Evaluation of the relationship between nasal septal deviation and development of facial asymmetry with anthropometric measurements depending on age.

AIM: It was aimed to determine the change of facial asymmetry resulting from nasal septal deviation (SD) depending on age, gender, degree of deviation and the affected area besides the effect of SD on somatotype and craniofacial morphology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 171 volunteers (90 males, 81 females), 27 individuals aged 9-13, 44 individuals aged 14-18, 44 individuals aged 19-23 and 56 individuals in control group participated in the study conducted in otorhinolaryngology polyclinic.11 photometric, 16 anthropometric measurements were taken from the participants. RESULTS: SD affects facial asymmetry formation, although not statistically significant compared to healthy individuals asymmetry rates (p˃0.05). It was determined that the degree of SD affected asymmetry only between the ages of 14-18 (in adolescence) and the development of asymmetry in all SD patients was not statistically dependent on age and gender (p˃0.05). Photometric measurements demonstrated asymmetries in horizontally-extending parameters of 1/3 middle part of face. There was no statistically significant difference in the cranial anthropometric measurements of the upper and lower 1/3 of the face compared to the control group (p˃0.05). The order of the most asymmetrical parameters is Alare-Zygion, Alare-Subnasale, Cheilion-Gonion, Exocanthion-Cheilion, Midsagittal plane-Zygion, Zygion-Cheilion, Zygion-Gonion, Subalare-Cheilion, Glabella-Exocanthion. In all participants were determined that endomorph somatotype was dominant in female and mesomorph somatotype was dominant in male besides SD did not affect somatotype and somatotype did not alter with age. CONCLUSION: The development of facial asymmetry due to SD is not affected by age and gender furthermore SD does not affect craniofacial asymmetry and somatotype.

Comparison of the effects of conventional physiotherapy and proprioception exercises on pain and ankle proprioception in patients with lumbar radiculopathy.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar radiculopathy is characterized by a significant amount of backache causing loss of workforce and is a significant health problem frequently seen in the general population. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of conventional physiotherapy (CT) and proprioception exercises (PE) on ankle proprioception and lumbar pain between patients with lumbar radiculopathy and a healthy control group. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 89 patients referred to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic were selected through convenience sampling. They were randomly assigned to three groups: CT (n= 27), PE (n= 31), CT&PE (n= 31). Thirty healthy volunteers were included in the study as the control group. Proprioception measurements were made with an isokinetic dynamometer at 10∘ dorsiflexion (DF), 11∘, and 25∘ plantarflexion (PF) angles. Lumbar pain was assessed by using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The data were analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics version 22.0 via the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of ankle proprioception and NPRS measurements in post-treatment evaluations (p< 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between CT and PE groups and CT&PE and control groups. There was no statistically significant difference in comparing CT and PE groups and CT&PE and control groups within themselves (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined use of CT and PE is an effective method that can be used in the clinic to reduce angular differences in ankle proprioception which is one of the primary factors of balance and coordination and lumbar pain.

Could ferritin, vitamin B12, and vitamin D play a role in the etiopathogenesis of fibromyalgia syndrome?

Introduction. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) comprises general body pain, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Vitamin B12 (VB), vitamin D (VD), and iron deficiencies lead to similar complaints. First, this study aimed to evaluate the VB, VD, and ferritin levels of patients with FS. Second, it aimed to investigate whether there was a relationship between these parameters and FS severity. Material and methods. The study included 58 female patients with FS and 58 healthy females as a control group. The patients completed the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), fatigue questionnaire, Pittsburgh sleep quality scale, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). This study examined the VD, VB, and ferritin levels of the patient and control groups. Results. The VB (240.0 [110.0-394.0] vs 291.0 [210.0-609.0] pg/ml, p<0.001), VD (12.5 [3.0-45.0] vs 20.0 [5.0-54.0] ng/ml, p=0.013), and ferritin levels (21.2 [4.0-86.0] vs 32.0 [7.1-120.0], ng/ml, p=0.009) of the FS patients were determined to be significantly lower than those of the control group. A negative correlation was determined between the number of tender points and VB, VD, and ferritin levels. In the regression analysis, we found low ferritin levels (odds ratio [OR] 1.036, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.015-1.058, p<0.001) and VB (OR 1.010, CI 1.002-1.018, p=0.010) to be an independent risk factor for FS. Conclusions. There may be a relationship between VB, VD, and ferritin levels and the number of tender points in patients with FS. Levels of iron and VB may play a vital role in FS etiopathogenesis. However, VD levels may not be a risk factor for FS etiopathogenesis.

