Is YouTube a Reliable and Quality Source on Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery? A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the quality and reliability of YouTube videos focusing on unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery, a novel technique for spinal decompression in degenerative spinal disease. METHODS: This cross-sectional study, conducted in February 2023, involved an online search on YouTube using the term "unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery". Video popularity was assessed using the Video Power Index. Video reliability and quality were measured using the Global Quality Scale, the Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria, and the modified DISCERN instrument. RESULTS: Ninety-three videos were included for evaluation. Uploader profiles were categorized by continent, with 61.3% from Asia, 35.5% from the United States, 2.2% from Africa, and 1.1% from Australia. When comparing 3 groups as South Korea, United States, and other countries, no significant differences were observed in the technical characteristics of the videos. However, the educational quality and reliability of the videos were higher in those uploaded from South Korea (P < 0.001).When the videos were divided into 2 groups according to their educational quality, significant difference were noted in video duration, loading time, video quality, and reliability (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The YouTube videos on unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery showed high quality and reliability. However, videos from South Korea were found to have higher educational quality and reliability, while other specifications were similar for all videos. Furthermore, it was determined that videos uploaded more recently and with longer duration were of higher quality.

Pain types and risk factors in post-COVID-19.

Objectives: This study aims to accurately evaluate pain lasting longer than three months and falls under the category of chronic pain and to determine the risk factors to follow up and treat properly and to develop appropriate diagnostic and treatment algorithms. Patients and methods: Between March 2021 and December 2021, a total of 437 patients (162 males, 275 females; mean age: 44±14.6 years; range, 12 to 82 years) who were referred to the participating centers due to pain complaints and were diagnosed with post-COVID-19 condition according to the criteria defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups as nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain, and central sensitization, based on the physician's clinical evaluation and the Self-Report Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS) and Central Sensitization Inventory scores. Results: The most common diagnosis was nociceptive pain followed by central sensitization. Patients with nociceptive pain had less pain. It was found that not exercising regularly, having a chronic disease and being a woman were risk factors for central sensitization, having thyroid disease before COVID-19, and defining the current pain as very severe were risk factors for neuropathic pain. Conclusion: In the evaluation of post-COVID-19 pain, neuropathic pain and central sensitization should be also considered in addition to nociceptive pain and the severity of pain, systemic diseases and physical activity should be questioned.

Measuring tactile sensitivity and mixed-reality-assisted exercise for carpal tunnel syndrome by ultrasound mid-air haptics.

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve entrapment neuropathy, which causes numbness and pain in the thumb, the index and middle fingers and the radial side of the ring finger. Regular hand exercises may improve the symptoms and prevent carpal tunnel surgery. This study applied a novel ultrasonic stimulation method to test tactile sensitivity in CTS and also a mixed-reality-assisted (MR-assisted) exercise program which measured hand movements and provided haptic feedback for rehabilitation. Methods: Twenty patients with mild unilateral CTS took part in the experiments. A mid-air haptics device (Ultrahaptics STRATOS Explore) was used to apply amplitude-modulated ultrasound waves (carrier frequency: 40 kHz) onto the skin to create tactile stimulation mechanically. Participants performed a two-alternative forced-choice task for measuring tactile thresholds at 250-Hz modulation frequency. They were tested at the index fingers and the thenar eminences of both hands. Additionally, 15 CTS patients used an MR-assisted program to do hand exercises with haptic feedback. Exercise performance was assessed by calculating errors between target and actual hand configurations. System Usability Scale (SUS) was adopted to verify the practical usability of the program. Results: Thresholds at the thenar eminences of the affected and healthy hands were not significantly different. While the thresholds at the healthy index fingers could be measured, those of the affected fingers were all higher than the stimulation level produced by the maximum output from the ultrasound device. In the exercise program, a significant positive correlation (ρ = 0.89, p < 0.001) was found between the performance scores and the SUS scores, which were above the criterion value established in the literature. Discussion: The results show that thenar tactile sensitivity is not affected in mild CTS as expected from the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (PCBm), but index finger threshold is likely to be higher. Overall, this study suggests that mid-air haptics, with certain improvements, may be used as a preliminary test in the clinical setting. Moreover, the device is promising to develop gamified rehabilitation programs and for the treatment follow-up of CTS.

Exercises for fibromyalgia syndrome: what YouTube tells us as a source of information for patient and physician education.

