Use of procalcitonin as a biomarker for sepsis in pediatric burns.

Infection and sepsis continue to be the leading cause of morbidity and death in burn injuries. Diagnosing sepsis in burns is challenging as signs and symptoms of sepsis are not specific and overlap with those related to the burn injury. While the use of procalcitonin (PCT) as a biomarker is recommended for diagnosing sepsis in burns, evidence for children with burns is scarce. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of PCT in distinguishing sepsis in pediatric burns. A prospective observational study was conducted in a single pediatric burn unit. Children hospitalized with burns ≤ 30% of total body surface area were included while patients with chemical burn, inhalation injury, or concomitant chronic diseases were excluded. Patients were classified into three groups for sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), or controls using the American Burn Association (ABA) criteria. The predictive role of C-reactive protein (CRP) and PCT was investigated for distinguishing sepsis. Seventy-two patients were included in the study. The median total body surface area (TBSA) size was 12% (2.0-28.5%), and the median abbreviated burn severity index (ABSI) score was 3 (2-7). The median length of burn unit stay was 9.5 days (1-59 days). Sepsis was diagnosed in 11 patients (15.2%), and SIRS was present in 23 patients (40.0%), whereas 38 patients (52.8%) had neither SIRS nor sepsis (control group). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that CRP and PCT levels distinguished sepsis patients from non-sepsis patients while PCT had a higher positive predictive value (50.0% vs. 45.0%). Optimal cutoff values of CRP and PCT for distinguishing sepsis were 66.75 mg/L and 0.95 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: PCT levels could distinguish sepsis in children with burn injuries, performing better than CRP levels. Confirmatory studies are needed to evaluate the development of sepsis and the role of PCT in diagnosing sepsis in pediatric burn patients. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Even though there are excellent criteria for the diagnosis of infection and sepsis in children and several clinical parameters and biomarkers are being studied, it's difficult to diagnose burn wound sepsis in children. WHAT IS NEW: • Data from this study showed that procalcitonin levels performed better than CRP levels as a biomarker for distinguishing sepsis from systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in children with burn injuries.

Quantitation of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein after two doses of CoronaVac in healthcare workers.

Quantitation of antibodies to the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2  (SARS-CoV-2) was performed for the detection of adaptive immune response in healthcare workers (HCWs) vaccinated with CorovaVac. We prospectively recruited HCWs from a university hospital in Turkey. Serum samples from 1072 HCWs were obtained following 28 days of the first, and 21 days of the second dose. Detection and quantitation of SARS-CoV-2 antispike antibodies were performed by the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant; Abbott). Results greater than or equal to the cutoff value 50.0 AU/ml were reported as positive. After the first dose, antispike antibodies were detected in 834 of 1072 (77.8%) HCWs. Seropositivity was higher among females (84.6%) than males (70.6%) (p < 0.001) and was found to be highest in both women and men between the ages of 18-34. After the second dose, antibodies were detected in 1008 of 1012 (99.6%) HCWs. Antibody titers were significantly higher in those who had coronavirus disease-2019 before vaccination than those who did not (p < 0.001). Antibody positivity and median antibody titers were significantly less in HCWs with chronic diseases compared to those without (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, our findings indicated that a relatively high frequency (99.6%) of humoral immunity was produced in HCWs aged 18-59 after two doses of CoronaVac. Quantitation of antibodies may help facilitate longitudinal monitoring of the antibody response, which will be especially useful in deciding the dose of the vaccine in vulnerable groups such as those over 60 years of age and those with chronic diseases.

Peak nasal inspiratory airflow measurements for assessing laryngopharyngeal reflux treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and antireflux treatment on peak nasal inspiratory airflow (PNIF). DESIGN: Prospective observational study was conducted. SETTING: Tertiary otorhinolaryngology clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with LPR and healthy controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PNIF measurements were performed on 60 patients who applied with complaints suggestive of LPR having higher Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) (>13) and Reflux Finding Scores (RFS) scores (>7). Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment was started and PNIF measurements were repeated two months later. A total of 100 patients without any history of LPR and sinonasal disease were included in the study. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase was observed in PNIF values after proton pump inhibitor treatment. The mean PNIF values of the LPR patients were 133.83 ± 27.99 L/min and 149.92 ± 23.23 L/min before and after treatment, respectively. The mean PNIF value in the control group was 145.0 ± 25.92 L/min. PNIF values were significantly lower in the LPR relative to the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Laryngopharyngeal reflux decreases PNIF. This negative effect on PNIF disappears after antireflux medication. The results of the study indicate that PNIF measurements may be an appropriate method for clinical diagnosis of LPR and evaluation of treatment results.

