Examination of game addiction studies conducted in Turkey: A systematic review study.

The aim of this study is to examine the methodological orientations in game addiction studies in Turkey between 2019 and 2022 in a holistic way and to present suggestions for new literature studies. For this purpose, only articles written in Turkish language were reviewed on Google Scholar. Open-access quantitative studies between 2019 and 2022 were included in our study. As a result, 69 out of 257 studies were found to comply with the predetermined criteria. The number of participants in these 69 studies, with a total sample size of 26,415, varies between 60 and 987. Almost half of the studies sample group is children (n = 36). The majority of the studies examine the relationship between academic achievement, familial and social relationship problems, gaming behavior and game addiction in children and adolescents. It was found that gaming addiction was higher in male students compared to female students, especially between the ages of 14-15. Among children, male students play digital games more than girls, and they mostly prefer action-adventure, war, and racing games. Previous studies have concluded that the use of consoles and smartphones in adolescents and young adults has a high impact on digital game addiction. In the light of the findings, it is suggested that empirical studies on game addiction should be addressed with different aspects using new literature studies.

Examining the psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic: an international cross-sectional study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed people to significant and prolonged stress. The psychosocial impacts of the pandemic have been well recognised and reported in high-income countries (HICs) but it is important to understand the unique challenges posed by COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where limited international comparisons have been undertaken. This protocol was therefore devised to study the psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in seven LMICs using scales that had been designed for or translated for this purpose. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This cross-sectional study uses an online survey to administer a novel COVID Psychosocial Impacts Scale (CPIS) alongside established measures of psychological distress, post-traumatic stress, well-being and post-traumatic growth in the appropriate language. Participants will include adults aged 18 years and above, recruited from Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Somalia and Turkey, with a pragmatic target sample size of 500 in each country.Data will be analysed descriptively on sociodemographic and study variables. In addition, CPIS will be analysed psychometrically (for reliability and validity) to assess the suitability of use in a given context. Finally, within-subjects and between-subjects analyses will be carried out using multi-level mixed-effect models to examine associations between key sociodemographic and study variables. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was granted by the Human Ethics Committee, University of Otago, New Zealand (Ref. No. 21/102). In addition, international collaborators obtained local authorisation or ethical approval in their respective host universities before data collection commenced.Participants will give informed consent before taking part. Data will be collected and stored securely on the University of Otago, New Zealand Qualtrics platform using an auto-generated non-identifiable letter-number string. Data will be available on reasonable request. Findings will be disseminated by publications in scientific journals and/or conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05052333.

Icosahedral gold nanoparticles decorated with hexon protein: a surrogate for adenovirus serotype 5.

The development of synthetic particles that emulate real viruses in size, shape, and chemical composition is vital to the development of imprinted polymer-based sorbent materials (molecularly imprinted polymers, MIPs). In this study, we address surrogates for adenovirus type 5 (Adv 5) via the synthesis and subsequent modification of icosahedral gold nanoparticles (iAuNPs) decorated with the most abundant protein of the Adv 5 (i.e., hexon protein) at the surface. CTAB-capped iAuNPs with dimensions in the range of 40-90 nm were synthesized, and then CTAB was replaced by a variety of polyethylene glycols (PEGs) in order to introduce suitable functionalities serving as anchoring points for the attachment of the hexon protein. The latter was achieved by non-covalent linking of the protein to the iAuNP surface using a PEG without reactive termination (i.e., methoxy PEG thiol, mPEG-SH, Mn=800). Alternatively, covalent anchoring points were generated by modifying the iAuNPs with a bifunctional PEG (i.e., thiol PEG amine, SH-PEG-NH2) followed by the addition of glutaraldehyde. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the formation of the anchoring points at the iAuNP surface. Next, the amino groups present in the amino acids of the hexon protein interacted with the glutaraldehyde. iAuNPs before and after PEGylation were characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), XPS, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis spectroscopy, confirming the CTAB-PEG exchange. Finally, the distinct red shift obtained in the UV-Vis spectra of the pegylated iAuNPs in the presence of the hexon protein, the increase in the hydrodynamic diameter, the change in the zeta potential, and the selective binding of the hexon-modified iAuNPs towards a hexon-imprinted polymer (HIP) confirmed success in both the covalent and non-covalent attachment at the iAuNP surface.

