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Objective: This study compared the differences in functionality and depression between younger and older patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Materials and Methods: This multi-center cross-sectional survey enrolled subjects with CLBP who visited physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics in seven different regions of Turkey. Sociodemographic data were collected via questionnaires. Functional status was evaluated with Roland-Morris Disability index (RMDI), and psychological health was evaluated with Beck Depression inventory (BDI). Results: The sample included 106 younger [mean age: 24.3 (range: 18-30) years] and 104 older [mean age: 70.5 (range: 65-108) years] subjects. No significant difference was found in the gender distribution between the younger (38 males, 68 females) and older (38 males, 66 females) groups (p=0.917). The BDI was 11.90±10.6 in the younger subjects and 16.17±10.72 in the older subjects (p=0.002), whereas the mean RMDIs were 10.31±6.36 and 16.04±5.36, respectively (p=0.001). Conclusion: The loss of functional capacity and depression resulting from CLBP are serious threats to public health and are predictive of chronic disability. The development of social programs that address risk factors will reduce the risk of CLBP, improve quality of life, reduce workforce losses and contribute significantly to public health.

Introduction: Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is defined as “new or deteriorating physical, cognitive, or mental health state after intensive care”. This study compared patients with and without a diagnosis of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) who received noninvasive mechanical ventilation support in the intensive care unit and were monitored for the onset of PICS. Methods: Retrospective imaging was performed on 50 COVID-positive and 50 non-COVID patients who were over 18 years of age and receiving non-invasive mechanical ventilation. The Mini Mental State test, Beck Depression test, Beck Anxiety test, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder test were administered to the patients to evaluate cognitive and psychiatric functioning after contacting them via the hospital system and obtaining the required consents. Results: Patients with COVID had longer stays in the ICU (p

Introduction:To investigate fungal species in nasal polyps (NP) by microscopy, fungal culture, fungal DNA isolation, and sequencing.Methods:Twenty-four patients who applied to our outpatient clinic with complaints of chronic sinusitis and were found to have bilateral NP on clinical examination were included in our study. A control group was formed from 20 patients without NP who underwent septoplasty and endoscopic concha bullosa resection in our clinic. Samples from the participants were subjected to the same microbiological evaluations and the two groups were compared.Results:The mean age of the patients included in our study was 38.14±14.13 years (range from: 17 to 80). Nine of the participants were female and 35 were male. Direct microscopy and fungal culture positivity rates did not significantly differ between the groups (p>0.05). A significant (p0.05).Conclusion:We concluded that fungal colonization is not more frequent in patients with NP than in the normal population. We did not observe the superiority of PCR-based sequencing over conventional fungal isolation techniques. However, larger series using molecular methods are needed.

Exercises are crucial for enhancing and maintaining bone and muscle health. ‘Preventative Strategies’ including certain exercises are fundamental in osteosarcopenia’s management. Determining the Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type are major elements of prescribing an effective exercise program for osteoporosis. Patients with osteoporosis may need modifications in exercise programs due to pain, kyphosis, poor balance, arthritis, frailty, neuromuscular impairments, and cardiovascular and/or pulmonary diseases. In addition, specific exercises for accompanying disorders should be given priority. Consequently, exercise recommendations for osteoporosis must be target-specific, safe, effective, and tailored to patients’ needs.

Objective:Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM), one of the major causes of chronic heart failure, is a disorder that causes impairment of the systolic function due to left ventricular dilatation without coronary artery disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate retinal vascular density (VD) and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area changes in patients with IDCM using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).Method:Forty-eight patients with IDCM and a left ventricle ejection fraction below 50% (Group 1) and 50 healthy individuals (Group 2) were evaluated using OCTA. FAZ area, superficial and the deep parafoveal VDs and peripapillary area VDs were measured and compared between the groups.Results:The FAZ values were significantly higher in Group 1 (0.29±0.09, 0.20±0.05; p

Objective:The current study provides training to parents and teachers about pediculosis in schools in three villages in Adana to measure their knowledge level by conducting surveys and to determine the prevalence of pediculosis in these foci.Methods:Pre- and post-questionnaires including 30 questions about pediculosis were handed to parents and teachers. The answers were analyzed with the Pearson correlation analysis. Overall, 418 school pupils s were examined for lice. The results of the head louse control were analyzed by the chi-square test and t-test.Results:We observed that the level of awareness increased in parents and teachers. Additionally, the gender of both teachers and parents was determined as the most important factor in increasing this awareness. Because of interventions for the control of head and lice, the prevalence of pediculosis decreased from 15.22% to 1.71%.Conclusion:It is very important that parents and teachers are aware of the health problems related to pediculosis, while regular combing of school children may be essential for the control of this common infestation.

