Synthesis and cytotoxicity of novel 6,8,9-trisubstituted purine analogs against liver cancer cells.

A series of novel 6-(substituted phenyl piperazine)-8-(4-substituted phenyl)-9-cyclopentyl purines, 10-51, were synthesized by a four-step synthesis, achieving an overall yield of about 43 %. The reaction conditions were effectively optimized, and the final products were obtained with high purity and yield in all synthesis steps. The synthesized nucleobases were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activities on selected human cancer cell lines (HUH7 (liver), HCT116 (colon), and MCF7 (breast)) using the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Among these analogs, compounds bearing 4-trifluoromethyl phenyl (19, 20 and 21), 4-methoxy phenyl (27) and 4-fluoro phenyl (34) substitutions at C-8 of purine were the most potent, and they were also analyzed in drug-resistance and drug-sensitive hepatocellular cancer cell (HCC) panels. Compound 19 displayed remarkable anticancer activities (IC50 = 2.9-9.3 µM) against Huh7, FOCUS, SNU475, SNU182, HepG2, and Hep3B cells compared to the positive control, Fludarabine. Additionally, the pharmacological properties and toxicity profiles of the molecules were investigated computationally by the Swiss-ADME and Pro-Tox II online tools, respectively. Results showed that our compounds have favorable physicochemical characteristics for oral bioavailability and do not reveal any toxicity endpoints such as carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, mutagenicity, or cytotoxicity.

Exploring enzyme inhibition profiles of novel halogenated chalcone derivatives on some metabolic enzymes: Synthesis, characterization and molecular modeling studies.

Enzyme inhibition is a very active area of research in drug design and development. Chalcone derivatives have a broad enzyme inhibitory activity and function as potential molecules in the development of new drugs. In this study, the synthesized novel halogenated chalcones with bromobenzyl and methoxyphenyl moieties were evaluated toward the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes and human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase I (hCA I), and II (hCA II) isoenzymes. They showed highly potent inhibition ability toward AChE with Ki values of 1.83 ± 0.21-11.19 ± 0.96 nM and BChE with Ki values of 3.35 ± 0.91-26.70 ± 4.26 nM; hCA I with Ki values of 29.41 ± 3.14-57.63 ± 4.95 nM, and hCA II with Ki values of 24.00 ± 5.39-54.74 ± 1.65 nM. Among the tested enzyme inhibitions, compounds 14 and 13 were the most active compounds against AChE and BChE. Docking studies were performed to the most active compounds against AChE, BChE, hCA I and hCA II to propose a binding mode in the active site and molecular dynamics simulations were studied to check the molecular interactions and the stability of the ligands in the active site. The results may contribute to the development of new drugs particularly to treat some global disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD), glaucoma, and diabetes.

Synthesis of Asebogenin and Balsacone A Precursor by a Novel Synthetic Strategy: Recent Opportunities for and Challenges of Total Synthesis of Balsacone A.

One of the main areas of interest of synthetic organic chemistry is the rapid construction of small molecules with proven diverse biological activities for the development of new strategies to cure human health. In particular, the development of novel synthetic strategies is the most important option for reaching the molecular scaffolds of active molecules of natural origin. Balsacone A and asebogenin are compounds that exhibit a wide variety of important biological activities. In this respect, it has become very important to develop new strategies for the construction of biologically active natural and synthetic balsacone analogues. In particular, balsacone derivatives with hydroxy-substituted dihydrochalcone skeletons can be isolated from plant sources or obtained by hemi-syntheses using bio-sourced precursors. An efficient synthetic strategy to synthetically obtain balsacone A is the aim of the present study that considers the limited natural availability of these molecules as well as other factors, such as cost and time. Starting with phloroglucinol, a nine-step synthesis of the precursor of balsacone A was achieved at a 10% overall yield. Furthermore, asebogenin, which has a dihydrochalcone structure and plays a key role in the synthesis of balsacone A, was synthesised with a good yield.