Plastic Antibodies Mimicking the ACE2 Receptor for Selective Binding of SARS-CoV-2 Spike.

Molecular imprinting has proven to be a versatile and simple strategy to obtain selective materials also termed "plastic antibodies" for a wide variety of species, i.e., from ions to macromolecules and viruses. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, the development of epitope-imprinted polymers for selective binding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is not reported to date. An epitope from the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein comprising 17 amino acids is used as a template during the imprinting process. The interactions between the epitope template and organosilane monomers used for the polymer synthesis are predicted via molecular docking simulations. The molecularly imprinted polymer presents a 1.8-fold higher selectivity against the target epitope compared to non-imprinted control polymers. Rebinding studies with pseudoviruses containing SARS-CoV-2 spike protein demonstrate the superior selectivity of the molecularly imprinted matrices, which mimic the interactions of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors from human cells. The obtained results highlight the potential of SARS-CoV-2 molecularly imprinted polymers for a variety of applications including chem/biosensing and antiviral delivery.

Development of Silica Nanoparticle Supported Imprinted Polymers for Selective Lysozyme Recognition.

Protein imprinted MIPs show notable potential for applications in many analytical areas such as clinical analysis, medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring, but also in drug delivery scenarios. In this study, we present various modifications of two different synthesis routes to create imprinted core-shell particles serving as a synthetic recognition material for the protein hen egg white (HEW) lysozyme. HEW lysozyme is used as food additive E 1105 for preservation due to its antibacterial effects. For facilitating quality and regulatory control analysis in food matrices, it is necessary to apply suitable isolation methods as potentially provided by molecularly imprinted materials. The highest binding capacity achieved herein was 58.82 mg/g with imprinting factors ranging up to 2.74, rendering these materials exceptionally suitable for selectively isolating HEW lysozyme.

The Validity aand Reliability of the Addiction Outcome Assessment Index (AOAI). / Bagimlilik Seyir Indeksi (BASI)’nin Geçerlik ve Güvenilirlik Çalismasi.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop a short scale that assesses the progress and recovery in addiction treatment with respect to all relevant areas, and to determine its validity and reliability. METHOD: After scanning the literature and consulting the experts, a pool of questions was. The pilot form was tested in 10 cases then a final 8-item scale was generated. Clinical sample of the study consisted of 307 alcohol/substance users who applied Turkish Green Crescent Outpatient Counselling Center for psychosocial treatment between March 2016 and March 2017. Non-clinical sample of the study is composed by 102 randomly chosen participants without a history of psychiatric disorder. The reliability of the Addiction Outcome Assessment Index (AOAI) questions was determined by computing the Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and the factor structure analysis was determined by varimax rotation. Analysis of the reliability of the change between sessions was conducted via Reliable Change Index-(RCI). RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total Outcome Assessment Index (AOAI) was 0.80. Therapists' total correlation coefficient was 0.75. Explanatory Factor Analysis revealed 2 factors which explains 43.96% of the total variance. The difference between groups' AOAI-Turkish (BASI) mean score was statistically significant. Cut-off point was determined as 8.63. RCI was 3.5. AOAI's first session mean score was 14.92±5.63, the mean score decreased at the tenth session to 9.4±4.71. CONCLUSION: The results showed that AOAI is a valid and reliable questionnaire that can be used to measure the progress of different dimensions of alcohol and substance use.

Turkish Guideline for Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis (ART).