Introduction:There’s are similar mechanisms in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) in terms of inflammation and oxidative stress. We wanted to measure serum adiponectin (ADPN) levels in DR, considering the other clinical/laboratory findings in subgroups with or without DN.Methods:A total of 122 patients were included; group 1 (non-diabetic, healthy subjects), group 2 (diabetic without DR, with/without albuminuria/proteinuria), group 3 (mild to moderate DR, without albuminuria/proteinuria) and group 4 (severe non-proliferative or proliferative DR, with albuminuria/proteinuria). DR grades were defined by the same ophthalmologist based on the clinical examination and angiographic findings.Results:In diabetics, mean hemoglobin A1c was over 8.0%. Estimated glomerular filtration rate values and serum albumin levels were significantly lower in group 4 compared to group 1. Not ADPN/C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, but ADPN, ADPN/waist circumference, ADPN/body mass index and ADPN/fibrinogen were all significantly higher in group 4 compared to group 2. ADPN/CRP was positively correlated with high-density cholesterol in group 1, 2, 4, negatively correlated with triglyceride in group 3, 4, and positively correlated with hypertension in group 4.Conclusion:We had increased serum ADPN and indices in the DR neovascularization process among diabetics. But, further loss of kidney function itself prevented the increase in serum ADPN/CRP levels. To estimate progression in the advanced stages of DR, serum ADPN/CRP was a valuable follow-up marker in DR, if there was no urinary loss of ADPN.

This study aimed to evaluate the prognosis of a retinal autograft that was used to treat a macular hole that occurred after repeated vitreoretinal surgeries. A patient underwent repeated vitreoretinal surgery due to retinal detachment in the right eye, and the internal limiting membrane was also removed during the surgeries. After silicone oil removal, the patient developed recurrent retinal detachment and macular hole, and for this reason a retinal autograft was applied to the macular hole and silicone tamponade was administered. The silicone oil was removed at postoperative 7 months, and the macular hole was observed to be closed on fundus examination at 18 months. The final visual acuity was 5/100. On optical coherence tomography (OCT), the hole in the detached retina was measured as 600 µm in diameter preoperatively, 1020 µm on the first postoperative day, gradually narrowed to 765 µm, and graft integration occurred. During follow-up, the accumulation of hyperreflective spots persisted on the inner surface of the graft tissue and in all vertically extending sections. In en face sections, it appeared as a hyperreflective arc between the graft and host retina with a shadowing artefact. In OCT angiography evaluation, a punctate multiple blood flow signal in the vertical axis of the graft was detected in the early phase at 3 months. This finding persisted at 1 month after silicone removal, and the flow signal disappeared with resorption of the cystic edema. These flow signals were in the same location as the areas of hyperreflective spots on structural OCT. In conclusion, structural OCT and OCT angiography are effective methods for the follow-up of retinal autograft integration into host tissue.

Introduction: As noted in the guidelines, the efficacy of coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is remarkable in the intermediate-risk group for coronary artery disease; however, it exposes the patients to radiation. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) could be an alternative to CACS in patients with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: In 2018, 86 volunteer patients (female: n=36; male: n=50) aged 25-85 years were included in the study among all patients whose CACS measurements were made in the radiology clinic. In our hospital, CACS images are obtained using 64-slice computed tomography. Serum GDF-15 levels were measured from venous blood. Participants were divided into two groups as zero and high (>0) according to the CACS. SPSS 21.0 was used for the statistical analysis. Results: Participants were compared with zero (female: n=16; male: n=17; mean age: 53.93 years) and high (>0) (female: 20, male: 33; mean age: 58.2 years) CACS groups. Leukocytes, GDF-15 levels, and monocyte/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio were significantly higher in the CACS group (p

Objectives:To compare best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and central choroidal thickness (CCT) in patients with type 2 macular telangiectasia (MacTel 2) and a control group and to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment in MacTel 2 patients with macular neovascularization (MNV).Materials and Methods:We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive MacTel 2 patients who underwent a full ophthalmologic examination including BCVA and dilated fundus examination with slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography imaging at baseline and follow-up visits. BCVA, CMT, and CCT were compared between all identified patients (n=26) and a control group (n=30). A subgroup analysis was performed among eyes with MNV (n=7) before and after treatment.Results:CMT and CCT were significantly lower in the MacTel 2 group compared to the control group. Forty-one treatment-naive eyes without MNV proliferation showed no significant change in BCVA, CMT, or CCT during follow-up. Eight eyes of 7 MacTel 2 patients developed MNV during follow-up. All of the patients were treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF.Conclusion:It is important to closely follow MacTel 2 patients for MNV development. To avoid adverse effects, we prefer to monitor patients who have not yet developed MNV. Patients with proliferative MacTel 2 with decreasing visual function may benefit from intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment.

