The effect of health literacy and health empowerment on quality of life in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the effect of health literacy and health promotion on quality of life in the elderly. METHOD: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 981 elderly individuals aged 65 years and older in Turkey. 'Introductory Information Form', 'Health Literacy Scale', 'Elderly Health Empowerment Scale' and 'Quality of Life Scale for the Elderly' were used to collect data. The research data were analyzed by Structural Equation Modelling using SPSS 22.0, AMOS V 24.0, G*Power 3.1 statistical package programs. RESULTS: Health literacy level increased health empowerment level (t = 5.929 R2 = 0.035, P < 0.05). Health literacy level increased quality of life level (t = 13.439 R2 = 0.156, P < 0.05). Health empowerment level was found to affect quality of life level (t = 17.746 R2 = 0.243, P < 0.05). Health empowerment was found to have a mediating role in the effect of health literacy on quality of life (ß = 0.502, 95% confidence interval (lower bound-upper bound) = 0.013-1.038). It was determined that the model created in line with the hypotheses was compatible and the model fit indices x2 /SD = 4.919, root mean square error of approximation = 0.06, comparative fit index = 0.91, fit index = 0.95, adjusted fit index = 0.93, incremental fit index = 0.91 were within the desired limits. CONCLUSIONS: As the level of health literacy increases, so does the level of health empowerment and quality of life. As the level of health empowerment increases, so does the level of quality of life. It is recommended to design policies that will help to increase the health literacy and health empowerment levels of the elderly. Longitudinal studies on quality of life in the elderly are recommended.

Effects of androgen deprivation therapy on cognitive functions in patients with metastatic prostate cancer: A multicentric, prospective study of the Society of Urological Surgery Andrology group.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of testosterone deficiency on cognitive functions in metastatic prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). METHODS: In this multicentric prospective study, 65 metastatic prostate cancer patients were evaluated. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the California Verbal Learning Test Second Edition, the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised, and the Trail Making Test. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. Cognitive functions and depressive symptoms were recorded before the androgen deprivation therapy and at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. RESULTS: At the basal cognitive assessment, the mean Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the California Verbal Learning Test Second Edition, the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised scores were 25.84 ± 17.54, 32.68 ± 10.60, and 17.63 ± 11.23, respectively, and the mean time for the Trail Making Test was 221.56 ± 92.44 seconds, and were similar at the 3-month, and 6-month controls (P > .05). The mean pretreatment, third and sixth month testosterone levels were 381.40 ± 157.53 ng/dL, 21.61 ± 9.09 ng/dL and 12.25 ± 6.45 ng/dL (P < .05), and the total PSA levels were 46.46 ± 37.83 ng/mL, 1.41 ± 3.31 ng/mL and 0.08 ± 0.14 ng/mL (P < .05), respectively. CONCLUSION: The ADT in patients with metastatic prostate cancer does not affect patients' cognitive functions and depressive symptoms. However, further prospective randomised studies with higher cohorts and longer follow-up periods are needed.

The relationship between premature ejaculation and the timing of pre-adult circumcision.

We aimed to investigate the relationship between premature ejaculation and the age when men had been circumcised before adulthood. A total of 2,768 sexually active male patients aged between 18 and 65 years were included in this study. A multicentre study was conducted prospectively with the participation of 20 centres. A survey consisting of 12 questions prepared by the researchers, as well as the validated Turkish versions of the five-item Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, was administered to all participants. The study included 1,603 participants who met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference in the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool and self-reported ejaculation time between the participants who had been circumcised at different ages during childhood. Remembering circumcision experience with fear or anxiety did not increase the risk of sexual dysfunction compared to the participants who described their experience with happiness or with no particular emotion. There was no significant difference in Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool scores or the self-reported ejaculation time of the participants circumcised at different ages. The age of childhood circumcision, having a fearful or anxious circumcision experience, does not affect the risk of premature ejaculation in adult life.