OBJECT: To prepare a national guideline for Otorhinolaryngologist who treat allergic rhinitis patients. METHODS: The study was conducted by three authors, namely the writing support team. The support team made the study plan, determined the writing instructions, chose the subgroups including the advisory committee, the advisors for authors and the authors. A workshop was organized at the very beginning to explain the details of the study to the team. Advisors took the chance to meet their coworkers in their subgroups and determined the main headings and subheadings of the guideline, together with the authors. After key words were determined by the authors, literature search was done in various databases. The authors keep in touch with the advisors and the advisors with the advisory committee and the support group at every stage of the study. National and International published articles as well as the abstracts of unpublished studies, imperatively presented in National Congresses, were included in this guideline. Only Guideline and meta-analyses published in last seven years (2013-2017) and randomized controlled studies published in last two years (2015-2017) were included. After all work was completed by the subgroups, support team brought all work together and edited the article. RESULTS: A detailed guideline about all aspects of allergic rhinitis was created. CONCLUSION: The authors believe that this guideline will enable a compact and up-to-date information on allergic rhinitis to healthcare professionals. This guideline is the first in the field of Otolaryngology in Turkey. It should be updated at regular intervals.

Serum levels of oxidative stress indicators and antioxidant enzymes in Bell palsy.

We conducted a prospective study to comparatively evaluate serum levels of malondialdehyde, an oxidative stress indicator, and the antioxidant enzymes glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase in patients with Bell palsy. Our study population was made up of 30 patients with Bell palsy-15 men and 15 women, aged 25 to 68 years (mean: 50.4)-who were seen in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at a tertiary care medical center. For comparison purposes, we recruited 26 healthy age- and sex-matched controls-16 men and 10 women, aged 40 to 67 years (mean: 54.3). Serum samples were obtained from all participants before the initiation of steroid treatment to the Bell palsy patients. A correlation was sought between demographic data and serum levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. We found that the serum level of malondialdehyde was significantly higher in the Bell palsy group and that the levels of glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were all significantly lower (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Correlation analysis revealed that only superoxide dismutase levels were positively correlated with age (r = 0.347, p = 0.009). We suggest that oxidative stress and antioxidant mechanisms may be involved in the pathogenesis of Bell palsy. In this context, serum levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase may serve as biomarkers in the diagnosis and follow-up of Bell palsy. Confirmation of the validity, reliability, and reproducibility of these findings necessitates further prospective, randomized clinical trials in larger populations.

Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate overactive bladder (OAB) in male and female patients with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and to investigate the impact of three months of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on the symptoms of OAB. METHODS: Twenty-eight female and 45 male patients with moderate and severe OSAS whose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity was evaluated according to the apnea-hypopnea index were included in the study. Patients' voiding symptoms were evaluated using the validated Turkish translations of overactive bladder symptom scores (OAB-V8) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form (ICIQ-SF) at OSAS diagnosis and at 3-months after the CPAP therapy. RESULTS: Patients with moderate and severe OSAS were more likely to have OAB than the average population, and CPAP therapy improved the symptoms of OAB in both male and female patients. In addition, a positive association was observed between OSA severity and OAB-V8 and ICIQ-SF in female patients and between OSA severity and OAB-V8 in male patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that CPAP therapy improves the clinical symptoms of OAB. Thus, unnecessary medical or interventional treatment of OAB can be avoided in such patients.

Oxidative Status in Patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

OBJECTIVE: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most frequent peripheral vestibular disorder and is particularly seen among older patients suffering from vertigo. The brief vertigo attacks in and imbalance symptoms of BPPV are caused by freely floating otoconia within the semicircular canals. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the role of oxidative stress, using native thiol/disulfide (SH/SS) homeostasis as a novel indicator, in the etiology of BPPV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 62 participants in the study included 31 patients with BPPV and, as the control group, 31 healthy individuals without any cochleovestibular disorders. RESULTS: Patients with BPPV initially had significantly lower native SH levels and significantly lower SH/total thiol (TT) ratios, as well as significantly higher SS/SH and SS/TT ratios, than the healthy controls. After successful treatment of their vertigo, which was confirmed based on the results obtained from the second blood sample, patients with BPPV still had lower SH levels and SH/TT ratios and significantly higher SS/SH and SS/TT ratios than the healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a role of oxidative stress in the development of BPPV, through both calcium metabolism and the direct toxic effects of free oxygen radicals, including the triggering of apoptosis.