OBJECTIVE: YouTube, a popular worldwide source to access health information online, may have an impact in enhancing exercise therapy for fibromyalgia patients. This study is aimed to investigate the quality and reliability of exercise videos prepared for fibromyalgia syndrome on YouTube. METHODS: A thorough search on YouTube using six search terms related to fibromyalgia treatment and exercise was conducted. The videos with content on exercises for fibromyalgia, acceptable audio-video quality, and are in English language were included, whereas duplicates were excluded from the analysis. Quality was determined using the Global Quality Scale (GQS) and JAMA system, and reliability using the mDISCERN criteria. RESULTS: Out of a total of 600 videos, 70 videos that met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Physicians were found to produce content mostly in high and medium quality (%70.2), other medical professionals mostly in low and medium quality (93.8%), while non-medical users mostly in low quality (86.7%). Ninety percent of the videos targeted patients, while 10% targeted healthcare professionals as an audience, and the majority (93.7%) of videos targeting patients were of low and medium quality, as most (85.7%) of the videos targeting healthcare professionals were of high quality. CONCLUSION: YouTube can be used as a tool to increase exercise adherence in fibromyalgia patients, as it offers a wide range of content that is easily accessible and useful at times. To implement this tool, physicians need to upload more content online as they stand for pioneers of high-quality information dissemination on the internet. KeyPoints • This research emphasizes the need for high-quality online healthcare information which is accessed by a vast number of individuals and the implementations that effectively address and prevent the spread of misinformation. • Additionally, it presents suggestions for the future regarding the uploading of such content on the internet. • Physicians hold the key responsibility in ensuring the availability of high-quality online health content, thereby carrying significant implications for its overall impact.

Relationship between the systemic immune-inflammatory index and the severity of acute bronchiolitis in children.

OBJECTIVE: Acute bronchiolitis (AB) is one of the most common respiratory diseases in early childhood and is still an important health problem worldwide. The systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) is thought to have potential to be a new-generation inflammatory biomarker. We sought to investigate the value of SII for severity assessment in children with AB. METHODS: A total of 74 AB patients were included in a prospective observational study. Patients were classified into 3 AB groups according to this classification: mild (1-5 points), moderate (6-10 points), and severe (11-12 points). Complete blood count, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin tests were carried out. Modified Tal score was evaluated to determine severity. The performance of parameters to predict the severity of AB was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). RESULTS: Whereas neutrophil count (P = .037), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (P = .030), and SII (P = .030) values increased significantly with disease severity, red cell distribution width (P = .048) values were higher in the moderate AB group. The SII was found to have the highest area under the curve in the comparison of the mild-moderate groups combination and the high group on ROC analysis (P = .009). CONCLUSION: The SII values of pediatric patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of AB were significantly higher in the high-severity group. The SII may offer additional severity stratification in children with AB.

Do myofascial trigger points in masseter muscles affect the symptoms of disc displacement with reduction? A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of myofascial pain with referral from the trigger points in the masseter muscles on the clinical symptoms and functional limitations of the temporomandibular joint in participants with disc displacement with reduction. METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional study recruited participants aged 18-45 years with disc displacement with reduction with/without myofascial pain with referral in the masseter muscles based on the inclusion criteria. Maximum mouth opening and the presence of probable awake bruxism were assessed. The "Graded Chronic Pain Scale version 2.0" and "Jaw Function Limitation Scale-8" were used to evaluate Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Axis II. Pain levels were measured using the Visual Analog Scale. RESULTS: A comparison between the disc displacement with reduction and disc displacement with reduction+myofascial pain with referral groups revealed statistically significant differences in Visual Analog Scale (p<0.001), the presence of awake bruxism (p=0.038), and Graded Chronic Pain Scale version 2.0 (p=0.010). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups concerning maximum mouth opening and Jaw Function Limitation Scale-8. CONCLUSION: Participants with both disc displacement with reduction and myofascial pain with referral in the masseter muscle exhibited higher pain intensity, a higher prevalence of awake bruxism, and increased pain-related disability compared to those with disc displacement with reduction alone.

