Prescription Sequence Symmetry Analysis (PSSA) to assess prescribing cascades: a step-by-step guide.

Prescribing cascades occur when patients are prescribed medication to treat the adverse drug reaction of previously prescribed medication. Prescription sequence symmetry analysis (PSSA) can be used to assess the association between two medications in prescription or dispensing databases and thus the potential occurrence of prescribing cascades. In this article, a step-by-step guide is presented for conducting PSSA to assess prescribing cascades. We describe considerations for medication data collection and setting time periods for relevant parameters, including washout window, exposure window, continued exposure interval and blackout period. With two examples, we illustrate the impact of changes in these parameters on the strengths of associations observed. Given the impact seen, we recommend that researchers clearly specify and explain all considerations regarding medication included and time windows set when studying prescribing cascades with PSSA, and conduct subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

Deaths related to drowning in Antalya, an important tourism center in the Mediterranean region: A 10-year retrospective study.

Objectives: Drowning is one of the most common causes of accidental deaths in all age groups. This study aims to compare the sociodemographic data, scene of incident findings, clinical characteristics, and autopsy findings of Turkish and foreign victims of drowning in Antalya, one of the most popular global holiday destinations. Study Design: This study is the most extensive case series of drowning in Turkey. Methods: A retrospective examination was made of 7775 autopsies, of which 692 (8.9%) were identified as drowning cases. Results: Almost half of the cases were elderly males of foreign nationality, with a chronic disease and high alcohol consumption, who were found wearing swimming clothes and had died accidentally, mostly in the sea or swimming pools. The majority of Turkish victims were male children and adolescents, found wearing normal daily clothes, who died from a fall or while performing high-risk activities, such as jumping from height. Most of these cases died at the scene of the incident due to an accident or suicide. Conclusions: Such incidences of deaths in Antalya could be reduced with the implementation of precautions, with adjustments made according to the increased risks and, particularly, the mobility of the older age group. Significantly, chronic disease is an important risk factor in cases of drowning.

Assessment of Epstein-Barr virus, Candida albicans, and some periodontal pathogens in rheumatoid arthritis patients with periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: To comparatively investigate the periodontal results and microbial load in subgingival biofilm samples (SBS) in rheumatoid arthritis subjects and healthy volunteers. METHODS: One hundred twenty subjects were classified into different cohorts: healthy (H-C); periodontitis with good systemic health (H-P); rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and good periodontal health (RA-C); and periodontitis with RA (RA-P). The periodontal parameters were recorded, and SBS were collected to determine periodontal pathogens including Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Candida albicans using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Subjects that had greater disease course, determined by moderate or high disease activity scores 28 (DAS28), suffered from worse oral health conditions (higher plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, and excessive clinical attachment loss) than those with low DAS28 scores. A higher prevalence of Treponema denticola (T. denticola) was observed in the RA-P group. Cyclic citrullinated peptide was associated with the occurrence of T. denticola and Campylobacter rectus. DAS28 using C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) had a significant association with Capnocytophaga gingivalis and EBV. The duration of the RA disease was associated with the presence of T. denticola. CONCLUSION: Subgingival microbial difference could reliably discriminate RA from healthy individuals. Especially, T. denticola and EBV may play a key role in periodontitis associated with RA.

Sensitivity of different flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes to salinity determined by GE biplot.