Can cystic lesions of the jaws be considered as the cause of mandibular asymmetry?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of condylar and ramal asymmetry in patients with a cyst larger than 10 mm in the maxilla or mandible. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Condylar and ramal asymmetry index measurements of 47 patients (mean age: 28.85 ± 15.348) in the study group and 40 patients in the control group (mean age: 33.73 ± 13.095) were performed using panoramic radiographs. The study group consists of patients with cysts larger than 10 mm in diameter in the maxilla or mandible. The control group consisted of patients with no radiolucent lesions and no history of trauma. The possible statistical difference between the groups was evaluated by the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed in asymmetry indices according to gender and the jaw (maxilla or mandible) in which the cyst was located. However, it was determined that CAI and RAI values were statistically significantly different between the study and control groups (p = 0.047 and p = 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of intraosseous cysts larger than 10 mm in the jaws was found to be associated with condylar and ramal asymmetry.

The Effect of 2 Different Dual-Task Balance Training Methods on Balance and Gait in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of integrated and consecutive cognitive dual-task balance training in older adults on balance, fear of falling, and gait performance. METHODS: Fifty-eight participants (age >65 years) were randomly assigned to an integrated dual-task training group (IDTT) (n = 29) and consecutive dual-task training group (CDTT) (n = 29). Balance exercises and cognitive tasks were performed simultaneously by the IDTT group and consecutively by the CDTT group for 8 weeks. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale as a primary outcome measure and the Timed "Up & Go" Test (TUG) (standard-cognitive), fear of falling was assessed using the Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale, and gait speed was assessed using the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) (under single-task and dual-task conditions). All tests were performed before and after the training. RESULTS: There was no difference in group-time interaction in the Berg Balance Scale, TUG-standard, 10MWT-single task, and 10MWT-dual task tests. Group-time interaction was different in the TUG-cognitive and Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale scores. Also, the effect of time was significantly different in all scales except for the 10MWT-single task in both groups. CONCLUSION: At the end of the 8-week training period, the impact of integrated and consecutive dual-task balance training on balance and gait performance in older adults was not statistically significantly different. This study suggests that consecutive dual-task balance training can be used as an alternative method to increase balance performance and gait speed in older adults who cannot perform integrated dual-task activities. IMPACT: There were no significant differences between the effects of the 2 dual-task training methods on balance and gait speed, suggesting that the consecutive dual-task balance training method can be used to improve the balance and gait of older adults. CDTT can be performed safely and considered as an alternative method for use in many rehabilitation training programs with older adults who cannot perform simultaneous activities.

Clinical characteristics, quality of life and risk factors for severity in palmoplantar pustulosis: a cross-sectional, multicentre study of 263 patients.

BACKGROUND: Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a rare, chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by sterile pustules on palmar or plantar areas. Data on PPP are scarce. AIM: To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors for disease severity in a large cohort of Turkish patients with PPP. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, multicentre study of patients with PPP recruited from 21 tertiary centres across Turkey. RESULTS: In total, 263 patients (165 women, 98 men) were evaluated. Most patients (75.6%) were former or current smokers. The mean Palmoplantar Pustulosis Area and Severity Index (PPPASI) was 8.70 ± 8.06 and the mean Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score was 6.87 ± 6.08, and these scores were significantly correlated (r = 0.52, P < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that current smoking was significantly associated with increased PPPASI (P = 0.03). Coexisting psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) was reported by 70 (26.6%) patients. Male sex prevalence, PPP onset incidence, disease duration, DLQI, and prevalence of nail involvement and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were significantly increased among patients with PPP with PsV. Of the 263 patients, 18 (6.8%) had paradoxical PPP induced by biologic therapy, and these patients had significantly increased mean DLQI and prevalence of PsA (r = 0.03, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that smoking is a risk factor for both PPP development and disease severity. Patients with PPP with PsV present distinct clinical features and patients with biologic therapy-induced paradoxical PPP have reduced quality of life and are more likely to have PsA.

