An Evaluation of Difficulty in Emotion Regulation, Impulsivity, and Emotional Eating in Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate difficulties in emotion regulation, emotional eating, and impulsivity in children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 53 children who were diagnosed with T1DM, and a control group of 50 subjects. The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-age Children-Present and Lifetime Version, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale- Short Form (DERS-16), Emotional Eating Scale-Child and Adolescent Form (EES-C), and the Barratt Impulsivity Scale 11-Short Form (BIS-11) were administered to the participants. RESULTS: In the T1DM group, the disease duration was a mean of 52.7 ± 40.62 months, and only 17% had good metabolic control. The rate of psychiatric disorder determined was significantly higher in the T1DM group (P = .001). No significant difference was determined between the 2 groups in respect of the DERS-16, EES-C, and BIS-11 total and subscale scores. However, in multivariate linear regression, the increase in BIS-11 total score was affected by increasing DERS impulse (ß = 0.475), decreasing age (ß = -0.209), and presence of T1DM (ß = 0.211). An increase in the DERS-16 total score was associated with the presence of psychiatric disorder (ß = -0.258) and an increase in BIS-11-A (the second scale assesses concentration problems) (ß = 0.317) score. In the T1DM group, the glycated hemoglobin level was lower in the group with insulin treatment with the injection method (8.2 ± 2.1%) than in those with the pump method (9.1 ± 1.5%) (P = .069). CONCLUSION: It is important that mental health professionals take an active role in all processes of the disease in order to protect the mental health of children with T1DM. Cite this article as: Yildiz Miniksar D, Öz B, Kiliç M, et al. An evaluation of difficulty in emotion regulation, impulsivity, and emotional eating in children and adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Turk Arch Pediatr. 2024;59(1):78-86.

Examination of psycho-motor development of children who were 6-36 months in the COVID-19 stay-at-home period.

This study aims to examine the pandemic's effect on the psycho-motor development of children aged 6-36 months during the Covid 19 pandemic period and now aged 2-5 years. This study was cross-sectional and children (n = 150) aged 2-5 years were included in the study. Data were collected using the Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory (ADSI) in 2022. The proportion of children included in the study who have general development, language-cognitive, fine motor, gross motor, and social skill-self-care development levels at a delay-suspiciously were 25.4%, 18.0%, 58.7%, 22.0%, and 25.3%, respectively. Children's overall development and specific areas of development are more positively affected by the younger age of the child. Additionally, shorter pregnancies, earlier pregnancies, and father involvement in childcare all have positive effects on child development. During the pandemic period, the fact that older children stay at home has further negatively affected their development. Fine motor development was most negatively affected.

The Effects of Corrosion and Fire Damage on the Steel-Bolted T-Section Connections Used in the Steel Construction.