Association of Autologous Costal Cartilage Harvesting Technique With Donor-Site Pain in Patients Undergoing Rhinoplasty.

IMPORTANCE: Postoperative pain at the donor site is a common morbidity following autologous costal cartilage grafting. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postoperative pain at the donor site after the use of a muscle-sparing costal cartilage harvesting technique compared with a muscle-cutting technique using electrocautery. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Designed as a controlled trial without randomization, this prospective, comparative cohort study was conducted between January 1, 2016, and March 31, 2017. Participants included 20 patients who underwent rhinoplasty for various cosmetic and functional complaints from January 1, 2016, to February 28, 2017. Of the 20 patients, 1 was excluded owing to an infection that developed on postoperative day (POD) 7. Patients were grouped by the rib harvesting technique used that was either a muscle-sparing technique (n = 11) or a muscle-cutting technique (n = 8). Skin incisions for both groups were carried out with a blade. Transection of muscle fascia and muscle fibers was performed with monopolar electrocautery in the muscle-cutting technique group. Blunt dissection with a hemostat was performed in the muscle-sparing technique group. All other surgical techniques were identical. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Postoperative pain was assessed with visual analog scale scores for resting pain and movement pain. Eight pain measurements were noted at the sixth postoperative hour and on PODs 1, 2, 3, 7, 15, 30, and 45. During the hospital stay, the postoperative need for analgesics was recorded daily as the number of analgesic infusion vials used. RESULTS: The 19 patients in the study included 11 women and 8 men whose mean age (SD) was 33.2 (10.3) years The mean (SD) visual pain analog scale scores for resting pain and movement pain were consistently higher in the muscle-cutting technique group than in the muscle-sparing technique group. This difference was statistically significant on PODs 2, 3, and 15 for resting pain and on PODs 2, 3, 7, 15, 30, and 45 for movement pain. The mean postoperative need for analgesic infusion vials during hospital stay was higher in the muscle-cutting technique group, and the difference was statistically significant on POD 2 (1.9 [0.6] vials vs 1.0 [0.9] vials; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Both resting and movement pain at the donor site was significantly reduced in the muscle-sparing technique group during the postoperative period, findings that align with anecdotal reports in the literature. Routine use of the muscle-sparing technique in autologous costal cartilage harvesting is recommended to reduce postoperative pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Selective binding of matrix metalloproteases MMP-9 and MMP-12 to inhibitor-assisted thermolysin-imprinted beads.

Protein-imprinted polymers have been synthesized to recognize and specifically bind selected proteins. However, protein imprinting requires substantial amounts of pure protein to efficiently obtain imprinted polymers for large scale applications, e.g. protein purification by affinity chromatography. In the absence of large quantities of a pure protein of interest, an alternative strategy was developed. In this case study, neutral metalloprotease thermolysin was selected as a commercially available surrogate for imprinting polymer beads. Phosphoramidon-assisted thermolysin-imprinted beads were synthesized. During rebinding experiments, it was shown that these beads specifically bind to thermolysin. In addition, it was shown that these beads also bind in CHO cell culture supernatant to the matrix metalloprotease-9 and -12 (MMP-9, -12). Therefore, these beads can be applied as a selective sorbent for the rare metalloproteases MMP-9 and MMP-12 to remove these proteases from CHO cell culture supernatants. The high selectivity of thermolysin-imprinted beads can be extended to other proteases of the family of metalloproteases, and is not limited to thermolysin. This innovative approach is suitable to address the challenges in the field of protease purification and isolation from biotechnologically relevant media.

Are people who have a better smell sense, more affected from satiation? / As pessoas que têm melhor olfato são mais afetadas pela saciedade?