Mid-term Effect of Lumbar Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides in Patients with Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the standalone and combined mid-term effects of conventional physiotherapy and lumbar sustained natural apophyseal glides on pain, range of motion, fear avoidance belief, and functional status in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical study was conducted in a state hospital. Fifty-five patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (mean age: 40.69 ± 6.27 years) were divided into 3 groups. Group I (n=18) received conventional physiotherapy (electrotherapy and heat application) 5 days a week for 3 weeks, group II (n=19) received lumbar sustained natural apophyseal glides 3 days a week for 3 weeks. Group III (n = 18) received conventional physiotherapy plus lumbar sustained natural apophyseal glides. Pain (visual analog scale), flexion range of motion (back range of motion II), functional status (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire), and fear avoidance belief (Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire) were assessed at baseline, third week, and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: After 3 weeks of intervention, all outcome measures improved in groups II and III. These improve- ments remained significant until 6-month follow-up (P < .05), except fear avoidance belief (P=.06) and flexion range of motion (P=.764) scores of group III. Flexion range of motion (P=.001), functional status (P = .001), and fear avoidance belief (P = .03) differed significantly between the 3 groups at 6-month follow- up; post-hoc analysis revealed that flexion range of motion (P < .0001), functional status (P = .037), and fear avoidance belief (P = .002) scores were significantly improved in group II compared to group I. CONCLUSION: Compared with conventional physiotherapy, lumbar sustained natural apophyseal glides improved mid-term range of motion, functional status, and fear avoidance belief, but there was no differ- ence in pain. Conventional physiotherapy added to lumbar sustained natural apophyseal glides provided no additional benefit.

Investigation of Factors Associated with Dizziness, Tinnitus, and Ear Fullness in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders

Aims: To determine differences between TMD subtypes in terms of clinical characteristics, dizziness, tinnitus, and ear fullness according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) and to investigate the clinical conditions associated with dizziness, tinnitus, and ear fullness. Methods: Participants having TMDs aged 18 to 45 years were included in this study. They were classified and divided into three groups according to the DC/TMD Axis I criteria: group 1 = pain-related TMDs and headache; group 2 = intra-articular joint disorders; and group 3 = degenerative joint disease. Demographic data and dizziness, tinnitus, and ear fullness were assessed. Maximum mouth opening, opening/closing click, lateral click, fine/coarse crepitation, bruxism, and presence of pain were evaluated by physical examination. Results: A total of 129 participants were included: 68 (52.7%) in group 1, 40 (31%) in group 2, and 21 (16.3%) in group 3. In the comparison of all three diagnostic groups, there was a significant difference only in educational level (P = .013). The presence of dizziness, tinnitus, or ear fullness was not found to be significantly different among the three groups. When all participants were divided into two groups according to the presence of dizziness, low education levels (P = .007), being married (P = .040), presence of pain (P = .002), tinnitus (P = .008), ear fullness (P = .017), and presence of thin crepitation (P = .015) were related to having dizziness symptoms. In addition, patients with ear fullness (P = .042), dizziness (P = .008), and female sex (P = .008) reported more tinnitus. Conclusion: TMD subtype was not associated with dizziness, tinnitus, or ear fullness. Painful conditions were associated with dizziness in participants with TMDs.

Clinical and electrophysiological efficacy of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy in carpal tunnel syndrome: a placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy on pain, functionality, and electrophysiological measurements in carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: Between June 2021 and January 2022, a total of 66 wrists in 45 participants with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome were included in this double-blind, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomized into two groups, namely, the radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (group 1, n=33) and the sham radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (group 2, n=33). Night splints and tendon nerve gliding exercises were given to all participants. The participants were evaluated at baseline and the first month after treatment. Participants were evaluated using a visual analog scale, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, Leeds Neuropathic Symptom and Symptom Assessment, and electrophysiological examinations. RESULTS: A total of 37 participants (a total of 55 wrists, radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy n=27, and sham radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy n=28) completed the study. After the intervention, there was a significant decrease in visual analog scale values (p<0.001) and a significant increase in Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores (p<0.001) and Leeds Neuropathic Symptom and Symptom Assessment scores (p<0.001). In electrophysiological measurements, there was a significant decrease in median nerve sensory (p=0.002) and motor (p=0.003) distal latency, and a significant increase in median nerve sensory conduction velocity (p=0.026) was found in the radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy group. CONCLUSION: This study shows that radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy has positive effects on pain, functionality, and electrophysiological measurements for mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome 1 month after application.

