Are deep learning classification results obtained on CT scans fair and interpretable?

Following the great success of various deep learning methods in image and object classification, the biomedical image processing society is also overwhelmed with their applications to various automatic diagnosis cases. Unfortunately, most of the deep learning-based classification attempts in the literature solely focus on the aim of extreme accuracy scores, without considering interpretability, or patient-wise separation of training and test data. For example, most lung nodule classification papers using deep learning randomly shuffle data and split it into training, validation, and test sets, causing certain images from the Computed Tomography (CT) scan of a person to be in the training set, while other images of the same person to be in the validation or testing image sets. This can result in reporting misleading accuracy rates and the learning of irrelevant features, ultimately reducing the real-life usability of these models. When the deep neural networks trained on the traditional, unfair data shuffling method are challenged with new patient images, it is observed that the trained models perform poorly. In contrast, deep neural networks trained with strict patient-level separation maintain their accuracy rates even when new patient images are tested. Heat map visualizations of the activations of the deep neural networks trained with strict patient-level separation indicate a higher degree of focus on the relevant nodules. We argue that the research question posed in the title has a positive answer only if the deep neural networks are trained with images of patients that are strictly isolated from the validation and testing patient sets.

Immunosuppressive treatment results in patients with primary IgA nephropathy in Turkiye; the data from TSN-GOLD working group.

BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) treatment consists of maximal supportive care and, for high-risk individuals, immunosuppressive treatment (IST). There are conflicting results regarding IST. Therefore, we aimed to investigate IST results among IgAN patients in Turkiye. METHOD: The data of 1656 IgAN patients in the Primary Glomerular Diseases Study of the Turkish Society of Nephrology Glomerular Diseases Study Group were analyzed. A total of 408 primary IgAN patients treated with IST (65.4% male, mean age 38.4 ± 12.5 years, follow-up 30 (3-218) months) were included and divided into two groups according to treatment protocols (isolated corticosteroid [CS] 70.6% and combined IST 29.4%). Treatment responses, associated factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Remission (66.7% partial, 33.7% complete) was achieved in 74.7% of patients. Baseline systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and proteinuria levels were lower in responsives. Remission was achieved at significantly higher rates in the CS group (78% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.016). Partial remission was the prominent remission type. The remission rate was significantly higher among patients with segmental sclerosis compared to those without (60.4% vs. 49%, p = 0.047). In the multivariate analysis, MEST-C S1 (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.08-1.89, p = 0.013), MEST-C T1 (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51-0.91, p = 0.008) and combined IST (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49-0.91, p = 0.009) were found to be significant regarding remission. CONCLUSION: CS can significantly improve remission in high-risk Turkish IgAN patients, despite the reliance on non-quantitative endpoints for favorable renal outcomes. Key predictors of remission include baseline proteinuria and specific histological markers. It is crucial to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of immunosuppressive therapy for these patients.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the New Cleveland Clinic Colorectal Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire.

PURPOSE: This study aims to adapt and validate the Cleveland Clinic Colorectal Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (CCF-CaQL) in Turkish, addressing the significant need for reliable, language-specific QoL measures for colorectal cancer (CRC) in Turkiye. This effort fills a critical gap in CRC patient care, enhancing both patient-provider communication and disease-specific QoL assessment. METHODS: The CCF-CaQL was translated into Turkish, verified for accuracy, and reviewed for clarity and relevance. Eligible patients who underwent colorectal surgery for cancer between July 2021 and July 2022 from six hospitals completed the CCF-CaQL and SF-36 questionnaires. For analysis, confirmatory factor analysis using Smart PLS 4 and descriptive statistics were employed. The questionnaire's reliability and validity were assessed using Cronbach alpha, composite reliability, and the heterotrait-monotrait (HTMT) ratio, along with multicollinearity checks and factor loadings. Nonparametric resampling was used for precise error and confidence interval calculations, and the Spearman coefficient and split-half method were applied for reliability testing. RESULTS: In the study involving 244 colorectal cancer patients, confirmatory factor analysis of the CCF-CaQL indicated effective item performance, with one item removed due to lower factor loading. The questionnaire exhibited high internal consistency, evidenced by a Cronbach alpha value of 0.909. Convergent validity was strong, with all average variance extracted (AVE) values exceeding 0.4. Discriminant validity was confirmed with HTMT coefficients below 0.9, and no significant multicollinearity issues were observed (VIF values < 10). Parallel testing with the SF-36 scale demonstrated moderate to very strong correlations, affirming the CCF-CaQL's comparability in measuring quality of life. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the CCF-CaQL was validated for assessing quality of life in colorectal cancer patients. This validation confirms its reliability and cultural appropriateness for use in Turkiye. The disease-specific nature of the CCF-CaQL makes it a useful tool in clinical and research settings, enhancing patient care by accurately monitoring treatment effects and interventions in the Turkish colorectal cancer patient population.