Plants respond differently to salt stress depending on their genetic structure and the severity of the stress. Salinity reduces seed germination, delays plant emergence, and inhibits seedling growth. The selection of the tolerant genotypes, however, plays a vital role in increasing agricultural output since various genotypes greatly vary for their tolerance to salinity. Therefore, this study determined the impact of five different NaCl levels (i.e., 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) on seed germination and growth attributes of 10 flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genotypes. The germination and growth characteristics of the genotypes under study were examined using the biplot approach at varied salt levels. The results indicated that individual and interactive effects of genotypes and salinity levels significantly (p ≤ 0.01 or p ≤ 0.05) affected several seed germination traits. The relations of genotype × germination traits indicated that 'G4' and 'G6' were the most stable genotypes with the highest performance regarding seed germination characteristics. The genotype 'G2' was associated with shoot length, while 'G7' was linked with salinity tolerance index. The biplot divided the germination characteristics into five different groups according to sector analysis. Most of the germination parameters had higher values under 100 mM, while some of the parameters had better values under 0, 50 and 200 mM NaCl levels. The tested genotypes varied for their seed germination and growth response depending on the NaCl levels. The genotypes 'G4', 'G5' and 'G6' proved more tolerant to high NaCl levels. Therefore, these genotypes can be used to improve flax productivity under saline soils.

The effect of robot-assisted gait training frequency on walking, functional recovery, and quality of life in patients with stroke.

AIM: This study aims to investigate the effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) frequency on walking, functional recovery, QoL and mood. METHODS: Sixty patients aged 50-75, diagnosed with post-stroke hemiplegia were entered into the retrospective analysis. Participants who scored maximum 3 on the Modified Rankin Scale and were diagnosed with moderate stroke according to The NIH Stroke Scale were included in the study. The participants in group 1 (G1) received only conventional treatment (CT), in group 2 (G2) participants received one session of RAGT per week in addition to the CT program, and group 3 (G3) received two sessions of RAGT per week in addition to the CT program. 6-min walk test (6-MWT), Barthel Index (BI), Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SSQoL), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were recorded. RESULTS: Median change in SSQoL of G3 was significantly higher from median change of G1 (p < 0.05), and median change in BDI of G3 was significantly lower than median change of G1 (p < 0.05). Median change in BDI of G3 was also significantly lower from change of G2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Two weekly sessions of RAGT in addition to CT exhibit positive effects on QoL and mood but no additional contribution to functional status.

Are static posturography-assisted biofeedback exercises effective in Parkinson's disease?

BACKGROUND: Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive condition that causes disorders in movement and balance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of static posturography-assisted biofeedback exercises in PD-related balance disorder. METHODS: We screened 83 patients, 48 of whom were enrolled, and 41 completed the study. The sample was randomized into two groups, one submitted to static posturography-assisted biofeedback exercises and the other, to a conventional exercise program. The patients in the biofeedback group (n = 20) performed biofeedback exercises in addition to conventional balance exercises. Those in the conventional exercise group (n = 21) performed classic balance exercises. Both groups were treated for 20 minutes per session 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The patients were evaluated using the Hoehn and Yahr Scale, the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Tinetti Gait and Balance Assessment (TGBA), the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), the Tandem Stance Test (TST), a Turkish version of the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) before and at the end of the treatment. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the MDS-UPDRS, BBS, TGBA, TST, TUG, HAQ, or BDI measurements before and after the treatment (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Improved balance parameters were observed following balance training in the patients with PD, although static posturography-assisted biofeedback exercises appeared to provide no additional benefit. However, larger, randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate their effectiveness.

