The effect of folic acid supplementation and folate deficiency on embryo implantation.

Implantation is a critical stage of pregnancy, which occurs in a short period of interaction between the receptive endometrium and the embryo. Folic acid (FA) is a synthetic derivative of folate and is recommended as a pre-conceptional supplement. However, the impact of different doses of FA supplementation and folate deficiency during the early stages of pregnancy requires further investigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of FA supplementation and folate deficiency on expression of Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ER-α), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGFA), and Integrin alpha V and beta3 (Integrin αVß3). A total of 32, 6-8-week old Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups of control, folate-deficiency, low-dose, and high-dose FA supplement groups. After five weeks of FA supplementation and folate deficiency model formation, mated rats were sacrificed on the 5th gestational day (GD), and implantation sites were collected. The expression of ER- α, VEGFA, and Integrin αVß3 in the implantation sites were examined with immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. The results revealed that the mRNA levels of ESR1, VEGFA, and Integrin αV and ß3 were significantly increased in the high-dose FA group and significantly decreased in the folate deficiency group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Based on these results, it can be concluded that FA supplementation before pregnancy has positive effects on the maintenance of pregnancy, and folate deficiency may lead to implantation disorders.

Effectiveness of training about kinesiotaping in myofascial pain syndrome: A prospective, single-blind, randomized-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there was any difference in kinesiotaping (KT) application on the upper trapezius muscle between a trained and untrained physiatrist in the management of patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2013 and July 2015, a total of 45 patients (44 females, 1 males; mean age 31.9±8.0 years; range, 18 to 55 years) with MPS were included in this prospective, single-blind, randomized-controlled study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The first group (intervention group, n=24) was administered KT band with the muscle in a tense condition according to the muscle technique performed by a trained physiatrist, from the muscle origo toward its insertion point. The second group (control group, n=21) received no technique and KT was applied to the painful area by an untrained physiatrist using a randomly selected method. Primary outcome measures were pain at rest, during activity (0-10 cm visual analog scale), and threshold measurement with algometry (kg/cm2). Secondary outcome measures were function (Neck Pain and Disability Scale), degree of palpable muscle spasm, and quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile). All evaluations were performed at baseline, at three and six weeks after the treatment. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in all parameters in both groups. There were no significant differences in any parameters at six weeks. We demonstrated that KT, which was applied on active trigger points on the upper trapezius muscle by trained and untrained physiatrists, improved pain, palpable muscle spasm, neck function, quality of life, and patient satisfaction degree in patients with MPS. CONCLUSION: Our study results show that KT, which is applied by trained and untrained physiatrists, improves pain, palpable muscle spasm, neck function, quality of life in patients with MPS.

An investigation into the effects of kinesiotaping for posture correction on kyphosis angle, pain, and balance in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis-associated thoracic kyphosis.

Although positive effect of kinesiotaping in reducing back pain in addition to exercise was observed in 6-week follow-up, no additional contribution to exercise was demonstrated in kyphosis angle and balance assessment. Instantaneous positive effect of taping was observed in kyphosis angle and static balance measurement using a SportKAT device measurements 30 min after taping. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to investigate whether kinesiotaping for posture correction in patients with osteoporosis-related increased kyphosis provides additional benefits to routine osteoporosis and balance exercises in reducing dorsal kyphosis angle, pain, and balance. METHOD: A single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial with unblinded assessments at baseline, week 3, and week 6 and additional measures 30 min immediately after taping in intervention group only. Forty-two female osteoporotic patients with hyperkyphosis were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups. The intervention group received an exercise program plus 3 sessions of kinesiotaping over the upper back; the control group received only an exercise program. The primary outcome measure was dorsal kyphosis angle, measured using a digital inclinometer. Secondary outcome measures were pain assessed on a visual analog scale (VAS 0-10 cm) and balance assessed with the Berg Balance Scale and SportKAT device. RESULTS: The study was conducted on 22 patients with an average age of 64 ± 7.08 in the control group and 20 patients with an average age of 63.1 ± 8.8 in the treatment group. There was not a significant difference when dorsal kyphosis angle of the two groups was compared in terms of the change between the baseline and week 6. The mean change in the control group was 0.86 ± 2 while it was 0.70 ± 1.75 in the intervention group. No significant difference was detected between the groups in terms of balance measurements. Significant differences were seen in favor of the intervention group when the VAS pain scores of the two groups were compared in terms of the change between the baseline and week 3 (p < 0.001) and the baseline and week 6 (p < 0.001), while no such difference was identified when the changes between weeks 3 and 6 were compared between the two groups. A significant effect on dorsal kyphosis angle and balance was also shown in the treatment group 30 min after taping. CONCLUSION: Application of kinesiotaping may have short-term positive effects on pain, but is unlikely to have significant effects on kyphosis angle or balance for women with osteoporosis. Positive changes seen in kyphosis angle and balance 30 min after taping are short-lived.

Synchronous Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Esophageal Variceal Bleeding due to Idiopathic Portal Hypertension: A Case Report.

Squamous cell carcinomas of esophagus are responsible for more than 80% of esophageal malignancies in Turkey. Idiopathic portal hypertension is a rare underlying cause of esophageal variceal bleeding. In such cases, detection of concomitant esophageal squamous cell cancer is also a rare occurrence. We report an unusual case of bleeding esophageal varices secondary to idiopathic portal hypertension associated with esophageal squamous cell cancer. To our knowledge, until now, there have been no reported cases of esophageal variceal bleeding due to idiopathic portal hypertension associated with esophageal squamous cell cancer. This case report demonstrates the two different conditions which may cause esophageal bleeding and there may be an association between idiopathic portal hypertension and esophageal squamous cell cancer.