Ovine PAPPA2 gene coding variants are linked to decreased fecal egg shedding in native Turkish sheep naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes.

In this study, the association between PAPPA2 coding variants and gastrointestinal (GI) nematode fecal egg count (FEC) score in adult Turkish sheep was investigated. For this purpose, the FEC score was determined in adult sheep from six breeds: Karacabey Merino (n = 137), Kivircik (n = 116), Cine capari (n = 109), Karakacan (n = 102), Imroz (n = 73), and Chios (n = 50). Sheep were classified as shedders or non-shedders within breeds and flocks. The first group was the fecal egg shedders (> 50 per gram of feces), and the second group was the no fecal egg shedders (≤ 50 per gram of feces). The exon 1, exon 2, exon 5, exon 7, and a part of 5'UTR of the ovine PAPPA2 gene were genotyped by Sanger sequencing of these two groups. Fourteen synonymous and three non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found. The non-synonymous SNPs, D109N, D391H, and L409R variants, are reported for the first time. Two haplotype blocks were constructed on exon 2 and exon 7. The specific haplotype, C391G424G449T473C515A542 on the exon 2 that carries the 391H variant, was tested against four other common haplotypes. Our results indicate that C391G424G449T473C515A542 haplotype was significantly associated with fecal egg shedding status in adult Turkish sheep (p-value, 0.044).

Evaluation of Auditory Changes in Patients Undergoing Temporomandibular Joint Discectomy.

PURPOSE: Discectomy is one of the preferred temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgical procedures for the treatment of internal derangements when conservative and minimally invasive treatments have failed. The purpose of the current study is to investigate whether a TMJ discectomy operation influences auditory function and clinical variables. METHODS: This prospective study was composed of patients who underwent a TMJ discectomy operation between 2016 and 2020. Auditory function was evaluated with pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, and acoustic reflex tests at preoperatively (T0), postoperative first week (T1), first month (T2), and third month (T3). Clinical parameters including maximum mouth opening (MMO) and TMJ pain were also evaluated at T0, T1, T2, T3, and sixth month (T4). RESULTS: The study consisted of 17 patients (5 males, 12 females) with a mean age of 42.65. A significant reduction in visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and MMO values compared to baseline values was achieved in all follow up periods (PT0-T1= .001; PT0-T2/T3/T4 < .001). In pure tone audiometry, a significant increase in T1-T0 comparisons at 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 6000 Hz, 8000 Hz frequencies, and pure tone average (P = .008; P = .005; P = .012; P = .002; P = .001) was observed. In T3-T0 comparisons, a statistically significant decrease was observed in pure tone thresholds at 125 Hz and 8000 Hz frequencies (P = .008; P = .01). There was no statistically significant difference in middle ear pressure and compliance values at T1, T2, and T3 compared to T0 (P > .05). Type C tympanogram was seen in 3 patients at T1 and in 1 patient at T2. Acoustic reflex tests were positive in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although mild changes occurred in auditory tests in the early postoperative period, TMJ discectomy procedure has no permanent effect on auditory function.

Genome-wide association studies of preweaning growth and in vivo carcass composition traits in Esme sheep.

Sheep are considered as a major contributor of global food security. Moreover, sheep preweaning growth traits as well as in vivo carcass composition traits such as ultrasonic measurements of Longissimus dorsi muscle depth (UMD) and back-fat thickness (UFD) are crucially important indicators of meat yield and hot carcass composition. Despite their relative importance for productivity and profitability of a sheep production system, detected QTL for these traits are quite scarce. Therefore, we implemented GWAS for these traits using animal mixed model-based association approach provided by GenABEL in Esme sheep. Three genome-wide and 14 individual chromosome-wide associated SNPs were discovered. As a result, ESRP1, LOC105613082, ZNF641, DUSP5, TEAD1, SMOX, PTPRT, RALYL, POM121C, PHIP, LOC101106051, ZIM3, PEG3, TRPC7, FBXL4, LOC105610397, LOC105616489 and DNAAF2 were suggested as candidates. Some of the discovered genes and involved pathways were already annotated to contribute growth and development in various species including human, mice and cattle. All in all, the results of this study are expected to strongly contribute to shed a light on the underlying molecular mechanisms behind growth and carcass composition traits, with potential implications on studies aiming faster genetic improvement, targeted low-resolution SNP panel designs and genome-editing studies.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin, Local Anesthesia, and Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections in Patients With Myofascial Trigger Points in the Masseter Muscle.