Radioprotective effects of melatonin and thymoquinone on liver, parotid gland, brain, and testis of rats exposed to total body irradiation.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate thymoquinone (TQ), and melatonin's radioprotective effects on liver, parotid gland, brain, and testis of rats which were exposed to total body irradiation (IR). METHODS: Thirty adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups that are Group 1 (control group): total body IR only, Group 2: IR-Melatonin (10 mg/kg), Group 3: IR-TQ (10 mg/kg), and Group 4 (sham group): nothing. Total body IR dose was 6 Gy. Tissue samples were taken 90 min after IR. The measurements of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were performed in all groups. RESULTS: In IR group, GSH-Px and SOD activities significantly decreased whereas MDA levels significantly increased when compared with the sham in all tissues. We recorded a significant decrease in MDA levels in IR-TQ group in liver and parotid gland of rats. Moreover, SOD did not change in IR-TQ group compared with IR only group. DISCUSSION: Melatonin, a powerful antioxidant, plays role in preventing oxidative stress. We revealed that premedication with TQ significantly inhibited the increase in MDA induced by IR in liver and parotid gland and protected the activities of SOD, an antioxidant enzyme, in all other tissues. It has been revealed that TQ has a potential effect preventing IR-induced damage as much as melatonin.

Short-Course Radiotherapy Followed by Consolidation Chemotherapy Is Safe and Effective in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Comparative Short-term Results of Multicenter Propensity Score Case-Matched Study.

BACKGROUND: Consolidation chemotherapy strategies have demonstrated improved pathological complete response and tumor downstaging rates for patients diagnosed with rectal cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare perioperative outcomes and pathological complete response rates among different neoadjuvant treatment strategies in patients undergoing total mesorectal excision for locally advanced rectal cancer. DESIGN: Propensity score case-matched study. SETTING: High-volume tertiary care centers. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients undergoing curative total mesorectal excision between January 2014 and June 2021 were queried. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were divided into 3 groups: long-course chemoradiation therapy with (N = 128) or without (N = 164) consolidation chemotherapy or short-course radiotherapy (N = 53) followed by consolidation chemotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographics, preoperative tumor characteristics, histopathologic outcomes, and postoperative complication rates were reviewed and compared. Propensity score match analysis was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 345 patients (mean age: 58 ± 12 years; female: 36%) met the study inclusion criteria. Time interval from neoadjuvant treatment until surgery was longer for patients receiving consolidation chemotherapy ( p < 0.001). Pathological complete response rates were comparable among patients receiving long-course chemoradiation therapy (20.3%) and short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy (20.8%) compared to long-course chemoradiation therapy alone (14.6%) ( p = 0.36). After the propensity score case-matched analysis, 48 patients in the long-course chemoradiation therapy with consolidation chemotherapy group were matched to 48 patients in the short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy group. Groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, clinical stage, tumor location, type of surgical approach, and technique. Pathological complete response rate was comparable between the groups (20.8% and 18.8%, p = 0.99). LIMITATIONS: Study was limited by its retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: Among recent neoadjuvant treatment modalities, pathological complete response rates, and short-term clinical outcomes were comparable. Short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy is safe and effective as long-course chemoradiation therapy as in a short-term period. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C174 . LA RADIOTERAPIA DE CORTA DURACIN SEGUIDA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA DE CONSOLIDACIN ES SEGURA Y EFICAZ EN EL CNCER DE RECTO LOCALMENTE AVANZADO RESULTADOS COMPARATIVOS A CORTO PLAZO DEL ESTUDIO MULTICNTRICO DE CASOS EMPAREJADOS POR PUNTAJE DE PROPENSION: ANTECEDENTES: Las estrategias de quimioterapia de consolidación han demostrado una mejor respuesta patológica completa y tasas de reducción del estadio del tumor para pacientes diagnosticados con cáncer de recto.OBJETIVO: Comparar los resultados perioperatorios y las tasas de respuesta patológica completa entre diferentes estrategias de tratamiento neoadyuvante en pacientes sometidos a escisión mesorrectal total por cáncer de recto localmente avanzado.DISEÑO: Estudio de casos emparejados por puntaje de propensión.ENTORNO CLINICO: Centros de atención terciaria de alto volumen.PACIENTES: Pacientes consecutivos sometidos a escisión mesorrectal total curativa por cáncer de recto localmente avanzado entre enero de 2014 y junio de 2021.INTERVENCIONES: Los pacientes se dividieron en tres grupos según la modalidad de tratamiento neoadyuvante: quimiorradioterapia de ciclo largo con (N = 128) o sin (N = 164) quimioterapia de consolidación o radioterapia de ciclo corto (N = 53) seguida de quimioterapia de consolidación.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO: El punto final primario fue la respuesta patológica completa. Se revisaron y compararon los datos demográficos, las características preoperatorias del tumor, los resultados histopatológicos y las tasas de complicaciones posoperatorias entre los grupos de estudio. Se realizó un análisis de casos emparejados por puntaje de propensión.RESULTADOS: Un total de 345 pacientes (edad media de 58 ± 12 años y mujeres: 36%) cumplieron los criterios de inclusión del estudio. El intervalo de tiempo desde el tratamiento neoadyuvante hasta la cirugía fue mayor para los pacientes que recibieron quimioterapia de consolidación ( p < 0,001). Las tasas de respuesta patológica completa fueron comparables entre los pacientes que recibieron quimiorradioterapia de larga duración con quimioterapia de consolidación (20,3 %) y radioterapia de corta duración con quimioterapia de consolidación (20,8%) en comparación con la quimiorradiación de larga duración sola (14,6%) ( p = 0,36). Después del análisis de casos emparejados por puntaje de propensión, 48 pacientes en el grupo de quimiorradioterapia de ciclo largo con quimioterapia de consolidación se emparejaron con 48 pacientes en el grupo de radioterapia de ciclo corto con quimioterapia de consolidación. Los grupos fueron comparables con respecto a la edad, sexo, estadio clínico, ubicación del tumor, tipo de abordaje quirúrgico y la técnica. La tasa de respuesta patológica completa fue comparable entre los grupos (20,8% y 18,8%, p = 0,99). La morbilidad postoperatoria a los 30 días y las tasas de fuga anastomótica fueron similares.LIMITACIONES: El estudio estuvo limitado por su naturaleza retrospectiva.CONCLUSIONES: Entre las modalidades de tratamiento neoadyuvante recientes, las tasas de respuesta patológica completa y los resultados clínicos a corto plazo fueron comparables. La radioterapia de corta duración con quimioterapia de consolidación es segura y eficaz como terapia de quimiorradioterapia de larga duración en un período corto. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C174 . (Traducción-Dr. Fidel Ruiz Healy ).