The most common type of connection in steel structures is the T-section connection. Steel structures can be damaged due to environmental effects such as earthquakes, fires, corrosion, etc., in real applications used in industry. Therefore, in this study, the corrosion and fire condition effects that occur in the T-section connection on the behavior of the connection zone were investigated. The study was carried out with 18 T-section connections with various corrosion (hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid) in different layers at 5, 10, 15, and 20% corrosion levels, and fire (ISO834) conditions after corrosion have been evaluated and compared. T-section-bolted joints examined in the study were produced using IPE300 standard profiles. In the first part of the study, the behavior of the 18 T-section connections under an axial tensile load has been determined experimentally. The second part created a finite element model with the ABAQUS program for all models. It was seen that the finite element model analysis results converged with the results obtained as a result of the experimental study. As a result, compared to H2SO4 corrosion, HCl corrosion has little effect on the load-deformation characteristics of the connections. Also, if corrosion specimens are exposed to fire, then the connections will change from semirigid to hinged.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with endoscopic sphincterotomy and biliary stenting in post-operative bile leaks.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), sphincterotomy, balloon biliary tract scanning, and plastic stenting in diagnosing and treating bile duct leakage after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and hydatid cyst surgery in this study. METHODS: The study evaluated patients who underwent ERCP, sphincterotomy, and stenting for post-operative bile leakage. The patients were grouped under 4 groups (cystic duct stump, sac bed, hydatid cyst, and choledochal) according to the bile leakage de-tected in the ERCP procedure. The success of the procedure after the ERCP was evaluated by drain extraction time, whether early complications such as bleeding, pancreatitis, and perforation developed due to the ERCP procedure and the presence of obstructive pathology in ERCP. RESULTS: Clinical improvement was observed in 65/73 (89%) patients who underwent successful ERCP procedures, and their drains could be removed. The mean drain removal time was 32.69±23.32 days. After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, bile leakage was most frequently from the cystic duct stump. There was no difference between the groups in procedural success rates. Drain removal time was shorter in the patient group with leakage from the cystic duct compared to the other three groups (P<0.05). After the ERCP procedure, 5/73 (6.9%) patients had minor ERCP complications, which improved with medical treatment. No major ERCP complication was observed. In addition, 25/73 patients (34.2%) had obstructive pathology such as biliary stone and hydatid membrane. CONCLUSION: In patients with biliary leak due to laparoscopic cholecystectomy and hydatid cyst surgery, ERCP, sphincterotomy, balloon scanning, and plastic stenting are both highly effective and reliable options. They should be considered as the first-choice treat-ment approach in this patient group.

Evaluation of combined effects of brief electrical stimulation and Schwann-like cells on sciatic nerve injury model.

Severe nerve injuries can be treated with electrical stimulation and stem cell therapies, but little is known about the potential benefits of combining these two treatments. In an effort to investigate this combination, we conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of electrical stimulation and Schwann-like cell transplantation in female Wistar albino rats. Our study consisted of five groups of rats: a sham group, an injury group, an electrical stimulation group, a Schwann-like cell group, and a combination group. The experimental groups received electrical stimulation, Schwann-like cell transplantation, or both. The animals sciatic function index was evaluated during a 6-week recovery period, and nerve conduction velocity, wet muscle mass, and nerve tissues were also analyzed. The results of the study showed that all experimental groups had a faster functional recovery compared to the injury group, although the difference between groups was not statistically significant. Both the combination group and the Schwann-like cell transplantation group had a higher nerve conduction velocity compared to the other experimental groups. However, there was no significant difference between the combination and Schwann-like cell transplantation groups. Nonetheless, histological analysis showed a better axonal reorganization in the combination group. The study provides preliminary evidence of the potential benefits of combining electrical stimulation and Schwann-like cell transplantation in treating severe nerve injuries. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings and optimize the treatment parameters.

The effect of the hospital working environment on the work limitation of the employees in Turkey: a multivariable analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of working environment and demographic variables on the level of work limitation in a university hospital. METHODS: The study is cross-sectional and was conducted in 2022 among employees of a university hospital. 254 people voluntarily participated in the study. Data were collected by applying the sociodemographic data form, the Work Limitation Questionnaire (WLQ), and the Work Environment Scale (WES). Institutional permission and ethical approval were obtained for the study. In the analysis of the data, t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression (LR) were used. RESULTS: The WLQ score average of hospital staff was low. According to LR analysis, the factors affecting the level of work limitation of hospital staff; worsening perception of health status, being a doctor, decreased income level, increased working time in the institution, and age reduction. It was determined that 32.8% of the change in the WLQ score was related to these factors. While in the univariate tests, the mean of work limitation was found to be significant by getting occupational health safety training, having health problems due to the work done, and taking leave due to work accidents, in the multivariable LR analysis, these factors were insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: As the working environment gets worse, the level of work limitation increases. It is recommended that hospital managers make the working environment better and safer, and make arrangements and programs to increase personnel satisfaction.

Serum vitamin D le Serum vitamin D levels are associated with acute post e associated with acute postoperative pain and opioid analgesic consumption after laparoscopic cholecystect cholecystectomy: a str omy: a strobe compliant pr obe compliant prospectiv ospective obser e observational ational study.

