Effect of Kinesio taping on edema and wrist functions in patients with distal radius fracture followed conservatively with a cast: A randomized controlled single-blinded study.

BACKGROUND: Data in the literature on the results of Kinesio taping (KT) application after cast removal in patients with distal radius fracture (DRF) are quite limited. PURPOSE: It was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of KT applied immediately after cast removal in addition to the exercise program on edema, functionality, range of motion, and muscle strength in patients with conservatively followed DRF. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled single-blinded clinical study. METHODS: This study was conducted with 64 patients with a diagnosis of DRF. The patients were randomized as Kinesio taping group (KTG) and control group. Both groups received a conventional home exercise program. KT was applied to patients in KTG for 10 days. Circumference and volume measurements were taken at baseline and day 10. Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire for Disability, Visual Analog Scale, grip strength, and wrist joint range of motion measurements were taken at baseline, day 5, and day 10. RESULTS: The circumference difference between the affected extremity and the healthy extremity was statistically greater in the control group on the fifth day at the wrist level (<0.001) and 6 cm proximal to the wrist (p = 0.001). The circumference difference between the affected extremity and the healthy extremity was statistically greater in the control group on the 10th day at the wrist level (p < 0.05) and 6 cm proximal to the wrist (p = 0.01). Wrist extension angle (<0.001), wrist flexion angle (p = 0.001), and supination angle (p = 0.001) were higher in KTG on the 10th day. On the 10th day, the grip strength (p < 0.05) was higher in the KTG, while the Visual Analog Scale value (p < 0.01), Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire for Disability score (p < 0.01), and the percentage of strength loss in the healthy arm (p < 0.01) were lower in the KTG. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with DRF who were treated conservatively with a cast, the inclusion of Kinesio taping (KT) in the rehabilitation program was found to be effective in reducing edema and pain, as well as improving functionality, strength, and range of motion.

Long-term use of omalizumab in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: a tertiary-level care center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a lung disease caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to antigens of Aspergillus fumigatus. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of omalizumab use in patients with ABPA. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 12 patients diagnosed with ABPA and receiving omalizumab for at least 2 years, and 32 patients diagnosed with severe allergic asthma and receiving omalizumab for at least 2 years (control group) were evaluated. RESULTS: Evaluation was made of a total of 44 participants, comprising 11 (25%) males and 33 (75%) females, who received omalizumab for at least 2 years with the diagnosis of the control group (n = 32) and ABPA (n = 12). The increase in asthma control test (ACT) score after omalizumab was significant at 12 months and at 24 months in patients with ABPA. After omalizumab, the use of oral corticosteroid (OCS), the annual number of asthma attacks and hospitalizations were significantly decreased at 12 months and at 24 months in patients with ABPA. The increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (%) and ACT score after omalizumab were significant at 12 months and at 24 months in the control group. After omalizumab, the use of OCS, annual number of asthma attacks and hospitalizations were significantly decreased at 12 months and at 24 months in the control group. CONCLUSION: Long-term omalizumab use in patients with ABPA seems to be an effective treatment for improving pulmonary function and reducing asthma exacerbations and hospitalizations.

Intraoperative assessment of the dorso-ulnar fragment stability with stress fluoroscopy: An observational study.

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of intraoperative stress radiographs in evaluating the stability and fixation adequacy of the dorso-ulnar fragment (DUF) after volar plate application. Sixty-four patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation due to comminuted distal radius fracture accompanied by DUF between May 2020 and February 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Two groups were compared, with and without stress radiographs used in addition to routine fluoroscopic imaging during the surgical treatment of distal radius fractures. DUF sizes and fracture classifications were made according to preoperative computed tomography. Displacement of the DUF, dorsal cortex screw penetration, and the number of screws inserted into the DUF were evaluated on immediate postoperative CT scans and direct radiographs. DUF displacement at the patients' last follow-up was significantly higher in the control group (1.62 mm) than in the additional stress fluoroscopy applied group (0.53 mm). It was observed that the amount of displacement increased as the dorso-volar size of the DUF decreased. No significant difference was observed in dorsal cortex screw penetrations between the 2 groups. In the additional stress fluoroscopy applied group, stabilization rates with at least 1 screw over volar-locking plate for DUF were significantly higher (P < .001). Compared to the stress fluoroscopy group, the change in ulnar variance (P < .001) and volar tilt (P < .001) was significantly higher in the control group in the last follow-up radiography. No significant difference was observed between the implant removal rates of both groups. Evaluation of the stability of the DUF with stress radiographs after fixation is an effective method to reveal the need for additional fixation. Dorsal stress radiographs allow dynamic evaluation of fixation strength.

