The Effects of Total Knee Arthroplasty on Sleep Quality.

Introduction: Symptomatic osteoarthritis is one of the most common indications for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) operations. Pain in every stage of the disease causes sleep disturbances in patients. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of TKA on the quality of sleep in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, descriptive study was performed on 80 patients diagnosed with symptomatic osteoarthritis who underwent TKA. The patients responded to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which is widely used to evaluate sleep quality. Additionally, the effects of demographic and clinical variables such as age, gender, body mass index, smoking and alcohol consumption were also evaluated before and after surgery. Results: There was no correlation between demographic variables and PSQI scores pre- and postoperatively. There was a decrease in sleep quality on the sixth postoperative week compared to the preoperative period however this difference was not statistically significant. On the other hand, there was a statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative sixth month PSQI scores. Mean values of overall sleep quality and daily function were significantly higher in the postoperative sixth compared to the preoperative period (p<0.001) Conclusion: Treatment of symptomatic OA with TKA will improve sleep quality in the long term.

Two-colour chewing gum mixing ability test for evaluating masticatory performance in children with mixed dentition: validity and reliability study.

The unappealing taste of the chewing material and the time-consuming repetitive task in masticatory performance tests using artificial foodstuff may discourage children from performing natural chewing movements. Therefore, the aim was to determine the validity and reliability of a two-colour chewing gum mixing ability test for masticatory performance (MP) assessment in mixed dentition children. Masticatory performance was tested in two groups: systemically healthy fully dentate young adults and children in mixed dentition. Median particle size was assessed using a comminution test, and a two-colour chewing gum mixing ability test was applied for MP analysis. Validity was tested with Pearson correlation, and reliability was tested with intra-class correlation coefficient, Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman plots. Both comminution and two-colour chewing gum mixing ability tests revealed statistically significant MP differences between children (n = 25) and adults (n = 27, both P < 0·01). Pearson correlation between comminution and two-colour chewing gum mixing ability tests was positive and significant (r = 0·418, P = 0·002). Correlations for interobserver reliability and test-retest values were significant (r = 0·990, P = 0·0001 and r = 0·995, P = 0·0001). Although both methods could discriminate MP differences, the comminution test detected these differences generally in a wider range compared to two-colour chewing gum mixing ability test. However, considering the high reliability of the results, the two-colour chewing gum mixing ability test can be used to assess masticatory performance in children, especially at non-clinical settings.

Masticatory parameters of children with and without clinically diagnosed caries in permanent dentition.

AIM: Mastication turns food into a bolus and prepares it for chemical digestion. Any condition affecting tooth structure and position may have an impact on mastication. The aim of this study is to compare masticatory performance (MP) and maximum bite force (MBF) between children with and without clinically visible caries in permanent first molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted with 50 children in good general condition aged 12-14 years (25 girls, 25 boys) with no orthodontic/skeletal anomalies and no missing teeth due to dental trauma or extraction. Maximum bite force was measured bilaterally using strain gauge sensors. Masticatory performance was evaluated by silicone tablet comminution test. RESULTS: Masticatory performance was superior in caries-free children when compared to children with caries. Maximum bite force values in children with and without caries were not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS: Caries reduces masticatory performance. Therefore, treatment is crucial for masticatory efficiency.

Effect of catechins on fattening performance, meat quality, some antioxidant and blood parameters and fattening costs in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of green tea (Camellia sinensis) catechins in quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Quail were fed with a basal diet, and the treatment groups were fed on the basal diet with 1.25 or 2.50 g/kg catechin supplementation for 30 d. Fattening performance and meat quality of the quail were estimated. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS), plasma and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and some serum biochemical parameters were measured. The results showed that catechin supplementation did not affect live weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass weight, carcass dressing or the nutrient composition of breast and thigh meats. The water holding capacity (WHC) of breast meat was increased in the 2.50 g/kg catechin treatment. Catechin supplementation increased the serum TAS, but decreased plasma MDA and liver MDA concentration as well as serum glucose and total cholesterol levels. Serum triglyceride and total protein levels were not affected by catechin supplementation. In conclusion, catechins have effective antioxidant hypoglycaemic and hypocholesterolaemic properties, as well as having the potential to increase meat quality in fattening quail. On the other hand, catechin supplementation did not have any negative effect on the fattening performance, meat nutrient composition and fattening costs in fattening quail.