The Association of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) -572G/C and Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGFB1) 29C/T Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: a Case Control Study.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The aim of the present study was to determine the potential effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TGFB1 and IL-6 on the development and severity of the disease in patients with DDH and investigate the relationship of these two gene polymorphisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS This case control study was conducted on 105 patients diagnosed with DDH and 119 healthy control subjects of any age. The DDH patients were classified according to the Hartofilakidis and IHDI classifications for adult and pediatric patients, respectively. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples using the Salting-out method. TGFB1 gene p.Pro10Leu (c.29C>T) (rs1800470) and IL-6 572G>C (rs1800796) polymorphisms were analyzed using Sanger DNA sequencing. RESULTS There was no statistically significant relationship of TGFB1 and IL-6 SNPs for DDH. When the rs1800470 and rs1800796 polymorphisms were compared according to family history, the homozygous mutation rate of TGFB1 gene was found to be significantly higher in patients with a positive family history than in patients with a negative family history. No significant relationship was found between rs1800796 polymorphisms and family history. TGFB1 homozygous mutation rate was determined to be statistically higher in the positive family history group than control group. No similar relationship was found between the negative family history group and the control group. No statistically significant relationship was determined between rs1800470 and rs1800796 and the severity of DDH. CONCLUSIONS rs1800796 and rs1800470 polymorphisms do not appear to be major responsible genetic factors for DDH. However, the determination of a correlation between a positive family history and homozygous mutation rate of the TGFB1 gene indicates that this gene may have a greater effect on DDH development. Key words: developmental dysplasia of the hip, interleukin-6, transforming growth factor beta 1, case control study.

Functional hip joint centre determination in children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Although functional methods determining the hip joint center (HJC) are becoming increasingly popular, no systematic investigation has been conducted yet to assess the reliability of functional hip joint calibration in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the most reliable way to conduct functional calibration motions for estimating HJC location in children with CP and movement disorders? METHODS: Twenty-two patients with CP were included in the study. A marker set for Plug-in Gait with additional cluster markers was used. Two functional calibration movements, including a new movement, were proposed and tested with one and three repetitions each. Functional HJCs were determined using the SCoRE approach and compared to results obtained by applying the conventional regression method for assessing face validity. RESULTS: The choice of calibration movement had significant impact on SCoRE residuals and HJC location. Increasingly repeating calibration movements did not improve results. A modified star movement by allowing the toes to tip the ground provided the most reliable data and is feasible for children with GMFCS level I-III. The feasibility of the method is further improved by analyzing hip motion in the contralateral stance limb and, among the calibration movements, gave the most precise HJC estimation. SIGNIFICANCE: Type and performance of the functional calibration movement is one key factor for determining a robust HJC. Analyzing the data in the stance leg via the modified star motion yielded robust and reasonable results for the HJC location, which should be validated in further studies that include imaging methods. Using one repetition instead of three seems promising in terms of feasibility for patients with movement disorder.

New chalcone derivatives as effective against SARS-CoV-2 agent.

AIMS: Flavonoids and related compounds, such as quercetin-based antiviral drug Gene-Eden-VIR/Novirin, inhibit the protease of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The alkylated chalcones isolated from Angelica keiskei inhibit SARS-CoV proteases. In this study, we aimed to compare the anti-SARS CoV-2 activities of both newly synthesized chalcone derivatives and these two drugs. METHODS: Determination of the potent antiviral activity of newly synthesized chalcone derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 by calculating the RT-PCR cycling threshold (Ct ) values. RESULTS: Antiviral activities of the compounds varied because of being dose dependent. Compound 6, 7, 9, and 16 were highly effective against SARS-CoV-2 at the concentration of 1.60 µg/mL. Structure-based virtual screening was carried out against the most important druggable SARS-CoV-2 targets, viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, to identify putative inhibitors that could facilitate the development of potential anti-coronavirus disease-2019 drug candidates. CONCLUSIONS: Computational analyses identified eight compounds inhibiting each target, with binding affinity scores ranging from -4.370 to -2.748 kcal/mol along with their toxicological, ADME, and drug-like properties.

