administration of the thrombolytic agent. According to the sum of STR, patients were divided into two groups (patients with STR >50% vs. those with STR ?50%). RESULTS: In this study, 58.2% (N.=32) and 41.8% (N.=23) of patients were found to have STR>50% and STR?50%, respectively. Time to treatment was significantly higher in the STR?50% group than in the STR>50% group (3.3±2.78 h, 1.99±1.4 h, P=0.024). There was no statistically significant association between STR and neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet, white blood cell count, mean platelet volume, plateletcrit, hemoglobin, serum glucose and urea. NLR was significantly higher in the STR?50% group than in the STR>50% group (4.51±3.24 vs. 3.92±6.50, P=0.044). The PLR was also significantly higher in the STR?50% group (140±79 vs. 102±69, P=0.030). CONCLUSIONS: Admission PLR and NLR might be valuable in the prediction of impaired ST segment resolution following thrombolysis in patients with STEMI. © 2018 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDIC

Proportional serum lipid parameters in coronary slow flow phenomenon

Objective: The association between serum lipid parameters and coronary slow-flow (CSF) phenomenon has been searched previously. The aim of our study was to determine the association between proportional serum lipid parameters and CSF. Material and Methods: We enrolled 93 stable patients randomly who had undergone coronary angiography and had near-normal coronary arteries with normal and slow coronary flow. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were recorded retrospectively. Coronary flow velocity was evaluated by TIMI frame count (TFC). CFS phenomenon was defined as a TFC greater than 27 frames. Corrected TFC was calculated for the left anterior descending coronary artery. Results: Fifty four patients were in CSF group and 39 patients were in control group. The mean age of the patients in CSF group was significantly higher than control group (55.4±9.5 vs. 50.5±9.8 years, p= 0.019). Triglyceride (TG) levels was found higher in CSF group than control group (187.3±103.4 mg/dl, 125.3±63.8 mg/dl, p<0.001). Total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-c), TG/HDL-c, low density lipoprotein cholesterol to HDL-c ratio (LDL-c/HDL-c) and non-HDL-c levels were significantly higher in CSF group (p=0.007, p=0.004, p=0.044, p=0.018, respectively). TG and TG/HDL-c were found correlated with TFC (r=0.280, r=0.262, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis age, smoking and TG were found statistically significant to predict of CSF. TG was found most associated with the presence of CSF (OR: 7.516, p=0.001). Conclusion: Higher TG, TC/HDL-c, TG/HDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c and non-HDL-c levels were related with CSF phenomenon. Copyright © 2019 by Türkiye Klinikleri

Gender differences in romantic jealousy and attachment styles

Objective: We examined the gender differences and attachment styles with regard to the phenomenology of jealousy among married individuals. Method: The study included 86 married couples who presented to the Marriage Counselling Centre at the Bakırköy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery. Subjects were evaluated in terms of sociodemographic data, the Romantic Jealousy Questionnaire, and the Adult Attachment Style Scale. Results: In our population, 79% of males and 66% of females defined themselves as jealous. Females had higher emotional and cognitive scores than male participants. Females had higher scores on the negative effects of jealousy. Female commitment scores were higher than those of males. Ambivalent attachment was positively correlated with physical, emotional, and behavioural responses to jealousy and inadequacy as a reason for jealousy. Conclusions: We suggest that a multidimensional approach permits to identify and guide responses to the challenge of romantic jealousy. © 2017 The Author(s)

Prevalence of periodontal disease among mine workers of Zonguldak, Kozlu District, Turkey: A cross-sectional study

