Relationship between patellofemoral joint morphology and chondromalacia patella.

BACKGROUND: For the normal functioning of the patellofemoral joint (PF), the relationship between the patella and the trochlear groove must be compatible. PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between patellofemoral joint morphology (PFM) and patellar chondromalacia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Overall, 136 knees of patients aged 20-55 years examined between March 2020 and March 2021 were included in this study. In all patients, trochlear sulcus angle, trochlear sulcus depth, trochlear facet asymmetry, patella alta (Insall-Salvati [IS] index), and patellar facet asymmetry were measured. Of these cases, 66 knees with an abnormality detected in any of the measurements for PFM were included in the case group. Moreover, 70 knees with demonstrating normal PFM measurements were included in the control group. RESULTS: The incidence and grade of chondromalacia was higher in the case group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Between the patients with and without chondromalacia trochlear sulcus angle (mean = 138.25° ± 10.02° vs. 132.58° ± 7.24°; P = 0.001), IS index (mean = 1.25 ± 0.21 vs. 1.16 ± 0.15; P = 0.014), patellar facet asymmetry (mean = 0.77 ± 0.09 vs. 0.73 ± 0.12; P = 0.039), trochlear sulcus depth (mean = 5.39 ± 1.42 mm vs. 6.27 ± 1.04 mm; P < 0.001), and trochlear facet asymmetry (mean = 0.67 ± 0.11 vs. 0.71 ± 0.09; P = 0.023) measurements, there was a significant difference. CONCLUSION: The presence of at least one of the measures indicating pathology in PFM is associated with the presence and severity of chondromalacia.

A Novel Naphthylidene-diimine Chemosensor for Selective Colorimetric and Fluorometric Detection of Al3+ and CN- Ions.

A naphthylidene-diimine L2 was newly designed, and its structure was identified by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. The effect of temperature, acid-base and light on enol-keto tautomerism in this Schiff base was evaluated by colorimetry, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Under irradiation 365 nm, L2 emitted yellow, orange and strong green emission in pure, basic and aqueous DMSO media (v/v, 1/1), respectively. Its ionochromic behavior against various cations (Fe3+, Al3+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Ba2+ and Ag+) and anions (F-, Cl-, CH3COO-, SO32-, S2O32-, HSO4-, H2PO4-, NO3-, CN-, and OH-) was investigated in aqueous DMSO media (v/v, 1/1) by UV-Vis and fluorescence experiments. Dark yellow color of L2 changed to colorless for Fe3+, Cr3+ and HSO4- ions, and turned to light yellow for Al3+ and Cu2+ ions, and to orange for CN- and OH- ions. According to UV-Vis data, the chemosensor displayed selective recognition towards Fe3+, Al3+, Cu2+, HSO4-, CN- and OH- with a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio. At the excitation wavelength of 365 nm, L2 gave strong yellowish white emission (λem = 445 and 539 nm) in the presence of Al3+, and the intensity increased about 12.5 times. On the other hand, the chemosensor displayed one emission band at 452 nm and 450 nm in the presence of CN- and OH- with 1.9 fold and 2.3 fold fluorescence enhancement, respectively.

Evaluation of abdominal computed tomography findings in patients with COVID-19: a multicenter study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency of abdominal computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and interrogate the relationship between abdominal CT findings and patient demographic features, clinical findings, and laboratory test results as well as the CT atherosclerosis score in the abdominal aorta. METHODS: This study was designed as a multicenter retrospective study. The abdominal CT findings of 1.181 patients with positive abdominal symptoms from 26 tertiary medical centers with a positive polymerase chain-reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were reviewed. The frequency of ischemic and non-ischemic CT findings as well as the association between CT findings, clinical features, and abdominal aortic calcific atherosclerosis score (AA-CAS) were recorded. RESULTS: Ischemic and non-ischemic abdominal CT findings were detected in 240 (20.3%) and 328 (27.7%) patients, respectively. In 147 patients (12.4%), intra-abdominal malignancy was present. The most frequent ischemic abdominal CT findings were bowel wall thickening (n = 120; 10.2%) and perivascular infiltration (n = 40; 3.4%). As for non-ischemic findings, colitis (n = 91; 7.7%) and small bowel inflammation (n = 73; 6.2%) constituted the most frequent disease processes. The duration of hospital stay was found to be higher in patients with abdominal CT findings than in patients without any positive findings (13.8 ± 13 vs. 10.4 ± 12.8 days, P < 0.001). The frequency of abdominal CT findings was significantly higher in patients who did not survive the infection than in patients who were discharged after recovery (41.7% vs. 27.4%, P < 0.001). Increased AA-CAS was found to be associated with a higher risk of ischemic conditions in abdominal CT examinations. CONCLUSION: Abdominal symptoms in patients with COVID-19 are usually associated with positive CT findings. The presence of ischemic findings on CT correlates with poor COVID-19 outcomes. A high AA-CAS is associated with abdominal ischemic findings in patients with COVID-19.

