Journals
2024 EN
Tasdemir Volkan · Sirin Nermin Gorkem · Cakar Arman
+39 more
Background and Aims This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics and electrodiagnostic subtypes of Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) in Istanbul. Methods Patients with GBS were prospectively recruited between April 2019 and March 2022 and two electrodiagnostic examinations were performed on each patient. The criteria of Ho et al., Hadden et al., Rajabally et al., and Uncini et al. were compared for the differentiation of demyelinating and axonal subtypes, and their relations with anti‐ganglioside antibodies were analyzed. Results One hundred seventy‐seven patients were included, 69 before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (April 2019–February 2020) and 108 during the pandemic (March 2020–March 2022), without substantial changes in monthly frequencies. As compared with the criteria of Uncini et al., demyelinating GBS subtype diagnosis was more frequent according to the Ho et al. and Hadden et al. criteria (95/162, 58.6% vs. 110/174, 63.2% and 121/174, 69.5%, respectively), and less frequent according to Rajabally et al.'s criteria (76/174, 43.7%). Fourteen patients' diagnoses made using Rajabally et al.'s criteria were shifted to the other subtype with the second electrodiagnostic examination. Of the 106 analyzed patients, 22 had immunoglobulin G anti‐ganglioside antibodies (14 with the axonal subtype). They had less frequent sensory symptoms (54.5% vs. 83.1%, p = 0.009), a more frequent history of previous gastroenteritis (54.5% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.007), and a more severe disease as compared with those without antibodies. Interpretation Serial electrodiagnostic examinations are more helpful for accurate subtype diagnosis of GBS because of the dynamic pathophysiology of the disease. We observed no significant increase in GBS frequency during the pandemic in this metropolis.
Journals
2024 EN
Obut Mehmet · Kından Aykut · Ibanoğlu Müjde Can
+7 more
Objective Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) manifests in late pregnancy. Elevated serum bile acid is a diagnostic criterion: however, its measurement is troublesome. Prediction of ICP by blood markers is not established. Serum bile acid level is associated with liver damage and inflammation. We hypothesized that the following markers could predict the occurrence of ICP and have diagnostic value for it: Liver damage‐indicating scores (albumin–bilirubin [ALBI], Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease [MELD], aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio [APRI]) and inflammatory markers (platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio [PLR] and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio [NLR]). Methods Eighty ICP patients and 200 controls were studied. The values of MELD, APRI, ALBI, PLR, and NLR were measured in the 1st trimester and at the time of diagnosis. Results Patients with ICP had significantly higher ALBI, MELD, and APRI scores both in the first trimester and at diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression (MLR) showed that age, ALBI, MELD, and APRI scores were statistically significant ( p < 0.05). By receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the sensitivity of MELD, ALBI, APRI, and NLR in the first trimester was 62%, 73%, 58%, and 29%, respectively, and MELD, ALBI, APRI, and PLR at diagnosis was 28%, 38%, 57%, and 8%, respectively, with a fixed false‐positive rate of 10%. Conclusion This study has demonstrated the usability of the MELD, ALBI, and APRI scores in predicting and diagnosing ICP. They are easy to obtain and might be used in routine practice.
John Wiley & Sons Australia
Journals
2024 EN
Küçük Eylem · Öten Erol · Coşkun Gürsoy
Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of spinal mobilisation on curvature magnitude, angle of trunk rotation (ATR) and pulmonary function in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods Conducted as a double‐blind randomised controlled trial, the study included 40 patients with AIS (Cobb angles 10°–25°) randomised to experimental ( n = 20; female = 12, male = 8; age = 12.9 ± 1.8 mean ± SD) and control ( n = 20; female = 13, male = 7; age = 12.85 ± 1.81 mean ± SD) groups. The experimental group received spinal mobilisation for 30 min per session followed by 60 min of core stabilisation exercises (CSE), twice a week for 10 weeks. The control group received CSE only at the same frequency and duration. Evaluation of Cobb angle, ATR and pulmonary function tests (PEF: Peak Expiratory Flow, FEV1: Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s, FVC: Forced Vital Capacity, and FEV1/FVC: Tiffeneau index) were performed at baseline and after the intervention. Results Both groups showed significant improvements in Cobb angle, ATR, PEF and FVC, with the experimental group showing significantly greater improvements in Cobb angle (−7.65 ± 3.17) and ATR (−2.5 ± 1.43) compared to the control group ( P < 0.05). In addition, while the control group showed no change in FEV1, the experimental group showed improvement. There was no change in FEV1/FVC ratio in either group. Conclusion These results indicate that adding spinal mobilisation to treatment sessions can effectively reduce the magnitude of curvature and improve scoliosis‐related problems in the short term.
