Background and Objectives: Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is a rapid loss of hearing, exceeding 30 dB in at least 3 consecutive frequencies within 3 days, without any identifiable cause despite thorough investigations. Currently, the etiology and pathogenesis of ISSHL have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to assess the size of the cochlear nerve in patients with ISSHL and explore its relationship with pretreatment audiograms and treatment response. Subjects and Methods: A total of 125 patients (59 [47.2%] women; mean age 47.7±13.8 years [minimum-maximum: 21-76]) and 60 healthy participants (27 [45%] women; mean age 45.7±16.8 years [minimum-maximum: 20-76]) as a control group were included in this study. The size of the cochlear nerve was assessed on the affected side, compared to the control group, as well as on the unaffected side. Pretreatment and posttreatment audiological values were also analyzed. Results: The cross-sectional area (CSA), vertical diameter (VD), and horizontal diameter (HD) of the CN were found to be smaller on the affected side of ISSHL patients compared to the control group (p<0.01; p=0.04; p=0.02, respectively). In the study group (affected side of ISSHL patients), there were no significant differences in VD, HD, and CSA values between pretreatment audiogram types (p=0.23; p=0.53; p=0.39, respectively), and initial hearing levels (p=0.16; p=0.22; p=0.23, respectively). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in VD, HD, and CSA values between the recovery groups according to Furuhashi criteria (p=0.18; p=0.37; p=0.27, respectively). Conclusions The size of the CN may be a risk factor for ISSHL, but it does not affect the type of audiogram curves and was not prognostic in terms of treatment response.

Purpose: To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the blood-count derived systemic immunoinflammatory parameters in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, the blood-count parameters and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), thyroid peroxidase antibody, and anti-thyroglobulin antibody were evaluated in 46 patients with TAO and 46 matched controls. The associations of the immunoinflammatory parameters with clinical outcomes were analyzed among TAO patients. Results: Significant differences were found in NLR, PLR, SII, and lymphocyte count between the controls and the TAO group (p < 0.05 for all). In logistic regression analysis, these inflammatory parameters did not have any prognostic effect on the clinical outcomes of the TAO (p > 0.05 for all). The patients, who needed systemic treatment due to any ocular involvement of TAO during the follow-up period, had significantly lower platelet count (p = 0.001) and PLR (p = 0.02) at the time of initial diagnosis when compared to the no treatment-needed group of the TAO patients. The initial platelet count was significantly associated with the subsequent steroid need due to TAO during the follow-up period (β = -0.02, p = 0.03). Conclusions NLR, PLR, and SII may serve as potential inflammatory markers in the identification of the TAO, although they have no evident prognostic significance in TAO. However, the relatively lower platelet count at initial diagnosis may be associated with the need for systemic therapy during the follow-up in patients with TAO.

Purpose: To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the blood-count derived systemic immunoinflammatory parameters in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, the blood-count parameters and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), thyroid peroxidase antibody, and anti-thyroglobulin antibody were evaluated in 46 patients with TAO and 46 matched controls. The associations of the immunoinflammatory parameters with clinical outcomes were analyzed among TAO patients. Results: Significant differences were found in NLR, PLR, SII, and lymphocyte count between the controls and the TAO group (p < 0.05 for all). In logistic regression analysis, these inflammatory parameters did not have any prognostic effect on the clinical outcomes of the TAO (p > 0.05 for all). The patients, who needed systemic treatment due to any ocular involvement of TAO during the follow-up period, had significantly lower platelet count (p = 0.001) and PLR (p = 0.02) at the time of initial diagnosis when compared to the no treatment-needed group of the TAO patients. The initial platelet count was significantly associated with the subsequent steroid need due to TAO during the follow-up period (β = -0.02, p = 0.03). Conclusions NLR, PLR, and SII may serve as potential inflammatory markers in the identification of the TAO, although they have no evident prognostic significance in TAO. However, the relatively lower platelet count at initial diagnosis may be associated with the need for systemic therapy during the follow-up in patients with TAO.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the correlations between the use of complementary and integrative therapies (CITs) and symptoms among Turkish patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study. The study was conducted with 1119 FMF patients who were registered to the social networking site for Behcet's and the FMF Patients Association (Befemder) in Turkey, between January 2018 and February 2019. Data were collected using an online survey, for which a three-part questionnaire was created using a Google form. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: It was determined that 53.2% of the individuals who participated in the research used various forms of CITs and that 32.8% used vitamin and mineral supplements (calcium, iron, and vitamin B12, C and D), 25.0% used nutritional supplements (fish oil and honey), and 24.6% used oral herbs (ginger, turmeric, green tea and rosemary) and mind-body methods (relaxation, respiration exercise and meditation). It was determined that the percentage of participants that used CITs was higher among women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.825; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.421-2.344), those with joint pain (OR = 1.385; 95% CI 1.047-1.832), those with difficulty breathing (OR = 1.323; 95% CI 1.031-1.697), those with gastrointestinal symptoms (OR = 1.405; 95% CI 1.089-1.814) and those who had a family member with FMF (OR = 1.437; 95% CI 1.115-1.851). CONCLUSION More than half of the individuals used at least one type of CIT for symptom control.
Behcet Syndrome ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Familial Mediterranean Fever/therapy* ; Female ; Humans ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Turkey