Abstract Introduction: The olfactory system is affected by the nutritional balance and chemical state of the body, serving as an internal sensor. All bodily functions are affected by energy loss, including olfaction; hunger can alter odour perception. Objective: In this study, we investigated the effect of fasting on olfactory perception in humans, and also assessed perceptual changes during satiation. Methods: The "Sniffin' Sticks" olfactory test was applied after 16 h of fasting, and again at least 1 h after Ramadan supper during periods of satiation. All participants were informed about the study procedure and provided informed consent. The study protocol was approved by the local Ethics Committee of Gaziosmanpaşa Taksim Education and Research Hospital (09/07/2014 no: 60). The study was conducted in accordance with the basic principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: This prospective study included 48 subjects (20 males, 28 females) with a mean age of 33.6 ± 9.7 (range 20-72) years; their mean height was 169.1 ± 7.6 (range 150.0-185.0) cm, mean weight was 71.2 ± 17.6 (range 50.0-85.0) kg, and average BMI was 24.8 ± 5.3 (range 19.5-55.9). Scores were higher on all items pertaining to olfactory identification, thresholds and discrimination during fasting vs. satiation (p < 0.05). Identification (I) results: Identification scores were significantly higher during the fasting (median = 14.0) vs. satiation period (median = 13.0). Threshold (T) results: Threshold scores were significantly higher during the fasting (median = 7.3) vs. satiation period (median = 6.2). Discrimination (D) results: Discrimination scores were significantly higher during the fasting (median = 14.0) vs. satiation period (median = 13.0). The total TDI scores were 35.2 (fasting) vs. 32.6 (satiation). When we compared fasting threshold value of >9 and ≤9, the gap between the fasting and satiety thresholds was significantly greater in >9 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Olfactory function improved during fasting and declined during satiation. The olfactory system is more sensitive, and more reactive to odours, under starvation conditions, and is characterised by reduced activity during satiation. This situation was more pronounced in patients with a better sense of smell. Olfaction-related neurotransmitters should be the target of further study.

Resumo Introdução: O sistema olfatório é afetado pelo equilíbrio nutricional e estado químico do corpo, que serve como um sensor interno. Todas as funções corporais são afetadas pela perda de energia, inclusive o olfato; a fome pode alterar a percepção do odor. Objetivo: Neste estudo, investigamos o efeito do jejum sobre a percepção olfativa em seres humanos, e também avaliamos as mudanças de percepção durante a saciedade. Método: O teste olfatório Sniffin Sticks foi aplicado após 16 horas de jejum e novamente pelo menos 1 hora após a ceia do Ramadã durante os períodos de saciedade. Todos os participantes foram informados sobre os procedimentos do estudo e forneceram o consentimento informado. O protocolo do estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética do Gaziosmanpaşa Taksim Education e Research Hospital (2014/09/07 n° 60). O estudo foi conduzido de acordo com os princípios básicos da Declaração de Helsinki. Resultados: Foram incluídos 48 pacientes (20 homens, 28 mulheres) com média de 33,6 ± 9,7 aos (variação 20-72); a altura média deles era de 169,1 ± 7,6 cm (variação 150-185), o peso médio era de 71,2 ± 17,6 kg (variação de 50-85) e o IMC médio era de 24,8 ± 5,3 (variação de 19,5-55,9). Os escores foram maiores em todos os itens correspondentes à identificação olfativa, limiares e discriminação durante jejum vs. saciedade (p < 0,05). Resultados da identificação (I): os escores de identificação foram significativamente maiores durante o jejum (mediana = 14) vs. período de saciedade (mediana = 13). Resultados limiares (T): os escores limiares foram significativamente maiores durante o jejum (mediana = 7,3) vs. período de saciedade (mediana = 6,2). Resultados de discriminação (D): os escores de discriminação foram significativamente maiores durante o jejum (mediana = 14) vs. período de saciedade (mediana = 13). Os escores totais de TDI foram de 35,2 (jejum) vs. 32,6 (saciedade). Quando comparamos o valor do limiar de jejum de > 9 e ≤ 9, a diferença entre os limiares de jejum e de saciedade foi significativamente maior em > 9 (p < 0,05). Conclusão: A função olfatória melhorou durante o jejum e diminuiu durante a saciedade. O sistema olfatório é mais sensível e mais reativo aos odores em condições de fome e é caracterizado por atividade reduzida durante a saciedade. Essa situação foi mais pronunciada em pacientes com um melhor sentido olfativo. Os neurotransmissores relacionados com o olfato devem ser alvo de um estudo mais aprofundado.