ANTECEDENTES: A doença de Parkinson (DP) é uma doença degenerativa que causa alterações no movimento e no equilíbrio. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia dos exercícios com biorretroalimentação assistidos por posturografia estática na alterações do equilíbrio derivadas da DP. MéTODOS: Selecionamos 83 pacientes, 48 dos quais foram incluídos, e 41 completaram o estudo. A amostra foi randomizada e dividida em dois grupos, um submetido a exercícios com biorretroalimentação assistidos por posturografia estática, e outro submetido a um programa de exercícios convencional. Os pacientes do grupo de biorretroalimentação (n = 20) fizeram exercícios com biorretroalimentação e exercícios convencionais de equilíbrio. E o grupo dos exercícios convencionais (n = 21), fez exercícios clássicos de equilíbrio. Ambos os grupos receberam tratamento durante 20 minutos por sessão, 3 vezes por semana, por 6 semanas. Os pacientes foram avaliados antes e depois do tratamento pela Escala de Hoehn e Yahr, Escala Unificada de Avaliação da Doença de Parkinson (EUADP) da Movement Disorder Society (MDS), a Escala de Equilíbrio Berg (EEB), Avaliação de Equilíbrio e Marcha Tinetti (AEMT), o Teste Timed Up and Go (TUG), o Teste de Apoio Tandem (TAT), a versão em turco do Questionário de Avaliação de Saúde (QAS) de Stanford, e o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (IDB). RESULTADOS: Não se observaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os dois grupos quanto às medições do EUADP, EEB, AEMT, TAT, TUG, QAS ou IDB realizadas antes e depois do tratamento (p > 0.05). CONCLUSõES: Verificou-se uma melhoria dos parâmetros de equilíbrio após os exercícios de equilíbrio nos pacientes com DP, apesar de não ter sido detectado sem nenhum benefício adicional aparente dos exercícios com retroalimentação assistidos por posturografia estática. Contudo, é necessário efetuar ensaios maiores, randomizados e controlados para estudar a sua eficácia.

An Occupational Accident That Simulates Firearm Injury: An Autopsy Case.

ABSTRACT: The case of a 32-year-old man who died as a result of an unusual occupational accident during his shift on a marble quarry is reported. The worker stated a sharp and sudden pain on his shoulder while working with a diamond wire saw machine and died after being taken to a hospital. There was a round-shaped, foreign body entry hole, which looked like an angled gunshot entrance wound, with a diameter of 1.5 cm, in the middle between the neck and the left shoulder. The projectile, which penetrated through the left lung and thoracic aorta, was found within the left thoracic cavity. This case is reported due to its rarity and the possibility of its misinterpretation, and to remind forensic pathologists of the importance of having a systematic approach to each individual case.

Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in patients with supraspinatus tendon tear.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound (US), and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) combination with TENS and US therapy alone in patients with supraspinatus tear. METHODS: Forty patients were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups as follows: PEMF (n=20) and Sham (n=20) groups. PEMF was applied to the first group at a frequency of 50 Hz, 25 G intensity, and 20 min/session. The device was turned off while PEMF was applied to the second group. Diathermy (US) and electrotherapy (TENS) were applied to both groups for 10 sessions. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Scale, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) were used as outcome measures. RESULTS: In both groups, there was a significant improvement in the NRS, UCLA Shoulder Scale, and SPADI scores after treatment compared with pretreatment (p<0.05). In the comparison of the difference between the pretreatment and posttreatment measurement values between the groups, no significant difference was found between PEMF and Sham groups according to the NRS (p=0.165), UCLA Shoulder Scale (p=0.141), and SPADI (p=0.839) scores. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, a combination of PEMF therapy with conventional physical therapy modalities was not found to be superior to the conventional therapy alone, and adding it to the routine treatment of symptomatic supraspinatus tear would not provide any additional benefit.

Comparison of dry needling and kinesio taping methods in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome: A single blinded randomised controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of kinesio taping (KT) and dry needling (DN) in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of the trapezius muscle. METHODS: The patients with MPS were divided into 3 groups as those who received exercise only (control group), those who received KT and exercise (KT group) and those who received DN and exercise (DN group) by using a sealed opaque envelope randomisation method. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Global Perceived Effect Scale (GPES) were measured twice at baseline and at the end of the second week by blinded evaluator. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients were assigned to KT group, 32 to DN group and 30 to control group. The results of the study showed that PPT, VAS and NDI scores were significantly improved in the KT (1.61 ± 1.25, -2.66 ± 1.24 and -7.08 ± 6.24, respectively) and DN (1.30 ± 1.13, -3.34 ± 1.40 and -10.63 ± 7.80 respectively) groups (P < .001 for all). In the control group, no significant improvement was found in the VAS (.10 ± 1.39) and NDI (-.83 ± 4.91) scores (P > .05), with a significant decrease in PPT (-.98 ± 1.92) (P = .014). KT and DN methods in MPS treatment have more positive effects in terms of pain, disability and global effect compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of MPS, adding DN or KT to exercise programme may provide important contributions to the treatment.