Multimodal data fusion using sparse canonical correlation analysis and cooperative learning: a COVID-19 cohort study.

Through technological innovations, patient cohorts can be examined from multiple views with high-dimensional, multiscale biomedical data to classify clinical phenotypes and predict outcomes. Here, we aim to present our approach for analyzing multimodal data using unsupervised and supervised sparse linear methods in a COVID-19 patient cohort. This prospective cohort study of 149 adult patients was conducted in a tertiary care academic center. First, we used sparse canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to identify and quantify relationships across different data modalities, including viral genome sequencing, imaging, clinical data, and laboratory results. Then, we used cooperative learning to predict the clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients: Intensive care unit admission. We show that serum biomarkers representing severe disease and acute phase response correlate with original and wavelet radiomics features in the LLL frequency channel (cor(Xu1, Zv1) = 0.596, p value < 0.001). Among radiomics features, histogram-based first-order features reporting the skewness, kurtosis, and uniformity have the lowest negative, whereas entropy-related features have the highest positive coefficients. Moreover, unsupervised analysis of clinical data and laboratory results gives insights into distinct clinical phenotypes. Leveraging the availability of global viral genome databases, we demonstrate that the Word2Vec natural language processing model can be used for viral genome encoding. It not only separates major SARS-CoV-2 variants but also allows the preservation of phylogenetic relationships among them. Our quadruple model using Word2Vec encoding achieves better prediction results in the supervised task. The model yields area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy values of 0.87 and 0.77, respectively. Our study illustrates that sparse CCA analysis and cooperative learning are powerful techniques for handling high-dimensional, multimodal data to investigate multivariate associations in unsupervised and supervised tasks.

Stable elastic nail application with poller K-wire for Irreducible distal radius metaphyseal-diaphyseal Junction fractures in preadolescents: a new operative technique.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of irreducible distal radius diaphyseal- metaphyseal junction fractures involves difficulties as the fracture remains too proximal for K-wire fixation and too distal for the elastic stable intramedullary nail. Our study aims to present the clinical results of applying an elastic stable intramedullary nail with a poller K-wire to achieve both reduction and stable fixation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 26 patients who underwent ESIN with a poller K-wire for distal radius diaphyseal-metaphyseal region fracture. Reduction parameters such as residual angulation and alignment were evaluated on postoperative follow-up radiographs. Changes in angular and alignment parameters on follow-up radiographs were recorded. Wrist and forearm functions were evaluated at the last follow-up. RESULT: There were 17 male and nine female patients with an average age of 10.9. The residual angulation in coronal and sagittal planes on immediate postoperative radiographs was 4.0 ± 1.62° and 3.0 ± 1.26°, respectively. The mean translation rate on immediate postoperative radiographs was 6.0 ± 1.98% and 5.0 ± 2.02% in the coronal and sagittal planes, respectively. No change was observed in translation rates in the last follow-ups. The mean angulation in the coronal and sagittal planes measured on 6th-week radiographs was 4.0 ± 1.72°and 3.0 ± 1.16°, respectively. No significant difference was observed in angular changes in the sagittal and coronal planes at the last follow-up (p > 0.05). No tendon injury or neurovascular injury was observed in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: In the surgical treatment of pediatric DRDMJ fractures, applying ESIN with poller K-wire is an effective, safe, and novel method for achieving reduction and stable fixation.

Efficacy of poller screw in addition to lag screw in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures with proximal femoral nail: a biomechanical evaluation.