Serum Trace Elements and Heavy Metal Levels in Patients Diagnosed with Chronic Otitis Media and Their Association with Surgical Treatment Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the serum iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), cobalt (Co), and lead (Pb) levels in patients with chronic otitis media (COM) and to evaluate the association of the serum levels of these elements with treatment outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one healthy volunteers and 31 patients with COM were prospectively included in this study. Serum levels of Fe, Zn, Mn, Mg, Cu, Co, and Pb were determined by an atomic absorption UNICAM-929 spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Serum Co, Pb, and Fe levels were significantly increased (p<0.001) and serum Cu, Zn, Mg, and Mn levels were significantly reduced in patients with COM compared with controls (p<0.001). Serum Co and Mn levels were significantly decreased (p<0.001 and p<0.005, respectively) and serum Cu levels were significantly increased after surgery (p<0.005). The other evaluated blood chemicals and heavy metals did not exhibit significant differences (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant alterations in the serum chemical composition of patients with COM were observed. Moreover, with surgical treatment, serum levels of some of these chemicals were significantly altered. Further prospective studies are warranted to elucidate the exact association of these alterations in the etiopathogenesis of COM.

Mean Platelet Volume, Red Cell Distribution Width, and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Before and After Surgery in Patients With Carotid Body Tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare hypervascular benign tumors that originate from the paraganglia at the carotid bifurcation. The red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and mean platelet volume (MPV) may serve as markers in inflammatory, cardiovascular, and neoplastic diseases. However, their prognostic value in CBTs is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the leukocyte count, MPV, RDW, and NLR before and after surgery in patients with CBTs. METHODS: This retrospective trial included data from 80 patients with CBTs and 65 age-matched healthy controls. The leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte and platelet counts, RDW, and MPV were extracted and NLR was calculated from the complete blood count results of participants. RESULTS: The leukocyte and neutrophil counts as well as RDW levels were significantly increased in patients with CBTs compared with healthy controls (P = 0.005, P = 0.003, and P = 0.026; respectively). Patients with CBTs had lower lymphocytes counts (P = 0.241) and higher NLRs (P = 0.054); however, the difference was statistically insignificant. Moreover, no statistically significant difference was detected between groups in terms of platelet counts and MPV levels. Furthermore, the leukocyte count, platelet numbers, MPV, RDW, and NLR levels in patients with CBTs were not statistically significant after surgery (all; P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This is the first study that documents the increased RDW levels and leukocyte count in patients with CBTs. The combined use of RDW and the leukocyte count along with other clinical assessments can be used as a biomarker for CBTs. Further clinical trials with larger cases series are required to determine the actual predictive roles of these systemic biomarkers.

The Value of Vestibular Rehabilitation in Patients with Bilateral Vestibular Dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: The value of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with bilateral vestibular dysfunction was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study assessed 17 patients (9 males, 8 females) with bilateral vestibular dysfunction. Vestibular rehabilitation continued for 1.5 months. Videonystagmography tests (including oculomotor testing, positional testing, and caloric tests), vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing, and computerized dynamic posturography were performed during the pre-, mid-, and post-treatment periods. The patients underwent cranial and internal acoustic canal MRI. Consultant physicians from the neurology and physical medicine and rehabilitation departments reviewed all patients. RESULTS: The post-treatment anteroposterior somatosensorial (APSO), anteroposterior global (APGLO), mediolateral visual (MLVI), and mediolateral global values and anteroposterior and mediolateral trials and conditions were significantly higher than those measured in the pre-treatment period. Similarly, mid-treatment values of the APSO, APGLO, and the anteroposterior sensory organization test (SOT) 2 were significantly higher than those measured in the pre-treatment period. CONCLUSION: Vestibular rehabilitation was effective in patients with bilateral vestibular dysfunction. As the vestibular rehabilitation duration increased, so did the efficacy of the treatment.