Electrical nerve stimulation method for intraoperative localization of the inferior alveolar nerve within the mandible: a pilot study in rabbits.

The efficacy of the electrical nerve stimulation method for localizing the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) within the mandibular bone was evaluated. Six New Zealand rabbits were used (both sides of the mandible). The IAN was stimulated through the mandibular bone and compound action potentials (CAPs) were recorded proximally from the main trunk of the nerve. Stimulation current pulse widths were set at 0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1ms. The minimum current magnitude that generated a CAP with a criterion level (300mV peak-to-peak amplitude) was measured in the range of 0.05-5mA. Correlations between the distance of the IAN from the active electrode site and the minimum current magnitudes were studied for each pulse width. The correlation coefficients were 0.678, 0.807, 0.893, 0.851, and 0.890 for the pulse widths of 0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1ms, respectively. The minimum current producing the criterion CAP response in the IAN was significantly (P<0.0001 for all pulse widths) and highly correlated with the distance between the stimulation site and the nerve. The results suggest that electrical nerve stimulation is a promising method that can be used for the localization of the IAN, especially during mandibular implant surgery.

An optoelectromechanical tactile sensor for detection of breast lumps.

We developed a compact tactile imaging (TI) system to guide the clinician or the self-user for noninvasive detection of breast tumors. Our system measures the force distribution based on the difference in stiffness between a palpated object and an abnormality within. The average force resolution, force range, and the spatial resolution of the device are 0.02 N, 0-4 N, and 2.8 mm, respectively. To evaluate the performance of the proposed TI system, compression experiments were performed to measure the sensitivity and specificity of the system in detecting tumor-like inclusions embedded in tissue-like cylindrical silicon samples. Based on the experiments performed with 11 inclusions, having two different sizes and two different stiffnesses located at three different depths, our TI system showed an average sensitivity of 90.8 ± 8.1 percent and an average specificity of 89.8 ± 12.7 percent. Finally, manual palpation experiments were performed with 12 human subjects on the same silicon samples and the results were compared to that of the TI system. The performance of the TI system was significantly better than that of the human subjects in detecting deep inclusions while the human subjects performed slightly better in detecting shallow inclusions close to the contact surface.

Effects of diets containing different concentrations of propolis on hematological and immunological variables in laying hens.

To evaluate the effect of 4 different levels of propolis supplementation on the hematological and immunological parameters of laying hens, a trial was conducted with 60 White Leghorn layer hens. The experiment was conducted by using a randomized design with 5 treatments, 4 replicates, and 3 hens in each replicate. Treatments included basal diet (control) and basal diet plus 0.5, 1, 3, and 6 g of propolis/kg of diet, respectively. At the end of the 12-wk treatment period, samples of blood were collected to determine hematological and immunological values. The results showed that the addition of propolis at 3 g/kg in the diet resulted in significant increases (P < 0.05) in the serum IgG and IgM levels and significant decreases (P < 0.05) in the peripheral blood T-lymphocyte percentage compared with those of the control and other treatment groups. In addition, the level of 3 g/kg of propolis supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) erythrocyte count (red blood cells) compared with the other treatments. On the other hand, hemoglobin and hematocrit values and total leucocyte (white blood cells) and differential leucocytes counts were not influenced by propolis supplementation. These results indicate that the inclusion of propolis at the level of 3 g/kg of diet may have a positive effect on humoral immunity of laying hens.