Application of Rasch analysis to Turkish version of ECOS-16 questionnaire.

The aim of this study is to reevaluate validity of Turkish version of the ECOS-16 questionnaire by using Rasch analysis in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis. ECOS-16 (Assessment of health related quality of life in osteoporosis) is a quality of life questionnaire, which is convenient for measuring the quality of life of post-menopausal women with osteoporosis. 132 post-menopausal women with osteoporosis who attended Uludag Universtity, Atatürk Rehabilitation and Research Center between January 2010 and March 2011 were included in this study. The subjects filled out Turkish version of ECOS-16 questionnaire by themselves. The Rasch model was used for assessing construct validity of ECOS-16 data. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The mean infit and outfit mean square (z std) were found as 1.08 (0.1) and 1.02 (-0.1), respectively. The separation indices for the item and person were found as 7.72 and 3.13; the separation reliabilities were 0.98 and 0.91, respectively. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found as 0.90. The construct validity of ECOS-16 questionnaire was assessed by Rasch analysis.

Effects of LSVT-BIG via telerehabilitation on non-motor and motor symptoms and quality of life in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with motor and non-motor symptoms affecting the quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT)-BIG rehabilitation program via telerehabilitation on quality of life, motor and non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD), and their correlation with each other. METHODS: Fifteen patients with mild-to-moderate PD (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3) were included in the LSVT-BIG exercise program with remote access for 16 sessions over four weeks. Motor and non-motor experiences before and after the program were evaluated with MDS-UPDRS parts 1, 2, and 3 and quality of life with PDQ-39. The correlation between MDS-UPDRS parts and PDQ-39 subgroups was examined. RESULTS: Following the application of the LSVT-BIG rehabilitation program with remote access, MDS-UPDRS parts 1, 2, and 3 scores and PDQ-39 summary index (PDQ-39 SI) and subgroup scores (excluding social support) were improved. A moderate-strong correlation was determined between MDS-UPDRS parts 1 and 2 and the PDQ-39 parameters of the patients. CONCLUSION: Both motor and non-motor symptoms may be associated with the quality of life in PD. We have concluded that LSVT-BIG treatment via telerehabilitation can improve motor and non-motor symptoms along with the quality of life in PwPD.

Evaluation of vessel density in healthy subjects with family history of glaucoma.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether any microvascular changes are present in optic disc, peripapillary or maculary regions in healthy subjects with a family history of glaucoma. METHODS: A total of 82 healthy subjects including 42 first-degree relatives of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and 40 controls were enroled in this cross-sectional study. Global and sectoral vessel density (VD) measurements excluding large vessels, retina nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and macula ganglion cell (mGCC) thicknesses were obtained from a combined optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A) and spectral-domain OCT system. Effect size (ES) was used for evaluating the magnitude of the statistically significant difference. Area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were used to examine the ability of parameters to differentiate first-degree relatives to controls. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in RNFL and mGCC thicknesses between groups. Although lower VD measurements in optic disc, peripapillary region, and macula were observed in the first-degree relatives, statistically significant mean difference (3.13 ± 0.87, p = 0.001) and large ES (0.80) were in only lower nasal sector of peripapillary region. Inter-eye asymmetry of supero-nasal VD was also statistically higher (3.74 ± 2.55 vs 1.89 ± 1.64) with a large ES in the first-degree relatives (p < 0.001, ES = 0.86). AUC for differentiating first-degree relatives from controls was highest for inter-eye asymmetry of supero-nasal sector VD (0.74, p < 0.001), followed by lower nasal sector VD (0.72, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared to controls, first-degree relatives of patients with POAG were found to have significantly greater inter-eye asymmetry in supero-nasal peripapillary VD and less VD in the lower nasal peripapillary region.