Comparison of outpatient and inpatient spa therapy in knee osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that impacts many people worldwide and involves weight-bearing joints, resulting in chronic pain. In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of inpatient and outpatient physical therapy modalities and spa combination treatments on pain and functional status in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Seventy-four patients diagnosed with primary knee osteoarthritis were included in this study. The patients were randomized into two groups, inpatient (n = 37) and outpatient (n = 37) physical therapy. All patients received a physical therapy program (superficial heater + deep heater + transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) for 2 weeks and spa therapy. All cases were evaluated clinically, laboratory, and radiographically. In order to evaluate pain and functional status, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were used before and after treatment. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the TUG test and WOMAC scores (p > 0.05). However, a significant difference was found in VAS scores in favor of the outpatient group (p < 0.05). As a result, although there was a significant improvement in pain scores in the outpatient group, multicenter studies with larger patient groups may provide more evidence.

Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in patients with supraspinatus tendon tear

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound (US), and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) combination with TENS and US therapy alone in patients with supraspinatus tear. METHODS: Forty patients were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups as follows: PEMF (n=20) and Sham (n=20) groups. PEMF was applied to the first group at a frequency of 50 Hz, 25 G intensity, and 20 min/session. The device was turned off while PEMF was applied to the second group. Diathermy (US) and electrotherapy (TENS) were applied to both groups for 10 sessions. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Scale, and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) were used as outcome measures. RESULTS: In both groups, there was a significant improvement in the NRS, UCLA Shoulder Scale, and SPADI scores after treatment compared with pretreatment (p<0.05). In the comparison of the difference between the pretreatment and posttreatment measurement values between the groups, no significant difference was found between PEMF and Sham groups according to the NRS (p=0.165), UCLA Shoulder Scale (p=0.141), and SPADI (p=0.839) scores. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, a combination of PEMF therapy with conventional physical therapy modalities was not found to be superior to the conventional therapy alone, and adding it to the routine treatment of symptomatic supraspinatus tear would not provide any additional benefit.

Effect of Leap Motion-based 3D Immersive Virtual Reality Usage on Upper Extremity Function in Ischemic Stroke Patients.

Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a technology that provides a more realistic environmental design and object tracking than ordinary VR. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of immersive VR on upper extremity function in patients with ischemic stroke. Sixty-five patients with ischemic stroke were included in this randomized, controlled, double-blind study. Patients were randomly divided into VR (n = 33) and control (n = 32) groups. The VR group received 60 minutes of the upper extremity immersive VR rehabilitation program and the control group received 45 minutes of conventional therapy and 15 minutes of a sham VR program. Rehabilitation consisted of 18 sessions of therapy, three days per week, for six weeks. The outcome measures were the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Scale (FMUE) and Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills (PASS). In both the VR and control groups all parameters except the PASS improved over time. However independent t-test results showed that all of the FMUE, ARAT, FIM and PASS scores were significantly higher in the VR group compared with the control (p < 0.05). The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) scores of the FMUE and ARAT were higher than the cut-off MCID scores described in the literature in the VR group, whereas the FIM scores were below the cut-off MCID scores. All scores in the control group were below the cut-off scores. Immersive VR rehabilitation appeared to be effective in improving upper extremity function and self-care skills, but it did not improve functional independence.