Objective: To determine the anti-inflammatory effects of mucus obtained from different fish species on the carrageenan-induced acute paw edema in rats. Methods: Forty-two rats were randomly divided into seven groups. Acute paw edema was induced by 0.1 mL of 1% carrageenan, and a single dose of diclofenac and lyophilized mucus (25 mg/kg) of rainbow trout, brook trout, European sea bass, and gilthead sea bream were administered to rats through gastric gavage 1 h before carrageenan treatment. Rat paws were measured before and 1-4 h after carrageenan treatment. The mRNA expressions of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β), antioxidant markers (catalase and superoxide dismutase), and COX-2 were investigated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The histopathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: The inhibition percentage of carrageenan-induced paw edema by different fish mucus ranged from 52.46% to 74.86% at 4 h. Histopathological evaluation showed that all fish mucus diminished carrageenan-induced edema and inflammatory cell infiltration. The upregulation of IL-1β mRNA induced by carrageenan was decreased by the mucus of rainbow trout and gilthead sea bream while an increase in the expression of IL-6 mRNA was reduced by the mucus of rainbow trout, brook trout, and gilthead sea bream. In addition, the mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase was higher in the rainbow trout mucus group than the carrageenan group. Conclusions: Mucus obtained from different fish species may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Both Fahr’s disease and SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to thrombotic events. Fortunately, they are rare occurring together. There are no previous reports of SARS-CoV-2 infection in association with Fahr’s disease. We report here a case of SARS-CoV-2 infection with Fahr’s disease that presented with thalamic infarct. The patient improved with enoxaparin. Ischemic infarction may be seen in SARSCoV-2 patients with associated Fahr’s disease. Antithrombotic therapy may be helpful in preventing further deterioration.

PURPOSE: Beverages may affect the translucency of esthetic dental restorative materials. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of coffee and red wine on the translucency of a PICN material with two translucency levels, and finished with different methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 2M2 high translucent and translucent VITA Enamic hybrid ceramic blocks were investigated. Rectangular specimens with the dimensions of 12 mm × 14 mm × 2 mm were prepared. The specimens were finished and polished with different methods as suggested by the manufacturer. The translucency parameters of the specimens were evaluated before and after 24 hours, 7 days, and 28 days immersion in distilled water, coffee and red wine. Translucency parameters were measured using a portable spectrophotometer. RESULTS: At the end of 28 days, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups of specimens kept in coffee (P>.05). In the red wine groups, there was a statistically significant difference between the control group and all other groups (P<.05) at the end of 28 days. CONCLUSION: The translucency of hybrid ceramic for a restoration may not be important regarding the effects of coffee on translucency change because the specimens with different translucencies and finishing methods that were immersed to coffee had similar translucency parameters at the end of 28 days. The translucency of hybrid ceramic may be important in the case of red wine, however, since the results showed that highly translucent specimens exposed to red wine demonstrated better translucency parameters than specimens made from translucent blocks at the end of 28 days.
Beverages ; Ceramics* ; Coffee ; Immersion ; Methods* ; Water ; Wine