BACKGROUND: In this prospective observational study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of vitamin D and acute postoperative pain scores, as well as opioid analgesic consumption in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: : The study was performed in the Medical Faculty Hospital, from April 2020 to April 2021. Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, total tramadol consumption, number of requests on patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) were compared between the vitamin D deficient (≤20 ng/mL; n = 25) and vitamin D nondeficient (>20 ng/mL; n = 55) groups at five time points (T0: in the recovery room, T1: 1st hour in the ward, T2: 6th hour, T3: 12th hour, and T4: 24th hour). RESULTS: Postoperative VAS pain scores were similar in the vitamin D deficient group at all time points (T0-4), but differed significantly only at the T-0 time point (p = 0.020). The mean cumulative tramadol consumption was significantly higher in the vitamin D deficiency group than in the nondeficiency group (p = 0.005). Vitamin D levels were lower in patients with VAS ≥ 4 at the postoperative T-0 time point (p = 0.009). In the multivariate linear regression analysis, 15.7% of cumulative tramadol consumption was due to vitamin D deficiency (ß = -0.188). DISCUSSION: : Our study shows that preoperative low vitamin D level was associated with an increase in acute postoperative pain scores and consumption of opioid analgesics in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Our findings may be useful for postoperative pain management in patients with vitamin D deficiency.

Seasonal agricultural workers' personal well-being and preventive behaviors about Covid- 19 in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal agricultural workers working and living in inappropriate sanitary conditions are at great risk for public health. This study aimed to determine the relationships between the sociodemographic variables and life satisfaction of seasonal agricultural workers, and their knowledge, risk perception, and protective behaviors about the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, that included agricultural workers who are 18 years of age or older and worked seasonally in Yozgat, Turkey, during the period between August 2020 and October 2020. The well-being level was measured using the Personal Wellbeing Index-Adult form (PWIA). The data were collected using the face-to-face survey method and with 739 workers who voluntarily participated in the research. RESULTS: All participants disclosed having insufficient information about Covid-19 and indicated their peers and television as their sources of information. The vast majority of the workers stated that they complied with the mask mandates, social distancing, and hand hygiene. No correlations were found between knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about Covid-19 and the level of wellbeing. The mean PWIA score of the workers was low (53.7) while they were mostly satisfied with their personal relationships (96.6) and health (76.1). The multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that being male (ß = 0.245) and not having an ongoing health issue (ß = 0.689) were associated with more PWIA; on the other hand, having more children (ß = -0.52) was related to less PWIA. CONCLUSIONS: The well-being level of seasonal workers was lower while it was not associated with knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about Covid-19.

The Effect of Drug Use, Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure on Oxidative Stress Levels in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between clinical variables such as body mass index, blood pressure, drug use and oxidative stress level in children and adolescents with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured in the serum of 51 patients (38 male, 13 female) diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and 32 control subjects (12 male, 20 female). The Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Present and Lifetime Version was applied to all participants. Results: The mean TOS, OSI, MDA values were determined to be significantly higher (p < 0.001) and the mean SOD value was lower in the ADHD group (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis indicated significantly lower SOD and diastolic blood pressure values and significantly higher MDA in the ADHD group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Low SOD (sensitivity 90.2%, specificity 78.0%) and high MDA (sensitivity 86.3%, specificity 81.2%) were determined to be predictive parameters for diagnosing ADHD. In univariate analysis, the mean TOS, OSI and SOD values were higher in ADHD patients under medication, while the mean TAS was higher in patients not using medication (p < 0.01). Only TOS was significant in multivariate logistic regression analysis (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that impaired oxidative balance may play a role in the etiology of ADHD.

Evaluation of the Inferior Vena Cava Diameter in Dehydrated Children Using Bedside Ultrasonography.