Effect of Leap Motion-based 3D Immersive Virtual Reality Usage on Upper Extremity Function in Ischemic Stroke Patients / Efeito do uso imersivo da realidade virtual 3D baseada em movimento de salto na função de extremidade superior em pacientes com AVC isquêmico

ABSTRACT Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a technology that provides a more realistic environmental design and object tracking than ordinary VR. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of immersive VR on upper extremity function in patients with ischemic stroke. Sixty-five patients with ischemic stroke were included in this randomized, controlled, double-blind study. Patients were randomly divided into VR (n = 33) and control (n = 32) groups. The VR group received 60 minutes of the upper extremity immersive VR rehabilitation program and the control group received 45 minutes of conventional therapy and 15 minutes of a sham VR program. Rehabilitation consisted of 18 sessions of therapy, three days per week, for six weeks. The outcome measures were the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Scale (FMUE) and Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills (PASS). In both the VR and control groups all parameters except the PASS improved over time. However independent t-test results showed that all of the FMUE, ARAT, FIM and PASS scores were significantly higher in the VR group compared with the control (p < 0.05). The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) scores of the FMUE and ARAT were higher than the cut-off MCID scores described in the literature in the VR group, whereas the FIM scores were below the cut-off MCID scores. All scores in the control group were below the cut-off scores. Immersive VR rehabilitation appeared to be effective in improving upper extremity function and self-care skills, but it did not improve functional independence.

RESUMO A VR imersiva é uma tecnologia que fornece design ambiental e rastreamento de objetos mais realistas do que a VR comum. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a eficácia da VR imersiva na função da extremidade superior em pacientes com AVC isquêmico. Sessenta e cinco pacientes com AVC isquêmico foram incluídos neste estudo randomizado, controlado e duplo-cego (clinictrials.gov. ID: NCT03135418). Os pacientes foram divididos aleatoriamente em VR (n = 33) e controle (n = 32). O grupo VR recebeu 60 minutos do programa de reabilitação imersiva da extremidade superior e o grupo controle recebeu 45 minutos de terapia convencional e 15 minutos de um programa falso de VR. A reabilitação consistiu em 18 sessões de terapia, 3 dias por semana, durante 6 semanas. As medidas de resultado foram Teste de braço de pesquisa-ação (ARAT), Medida de independência funcional (FIM), Escala de extremidades superiores de Fugl-Meyer (FMUE) e Avaliação de desempenho de habilidades de autocuidado (PASS). Nos grupos VR e controle, todos os parâmetros, exceto o PASS, melhoraram com o tempo. No entanto, os resultados dos testes t independentes mostraram que todos os escores FMUE, ARAT, FIM e PASS foram significativamente maiores no grupo VR em comparação ao controle (p <0,05). Os escores de FMUE e ARAT de diferença minimamente clinicamente importante (MCID) foram maiores que os pontos de corte de MCID descritos na literatura no grupo VR, enquanto os escores de FIM estiveram abaixo dos pontos de corte de MCID. Todas as pontuações no grupo controle estiveram abaixo das pontuações de corte. A reabilitação imersiva da VR parece ser eficaz para melhorar a função da extremidade superior e as habilidades de autocuidado, mas não melhora a independência funcional.

Blastocystis in ulcerative colitis patients: Genetic diversity and analysis of laboratory findings.

OBJECTIVE: To determine Blastocystis frequency and subtypes (ST) in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and analyse some laboratory findings between Blastocystis positive and negative cases. METHODS: Faecal samples from 150 UC patients in Adnan Menderes University, Training and Research Hospital were examined by direct microscopy and cultivated in Jones medium. Blastocystis positive cultures were subjected to DNA isolation and subtypes were identified by sequencing of barcode region. A retrospective analysis was conducted on C reactive protein (CRP), leucocyte counts (WBC), neutrophil counts, and sedimentation rates. RESULTS: The overall positive rate of Blastocystis was 8% (12 patients) and the most abundant subtype was ST3 (eight isolates, 66.7%), followed by ST1, ST2 and ST7. Laboratory findings between Blastocystis infected and non-infected UC patients were not significantly different. Blastocystis frequency was 3.8% among the patients in active stage, while it was 11.8% among the patients in remission stage. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms previous findings that have indicated the predominance of Blastocystis ST3 in humans and contributes additional evidence that suggests the low colonisation of Blastocystis infection in ulcerative colitis patients during active stage.