Changing Aspects of Male Sexual Functions Accompanying Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia With Silodosin 8 mg Per Day.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-adrenergic antagonist treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and drug-related sexual side effects are frequent in aging men. AIM: To investigate functional changes in erectile and ejaculatory aspects of male sexuality under Silodosin 8 mg per day treatment for BPH. METHODS: Sexually active patients diagnosed with BPH and who initiated Silodosin treatment were the subjects of the study. The International Prostate Symptom Score, premature ejaculation patient profile (PEP-male) questionnaire, Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire, and estimated intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) values of the participants were used to evaluate sexual functions. Data evaluation was performed in 8 urology clinics retrospectively. OUTCOMES: Participant ratings for SHIM, PEP, and estimated IELT were the primary outcome measures in the study. RESULTS: Among 187 recruited patients, data of 98 patients, who completed the trial period in the study, were eligible. The median age of the eligible participants who completed the trial period for 3 months was 59.5 years (range 45-82). 16 patients of 187 (8%) reported a desire for drug withdrawal for anejaculation during the recruitment period. 46 (46.9%) and 49 (50%) patients reported anejaculation in the first and third month of the treatment, respectively. De novo erectile dysfunction was noticed in 15 patients (15.3%). There was a significant increase in the estimated IELT of subjects in both the first (P = .01) and third (P = .002) month. SHIM-1 (P = .008), SHIM-total (P = .009), and PEP scores (P = .008) were also improved in the third month of the treatment. Neither baseline patient characteristics nor changes in the International Prostate Symptom Score after treatment predicted final outcomes with multivariable analysis. The subgroup analysis of participants who reported "anejaculation" also revealed better outcomes compared with participants ejaculating naturally in the third month as per SHIM ratings. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Despite several male patients having dry orgasms due to Silodosin-induced anejaculation, the majority experienced improved erectile function. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The present study demonstrated pioneering results while investigating both erectile and ejaculatory dimensions of the male sexual function during Silodosin treatment for BPH. However, lack of partner evaluation, low follow-up rates, and lack of knowledge about reasons why subjects are lost to follow-up after drug initiation have limited our interpretation. CONCLUSION: Most patients using Silodosin 8 mg per day for BPH treatment experienced improvement in their erectile function, estimated IELT, and premature ejaculation profile in the third month of the treatment. Underlying mechanisms and reasons for individual differences necessitate further investigation. Cihan A, Kazaz IO, Yildirim Ö, et al. Changing Aspects of Male Sexual Functions Accompanying Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia With Silodosin 8 mg Per Day. J Sex Med 2020;17:1094-1100.

A case of proximal partial priapism successfully treated with autologous clot embolisation.

Partial priapism is a rare disorder in literature and generally described as a contusion or thrombosis of the cavernous body of the penis secondary to blunt trauma. Because of the rarity of disease, there is not much information about the treatment. Conservative management with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is often applied treatment. Here, we presented a proximal partial priapism treated successfully with autologous clot embolisation secondary to pelvic trauma.

Extra-articular contrast material leaks into locations unrelated to the injection path in shoulder MR arthrography.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the localisation, frequency and amount of extravasation in patients with extra-articular contrast material leak into locations unrelated to the injection path in shoulder magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography and associated shoulder disorders. METHODS: The sites of extravasation were determined on the shoulder MR arthrography of 40 patients. The extravasations were measured on three vertical planes of the MR arthrography. Sufficient joint distension was assessed according to the transverse diameters of the axillary recess on coronal MR images. RESULTS: Extravasation of the contrast material occurred through the subscapular recess, the synovium of the biceps, and the axillary recess. In four cases, extravasations were observed in more than one anatomic location. The most common site of extravasation was along the subscapularis muscle. Superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions were found to be most frequently associated with extravasations. The amount of extravasation was significantly higher in patients with adhesive capsulitis compared with the patients with a different diagnosis (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: The extravasations adjacent to the axillary recess do not always indicate glenohumeral ligament pathology. Massive subscapular extravasations were most frequently associated with adhesive capsulitis and SLAP lesions, and might be considered in the MR arthrography report. KEY POINTS: • Contrast material extravasation may reduce the diagnostic value of shoulder MR arthrography. • The extravasations may occur into locations unrelated to the injection path. • The extravasations adjacent to axillary recess can be misleading for HAGL lesion. • Massive subscapular extravasations were frequently associated with adhesive capsulitis and SLAP lesions.