Objective: Bedside ultrasonography (US) is a new imaging modality that has begun to be used in the Pediatric Emergency Unit to evaluate inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter for intravascular volume status. In this article, we aimed to evaluate IVC diameter with bedside US before and after the fluid therapy in dehydrated children. Methods: A total of 124 dehydrated patients were enrolled, aged 8 months to 17 years. The maximum diameters of the IVC and aorta (AO) were measured. IVC/AO ratio and IVC collapsibility index IVC-CI were calculated before and after the fluid therapy and correlation with the degree of dehydration and laboratory parameters was investigated. Results: Of the 124 patients, 49.2% (n = 61) were male, the mean age was 7.5 ± 4.94 years. The IVC/AOs ratio was increased in mild and moderate/severe groups after fluid therapy compared to before fluid administration. While the mean rate of heart rate, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and uric acid values were higher in the moderate/severe group, potassium and HCO3 were lower. There was no significant change in AO diameter and IVC-CI after fluid therapy in all groups. When the factors affecting the IVC/AOs ratio were analyzed with the logistic regression backward model; the IVC/AO ratio was found to increase as the degree of dehydration decreased (Adj.ß = -0.318) and as the age (Adj.ß = 0.242) and CRP (Adj.ß = 0.186) value increased. Conclusion: The IVC/AO ratio can be a promising index for the assessment and grading of dehydration in children, and cutoff values that vary according to age are necessary for a more objective assessment of dehydration.

Evaluation of suicide probability in children and adolescents with epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to examine suicide probability, factors affecting suicide, and personality traits of children and adolescents diagnosed with epilepsy, and to compare their results with those of children without epilepsy. METHODS: Fifty-six children diagnosed with epilepsy and 56 control children, aged 11-16 years, were evaluated by using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnostic criteria, the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Present and Lifetime Version, the Child Depression Inventory, the Suicide Probability Scale (SPS), and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 - Brief Form - Children (PID-5-BF) scales. Factors predicting suicide risk in children with epilepsy were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age, SPS total score, and hopelessness subscale score, PID-5-BF total score as well as disinhibition and psychoticism subscale scores of the epilepsy group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the Child Depression Inventory, and other subscales of the Suicide Probability Scales and PID-5-BF scales. The SPS total score was higher in patients with comorbid psychiatric diseases, those using psychiatric drugs, and girls (P < 0.05). An ANCOVA analysis indicated that the most important factor that predicted the probability of suicide and its subscale scores was the level of depression, and the presence of epilepsy was not predictive. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high probability of suicide and personality pathology in children with epilepsy but the main predictor of suicide probability was the level of depression, not the presence of epilepsy.

Relationship between sleep problems and chronotypes of children and adolescents with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder and serum GABA, glutamate and homocysteine levels.

In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between chronotype, sleep problems and serum levels of GABA (gamma amminobutyric acid), glutamate and homocysteine in children and adolescents diagnosed with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as factors affecting this relationship. Sleep problems of 46 children and adolescents aged 7-18 years diagnosed with ADHD and 30 healthy volunteers aged 7-18 years were evaluated with Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) while chronotypes were evaluated with Children's Chronotype Questionnaire (CCQ). Serum glutamate, GABA and homocysteine levels were measured using immunosorbent test (ELISA) kits. Sleep problems were significantly more common in the ADHD group compared to the control group (p < .001). Serum GABA, glutamate and homocysteine levels were found to be predictor biomarkers for ADHD, independent of total sleep problem score. When the homocysteine levels were above the cut-off point of 9.445 µmol/L, the sensitivity in early diagnosis of ADHD was 84.8% and the specificity was 70.0%. Although ADHD is a disorder in which sleep problems are common, increased serum GABA, glutamate and homocysteine are important in diagnosing ADHD independent of ADHD-related sleep problems. Homocysteine levels may be an important predictor for the presence of ADHD.

Relationship between suicide risk, and violence tendency and eating attitude in working and non-working adolescents: a comparative study.

