The effect of virtual reality-based interventions on pain in burn wound care in burn patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of virtual reality on pain in adult burn patients. METHOD: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted on international electronic databases such as PUBMED, Web of Science, Science Direct, CINAHL, Scopus, TÜBITAK-ULAKBIM, Dergipark and TR Dizin with keywords. This systematic review and meta-anaysis was developed using the PRISMA checklist. The risk of bias was assessed independently for each included study by using the Cochrane risk of bias tools. RESULTS: Based on the results of systematic review it was decided to include 15 studies in meta analyses. Based on fifteen pooled studies, the estimated SMD was minus 0.62 with a 95 % CI of minus1.15 and minus 0.09 according to the results of the random effects model as recommended by heterogeneity tests. Of pooled 15 studies, 11 studies found less pain score among VR patients, while the remaining four reported higher pain score among VR patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that virtual reality can be used effectively in pain management during burn care in adult patients. Since the number of studies in adult burn patients is very limited, it is recommended to conduct large-sample studies with high level of evidence including nursing interventions on this issue.

Structural and psychological empowerment and burnout among nurses: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: This study aims to review available evidence about the relationship between structural and psychological empowerment and burnout among nurses. BACKGROUND: Nurses are key healthcare providers, who experience higher levels of burnout due to uncertainty and role conflicts about nursing roles and responsibilities and poor management. Nurse empowerment is an effective approach to reduce nurse burnout and enhance patient care quality. INTRODUCTION: Positive working conditions along with positive attitudes and perceptions for nurses are crucial in the workplace. Nurse empowerment in the workplace results in quality improvements in work life and the provision of healthcare. METHOD: We conducted a systematic review in accordance with the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the PRISMA guideline. Relevant studies published between 2007 and 2022 were identified via PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE (R), Science Direct and Turkish scientific literature databases. Studies that reported correlation coefficients were pooled to conduct a meta-analysis. RESULTS: Random-effects meta-analyses showed a negative association between structural and psychological empowerment and emotional exhaustion. The overall findings showed a moderate and negative association between the six dimensions of structural empowerment and depersonalization. There was a positive association between structural empowerment and personal accomplishment. DISCUSSION: There is a relationship between decreased burnout levels and nurse empowerment. The causal relationship between empowerment and burnout levels needs to be investigated in various healthcare settings in several countries. CONCLUSION: The relationship between structural and psychological empowerment and burnout levels emphasizes that empowerment can reduce nurse burnout. Nurse empowerment is a critical management strategy for improving the quality of life for nurses, increasing the quality and effectiveness of patient care and achieving positive outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: The encouragement and empowerment of nurses for prompt decision-making and effective resource utilization, reduces nurse burnout, enhancing nurses' job commitment, productivity, satisfaction and competence along with increased quality of care. The encouragement of nurses as empowered managers at the macro, meso and institutional levels not only improves the overall quality of health services but also helps to find solutions for the issues concerning healthcare service users and the health system environment.

[Evaluation of pre- and post-transplant electroencephalographic examination in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients]. / A transzplantáció elotti és utáni elektroencefalográfiás vizsgálatok értékelése haematopoeticus ossejttranszplantált betegeknél.

Background and purpose:

Haemato­poietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is one of the most effective treatment methods for many malignant and non-malignant diseases. In this study, we aimed to detect electroencephalographic (EEG) anomalies at an early stage in patients who underwent allogeneic and autologous HSCT and required the management of potentially life-threatening non-convulsive seizures.

The study was conducted with 53 patients. The age, gender, HSCT type (allogeneic or autologous), and treatment regimens applied before and after HSCT were recorded. All patients underwent EEG monitoring twice, once on the first day of hospitalization and again one week after conditioning regimens began and HSCT was performed.

When the pre-transplant EEG findings were examined, 34 (64.2%) patients had normal EEGs and 19 (35.8%) had abnormal EEGs. After transplantation, 27 (50.9%) had normal EEG findings, 16 (30.2%) had a basic activity disorder, 6 (11.3%) had a focal anomaly, and 4 (7.5%) had a ge­ne­ra­lised anomaly. In the allogeneic group, the anomaly rate in post-transplant EEGs was significantly higher than that in the auto­lo­gous group (p<0.05).