The Use of Prostaglandin Analogues and Cystoid Macular Edema after Uneventful Cataract Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether using prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) perioperatively is associated with an increased rate of the development of clinical or subclinical cystoid macular edema (CME) after uneventful cataract surgery. METHODS: The PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases were searched to June 2022 for this systematic review and meta-analysis. Two authors independently screened search results. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to calculate the overall incidence rate and odds ratio (OR). Quality of studies was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The incidences of CME for continued vs discontinued use of PGAs perioperatively, continued use of PGAs, discontinued use of PGAs, and PGA users vs non-PGA antiglaucomatous users were main outcomes. RESULTS: Out of 544-articles, 9 studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The continued use of PGAs was not associated with an increased risk of the development of subclinical macular edema compared with discontinued use (OR = 1.32 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.49-3.51], p = .582). The overall incidence of CME was 34% (95% CI = 0.17-0.52) for continued use of PGAs and 7% (95% CI = 0.02-0.13) for discontinued use of PGAs. Using PGAs did not increase the risk of CME's development compared with non-PGA antiglaucomatous usage (OR = 2.29 [95% CI = 0.84-6.23], p = .103). CONCLUSIONS: Discontinuing treatment with PGAs during the perioperative period in eyes without any known risk factors for CME has no clinically significant effect on reducing the development of postoperative CME based on the existing studies. Further, well-designed randomized controlled trials need to be performed.

Could ischemia-modified albumin levels predict the severity of disease in SARS-CoV-2 infection?

INTRODUCTION: Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) level increases in inflammatory conditions. We aimed to investigate the association between IMA levels and the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in adult patients. METHODOLOGY: We grouped adult patients with COVID-19 infection: Group A - mild symptoms, but normal computed tomography (CT), Group B - mild/moderate illness, and Group C - severe or critical illness. We measured IMA levels at the time of diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. RESULTS: Mean age of the total number of patients (n = 90) was 54.43 (± 8.11) year, and 46.7% (n = 42) were female. IMA levels were highest in Group C and lowest in A (p < 0.001). The most important factor predicting COVID-19 disease severity was IMA. Type 2 diabetes was more frequent in Group C (n = 31) than in Group B (n = 30) (p = 0.042). Asthma was less frequent, and coronary artery disease was more frequent in Group C than in Group A (n = 29) and B (p = 0.009). Duration of hospitalization was highest in Group C (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We analyzed a sample of patients with COVID-19 infection and found that IMA predicted severe COVID-19 disease. Disease severity grouping was based on patients' clinical and radiological features. IMA level measured when SARS-CoV-2 infection is diagnosed may be a useful marker in predicting likely disease severity or intensive care need.

The Relationship Between Chronotype and Impulsivity, Attention-Deficit Disorder, Internet, Social Media, and Smartphone Addiction.

Background: The aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between chronotypes and impulsivity, attention-deficit disorder and smartphone, social media, and internet addiction in a sample of university students. Method: The study was conducted at our university from May to July 2021. A total of 255 subjects were recruited in the study among the students from the medical faculty and the faculty of health sciences (departments of nutrition and dietetics, nursing, and physiotherapy and rehabilitation) of our university who received face-to-face education in 2020-2021. Sociodemographic data form, the Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale, Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 Short Form, Young's Internet Addiction Scale, Social Media Addiction Scale-Adult Form, and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version were administered by the study investigators through face-to-face interviews. Results: Among the students, the intermediate type was most common (n = 157) and the evening type was least common (n = 44). The chronotypes differed in terms of the time spent daily on smartphone and internet (P = .001 and P < .001). The evening types showed significantly higher mean scores on the Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale, Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 Short Form, Young's Internet Addiction Scale, Social Media Addiction Scale-Adult Form, and Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version when compared with other chronotypes. Female and male students showed comparable scores on all scales. Chronotypes were not different between genders. Conclusions: The results of our study showed a greater frequency of smartphone, internet, and social media addiction among the evening types than in the other chronotypes. Greater impulsivity and attention problems as observed in the evening types may be predisposing these individuals to develop addiction to smartphone, internet, and social media.