Alteration of Thiol-Disulfide Homeostasis in Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is an extra-articular rheumatological disease, characterized by widespread pain and somatic symptoms. The etiology has not yet been clarified. Oxidative stress may play an important role in FMS etiology. Thiol group is a very strong antioxidant. We aimed to investigate whether thiol/disulfide homeostasis in FMS is altered or not. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 80 female FMS patients and 64 healthy female control individuals were included in this study. Thiol and disulfide values were measured by Erel's novel methods. RESULTS: Native thiol (330.6 ± 46.1 vs. 356.8 ± 55.5 µmol/L, p = 0.005) and native thiol/total thiol (89.4 ± 3.2 vs. 93.3 ± 4.0, p < 0.001) levels of FMS patients were significantly lower when compared to the values of control group. However, disulfide (19.4 ± 6.3 vs. 12.2 ± 6.3 µmol/L, p < 0.001) levels of FMS patients were significantly higher than healthy individuals. A negative correlation was found between the native thiol/total thiol and fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) score among the FMS patients. A positive correlation was found between disulfide values and FIQ score among the patients. CONCLUSIONS: In FMS patients, there was a significant correlation between the decrease in the thiol levels and an increase in the disulfide levels with the FIQ scores. We determined that thiol-disulfide rate was deteriorated in FMS patients and it increases in favor of disulfide amounts.

Evaluation of serum thiol/disulfide homeostasis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis by a novel method.

OBJECTIVE: Increased reactive oxygen species may play an important role in Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) etiopathogenesis. The thiol group is a very potent antioxidant. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of oxidative stress in patients with AS by evaluating thiol/disulfide homeostasis. METHODS: In this study, a total of 66 AS patients (27 male, 39 female) and 66 healthy controls (21 male, 45 female) were enrolled. Recently, a novel method for the thiol measurement was found. Thiol and disulfide values were measured by the novel methods. RESULTS: Native thiol (NT) (p<0.001) and native thiol/total thiol (NTT) (p<0.001) levels of AS patients were significantly lower compared to the values of the healthy group. However, disulfide (p<0.001), disulfide/native thiol (DNT) (p<0.001) and disulfide/total thiol (DTT) levels of AS patients were a strongly higher control group. A negative correlation was found between BASFI and NTT. Also, a negative correlation was found between BASDAI and NT, NTT levels. A positive correlation was found between BASFI and disulfide, DNT and DTT levels. A positive correlation was found between BASDAI and disulfide, DNT and DTT levels. CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that thiol-disulfide homeostasis deteriorated in patients with AS in favor of disulfide amounts. Thiol-disulfide homeostasis can play roles in the etiology and severity of AS.

Thiol/Disulfide homeostasis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress may play an important role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) etiopathogenesis. The thiol group is a very strong antioxidant. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of oxidative stress in patients with RA by evaluating thiol/disulfide homeostasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 50 female RA patients and 50 healthy female controls were included in this study. Thiol and disulfide values were calculated utilizing novel methods. RESULTS: Native thiol (p < 0.001) and total thiol (p < 0.001) levels of RA patients were significantly lower compared to values in the control group. However, the disulfide (p < 0.001) levels of RA patients were strongly higher than in healthy individuals. A negative correlation was found between thiol and disease activity score-28 among the patients, whereas a positive correlation was found between disulfide and disease activity score-28 among the patients. CONCLUSION: We found that the thiol-disulfide rate deteriorated in RA patients, with the proportion of disulfide increasing. There is a strong correlation between the decrease in thiol levels, increase in disulfide levels and the disease activity scores.