It is important to consider the likelihood of epileptic seizures in the clinical follow-up of HSCT patients. EEG monitoring is crucial for the early diagnosis and treat­ment of such non-convulsive clinical ma­ni­festations. 

Comparison of Local and Systemic Ibuprofen for Relief of Postoperative Pain in Symptomatic Teeth with Apical Periodontitis.

BACKGROUND One of the aims of endodontic treatment is to control preoperative and postoperative pain. The present study evaluated the effects of local and systemic ibuprofen on postoperative pain. It aimed to determine the most effective method for relieving postoperative pain due to chemomechanical preparation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ninety patients with symptomatic apical periodontitis were randomly assigned to local ibuprofen, systemic ibuprofen, and control groups (n=30 each). Chemomechanical preparations were performed using a ProTaper Universal Ni-Ti rotary file under 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid irrigation. After the root canals were dried with sterile paper points, while Odontocide paste was applied into the root canals of the patients in the local ibuprofen group, calcium hydroxide paste was applied into the root canals of the patients in the systemic ibuprofen and control groups. Following completion of the endodontic treatment procedure, 200 mg ibuprofen was prescribed to patients in the systemic ibuprofen group. Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Posttreatment pain scores were recorded at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h using a visual analogue scale. Although there were no significant differences between the local ibuprofen group (Odontocide) and the control group (Ultracal) (P>0.05), pain scores in the systemic group (Ultracal+200 mg ibuprofen) were significantly lower than those in the other 2 groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that systemic administration of ibuprofen is effective for postoperative pain relief.

Comparison of the Effect of Spreader and T-Splay Graft in Internal Nasal Valve Management.

BACKGROUND: The midvalve area is one of the most important anatomical points in rhinoplasty procedures. An additional intervention may be required to ensure there is no narrowing in this region. For this reason, several different techniques are used. Spreader graft technique is the most common of all these methods. T-splay graft technique is an alternative method that can effectively widen the angle of the midvalve. The present study compares the anatomical and functional outcomes of these two methods. METHODS: The study included 60 cases who presented to our clinic for rhinoplasty. The cases were evaluated demographically, anatomically, and functionally, and the acquired data were recorded. All cases were preoperatively administered the Visual Analogue Scale, the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale, and the modified Glatzel mirror test. By randomly selecting the cases, midvalve restoration was performed with a spreader graft in 30 cases and a T-splay graft in 30 cases. RESULTS: A comparison of the Visual Analogue Scale, the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale, and the modified Glatzel mirror test scores revealed that the scores of both groups at postoperative months 3 and 6 were significantly different from the preoperative measurement values. CONCLUSIONS: Although spreader graft technique is a very effective method in midvalve management, we believe that T-splay graft technique may also produce effective outcomes. In addition, the midvalve functions could be better simulated anatomically and functionally with T-splay graft technique. Therefore, we believe that T-splay graft technique is an alternative method that can be safely used in selected cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Experience and views of nurses on nursing services and personal protective equipment in Covid-19 pandemic the case of Turkey: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were difficulties in planning the nursing workforce and personal protective equipment. AIM: The purpose of this study was to identify the experiences and views of nurses on personal protective equipment use and nursing workforce planning in Turkey. METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between 23 December 2020 and 3 May 2021, among 362 nurses who agreed to participate in this study voluntarily. RESULTS: The findings showed that the satisfaction scores were significantly higher for those nurses who worked in 8-h shifts, were not assigned to different clinics, were notified by an official letter and 1 week or month in advance before assignment compared with nurses in other categories. CONCLUSIONS: The problems that have arisen in the COVID-19 pandemic process have made it clear that there is a need for a nursing services management model in the event of an epidemic. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: This study reveals the need for the 'Nursing Services Management Model in the Event of an Epidemic' by discussing the problems of nurse workforce planning and protective personal equipment management from the perspective of nurses who experienced these problems at first hand.

New parameters on prediction of severity of transient tachypnea of the newborn.