The effect of neck-trunk stabilization exercises in cerebral palsy: randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of neck and trunk stabilization exercises on communication, speech performance, activities of daily living and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: In this prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial, forty children with CP were randomly assigned to Study and Control groups. The study group was received structured neck and trunk stabilization exercises in addition to NDT-B approach. Control group was received NDT-B approach. An oral-motor rehabilitation/therapy was trained to all children. Both groups' trainings were provided for six weeks, with a 45-minute session two times a week. Outcome measures were Communication Function Classification System and Visual Analogue Scale to evaluate communication level; Katz Scale to measure activities of daily living; Viking Speech Scale (VSS) to classify children's speech performance and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) to measure the quality of life. RESULTS: The results showed that the communication level and Physical Functioning Score of PedsQL are increased significantly in the study group. VSS is found higher than control at 18th weeks for long term follow up in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the positive effects of stabilization exercises on children's speech performance, Physical Functioning of PedsQL and communication level. Additionally, children' communication skills between them and their caregivers have affected positively and so that this situation provides more qualified daily lives to the children.

Highly efficient chemical phosphorylation of 6-(4-phenylpiperazine-1-yl)-9-(ß-D-ribofuranosyl)-9H-purine.

Antimetabolites, which are metabolic antagonists used in the treatment of cancer and viral diseases by replacing metabolites, inhibit the action of metabolic enzymes and disrupt the pathways of synthesis of structural units necessary for the formation of nucleic acids. Purine antagonists, that are subunits of antimetabolites, reduce the production of purine bases, and hence, cause the nucleotide production to stop and bring about the death of cancer cells. Fludarabine (2-fluoro-ara-AMP), which is used in chemotherapy, is an antimetabolite of the purine class containing mono phosphate in its structure. In this study, a protocol was presented to effectively and efficiently synthesis of 6-(4-phenylpiperazine-1-yl)-9-(ß-D-ribofuranosyl)-9H-purine-5'- O-phosphate compound in six steps and 25% overall yield starting with commercially available 6-chloropurine.

Determination of Cystic Fibrosis Mutation Frequency in Preterm and Term Neonates with Respiratory Tract Problems.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease. The genetic transition occurs with CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutation. We aimed to determine the frequency of CF mutations and also new mutations in the CFTR gene in neonates with respiratory distress. Newborn babies hospitalized due to respiratory distress were included in the patient group. The control group consisted of infants who had no respiratory distress. The CFTR genes of both groups were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods. A total of 40 patients (20 in the patient group and 20 in the control group) were evaluated. The CFTR gene analysis was normal in 16 neonates in the patient group, whereas in others: A46D (c.137C>A) (n = 1), D1312G (c.3935A>G) (n = 1), R117H (c.350G>A) (n = 1), S1426P (c.4276T>C) (n = 1) heterozygotes were detected; CFTR gene analysis was normal at 14 neonates in the control group, whereas in others: E1228G (c.3683A>G) (n = 1), E217G (c.650A>G) (n = 1), E632TfsX9 (c1894_1895delAG) (n = 1), I807M (c.2421 A>G) (n = 2), S573F (c.1718C>T) (n = 1) heterozygotes were detected. There was no significant difference in the patient and control groups' CFTR gene analysis (p = 0.340). This study demonstrates the importance of CFTR gene analysis in asymptomatic newborn infants for follow-up and early diagnosis of CFTR-related disorders. In this study, a c.1894_1895delAG (E632TfsX9) heterozygous mutation detected in the CFTR gene in an asymptomatic newborn infant, was first encountered in the literature.

Synthesis of novel tris-chalcones and determination of their inhibition profiles against some metabolic enzymes.

In this study, we report the synthesis of novel tris-chalcones and testing of human carbonic anhydrase I, and II isoenzymes (hCA I, and hCA II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and α-glycosidase (α-Gly) inhibitors for the development of novel chalcone structures towards for treatment of some diseases. The compounds demonstrated Ki values between 13.6 ± 1.1 and 50.0 ± 17.1 nM on hCA I, 9.9 ± 0.8 and 39.5 ± 15.1 nM on hCA II, 3.1 ± 0.2 and 20.1 ± 1.9 nM on AChE, 4.9 ± 0.4 and 14.7 ± 5.2 nM on BChE and 3.9 ± 0.2 and 22.4 ± 10.7 nM on α-Gly enzymes. The results revealed that novel tris-chalcones can have promising drug potential for glaucoma, leukaemia, epilepsy; Alzheimer's disease that was associated with the high enzymatic activity of hCA I, hCA II, AChE, and BChE enzymes.