[Structural anatomy of cranial nerves (V, VII, VIII, IX, X)]. / Anatomie structurelle des nerfs crâniens (V, VII, VIII, IX, X).

This study reports a review of the literature on the structural anatomy of the Vth, VIIth, VIIIth, IXth, and Xth cranial nerves, known to harbor dysfunction syndromes in humans. Because these dysfunctions are hypothesized to be caused by neurovascular conflicts at the root entry/exit zone and the transitional zone between central and peripheral myelinization, this investigation focused on the study and description of this junction. All the cranial nerves, except the optic and olfactory nerves, which are considered to be more a direct expansion of the central nervous system, have a transitional zone between central myelin (coming from oligodendrocytes) and peripheral myelin (produced by Schwann cells). The human studies reported in the literature argue in favor of a dome-shaped transitional zone directed to the periphery. It seems that this junctional region is situated more peripherally in sensory nerves than in motor nerves. The transitional zone is situated very peripherally for the cochlear and vestibular nerves, and on the contrary very close to its exit from the brain stem for the facial nerve.

Intradural cement leakage: a rare complication of percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) is one of the alternative treatments for vertebral fractures. Reported significant complications include pain, radiculopathy, spinal cord compression, pulmonary embolism, infection and rib fractures. In this report, we highlight intradural cement leakage which is a rare complication of the procedure. A 49 year old man with a T12 compression fracture due to multiple myeloma was referred to the neurosurgery department from the orthopaedics and traumatology clinic after developing a right lower limb weakness following percutaneous vertebroplasty with polymethylmethacrylate. An urgent thoraco-lumbar magnetic resonance imaging was performed. The T1 and T2-weighted images demonstrated intradural extramedullary and epidural cement leakages which were hypointense on both sequences. Total laminectomy was performed at T12 and L1 and two epidural cement collections were excised on the right. Then, a dural incision from T12 to the body of L1 was done and cement material seen in front of the rootlets excised without any nerve injury. The patient was discharged after a week and referred to the haematology clinic for additional therapy of multiple myeloma. Although the cement leakage was extensive, the right leg weakness improved significantly and he began to walk with assistance 3 months later. Good quality image monitoring and clear visualisation of cement are essential requirements for PV using polymethylmethacrylate to prevent this complication from the treatment.

Trauma and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

This study investigated the relationship between adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and trauma. Fifty-eight adults admitted to hospital with musculoskeletal trauma were evaluated using scales that determine the presence of ADHD in childhood and adulthood. Each patient was also interviewed by an adult psychiatrist and a child and adolescent psychiatrist. The control group consisted of 30 adult patients with complaints other than trauma who did not have a history of repetitive traumas. There were 36 (62.2%) cases of ADHD in the patient group compared with four (13.3%) in the control group; this difference was statistically significant. When the level of trauma was evaluated, ADHD was identified in 23 of the 26 (88.5%) patients with high energy traumas compared with 14 of the 32 (43.8%) patients with low energy traumas; this difference was also statistically significant. This study shows that patients with adult ADHD are more prone to injuries, particularly high energy traumas such as motor vehicle accidents. Patients who have repeated high energy traumas should be evaluated by a psychiatrist for ADHD.

Coccygectomy for coccygodynia: do we really have to wait?

AIM: To determine the results of 21 cases of persistent coccygodynia unresponsive to conservative management and treated with coccygectomy. METHODS: Of 81 patients with coccygodynia, 21 underwent surgical excision of the coccyx with a minimum 5 days of antibiotic prophylaxis. All 21 patients were followed for at least 2 years and questioned about their satisfaction with the operation and its timing. Pain levels were recorded preoperatively and during the postoperative period using the VAS scale. RESULTS: The mean VAS score was 51.88 (40-70), and this decreased to 3.17, 2.94 and 2.76 in the 6th, 12th and 24th months, respectively. This change was statistically significant. Of the 21 cases, 17 had an excellent result and 4 had a good result. None had a wound healing problem or infection. All were satisfied with the operation, and all stated that they would have liked to have undergone it sooner. CONCLUSION: For unstable coccygeal fracture and persistent coccygodynia, coccygectomy is a reliable method of treatment with a high satisfaction and a low complication rate.