Visual acuity, defocus curve and patient satisfaction of a new hybrid EDOF-multifocal diffractive intraocular lens.

Purpose: To evaluate the visual acuity, defocus curve and visual quality of life following bilateral implantation of a new hybrid extended depth of focus (EDOF)-multifocal diffractive intraocular lens (IOL). Methods: Patients who underwent cataract surgery with bilateral implantation of Tecnis Synergy IOL were enrolled in this study. The main outcomes were defined as uncorrected distant, intermediate and near visual acuities (UDVA, UIVA and UNVA, respectively), defocus curve and VF-14 questionnaire aimed for visual performance. Results: The mean ± SD values for binocular UDVA, UIVA and UNVA were -0.01 ± 0.04, 0.05 ± 0.03 and 0.03 ± 0.05 logMAR, respectively. Defocus curve showed a continuous vision above 0.16 logMAR between +0.50 D and -2.50 D. Patients had good visual performance with mean VF-14 scores above 3 points. Driving at night (3.47 ± 0.64) was found to be the most difficult task to perform. Spectacle independence was 100% for both distant and near vision. Conclusion: Bilateral implantation of Tecnis Synergy IOL in cataract patients shows good visual acuity and performance, covering a good visual range without any need of spectacles.

Comparative Analysis of a New Hybrid EDOF-Multifocal Diffractive Intraocular Lens with a Trifocal Diffractive Intraocular Lens.

PURPOSE: To compare visual acuity, defocus curve and visual quality of life performances of a new hybrid refractive-diffractive intraocular lens (IOL) and a trifocal diffractive IOL. METHODS: Patients who underwent cataract surgery with bilateral implantation of ZFR00V or TFNT00 IOLs were enrolled in this study. The main outcomes were defined as uncorrected distant, intermediate and near visual acuities (UDVA, UIVA and UNVA, respectively), defocus curve and VF-14 questionnaire aimed for visual performance. RESULTS: Fifty patients, of whom 30 had bilateral ZFR00V implantation, were enrolled in the study. Patients with ZFR00V had significantly better UIVA than patients with TFNT00 (0.05 ± 0.03 vs. 0.07 ± 0.04 logMAR, P = 0.02). Defocus curve showed significantly higher visual acuity in intermediate range for ZFR00V IOL between -1.00 and -1.50 dioptres (all P < 0.05). All patients had good visual performance with mean VF-14 scores above 3 points with no significant difference between two IOL models. Spectacle independence was 100% for both distant and near vision in both group of patients. CONCLUSION: Bilateral implantation of ZFR00V in cataract patients shows better intermediate visual acuity scores and similar daily visual performance when compared with trifocal TFNT00 IOL.

The relationship of chronotypes with food addiction, impulsivity, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in a sample of undergraduate university students.

The primary aim of the current study was to examine the frequency of food addiction in a group of university students and whether it differed among chronotypes. The second aim was to investigate the relationship of chronotypes with impulsivity, poor sleep quality and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and to evaluate how this relationship affects food addiction. 328 university students were included in the study. Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 Short Form (BIS-11-SF), Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were administered. Evening types scored significantly higher on ASRS and BIS-11 SF (p < .001, p < .001 respectively). Based on YFAS scores, 12.5% (n = 41) of the participants met the criteria for food addiction. The number of participants fulfilling the criteria for food addiction was higher among the evening types compared to intermediate and morning types (p = .006, p = .004, respectively). The mean ASRS and BIS-11 SF scores of the students who met the criteria for food addiction were significantly greater than those who did not (p < .001, p < .001, respectively). 63.4% (n = 26) of the students meeting the criteria for food addiction scored 6 or higher on PSQI versus 32.0% (n = 92) of the students who did not (p < .001). Mediation analysis showed that the direct effect of MEQ scores on food addiction was not significant (ß = -0.009, p = .723). However, lower MEQ scores had an indirect effect on food addiction through higher ASRS scores (ß = -0.027; p < .05 bias corrected and accelerated 95% CI -0.052 to -0.011). The results of the present study suggest that higher prevalence of food addiction among evening types seems to be related to higher occurrence of ADHD symptoms in these chronotypes. Further population-based studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm our findings.