BACKGROUND: Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a common clinical problem that often occurs in the first hours of life. Although it is considered to be a benign clinical course, some cases may have severe symptoms and require ventilation support. In this study, we aimed to determine the association between the mean platelet volume (MPV), nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs), right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), and the severity of TTN. METHODS: Patients with TTN were divided into two groups according to Silverman score (<7: group 1 [n: 34] and ≥7: Group 2 [n: 30]). The groups were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, hematologic parameters, and RVSP within the first 24 hours after admission. RESULTS: Mean birth weight of the patients was 3033.4 ± 364.1 g and median gestational age was 38 weeks (min-max: 34-42). Patients in Group 2 were found to require higher nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) support and longer duration of oxygen treatment (p: 0.001). Patients in Group 2 had significantly higher thrombocyte, absolute NRBCs count, NRBCs/100 WBCs, and RVSP levels (p < 0.05). Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were found significantly higher in group 1(p < 0.05). In logistic regression analysis, NRBCs/100 WBCs was found to be the most important independent parameter that affects Silverman score at admission (OR: 7.065, CI: 1.258-39.670, p: 0.026). DISCUSSION: This is the first study that investigates the association between NRBCs, RVSP, and severity of TTN. We think that elevated NRBCs and RVSP values are helpful for clinicians in decision making for referral of the patients to a secondary or a tertiary level of NICU and also inform the families about prognosis.

Satisfaction with maternal and birth services: a survey in public hospitals in Turkey.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the satisfaction of women who underwent normal delivery and cesarean section (or C-section) with maternal care in five state-run hospitals in Northwestern Turkey. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This was a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 580 women who underwent normal delivery (ND) and 392 who had a C-section (CS). Data were collected using two maternal satisfaction questionnaires, which participants completed right before they were discharged. FINDINGS: More than half of ND (61.7%) and CS (56.9%) participants were satisfied with maternal care. ND participants who had received antenatal training were more satisfied with maternal care than CS participants who had not received antenatal training. Higher income was a significant predictor for reduced satisfaction with maternal care among CS participants (p = 0.031). PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Hospital administrators and decision-makers should meet women's expectations, provide them with comfort, encourage them for skin-to-skin contact and respect their right to privacy in order to increase their satisfaction with maternal care. Pregnant women should also be encouraged to receive antenatal training offered by hospitals before delivery. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The evidence-based results of the study will help hospital administrators to improve healthcare quality and focus on increasing women's satisfaction with maternal care.

An evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of the different palliative care models available to cancer patients in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Three different models are commonly used to provide palliative care services to cancer patients in Turkey: comprehensive palliative care center (CPCC), hospital inpatient services (HIS) and home healthcare (HHC). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of three alternative palliative care models for cancer patients. METHODS: The study included a total of 160 patients diagnosed with cancer (CPCC:60, HIS:59, HHC:41). The patients' quality of life and their levels of satisfaction were used as the indicators of effectiveness, while direct and indirect costs incurred by service providers, patients and relatives were considered in estimating the costs of alternative models. The cost and effectiveness of the alternatives compared the "patient perspective" and "societal perspective" separately. RESULTS: From a societal perspective, palliative care services provided the HIS model was found to be more cost-effective than the CPCC model. From a patient perspective, HHC was found to be more cost-effective compared to the other two models. CONCLUSIONS: This study has the potential to provide substantial evidence to health managers and decision-makers with respect to health planning and the formulation of social security policies in Turkey.

Do health care reforms in Turkey have a significant effect in equal access to maternal and child health services in Turkey: An evidence from 20 years.

This study aimed to investigate whether there was an improvement in the equitable access to maternal and child health care services by examining the effects of socioeconomic and individual factors in Turkey from 1993 to 2013 and determine the effectiveness of health care reforms implemented mainly under the Health Transformation Program since 2003 on equitable access t;o maternal and child health care services in terms of years. The study used nationally representative 5 Turkey Demographic and Health Surveys (1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, and 2013). Prenatal care utilization rate increased from 67.0% in 1993 to 96.2% in 2013 while the rate of women giving birth at health care facilities increased from 63.8% to 98.1% in 2013. Prenatal care utilization and giving birth at health care facilities were higher among women who were under health insurance coverage, first time mothers, those staying in the western region and urban areas, and those with the highest level of wealth. The findings suggest that the issue of equity in the utilization of maternal and child health care services exists in Turkey, and the latest health care reforms under HTP are not effective in diminishing the effect of wealth.