John Wiley & Sons Australia
Journals
2024 EN
Frisch Nicole · Heischel Laura · Wanner Philipp
+5 more
Summary Acute exercise has been shown to affect long‐term memory and sleep. However, it is unclear whether exercise‐induced changes in sleep architecture are associated with enhanced memory. Recently, it has been shown that exercise followed by a nap improved declarative memory. Whether these effects transfer to night sleep and other memory domains has not yet been studied. Here, we investigate the influence of exercise on nocturnal sleep architecture and associations with sleep‐dependent procedural and declarative memory consolidation. Nineteen subjects (23.68 ± 3.97 years) were tested in a balanced cross‐over design. In two evening sessions, participants either exercised (high‐intensity interval training) or rested immediately after encoding two memory tasks: (1) a finger tapping task and (2) a paired‐associate learning task. Subsequent nocturnal sleep was recorded by polysomnography. Retrieval was conducted the following morning. High‐intensity interval training lead to an increased declarative memory retention ( p = 0.047, d = 0.40) along with a decrease in REM sleep ( p = 0.012, d = 0.75). Neither procedural memory nor NREM sleep were significantly affected. Exercise‐induced changes in N2 showed a positive correlation with procedural memory retention which did not withstand multiple comparison correction. Exploratory analyses on sleep spindles and slow wave activity did not reveal significant effects. The present findings suggest an exercise‐induced enhancement of declarative memory which aligns with changes in nocturnal sleep architecture. This gives additional support for the idea of a potential link between exercise‐induced sleep modifications and memory formation which requires further investigation in larger scaled studies.
Journals
2024 EN
Oz Emre · Polat Burak · Cengiz Aysegul
+4 more
Cockroaches, widespread pests found in metropolitan areas, are known as vectors of various disease agents, including viruses, fungi and antibiotic‐resistant bacteria, as well as causing allergies in humans. Insect growth regulators have been used in pest management for several decades. These insecticides disrupt insect development and reproduction. Chitin synthesis inhibitors interfere with chitin biosynthesis in insects, causing abortive moulting and mortality, as well as inhibiting egg fertility, and larval hatching in insects. In this research, we evaluated the various effects of diflubenzuron, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, on synthetic pyrethroid‐resistant German cockroach ( Blattella germanica L. Blattodea: Ectobiidae), including ootheca production, oothecal viability, ootheca incubation time, the number of nymphs emerging from the ootheca and survivorship of nymphs. The cockroaches were fed diets that contained diflubenzuron, which was added to solid bait (impregnated fish food) and ingestible aqueous bait (impregnated cotton). Three concentrations (0.5%, 1% and 2%) were used in the experiments. As a result, diflubenzuron treatment led to ootheca production ranging from 60% to 100%; statistically, no difference was found between the treatment and the control groups. The number of nymphs emerging from the first and second ootheca was reduced by 40%–100% in the diflubenzuron‐treated groups compared with the control. Nymphs exposed to diflubenzuron‐impregnated solid bait and ingestible aqueous bait experienced mortality exceeding 92.1% and 66.27% within 15 days, respectively. In conclusion, diflubenzuron is a potential insecticide for use in cockroach baits to control B. germanica , as it caused high nymphal and embryonic mortality in the synthetic pyrethroid‐resistant population and decreased the number of nymphs emerging from the ootheca.
Journals
2024 EN
Köy Yazgı · Ceylan Onur · Kahraman Aslı
+3 more
The revised classification of tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021 was hailed as a major advance and improvement in the management of brain tumor patients. However, the increased reliance on sophisticated technology and molecular analysis posed a major challenge to healthcare systems in low‐ and middle‐income countries. A few recent publications have drawn attention to the issue of the applicability of the new CNS WHO 2021 worldwide, but the exuberant enthusiasm observed in high‐income countries seems to have stifled such a concern. In this study, we present data on the practical utility of the changes that occurred in CNS WHO 2021 in four institutions with limited resources. Our findings demonstrate no major alterations in patient management in low resource settings and significant added financial impact. While there is no doubt that the revised classification provides greater insight into tumor biology and molecular/genetic features of CNS tumors, its practical benefit and applicability in the majority of cases worldwide are limited, and attempts to improve its utility in low resource settings are warranted.
John Wiley & Sons Australia
Journals
2024 EN
Hiçdurmaz Duygu · Kahraman Nilgün · Aydin Adeviye
ABSTRACT Work engagement in oncology nurses is crucial for improving nurse practice and healthcare outcomes. The study aimed to define and understand work engagement from the perspective of experienced oncology clinical nurses. This qualitative descriptive study used purposive sampling to select 15 oncology nurses from a University Oncology Hospital in Türkiye. Participants had at least 3 years of experience and volunteered for the study. Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews using a “Nurse Data Form” and a “Semi‐structured Interview Form.” The analysis identified six themes and 12 sub‐themes. These themes include a sense of engagement, personal resources, organizational resources, professional resources, elements specific to the nature of oncology, and areas that need improvement. Sub‐themes indicate that facilitators of work engagement included altruism, job satisfaction, teamwork, and nursing competencies. Nurses may require assistance in caring for patients with high psychosocial demands, long‐term care or repetitive hospitalizations. In conclusion, nurses emphasized the facilitating and challenging factors in work engagement in the oncology clinics. This study suggests that oncology nurses' work engagement can be enhanced by empowering them professionally, individually, and organizationally.