A preterm infant who underwent bilateral laser photocoagulation for the treatment of stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is presented because she was incidentally diagnosed with grade 3 lipemia retinalis by dilated fundoscopy at post-laser 2 weeks. Meticulous ophthalmologic examination is imperative in premature newborns for not only ROP screening but also detecting any concomitant ocular abnormalities, which can be sight-threatening or even life-threatening.

Introduction:Glomerular hyperfiltration is related to several clinical conditions, such as prediabetes and prehypertension, and associated with poor prognosis in long-term follow-up. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between glomerular hyperfiltration and short-term prognosis in patients with STsegment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods:A total of 1.402 patients (24% women, n=338) who had been diagnosed with STEMI and treated by primary PCI were enrolled in the present study. Glomerular hyperfiltration was defined an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) above the 95th percentile based on age- and sex-specific distributions, and a low-filtration rate was defined as an estimated GFR below the 5th percentile. GFR was assessed using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. The major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) considered in this work included acute stent thrombosis, re-infarction, cardiogenic shock, and cardiac death within 30 days.Results:MACE was observed in 178 patients (12.6%). High and low GFRs led to higher risks of developing major cardiovascular events [odds ratio (OR): 1.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-3.08, p

Objective:In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and schok wave lithoripsy (SWL) interventions on renal functions by analyzing glomerular filtration rate (GFR) values.Materials and Methods:A total of 95 patients, who underwent RIRS or SWL in 2017 at Gülhane Training and Research Hospital, were included in this retrospective study. Forty-six of these patients (48.4%) were in RIRS group and 49 (51.6%) were in SWL group. Preoperative, early-postoperative (on the first postoperative day) and late-postoperative (on the first postoperative month) GFR values were calculated using the “abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease” Method. Changes in GFR values after RIRS and SWL treatments were compared statisticallyResults:When the early postoperative and late postoperative GFR levels were compared, a statistically significant difference was observed between the groups (p=0.04 and p

Suprascapular neuropathy is a rare cause of shoulder pain and muscle weakness. Common causes include space-occupying lesions such as paralabral cysts, soft tissue or bone tumors, recurrent overhead activities in athletes, direct trauma, fractures of the scapula and iatrogenic causes. Diagnosis of suprascapular neuropathy can be difficult due to overlap in the clinical presentation with cervical region and other pathologies of the shoulder. We present a 33-year-old male patient admitted to our clinic with complaints of left shoulder pain and arm weakness starting in 8 months ago. The clinical and electrophysiological evaluations confirmed the left suprascapular nerve lesion at suprascapular notch level. This case is presented to emphasize that suprascapular neuropathy should keep in mind in the differential diagnosis of shoulder pain also without of a mass, trauma or excessive physical activity that may cause the neuropathy.

Intraabdomınal lymphangioma is a rare disease. Pancreatic counterpart occurs as cystic mass and should be kept in mind in patients with cystic pancreatic lesions. It is important to diagnose preoperatively to choose therapy modality. In this paper, we present a rare case of pancreatic lymphangioma which was diagnosed incidentally

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D level and pain severity, localization and duration in patients with non-specific musculoskeletal pain. Materials and Methods: Patients who applied to physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinics due to non-specific muscle pain in 19 centers in Turkey were retrospectively screened. Three thousand four hundred fourpatients were included in the study, whose pain level was determined by visual analog scale (VAS) and the painful region, duration of pain and vitamin D level were reached. D group was found to be D deficient (group 1) when 25 (OH)D level was 20 ng/mL or less and group D 2 (vitamin D deficiency) was higher than 30 ng/mL (group 3). The groups were compared in terms of pain duration, localization and severity. In addition, the correlations of pain localization, severity and duration with vitamin D levels were examined. Results: D vitamin deficiency was detected in 2202 (70.9%) of 3 thousand four hundred and four registered patients, and it was found that vitamin D deficiency in 516 (16.6%) and normal vitamin D in 386 (12.4%). The groups were similar in terms of age, body mass index, income level, duration of complaint, education level, family type and working status (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of VAS, pain localization and duration scores (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our study shows that vitamin D deficiency in patients with nonspecific musculoskeletal pain is not associated with the severity and duration of pain.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate substance use by students in the 7-12th grades. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted as a descriptive study in Şanlıurfa, which has a very young population, between September 2014 and March 2015. The research sample comprised 54.928 students in grades seven through twelve. The research data were obtained using a survey form prepared by the researchers according to the literature, and expert opinions were obtained from three specialists in the field before administering the survey. The data were evaluated using SPSS 17. Written permission from the relevant institutions and the verbal permission of the participants were obtained for conducting the study. Results: Of the students, 51.6% were male, 23.8% were in ninth grade, 81.1% had 4 or more siblings, and 40.1% were the fourth or more in sibling order. While 23.2% were working when not at school; 6.3% smoked tobacco, 2.4% were using substances other than cigarettes, and 13.1% were acquainted with substance abusers. Those who said they used substances due to curiosity made up 31.3%, and 29.9% said they used substances to feel more powerful. The smoking and substance use rate was higher for male students, working students, students with extremely domineering families and students exposed to domestic violence. Conclusion: These data obtained on substance use by students and the factors that affect it suggest that studies should be carried out on substance use prevention, family awareness should be increased and prevention policies should be developed and implemented.