Factors Affecting Life Satisfaction of Older Adults in Turkey.

This study aimed to examine the determinants of life satisfaction of older adults in Turkey. The sample consisted of 2,959 older adults over 65 years. The effects of psychological, daily life and instrumental activity, physical health and health status, and other important variables on life satisfaction were analyzed. The variables lessening life satisfaction for older adults included poverty, a lower self-reported health status, a decline in physical health, ability to chew, ability to do household activities, and an increase in feelings of depression and feeling social withdrawn. In contrast, being married, having a higher education level, and having an income-generating work increased life satisfaction among older adults. This study suggests the necessity of developing local and national policies that enable older adults to become more active in their communities. These policies should be coordinated under the framework of national aging policies that bridge health, social, and economic issues.

Achieving value for money in health: a comparative analysis of OECD countries and regional countries.

OBJECTIVE: To measure efficiency gains in health sector over the years 1995 to 2013 in OECD, EU, non-member European countries. METHODS: An output-oriented DEA model with variable return to scale, and residuals estimated by regression equations were used to estimate efficiencies of health systems. Slacks for health care outputs and inputs were calculated by using DEA multistage method of estimating country efficiency scores. RESULTS: Better health outcomes of countries were related with higher efficiency. Japan, France, or Sweden were found to be peer-efficient countries when compared to other developed countries like Germany and United States. Increasing life expectancy beyond a certain high level becomes very difficult to achieve. Despite declining marginal productivity of inputs on health outcomes, some developed countries and developing countries were found to have lowered their inefficiencies in the use of health inputs. Although there was no systematic relationship between political system of countries and health system efficiency, the objectives of countries on social and health policy and the way of achieving these objectives might be a factor increasing the efficiency of health systems. CONCLUSIONS: Economic and political stability might be as important as health expenditure in improving health system goals. A better understanding of the value created by health expenditures, especially in developed countries, will require analysis of specific health interventions that can increase value for money in health. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluation of patient wristbands and patient identification process in a training hospital in Turkey.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the utilisation of patient wristbands (PWs) and patient identification (PI) process in a training hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Design/methodology/approach This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in a training hospital with 640 beds, accreditied by Joint Commission International. The views of 348 patients and 419 hospital personnel on the implementation of patient wristbands and identification process were evaluated. Findings The results indicated that lack of information among patients about the importance of PWs and the misknowledge among staff participants on when, where, and by whom PWs should be put on and verified were the weakest points in this hospital. Research limitations/implications PI process must be strictly implemented according to the standard procedures of patient safety. Both patients and hospital personnel should be trained continuously, and training sessions must be held to increase their awareness about the importance of PWs and identification process. Practical implications Finding new ways and using new methods for increasing knowledge about PI and PWs are necessary. Hospital management should prepare a written PI and PW policy and procedure documents by taking the views of patients and hospital personnel and share these with them. Originality/value This study incorporates the views and attitudes of patients and health care personnel in improving health care quality by increasing awareness about PI and wristbands.

Comparison of Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation on Platelet-Rich Plasma and Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cell Using Rat Zygomatic Bone Defect Model.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of bone defects that occur because of certain reasons has an important place in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The objective of the treatments of these defects was to reinstate the continuity of tissues placed in the area in which the defect has occurred. In this experimental study, the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow stromal cell, which propounded that they have positive impact on bone regeneration, was evaluated with the bone healing rate in the zygomatic bone defect model enwrapped with superficial temporal fascia. METHODS: After creating a 4-mm defect on the zygomatic bone of the experiments, the defect was encompassed with a superficial temporal fascial flap and a nonunion model was created. After surgery, different combinations of the PRP, bone marrow stromal cell, and electromagnetic field applications were implemented on the defective area. All the experiments were subjected to bone density measurement. RESULTS: The result revealed that the PRP and pulsed electromagnetic field implementation were rather a beneficial and an effective combination in terms of bone regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that the superficial temporal fascial flap used in the experiment was a good scaffold choice, providing an ideal bone regeneration area because of its autogenous, vascular, and 3-dimensional structures. As a result, it is presumed that this combination in the nonhealing bone defects is a rather useful treatment choice and can be used in a reliable way in clinical applications.