Evaluation of factors predicting appendiceal tumoral lesions in patients undergoing appendectomy for acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Tumoral lesions are a relatively rare cause of acute appendicitis. Accurate pre-operative diagnosis is essential to provide appropriate treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate factors that may increase diagnostic rate of appendiceal tumoral lesions in patients undergoing appendectomy. METHODS: A retrospective review of a large cohort of patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis from 2011 to 2020 was undertaken. Demographics, clinicopathologic findings, and pre-operative laboratory values were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis were performed to identify the factors that predict appendiceal tumoral lesions. RESULTS: A total of 1400 patients were included in the study, with median age of 32 (range, 18-88) years, and of whom 54.4% were male. Overall, 2.9% (n=40) of patients had appendiceal tumoral lesions. Multivariate analysis revealed that age (Odds Radio [OR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.08) and WBC count (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.76-0.93) were independent predictors of appendiceal tumoral lesions. The optimal cutoff age was 37 years old (AUC: 0.79; sensitivity: 82.0%; specificity: 62.0%). WBC count <10×109/L was another independent predictive factor (AUC: 0.69, sensitivity: 74%; specificity: 60%). CONCLUSION: Predicting an appendiceal tumoral lesion preoperatively is critical to ensure a favorable post-operative outcome. Higher age and low WBC counts appear to be independent risk factors for an appendiceal tumoral lesion. In case of doubt and in the presence of these factors, wider resection should be favored over appendectomy only to provide a clear surgical margin.

Sleep Problems in Individuals With Intestinal Stomas and Determining the Quality of Sleep: A Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine sleep problems and the sleep quality of individuals with intestinal stomas. DESIGN: Descriptive quantitative design was used. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The research was carried out from September 2018 to September 2019 at 3 university hospitals with stoma units located in Ankara, Turkey. The study sample comprised 222 individuals with intestinal ostomies who were being monitored in these 3 centers. Approximately half (N = 113, 50.9%) had an ileostomy and 68.5% (N = 152) had a temporary stoma. More than half of the participants (N = 116, 52.3%) reported current sleep problems, 59.5% (N = 132) reported that their stoma affected their sleep, and 64% (N = 142) had problems at night due to their stomas, reporting that they woke up frequently during their main sleep period due to ostomy-related problems. METHODS: Three instruments were used to measure study outcomes: the researcher-designed instrument determining the descriptive characteristics of individuals with intestinal stomas, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. RESULTS: The mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was found to be above 5 (13.42, SD: 3.01) indicating poor sleep quality. The mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale score was 7.54 (SD: 6.37) indicating that participants had daytime sleepiness. The mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores of participants with ileostomies ( P = .002) and those with temporary stomas ( P = .009) were found to be significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings indicate that individuals with intestinal stomas have poor sleep quality and problems with daytime sleepiness; those with ileostomies and temporary stomas had the worst quality of sleep.

Principles and recent applications of vacuum technology in the processing of dough-based cereal products: A comprehensive review.