PURPOSE: The most common type of failure in treating intertrochanteric fractures with proximal femoral nails is cut-out due to varus collapse. We aim to evaluate the effect of the poller screw applied to the proximal fragment and the lag screw on varus collapse and stability in intertrochanteric fractures. METHODS: An unstable intertrochanteric fracture model without medial support was simulated in 20 synthetic femur models. In the poller screw group, in addition to the lag screw, pole screws were applied to the proximal fragment superior and inferior to the lag screw. In the progressive cyclic loading test, starting from 100 N, the loading was increased by 50 N in each cycle, and the test was continued until the maximum load at which failure occurred as a result of conditioning cycles and progressive cyclic loading tests, stiffness, type of failure, force at failure, lag screw displacement, and varus collapse were recorded. RESULT: The average stiffness was found to be 124.705 N/mm in the poller screw group and 102.77 N/mm in the control group (P < 0.001). The maximum load to failure was 1897.10 N in the poller screw group and 1475.20 N in the control group (P < 0.001). The average displacement of the lag screw within the femoral head was 0.85 mm in the poller screw group and 3.60 mm in the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: As a result, it has been shown that poller screws applied around the lag screw increase fixation stiffness and reduce varus collapse.

Successful treatment using agalsidase alfa of a patient with Fabry disease who had anaphylaxis after agalsidase beta: A case report.

Fabry disease is a rare genetic disease caused by a deficiency of α-galactosidase A gene (α-Gal A). Two intravenous enzymes administered every two weeks, agalsidase alfa and beta can slow disease progression and increase survival if administered early, before organ damage occurs. In this case report, we present a patient with a history of anaphylaxis to agalsidase beta who was successfully treated with agalsidase alfa.

Erratum: Publisher Correction: The Examination of the Benefits of the Usage of Barbed, Knotless Suture in Capsule Repair During Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1007/s43465-023-00976-6.].

A Case-Control Study Comparing the General Characteristics of Patients with Symptomatic Dermographism and Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Is Atopy a Risk Factor for Symptomatic Dermographism?

INTRODUCTION: Symptomatic dermographism (SDerm) is the most common chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) subtype. There is still limited information in the literature about clinical features, triggering factors, and accompanying comorbidities of SDerm. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical features and laboratory data of patients with SDerm and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). METHODS: The clinical features and laboratory data of patients with SDerm and CSU were compared retrospectively. The laboratory data and general characteristic features of the patients were obtained from the medical records. RESULTS: The study included a total of 361 patients (CSU: 220, SDerm: 141). The rates of asthma (odds ratio [OR]: 1.79, p = 0.036), allergic rhinitis (OR: 6.03, p < 0.001), and thyroid disease (OR: 1.78, p = 0.039) were higher in patients with SDerm. The disease duration (median 12 months, p < 0.001) and regular antihistamine use (OR: 0.31, p < 0.001) were lower in patients with SDerm. Total IgE level (median: 193, p < 0.001), thyroid antibody positivity (OR: 1.93, p = 0.039), and atopy (OR: 8.81, p < 0.001) were higher in patients with SDerm. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (OR: 17.72, p < 0.001), Dermatophagoides farinae (OR: 17.20, p < 0.001), grass pollen (OR: 2.50, p < 0.026), cat epithelium (OR: 3.68, p < 0.023), and cockroach (OR: 4.93, p < 0.009) allergen positivity rates were higher in patients with SDerm. CONCLUSION: Atopic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis and the sensitization rate to aeroallergens seem to be higher in patients with SDerm than in patients with CSU. The results of this study should be supported by multicenter studies of patients from different geographical regions.

The effects of modified hardinge approach on hip muscle strength in patients with primary hip arthroplasty: a patient evaluation with isokinetic strength test and gait analyses.

OBJECTIVE: Numerous factors affect abductor strength after Total hip arthroplasty (THA), including surgical technique, prosthesis type, postoperative rehabilitation program, and preoperative patient condition. We prospectively investigated the effects of the modified Hardinge approach on hip muscle strength, which was evaluated using the isokinetic test, functional results, and gait function of patients who underwent primary THA. METHODS: The hip muscles strength were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. The primary outcomes of the present study were measurement of isokinetic strength of hip abductor muscle strengths using an isokinetic evaluator and gait analyses preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively in 27 patients. RESULTS: Isokinetic muscle strength test, abductor and other hip circumference groups achieved the preoperative muscle strength at 3 months postoperatively, and the postoperative sixth month values showed a statistically significant improvement compared with the preoperative and third month values. In gait analyze, our temporospatial data showed a slight regression at postoperative 3 months but reached the same values at 6 months postoperatively. Kinematic data showed a significant regression, but the data were not compared with those in the preoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate muscle strength and physiological gait pattern, similar to the preoperative status, can be achieved at 6 months postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Comparison of the General Characteristics of Patients with Severe Asthma Who Switched from Omalizumab to Mepolizumab versus Patients Who Responded to Omalizumab Treatment: A Real-Life Study.