Paraoxonase-1 and fetuin-A levels in children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Studies mostly focused on risk factors and clinical status in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Various antiinflammatory markers may help us in the early diagnosis and clinical classification of cerebral palsy patients. In this study, the relationship between antiinflammatory marker levels and clinical status in patients with CP is determined. It is the first time that Fetuin-A and Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) are examined in children with CP. METHODS: The study is conducted on 79 children which are divided into two groups as CP and control. Gross motor function and spasticity are evaluated in addition to biochemical parameters. RESULTS: There is a statistically significant difference between CP and control group in terms of PON-1 activity, high sensitive C-Reactive Protein, HDL, and total cholesterol levels. There is no statistically significant difference in Fetuin A levels between the two groups. DISCUSSION: In suspected CP patients less than 24 months of age who possess prenatal and postnatal risk factors, the determination of PON-1 activity can be considered as a biomarker to support early diagnosis.

Clinical Profile and Renal Ultrasound Characteristics of Children With Nutcracker Syndrome in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the clinical profile and radiological findings of children with nutcracker syndrome (NCS) and to assess the association between the parameters. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the clinical, laboratory and radiological parameters of children diagnosed with NCS between January, 2011 and October, 2017 was done. RESULTS: Of a total of 29 patients [19 girls, 65.5%] with NCS, having a mean (SD) age of 10.8 years, 72.4% had BMI <-2SD. Approximately half of the patients (51.7%) were asymptomatic. Left flank pain was commonest (9/29; 31%) symptom, followed by macroscopic hematuria (4/29; 13.8%). Isolated proteinuria was seen in 9 children. There was no significant difference between the symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in terms of Doppler ultrasonography findings. All patients were followed up conservatively, 5 received enalapril therapy for moderate proteinuria. CONCLUSION: NCS should be considered in children, especially with low BMI, presenting with orthostatic proteinuria and hematuria, with or without left flank pain after ruling out the common causes.

The Effect of Abdominal Anatomy on the Measurement of Bone Mineral Density With Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effects of abdominal fat content and anatomical changes on the measurement of bone mineral density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bone mineral density measurements were performed with quantitative computed tomography for patients who underwent DXA and abdominal CT on the same day. The effects of abdominal fat content and anatomic changes on the results of DXA were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 43 patients, 88.3% were women, 11.7% were men, and the mean age was 55.6 years (range, 32-72). There was a significant relationship between the error in the measurement of T-scores with DXA and osteophytic new bone formation (P = 0.011). There were significant relationships between the error in detecting osteoporosis with DXA and osteophytic new bone formation, facet joint degeneration, and aortic calcification (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal fat content does not significantly affect T-scores. However, DXA can give false-negative results in detecting osteoporosis, especially in patients with osteophyte new bone formation, facet joint degeneration, and aortic calcifications, all conditions primarily in elderly patients. In these cases, it is more appropriate to use quantitative computed tomography instead of DXA.

Mini-incision open appendectomy versus laparoscopic appendectomy: An experience in a rural hospital.

BACKGROUND: There is still no consensus about whether laparoscopic appendectomy should be performed in selected cases or routinely in all cases for treatment of acute appendicitis. Especially for rural hospitals with laparoscopic equipment shortages, it is critical to develop surgical methods alternative to LA. This prospective study aimed to compare mini-incision open appendectomy (MOA) and laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) procedures. METHODS: A total of 102 patients who had been operated on by a single surgeon for acute appendicitis between July 2018 and February 2020 and whose body mass index (BMI) was <30 were included in this study. Fifty-one patients were operated on with MOA and 51 with LA technique. The patients were evaluated concerning operation time, postoperative pain, hospital stay, postoperative infectious complications and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: Operation time was shorter in the MOA group than LA group (p<0.001). VAS scores at postoperative 12th and 24th hours were significantly lower in the MOA group than those in the LA group (p<0.001). Total hospitalization costs were lower in the MOA group than those in the LA group (p<0.001). No significant difference was found between the two groups concerning length of hospital stay and postoperative infectious complications (p=0.061 and p>0.999, respectively). CONCLUSION: Mini-incision open appendectomy is a reliable method in patients with acute appendicitis who have a BMI of <30 and it is superior to laparoscopic appendectomy concerning the operation time, postoperative pain and cost.