PURPOSE: Masticatory myofascial trigger points (TrP) are one of the major causes of nondental pain in the orofacial region. Intramuscular injections are considered the first-line treatment for myofascial TrPs. The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of local anesthesia (LA), botulinum toxin (BTX), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for the treatment of myofascial TrPs in the masseter muscle. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the sample was composed of patients with myofascial TrPs in masseter muscle who were treated between 2016 and 2019. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to treatment methods: group I (LA injection), group II (BTX injection), and group III (PRP injection). Primary outcome variable was the average pain level at rest and while chewing, and pressure pain intensity (PPI), Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS) value, and quality-of-life (measured using Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14)) were secondary outcomes. The outcome variables were assessed at diagnosis, and 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. RESULTS: The study consisted of 82 patients (group I, 27; group II, 26; group III, 29). At 1 and 3 months, improvement in all parameters was recorded in all groups. Groups I and II showed superior improvement in all parameters compared with group III at 3 months. Improvements in VAS pain, JFLS, and OHIP-14 values were significantly better in group II than group I at 3 months (P = .009; P = .004; P = .002). At 6 months, significant improvement in VAS pain, JFLS, and OHIP-14 (P = .008; P < .001; P < .01) values was recorded only in group II. CONCLUSIONS: All procedures successfully improved the symptoms of TrPs in the masseter muscle at 1 and 3 months. However, BTX injection seemed superior at the 3-month follow-up and remained effective up to 6 months.

Evaluation of CD109, PCP4 and SEMA3D genes for their association with Ovine Johne's disease in Turkish sheep.

Johne's disease is a chronic, contagious, zoonotic disease that affects numerous species including livestock and sometimes humans. The disease is globally distributed in sheep populations and caused by Mycobacterium avium Subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). A previous genome-wide association study identified single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with OJD serostatus in CD109, PCP4, and SEMA3D genes. Our aim was to evaluate the same markers for association with OJD seroprevalence in Turkish sheep in a retrospective matched case-control study. The serological status for OJD in 1801 sheep was determined for four native and four composite breeds from three research flocks. One hundred eleven matched case-control pairs were constructed according to breed type and age from 1750 comingled ewes reared in the same environment. A Single Nucleotide Primer Extension (SNuPE) assay was designed to genotype PCP4-Intron 1, PCP4-3'UTR, SEMA3D, CD109-intron 2 and CD109-intron 8 markers and a McNemar's test was performed on the matched pairs. An association with these five markers was not detected with the OJD serostatus in Turkish sheep (power of detection, 0.95; odds ratio >3; McNemar's p < .05). Thus, a wider search may be needed to identify any major underlying genetic risk factors for OJD in Turkish sheep.

The effects of systemic ozone application and hyperbaric oxygen therapy on knee osteoarthritis: an experimental study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of systemic medical ozone (O3) application and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on surgically induced knee osteoarthritis (OA) in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) in order to create experimental OA in the right knees of 27 male rats. The left knee joints of all rats were sham-operated without ACLT as the negative control group. The rats were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) control group, which received no treatment; (2) O3 group, which received intraperitoneal 30 µg medical O3; (3) HBO group, which received HBO therapy for 60 minutes twice a day. We sacrificed the rats on the tenth week after the operation. We evaluated the degree of OA using Mankin scores. RESULTS: As a result of histopathological examination, the mean Mankin scores in the right knees with ACLT were 8.17 ± 2.12 in the control group, 6.22 ± 1.56 in the HBO group, and 4.72 ± 1.30 in the O3 group. The differences between the O3 group and the HBO group and the O3 group and the control group were found to be statistically significant (p 0.001, p 0.039, respectively). There was no difference between the HBO group and the control group (p 0.086). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show that systemic medical O3 application was more effective than HBO therapy and may reduce development of cartilage damage and prevent OA formation.