Atherogenic index of plasma: a useful marker for subclinical atherosclerosis in ankylosing spondylitis : AIP associate with cIMT in AS.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACD). The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), which is the logarithmic transformation of the plasma triglyceride (TG) level to the high-density lipoprotein level (HDL) ratio, has been suggested to be a novel marker in the identification of atherosclerosis risk. Therefore, this study aims to determine if the AIP can act as an accurate marker for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis. Fifty-two male patients with AS and 52 age-, gender-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy control subjects were included in the study. For each patient, AIP and total cholesterol (TC)/HDL values were calculated and carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured. The mean (SD) cIMT and median (range) AIP values for AS patients were higher than that of the healthy control subjects (0.60 ± 0.18 vs. 0.51 ± 0.10, p = 0.003 and 0.23 [- 0.32 to 0.85] vs. 0.09 [- 0.53 to 0.49], p = 0.007, respectively). A positive correlation was found between the patients' cIMT and AIP values (r = 0.307, p = 0.002) and TC/HDL values (r = 0.241, p = 0.014). Regression analysis revealed an independent association between the subclinical atherosclerosis and AIP (beta [ß] = 0.309, p = 0.002). There were no independent correlations between subclinical atherosclerosis and TC (ß = 0.245, p = 0.065), TG (ß = 0.185, p = 0.515), HDL (ß = 0.198, p = 0.231), TC/HDL (ß = 0.032, p = 0.862), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (ß = 0.151, p = 0.246). A strong and independent correlation exists between AIP and cIMT values. Therefore, the AIP could serve as a better marker than the TC/HDL ratio for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in AS patients.

Plasma Atherogenic Index is an Independent Indicator of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by chronic inflammation. Plasma atherogenic index (PAI) is a valuable marker for the cardiovascular disease and cardiac risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and clinical use of PAI in atherosclerosis and the cardiac risk in SLE patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 56 female SLE patients who were selected according to the American College of Rheumatology (1997) diagnosis criteria. Furthermore, we selected age-and body mass index (BMI)-matched 56 female healthy individuals. PAI was measured as a logarithmic value of triglyceride to high-density cholesterol ratio. We used carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) as an inflammatory marker because of its widespread use. The lipid and other biochemical parameters of patient and control groups were examined. RESULTS: The PAI and cIMT values of SLE patients were 0.04±0.23 and 0.78±0.18 mm, respectively. Besides, for the control group, the PAI value was -0.09±0.20 and cIMT value was 0.50±0.15 mm (p=0.002, p<0.001; respectively). There was a strong correlation between cIMT and PAI (r=0.273, p=0.003). According to the multiple logistic regression analysis, we found that PAI value is an independent factor for cIMT in SLE patients (odds ratio: 2.6, 95 % confidence interval; 1.506-4.374; p=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: We determined that PAI can be used as an independent indicator for subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE patients.

The Relationship Between Atherogenic Index and Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis in Familial Mediterranean Fever.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a logarithmic value of the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and it is a good marker for atherosclerotic heart disease and cardiac risk. In this study, we investigated subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiac risks in patients with FMF. Patients with FMF (78 men and 84 women) and healthy controls (74 men and 82 women) were included in this study. The AIP values of the patients were calculated and carotid intima-media thicknesses (cIMTs) were measured. The cIMT ( P < .001) and AIP ( P < .001) values of patients with FMF were higher than the values of the control group. There was a positive correlation between cIMT and AIP values ( r = .304, P < .001). In regression analysis, we detected an independent relationship between cIMT and AIP (ß = .248, P = .001). Atherogenic index of plasma may be highly correlated with the subclinical atherosclerosis. Particularly, male patients with FMF may have a high cardiac risk.

Low back pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: clinical characteristics and impact of low back pain on functional ability and health related quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the point prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); and to compare radiological and clinical aspects, as well as impact of LBP on health related quality of life (QoL), depression and disability in control patients with mechanical LBP (mLBP). METHODS: Patients with RA and patients with mLBP of at least 3 months duration were consecutively recruited. All patients were examined and underwent lumbar X-ray and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Disc intensity, annulus fibrosis rupture, herniated nucleus pulposus (bulging, protrusion, extrusion or sequestration), stenosis, Schmorl nodes, hemangiomas, Tarlov cysts, Type I or II degeneration, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and loss of lordosis were assessed on MR. Assessments included QoL and disability scales like RAQoL, Short Form-36, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and depression and anxiety scales as well. RESULTS: Chronic LBP coexisted in 64.5% of patients with RA. Patients with LBP had higher scores on VAS-LBP compared to patients with RA+LBP. Additionally, patients with RA+LBP had the poorest scores on quality of life, functional disability and depression. Patients with mLBP had more frequent clinical manifestations and neurologic deficits. Patients with RA+LBP had more frequent Schmorl nodes compared to patients with mLBP. CONCLUSION: The association of RA with LBP leads to a significant decrease in the functional capacity and QoL as well as increase in depression risk. Appropriate diagnostic procedures and treatments should be administered to avoid further deterioration in functional disability and QoL.