Clinical and demographic features of hidradenitis suppurativa: a multicentre study of 1221 patients with an analysis of risk factors associated with disease severity.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing and debilitating inflammatory disease associated with profound morbidity. AIM: In this multicentre study, we investigated the demographic and clinical features of HS, and determined risk factors of disease severity. METHODS: In total, 1221 patients diagnosed with HS from 29 centres were enrolled, and the medical records of each patient were reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age of disease onset was 26.2 ± 10.4 years, and almost 70% (n = 849) of patients were current or former smokers. Mean disease duration was 8.9 ± 8.4 years with a delay in diagnosis of 5.8 ± 3.91 years. Just over a fifth (21%; n = 256) of patients had a family history of HS. The axillary, genital and neck regions were more frequently affected in men than in women, and the inframammary region was more frequently affected in women than in men (P < 0.05 for all). Acne (40.8%), pilonidal sinus (23.6%) and diabetes mellitus (12.6%) were the most prevalent associated diseases. Of the various therapies used, antibiotics (76.4%) were most common followed by retinoids (41.7%), surgical interventions (32.0%) and biologic agents (15.4%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the most important determinants of disease severity were male sex (OR = 2.21) and involvement of the genitals (OR = 3.39) and inguinal region (OR = 2.25). More severe disease was associated with comorbidity, longer disease duration, longer diagnosis delay and a higher number of smoking pack-years. CONCLUSIONS: Our nationwide cohort study found demographic and clinical variation in HS, which may help broaden the understanding of HS and factors associated with disease severity.

Effects of arthrocentesis and low-level laser therapy on patients with osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint.

This retrospective study examined whether arthrocentesis combined with 10 sessions of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) improved the clinical outcomes of patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) compared with arthrocentesis alone. Data from two groups of patients (total: n=36) with unilateral TMJ-OA were evaluated. The groups were established according to their treatment regimens: Group 1 (arthrocentesis alone; n=19) and Group 2 (arthrocentesis plus LLLT; n=17). All patients had been diagnosed in accordance with the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (RDC/TMD) (Axis I Group IIIb) protocol. They all underwent the same arthrocentesis protocol, but those in Group 2 also received 10 sessions of LLLT immediately afterwards. The outcome variables were the visual analogue scale scores (VAS 1, VAS 2) for various treatment outcomes and millimetric measurements of mandibular movements over both the short and long term. Intra-group comparisons showed significant short and long-term improvements for both groups, but outcomes were better over the long term than the short term in both. In addition, greater improvements in muscle palpation scores and mandibular movements were achieved in Group 2 than in Group 1. In conclusion, although both techniques improved joint pain and function, a combination with LLLT seemed to have an additional benefit for myofascial components.

The relationship between consumption of animal products and expenditure levels with Quality of Life Scores (SF-36) by veterinary students in Turkey / [A relação entre o consumo de produtos de origem animal e níveis de gasto com Scores de Qualidade de Vida (SF-36) por alunos de veterinária na Turquia]

The present study aimed to calculate the quality of life scores (Short Form-36) of veterinary students in Turkey and review their scores with regards to different socio-demographic characteristics. A total of 1211 students studying veterinary medicine in 26 different faculties in Turkey were selected by stratified sampling method and were asked questions concerning their consumption of and expenditures on foods of animal origin using the SF-36 questionnaire between October and December 2018. Significant differences were found between SF-36 components in terms of year level, gender, accommodation status, income level, and level of expenditures on foods and foods of animal origin (P<0.01). With the increase in the size of the budget set aside for animal products, the scores in the domains of physical functioning, vitality, mental health, pain, and general health perception also enhanced, and statistically significant differences were found (P<0.01). The low quality of life scores of the veterinary students can be improved by increasing their income level and consumption of foods of animal origin. This will ensure that they are energetic and have the desired level of mental and general health perceptions.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo calcular os escores de qualidade de vida (SF-36) de estudantes de veterinária na Turquia e revisar seus escores no que diz respeito a diferentes características sociodemográficas. Um total de 1211 estudantes de medicina veterinária em 26 faculdades diferentes na Turquia foram selecionados pelo método de amostragem estratificada e foram questionadas sobre o consumo e as despesas com alimentos de origem animal usando o questionário SF-36 entre outubro e dezembro de 2018. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas entre os participantes do SF-36 em termos de nível do ano, gênero, status de acomodação, nível de renda e nível de gastos com alimentos e alimentos de origem animal (P <0,01). Com o aumento do orçamento reservado para produtos de origem animal, as pontuações nos domínios de funcionamento físico, vitalidade, saúde mental, dor e percepção geral de saúde também aumentaram e foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas (P <0,01). Os baixos índices de qualidade de vida dos veterinários podem ser melhorados, aumentando o nível de renda e o consumo de alimentos de origem animal. Isso garantirá mais energia e que tenham o nível desejado de percepção mental e geral de saúde.(AU)