Dentist-patient communication on dental anxiety using the social media: A randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of dentist-patient communication via social media on dental anxiety and to determine the appropriate timing of such communications. In this randomized, double-blinded and controlled trial, we used Instagram's quick replies system to answer patients' questions to alleviate dental anxiety for patients undergoing impacted teeth extraction under local anesthesia. Patients were assigned randomly into four groups according to the timing of such communications: only after (group 1, n = 36), only before (group 2, n = 35), before and after the operation (group 3, n = 36), and a control group who received no communication on social media (group 4, n = 36). Dental anxiety was evaluated one week before (pre-op) and after the operation (post-op) using recognized assessment scales -the Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The results showed that the post-op values of group 4 had higher anxiety scores than the groups 2 and 3 according to VAS (p < 0.05). Within the groups, the anxiety levels showed a decreasing trend after surgery according to MDAS and VAS scores (p < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that communication with patients before the operation is sufficient to reduce their dental anxiety.

Intramuscular diclofenac is a cause of Nicolau syndrome in obese women: An observational study of consecutive ten patients.

Nicolau syndrome is a skin and underlying tissue necrosis resulting from vascular occlusion after various injections of certain drugs. Intramuscular injections are the most common cause but it may occur after other types of parenteral interventions. There are many medications reported as causative factors inducing Nicolau syndrome including penicillin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, local anesthetics, and several others. We present an observational study of diclofenac induced Nicolau syndrome.

Long-Term Outcome of Arthrocentesis Plus Hyaluronic Acid Injection in Patients With Wilkes Stage II and III Temporomandibular Joint Internal Derangement.

OBJECTIVE: Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive procedure used to manage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement (ID). This study evaluated the outcome of arthrocentesis in patients with Wilkes stage II and III TMJ ID. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 50 patients who underwent arthrocentesis in 2011 and 2012 at the Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Turkey. In total, 43 patients underwent unilateral arthrocentesis, whereas 7 patients had bilateral arthrocentesis. The clinical parameters recorded were pain (visual analogue scale [VAS] 0-100 mm during movement), chewing function efficacy (VAS 0-100), clicking sounds, and mandibular movements, including maximum interincisal opening (MIO), lateral excursion, and protrusion. All the parameters were recorded preoperatively, and 1, 3, 6, and 24 months after treatment. RESULTS: The MIO, lateral excursion, and protrusion were significantly greater than preoperatively in all the patients. Pain declined significantly postoperatively. The patients in Wilkes III group had greater improvement in mandibular movement and pain than the patients in Wilkes II group. CONCLUSION: Arthrocentesis was reliable for treating both Wilkes II and III TMJ ID, and the treatment results were better in Wilkes III patients.

Genetic diversity in nine native Turkish sheep breeds based on microsatellite analysis.

The genetic variability of 204 sheep from nine breeds (Awassi, Çine Çapari, Karakas, Karya, Karayaka, Morkaraman, Norduz, Sakiz and Tuj) growing in four different regions (western, northern, eastern and south-eastern Anatolia) was assessed using 18 microsatellite loci. High mean number of alleles, allelic richness and factorial correspondence analysis showed the degree of admixture between native sheep breeds of Turkey. The Karya and Çine Çapari breeds were observed as the most distinct of the breeds, and possible introgressions were detected in other breeds. It was found that 8.9% of genetic variation resulted from the difference between the populations. The genetic variation in Turkish breeds was not much higher than that of European breeds, which might be a consequence of the recent sharp decrease in sheep numbers.

Effectiveness of Mesotherapy in Post-COVID Pain Syndrome: Retrospective Cohort Study of 96 Patients.