Clinical and electrophysiological efficacy of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy in carpal tunnel syndrome: a placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy on pain, functionality, and electrophysiological measurements in carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: Between June 2021 and January 2022, a total of 66 wrists in 45 participants with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome were included in this double-blind, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomized into two groups, namely, the radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (group 1, n=33) and the sham radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (group 2, n=33). Night splints and tendon nerve gliding exercises were given to all participants. The participants were evaluated at baseline and the first month after treatment. Participants were evaluated using a visual analog scale, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, Leeds Neuropathic Symptom and Symptom Assessment, and electrophysiological examinations. RESULTS: A total of 37 participants (a total of 55 wrists, radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy n=27, and sham radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy n=28) completed the study. After the intervention, there was a significant decrease in visual analog scale values (p<0.001) and a significant increase in Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores (p<0.001) and Leeds Neuropathic Symptom and Symptom Assessment scores (p<0.001). In electrophysiological measurements, there was a significant decrease in median nerve sensory (p=0.002) and motor (p=0.003) distal latency, and a significant increase in median nerve sensory conduction velocity (p=0.026) was found in the radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy group. CONCLUSION: This study shows that radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy has positive effects on pain, functionality, and electrophysiological measurements for mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome 1 month after application.

Effect of Superimposed Russian Current on Quadriceps Strength and Lower-Extremity Endurance in Healthy Males and Females.

CONTEXT: More studies are needed to compare the effect of voluntary contraction, electrical stimulation, and electrical stimulation superimposed onto voluntary contraction in improving trained and untrained homolog muscle strength and lower-extremity endurance. DESIGN: Seventy-six healthy young adults (age = 20.41 [3.07] y, 61 females and 15 males) were included in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups as voluntary isometric contraction (IC) group, Russian current (RC) group, and superimposed Russian current (SRC) group. METHODS: All training regimens were performed under physiotherapist supervision for a total of 18 sessions (3 times per week for 6 wk). In each session, 10 ICs were achieved with voluntary isometric exercise only, RC only, or RC superimposed onto ICs. Main outcome measures were trained and untrained quadriceps strength (maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) and lower-extremity endurance (sit-to-stand test). RESULTS: After 6 weeks of training, all outcome measures improved in all groups (P < .05), except the untrained quadriceps MVIC score of RC group (P = .562). The trained quadriceps MVIC score (P < .001, η2 = .478), untrained quadriceps MVIC score (P = .011, η2 = .115), and sit-to-stand test score (P < .001, η2 = .357) differed significantly among the 3 groups; post hoc analysis revealed that the trained quadriceps MVIC score was higher in SRC and RC groups than in the IC group, untrained quadriceps MVIC score was higher in SRC group than in the RC group, and sit-to-stand test score was higher in SRC group than in the RC group and IC group. CONCLUSIONS: RC and RC superimposed onto IC are superior to IC in improving quadriceps muscle strength, and RC superimposed onto IC is superior to RC and IC in improving lower-extremity endurance. RC superimposed onto IC and voluntary IC created cross-education effect on untrained quadriceps.

Risk factors of neck disability in computer-using office workers: a cross-sectional study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04821024.

Do myofascial trigger points in masseter muscles affect the symptoms of disc displacement with reduction? A cross-sectional study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of myofascial pain with referral from the trigger points in the masseter muscles on the clinical symptoms and functional limitations of the temporomandibular joint in participants with disc displacement with reduction. METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional study recruited participants aged 18-45 years with disc displacement with reduction with/without myofascial pain with referral in the masseter muscles based on the inclusion criteria. Maximum mouth opening and the presence of probable awake bruxism were assessed. The "Graded Chronic Pain Scale version 2.0" and "Jaw Function Limitation Scale-8" were used to evaluate Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Axis II. Pain levels were measured using the Visual Analog Scale. RESULTS: A comparison between the disc displacement with reduction and disc displacement with reduction+myofascial pain with referral groups revealed statistically significant differences in Visual Analog Scale (p<0.001), the presence of awake bruxism (p=0.038), and Graded Chronic Pain Scale version 2.0 (p=0.010). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups concerning maximum mouth opening and Jaw Function Limitation Scale-8. CONCLUSION: Participants with both disc displacement with reduction and myofascial pain with referral in the masseter muscle exhibited higher pain intensity, a higher prevalence of awake bruxism, and increased pain-related disability compared to those with disc displacement with reduction alone.