Retrospective evaluation of the duration of arthrocentesis in the treatment of temporomandibular joint diseases.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the duration of arthrocentesis in treatment of patients with different diagnoses of temporomandibular disorders. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated the duration of arthrocentesis used for 65 patients who were diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA), disc displacement with reduction (DDWR), or disc displacement without reduction (DDWoR), in accordance with the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders protocol. RESULTS: Mean operation times were 423.79 (± 66.77) seconds in OA patients, 459.92 (± 56.67) seconds in DDWR patients, and 609.00 (± 106.88) seconds in DDWoR patients; these significantly differed among groups (P < 0.001). In addition, post hoc analyses revealed statistically significant differences in mean operation times between DDWoR and OA (P<0.05) and DDWoR and DDWR (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The appropriate duration of arthrocentesis may vary among joint disorders, and the duration of arthrocentesis in DDWoR treatment is longer than that in DDWR and OA treatments. In addition there was no relationship between the age or gender and operation time of the patients. Changes in anatomic structures due to temporomandibular diseases are presumed to influence the duration of arthrocentesis treatment.

Efficiency of arthrocentesis treatment for different temporomandibular joint disorders.

This study was performed to determine whether arthrocentesis therapy has different outcomes in three groups of patients with different temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). A clinical trial was conducted including 45 patients with 45 unilaterally affected joints divided into three groups (n=15): osteoarthritis (OA), disc displacement with reduction (DDWR), and disc displacement without reduction (DDWoR). All patients underwent the same arthrocentesis treatment protocol. The outcome variables, including visual analogue scale evaluations and measurements of mandibular motion (in millimetres), were recorded at baseline and at 1 and 6 months postoperative. Inter-group assessments showed significant short-term differences in joint sounds (P=0.016) and significant long-term differences in masticatory efficiency (P=0.046) and protrusive movement (P=0.048). The estimation of mean changes between baseline and long-term follow-up revealed significant differences in joint sounds (P<0.001), disruption in daily activities (P=0.002), maximum mouth opening (P=0.008), and protrusive movement (P=0.002) between the groups. Arthrocentesis therapy may be useful to improve clinical symptoms and range of mandibular movement in patients with all three types of TMD. However, the benefit of arthrocentesis may be greater for patients with DDWoR than for those in the other groups.

A Better Way to Decrease Knee Swelling in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial.

Objective: In this study, we compared the effects of intermittent pneumatic compression along with conventional treatment with cold-pack treatment along with conventional treatment on clinical outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Eighty-nine patients with knee osteoarthritis participated in this study. One group received ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, electrical stimulation, exercise, and cold packs. The second group received ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, electrical stimulation, exercise, and intermittent pneumatic compression. Range of motion, muscle strength, knee swelling, pain intensity, and functional status were measured at baseline and 4th week. Results: We found significant improvements in range of motion, muscle strength, pain intensity, and functional status after the treatment in both groups (p < 0.05). When comparing the effects of these two treatment programs, it was observed that the intermittent pneumatic compression treatment group had a better outcome in terms of knee swelling (p=0.028). Conclusions: According to the results, we could report that intermittent pneumatic compression therapy in addition to conventional treatment has significant positive effects on clinical outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis. We could also report that intermittent pneumatic compression therapy along with conventional treatment is superior to cold-pack therapy along with conventional treatment in terms of knee swelling in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This trial is registered with NCT03806322.