Is 3D Volumetric Evaluation Consistent with Postoperative Renal Parenchymal Preservation in Open and Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy?

Introduction: To evaluate by using 3D renal volumetric assessment and compare renal parenchymal preservation between patient who underwent open partial nephrectomy (OPN) and robot assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of the patients to evaluate the effect of OPN (23 patients) or RALPN (19 patients) partial nephrectomy on renal parenchymal preservation. The CT or MRI were examined using 3D-Slicer image processing software. The tumor volume and preoperative and postoperative non-tumor bearing parenchymal volumes were evaluated with the segmentation. The preoperative and postoperative parenchymal volumes, serum creatinine levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) were compared between the surgical techniques. Results: The data of 42 patients were included in the final analysis. The patient and tumor characteristics were similar between the two groups. Postoperative renal parenchymal volumetric changes were seen similar between groups. Although the serum creatinine levels and eGFRs did not change postoperatively in the RALPN group (P = .145 and P = .085, respectively), creatinine increased while eGFR decreased in the OPN group (P = .003 and P = .002, respectively). Conclusions: Our analysis showed that RALPN could be considered similar to OPN in terms of parenchymal volume preservation, but the rate of parenchymal volume preservation was not associated with the change in functional parameters. These results should be supported by further research.

Parameters affecting the success rate of microscopic testicular sperm extraction in male patients with a solitary testis and non-obstructive azoospermia.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare the success rate of spermatozoa retrieval through microscopic testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in non-obstructive azoospermic (NOA) men with a solitary testis with that of mTESE in NOA men with bilateral testes and the parameters affecting these rates. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study of factors contributing to infertility in NOA patients with a solitary testis and men with bilateral testes was carried out. In this multicenter study, 74 patients with NOA with a solitary testis were matched with 74 patients with bilateral testes in terms of age, duration of infertility, and volume of the solitary testis from 2770 patients with NOA with bilateral testes. Hormonal parameters, presence of varicocele, history of varicocelectomy, history of undescended testis and karyotype analysis results were compared. RESULTS: Spermatozoa were obtained from 40 (54.1%) patients with a solitary testis and 42 (56.76%) patients with bilateral testes. No differences were found regarding age, duration of infertility, or mean testicular volume between patients with a solitary testis and patients with bilateral testes. When serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were compared regardless of sperm retrieval status, it was observed that both levels were greater in the group of patients with a solitary testis (p < 0.01). Patients with solitary and bilateral testes from whom spermatozoa were obtained had larger testes than those from whom spermatozoa could not be obtained (p < 0.05). Similarly, the serum levels of FSH and LH were significantly greater in patients with a solitary testis than in those with bilateral testes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature to evaluate the parameters that influence mTESE outcome in NOA patients with a solitary testis and NOA patients with bilateral testes. Greater testicular volume was found to positively affect spermatozoa retrieval for patients with a solitary testis. The higher levels of FSH and LH in patients with a solitary testis than in patients with bilateral testes of similar testicular volume may be due to a compensatory mechanism developed by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The fact that these hormones are higher in patients with a solitary testis does not mean that the number of spermatozoa obtained through mTESE will be decreased.

Designing and in vitro testing of a novel patient-specific total knee prosthesis using the probabilistic approach.