Background: Occupational injuries cause major health problems in all nations. Coal mining is one of the largest, oldest industries in the world. However, there is relatively little available literature concerning the health status of coal miners. The purpose of this work is to assess the prevalence of periodontal disease among coal miners and provide a basis for planning and evaluating the data from community oral health services. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted 106 men selected based on a stratified cluster sampling procedure. The study was performed among the mine workers of Zonguldak, Kozlu District, Turkey. The questionnaire prepared by the American Academy of Periodontology risk assessment test was used for the evaluation. The data were collected byWorld Health Organization (WHO) oral health assessment form, and clinical examination was conducted by the method recommended by the WHO oral health surveys. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software programme. Results: The overall prevalence of periodontal disease was found to be 96.2% and was determined by considering subjects with Community Periodontal Index scores of 1-4 as diseased and the healthy subjects comprised of a mere 3.8%. Furthermore, various disturbing or embarrassing work conditions were reported. Statistically significant differences were observed among the workers who brush their teeth daily and visit dental attendance within the last two years have better periodontal status than those of the others (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The present level of periodontal disease in coal mine workers is severe. Moreover, its distribution and severity are strongly influenced by host susceptibility and risk factors. The priority should be based on population strategy and primary prevention programmes to benefit the periodontal health by promoting self-care and oral hygiene. © 2018 The Author(s)

Periapical health related to the quality of coronal restorations and root fillings in Turkish population

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the quality of root canal treatments and coronal restorations investigating their influence on the periapical status of endodontically-treated teeth in a Turkish population based on radiographic examination. Materials and Methods: The study included 583 patients referred for routine dental care. A total of 1125 endodontically treated teeth were examined with panoramic radiographs. The quality of root canal fillings and coronal restorations were evaluated according to the criteria determined by Gündüz et al., which were slightly modified from those described by De Moor et al. Apical status was assessed by the Periapical Index (PAI) scores. Results: Out of 1125 endodontically treated teeth, 539 were classified as healthy and 586 as displaying apical periodontitis. Of these 539 subjects, 389 teeth had received quality endodontic treatment. Of 586 teeth with apical periodontitis, 500 had poor endodontic treatment. Four hundred and seventy-five teeth had adequate root canal fillings. Of these teeth, 389 were classified as healthy. Of the 666 teeth with adequate restoration, apical region was classified as healthy for 410 subjects. For the 388 teeth with both adequate coronal restorations and root canal fillings, the success rate was 85.3%. For the 372 teeth with both inadequate coronal restorations and root canal fillings, the success rate was 18.8%. Conclusions: The quality of root fillings in the population living in the back country of Turkey is in general below the acceptable standard and requires substantial improvement

Evaluation of serum uric acid levels in psoriasis vulgaris

Background/aim: Psoriasis has been accepted as a systemic disease and it is known to be associated with various disorders including metabolic syndrome. High serum uric acid levels are also associated with the components of metabolic syndrome. In this study, we aimed to determine serum uric acid levels in patients with psoriasis and the association of uric acid levels with disease activity by taking the presence of metabolic syndrome criteria into account, since it is one of the most important factors that affect serum uric acid levels. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 70 psoriasis patients and 70 healthy individuals who were matched with the patients according to the presence of metabolic syndrome. We evaluated the demographic features, levels of serum uric acid, Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores, presence of psoriatic arthritis, nail involvement, and metabolic syndrome criteria of the patients. Results: Serum uric acid levels of psoriasis patients were significantly higher than those of controls. There was a positive correlation between PASI scores and serum uric acid levels of the patients. Conclusion: As hyperuricemia had a close relationship with psoriasis and PASI scores, we suggest monitoring patients with psoriasis for serum uric acid levels during treatment and follow-up. © TÜBİTAK

Fecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and klebsiella spp. In a Turkish community

