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Copyright of Journal of Uludag University Medical Faculty / Uludağ Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Journal of Uludag University Medical Faculty and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Our objective was to assess the relationship between disease activity and the systemic immune-inflammation index [SII; (platelet count x neutrophil count / lymphocyte count)] in individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Materials and Methods: A total of 201 participants (130 AS patients and 71 healthy volunteers) aged 18-65 years were included in this single center cross-sectional study. Based on their ratings on the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity index (BASDAI), patients with AS were split into two groups: remission (n=90, those with BASDAI <4) and active disease (n=40, those with BASDAI >4). The study employed Spearman correlation analysis to assess the relationship between SII and C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), BASDAI, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity score-ESR (ASDAS-ESR), and ASDAS-CRP. The effectiveness of SII and other measures in evaluating the disease activity in the active AS and remission AS groups was ascertained using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: SII values were significantly higher in the AS group than healthy controls, as well as in the active AS group than AS patients in remission (p<0.001 for each). SII values were positively correlated with CRP [Spearman correlation coefficient (rs): 0.384, p<0.001], ESR (rs: 0.243, p=0.005), BASDAI (rs: 0.668, p<0.001), ASDAS-ESR (rs: 0.619, p<0.001) and ASDAS-CRP (rs: 0.700, p<0.001) values. The optimal cutoff value for the determination of AS disease activity was found to be 530.22x109/L (area under the curve: 0.902, 95% confidence interval: 0.838-0.947, sensitivity: 72.50% and specificity: 92.22%). Conclusion: When assessing the activity of AS disease, SII appears to be a useful biomarker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The main goal of the study was to investigate how pregabalin (PGB) affects proinflammatory cytokine release in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Patients and methods: This experimental research study was conducted with 85 female participants (mean age: 49.6±10.1 years; range, 30 to 73 years) between April 2020 and November 2020. Of the participants, 30 were FMS patients using PGB 150 mg/day for at least three months, 30 were FMS patients not using PGB, and 25 were healthy individuals. The detection of FMS was carried out according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-2, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines were remarkably decreased in FMS patients using PGB (p<0.001) and were higher in patients with FMS not using PGB than in healthy subjects (p<0.001). The highest values of proinflammatory cytokines were found in the group of FMS patients not using PGB (p<0.001). Conclusion: These results indicate that PGB inhibits the release of proinflammatory cytokines, suggesting that it can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent in inflammatory cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine the kinesiophobia levels in female patients with fibromyalgia (FMS). In addition, we intended to search the factors associated with kinesiophobia in patients with FMS and to evaluate the effect of kinesiophobia on work outcomes in this patient population. Materials and Methods: Between January 2021 and May 2021, 50 female patients with FMS and 44 female patients with musculoskeletal pain but not meeting the diagnostic criteria for FMS were included in the study. Pain was evaluated using the numeric scale, kinesiophobia levels with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), and the work outcomes with a questionnaire form prepared by us. Results: The median TSK scores were 41,50 (21-61) in the FMS group and 37 (23-61) in the control group. TSK score was significantly higher in the FMS group (p=0.030). Pain scores (p<0.001), and symptom duration (p<0.001) were significantly associated with high levels of kinesiophobia. When multiple linear regression analysis was performed, it was found that body mass index (p=0.411) was not associated with kinesiophobia levels, whereas age (p<0.001) was associated with kinesiophobia levels. Increased levels of kinesiophobia in patients with FMS patients have been associated with worse work outcomes. Conclusion: Evaluating the level of kinesiophobia in patients with FMS and developing preventive strategies in the presence of kinesiophobia can provide useful information when creating a treatment program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The major target of this research is to examine whether there is any connection between the levels of vitamin D and anti-inflammatory mediators in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Materials and Methods: The study contains 30 FMS diagnosed and 25 healthy female individuals and the determination of FMS was made according to the standards of 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR). Vitamin