Although adolescent suicide rates increase significantly, the suicide risk and associated factors in working adolescents is generally neglected. In the present study, it was aimed to determine suicide risk and related factors such as violence tendency and eating attitude in working and non-working adolescents. This case-control study was conducted with 325 adolescents (161 working adolescents, 164 non-working adolescents) between November 2018 and January 2019, in Turkey. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Suicide Probability Scale, Violence Tendency Scale and Eating Attitude Test. In the study, the suicide risk was significantly higher in working adolescents (80.79 ± 29.99) than in non-working adolescents (71.90 ± 26.46). Also, working adolescents were determined to be at more risk in terms of violence tendency, eating disorder and substance use than were non-working adolescents. According to linear regression analysis, sex, mother's attitude, presence of a physical or mental illness, alcohol use, violence tendency and eating attitude were statistically significant predictive factors of suicide risk in working adolescents. Researchers, healthcare professionals, educators and policymakers have important responsibilities to improve the mental health of working adolescents.

The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the school-based asthma and allergy screening questionnaires.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is an important public health disease affecting children that may result in school absenteeism and hospitalization. This study aims to assess the validity, reliability, and diagnostic accuracy of the Turkish version of the asthma and allergy screening questionnaire. METHODS: This study included primary and secondary school students from grades 2 to 7 and their parents or caregivers. For validity, 40 children with asthma and 39 children with allergies diagnosed by the questionnaire were used to determine the sensitivity. The specificity was calculated by using the data of 100 children without asthma and allergies. The study was completed with the participation of 704 students and parents. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess item reliability. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess validity. RESULTS: When the cutoff point of the questionnaire was 2/3 for asthma, the sensitivity was 80.0% and 82.5% and the specificity was 56.6% and 76.8% according to the student and parent form, respectively. When the cutoff point of the questionnaire was 0/1 for allergies, the sensitivity was 74.4% and 84.6% and the specificity was 66.3% and 54.2% according to the student (SQ) and parent questionnaire (PQ), respectively. The reliability of test-retest correlation values (≥0.68) of asthma and allergy questionnaires were found to be statistically significant. The internal consistency Cronbach's α values of the asthma SQ and PQ were 0.72 and 0.80, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: According to the Turkish questionnaire for students and their parents, the sensitivity of asthma and allergy questionnaires was similar in proportion to the original questionnaire. The Turkish version of the questionnaire can be used for asthma and allergy screening in schools.

The relationship of Covid-19 vaccine attitude with life satisfaction, religious attitude and Covid-19 avoidance in Turkey.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the attitudes toward the Covid-19 vaccine and life satisfaction, religious attitude, and the avoidance attitudes from Covid-19. This cross-sectional study was conducted online between 24 December 2020 and 06 January 2021 among adults age 18 years and older. Total 1033 people participated in the study. The data were collected using the Attitudes Toward Covid-19 Vaccine, Avoiding Attitudes from COVID-19, Religious Attitude Scale and Contentment with Life Assessment Scale. According to the "agree" and "strongly agree" responses of participants to the positive attitude items; the participants responded to the question "Who would you like to be vaccinated?" as follows: everyone (31.3%); family members (31.8%); and themselves (28.1%). The rates of those who responded to these items as "indecisive" were 44.5-48.2%. While there was no significant relationship between the COVID-19 vaccine attitude with the avoidance attitude from COVID-19 and the religious attitude; life satisfaction was found to be significant. It was observed that factors such as increasing fear of COVID-19 contagion, being male, increased life satisfaction, other relatives infected with Covid-19, increasing perceived health status, increased age, and not being a worker-tradesman increase the probability of having a positive attitude toward COVID-19 vaccine. It was observed that about one-third of the participants think the COVID-19 vaccine is protective and supports its administration, that almost half of them were undecided on these issues. Thus, it can be said that society needs accurate information about vaccination.