Cereal-based foods have been essential elements in nutrition throughout history. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the application of innovative strategies to improve technological and nutritional properties of dough-based cereal products. Literature studies indicate that the integration of vacuum technology into baking and noodle industry can significantly enhance the quality and feasibility of final products. The vacuum has direct impact on gluten network, gas distribution and interaction of components in food matrix, especially due to aerated structure of dough systems. In this respect, this review for the first time presents a comprehensive evaluation regarding to use of vacuum technology in processing steps (i.e., mixing, baking, and cooling) of dough-based products in light of recent studies. The implementation of vacuum in the processes provide desired impacts on productivity and profitability for manufacturing industries. Vacuum application provides many advantages including improved product quality, nutritive value, extended shelf life, and reduced energy consumption.

Psychiatric Symptoms, Aggression, and Sexual Dysfunction Among Patients With Benign Anal Conditions.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of general psychiatric symptoms, aggression levels, and sexual dysfunction in patients with benign anorectal diseases and compare the results with those of healthy control subjects. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled consecutive adult patients who presented for treatment of benign perianal diseases and healthy control subjects between June 2017 and December 2018. All patients had either grade 3 or 4 hemorrhoidal disease or perianal fistula with active discharge who had not undergone previous anorectal surgery. We also included a control group with benign subcutaneous lumps presenting for minor surgery. We used the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised Form to evaluate general psychiatric symptoms, the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) to evaluate aggression levels, and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale to evaluate sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: A total of 563 patients were assessed for eligibility; after exclusions, 94 with anal fistula, 89 with hemorrhoids, and 59 healthy control subjects were enrolled. The groups were similar with regard to age, gender, and educational level. Physical and verbal aggression, anger, and total BPAQ score were significantly higher in patients with perianal fistula than in those with hemorrhoidal disease and healthy control subjects (P < .001). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients with perianal fistula have higher levels of aggression than healthy control subjects and those with hemorrhoidal disease. One must bear this in mind during preoperative patient evaluations and obtaining informed consent. Further studies are needed to investigate the reason for this association and potential causality.

Effect of Prehabilitation on Stoma Self-Care, Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Patients With Stomas: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: An intestinal stoma has severe psychosocial effects on patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure the effects of prehabilitation on stoma self-care, quality of life, anxiety, and depression levels. DESIGN: This study was a a randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS: Patients were allocated into 3 groups according to enterostomal management: group A (stoma marking and postoperative education), group B (marking and pre- and postoperative education), and group C (prehabilitation group) (marking and preoperative education with introduction of the stoma appliance preoperatively and postoperative education). A stoma care follow-up form, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and a stoma-specific quality-of-life questionnaire were used for evaluation. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent colorectal surgery and fecal diversion at the Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey, between 2011 and 2016 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the effect of stoma prehabilitation on self-care ability. RESULTS: Two hundred forty patients were included in the study. The outcome of stoma self-care revealed that 24 patients (31.2%) in group A, 51 patients (78.5%) in group B, and 72 patients (94.7%) in group C could perform stoma care independently ( p < 0.001). Among patients with temporary stomas, group C had a better outcome than patients in groups A and B ( p < 0.001). There was no similar relationship among patients with permanent stomas. The prehabilitation group had fewer patients with anxiety and depression than the other groups. Among patients with temporary stomas, similar findings were found. No differences were found in either anxiety or depression among patients with permanent stomas. Stoma quality-of-life scores were significantly higher in the prehabilitation group ( p < 0.001). Among patients with temporary stomas, similar findings were found. There was no difference among those with permanent stoma. LIMITATIONS: This was a single-center study of heterogeneous groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prehabilitation facilitates stoma self-care, decreases predisposition to anxiety and depression and improves quality of life in patients with stomas. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B918 . CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04692610. EFECTO DE LA PREHABILITACIN EN EL AUTOCUIDADO, LA ANSIEDAD, LA DEPRESIN Y LA CALIDAD DE VIDA EN PACIENTES OSTOMIZADOS ENSAYO CONTROLADO ALEATORIO: ANTECEDENTES:Una estoma intestinal ejerce serios efectos psicosociales en los pacientes. La prehabilitación tiene el potencial de superar estos problemas.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tiene como objetivo medir los efectos de la prehabilitación en el autocuidado de la estoma, la calidad de vida, la ansiedad y los niveles de depresión.DISEÑO:Este estudio fue un ensayo aleatorio controlado ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04692610).AJUSTE:Los pacientes fueron distribuidos en 3 grupos según su manejo enterostomal: grupos A (marcación preoperatoria de la estoma, educación posoperatoria), B (marcación preoperatoria y educación preoperatoria y posoperatoria) y C (el grupo de pre habilitación con marcación preoperatoria y educación preoperatoria con introducción del paciente al aparato ostomal de manera preoperatoria y educación posoperatoria). Para la evaluación se utilizaron el formulario de seguimiento del cuidado de la estoma, la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión y un cuestionario específico de la estoma sobre la calidad de vida.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes que fueron sometidos a cirugía colorrectal y derivación fecal en la Universidad de Ankara entre 2011 y 2016.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El resultado principal fue el efecto de la prehabilitación de la estoma sobre la capacidad de autocuidado.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron en este estudio 240 pacientes. Autocuidado de la estoma: Veinticuatro (31,2%), 51 (78,5%), y 72 (94,7%) pacientes de los grupos A, B, y C, respectivamente, pudieron realizar el cuidado de la estoma de forma independiente ( p < 0,001). En el análisis de subgrupos, entre los pacientes con ostomía temporal, los pacientes del grupo de prehabilitación también fueron mejores que los pacientes de los grupos B y C ( p < 0,001); sin embargo, no hubo una relación similar entre los pacientes con ostomía permanente. HADS: El grupo de prehabilitación tuvo menos pacientes con ansiedad y depresión con respecto a los demás grupos. Entre los pacientes con estomas temporales, el grupo de prehabilitación también tuvo menos pacientes con ansiedad y depresión. No hubo diferencias con la ansiedad o depresión entre los pacientes con estomas permanentes. Estoma-QoL (calidad de vida): Las puntuaciones de QoL (calidad de vida) fueron significativamente más altas en el grupo de prehabilitación ( p < 0,001). Entre los pacientes con estoma temporal, el grupo de prehabilitación fue significativamente mejor que los otros grupos ( p < 0,001). No hubo diferencias entre los portadores de estoma permanente.LIMITACIONES:Este fue un estudio de un solo centro y grupos heterogéneos.CONCLUSIÓNES:La prehabilitación facilita el autocuidado de la estoma, disminuye la predisposición a la ansiedad y la depresión y mejora la calidad de vida de los pacientes con ostomía. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B918 . (Traducción-Dr. Osvaldo Gauto )Registro de ensayos clínicos:ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04692610.