In this case report, we presented a patient with visual deterioration as a result of papillophlebitis in the right eye who was later diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Upon systemic and laboratory work-up to determine the etiology of papillophlebitis, the diagnosis of GBS was made and treatment was initiated immediately. The ocular and systemic symptoms resolved quickly after starting intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. We present this case to emphasize the importance of etiological diagnosis in papillophlebitis and the unusual presentation of GBS.

Objective:This study aimed to evaluate orthodontic patients and their families’ clinical satisfaction and their perception of dentists in the framework of the Patient and Family Centered Care (PFCC) concept.Methods:The study population comprised patients treated at the Orthodontics clinic and their families. A mixed method research with quantitative and qualitative components was employed by conducting questionnaires with 62 patients and 65 parents. Collected data were recorded on the computer, and analyses were performed.Results:A majority of the patients who received treatment at our clinic were high school graduates, while their parents were university graduates. The patient’s and their parents’ overall satisfaction were similar. We also found that the patients and their parents expected doctors to have ethical perception and professional behavior in the treatment process.Conclusion:According to the results obtained from the survey questionnaires, the patients and their parents expect a dentist to have the following qualities: courtesy, friendliness, respect, punctuality, communication skills, and knowledgeableness. Dentists can optimize clinical and patient satisfaction by providing care and attention based on the principles of patient centered care (PCC) and PFCC and shaped in accordance with the expectations of the patients and their parents.

Aim: The early diagnosis and treatment of patients presenting to the emergency department symptoms of stroke can significantly reduce mortality and morbidity rates associated with it. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of serum yclophilin A levels in our study group who presented to the emergency department with symptoms of acute ischemic stroke.Materials and Methods: In total, 114 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke between October 2013 and October 2014 and a control group of 66 healthy volunteers were included. Cyclophilin A levels in the patient and control groups were compared.Results: The median cyclophilin A levels in the patient and control groups measured at the time of presentation were 13.47 (11.97–17.92) ng/mL and 11.54 (8.48–16.22) ng/mL, respectively. These levels were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (p

Objectives: Autologous dermis fat graft (DFG) is being used in both primary and secondary socket surgeries. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate patients’ satisfaction and possible intra- and postoperative complications in patients who had DFG transplantation. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, the results of 17 patients who were operated between October 2008 and October 2012 were evaluated. Of these cases, 7 had primary and 10 had secondary DFG. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by asking the patients to fill out a questionnaire graded from 1 (not satisfied) to 4 (very satisfied). Additionally, the incidence of complications and requirement for another operation was noted. Results: The average patient age was 30.5±17.9 years. Patients with primary grafts were 100% satisfied with the outcome and could wear their prosthesis without any discomfort. In this group, one patient had delay in epithelialisation of the graft and ptosis, which was treated with frontal sling surgery and artificial tears. In patients with secondary grafts, 6 patients (60%) were satisfied with the outcome. Four patients were not satisfied from the result. One had inferior lid laxity; however, after lateral tarsal strip surgery, she could wear her prosthesis. Another patient developed inferior forniceal adhesion. He was treated with mucous membrane grafting and artificial tears and could wear his prosthesis. One patient had infection and contraction of the socket due to inappropriate postoperative medication use. Following repeated DFG transplantation, he was able to wear his prosthesis. Another patient had fat atrophy prior to secondary DFG transplantation and developed atrophy of the graft following surgery. Her family refused additional surgery. This patient could not wear any prosthesis. Conclusion: According to our results, we believe that DFG transplantation is successful in primary implantation. In secondary cases, correct patient selection is important to achieve good outcome. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2015; 45: 65-70)