PURPOSE: Musculoskeletal pain may occur after becoming infected with SARS-Cov2. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of mesotherapy in treating chronic pain following COVID-19 infection. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of the records of 96 patients with post-COVID pain syndrome. Those who were eligible for oral therapy or mesotherapy, included in the study. Patients receiving oral treatment with diclofenac potassium, thiocolchicoside and cyanocobalamin were included in one group (n = 46), and patients receiving intradermal mesotherapy with 2% lidocaine + cyanocobalamin were included in another group (n = 50). The results of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) were individually assessed before and one week after the treatment. FINDINGS: The participants were 40.2 ± 11.1 years old on average. Of the participants, 35.4% (n = 34) were male and 64.6% (n = 62) were female. Before treatment, there was no statistically significant difference between the patients in terms of VAS and LANSS scores. Following the treatment, a notable positive response was observed in both groups. Nevertheless, when compared to the oral treatment group, the mesotherapy group exhibited a more pronounced enhancement in VAS and LANSS scores (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). IMPLICATIONS: While both mesotherapy and oral therapy offer benefits in reducing pain and alleviating neuropathic symptoms in post-COVID pain syndrome, mesotherapy stands out as an especially effective and well-tolerated treatment method, surpassing the efficacy of the oral alternative.

Estimation of mature live weight using some body measurements in Karya sheep.

The aim of this study was to determine models which will be used for the estimation of adult live weights based on some body measurements using multiple regression model in Karya sheep of different age groups. Animal material of the study consisted of a total of 215 Karya sheep. Least squares means for live weight, body length, rump height, withers height, back height, chest depth, chest girth, and chest width of Karya sheep in Adnan Menderes University Group Sheep Breeding Program elite flock and breeder flocks were found as 47.24 kg, 67.08, 68.29, 68.58, 66.97, 30.04, 93.24, and 18.29 cm, respectively. Karya ewes were put into five categories according to ages (2-6 years). High positive phenotypic correlation coefficients were observed between live weight and body measurements of animals in different age groups (2-6 years). Among the formed multiple regression models, the highest coefficients of determination (R(2)) were obtained from the models formed for body length or body length and chest girth together (R(2) = 0.79, R (2) = 0.87). It is concluded that live weight of Karya sheep can be estimated with a high accuracy using some body measurements and statistical methods.

Halogen-Free Waterborne Polymeric Hybrid Coatings for Improved Fire Retardancy of Textiles.

Wildfires are becoming more intense and more frequent, ravaging the habitations and ecosystems in their path. One solution to reducing the risk of damage to buildings and other structures during a fire event is the use of fire-retardant coatings that can stop or slow down the spread of flames, especially for textile materials. The present study focuses on the preparation and application of halogen-free boron/bentonite-based polymeric fire-retardant (FR) hybrid coating formulations for fabrics such as cotton (CO) and polyester (PE) fibers. For the preparation of FR composites, two types of boron derivatives, disodium octaborate and zinc borate, were used in combination with sodium bentonite. A styrene-acrylic copolymer was specifically synthesized and used as a coating binder for FR components to apply on fabrics. The properties of the synthesized copolymer and FR composites were characterized with a particle size analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, a dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and rheological measurements. The obtained hybrid composites based on styrene-acrylic copolymers and two different inorganic fillers were applied on cotton (CO) and polyester (PE) fabrics with a screen-printing technique, and the flame retardancy performance of the finished textile samples was investigated by means of flame spread and limit oxygen index (LOI) tests. The findings showed that the FR-composite-coated fabrics had higher LOI values and much decreased flame spread rates in comparison with uncoated ones. Among the boron derivatives, the composites prepared with disodium octaborate (FR-A) had much more pronounced LOI values and decreased flame spread behavior in comparison with the composite with zinc borate (FR-B). When compared to a commercial product, the FR-A composite, in conjunction with the specially synthesized polymer, demonstrated commendable fire retardancy performance and emerged as a promising candidate for a halogen-free waterborne fire-retardant coating for fabrics.