The effects of probiotic and mannanoligosaccharide on some haematological and immunological parameters in turkeys.

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) and probiotic supplementation on haematological and immunological parameters in turkeys. A total of 72, 15-day-old white hybrid converter turkey poults were used in this study. Poults were assigned into three groups, each group consisted of six poults and the trial was repeated four times. The control group was fed a basal diet without supplemented probiotic and MOS, and treatment groups were fed either 1 g/kg MOS or probiotic added diets. At the end of the 15-week treatment period, samples of blood were collected to determine immunological and haematological values. The comparison among the groups showed that both the probiotic and MOS supplementation resulted in significant increases (P < 0.05) in the serum IgG and IgM levels, and significant decreases (P < 0.05) in the peripheral blood T lymphocyte percentage compared with those of the control group. Mean serum IgG level (7.06 g/l) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in poults supplemented with probiotic compared with MOS (6.76 g/l). It was observed that the probiotic supplementation caused statistically significant increases (P < 0.05) in the erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit values, but MOS supplementation did not have a significant effect (P > 0.05) on these parameters. Total leucocyte and differential leucocyte counts were not affected by dietary MOS and probiotic supplementation. These results show that MOS or probiotic may elevate IgG and IgM levels in turkey. The MOS and probiotic that enhance immunoglobulin levels will have a more positive effect on growth performance, production and turkeys' ability to resist disease.

Effects of dietary chromium supplementation on performance, carcass traits, serum metabolites, and tissue chromium levels of Japanese quails.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of various levels of dietary chromium supplementation on performance, carcass traits, blood chemistry, and tissue distribution of chromium (Cr3+) in quails. Two hundred forty 1-d-old Japanese quails were divided into five groups with four replicates and were fed a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 20, 40, 80, or 100 mg/kg Cr (CrCl3.6H2O) until 38 d of age. Chromium supplementation decreased carcass fat percentage, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and glucose and increased serum magnesium (Mg) and Cr content of kidney, liver, and muscle. In conclusion, 20, 40, 80, or 100 mg/kg Cr supplementation to quail diet had no effect on performance, chemical composition of carcass except fat percentage, serum protein, calcium (Ca), and inorganic phosphorus (Pi) levels, but reduced serum glucose, LDL and fat percentage of carcass. Chromium is accumulated mainly in the kidneys and liver.

Effect of alfalfa meal in diets of laying quails on performance, egg quality and some serum parameters.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of increasing levels of alfalfa meal in the diet of laying quails on egg production, feed consumption, feed efficiency, egg quality, egg yolk cholesterol and selected serum parameters. In this study, 192, 10-week old quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were evenly distributed to four groups with four replicates of 12 quails each. The control group was fed a basal diet containing 0% alfalfa meal and the remaining groups received 3, 6 or 9% alfalfa meal for 12 weeks. Live weight, feed consumption, and egg production were recorded and feed efficiency were calculated. Eggs were examined for interior and exterior quality and egg yolk cholesterol content. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected and sera were analysed for serum Ca, inorganic P (P(i)), Mg, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Any level of alfalfa meal had no effect on live weight, egg production, feed consumption, feed efficiency, egg weight, and egg yolk index. Six percent and 9% alfalfa meal increased specific gravity of whole egg and eggshell thickness as well as serum P(i) levels. Nine percent alfalfa meal reduced serum triglycerides, total cholesterol levels and egg yolk cholesterol content. The results of this experiment indicated that addition of 9% alfalfa meal into the laying quail diet may improve eggshell quality and reduced serum triglycerides and serum and egg yolk cholesterol without any adverse effect on performance.