INTRODUCTION: Severe asthma is characterized by frequent recurrent airway symptoms and exacerbations, and these affect the quality of life. Biological agents can be used in the treatment of patients with severe asthma if the disease cannot be controlled with standard controller treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and laboratory data of patients with severe asthma who were switched from omalizumab to mepolizumab and patients with severe asthma who responded to omalizumab. METHODS: The clinical characteristics and laboratory data of patients with severe asthma who responded to omalizumab and switched from omalizumab to mepolizumab were compared retrospectively. RESULTS: Evaluation was made of a total of 79 patients, including 64 omalizumab responders and 15 who switched to mepolizumab from omalizumab. After omalizumab and mepolizumab treatment, the annual number of asthma attacks, the use of oral corticosteroid (OCS), the annual number of hospitalizations, and the eosinophil count significantly decreased (omalizumab: p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively; mepolizumab: p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.001, respectively). After omalizumab treatment, the increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (%) and asthma control test (ACT) score were determined to be statistically significant (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). After mepolizumab treatment, the increase in ACT score was significant (p = 0.003). Drug allergy, chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), regular use of OCS, and high baseline eosinophil count (cells/µL) were associated with poor response to omalizumab treatment (odds ratio [OR] = 7.86, p = 0.003; OR = 52.92, p < 0.001; OR = 10.16, p = 0.004; OR = 0.99, p = 0.004, respectively). House dust mite sensitivity and high baseline FEV1 (%) were associated with good response to omalizumab treatment (OR = 0.29, p = 0.041; OR = 1.06, p = 0.03, respectively). The blood eosinophil count had diagnostic value in predicting the nonresponsiveness to omalizumab treatment (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.967, p < 0.001, cut-off: 510). CONCLUSION: A high pretreatment eosinophil count, concomitant CRSwNP, a history of drug allergy, and regular OCS use may be associated with poor response to omalizumab treatment in patients with severe asthma. Depending on the treatment response, treatment switching can be applied between biological agents. The results of the current study should be supported by multicenter studies.

Multimodal Biomedical Data Fusion Using Sparse Canonical Correlation Analysis and Cooperative Learning: A Cohort Study on COVID-19.

Through technological innovations, patient cohorts can be examined from multiple views with high-dimensional, multiscale biomedical data to classify clinical phenotypes and predict outcomes. Here, we aim to present our approach for analyzing multimodal data using unsupervised and supervised sparse linear methods in a COVID-19 patient cohort. This prospective cohort study of 149 adult patients was conducted in a tertiary care academic center. First, we used sparse canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to identify and quantify relationships across different data modalities, including viral genome sequencing, imaging, clinical data, and laboratory results. Then, we used cooperative learning to predict the clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients. We show that serum biomarkers representing severe disease and acute phase response correlate with original and wavelet radiomics features in the LLL frequency channel (corr(Xu1, Zv1) = 0.596, p-value < 0.001). Among radiomics features, histogram-based first-order features reporting the skewness, kurtosis, and uniformity have the lowest negative, whereas entropy-related features have the highest positive coefficients. Moreover, unsupervised analysis of clinical data and laboratory results gives insights into distinct clinical phenotypes. Leveraging the availability of global viral genome databases, we demonstrate that the Word2Vec natural language processing model can be used for viral genome encoding. It not only separates major SARS-CoV-2 variants but also allows the preservation of phylogenetic relationships among them. Our quadruple model using Word2Vec encoding achieves better prediction results in the supervised task. The model yields area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy values of 0.87 and 0.77, respectively. Our study illustrates that sparse CCA analysis and cooperative learning are powerful techniques for handling high-dimensional, multimodal data to investigate multivariate associations in unsupervised and supervised tasks.

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptom Syndrome Due to Everolimus: A Case Report.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptom (DRESS) is a life-threatening drug hypersensitivity reaction that is characterized by skin rash, hematological abnormalities (eosinophilia, atypical lymphocytosis), lymphadenopathy, and internal organ involvement (liver, kidneys, and lung). Many drugs may cause DRESS syndrome, the most frequently reported of which are antiepileptics and allopurinol. In this case report, a patient who developed DRESS syndrome due to everolimus was presented herein.