D, vitamin D receptor (VDR), vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) levels, and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β) levels in the serum of patients with FMS and healthy individuals were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The concentrations of vitamin D, VDR, and VDBP were determined to be higher in healthy controls than in patients with FMS (p<0.001). Correlating with this, IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β levels were measured remarkably higher in the healthy group than in the FMS patients (p<0.001). Conclusion: Low vitamin D levels may cause a decrease in anti-inflammatory cytokine levels and their immunosuppressive effect in FMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the physical and emotional effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients. Patients and methods: The cross-sectional controlled study was performed with 1,360 participants (332 males, 1,028 females; mean age: 42.3±12.5 years; range, 18 to 65 years) between September 2020 and February 2021. The participants were evaluated in three groups: the FMS group (n=465), the CLBP group (n=455), and the healthy control group (n=440). Physical activity, pain levels, and general health status before and during the pandemic were evaluated in all participants. Stress levels were analyzed with the perceived stress scale (PSS) in all groups, and disease activity was analyzed with the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) in patients with FMS. Results: Patients with FMS had worsened general health status and pain levels during the pandemic compared to the other groups (p<0.01). The FMS group showed significantly higher PSS scores than those in other groups (p<0.01). There was a weak-positive correlation between FIQ and PSS parameters in patients with FMS (p<0.05, r=0.385). Conclusion: The general health status, pain, and stress levels of the patients with FMS and CLBP tended to worsen during the pandemic. This high-stress level appeared to affect disease activity in patients with FMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Ultrasound (US) is a highly useful tool for assessing the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). On the other hand, examining all joints could be time-consuming and unfeasible. Defining the number of joints and which joints should be tested is essential to accurately measuring RA activity. Several simplified US methods are undergoing development for this purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between simplified 12-joint US findings and physical examination findings/disease activity in RA patients. Methods: This cohort study included 62 RA patients who had been undergoing treatment for at least three months. Multiplanar grayscale images and power Doppler (PD) of the 12 joints (bilateral elbow, wrist, second and third metacarpophalangeal [MCP] joints, knee, and ankle) were acquired and compared with clinical assessments. Disease activity was assessed using the clinical disease activity and simplified disease activity indices and disease activity score-28 (CDAI, SDAI, and DAS28, respectively). Synovial effusion, synovial proliferation, and PD US scores were calculated for 12 joints. Correlations between US scores and disease activity, clinical examination, and acute phase reactants were assessed. Results: The number of joints with PD activity and US total and US synovial proliferation scores showed weak correlations with clinical activity scores (r = 0.25, r = 0.26, and r = 0.28 for SDAI and r = 0.23, r = 0.26, and r = 0.28 for DAS28, respectively). The CDAI did not present any statistically significant correlations. The agreement between US findings and clinical joint examination was generally weak. PD activities of the second MCP joints (r = 0.84, P < 0.01) and knees (r = 0.42, P < 0.01) mostly correlated with clinical examination although it was weakly correlated at the third MCP (r = 0.152) and wrist (r = 0.148), and not correlated at the elbow (r = 0.125). Conclusion: The weak correlation between US findings and clinical examination/disease activity suggests that clinical examination alone may not be sufficient to determine joint inflammation and disease activity. US could provide a more accurate assessment of RA patients and aid in medication selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between ultrasonographic femoral cartilage thickness and presence of concomitant osteoporosis in a group of female patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Materials and Methods: This study included 118 women with knee OA who visited our outpatient clinic. Demographic data were collected, radiologic grading using Kellgren Lawrence (K-L) scale, ultrasonographic femoral cartilage thickness (FCT) evaluation, pain intensity evaluation, disability evaluation using OA index [Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC)], quality of life measurement using Short Form-36 (SF-36) and bone density measurement using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were conducted for each patient. Results: We found that 58 patients (median age: 64.5 years, range: 