The effect of bone mineral density on development of Schmorl's nodes in young patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to detect the relationship between the development of Schmorl's nodes (SNs) and bone mineral density (BMD) in young patients. METHODS: Computerized tomography (CT) images of the thoracolumbar vertebral column were retrospectively examined by two experienced radiologists for SNs. The diagnostic criterion for SN was defined as a node size larger than one-third but not more than two-thirds of the relevant vertebral endplate. Considering the eligibility criteria, a total of 74 individuals (60 males and 14 females; mean age: 24.3 years; age range: 18-40 years) with SN at the thoracolumbar vertebrae were included in the patient group, and a total of 38 age- and gender-matched individuals (30 males and 8 females; mean age: 25 years) with no evidence of SN were included in the control group. All these individuals were younger than 40 years. In the patient group, SNs were assessed in terms of the distribution of the thoracolumbar vertebrae, the location of the upper and lower endplates, and the total number of lesions. In all individuals included in the study, BMD was measured from the axial CT sections by quantitative CT and then compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The distribution of age and gender was comparable between the two groups (p=0.438). A total of 208 SNs were identified in the patient group. Of these, 92 (44%) were located at the thoracic vertebrae and 116 (56%) at the lumbar vertebrae. The mean BMD was 131.6 g/cm3 in the patient group and 140.7 g/cm3 in the control group (p=0.03). There was no significant relationship between the total number of SNs per patient and the mean BMD (p=0.156). CONCLUSION: Evidence from this study revealed that low BMD may be a predisposing factor for the development of SNs in patients younger than 40 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Diagnostic Study.

Relationship between Abdominal Aortic Calcification, Abdominal Adiposity, and Liver Density.

OBJECTIVE: To identify any relationship among visceral adipose tissue area (visceral FA), liver density (liver HU), psoas muscle area (psoas MA), waist circumference (WC) and the presence and severity of abdominal aortic calcific atherosclerosis (AAC). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Ankara Kecioren Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, from January to February 2019. METHODOLOGY: This study included 316 patients, who had CT performed for urolithiasis investigation. For all patients, the presence and grade of AAC was recorded. Then, liver HU, spleen density (spleen HU), psoas MA, visceral FA, total abdominal fat area (total FA), subcutaneous fat area (subcutaneous FA), WC and hip circumference (HC) were measured on a workstation. RESULTS: AAC was present in 127 patients (40.2%). The age, visceral FA, total FA, visceral FA/total FA ratio, WC and WC/HC ratio of patients with AAC were significantly higher than for patients without AAC (p <0.05). Psoas MA was significantly lower in patients with AAC (p <0.05).  The cut-off value of visceral FA for the prediction of AAC was 131 cm2. The risk for AAC was 4.5 times higher in the group with visceral FA >131 cm2 (p <0.001). There were significant correlations between AAC grade and liver HU and spleen HU (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). However, there was no significant correlation between AAC grade and liver HU/spleen HU ratio (p = 0.741). CONCLUSION: Psoas muscle area, visceral adiposity and waist circumference can be used to predict abdominal aortic calcification. Key Words: Visceral adipose tissue, Subcutaneous adipose tissue, Fatty liver.

Synthesis and spectroscopic properties of novel asymmetric Schiff bases.

Three novel diimine Schiff bases including two asymmetric imines (2-OH)R-CHN-C(6)H(4)-CHN-R'(2-OH) type [where R=R'=phenyl for H(2)L(1); R=naphthyl, R'=phenyl for H(2)L(2) and R=R'=naphthyl for H(2)L(3)] have been synthesized with a new two step method. For this purpose, the starting Schiff bases 4-nitrobenzylidene-2-hydroxyaniline (SB(1)-NO(2)) and 4-nitrobenzylidene-2-hydroxy-3-naphthylamine (SB(2)-NO(2)) have been synthesized, previously. Nitro groups of them have been reduced into their amino derivatives (SB(1)-NH(2) and SB(2)-NH(2)) with sodium dithionite as selective reductant and the other imino groups have been formed by adding salicylaldehyde or 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde to the same solutions. The structures of the diimine Schiff bases were confirmed by elemental analyses, ESI-MS, FT-IR, (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The phenol-imine and keto-amine tautomerism of the Schiff bases were investigated by FT-IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR techniques and UV-vis spectra in different solvents (DMSO, methanol, chloroform, toluene and cyclohexane). The effects of acidic and basic media on the tautomeric equilibria were discussed.