In order to prevent failure as well as ensure comfort, patient-specific modelling for prostheses has been gaining interest. However, deterministic analyses have been widely used in the design process without considering any variation/uncertainties related to the design parameters of such prostheses. Therefore, this study aims to compare the performance of patient-specific anatomic Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) with off-the-shelf TKA. In the patient-specific model, the femoral condyle curves were considered in the femoral component's inner and outer surface design. The tibial component was designed to completely cover the tibia cutting surface. In vitro experiments were conducted to compare these two models in terms of loosening of the components. A probabilistic approach based on the finite element method was also used to compute the probability of failure of both models. According to the deterministic analysis results, 103.10 and 21.67 MPa von Mises stress values were obtained for the femoral component and cement in the anatomical model, while these values were 175.86 and 25.76 MPa, respectively, for the conventional model. In order to predict loosening damage due to local osteolysis or stress shield, it was determined that the deformation values in the examined cement structures were 15% lower in the anatomical model. According to probabilistic analysis results, it was observed that the probability of encountering an extreme value for the anatomical model is far less than that of the conventional model. This indicates that the anatomical model is safer than the conventional model, considering the failure scenarios in this study.

Urodynamic Curve Patterns may Predict Female Bladder Outlet Obstruction and Detrusor Underactivity.

OBJECTIVE: To search for independent predictors for distinguishing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and detrusor underactivity (DU) in female patients with voiding difficulty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective patient file review was performed of 918 female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. After exclusion criteria, 148 patients with voiding difficulty were eligible for the study. Patients were classified as having BOO and DU based on urodynamic BOO and DU definitions. The symptoms, patient characteristics, the patterns of free urine flow, and detrusor voiding pressure curves were compared between 2 groups. RESULTS: Of 148 patients with a median age of 53 (18-86), 42 (28,4%), 37 (25%), 69 (46,6%) patients had a urodynamic diagnosis of BOO, DU, and unclassified P/F study respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that the symptom of weak urine stream [P = .015 OR = 7.07 CI(1,47-34,0)], the negative provocative stress test [P = .038 OR = 7.32 CI(1,12-47,83)], the continuous detrusor voiding pressure and the prolonged/tailed shaped free urine flow curve patterns [P < .001 OR = 2,99 CI(1,66-5,38)] were the independent predictors of BOO. Sensitivity and specifity values for prolonged/tailed to predict BOO were 82.5 and 60% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The continuous detrusor voiding pressure and the prolonged/tailed shaped free urine flow curve patterns were found to be useful independent predictors for distinguishing BOO from DU in female patients with voiding difficulty. In addition, the symptom of weak urine stream, and the negative provocative stress test may be of beneficial use.

The role of acromion morphology in chronic subacromial impingement syndrome.

This study investigated the role of acromion morphology in the aetiology of chronic subacromial impingement syndrome. Forty five patients with chronic subacromial impingement syndrome were included in the study. They were distributed into three groups according to their acromion types: six (13.3%) patients had type 1, 24 (533%) patients type 2 and 15 (333%) patients type 3 acromion. Constant scoring was used for clinical evaluation. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression was performed in all patients in the three groups, without performing any acromioplasty that would change the morphology of acromion. We then compared the average Constant scores changes in all three groups after arthroscopic subacromial decompression. The average follow-up was 28.6 months (range: 12-47). The average change in Constant score after arthroscopic subacromial decompression was 5830 in patients with type 1 acromion, 58.21 in those with type 2 and 54.07 in those with type 3. No significant difference was observed between the changes in the average Constant scores of the three groups (p > 0.005). The scores were significantly improved following arthroscopic subacromial decompression in all three groups (p < 0.005).In this study, acromion type was not found to have an important role in the aetiology of chronic impingement syndrome; arthroscopic subacromial decompression without simultaneous acromioplasty thus appears as an appropriate treatment.