Turkish Validity and Reliability of the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) with High-Risk Infant Group: A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish the reliability of the Turkish translation of the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination in infants at 8-12 months corrected age and compare Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination scores to other predictive assessments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Perinatal risk factors, term-age magnetic resonance imaging, general movements at 3-month corrected age, and 12-month corrected age The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III) scores were obtained in 35 high-risk infants. The Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination was evaluated using intra-rater and interrater reliability. Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination scores were compared to the findings from the three other assessments. RESULTS: Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 1.00; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.969, P < .001, 95% CI = 0.939-0.984, respectively). Global Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination scores were significantly lower in infants with magnetic resonance imaging evidence of brain injury than without (P < .05) and in infants without general movements Fidgety movements (P < .05), than with. There was a significant positive correlation between global Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination scores and Bayley Scales-III cognitive (P < .001), language (P < .001), and motor composite scores (P < .001). CONCLUSION: This study strongly supports the use of the Turkish translation of the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination. Users found it readily understandable and easy to use, and the scores were consistent with 3 different methods of predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes. These findings will aid the early diagnosis, management, and support for children with neurodevelopmental problems.

Assessment of Antioxidant Effect of Beta-Glucan on the Whole Blood Oxidative DNA Damage with the Comet Assay in Colorectal Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant effect of beta-glucan on oxidative DNA damage by comet assay. METHODS: A total of 19 adult females and males diagnosed with stage 3-4 colorectal cancer and a control group of 20 age-matched healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Blood samples of the participants were analyzed using Comet Assay for the parameters of DNA damage. RESULTS: Significantly increased DNA damage was observed in patients versus the control group as indicated by greater values of tail moment, tail percent DNA and tail length. Following incubation with ß-glucan, a substantial reduction was found in the aforementioned parameters of DNA damage. Comet assay revealed significant levels of endogenous DNA damage in patients as shown by remarkable increases in the tail moment, the percentage of DNA in the tail and the tail length values, in comparison with the control group. Following treatment of fresh whole blood with ß-glucan incubation, DNA damages were significantly reduced, but lower values were observed after ß-glucan incubation in the patient group versus control group. CONCLUSION: ß-Glucan was found to reduce DNA damage substantially in colorectal cancer patients and show antimutagenic effects. Our results suggested that dietary ß-glucan intake might be important in the genesis of colorectal cancer tumors.

Survey of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Ophthalmology Clinical Practice in Turkey

Objectives: To investigate the effect of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the clinical practice of ophthalmologists in our country. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was delivered to 250 ophthalmologists via e-mail and a smartphone messaging application. A total of 113 ophthalmologists completed the survey. The questions included the participants' demographic data (age, years in practice, institution, and city), changes in their working conditions and institutional preventive measures implemented during the pandemic, their personal COVID-19 experiences, the prevalence of telemedicine applications, and their attitudes toward these practices. Results: Nearly half (47.8%) of the 113 ophthalmologists were 36 to 45 years old. In terms of years in practice, the largest proportion of respondents (28.3%) had 6-10 years of experience. Most of the participants worked in private/foundation universities (37.2%), while 22.1% worked in education and research clinics. Participants working at public universities most often reported that they or a close contact had to work in COVID wards (89.5%). Triage was performed in 51.5% of ophthalmology outpatient clinics, with 88.0% of these participants reporting that patients with fever, cough, or dyspnea were directed to the pandemic clinic without ophthalmological examination. All participants working in public hospitals, education and research clinics, and public university hospitals had postponed elective surgeries, whereas 12.5% of those working in private practice and 20.5% of those working in private/foundation universities reported that they continued elective surgeries. While 80.8% of the participants did not conduct online interviews or examinations, 40.4% stated that they considered telemedicine applications beneficial. Seventy-seven percent of participants expressed concern about a decrease in their income during the pandemic, with this being especially common among participants working in private practice (87.5%) and private/foundation university hospitals (85.7%). Conclusion: Ophthalmologists across our country have been affected by this pandemic at a level that will change their clinical approach. We think that ophthalmologists impacted by the difficulty of providing personal protective equipment and economic concerns should be supported more during the pandemic.