Spray drying encapsulation of essential oils; process efficiency, formulation strategies, and applications.

Essential oils (EOs) have many beneficial qualities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, and antifungal activities, along with good aroma, which have played a significant role in pharmaceutical, textile, and food industries. However, their high volatility and sensibility to external factors, as well as susceptibility to deterioration caused by environmental and storage conditions, or even common processing, and consequently limited water solubility, makes it difficult to incorporate them into aqueous food matrices and limits their industrial application. Spray-drying encapsulation has been proposed as a solution and a challenging research field to retard oil oxidation, extend EO's shelf life, improve their physicochemical stability, achieve controlled release, suggest novel uses, and therefore boost their added value. The objective of this review is to discuss various used wall materials, infeed emulsion properties, the main formulation and process variables affecting the physicochemical properties and release characteristics of the EOs-loaded particles obtained by spray-drying, the stability of EOs during storage, and the applications of encapsulated EOs powders in foods and nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and textile industries. The current review also summarizes recent advances in spray drying approaches for improving encapsulation efficiency, flavor retention, controlled release, and applicability of encapsulated EOs, thereby expanding their use and functionalities.

DO THE CHANGES OF SCAPULOTHORACIC ANGLE AFFECT WINGED SCAPULA DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTIONAL SCORES DURING CLAVICLE FRACTURE TREATMENT?

Introduction: To compare surgical and conservative management of midshaft clavicle fractures according with scapulothoracic joint angle change, considering clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes. Methods: A total of 95 midshaft clavicle fracture patients aged between 18-70 years with a minimum follow-up duration of 12 months were included in this study. Patients were treated either conservatively (Group I) or surgically (Group 2). Plane deformities, scapulothoracic joint angle, shortness and isokinetic muscle strength were measured. Shoulder Pain, Disability Index (SPADI) and Short Form-36 (SF36) were assessed. Results: Scapulothoracic joint angles were higher in the conservative treatment group than in surgery group (p=0.036). Consequently, winged scapula was seen more commonly in the conservative treatment group than in the surgery group (p=0.001). Surgical treatment was associated with significantly better SF-36 physical scores and with SPADI pain and disability scores. However, the two groups did not differ in terms of isokinetic muscle strength. Negative anteroposterior plane deformity (p<0.001) and negative axial plane deformity (p=0.004) were more frequent in the conservative treatment group. Clavicle shortness was more common in the conservative treatment group. Conclusion: According to our findings scapulothoracic joint angle changes were seen in the conservative treatment group more than in the surgery group. Consequently, winged scapula was seen more commonly in the conservative treatment group than in the surgery group (p=0.001). Level of Evidence III; Retrospective comparative study .