Evalution of Femicide Cases Committed Between the Years 1996-2005 in Antalya.

Criminal death incidence of women varies between developed and developing countries, and it has become a common public problem in almost every country. We do not have any data about femicide cases published in Turkey until today. In our study, we tried to call attention to femicide cases. In our study, we evaluated 141 cases of female homicides with an interval of 10 years between January 1996 and May 2005, retrospectively. Data retrieved were statistically evaluated using chi-square test. Most of the cases were between 21 and 35 years of age. Spouse murders are usually witnessed during the process of divorce. Establishment of institutions which will ensure the security of women during this period is of paramount importance. If we protect women during divorce and separation proceedings, we can prevent femicide cases. We also think that laws may be strengthened for protecting women who are vulnerable at such times.

A Novel Natural Product, KL-21, Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to examine the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of KL-21, a novel plant product (produced by Naturin Natural Products, Izmir, Turkey), on 232B4 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells and to determine the cytotoxic effects on healthy BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cytotoxic effect of KL-21 was determined by MTT cell proliferation assay. Changes in caspase-3 enzyme activity were measured using the caspase-3 colorimetric assay. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were determined using the JC-1 dye-based method. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining was performed to measure the apoptotic cell population. Effects of KL-21 on cell cycle profiles of CLL cells were investigated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: We detected time- and concentration-dependent increases in the cytotoxic effect of KL-21 on 232B4 CLL cells. However, we also showed that, especially at higher concentrations, KL-21 was less cytotoxic towards BEAS-2B healthy cells than towards CLL cells. Annexin-V/PI double staining results showed that the apoptotic cell population increased in 232B4 cells. Increasing concentrations of KL-21 increased caspase-3 enzyme activity and induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. KL-21 administration resulted in small increases in the percentage of the cells in the G0/G1 phase while it decreased the S phase cell population up to 1 mg/mL. At the highest concentration, most of the cells accumulated in the G0/G1 phase. CONCLUSION: KL-21 has a growth-inhibitory effect on 232B4 CLL cells. KL-21 causes apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G0/G1.

Endothelial cell loss: Biaxial small-incision torsional phacoemulsification versus biaxial small-incision longitudinal phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical results of biaxial small-incision torsional phacoemulsification and biaxial small-incision longitudinal phacoemulsification. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. METHODS: Eyes with high-density nuclear cataract were assigned to have biaxial longitudinal (microburst mode) or biaxial torsional phacoemulsification. The main outcomes included corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), central corneal thickness (CCT), central endothelial cell density (ECD), total ultrasound time (UST), cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), percentage total equivalent power in position 3, and balanced salt solution volume. Postoperative follow-up was at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months. RESULTS: Each group comprised 35 patients (35 eyes). Three months postoperatively, the mean CDVA for each group was 0.02 logMAR and the mean CCT returned to the preoperative level (P=.589 and P=.554, respectively). During the postoperative follow-up, the percentage of mean endothelial cell loss in both groups was between 35.4% and 39.1%; there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P>.05). The mean CDE, UST, percentage total equivalent power in position 3, and balanced salt solution volume values were similar in the 2 groups (P>.05). CONCLUSION: The risk for high endothelial cell loss should be considered when the phacoemulsification of high-density nuclear cataracts is performed using either method. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Population study of six short tandem repeat loci in Antalya, Turkey.

Population studies of six short tandem repeat loci were carried out in a sample of unrelated Turkish individuals living in Antalya province, southwest Turkey. After electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels, 8 alleles could be identified for THO1, 6 for TPOX and CSF1PO, 9 for VWA, 7 for FES, and 14 for F13A01. There was a significant deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium between observed and expected values for FES and TPOX loci.