The Examination of the Benefits of the Usage of Barbed, Knotless Suture in Capsule Repair During Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study.

Introduction: In today's world, high-cost procedures are being examined, and alternative procedures are being developed. In this context, one frequently examined procedure is total knee replacement. Purpose: This study aims to examine the three different closure techniques used in total knee replacement. Methods: This study is a prospective randomized controlled study. Two hundred participants who underwent total knee replacement surgery, were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into three groups. Arthrotomy was performed using a medial parapatellar approach with a midline incision. Standard femoral and tibial cuts were followed by the implantation of a Smith and Nephew genesis II implant for all participants. Complications, joint range of motion, pain scores, certain movement degrees, and functional scores were investigated. Results: Pre-op and post-op range of motion, knee society score, oxford knee score, certain movement degree values have shown no significant difference. Visual analogue scale values were different significantly between the groups. There is a statistical difference between the range of motion, knee society score, oxford knee score, certain movement degree and visual analogue scale values in repeated measurements. The most common complication was a hematoma. This was observed most frequently in the continuous vicryl suture group. The closure time in the Barbed group was significantly lower than in the other groups. Discussion: Treatment for total knee replacement is a heavy economic burden. Health systems and hospitals are under pressure. The results obtained in our study show that there is no superiority of one closure technique over the other.

Studies on intramedullary nailing over 40 years by science mapping method.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: As the amount of knowledge in literature continues to increase. Seeing research as a whole and determining its development and direction has become increasingly difficult. To overcome this challenge, new methods are needed. Among the methods developed, bibliometric methods that allow for evaluating research models from different perspectives and identifying collaborations stand out. This article it is aimed to identify the main research themes and trends, highlight the gaps in the literature, and explore the potential for research in this field. METHODS: Bibliometric analyses are conducted in databases that contain high-quality data. In this regard, the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS) was chosen in our study. The search was covered the years between 1982-2022. A total of 2556 articles. In our research, articles were examined in two sections. The first section provides an overview of articles on the intramedullary nailing. In the second stage, content analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 2556 articles were published in 352 journals. The total number of authors is 8992, and the average citation per article is 18.87. The United States, China, and England are the top three countries. Based on the H-index most influential authors are Schemitsch EH and Bhandari M. The Injury-International Journal of the Care of the Injured journal has published 10.44% of all articles. CONCLUSION: Our study sheds light on the 40-year development dynamics of intramedullary nailing.

Torsion of the Accessory Spleen in a Child With Acute Abdomen.

Accessory splenic torsion is a rare condition that occurs when the accessory spleen twist on its pedicle, leading to a loss of blood supply and subsequent tissue damage. It is a rare cause of acute abdomen with few cases reported in the literature. We report a case of accessory spleen torsion in a 16-year-old male with abdominal pain. The patient, whose lesion was interpreted as a hematoma on imaging at an external center, was admitted to our center with increased, intermittent abdominal pain. The patient's complaints and physical examination were similar to peptic ulcer perforation. Abdominal ultrasonography and abdominal CT performed for differential diagnosis showed a 45x50 mm heterogeneous, hypodense, well-defined lesion located in the splenic hilus, posterior to the stomach, and adjacent to the pancreatic tail. In our center, the lesion was considered to be lesser sac omental torsion and was operated on. A 720-degree torsed accessory spleen was found at surgery and resected. Accessory splenic torsion is not primarily a condition that comes to mind in children with abdominal pain. However, in case of delay in diagnosis and treatment, many complications can be seen. The fact that ultrasonography or computed tomography cannot clearly define accessory splenic torsion also complicates this diagnosis. In such cases, performing diagnostic laparotomy/laparoscopy reveals the definitive diagnosis and is very important in preventing complications.

Estimation of service length with the machine learning algorithms and neural networks for patients who receiving home health care.