Eustachian tube diameter: Is it associated with chronic otitis media development?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of ET diameter on Chronic Otitis Media (COM) pathogenesis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients with unilateral COM disease are included in the study. The connection between fibrocartilaginous and osseous segments of the Eustachian Tube (ET) on axial Computed Tomography (CT) images was defined and the diameter of this segment is measured. The measurements were carried out bilaterally and statistically compared. RESULTS: 154 (76 (49%) male, 78 (51%) female patients were diagnosed with unilateral COM and included in the study. The mean diameter of ET was 1947mm (Std. deviation±0.5247) for healthy ears and 1788mm (Std. deviation±0.5306) for diseased ears. The statistical analysis showed a significantly narrow ET diameter in diseased ear side (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The dysfunction or anatomical anomalies of ET are correlated with COM. Measuring of the bony diameter of ET during routine Temporal CT examination is recommended for our colleagues.

Modified Mallampati Score Improves Specificity of STOP-BANG Questionnaire for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

BACKGROUND: An accurate, clinical screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that identifies patients for further diagnostic testing would assist in the diagnosis of this comorbidity. One example, the STOP-BANG questionnaire (SBQ), has been validated as a screening tool with high sensitivity. However, its specificity may result in a high false-positive rate. The aim of this study to determine if addition of the Modified Mallampati score to the SBQ improves its specificity. METHODS: The authors studied 162 patients referred to the Sleep Disorders Clinic at Yedikule Chest Disease Education and Research Hospital. All patients were prospectively screened for risk of OSA using the SBQ, their oral anatomy was assessed by Modified Mallampati scoring, and sleep quality characterized by polysomnography. Polysomnography results were reviewed when available and the predictive performance of the SBQ and the modified SBQ scoring models were compared. RESULTS: In the authors' study an SBQ score ≥3 yielded sensitivities of 0.85, 0.86, and 0.91 for Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) ≥5/h, AHI ≥15/h, and AHI ≥30/h, respectively, and specificities of 0.09, 0.10, and 0.18. The modified SBQ with a cutoff of ≥4 (>3) points for AHI levels of >5, >15, and >30 yielded respective sensitivities of 0.84, 0.86, and 0.91 and specificities of 0.25, 0.26, and 0.27. CONCLUSIONS: The author's results from indicated the modified SBQ with a cutoff of >3 points in this study was more specific than the standard SBQ but no less sensitive, and may be used in identifying OSA patients for further diagnostic evaluation or avoiding unnecessary testing.

Thiol/disulfide homeostasis as a novel indicator of oxidative stress in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess thiol/disulfide (SS) homeostasis as a novel indicator of oxidative stress in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and to investigate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on oxidative parameters. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. METHODS: A total of 104 subjects, 44 in an OSA group and 60 in two control groups (control simple snoring group, control OSA group) were included. The levels of parameters were measured using the Erel and Neselioglu method in patients with moderate or severe OSA before and after CPAP therapy. RESULTS: The serum native thiol (SH) and total SH levels as well as the %SH/total SH ratio were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in OSA patients compared to controls, and the SS level and %SS/SH and %SS/total SH ratios were significantly higher (P < 0.05). After CPAP therapy, the native SH level and %SH/total SH ratio were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than before CPAP therapy, and the SS level and %SS/SH and %SS/total SH ratios were significantly lower (P < 0.05). Significant negative correlations were evident between the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and the native SH level and %SH/total SH ratio (P < 0.05) before CPAP therapy; and significant positive correlations were seen between the AHI and the %SS/SH and %SS/total SH ratios but not with the SS level. CONCLUSION: We found that oxidative stress was increased and CPAP therapy had a positive effect in patients with moderate or severe OSA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b. Laryngoscope, 127:E244-E250, 2017.