Comparison of Extramaxillary Anchored Implants, Tilted Implants, or Sinus Elevation Concepts on Stress Distribution in Atrophic Maxilla: A Finite Element Analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine the von Mises stress values of extramaxillary implants anchored in zygomatic bone, known as zygomatic implants, abutments, superstructures, and principal stress values of bone under occlusal forces and to compare them with tilted implants and sinus elevation concepts. The hypothesis of the study was that there would be higher stress on zygomatic implants under occlusal forces compared with tilted implants and the sinus elevation technique due to the more angled placement of the zygomatic implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to apply a force of 600 N (75 N premolars and 150 N first molar) vertically and at an angle of 20 degrees to the hybrid prosthesis with three different concepts-zygomatic implants, tilted implants, and sinus elevation-in D2 bones in six separate models. The posterior implants were tilted in zygomatic implant models (45 degrees) and tilted implant models (30 degrees). The von Mises and principal stress values formed in the models were compared by FEA. These values were also compared with the physiologic stress limit of the bone. RESULTS: In the zygomatic implant models, the von Mises stress values on both anterior and posterior implants were less than other models under both loading conditions. In addition, the lowest principal stress values were seen in these models. The highest von Mises stress among all models was found to be posterior implants in tilted implant models under oblique loading. In addition, the highest principal stress values were seen at posterior implants in the sinus elevation model under oblique loading. Vertical loading was found to induce less stress than loading at a 30-degree angle. CONCLUSION: Although zygomatic implants have a more angled placement, the stress values on the bone and implants are lower.

Collimation Reduces Radiation Exposure to the Surgeon in Endoscopic Spine Surgery: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: There are no previous studies in the literature comparing the radiation dose to which surgeons are exposed while using a standard fluoroscopy versus collimation during transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar diskectomy (PELD). The aim of this study is to compare this and to evaluate the effectiveness of collimation in reducing radiation exposure. METHODS: In this study, the operating surgeon (single surgeon) placed a gamma radiation dosimeter on his chest outside of the lead apron during transforaminal PELD surgeries and measured the radiation exposure immediately after each surgery. As foraminoplasty using free-hand reamers is a longer procedure and requires more fluoroscopy shots, we divided the patients into two groups. The first group consisted of 24 patients (nonforaminoplasty group). The second group consisted of 13 patients (foraminoplasty group). We compared the radiation exposure to the operating surgeon using a standard fluoroscopy versus collimation for each group individually and overall. We randomized the patients within each group based on the order in which they had their respective procedures. RESULTS: We analyzed 39 patients who underwent transforaminal PELD between May and December 2019. In both groups, as well as overall, the recorded radiation exposure to the surgeon was significantly lower in surgeries in which collimation was used. In the first group, the radiation dose was 0.083 versus 0.039 mSv per surgery (p = 0.019), whereas in the second group, it was 0.153 versus 0.041 mSv per surgery (p = 0.001), and overall it was 0.108 versus 0.039 mSv per surgery (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of collimation during transforaminal PELD significantly reduces spine the surgeon's exposure to radiation. Therefore, spine surgeons should consider using collimation during transforaminal PELD.

Synthesis and Application of Reactive Acrylic Latexes: Effect of Particle Morphology.

The aim of the study is the synthesis and characterization of epoxy functional reactive polyacrylic latexes, e.g., poly (BA-co-MMA-co-AN-co-GMA) with core/shell and non-structured (random) particle morphologies. Additionally, their performance as binders and coating ability in leather finishing were studied. The epoxy functional polymers were synthesized via the seeded emulsion polymerization technique and the obtained latexes were characterized by means of particle size, zeta potential, FTIR, TEM, DSC, DMTA, and TGA. The results showed that the particle size and zeta potential values were very similar for both latexes, except core/shell latex had slightly higher particle size. DSC, TEM, and DMTA studies verified the successful synthesis of core/shell latex morphology. The copolymer films were elastic in nature and had low Tg values (-13 and -20 °C). The performance results showed some different behavior for core/shell and random copolymer coatings. The abrasion resistance of the leather finish with random copolymer as binder exhibited slightly better values, especially in wet conditions. On the other hand, the leathers finished with core/shell binder showed better performance in flexing endurance and the water spotting test.