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of fecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria, enzyme types, and risk factors affecting colonization. Materials and methods: A total of 576 stool samples from outpatients were examined between October 2012 and May 2013. Screening was done with selective EMB plates. ESBL were detected by double-disk synergy and confirmed agar strip gradient methods. Enzyme types were determined by PCR. Results: The prevalence of fecal carriage was found as 30% (173 of 576). Recent use of antibiotics, hospitalization and surgical operation, diabetes, crowded household populations, and old age were associated with higher carriage rates. Of the ESBL-producing bacteria, 87.5% were positive for blaCTX-M genes. Of the blaCTX-M gene-positive isolates, 95.2% were positive for blaCTX-M-1 genes; among these, 82.2% were positive for blaCTX-M-3 and 67.7% were positive for blaCTX-M-15 genes while 62.5% isolates were positive for both blaCTX-M-3 and blaCTX-M-15 genes Conclusions: A high rate (30%) of fecal carriage of ESBL bacteria was found in an adult population. The predominant beta-lactamase enzyme types were CTX-M-3 and CTX-M-15. © TÜBİTAK2012.20.00.17This study was funded by the B?lent Ecevit University Scientific Research Fund (project number: 2012.20.00.17). We thank the technical staff of the laboratory for their help with the media preparation and bacterial identification, and we also thank Eldan Suba?? for her help with the PCR reactions

Beneficial effects of garlic (Allium sativum) oil in experimental corrosive esophageal burns effects of garlic oil in esophageal burns [Deneysel korozif özefagus yanıklarında sarımsak yağının (Allium Sativum) yararlı etkileri]

BACKGROUND: Corrosive esophageal burns, particularly common in developing countries, lead to different problems in different age groups. The ingestion of corrosive substances can cause such problems as stricture of the esophagus, to acute perforation, and even death. Because stricture formation is related to the severity of the initial injury, the prevention of stricture constitutes a main goal of treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic (Allium sativum) oil in corrosive esophageal burn. METHODS: Twenty-eight rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups: group 1 (sham), group 2 (control), group 3 (topical treatment), and group 4 (topical and systemic treatment). In groups 2, 3, and 4, corrosive esophageal burns were generated by applying sodium hydroxide to a 1.5-cm segment of the abdominal esophagus. Normal saline was applied to group 2, topical garlic oil to group 3, and topical and systemic garlic oil were used in group 4. RESULTS: The level of hydroxyproline was lower in the topical treatment groups than in the control group (p=0.023). There was difference in tumor necrosis factor alpha level between the systemic treatment groups and the control group (p=0.044). Treatment with garlic oil decreased stenosis index (SI) and histopathological damage score (HDS) in corrosive esophageal burn rats. The SI in the topical treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p=0.016). The HDS was significantly lower in group 4 when compared with the control group (p=0.019). CONCLUSION: Garlic oil is an effective agent in promoting the regression of esophageal stenosis and tissue damage caused by corrosive burns. While the protective effect of garlic oil on tissue damage is more significant when applied topically, the anti-inflammatory effect is more pronounced when applied systemically. Therefore, we believe that the application of garlic oil in patients with corrosive esophageal burns can reduce complication rates. © 2017 TJTES

Effect of Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels on the coronary slow-flow phenomenon

The presence of vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone receptors has been demonstrated in the vascular endothelium. Variations in vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone levels may affect coronary flow and cause the coronary slow-flow phenomenon (CSF). Methods: We enrolled 93 patients who had undergone coronary angiography and had near-normal coronary arteries. Blood samples were taken to determine the calcium, phosphorus, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone levels. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level of less than 20 ng/mL. We divided the study population into two groups according to thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (TFC) levels. Results: Patients with TFC ?27 were in the control group (n = 39), and those with TFC >27 were in the CSF group (n = 54). 25-Hydroxy vitamin D levels were similar in both groups: 17.5 [3.3-36.1] ng/ml in the CSF group and 15.2 [5.3-34] ng/ml in the control group (P = 0.129). When we analyzed TFC for each of the coronary arteries, we found a weak negative correlation between vitamin D level and TFC of the right coronary artery in the CSF group (r = -0.314, P = 0.021). Parathyroid hormone levels were similar in both groups: 48 [16-140] pg/ml in the CSF group and 52 [25-125] pg/ml in the control group (P = 0.297). Conclusion: The study failed to demonstrate a relationship between serum parathyroid hormone level and CSF. However, a weak negative correlation was found between vitamin D level and TFC of the right coronary artery. © 2019 Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow