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Background Examinees may not make enough effort when responding to test items if the assessment has no consequence for them. These disengaged responses can be problematic in low-stakes, large-scale assessments because they can bias item parameter estimates. However, the amount of bias, and whether this bias is similar across administrations, is unknown. This study compares the degree of disengagement (i.e., fast and non-effortful responses) and the impact of disengagement on item parameter estimates in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) across the 2015 and 2018 administrations. Method We detected disengaged responses at the item level based on response times and response behaviors. We used data from the United States and analyzed 51 computer-based mathematics items administered in both PISA 2015 and PISA 2018. We compared the percentage of disengaged responses and the average scores of the disengaged responses for the 51 common items. We filtered disengaged responses at the response- and examinee-levels and compared item difficulty (P+ and b) and item discrimination (a) before and after filtering. Results Our findings suggested that there were only slight differences in the amount of disengagement in the U.S. results for PISA 2015 and PISA 2018. In both years, the amount of disengagement was less than 5.2%, and the average scores of disengaged responses were lower than the average scores of engaged responses. We did not find any serious impact of disengagement on item parameter estimates when we applied response-level filtering; however, we found some bias, particularly on item difficulty, when we applied examinee-level filtering. Conclusions This study highlights differences in the amount of disengagement in PISA 2015 and PISA 2018 as well as the implications of the decisions made for handling disengaged responses on item difficulty and discrimination. The results of this study provide important information for reporting trends across years.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of low-density pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) treatment on growth factors/collagen production, histological, biomechanical, and function of rats with Achilles tendon injury. Materials and methods: A total of 44 Wistar Albino rats were used in the study between April 2017 and June 2018. The rats were randomized to two treatment groups. Group 1 (n=6) received LIPUS treatment (0.3 Watt/cm2; 1 MHz, 1:5 pulse mode) and Group 2 (n=6)received sham ultrasound (US) treatment following Achilles tendon surgery. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and collagen gene expression levels were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction. The histological evaluation was performed with the Bonar scoring system. The tensile strength was measured by biomechanical testing and the function was evaluated with the Achilles Functional Index (AFI). Results: Although TGF-β1 expression and tensile strength evaluation showed a tendency to improve in favor of the LIPUS group, no statistically significant difference was found (p=0.065 and p=0.053, respectively). The COL3 gene expression in the LIPUS group and the COL1 expression in the sham US group were significantly higher. Bonar scores and AFI scores showed a statistically significant improvement in the LIPUS group, compared to the sham US group. Conclusion: Our study results show that LIPUS yields positive effects on tendon histology and functional status in repaired Achilles tendon in rats.

BACKGROUND: 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) deficiency is associated with cardiovascular disease and poor physical performance. OBJECTIVE: To assign the effect of 25OHD level on cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: One-hundred-thirty-five patients with CAD who underwent a CR programme were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two-group according to 25OHD level (Group 1: < 20 ng/dl; Group 2: ⩾ 20 ng/dl). All patients received CR for 30 sessions. Each participant performed 40 minutes of aerobic exercise with a cycloergometer followed by muscle strengthening exercises. The patients were evaluated before and after CR by a pulmonary function test (PFT) and a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). RESULTS: There were 77 (57%) patients in Group 1 and 58 patients (43%) in Group 2. Demographic characteristics between the groups were similar. Pre- and post-rehabilitation CPET parameters were lower in Group 1 (p< 0.05). Both groups had significant improvement in CPET (p< 0.05). Post-rehabilitation PFT parameters (FEV1, FVC) were higher in Group 2 (p< 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the 25OHD-level and the CPET-PFT parameters (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: 25OHD deficiency in patients with CAD reduces the response to CR. It also affects respiratory function according to the FEV1, FVC parameters. In patients scheduled for CR, 25OHD-levels should be evaluated, and any deficiency corrected.

Mobile-assessment applications provide various conveniences to working professionals who prepare for a certification exam. The purposes of this chapter are highlighting the usefulness of m-assessment apps to learners and informing the field about the needs in this area. The chapter focuses on the m-assessment apps in terms of preparing for project management certification examinations. The authors developed nine criteria based on learning theories and literature on m-assessment. These criteria organized important features of m-apps under three categories: 1) general user experience, 2) learning experience, and 3) practice test-experience. The authors also evaluate the features of m-assessment apps found in the app spaces using the criteria. Results communicate how the examined apps perform against the criteria and emphasize different ways that these features can help learners. The chapter concludes with future directions based on the updated requirements of the project management certification exam and the need for more apps that implement theoretically supported features.

Mitokondrialmiyopatiler, mitokondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutasyonu sonucu oksidatiffosforilasyonun bozulduğu ve dolayısıyla multisistemik semptom ve bulgularıngörüldüğü hastalık grubudur. Bu hastaların rehabilitasyonunda uygulanmasıgereken egzersiz şiddeti yeni çalışılan bir konu olup halen netliğekavuşturulamamıştır. Bu olgu sunumunda yürüme güçlüğü ve kas güçsüzlüğü ilekliniğimize başvuran, mitekondrial miyopatilerin bir grubu olan SANDO sendromutanısı mevcut olan bir bayan hasta eşliğinde mitokondrial miyopatilerderehabilitasyon özellikleri tartışılacaktır., Mitochondrialmyopathies are a group of diseases where oxidative phosphorylation is impairedas a result of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation and thus multisystemic symptomsand findings are seen. The exercise intensity of these patients can not beclarified. In this case report, the rehabilitation features of mitochondrialmyopathies will be discussed by presented a female patient who has walkingdifficulty and muscle weakness with the diagnosis of SANDO syndrome which is agroup of mitochondrial myopathies.

BACKGROUND: Although there are several studies of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and exercise in myofascial pain syndrome, there are no studies comparing the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping (KT) and TENS in myofascial pain syndrome patients. OBJECTIVE: To compare the early and late effects of TENS and KT on pain, disability and range of motion in myofascial pain syndrome patients. METHODS:Sixty-nine patients were divided into three groups randomly as TENS+Exercise,KT+Exercise and exercise groups. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), pain threshold, Neck Disability Index and cervical contralateral lateral flexion were employed in the evaluation of the patients performed before treatment, after treatment and 3rd month after treatment. RESULTS: The VAS, pain threshold, Neck Disability Index and contralateral lateral flexion values were improved in all groups both in after treatment and 3rd month after treatment (p < 0.01). In the comparison of after treatment vs. before treatment evaluations, VAS score was decreased in KT group compared to the TENS and control group (p = 0.001), in the TENS group compared to control group (p = 0.011). In the comparison of 3rd month and before treatment evaluations, VAS score was decreased in the TENS group compared to control group (p = 0.001) and in the KT group compared to the control group (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between TENS and KT groups. All other parameters did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: TENS and KT added exercises can decrease pain severity and increase pain threshold, function and cervical range of motion in myofascial pain syndrome patients. Addition of TENS or KT to the exercise therapy resulted in more significant improvement compared to exercise therapy alone with a more pronounced improvement in KT group compared to the TENS group in the early period. Because KT was found to be more effective in decreasing the pain and had the advantage of being used in every 3 days, it seems to be beneficial in acute painful periods in myofascial pain syndrome patients. © 2017 IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

Amaç:Öğrencilerde pes planusu olanlarda aksiyel bölgede ağrı varlığını ve ağrı ile ilişkili değişkenleri tanımlamak. Gereç veYöntem: Çalışmaya katılmayı kabul eden 100 öğrencinin demografik (yaş, cinsiyet, boy, kilo, vücut kitle indeksi (VKİ), sigara kullanımı), klinik (aksiyel ağrı varlığı, ağrının lokalizasyonu (servikal, torakal, torakolomber, lomber), ağrının oluşma sıklığı, ağrının en çok hissedildiği durumlar, fizik aktivite durumu) kaydedildi. Ayak arkı statik ayak izlerinin Harris mat ile alınıp Staheli İndeks hesaplanması ile değerlendirildi. Bulgular: Yaş ortalaması 22,5±1,16 yıl olan 50 kadın (%50), 50 erkek (%50) katılımcı değerlendirildi. Ağrısı olan 48 (%48), ağrısı olmayan 52 (%52) katılımcı vardı. Katılımcılar Staheli İndeksine göre unilateral pes planus (n=18), bilateral pes planus (n=35) ve normal (n=47) olarak ayrıldığında gruplar arasında sadece kilo/VKİ pes planusu olan gruplarda anlamlı olarak daha fazlaydı (p0,05). Ağrısı olan katılımcılardan bilateral pes planuslu ve normal olanlar birleştirildi (simetrik), unilateral pes planuslular (asimetrik) ile ağrı lokalizasyonu açısından karşılaştırıldı. Simetrik grupta (n=82) %45 (n=37),asimetrik grupta (n=18) %61 oranında (n=11) ağrı vardı, aradaki fark anlamlıydı (p, Purpose:To investigate the presence of axial pain and variables related with pain in students with pes planus. Materials and Methods:Demographical (age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), smoking habit), clinical (presence of axial pain, localisation of the pain; cervical, thoracal, thorocolumbar, lumbar, frequency of pain, the most painfull conditions, status of physical activity) data of 100 students who were willing to participate in the study were recorded. Foot arch was evaluated by Staheli index which was calculated from the measurements of foot prints obtained by Harris mat . Results:Fifty 50 female (%50) and 50 male (%50) participants with the mean age of 22.5±1.16 years were evaluated. There were 48 (%48) participants with pain, and 52 (%52) participants without pain. When participants were classified as unilateral pes planus (n=18), bilateral pes planus (n=35) and normal (n=47) according to Staheli index, weight/BMI was higher in groups with pes planus (p0.05). Painful participants with bilateral pes planus and participants with bilateral normal feet are combined and defined as symmetrical group. Localisation of pain was compaired between symmetrical group and asymmetrical group (painfull participants with unilateral pes planus). There was pain in 45% (n=37) of symmetrical group (n=82), and in 61% (n=11) of asymmetrical group (n=18), and the difference was significant (p

BACKGROUND: Shoulder involvement is frequently observed in chronic renal disease (CRD) and hemodialysis patients. OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to compare shoulder Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings of stage 4 CRD patients naive to dialysis, hemodialysis patients and healthy controls. METHODS: Twenty hemodialysis patients with shoulder pain (Group 1), 30 hemodialysis patients without shoulder pain (Group 2), 20 patients with stage 4 CRD (Group 3) and 30 healthy controls (Group 4) were enrolled. Urea, creatinine and beta 2 microglobulin were measured. Thickness, homogeneity and integrity of rotator cuff and presence of effusion were examined by MRI. RESULTS: Supraspinatus tendon was thicker in Group 1 compared to other groups, whereas infraspinatus tendon was thicker in Group 1 compared to Groups 2 and 4. Although all tendons thickness was higher in Group 3 than Group 4, there was no significant difference. Most effusion areas were present in Group 1, followed by Groups 2 and 3. There was a significant correlation between glomerular filtration rate and thickness of supraspinatus, infraspinatus tendons and between beta 2 microglobulin and thickness of infraspinatus, subscapularis tendons and total number of areas with effusion. CONCLUSIONS: Increased shoulder tendon thickness and effusion were detected in symptomatic dialysis patients, while greater effusion areas were detected in asymptomatic dialysis patients and in stage 4 CRD patients who do not require dialysis compared to healthy controls. WOS:000522151500002 2-s2.0-85078119924 PubMed: 31450486

This chapter focuses on using mobile assessment (m-assessment) for teaching and learning in formal and informal education settings. M-assessment has been helpful in making traditional classrooms more interactive and support the individual and class cognitive wealth. Unique affordances of m-assessment can also extend its benefits to digital classrooms, informal and formal learning settings, professional development settings, and other places where learning happens. M-assessment has increased accessibility to assessment, making it available anywhere, anytime, and to anyone.

Objective: Osteoporosis is a disease which causes fractures depending on decreasing bone mineral density. Nutrition and life style which support the bone health must be known for prevention of the disease. This study was conducted to assess awareness about OP between men and women. Materials and Methods: The study was performed between the dates November 2012-May 2014 in Denizli Pamukkale University. A form including sociodemographic features, Osteoporosis Knowledge Test (OKT) and Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale (OHBS) were used in the collection of the data for evaluation the osteoporosis knowledge level and awarenes of the volunteers who accept to attend the study. Results: Hundred forty-seven volunteers of 96 women and 51 men attended to the study. Mean age was 36.1±14,6 years and 6.1% of the participants had a diagnosis osteoporosis and 13.6% of the participants had a family history of osteoporosis. When the participants were compared according to gender, there were statistically significant difference between two groups for education level, had own and a family history of osteoporosis (p

Background: Although there are several studies of systemic corticosteroid therapies in various doses and various durations in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), the outcome measurement parameters are limited to the range of motion measurements, edema, and symptoms of CRPS. Objective: To investigate the effects of prednisolone on clinical symptoms, pain, hand grip strength, range of motion, as well as on functional ability and quality of life in patients who developed CRPS after traumatic upper extremity injury. Study Design: Retrospective evaluation. Methods: Forty-five patients who used prednisolone for CRPS of the upper extremity were retrospectively studied. Prednisolone was started with a dose of 30 mg and tapered by 5 mg every 3 days until discontinuation after 3 weeks. Clinical symptoms (morning stiffness, cold intolerance, shoulder pain, numbness of fingers, hyperesthesia, abnormal sweating, and cyanosis that is exacerbated by exposure to cold temperature), pain (Visual Analogue Scale-Rest [VAS-R] and VASActivity [VAS-A]) were reviewed. The muscle strength with grip strength (GS) (kg), lateral pinch (LP) (pound), tip-to-tip pinch (TP) (pound), and chuck pinch (CP) (pound) measurements; the joint range of motion with using third finger tip-distal crease distance (FT-DC) (cm); functional ability with Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) score; and quality of life with Short Form-36 (SF-36) score were evaluated. Results: Mean age was 43.53 ± 11.43 years. After 3 weeks of therapy, patients showed significant improvements in clinical symptoms compared to the basal assessments (P < 0.05). The comparison of pre- and post-treatment results revealed that VAS-R, VAS-A, GS, LP, TP, CP, FT-DC, Q-DASH scores, and all SF-36 subscores were significantly improved (P < 0.05). Limitations: The retrospective design and data collection procedure was limited to the medical records of patients. Conclusion: A short-term oral prednisolone therapy significantly reduced the symptoms and signs of CRPS, and improved the functional abilities and quality of life. Key words: Complex regional pain syndrome, prednisolone, function, quality of life

Mobile phones are increasingly popular tools not only for daily use but also for research purposes. The authors systematically searched related literature using mobile phones as a tool for data collection and found 171 publications consisting of review, empirical, methodological, and theoretical studies in various disciplines such as medicine, engineering, and education. After reviewing contributions of previous review studies, the authors presented a description of data collection process consisting of four steps and used these four steps as a framework to review the existing empirical literature. The authors then reviewed contributions of methodological and theoretical studies, and end with a summary of current practices of collecting mobile data. Current challenges and future directions were also mentioned.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relations between alexithymia, temperament features, depression and anxiety levels and level of benefit from physical therapy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fifty-eight patients in a physical therapy program were included in this study. Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A), Beck Depression Scale (BDS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used before the treatment. Response to treatment parameters were as follows: pre-treatment, 10th session and 3rd month resting and activity pain was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS-R, VAS-A), patients' self global evaluation (PSGE), doctors' global patient evaluation (DGPE) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). RESULTS: At the end of treatment, significant recovery was obtained in VAS-R, VAS-A, PSGE, DGPE, NHP-pain, NHP-physical mobility and NHP-energy scores. No changes were found in NHP-sleep, NHP-social isolation and NHP-emotional reaction scores (p> 0.05). Except for the recovery percentage of TAS and NSP-energy, no relations between TAS and other parameters were detected (p< 0.05). Only the recovery percentage of the PSGE parameter revealed significant negative correlation with depressive, cyclothymic and anxious temperament means of TEMPS-A (p< 0.05). Other temperament features of TEMPS-A (hyperthymic, irritable) revealed no correlations. Significant negative correlations were found between BDS and PSGE, and VAS-A (p< 0.05). No correlations were found between BDS and other parameters, or between STAI scores and response parameters (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although pain, life quality and doctor evaluation of the patients in the physical treatment program improved greatly after the treatment, no favorable results were obtained for patients who had high depressive, cyclothymic, anxious temperament and depression scores. It was detected that alexithymia and anxiety scores revealed no effect in this evaluation. © 2013 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND: Although functional results of combined rehabilitation programs are reported, there have been no reports studying the effects of solo pendulum exercises on ultrasonographic measurements of acromiohumeral distance (AHD). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of weighted and un-weighted pendulum exercises on ultrasonographic AHD and clinical symptoms in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. METHODS: Patients with subacromial impingement syndrome were randomized to performing weighted (1.5 kilograms hand held dumbbell, N = 18) or un-weighted (free of weight, N = 16) pendulum exercises for 4 weeks, 3 sessions/day. Exercises were repeated for each direction of shoulder motion in each session (ten minutes). Clinical situation was evaluated by Constant score and Shoulder Pain Disability Index (SPADI). Ultrasonographic measurements of AHD at 0°, 30° and 60° shoulder abduction were performed. All clinical and ultrasonographic evaluations were performed at the beginning of the exercise program and at end of 4 weeks of exercise program. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (23 females, 11 males; mean age 41.7 ± 8.9 years) were evaluated. Significant clinical improvements were detected in both exercise groups between pre and post-treatment evaluations (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference for pre and post-treatment AHD measurements at 0°, 30°, and 60° shoulder abduction between groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference for pre and post-treatment narrowing of AHD (narrowing of 0°'30°, and 0°'60°) between groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: While significant clinical improvements were achieved with both weighted and un-weighted solo pendulum exercises, no significant difference was detected for ultrasonographic AHD measurements between exercise groups. © 2017 IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a Turkish version of the mini Osteoporosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (mini-OQLQ), and assess its reliability and validity., Material and method: Sixty-four women with postmenopausal osteoporosis were included in the study. Patients who were diagnosed with secondary osteoporosis through clinical and laboratory examinations were excluded from the study. After translation process, the Turkish version of the scale was applied to each participant twice with an interval of 2 weeks. For reliability study, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of mini-OQLQ total score and test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated. Validation study was assessed by correlating the scale with QUALEFFO 41., Results: The mean age at menopause and age of patients were 45.61 +/- 6.04 and 59.91 +/- 8.69 years, respectively. Cronbach's a of the Turkish version of the mini-OQLQ was 0.898. The test-retest reliability (ICC) of the Turkish version of the mini-OQLQ was determined as 0.81 for the total score, and ranged between 0.71 and 0.84 for individual items. In terms of validity, the Turkish version of mini-OQLQ showed significant negative correlation with QUALEFFO 41 (r = -0.756; p < 0.0001)., Conclusion: The Turkish version of the mini-OQLQ was found to be reliable and valid in the evaluation of life quality of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

The aims were to investigate how the body image is affected in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in comparison to healthy people, as well as to explore the relationship of the body image with the level of pain, functional status, severity of depression, and quality of life (QoL). Demographic variables, symptoms of fibromyalgia, and number of fibromyalgia tender points for 51 patients with FMS and 41 control subjects were recorded. All patients were asked to mark the level of pain on visual analogue scale (VAS). Six-minute walking test was recorded for functional assessment. The impact of the disease was evaluated by fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ). All patients were asked to complete body image scale (BIS), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and short form-36 (SF-36). There were no differences between groups with regard to demographic variables (p > 0.05). Mean VAS was 7.5 ± 1.4 for the patients with FMS and 0.3 ± 0.4 for control subjects (p

The Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA)-I is widely used assessment tool for evaluation of balance and gait properties. The aim of this study was to translate POMA-I to Turkish and to assess its reliability and validity. People with amputated lower extremities using prosthetics, those who underwent orthopedic surgery within the last 6 months, those dependent on wheel chairs and also bed-ridden patients, subjects with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and illiterate people were excluded. After translation into Turkish, the Turkish version of the scale was applied on the participants at 2-week intervals. Volunteers ≥65 years of age were enrolled in the study. Internal consistencies of POMA subscale scores of postural balance and gait, and total score were calculated using Cronbach’s α coefficient. The Turkish version was evaluated with respect to inter- and intrarater reliability and test–retest reliability intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). For validation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient between POMA and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) was estimated. Eighty participants enrolled in the study with a mean age of 76.5 ± 6.75 years. In the reliability evaluation of the scale, considering postural balance, gait, and total score, Cronbach’s α coefficients were found to be 0.72, 0.83, and 0.88, respectively. ICCs were detected above 0.70 for test–retest reliability and also for interrater and intrarater reliability. In validation study POMA total score had a strong positive correlation with BBS total score (r = 0.86, p r = −0.75, p

[Purpose] The results of studies investigating the role of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in osteoporosis are contradictory. In this study we investigated HP seropositivity in postmenopausal osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic females to elucidate the role of HP in postmenopausal osteoporosis. [Subjects and Methods] Serum was collected from fifty-eight osteoporotic patients and forty-seven nonosteoporotic subjects, whose status was diagnosed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). None of the subjects had received any prior treatment for osteoporosis. Subjects' sera were assessed for HP antibodies (Immunoglobulin A and G) by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were interviewed about risk factors of osteoporosis. Prior fractures of patients and familial fracture history were also noted. [Results] Fifty-eight patients with osteoporosis and forty-seven nonosteoporotic patients, as determined by lumbar total or collum femoris in DEXA, were evaluated in this study. The familial fracture history was significantly higher in the osteoporotic patients than in the nonosteoporotic group. There was no significant difference in HP seropositivity between the osteoporotic and nonosteoporotic groups. [Conclusion] There was no difference in HP seropositivity between the groups, therefore HP infection seems not to be an important risk factor for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Mobile assessment (m-assessment) is a natural extension of incorporating technology into educational assessment. M-assessment is an emerging field, with foundational studies first published in 2005, but has drawn interest from scholars from all around the world, who have since examined the delivery and effects of m-assessment. Current research encompasses the use of m-assessment in various contexts, including mobile environments, classrooms, work-based settings, informal learning settings, and distance education settings. Current studies also report the effects of m-assessment on student achievement and attitude, as well as highlighting advantages and concerns regarding the administration of m-assessment. The article concludes with a statement of future research imperatives in four areas: extending the purpose of m-assessment, extending the context in which m-assessment can be used, improving delivery of m-assessment, and advancing research to evaluate effects of m-assessment.

Bilateral injuries of the sensory branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) usually occur as a result of tight-handcuff neuropathy. In this case we aimed to present bilateral isolated cut of SBRN resulting an injury mechanism that has not been reported in the literature previously. A male twenty-four years old, a worker in a glass factory, presented to our clinic. The dorsolateral skin of his wrists were cut by breaking of the glass as a result of occupational accident and was primarily sutured in a healthcare center. The patient sought additional care after a month because of lingering numbness and pain, and surgery was planned. During surgery, scar tissue and neuroma at the cut ends of SBRN were excised, and bilateral SBRN cuts were repaired. Four weeks after operation, mild sensory deficit on the dorsal side of bilateral thumbs, and left first web space and flexion limitation on the right wrist were detected. At the 3rd month postoperative, right wrist joint range of motion was full, and sensory deficits, and hyperesthesia were decreased. The SBRN elicits the sensory innervation of the thumb dorsum and its injury does not cause important functional deficit. However because of susceptibility of SBRN to develop painful neuroma, diagnosis, treatment and follow up of isolated SBRN injury would be worthwhile for prevention of possible painful neuropathy disturbing quality of life.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises in patients with lumbar microdiscectomy. Design: A prospective, randomized, controlled study. Subjects: Forty-two patients who were diagnosed as having lumbar disc herniation and had been operated on using the microdiscectomy method were divided randomly into 3 groups. Methods: Dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises were set for the first group and a home exercise programme for the second. The third group given no exercises was considered as a control group. All patients were examined twice, once before the exercise programme and once 8 weeks later. Results: Improvement in the first group was highly significant after the treatment (p 0.0001). The second group improved significantly more in some parameters (pain, functional disability, lumbar Schober, progressive isoinertial lifting evaluation (neck), trunk endurance (flexion-extension)) than did the third group. The third group of patients showed some improvement in fingertip‐floor distance, functional disability, modified lumbar Schober and left rotation in 8 weeks, but there were no significant improvements in the other parameters. Conclusion: Dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises are an efficient and useful technique in the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone microdiscectomy. They relieve pain, improve functional parameters and strengthen trunk, abdominal and low back muscles.

PURPOSE: To compare responsiveness Short Form-36 (SF-36), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and QUALEFFO-41 scales in patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. METHODS: A number of 70 osteoporosis patients who were in their menopause period at least for three years were enrolled in our study. The patients completed Short Form-36 (SF-36), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and QUALEFFO-41 scales during pretreatment period and one year after the termination of the treatment. Reponsiveness was compared between questionnaires using standardized responsiveness mean (SRM), the effect size (ES), and Guyatt's method., RESULTS: All scales revealed statistically significant improvement after the treatment. Upon this finding, calculations related with responsiveness indices for SF-36 (Physical Health and Mental Health), NHP (Total point), and QUALEFFO-41 (Total point) demonstrated highly responsive. ES=1.67 and 1.55, SRM=1.55 and 1.85, Guyatt value=2.20 and 1.91 for SF-36 Physical Health and Mental Health. ES=1.35, SRM=1.35, Guyatt value=1.72 for NHP. QUALEFFO-41's ES=2.56, SRM=4.32 and Guyatt value=2.31. CONCLUSION: Osteoporosis specific scale as QUALEFFO-41, gives more specific information about the quality of life of osteoporotic patients. If patients with osteoporosis will be compared with other diseases regarding quality of life, then SF-36, one scale was used to evaluate general quality life of such patients, should be preferred against NHP. © 2014 IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

Objectives The aim of this study was to develop a Turkish version of the painDETECT questionnaire (PD-Q) and assess its reliability and validity. Methods Two hundred and forty patients who were diagnosed by expert pain physicians in daily clinical practice and classified as having either neuropathic, nociceptive, or mixed pain for at least 3 months were enrolled in this study. After the usual translation process, the Turkish version of the PD-Q was administered to each participant twice with an interval of 48 hours. The Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS), Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questions (DN4) and a pain visual analog scale were assessed along with the PD-Q. Chronbach's α was calculated to evaluate internal consistency of the PD-Q. Intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to examine test-retest reliability. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating the scale with LANSS and DN4. Discriminant statistics—sensitivity, specificity, Youden index, positive predictive value, negative predictive value—were also assessed. Results A total of 240 patients with chronic pain, 80 patients in each neuropathic, nociceptive, and mixed pain group, were included in this study. Mean age of the patients was 54.1 years, and majority of the patients were female (52.9%). Chronbach's α of the Turkish version of the PD-Q was 0.81. The test-retest reliability of the Turkish version of the PD-Q was determined as 0.98 for the total score and ranged from 0.86 to 0.99 for individual items. The Turkish version of the PD-Q was possitively and significantly corralated with LANSS (r 0.89, P

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effects of neural therapy, and physical therapy on level of pain, disability, quality of life, and psychological status in patients with chronic low back pain. Patients admitted to the physical therapy and rehabilitation outpatient clinic with the complaint of low back pain of at least 3 months duration. Group 1 (n=27), physical therapy (PT, hotpack, ultrasound, TENS 15 sessions), group 2 (n=33), neural therapy (NT, 1:1 mixture of 20 mg/mL Lidocaine HCl (Jetokain simplex®) and saline for 5 sessions. For pain, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), for disability Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), for quality-of-life Nottingham-Health-Profile (NHP), for depression, and anxiety, Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale (HADS) were used before and after the treatment. Mean age was 47.3±11.32 years, symptom time was 13.78±11.98 months. There were no differences for demographic variables between groups. Significant improvements were detected for VAS, RMDQ, NHP-Pain, NHP-Physical activity, HADS for both of two groups after treatment. In addition to these findings, significant improvements were found for NHP-Energy, NHP-Social isolation in NT group. The differences of pre- and post-treatment values of parameters were evaluated for each group. Although there were no differences for VAS, NHP-sleep, NHP-Emotional reaction, HADS between groups, RMDQ, NHPPain,NHP-Physical activity, NHP-Social isolation were higher in NT than PT before treatment, the improvements for these parameters were better in NT than PT. In conclusion both of NT and PT are effective on pain, function, quality of life, anxiety, and depression in patients with chronic low back pain.Key Words: chronic low back pain, physical therapy, neural therapy

We would like to thank Tanriverdi and Kaskari for their interest in our study regarding the frequency of fibromyalgia syndrome in breast cancer patients which was accepted for publication in International Journal of Clinical Oncology. We think that the letter of Tanriverdi and Kaskari consists of the subjects which we mentioned in our manuscript as discussion, limitations or suggestions for future studies. The first issue raised by Tanriverdi and Kaskari was the missing ‘‘adjuvant’’ terminology in our study. Tanriverdi and Kaskari said that, as they know, in postmenopausal women, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) cause musculoskeletal menopausal symptoms by further lowering the estrogen level; and in previous studies, when Tmx and placebo were compared with AIs, the women using AIs had more musculoskeletal side effects, and arthralgia and myalgia were the most common musculoskeletal side effects reported [1]. Tanriverdi and Kaskari suggested that, therefore, in the study’s design the study group was statistically poor, the frequency of fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) was analyzed and in fact this situation removed the study from the topic it described. Rheumatologic symptoms and FM cases have been reported as a result of adjuvant treatments or chemotherapy used in breast cancer, as we mentioned in our study [2]. The history of chemotherapy, hormonotherapy or radiotherapy in our patients was explained in the results section of our manuscript. The main topic of our study was to explore whether the frequency of FM after mastectomy depended on adjuvant therapy or not. In any case the authors overlooked that the main question of our study was not to investigate the effect of adjuvant therapy after mastectomy for the development of FM. The aim of our manuscript was not to investigate the reasons for widespread pain or fibromyalgia in breast cancer patients. We do not agree with the authors for this comment because we explained the aims of our study previously. The second issue raised by Tanriverdi and Kaskari was that if the study’s title was ‘‘The effect of regional and widespread pain on the quality of life in breast cancer patients’’ perhaps it could reflect the complete article. The first aim of the study was to determine the frequency of FM in breast cancer patients after mastectomy, and the second aim of the study was to explore the relationships between FM, fatigue severity, and quality of life. We do not agree that the suggested title of ‘‘The effect of regional and widespread pain on the quality of life in breast cancer patients’’ could reflect complete article, since the suggested title does not consist of the term ‘‘fibromyalgia,’’ which is the main topic of our study. We would like to bring to light first the definitions of widespread pain and fibromyalgia, and the differences of these disorders. Fibromyalgia is a chronic widespread pain disorder characterized by sleep disorders, fatigue, psychiatric illnesses (depression, anxiety), and somatic disorders (irritabl bowel syndome, headache, fatigue, paresthesia on extremities). FM diagnosis is based on two criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR): one of which is a history of widespread pain lasting more than 3 months, and the This reply refers to the comment available at doi:10.1007/s10147-013-0545-6.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, systemic, and inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting primarily axial skeleton. In cases non-responsive to classical therapeutic approaches, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) antagonists have become new treatment alternatives. With anti-TNF drugs usage, rate of lymphoma development has increased especially in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In this case-report, we report a patient with (AS) who presented with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) at the 3rd month of anti-TNF therapy. This complication should be remembered and close follow-up should be pursued in patients who are under immunosuppressive therapy with anti-TNF drugs, which were also used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiological, bronchoscopic and histopathological features of patients with primary lung cancer.485 patients who were hospitalized in our clinic between July 2006 and December 2009 and diagnosed with lung cancer (LC) were evaluated retrospectively.The final diagnoses, established using various methods, were small cell LC for 62 patients, NSCLC of undetermined cell type for 191, epidermoid carcinoma for 148 patients, adenocarcinoma for 81 patients, and large cell LC for 3 patients. The mass was identified to be centrally located in 283 cases (58.3%) and peripherally in 202 cases (41.7%), and was found in the right lung in 51.5% of cases and mostly in the upper lobes bilaterally on radiological examination. The rate of hilar fullness, consolidation and atelectasis were higher in SCLC and epidermoid carcinoma with radiological examination. Diagnostic FOB (fiberoptic bronchoscopy) was performed in 466 of 485 patients. Endobronchial pathology was not obtained 140 patients. Endobronchial mass lesion, mucosal-submucosal lesions and signs of external pressure were observed in 152, 186 and 140 patients, respectively. Diagnostic material was obtained in 274 of 466 FOB examinations. A total of 211 patients underwent TTNA (transthoracic needle aspiration) and diagnosis was established in 204 cases. Pleural biopsy and/or fluid cytology were/was positive (+) for malignancy in 25 of the 47 cases with pleurisy. One patient, who could not be diagnosed by any of FOB or TTNA was diagnosed by pleural biopsy. Diagnostic results were obtained by thoracotomy in six patients who could not be diagnosed by other methods. 137 (28.2%) of 485 patients were considered to be operable.NSCLCs (especially epidermoid) account for the majority of lung cancers in Turkey, gender and smoking influencing the histopathology. TTNA and FOB are diagnostic procedures providing best results, and more than 2/3 of patients are inoperable at diagnosis.

Background and aims: The aim of this study was to develop a Turkish version of the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale (NEADLS) and to assess its reliability and validity. Methods: Sixty healthy volunteers over 67 years old were included in the study. After translation, the Turkish version of the scale was filled in by each participant over a period of 2 weeks. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency, test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman’s correlation. Converging validity was determined correlating the scale with the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results: The mean age of participants was 77±5.67 years. In the reliability studies, internal consistency within the subsections and items of the NEADLS was good and very good, with Cronbach’s a values ranging between 0.84–0.93 and 0.74–0.97 respectively. The Cronbach’s a for the total NEADLS score was also determined as 0.97. Test-retest intraclass correlation coefficients, determined as 0.97 in total score, ranged from 0.84–0.97 between items. The converging validity study for the NEADLS total score was correlated with the MBI and the r value was found statistically significant (r=0.84, p

The purpose of this study was to develop a Turkish version of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and assess its reliability and validity.Sixty healthy volunteers older than 65 years were included in to the study. Subjects who had lower extremity amputation, or were armchair or bedridden were excluded. After translation process, the Turkish version of the scale was administered to each participant twice with an interval of 2 weeks. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess intra- and inter-observer reliability. Chronbach alpha was calculated to evaluate internal consistency of the total BBS score. Interclass correlation coefficient was calcuated to examine test-retest reliability. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating the scale with Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Construct validity was assessed with factor analysis.The mean age in years of the participants were 77.00+/-5.67 (range: 67-92 yrs). The ICC for intra- and inter- observer reliability was 0.98 (p0.0001) and 0.97 (p0.0001), respectively. Chronbach alpha of the Turkish version of the BBS was 0.98. The test-retest reliability (ICC) of the Turkish version of the BBS was determined as 0.98 for the total score, and ranged from 0.86-0.99 for individual items. In terms of validity, the Turkish version of the BBS was correlated with the MBI (in positive direction) and TUG (in negative direction) (r=0.67 p0.0001; r=-0.75 p0.0001, respectively).The Turkish version of the BBS is a reliable and valid scale to be used in balance assessment of Turkish older adults.

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the motor, sensory, and functional recovery in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods. Forty-one patients with SCI participated in this study. Twenty patients were evaluated after discharge. Each patient was evaluated by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) at admission, before discharge, and at least at 6 months after discharge. Friedman, Dunn, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. Results. There were 17 male and 3 female patients. Seven patients had complete SCI, and 13 patients had incomplete SCI. The evaluation of motor, sensory, and FIM scores at admission showed significant improvement in all of the patients during the follow-up period (P < 0.0001). Five incompletely injured cases improved with regard to ASIA staging. Motor and FIM scores significantly increased at follow-up for converted and unconverted patients. All parameters increased at follow-up in patients who were complete and incomplete. Motor scores significantly increased at discharge and at follow-up. FIM scores also increased significantly at follow-up in incomplete patients. Conclusion. Motor, sensory, and FIM scores increased in patients with SCI after a follow-up period of 18 months. Improvement to a higher ASIA stage could be accomplished by 25% of the patients. Although both complete and incomplete patients recovered significantly at the follow-up period, only incompletely injured cases could convert to a higher ASIA stage.