Acute effects of energy drink on hemodynamic and electrophysiologic parameters in habitual and non-habitual caffeine consumers.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The consumption of energy drinks has significantly increased in recent years but their adverse effects are yet to be identified. The objective of the study is to determine the acute effects of energy drink on habitual and non-habitual caffeine consumers and if caffeine consumption habit causes a difference in the hemodynamic and electrophysiological responses. METHODS: We carried out a non-randomized, non-placebo controlled, three-arm parallel assignment with 48 students enrolled at Aydin Adnan Menderes University. Four main groups were determined according to the results of the application acceptance survey. Blood pressure, electrocardiogram, breath rate, haemoglobin oxygen saturation and bioelectrical impedance analysis were measured before consuming the drinks. After consuming the drinks, measurements were repeated at 30 min and 60 min. In addition, Participant's Situation Anxiety Scale was recorded. RESULTS: Energy drink consumption led to a significant increase in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate for non-habitual caffeine consumers. PR interval and QRS complex were not affected significantly, however QTc interval reduced in time. Haemoglobin oxygen saturation and breathing rate did not change. Body fat percentage values of habitual energy drink consumers were smaller than the other groups. Body metabolism rate increased after energy drink consumption. There was no significant change for high-habitual caffeine consumers in all parameters evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Energy drink consumption has a negative effect on hemodynamic parameters. But as the habituation level increases the impact of energy drink on hemodynamic parameters tends to decrease. CLINICALTRIALS REGISTRATION: Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier No: NCT04223167.

Decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels may predict early perioperative neurocognitive disorder in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery: A prospective observational pilot study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the prognostic value of the change in intraoperative BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on early perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND). DESIGN: Prospective observational pilot study. SETTING: The study was performed in the Medical Faculty Hospital, from January 2020 to August 2020. PATIENTS: 45 adult patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) with CPB. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive function was evaluated 1 day before and 4 days after the surgery. Serum BDNF levels were measured at four time points (T1: after induction; T2: with aortic cross-clamp; T3: without aortic cross-clamp; T4: 4 days after surgery) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MAIN RESULTS: The incidence of PND was 37.8% four days after surgery. Serum BDNF (T2 and T4) levels were significantly lower in PND group compared to non- PND group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.016, respectively). Moreover, lactate, rSO2 (regional cerebral oxygen saturation), aortic cross-clamp time, CPB duration, and the amount of blood transfusion differed between the groups. Logistic regression analysis identified serum BDNF-T2, age, cross-clamp time, and rSO2-T2 as independent risk factors for PND. Based on the ROC analysis, the area under curve (AUC) of BDNF-T2 concentration for prediction of PND was 0.759 with sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 64.7% (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative BDNF serum levels may be a useful biomarker in predicting PND in patients undergoing CABG surgery. More comprehensive studies is needed in order to confirm the effect of decreasing intraoperative BDNF serum levels on the development of PND. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04250935 www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Comparison of the Effects of Electroacupuncture and Melatonin on Nerve Regeneration in Experimentally Nerve-Damaged Rats.

Background: Development of methods to accelerate nerve regeneration in peripheral nerve damage is important. Electroacupuncture is a new therapeutic method that combines traditional acupuncture with modern electrotherapy. Melatonin has been shown to reduce nerve damage. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine and compare the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture and melatonin on rat sciatic nerve injury. Methods: A total of 56 adult male Wistar Albino rats were divided into four study groups with 14 animals in each group: intact control (group I), subcutaneous saline (group II), subcutaneous melatonin (group III), and electroacupuncture (group IV). Surgical procedure including unilateral (right) sciatic nerve injury was applied to groups II, III, and IV. Saline and melatonin started immediately after surgery for six weeks, while electroacupuncture was given two weeks after surgery for 3 weeks. Functional and histological assessments were used as outcome measurements. Results: Sciatic nerve damage caused a significant decrease in nerve conduction velocity. Both electroacupuncture treatment and melatonin treatment significantly increased the nerve conduction velocity. Both sciatic functional recovery and histological regeneration were faster in these treatment groups compared to the saline. However, no significant difference was observed between the two treatment groups. Conclusion: Electroacupuncture and melatonin are promising alternative treatment strategies for peripheral nerve damage and can be examined in detail in future studies.