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of meningomyelocele sac size on prognosis by retrospective review of 64 cases operated for meningomyelocele between January 2009 and December 2012. METHODS: We evaluated newborn babies operated for meningomyelocele by retrospectively reviewing their files for head circumference, location and with of the defect, accompanying anomalies, treatments administered, drugs that mother used during pregnancy. Based on the defect size, 3 patient groups were created as 0–24 cm² (group I), 25–39 cm² (group II), and 40 cm² and above (group III). RESULTS: Throughout the study, 64 babies were evaluated. Mean head circumference was 37.4 cm (range, 30.7–50 cm). Based on their location, 49 of the defects (76.5%) were lumbar, 7 (10.9%) were thoracolumbar, 4 (6.2%) were thoracic, 3 (3.1%) were sacral, 1 (1.5%) was cervical. Mean size of the meningomyelocele sac was 4.7 cm×5.8 cm (range, 1 cm×1 cm—10 cm×8 cm), 13 of the babies (20.3%) had skin defect requiring flap. According to accompanying anomalies, 47 of the babies (73.4%) had hydrocephalus, 7 (10.9%) had club foot, 1 (1.5%) had diastematomyelia, 1 (1.5%) had tethered cord. Thirty-nine of the babies (60.9%) had paraplegia, 10 (15.6%) had paraparesis, 8 (12.5%) had monoplegia; neurological examination in the remaining 7 babies was normal. CONCLUSION: In our study, increased diameter of meningomyelocele sac was associated with greater amount of neural tissue within the sac, which worsens the prognosis. Sac localization was not changing prognosis but infection rates, hospitalization duration were increased in babies with bigger diameter of sacs.
Foot ; Head ; Hemiplegia ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; Infant, Newborn ; Meningomyelocele* ; Mothers ; Neural Tube Defects ; Neurologic Examination ; Paraparesis ; Paraplegia ; Pregnancy ; Prognosis* ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin

BACKGROUND: In elderly high-risk surgical patients, sutureless aortic valve replacement (AVR) should be an alternative to standard AVR. The potential advantages of sutureless aortic prostheses include reducing cross-clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and facilitating minimally invasive surgery and complex cardiac interventions, while maintaining satisfactory hemodynamic outcomes and low rates of paravalvular leakage. The current study reports our single-center experience regarding the early outcomes of sutureless aortic valve implantation. METHODS: Between October 2012 and June 2015, 65 patients scheduled for surgical valve replacement with symptomatic aortic valve disease and New York Heart Association function of class II or higher were included to this study. Perceval S (Sorin Biomedica Cardio Srl, Sallugia, Italy) and Edwards Intuity (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) valves were used. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 71.15±8.60 years. Forty-four patients (67.7%) were female. The average preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was 56.9±9.93. The CPB time was 96.51±41.27 minutes and the cross-clamping time was 60.85±27.08 minutes. The intubation time was 8.95±4.19 hours, and the intensive care unit and hospital stays were 2.89±1.42 days and 7.86±1.42 days, respectively. The mean quantity of drainage from chest tubes was 407.69±149.28 mL. The hospital mortality rate was 3.1%. A total of five patients (7.69%) died during follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 687.24±24.76 days. The one-year survival rate was over 90%. CONCLUSION: In the last few years, several models of valvular sutureless bioprostheses have been developed. The present study evaluating the single-center early outcomes of sutureless aortic valve implantation presents the results of an innovative surgical technique, finding that it resulted in appropriate hemodynamic conditions with acceptable ischemic time.
Aged ; Aortic Valve* ; Bioprosthesis ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Chest Tubes ; Drainage ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; Hemodynamics ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Intensive Care Units ; Intubation ; Length of Stay ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Prostheses and Implants ; Prosthesis Design ; Stroke Volume ; Surgical Instruments ; Survival Rate

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A chronic inflammatory disease, lichen planus may cause disturbance of atrial electromechanical coupling and increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to evaluate atrial electromechanical delay with both electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography in patients with lichen planus (LP). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy-two LP patients (43 males [59.7%], mean age: 44.0±16.7 years) were enrolled in this cross-sectional case-control study. The control group was selected in a 1:1 ratio from 70 patients in an age and sex matched manner. P wave dispersion was measured by ECG to show atrial electromechanical delay. All of the patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography for measuring inter- and intra-atrial electromechanical delays. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the patients and the control group were similar except for the presence of LP. P-wave dispersion measured by ECG was significantly higher in patients with LP (p<0.001). Patients with LP had significantly prolonged intra- and interatrial electromechanical delays when compared to the control group (p<0.001). In addition, all of these variables were significantly correlated with high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. CONCLUSION: Atrial electromechanical coupling, which is significantly correlated with increased hsCRP levels, is impaired in patients with LP.
Atrial Fibrillation ; C-Reactive Protein ; Case-Control Studies ; Echocardiography ; Electrocardiography ; Humans ; Lichen Planus* ; Lichens* ; Male