Introdução: Comparar o manejo cirúrgico e conservador das fraturas da diáfise da clavícula conforme alteração do ângulo escapulotorácico, considerando resultados clínicos, funcionais e radiológicos. Métodos: Um total de 95 pacientes com fratura do terço médio da clavícula com idade entre 18-70 anos, com um tempo mínimo de seguimento de 12 meses, foram incluídos neste estudo. Os pacientes foram tratados conservadoramente (Grupo I) ou cirurgicamente (Grupo 2). Deformidades planas, ângulo escapulotorácico, encurtamento e força muscular isocinética foram medidos. O Índice de Dor e Incapacidade do Ombro (SPADI) e a Short Form-36 (SF36) foram avaliados. Resultados: Os ângulos da articulação escapulotorácica foram maiores no grupo de tratamento conservador do que no grupo de cirurgia (p=0,036). Consequentemente, a escápula alada foi vista mais comumente no grupo de tratamento conservador do que no grupo de cirurgia (p=0,001). O tratamento cirúrgico foi associado a escores físicos SF-36 significativamente melhores e escores SPADI de dor e incapacidade. No entanto, os dois grupos não diferiram em termos de força muscular isocinética. A deformidade no plano anteroposterior negativo (p<0,001) e a deformidade no plano axial negativo (p=0,004) foram mais frequentes no grupo de tratamento conservador. O encurtamento da clavícula foi mais comum no grupo de tratamento conservador. Conclusão: De acordo com nossos achados, as alterações do ângulo escapulotorácico foram mais observadas no grupo de tratamento conservador do que no grupo de cirurgia. Consequentemente, a escápula alada foi vista mais comumente no grupo de tratamento conservador do que no grupo de cirurgia (p=0,001). Nível de Evidência III; Estudo comparativo retrospectivo .

The Impact of Patient Deaths on General Surgeons' Psychosocial Well-Being and Surgical Practices.

Background: Patient deaths are an unavoidable occurrence in surgical practice. Although these events have negative effects on patients and their families, they can also have a profound adverse impact on surgeons who are unprepared for these deep emotional experiences. This study aims to investigate the impact of patient deaths on general surgeons' psychosocial well-being and surgical practices. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey of a 30-item questionnaire was conducted. The survey evaluated the surgeons' demographics, professional and practice characteristics, and the impact of patient deaths on their emotional well-being, professional career, and social life. Results: Four hundred eighty participants completed the survey. One-third of the participants reported that patient deaths affected their emotional well-being, 23.3% reported that patient deaths affected their social life, and 34.2% reported that patient deaths affected their professional career. Surgeons who reported suffering from the emotional impact of death exhibited no differences in terms of place of practice, academic title, surgical experience, work hours, or annual surgical volume. Middle-aged surgeons (p = 0.004), females (p = 0.041), and surgeons who reported feeling burned out (p < 0.001) were more likely to be affected by patient loss. Feelings of sadness, worry, and stress were most reported. A total of 18.1% of the participants indicated that they considered taking a break after patient death, and 11.9% thought they would abandon their surgical career. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that patient death affects surgeons' psychosocial well-being and surgical practices. Greater awareness and effort are required at the personal, institutional, and organizational level to provide effective support, helping surgeons to cope with the emotional burden of patient deaths.

Second look hysteroscopy following hysteroscopic septum resection improves reproductive outcomes in patients undergoing ICSI.

The aim of this study was to compare the reproductive outcomes between infertile women who underwent hysteroscopic uterine septum resection and those who required a second look hysteroscopy due to residual septum prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles with selective single 'Grade A' embryo transfer (ET). All second look hysteroscopies were performed due to partial remnant septum in a control three dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography (3D TVUSG) after the first hysteroscopic resection. Miscarriage and biochemical pregnancy rates were not different between the groups while clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1. Second look hysteroscopic metroplasty performed to restore remnant septum significantly improves live birth rate as well as clinical pregnancy rates while it appears not to alleviate abortion and biochemical pregnancy rates in women undergoing ICSI-ET.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? The effect of hysteroscopic septum resection on reproductive outcomes in IVF treatment in infertile patients with uterine septum is not clearly known.What do the results of this study add? With the selective single ET strategy, complete or partial hysteroscopic correction of the uterine septum before ICSI and subsequent resection of the residual septum with control hysteroscopy significantly increases the live birth rates in the infertile population.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In the group of infertile patients with uterine septum, second control hysteroscopy should be performed 1 month later for residual septum or adhesions after hysteroscopic septum resection performed once.

Cancer among syrian refugees living in Konya Province, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: With more than 3.6 million Syrian refugees Turkey hosts the world's largest number of Syrians. Considering the morbidity, mortality, and healthcare spending, cancer is one of the leading health and economic burden for patients and healthcare systems. However, very limited information available in the scientific literature to understand the burden and characteristics of cancer in countries hosting Syrian refugees. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment outcome of Syrian cancer patients living in Konya, Turkey. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of Syrian cancer patients at three major institutions from 2005 to 2020. The information regarding demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were identified. The number of days between the first symptom and diagnosis was considered as the "diagnostic interval". Patients who failed to attend clinics within four weeks of appointment were assumed abandoned treatment. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: We identified 230 adult and 38 children refugee diagnosed with cancer during the study period. With regards to adult patients, there were 114 (49.6%) male and 116 (50.4%) female. The median age at diagnosis was 52.4, 47.3 years for male, female respectively. The five most common cancer by site among all were; breast (24.8%), colorectal (10.9%), lung (7.4%), central nervous system (CNS) (7.0%), and stomach (5.2%). 93 (40.4%) had metastatic disease at diagnosis. The overall survival probability was 37.5% at five years for the adult population. Data were extracted for 20 boys and 18 girls with childhood cancer. Their median age at diagnosis was 5.8 and 6.0 years respectively. The three most common childhood cancer were; leukemias (21.1%), lymphomas (21.1%), and CNS (13.2%). Excluding leukemia, 13 (43.3%) of childhood cancer cases had the advanced disease at diagnosis. Three year survival probality was 69.5%. The median diagnostic interval for adult and childhood cancer was 96.5 (IQR = 53-165) and 23 (IQR = 13.5-59) days respectively. Twenty-one adults and four children had treatment abandonment. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to understanding the burden of cancer among Syrian refugees living in Konya, growing health issue for refugees. Larger and prospective studies will help to measure the real burden and compare the difference in cancer risk factors, care, and outcomes among the refugee and host populations.