Evaluation of cycloplegic and noncycloplegic performance of spot vision screener in detection of amblyopia risk factors using 2021 AAPOS guidelines.

PURPOSE: This research evaluates the effectiveness of the Spot Vision Screener (SVS) before and after cycloplegia to detect amblyogenic refractive errors in children. METHODS: Children ages 3 to 10 years old were screened by the SVS before and after cycloplegia. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, paired t-test, Bland-Altman plot and receiver operating characteristic area under the curve were evaluated by comparing the results of the SVS (v3.0.05) measurements with the results of the cycloplegic Topcon autorefractometer according to the 2021 guidelines of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. RESULTS: Both eyes of 211 patients aged 3 to 10 years old were included. Regarding the amblyopia risk factors, the noncycloplegic SVS had 65.7 % sensitivity, 94.9 % specificity, 81.2 % positive predictive value and 89.3 % negative predictive value. The SVS's sensitivity increased from 65.7 % to 81.9 % with cycloplegia compared to noncycloplegic SVS results. The sensitivity detection of hyperopia was improved from 4.2 % to 100 % after cycloplegia. Areas under the receiver operator characteristic curve for noncycloplegic SVS and cycloplegic SVS were 0.506 (95 % CI, 0.395 to 0.646, p = 0737) and 0.905 (95 % CI, 0.915 to 0.971, p < 0.001) for hyperopia, respectively. Using the +1.64 D revised cutoff criteria for hyperopia increased sensitivity from 4.2 % to 78 %. CONCLUSION: Noncycloplegic SVS measurements showed relatively high specificity in detecting amblyopia risk factors. The fact that noncycloplegic measurements have a very low sensitivity for hyperopia is an important weakness of the SVS, especially because hyperopia is the most frequently encountered refractive error in very young children. It should be noted that amblyogenic hyperopia may be overlooked by an SVS without cycloplegia.

Assessment of swallowing performance in patients with neurodegenerative disease: A hierarchical cluster analysis.

BACKGROUND: Swallowing is a complex process that alters with age and neurological diseases; swallowing disorders can be a consequence of both of them. As an advanced multivariate statistical method, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was utilized to make the dendrograms, which was used to find the relationship between the variables. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the type of clustering exhibited by the variables using HCA and to evaluate the approach to major neurodegenerative diseases (MND) with swallowing disorders based on the results obtained. METHODS: Data were collected from a total of 173 patients from various neurological diagnoses, such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, stroke and polyneuropathy, aging between 42 and 104 (mean of age 72.85) by using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation Scale (EdFED), the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), and the Modified Mann Swallowing Ability test. From the collected data, dendrograms were formed by using HCA with Ward linkage method. RESULTS: Based on cluster analysis results, clusters demonstrate statistical significance. They center around EdFED, EAT-10, and age in each MND. In healthy individuals, variables are not clustered as in the patient group. This study holds importance as it can give clinicians a different perspective on determining and managing the elderly population's swallowing problems. CONCLUSIONS: The HCA method explicitly proposes which variables should be examined concurrently in the clinic for MND. This research is one of the pioneering studies conducted by using the HCA method.

Using Cluster Analysis to Identify Metabolic Syndrome Components and Physical Fitness in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors. Physical inactivity and reduced physical fitness are associated with one or more components of MetS. However, MetS has many components, and the unclear relationship between the components and physical fitness parameters can provide a plain and straightforward understanding of the clustering method. Aim: To identify the relationship between physical fitness parameters, physical activity levels, and components of MetS using hierarchical cluster analysis. Methods: One hundred twenty-one patients (mean age = 51.4 ± 7.1/years, F:90, M:31) who were diagnosed as having MetS according to the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria were included in the study. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) were analyzed. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, (SBP and DBP), were evaluated. Body composition (waist and hip circumference, (WC and HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, and visceral fat), upper and lower extremity muscle strength (dynamometer), and functional exercise capacity [6-minute walk test (6MWT)] were assessed as physical fitness parameters. Physical activity levels were assessed using a pedometer and number of steps (NS) was determined. Results: Of the patients, 45.5% were diagnosed as having MetS based on four components. The dendrogram consisted of two main clusters and four subclusters. The main cluster I composed of BMI, HC, WC, visceral fat, HDL-C, percent fat, SBP, DBP, and percent quadriceps. The main cluster II comprised FPG, TG, WHR, handgrip strength, 6MWT, and NS. Conclusion: MetS components clustered with different physical fitness parameters. The clusters in the dendrogram can provide substantial implications for heterogeneous MetS components and physical fitness parameters. Future studies are needed to elucidate the effectiveness of dendrogram-derived exercise programs in MetS.