Comparison of low level laser therapy and extracorporeal shock wave in treatment of chronic lateral epicondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) ver-sus low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in treating chronic lateral epicondylitis (CLE). METHODS: In this prospective study, 52 patients (24 males, 28 females; mean age=48 years; age range=30-70 years) with a diagnosis of CLE were included and randomized into two groups (26 in each group): ESWT group (14 males, 12 females; mean age=48±10 years) or LLLT group (10 males, 16 females; mean age=48±11 years). ESWT was applied for 5 weeks with one session per week, while LLLT was applied with 15 sessions on consecutive days. All patients were evaluated using Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), Patient-Related Lateral Epicondy-litis Evaluation (PRTEE), and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) before and after the treatments. RESULTS: In the comparison of baseline data between treatment groups, significant differences were observed only in SF-Physical functioning and SF-Energy/fatigue scores (p=0.035 and p=0.038, re-spectively), which were 77.1±17.2 and 56.3±17.2 in ESWT group and 66.5±18.0 and 44.8±21.5 in LLLT group, respectively. In the comparison of post-treatment data between groups, there were sig-nificant differences in all scores (p<0.05) except two subscales of SF-36, which were SF-role limita-tions due to emotional problems (p=0.092) and physical health (p=0.147), respectively. The other subscales of SF-36, PRTEE and DASH scores obtained after the treatments were better in ESWT group than in LLLT group. The comparison of pre-and post-treatment scores in each group revealed significant improvements in all scores (p<0.05), except SF-36 subscales, including energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, and general health scores (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Evidence from this study revealed that although both treatment modalities were effective in the treatment of CLE, ESWT seemed to more effective in pain relief and functional recovery than LLLT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Therapeutic study.

Statistical errors in articles published in radiology journals.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate articles in radiology journals indexed in the Science Citation Index or Science Citation Index Expanded in terms of statistical errors. By this means, we aim to contribute to the production of high quality scientific publications. METHODS: In this study, a total of 157 articles published in 2016-2017 in 20 radiology journals were reviewed randomly. Selected articles were evaluated for statistical errors regarding P values and statistical tests, and for errors in terminology and other errors related to interpretation. In addition, in order to examine whether the error rates of the articles published in the radiology journals differed according to the impact factor, the statistical errors were compared according to the impact factors of the journals. RESULTS: Of the 157 articles published in radiology journals, 10 had no statistical errors, while 147 had at least one statistical error. The most frequently encountered error was "errors in summarizing data" with a rate of 66%. This was followed by "incorrect representation of P values" with a rate of 42%. The least frequently encountered error was "statistical symbol errors" with a rate of 3%. There was no statistically significant difference according to impact factors. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, radiology journals, as do journals in different fields, include articles containing statistical errors. Even when the quality of the journal increases, there is no difference in these statistical error rates. In order to prevent statistical errors in manuscripts, there are responsibilities for both the researchers who conduct scientific studies and the editors who publish these studies in their journals. Researchers should have a basic statistical knowledge, and the editor must submit all manuscripts for a statistical review.

Asthma control test and pediatric asthma quality of life questionnaire association in children with poor asthma control.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) and Asthma Control Test (ACT) in patients with poor asthma control. Children between 7-17 years of age with diagnosis of persistent asthma who are not on daily inhaler corticosteroid therapy were involved. At enrollment, sociodemographic and asthmatic characteristics were investigated and pulmonary function test (PFT), ACT and PAQLQ were administered. Patients were reevaluated following six week regular inhaler therapy and ACT, PAQLQ and PFT were performed. Out of 77 patients, 35 (45%) were female. The mean age was 11.62 ± 2.35 years. Following 6 weeks daily inhaler therapy, the scores of ACT, all the parameters of PAQLQ and all the parameters of PFT except FEV1/FVC were significantly increased (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between ACT and PAQLQ scores (r < 0.5, p=0.001). In conclusion, there is a correlation between ACT and PAQLQ.