Nesfatin-1 treatment preserves antioxidant status and attenuates renal fibrosis in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Nesfatin-1 (NES-1), an anorexigenic peptide, was reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic actions in several inflammation models. METHODS: To elucidate potential renoprotective effects of NES-1, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by ligating left ureters. The rats were injected intraperitoneally with either saline (SL) or NES-1 (10 µg/kg/day) for 7 or 14 days (n = 8 in each group). On the 7th or 14th day, obstructed kidneys were removed for the isolation of leucocytes for flow-cytometric analysis and the assessments of biochemical and histopathological changes. RESULTS: Opposite to glutathione levels, renal myeloperoxidase activity in the SL-treated UUO group was significantly increased compared with the sham-operated group, while NES-1 treatment abolished the elevation. The percentages of CD8+/CD4+ T-lymphocytes infiltrating the obstructed kidneys were increased in the SL-treated groups but treatment with NES-1 did not prevent lymphocyte infiltration. Elevated tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in SL-treated UUO group were decreased with NES-1. Although total degeneration scores were similarly increased in all UUO groups, tubular dilatation scores were significantly increased in UUO groups and lowered by NES-1 only in the 7-day treated group. Elevated interstitial fibrosis scores in the SL-treated groups were decreased in both 7- and 14-day NES-1 treated groups, while alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and apoptosis scores were depressed in both NES-1 treated groups. CONCLUSION: The present data demonstrate that UUO-induced renal fibrosis is ameliorated by NES-1, which appears to involve the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration and thereby amelioration of oxidative stress and inflammation. These data suggest that NES-1 may have a regulatory role in protecting the kidneys against obstruction-induced renal injury.

Prognostic nutritional index is a predictor of mortality in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease.

PURPOSE: Prognostic nutritional index (PNI), a composite indicator of inflammation and nutritional status, has recently been recognized as an independent prognostic marker for chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to investigate PNI and its relationship with mortality in elderly patients with CKD. METHODS: Three hundred and fifty-nine patients over the age of 80 years with stage 3-4 CKD were enrolled in this retrospective study. PNI was used to assess the nutritional status of the patients. Patients were divided into two different groups as deceased and survived and as low PNI (< 39) and high PNI (≥ 39) according to median value of PNI. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 85.7 ± 3.7 years. One hundred and ninety-five (54.3%) patients died during follow-up. Multivariate analysis revealed that male gender, PNI, proteinuria, and diabetes mellitus (DM) were independent predictors of mortality in elderly patients with CKD. When patients with low PNI were compared to those with high PNI, initiation of dialysis and mortality rate were significantly higher whereas albumin, hemoglobin and lymphocyte count were lower. Pearson correlation analysis showed that PNI was significantly correlated with albumin (r = 1.000, p < 0.001), hemoglobin (r = 0.340, p < 0.001) and eGFR (r = 0.123, p = 0.020). Hemoglobin was an independent predictor of PNI in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In this study, we observed that PNI was significantly associated with mortality over the age of 80 years in patients with CKD and can be used to monitor nutritional status in this patient population.

Comparison of amylase and lipase levels of patients with Type 2 diabetes under different treatment modalities.

Aim: Study aims to assess amylase, lipase of patients with Type 2 diabetes under different types of treatments. Materials & methods: Patients' treatment modalities including insulin, metformin, pioglitazone, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, insulin secretagogues, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists were compared. Results: There was no difference in amylase and lipase levels between dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor users and non-users (p = 0.2, p = 0.3, respectively) and glucagon like peptide-1 analog users and non-users (p = 0.1, p = 0.7, respectively). Patients who use insulin secretagogues had significantly higher amylase, lipase (77.2 ± 39.8 vs 69.5 ± 33.0, p = 0.038 and 47.2 ± 33.2 vs 39.6 ± 26.8, p = 0.01, respectively) and patients on basal insulin had lower amylase levels (69.9 ± 37.7 vs 77.2 ± 33.7, p = 0.014). Conclusion: Incretin-based therapies showed no difference in amylase and lipase levels whereas there was increase with secretagogues and decrease with basal insulin.