The main purpose of the study is to develop an estimation model using machine learning algorithms and to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of home health care service planning in hospitals with these algorithms. The necessary approvals for the study were obtained. The data set was created by obtaining patient data (except for data such as Turkish Republic identification number) from 14 hospitals providing Home Health Care Services in the city of Diyarbakir. The data set was subjected to necessary pre-processing and descriptive statistics were applied. For the estimation model, Decision Tree, Random Forest and Multi-layer Perceptron Neural Network algorithms were used. It was found that the number of days of home health care service, which the patients received, varied depending on their age and gender. It was observed that the patients were generally in the disease groups that required Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation treatments. It was determined that the length of service for patients can be predicted with a high reliability rate (Multi-Layer Model Acc: 90.4%, Decision Tree Model Acc: 86.4%, Random Forest Model Acc: 88.5%) using machine learning algorithms. In the light of the findings and data patterns obtained in the study, it is thought that effective and efficient planning will be made in terms of health management. In addition, it is believed that estimating the average length of service for patients will contribute to strategic planning of human resources for health, and to reducing medical consumables, drugs and hospital expenses.

The effect of kinesio taping on edema, pain, and functionality after total knee arthroplasty: A randomised sham-controlled double blinded clinical study.

BACKGROUND: There are current studies on kinesio taping (KT) application after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but there is no definite consensus on its effectiveness and application method yet. This study aims to evaluates the effectiveness of KT applied added to the conservative postoperative physiotherapy program (CPPP) after TKA on postoperative edema, pain, range of motion, and functions on the early period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study was conducted in with 187 patients undergoing TKA. The patients were divided into 3 groups as kinesio taping (KTG), sham taping (STG) and control group (CG). KT lymphedema technique and epidermis, dermis, fascia technique were applied on the 1st and 3rd days postoperatively. Extremity circumference and joint range of motion (ROM) were measured. Visual Analog Scale, Oxford Knee Scale filled. All patients were evaluated preoperatively, on the 1st day, 3rd day, and 10th day postoperatively. RESULTS: There were 62 patients in CTG, 62 patients in STG, and 63 patients in CG. In all circumference measurements, the difference between post-op10th day (PO10D) diameter and preoperative diameter measurement was less in KTG than in CG and STG (p < 0.001). CG was higher than the STG in the ROM values measured at PO10D.There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of OKS values (P:0.648). CG was higher than STG in post-op 1st day VAS values (P:0.042). CONCLUSION: Adding KT to CPP after TKA reduces edema in the acute phase, but has no additive effect on pain, functionality, and ROM.

Thermo-SPT: A new skin prick test evaluation framework based on low-cost, portable smartphone thermography.

BACKGROUND: Although the skin prick test (SPT) is a reliable procedure to confirm IgE-dependent allergic sensitization in patients, the interpretation of the test is still performed manually, resulting in an error-prone procedure for the diagnosis of allergic diseases. OBJECTIVE: To design and implement an innovative SPT evaluation framework using a low-cost, portable smartphone thermography, named Thermo-SPT, to significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of SPT outcomes. METHODS: Thermographical images were captured every 60 s for a duration of 0 to 15 min using the FLIR One app, and then analysed with the FLIR Tool® . The definition of 'Skin Sensitization Region' area was introduced to analyse the time-lapse thermal changes in skin reactions over several time periods during the SPT. The Allergic Sensitization Index (ASI) and Min-Max Scaler Index (MMS) formulae were also developed to optimize the identification of the peak allergic response time point through the thermal assessment (TA) of allergic rhinitis patients. RESULTS: In these experimental trials, a statistically significant increase in temperature was detected from the fifth minute of TA for all tested aeroallergens (all p values < .001 ). An increase was observed in the number of false-positive cases, where patients with clinical symptoms not consistent with SPT were evaluated as positive on TA assessment, specifically for patients diagnosed with Phleum pratense and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Our proposed technique, the MMS, has demonstrated improved accuracy in identifying P. pratense and D. pteronyssinus compared with other SPT evaluation metrics, specifically starting from the fifth minute. For patients diagnosed with Cat epithelium, although not statistically significant initially, an increasing trend was determined in the results at the 15 min (ΔT (T15 - T0 ), p = .07 ; ASIT15 , p < .001 ). CONCLUSIONS: This proposed SPT evaluation framework utilizing a low-cost, smartphone-based thermographical imaging technique can enhance the interpretability of allergic responses during the SPT, potentially reducing the need for extensive manual interpretation experience as standard SPTs.