50-75) had osteoporosis (group 1) and 60 patients (median age: 62 years, range: 51-75) did not have osteporosis (group 2). Group 2 had higher body mass index (BMI) in addition to lower WOMAC, SF-36 physical function, physical role limitation, pain and social function scores. The severity of osteoporosis and K-L staging were negatively correlated. The DXA femoral neck and total lumbar T-scores were higher in the advanced stages of OA. FCT had no significant correlation with age, WOMAC index and SF-36 scores. Moreover, the left knee FCT was negatively correlated with BMI. Conclusion: Radiologic staging of OA had a negative correlation with osteoporosis but no significant correlation with the quantitative measurement of FCT using ultrasonography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To determine if whole body vibration therapy (WBV) effectively improves functional outcome in patients with poststroke hemiplegia. Materials and Methods. In this single-blind RCT, WBV group (n=10) had 40 hz frequency/4 mm amplitude vibration during 5 minutes/session, 3 days a week, for a duration of 4 weeks. The control group (n=11) had no vibration therapy for the same duration while standing on the same platform. Patients in both of the groups did 15 minutes of stretching and active range of motion exercises before the intervention. Outcome measures were Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), and Timed 10-Meter Walk Test (10 mWT). Results. Only 10 mWT improved at the 1st week (p=0.002), 1st month (p<0.001), and 3rd month (p<0.001) in favor of the intervention group. There was positive correlation also between 10 mWT and ankle spasticity (p<0.001, r=0.931). Conclusion. This study suggests that WBV therapy may be a complementary therapy in gait rehabilitation and functional outcome of the patients with calf muscle spasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaç: Romatoid artrit (RA) hastalarında yeni bir enflamatuvar belirteç olan sistemik immün enflamasyon indeksi [SII (Platelet sayısı×nötrofil sayısı/lenfosit sayısı)] ile hastalık aktivitesi arasındaki ilişkiyi değerlendirmeyi amaçladık. Yöntem: Tek merkezli kesitsel bir çalışma olarak planladığımız çalışmamıza 18-65 yaş arası 104 RA hastası ve 43 sağlıklı gönüllü olmak üzere toplam 147 katılımcı dahil edildi. Katılımcıların klinik, laboratuvar ve demografik özellikleri kaydedildi. RA hastalarını, hastalık aktivite skoru 28-eritrosit sedimentasyon hızına (DAS28-ESR) göre <2,6 olanları remisyonda RA (n=51) ve >2,6 olanları aktif RA (n=53) olmak üzere iki gruba ayırdık. SII'nin C-reaktif protein (CRP), eritrosit sedimentasyon hızı (ESR), DAS28-ESR, basitleştirilmiş hastalık aktivite indeksi (SDAI) ve klinik hastalık aktivite indeksi (CDAI) ile korelasyonlarını belirlemek için Spearman korelasyon analizini kullandık. Aktif RA grubu ile remisyon RA grubu karşılaştırıldığında, SII ve diğer değişkenlerin hastalık aktivitesini değerlendirmedeki etkinliğini belirlemek için ROC (alıcı işlem karakteristikleri, receiver operating characteristic) eğrisi analizi kullanıldı. Bulgular: RA grubunda sağlıklı kontrollere göre nötrofil düzeyleri daha yüksek, lenfosit düzeyleri ise daha düşüktü (her ikisi için p<0,05). Platelet (PLT) değerleri açısından gruplar arasında anlamlı fark yoktu (p=0,095). Aktif RA grubunda nötrofil, PLT, CRP, ESR, DAS28-ESR, SDAI ve CDAI değerleri remisyondaki RA hastalarına göre daha yüksekti (p<0,05). Lenfosit değerleri açısından ise gruplar arasında anlamlı farklılık saptanmadı (p=0,089). SII, hem RA grubunda sağlıklı kontrollere göre, hem de aktif RA grubunda remisyondaki RA grubuna göre daha yüksek ve istatistiksel olarak anlamlıydı (her ikisi için p<0,001). SII değeri, CRP (rs: 0,627, p<0,001), ESR (rs: 0,383, p<0,001), DAS28-ESR (rs: 0,775, p<0,001), SDAI (rs: 0,796, p<0,001) ve CDAI (rs: 0,798, p<0,001) ile pozitif korelasyon gösterdi. RA hastalık aktivitesini belirlemek için optimal kesme noktası 479,36 (×109/L) [eğri altındaki alan (EAA): 0.968, %95 güven aralığı (GA): 0,914-0,993, duyarlılık: %92,45, özgüllük: %86,27]. Sonuç: SII, RA hastalık aktivitesini değerlendirmek için etkili ve ucuz yeni bir yöntem olabilir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation / Turkiye Fiziksel Tip ve Rehabilitasyon Dergisi is the property of Turkish Society of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation / Turkiye Fiziksel Tip ve Rehabilitasyon Dergisi is the property of Turkish Society of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents medical research into the effectiveness of the Better Bone Health self-management program for women patients with osteoporosis. Better Bone Health is a health education and health promotion program that emphasizes health behaviors toward the improvement of quality of life, pain perception, and equilibrium. A single-blind randomized controlled trial featured women with postmenopausal and idiopathic osteoporosis who were outpatients of the Uludag University Atatürk Balneotherapy and Rehabilitation Center in Bursa, Turkey.

Copyright of Istanbul Medipol Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Istanbul Medipol University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)