Acute Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Hand Tremor in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study of Case Series.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on tremor in Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: This single-center, prospective, and implementation study with before-after design included five participants diagnosed with PD. Auricular VNS was applied to each participant 3 times on different days. VNS was applied to the participants as the right ear, left ear, and bilateral ear. The cardiovascular parameters of the participants were evaluated with Kubios HRV Standard and tremor with UPDRS tremor subscale and smartphone application before and after the intervention. Results: Significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (p=0.043) was found in participants who underwent bilateral auricular VNS. Although there was no significant change in the UPDRS tremor subscale, decreases in the maximum tremor amplitude in the x (p=0.043) and y (0.014) planes were detected in the measurements made with the smartphone application. Conclusion: In this study, a decrease in the tremor amplitude measured in the 3D plane with auricular VNS was found in patients with PD.

Are inflammatory parameters an independent predictor of hip osteoarthritis severity? A prospective cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of hip osteoarthritis and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-lymphocyte ratio, and neutrophil-monocyte ratio. METHODS: Participants with hip osteoarthritis and healthy controls aged 45-75 years were recruited in the study. The participants with hip osteoarthritis were divided into two groups: mild/moderate hip osteoarthritis and severe hip osteoarthritis. Complete blood parameters of the participants were recorded, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-monocyte ratio, monocyte-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-lymphocyte ratio were calculated. Pain severity was evaluated using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: A total of 76 participants with hip osteoarthritis and 59 healthy controls were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 57.6±6.11 years. Mean neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-monocyte ratio values were statistically significantly different between the hip osteoarthritis group and healthy control group (p<0.05). Platelet-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-lymphocyte ratio, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein values were not significantly different between the groups. Also, there was no difference between all inflammatory parameters and hip osteoarthritis severity (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-monocyte ratio values were higher in patients with hip osteoarthritis than in healthy controls. Mean platelet-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-lymphocyte ratio, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein values did not change according to the presence of hip osteoarthritis. Not all hematological indices give valuable information regarding the severity of hip osteoarthritis.

Demonstration of kinesio taping effect by ultrasonography in neck pain.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of kinesio taping in nonspecific neck pain and to assess whether ultrasonographic parameters of the upper trapezius muscle can be used in the follow-up of kinesio taping treatment. METHODS: This was a single-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial study involving 60 participants with nonspecific neck pain. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups. Kinesio taping group (n=29) received a 4-week neck exercise program, with kinesio taping applied twice a week for a total of four times, and the exercise group (n=28) received a 4-week neck exercise program. Participants were evaluated according to pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), cervical range of motion, and disability (Neck Disability Index). Also, trigger point diameter and upper trapezius muscle thickness were evaluated with ultrasonography. Before and after the therapy, as well as the first month, all measures were taken by an investigator other than the practitioner of the treatment program. RESULTS: The results showed that the Visual Analog Scale and Neck Disability Index scores in the kinesio taping group were statistically significantly improved when compared to the exercise group (p<0.05). In addition, the thickness of the upper trapezius muscle and the diameter of the trapezius muscle trigger point were statistically significantly improved in the kinesio taping group compared to the exercise group (p<0.05). In the kinesio taping group, there was no statistical significance in cervical range of motion as compared to the exercise group. CONCLUSION: The combination of kinesio taping and exercise therapy was effective in reducing nonspecific neck pain and neck disability. Also, this study showed that ultrasonographic evaluation of the trapezius muscle could be used in the follow-up of kinesio taping therapy.

Demonstration of kinesio taping effect by ultrasonography in neck pain

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of kinesio taping in nonspecific neck pain and to assess whether ultrasonographic parameters of the upper trapezius muscle can be used in the follow-up of kinesio taping treatment. METHODS: This was a single-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial study involving 60 participants with nonspecific neck pain. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups. Kinesio taping group (n=29) received a 4-week neck exercise program, with kinesio taping applied twice a week for a total of four times, and the exercise group (n=28) received a 4-week neck exercise program. Participants were evaluated according to pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), cervical range of motion, and disability (Neck Disability Index). Also, trigger point diameter and upper trapezius muscle thickness were evaluated with ultrasonography. Before and after the therapy, as well as the first month, all measures were taken by an investigator other than the practitioner of the treatment program. RESULTS: The results showed that the Visual Analog Scale and Neck Disability Index scores in the kinesio taping group were statistically significantly improved when compared to the exercise group (p<0.05). In addition, the thickness of the upper trapezius muscle and the diameter of the trapezius muscle trigger point were statistically significantly improved in the kinesio taping group compared to the exercise group (p<0.05). In the kinesio taping group, there was no statistical significance in cervical range of motion as compared to the exercise group. CONCLUSION: The combination of kinesio taping and exercise therapy was effective in reducing nonspecific neck pain and neck disability. Also, this study showed that ultrasonographic evaluation of the trapezius muscle could be used in the follow-up of kinesio taping therapy.