Variations in the Number of Patients Presenting With Andrological Problems During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic and the Possible Reasons for These Variations: A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused unprecedented restrictions in outpatient services and surgical practices in urology as in other medical branches as well as in all areas of life. AIM: To investigate whether there have been variations in the presentations of male patients with sexual and reproductive health problems to the outpatient urology clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic and to understand the underlying factors for these variations, if any. METHODS: Male patients aged ≥18 years who presented to the outpatient urology clinics in 12 centers across Turkey from February 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those who presented to the outpatient clinic from February 1, 2020 to March 11, 2020 comprised the "pre-COVID-19 pandemic period" group, whereas those who presented to the outpatient clinic from March 12, 2020 to June 1, 2020 comprised the "COVID-19 pandemic period" group and compared with each other. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome of this study was the number and diagnose of patients presented to urology outpatient clinics. RESULTS: Andrological problems were detected in 721 of 4,955 male patients included in the study. During the COVID-19 pandemic period, there was a significant increase in andrological diagnosis in these patients compared with the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period (n = 293 [17%] vs n = 428 [13.2%], P < .001, respectively). Similarly, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of patients diagnosed with male reproductive or sexual health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic period (n = 107 [6.2%] vs n = 149 [4.6%], P = .016 and n = 186 [10.8%] vs n = 279 [8.6%], P = .013, respectively). The number of patients diagnosed with erectile dysfunction during the pandemic was also significantly higher than the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period (n = 150 [8.7%] vs n = 214 [6.6%], P = .008). CONCLUSION: Presentations to the outpatient urology clinics owing to andrological problems markedly increased during the pandemic period. Although these problems are of multifactorial origin, psychogenic factors are also considered to significantly trigger these problems.MB Duran, O Yildirim, Y Kizilkan, et al. Variations in the Number of Patients Presenting With Andrological Problems During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic and the Possible Reasons for These Variations: A Multicenter Study. Sex Med 2020;XX:XXX-XXX.

A novel diagnostic tool for the detection of bladder cancer: Measurement of urinary high mobility group box-1.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of urinary High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1) level as a noninvasive tool that can be potentially used for diagnosis and during follow-up in patients with bladder cancer patients. METHOD: The study was conducted in a total of 121 participants including 61 patients diagnosed with primary bladder cancer, 30 patients with an acute urinary tract infection and 30 healthy controls. Age, gender and urinary HMGB1 levels of the study groups were evaluated. The association of clinical features (tumor diameter, number of foci, pathological grade, muscle invasion) with urinary HMGB1 levels was investigated in patients with bladder cancer. RESULTS: All 3 groups showed a normal age and gender distribution with no significant difference among them (P = 0.775 and P = 0.967, respectively). A significant difference was detected in urinary HMGB1 levels among the 3 groups (P < 0.001). When urinary HMGB1 levels were compared between patients with high grade vs. low grade tumors, the mean HMGB1 level was 44.39 pg/ml (12.1-505.2) in patients with low grade tumors and 280 pg/ml (18.7-2685.3) in patients with high grade tumors (P < 0.001). Patients with a greater number of tumor foci had higher HMGB1 levels in comparison to patients with a single tumor focus (P = 0.008). Urinary HMGB1 levels were higher in patients with a tumor diameter of ≥3 cm than in patients with a tumor diameter less than 3 cm (P = 0.001). Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer exhibited higher urinary HMGB1 levels compared to patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (P = 0.033). The cut-off values derived from the ROC analysis were 63.30 pg/ml for distinguishing bladder cancer from urinary tract infection, 30.94 pg/ml for urinary tract infection versus control group and 38.70 pg/ml for bladder cancer vs. control group, respectively. Sensitivity was 59% and specificity was found 77%. CONCLUSION: In future controlled studies involving larger patient groups, urinary HMGB1 levels can be used for diagnostic and screening purposes in bladder cancer patients.

A comparison of the treatment results of dpen reduction internal fixation and intramedullary nailing in adult forearm diaphyseal fractures.