Tetracalcium phosphate treatment on experimental fracture model in rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the efficacy of tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) on fracture healing in rat femurs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two female Wistar Albino rats were randomized into two groups (Group 1 and Group 2, n=21 for each). The left femur of all animals was fractured by osteotomy after deep anesthesia with ketamine. Additional procedure was not applied to the rats in Group 1. Rats in Group 2, following osteotomy, were applied to the fracture line approximately 2 mL TTCP. The animals were sacrificed at Weeks 1, 2, and 3 after surgery (seven animals were sacrificed from each group each week) and the broken femurs were removed. The femurs were examined first radiographically and second histopathologically. RESULTS: Radiologically, callus maturity and bone union increased with time in both groups. However, no significant differences were found regarding callus maturity and bone union in weekly comparisons (anteroposterior plain: p=0.53, p=0.37, p=0.42, lateral plain: p=0.26, p=0.42, p=0.87). Histopathologically, the fractures healed normally as the weeks progressed in both groups. The histological scores of Group 2 were higher at Weeks 1, 2, and 3. In the evaluation, no significant difference was found between the groups in terms of histological scores except for the first week (p=0.024, p=104, p=462, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although there was no statistically significant difference in the histological evaluation of both groups, except for the first week, the histological scores of Group 2, which underwent TTCP in all weeks, were higher. According to the results of this study, we believe that TTCP may be beneficial, particularly in the early stages of fracture healing.

The effects of carbogen and hyperbaric oxygen treatment on fracture healing in rats.

BACKGROUND: Bone fractures and fracture healing are one of the most common problems among orthopedic surgeons. In this study, we investigated the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and carbogen (C) treatment on fracture healing in the experimental animal model. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into three groups as Group 1 (C inhalation therapy), Group 2 (HBO inhalation therapy), and Group 3 (control group), with eight rats in each group. HBO and C treatment were given to the rats in Group 1 and Group 2 1 week before the surgical procedure and 3 weeks after the surgical procedure. Following the surgical procedure, all rats were killed at the end of the 3rd week and the healing tissue in the fracture line was evaluated clinically, radiologically, and histopathologically. RESULTS: Although there were higher histopathological, radiological, and clinical scores in the HBO and C groups in terms of frac-ture healing compared to the control group, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: There are many studies in the literature that examine the systemic and local effects of HBO and C treatments and show that they increase tissue oxygenation. Our study showed that HBO and C groups had no beneficial or harmful effects on fracture healing compared to the control group.

Recognition of emotional face expressions in patients with restless legs syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is one of the commonest neurologic diseases. Along with sensory and motor symptoms, cognitive impairment and psychiatric features can be seen with RLS. The present study, was planned to look for evidence of cognitive impairment by evaluating facial emotion recognition (FER) in patients with RLS. METHODS: In this study, 80 patients with RLS and 50 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Demographic data were recorded. All patients with RLS and HCs were tested with Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), Beck depression inventory (BDI) and with Ekman's test for recognition of facial emotions. RESULTS: Sixty-three of the patients with RLS and 37 of the HCs were female. The mean age of the patients was 45.41 ± 8.24, and the mean age of HCs was 43.12 ± 10.35. The patients and HCs were similar regarding sex, age, educational status, and marital status. Patients with RLS had FER difficulties comparing HCs. There was a negative correlation between Ekman's test scores and BDI (r = -0.311, p < 0.001) and BAI scores (r = -0.379, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: FER is an invaluable research topic regarding cognitive function in RLS, which may help us develop different perspectives in terms of revealing the pathophysiology and is very important for the well-being of the patients' social interactions.