Are inflammatory parameters an independent predictor of hip osteoarthritis severity? A prospective cross-sectional study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of hip osteoarthritis and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-lymphocyte ratio, and neutrophil-monocyte ratio. METHODS: Participants with hip osteoarthritis and healthy controls aged 45-75 years were recruited in the study. The participants with hip osteoarthritis were divided into two groups: mild/moderate hip osteoarthritis and severe hip osteoarthritis. Complete blood parameters of the participants were recorded, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-monocyte ratio, monocyte-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-lymphocyte ratio were calculated. Pain severity was evaluated using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: A total of 76 participants with hip osteoarthritis and 59 healthy controls were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 57.6±6.11 years. Mean neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-monocyte ratio values were statistically significantly different between the hip osteoarthritis group and healthy control group (p<0.05). Platelet-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-lymphocyte ratio, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein values were not significantly different between the groups. Also, there was no difference between all inflammatory parameters and hip osteoarthritis severity (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-monocyte ratio values were higher in patients with hip osteoarthritis than in healthy controls. Mean platelet-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-lymphocyte ratio, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein values did not change according to the presence of hip osteoarthritis. Not all hematological indices give valuable information regarding the severity of hip osteoarthritis.

Effect of Chemokine Gene Variants on Covid-19 Disease Severity.

Patients immune phenotype/genotype data may be useful to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection and can contribute to the identify the different levels of disease severity. The roles of chemokines have been reported in the coronavirus-related diseases SARS and MERS and they may likewise play a critical role in the development of the symptoms of COVID-19 disease. We analyzed the association of the MCP-1-A2518 G, SDF-1-3'A, CCR5-delta32, CCR5-A55029 G, CXCR4-C138T and CCR2-V64I gene polymorphisms with COVID-19 severity to further unveil the immunological pathways leading to disease severity and death. Polymerase chain reaction(PCR)/Sanger sequencing analysis was performed for detection of the variations in 60 asymptomatic and 119 severe COVID-19 patients. In our study, we found that the frequencies of MCP-1 of GA genotype and G allele carriers were significantly higher in severe COVID-19 patients than the asymptomatic COVID-19 patients (p < .0001 and p: .005, respectively). However, no significant association was found for any of the other polymorphisms with the severity of COVID-19. Our findings suggest that there is a positive association between MCP-1-A2518 G gene variants with the severity of COVID-19. However, larger studies in different population which will focus on gene expression levels will help us to understand the capability of the mechanism role.

Seating system for scoliosis in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of an adaptive seating system on pelvic obliquity and spinal coronal/sagittal balance in children with nonambulatory cerebral palsy and scoliosis. METHODS: This was a single-blind, prospective, randomized interventional study. Nonambulatory children aged 6-15 years with cerebral palsy and scoliosis were included. The seating system was used for 4 h/day, and exercises were performed 3 days/week for 12 weeks. The Cobb angle, spinopelvic parameters, pelvic obliquity, Reimer's migration index, and Sitting Assessment Scale were measured before and after treatments. RESULTS: A total of 29 participants were randomized into two groups, namely, the seating system+exercise group (SSE-group; n=15) and the exercise group (E-group; n=14). There was no significant change in Cobb angle and Reimer's migration index for both hips in SSE-group, but there was a significant increase in E-group (p=0.002, 0.049, and 0.003, respectively). The sagittal vertical axis, pelvic incidence, and pelvic obliquity decreased in SSE-group. However, there was no difference in the other sagittal parameters and Sitting Assessment Scale-total scores among groups. CONCLUSION: The adaptive seating system was found to be superior in reducing the progression of Cobb angle and hip subluxation/dislocation, decreasing pelvic obliquity, and improving the sagittal balance of the spine/pelvis compared with exercise therapy.