John Wiley & Sons Australia
Journals
2024 EN
Yilmaz Dogukan · Niskanen Katariina · Gonullu Emel
+3 more
Objective The aim was to profile serum and salivary levels of active‐matrix metalloproteinase (aMMP)‐8, tissue inhibitor MMP (TIMP)‐1, aMMP‐8/TIMP‐1 ratio, total MMP (tMMP)‐9, tMMP‐9/TIMP‐1 ratio, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and human neutrophil elastase (HNE) in periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials and Methods Rheumatoid arthritis patients with periodontitis (RA + P, n = 26), periodontally healthy RA patients (RA, n = 23), systemically healthy periodontitis patients (P, n = 24), and controls (C, n = 24) were included. aMMP‐8 levels were determined by a time‐resolved immunofluorescence assay (IFMA), TIMP‐1, tMMP‐9, MPO, and HNE levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assays. Results Higher salivary aMMP‐8 ( p < 0.001), aMMP‐8/TIMP‐1 ratio ( p = 0.043), tMMP‐9 ( p = 0.011), tMMP‐9/TIMP‐1 ratio ( p = 0.022), MPO ( p = 0.026) and HNE ( p < 0.001) levels were detected in P relative to the controls. Salivary TIMP‐1 was increased in RA patients regardless of periodontal status (RA + P vs. P: p = 0.038; RA vs. C: p = 0.020). Serum neutrophil proteases were increased in RA groups (RA + P, RA) compared to systemically healthy groups (P, C) ( p < 0.05). Conclusions Serum levels of neutrophil proteases were increased in RA study groups; however rheumatologic status seemingly does not affect salivary levels of these proteins.
Journals
2024 EN
Yilmaz Mustafa · He Qiushui · Demir Esra
+2 more
Objectives Toll‐like receptor‐2 (TLR2) signalling pathway is involved in the regulation of interleukin (IL)‐33 and its receptor suppression of tumorigenicity‐2 (ST2). This study aimed to compare salivary IL‐33 and soluble ST2 (sST2) levels of periodontitis patients with those of periodontally healthy individuals in relation to their TLR2 rs111200466 23‐bp insertion/deletion polymorphism within the promoter region. Materials and Methods Unstimulated saliva samples were collected, and periodontal parameters were recorded from 35 periodontally healthy individuals and 44 periodontitis patients. Non‐surgical treatments were applied to periodontitis patients, and sample collections and clinical measurements were repeated 3 months following therapy. Salivary IL‐33 and sST2 levels were measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits, and TLR2 rs111200466 polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction. Results Elevated salivary IL‐33 ( p = 0.007) and sST2 ( p = 0.020) levels were observed in periodontitis patients, in comparison to controls. sST2 levels declined 3‐months following treatment ( p < 0.001). Increased salivary IL‐33 and sST2 levels were found to be associated with periodontitis, with no significant relation to the TLR2 polymorphism. Conclusion Periodontitis, but not TLR2 rs111200466 polymorphism, is associated with elevated salivary sST2 and possibly IL‐33 levels, and periodontal treatment is effective in reducing salivary sST2 levels.
Journals
2024 EN
Yalçın Gürsoy Melike · Uçan Yamaç Sabriye
Background Elder abuse as an important public health issue is associated in the literature with various physical and psychological symptoms. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between elder abuse and depression, anxiety, and stress in the elderly living in the community. Method The cross‐sectional study was completed with 729 older people. Data were collected through a face‐to‐face interview and a survey form. The Geriatric Mistreatment Scale (GMS) was used to evaluate elder abuse and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21) was used to evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between elder abuse and depression, anxiety, and stress. Results Of the participants, 20.9% were exposed to at least one type of abuse, 9.2% experienced physical abuse, 18.2% experienced psychological abuse, 4.4% experienced neglect, and 7.0% had financial abuse. The general prevalence of moderate to very severe depression, anxiety, and stress among the elderly was respectively 17.1%, 16%, and 10%. As a result of multivariate analysis it was determined that neglect ( t = 6245; ß = 4952) and economic abuse ( t = 3865; ß = 3350) had statistically significant effects on depression; psychological abuse ( t = 2924; ß = 0,992), economic abuse ( t = 3127; ß = 3517) and neglect ( t = 5913; ß = 4810) had statistically significant effects on anxiety, while psychological ( t = 5023; ß = 1756) and economic abuse ( t = 5719; ß = 5238) had statistically significant effects on stress ( P < 0.05). Conclusion As a result of the study, it was seen that the prevalence of abuse and depression, anxiety, and stress was high in the elderly. There was also a strong relationship between types of elder abuse and depression, anxiety, and stress. It is recommended that health professionals working with older people to screen them for types of abuse and mental symptoms with the help of appropriate screening tools.
John Wiley & Sons Australia