BACKGROUND: We compared the union and functional results of intramedullary nailing and open reduction internal fixation treatment applied to adults with a forearm diaphysis fracture (fracture of the radius and/or ulna). METHODS: We retrospectively examined 90 patients with completed skeletal maturation who were surgically treated for a forearm diaphyseal fracture. Patients with a Monteggia Galeazzi and ipsilateral upper extremity fracture and those with an open epiphyseal line, Type 3 open fracture, pathological fracture, or brain trauma were excluded from the study. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was applied to 42 patients (plate group), and intramedullary nailing was performed in 48 patients (intramedullary nailing group). Both treatment groups were compared with respect to time to union, joint range of motion, operating time, grip strength, Grace-Eversman criteria, and complications. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 63.29 (range, 40-100) min in the plate group and 46.02 (range, 17-85) min in the intramedullary nailing group. The mean time to union was 13.19 (range, 10-20) and 10.85 (range, 8-20) weeks, respectively. While a statistically significant difference was determined between groups with respect to operating time and time to union, no difference was determined in the Grace-Eversman evaluation criteria, forearm supination, pronation degrees, and grip strength. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed a significant difference in the intramedullary nailing treatment with respect to time to union, operating time, and amount of bleeding compared with the ORIF treatment. However, no difference was determined in the functional evaluation criteria. Thus, both treatment methods are acceptable in the treatment of forearm diaphyseal fractures in adults with skeletal maturation.

Treatment of Ipsilateral Distal Humerus and Diaphyseal Ulna Fractures by Using an Olecranon Osteotomy and Intramedullary Nail.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of treatment of an osteotomy of the olecranon and an ulnar diaphyseal fracture with a single nail, in cases with an ipsilateral ulnar diaphyseal fracture and a comminuted fracture of the distal humerus. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: University-affiliated teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Eight patients with comminuted fractures of the distal humerus and ipsilateral ulnar diaphyseal fractures were included. INTERVENTION: Using a transolecranon approach, internal fixation of the distal humeral fracture with medial and lateral plates was performed. The ulnar diaphyseal fracture and additional osteotomy were fixed using a locked intramedullary nail. Subjective pain assessment was performed by using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: There were 6 (75%) male and 2 (25%) female patients, with a mean age of 40.9 (range, 32-56) years. The mean follow-up period was 24.6 (range, 12-36) months. All patients achieved union of the ulnar diaphyseal fracture and olecranon osteotomy. Union of the distal humeral fracture was observed in 7 (87.5%) patients. The mean time to union was 16.3 (range, 12-22) weeks, mean visual analog scale score was 1.8 (range, 0-3), median elbow performance score was 85 (range, 70-95), and median disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score was 17.9 (range, 5-45.8). CONCLUSIONS: Osteotomy of the olecranon and ulnar diaphyseal fracture using an intramedullary nail was a cosmetically advantageous and safe technique that enabled rehabilitation during the early postoperative period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A New Design for Maximum Conformity of Total Knee Prosthesis to Femur and Tibia.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure for treating patients with excessively arthritic knees. Nonetheless, early failure of TKA may occur in the first 5 yr, and up to 20% of TKA procedures can fail after 20 yr. In this study, a new anatomic prosthesis was designed to provide maximum conformity to knee bones and produce less stress and strain, in an effort to avoid possible failure of the prosthesis. Anatomical and conventional knee models were compared on the basis of both geometric conformity and stress and strain results obtained from finite element analysis. To compare geometric conformity, anatomic prosthesis components were manufactured by laser melting, and conventional prosthesis components were fixed to sawbone knee models. The anatomical model yielded up to 50% less contact pressure at the insert, which may indicate potential for reduced wear between insert and femur components. This model also resulted in less principal strain value at the tibial component, considered to be an important parameter to indicate loosening. The anatomical model with a new femur component in the anterior cortex design also yielded less stress at the femoral cortex, when compared to the conventional model. The findings in this study suggest that the anatomic prosthesis model may be a better design alternative to conventional knee prostheses in terms of wear, aseptic loosening, and normal joint biomechanics.