Do the changes of scapulothoracic angle affect winged scapula development and functional scores during clavicle fracture treatment? / As alterações do ângulo escapulotorácico afetam o desenvolvimento de escápula alada e escores funcionais durante o tratamento de fratura de clavícula?

ABSTRACT Introduction: To compare surgical and conservative management of midshaft clavicle fractures according with scapulothoracic joint angle change, considering clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes. Methods: A total of 95 midshaft clavicle fracture patients aged between 18-70 years with a minimum follow-up duration of 12 months were included in this study. Patients were treated either conservatively (Group I) or surgically (Group 2). Plane deformities, scapulothoracic joint angle, shortness and isokinetic muscle strength were measured. Shoulder Pain, Disability Index (SPADI) and Short Form-36 (SF36) were assessed. Results: Scapulothoracic joint angles were higher in the conservative treatment group than in surgery group (p=0.036). Consequently, winged scapula was seen more commonly in the conservative treatment group than in the surgery group (p=0.001). Surgical treatment was associated with significantly better SF-36 physical scores and with SPADI pain and disability scores. However, the two groups did not differ in terms of isokinetic muscle strength. Negative anteroposterior plane deformity (p<0.001) and negative axial plane deformity (p=0.004) were more frequent in the conservative treatment group. Clavicle shortness was more common in the conservative treatment group. Conclusion: According to our findings scapulothoracic joint angle changes were seen in the conservative treatment group more than in the surgery group. Consequently, winged scapula was seen more commonly in the conservative treatment group than in the surgery group (p=0.001). Level of Evidence III; Retrospective comparative study .

RESUMO Introdução: Comparar o manejo cirúrgico e conservador das fraturas da diáfise da clavícula conforme alteração do ângulo escapulotorácico, considerando resultados clínicos, funcionais e radiológicos. Métodos: Um total de 95 pacientes com fratura do terço médio da clavícula com idade entre 18-70 anos, com um tempo mínimo de seguimento de 12 meses, foram incluídos neste estudo. Os pacientes foram tratados conservadoramente (Grupo I) ou cirurgicamente (Grupo 2). Deformidades planas, ângulo escapulotorácico, encurtamento e força muscular isocinética foram medidos. O Índice de Dor e Incapacidade do Ombro (SPADI) e a Short Form-36 (SF36) foram avaliados. Resultados: Os ângulos da articulação escapulotorácica foram maiores no grupo de tratamento conservador do que no grupo de cirurgia (p=0,036). Consequentemente, a escápula alada foi vista mais comumente no grupo de tratamento conservador do que no grupo de cirurgia (p=0,001). O tratamento cirúrgico foi associado a escores físicos SF-36 significativamente melhores e escores SPADI de dor e incapacidade. No entanto, os dois grupos não diferiram em termos de força muscular isocinética. A deformidade no plano anteroposterior negativo (p<0,001) e a deformidade no plano axial negativo (p=0,004) foram mais frequentes no grupo de tratamento conservador. O encurtamento da clavícula foi mais comum no grupo de tratamento conservador. Conclusão: De acordo com nossos achados, as alterações do ângulo escapulotorácico foram mais observadas no grupo de tratamento conservador do que no grupo de cirurgia. Consequentemente, a escápula alada foi vista mais comumente no grupo de tratamento conservador do que no grupo de cirurgia (p=0,001). Nível de Evidência III; Estudo comparativo retrospectivo .

Platelet-rich plasma treatment improves postoperative recovery in patients with pilonidal sinus disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pilonidal sinus is a common health problem. The current study aimed to compare the impact of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with that of minimally invasive techniques in terms of pain reduction, return to daily activities, quality of life, and duration of wound healing after open excision and secondary closure. METHODS: Patients who were over 18 years old and had chronic PS disease between March 2018 and January 2019 were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups. Open surgery and moist dressings were applied to patients in group A. Open surgery followed by PRP application was performed on patients in group B. Group C underwent curettage of the sinus cavity followed by application of PRP. In this prospective randomized controlled study, patients completed questionnaires (including the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Short Form-36 (SF-36) and clinical information) before and after surgery. Demographics, preoperative characteristics, healing parameters, and quality-of-life scores were evaluated and calculated before and after surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The cavity volume and wound-healing time were compared among the groups on postoperative days 0, 2, 3, 4, and 21. Each patient was followed up throughout the process of wound healing, and follow-up was continued afterward to monitor the patients for recurrence. Due to the nature of the treatment that group C received, this group achieved shorter healing times and smaller cavity volume than the other groups. In contrast, the recovery time per unit of cavity volume was significantly faster in group B than in the other groups. Overall postoperative pain scores were significantly lower for both PRP groups (open surgery, group B; minimally invasive surgery, group C) than for group A (p < 0.001) and showed different time courses among the groups. In the treatment of PS disease, PRP application improves postoperative recovery in that it speeds patients' return to daily activities, reduces their pain scores and increases their quality of life. Trial registration The current study is registered on the public website ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier number: NCT04697082; date: 05/01/2021).