Elevated serum levels of high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and its association with disease activity and quality of life.

This study was carried out to determine the serum levels of high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to evaluate its correlation with disease activity and quality of life. According to our knowledge, it is the first trial evaluating HMGB1 levels in AS. Serum samples of 30 patients (18 males and 12 females) with AS and 29 healthy controls (HC) (15 females and 14 males) were collected. HMGB1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, activity of disease was assessed according to the Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), and functional status of patients was evaluated with Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI). Modified Schober, chest expansion values and AS Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL) scores were noted. The serum levels of HMGB1 were obtained significantly increased in AS patients compared to HC (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between HMGB1 levels and ESR (p > 0.05), and CRP (p > 0.05) values. BASDAI, BASFI and ASQoL scores were also not correlated with serum levels of HMGB1 (p > 0.05). Our results suggest that HMGB1 might play an important role in the pathogenesis of AS; however, it seems not to be a good candidate for reflecting disease activity, functional abilities and the quality of life in patients with AS; on the other hand, the increased levels of HMGB1 in patients may open a new dimension for targeting this cytokine as a new therapy option in AS.

Changes in the loading of tibial articular cartilage following medial meniscectomy: a finite element analysis study.

PURPOSE: Depending on the location and extent of the meniscectomy, loading on the tibial articular cartilage alters. The main purpose of the present study was to analyze the loading on the tibial articular cartilage following medial meniscectomy performed in various location and extent, as well as in the healthy knee, via finite element analyses on the solid models. METHODS: Totally, 11 finite element solid models, including the reference model, were created to investigate the effect of location (anterior, posterior, longitudinal) and extent of meniscectomy (25, 50, 75, and 100 %) on loading of tibial articular cartilage. RESULTS: Maximum equivalent stress of the tibial cartilage was measured 0.86 Megapascal in the reference model and increased approximately by 78 % in 25 % meniscectomy group, 177.9 % in 50 %, 473.8 % in 75 % meniscectomy group, and 752.6 % in total meniscectomy. When only the amount of meniscal tissue removed was considered ignoring the location of meniscectomy, no significant difference was found in the amount of tissue excised between 25 % meniscectomy and 50 % meniscectomy, as well as between 75 % meniscectomy and total meniscectomy. CONCLUSION: In all meniscectomy models, the loadings on tibial articular cartilage increased. Except total meniscectomy, the highest impact was observed in longitudinal 75 % meniscectomy. During the surgical treatment, the contributions of menisci on load absorption by increasing the tibiofemoral contact area must be considered. In fact, the increase in the rate of loading on tibial articular cartilage depends on according to type and amount of meniscectomy.

Competition among Turkish hospitals and its effect on hospital efficiency and service quality.

The level of competition among hospitals in Turkey was analyzed for the years 1990 through 2006 using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI). Multiple and simple regression analyses were run to observe the development of competition among hospitals over this period of time, to examine likely determinants of competition, and to calculate the effects of competition on efficiency and quality in individual hospitals. This study found that the level of competition among hospitals in Turkey has increased throughout the years. Also, competition has had a positive effect on the efficiency of hospitals; however, it did not have a significant positive effect on their quality. Moreover, there are important differences in the level of competition among hospitals that vary according to the geographical region, the type of ownership, and the type of hospital. This study is one of the first to evaluate the effects of health policies on competition as well as the effects of increasing competition on hospital quality and efficiency in Turkey.