Lack of Any Role of Systemic Inflammatory Responses in Predicting Muscle Invasion by Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate if there is a relation between platelet:lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values and tumour histology and spread in bladder cancer cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bladder cancer patients undergoing TUR-M operation, with histopathologically verified diagnosis, followed-up and treated at the Private Medical Park Gaziantep Hospital between 2010 and 2015, were included in the study. NLR and PLR values were calculated using complete blood count data obtained at the first presentation. RESULTS: A total of 99 patients were included in the study, 7 (7.1%) women and 92 men (92.9%). When NLR was used as the indicator of systemic inflammatory response (SIR), it was determined that 52 (52.5%) of the patients were SIR negative and 47 (47.5%) SIR positive. No significant relation could be detected between NLR and tumour grade and muscle invasion (p=0.948, p=0.480). When PLR was used as SIR indicator, it was determined that 71 (71.7%) of the patients were found as negative and 28 (28.3%) as positive. No significant relation could be detected between PLR and tumour grade and muscle invasion (p=0.651, p=0.494). CONCLUSIONS: In our study we did not detected a relation between tumour histological behavior and PLR and NLR in bladder cancer. However, NLR and PLR are easily calculated, accessible, inexpensive and simple-to-use laboratory data from whole blood counts.

Osteochondral Lesions of Major Joints.

This paper provides information about osteochondral lesions (OCL) and example cases of OCL occurring in major joints, some of which are rarely seen. This simple tutorial is presented in question and answer format.

Treatment with Carnitine Enhances Bone Fracture Healing under Osteoporotic and/or Inflammatory Conditions.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of carnitine on bone healing in ovariectomy (OVX) and inflammation (INF)-induced osteoporotic rats. The rats were randomly divided into nine groups (n = 8 animals per group): sham-operated (Group 1: SHAM); sham + magnesium silicate (Mg-silicate) (Group 2: SHAM + INF); ovariectomy (Group 3: OVX); ovariectomy + femoral fracture (Group 4: OVX + FRC); ovariectomy + femoral fracture + Mg-silicate (Group 5: OVX + FRC + INF); ovariectomy + femoral fracture + carnitine 50 mg/kg (Group 6: OVX + FRC + CAR50); ovariectomy + femoral fracture + carnitine 100 mg/kg (Group 7: OVX + FRC + CAR100); ovariectomy + femoral fracture + Mg-silicate + carnitine 50 mg/kg (Group 8: OVX + FRC + INF + CAR50); and ovariectomy + femoral fracture + Mg-silicate + carnitine 100 mg/kg (Group 9: OVX + FRC + INF + CAR100). Eight weeks after OVX, which allowed for osteoporosis to develop, INF was induced with subcutaneous Mg-silicate. On day 80, all of the rats in groups 4-9 underwent fracture operation on the right femur. Bone mineral density (BMD) showed statistically significant improvements in the treatment groups. The serum markers of bone turnover (osteocalcin and osteopontin) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor α, interleukin 1ß and interleukin 6) were decreased in the treatment group. The X-ray images showed significantly increased callus formation and fracture healing in the groups treated with carnitine. The present results show that in a rat model with osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy and Mg-silicate, treatment with carnitine improves the healing of femur fractures.

Early and late-term results of arthroscopic surgery on patients with gonarthrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To provide guidance in the selection of the appropriate patient for arthroscopic debridement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients who were diagnosed with gonarthrosis according to modified American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and who underwent arthroscopic debridement and meniscectomy were evaluated. Functional assessment of patients was made based on preoperative as well as 1 month and 1 year postoperative results of the Lysholm Knee Score and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). One year postoperatively, the Tapper-Hoover Scoring System was used to calculate long-term results. Analyses were conducted using SPSS 18 software. For this study ethics committee approval was received from the ethics committee of Ataturk University Medical Studies Department Head on 08.10.2010 at the 6th meeting with regards to the document written on 16.06.2010 with number 998. RESULTS: Differences between preoperative and 1-month and 1-year postoperative values in the Western Otorino and McMaster Universities Osteoarthrosis (WOMAC) Index, Lysholm and VAS were found to be statistically significant (p<0.001) (Table 1). According to Tapper-Hoover results, 82.8% of patients benefited from arthroscopic debridement in the long term (Table 2). Among body mass index (BMI) groups, the WOMAC, Lysholm and VAS values of obese patients were worse than those of normal weight and underweight patients, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.005). Late-term results of patients younger than 55 were superior to those over 55. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of patients with gonarthrosis, arthroscopic debridement is a good option. Patients who have a low BMI and are younger than 55 years old experience more benefit from arthroscopic debridement.