Preand Posttreatment Research Articles

Facilitating Ulvan Extraction from Ulva lactuca via Deep Eutectic Solvent and Peracetic Acid Treatment

Ulva lactuca is a green seaweed and commonly referred to as sea lettuce and contains sulphated polysaccharides that have biological activity. Strong acids (HCl) and strong bases (NaOH) are commonly used as solvents in the conventional extraction process for ulvan, despite its lack of ecological sustainability. Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) is an alternative to ulvan extraction solvent which is more environmentally friendly and has low toxicity. Ulvan extraction using DES with a temperature of 85-95ºC for 1 hour, and adding 2% peracetic acid pretreatment, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 2% peracetic acid posttreatment were conducted. Peracetic acid pre- and post-treatment (PAA) was carried out with a 1:10 (w/v) ratio at room temperature for 30 minutes. This study aims to optimize the use of DES in ulvan extraction with pre- and post-treatment of ulvan quality. The analysis performed included moisture content, yield, functional groups, sulphate content, and color. The test results revealed that ulvan treated with 2% PAA pretreatment had the highest moisture content and sulphate content, at 18.71% and 33.39%, respectively, while ulvan treated with 0.1% PAA posttreatment had the highest yield, at 41.96%. The addition of peracetic acid concentration can increase the color quality of the ulvan. PAA pre- and post-treatment had a significant effect on all ulvan quality parameters.

Nanoscale-doped dual-channel for improved performance and reliability of Hf: IGTO / a-IGTO thin film transistor

Amorphous oxide semiconductors are widely used in the backplane thin film transistors (TFTs) of displays and are extensively researched as materials for next-generation memory devices. However, they face reliability degradation due to stress factors such as thermal, bias, and light exposure. To mitigate these issues, extensive research is focused on improvements, including doping, enhancing crystallinity, and applying pre-and post-treatments. This study investigates the significantly improved reliability and electrical properties of amorphous indium gallium tin oxide (a-IGTO) TFTs by adopting a dual-channel configuration through simultaneous co-sputtering of HfO2 and IGTO targets. The device fabrication involved co-sputtering HfO2 and IGTO at the gate oxide interface, followed by depositing an IGTO-only layer, rather than doping the entire channel material. The effect of varying Hf concentration was evaluated by applying different HfO2 sputtering powers. Optimal hafnium doping reduced the threshold voltage of the a-IGTO TFT from −0.85V to 0.15V compared to the pristine a-IGTO TFT, while enhancing the field-effect mobility (μFE). Furthermore, the Hf-doped device exhibited improved stability, with a reduced threshold voltage shift (ΔVth) under positive (+15 V) and negative(-15 V) bias stress at 3000s, decreasing from 11.5 V to 4.8 V, and 4.7 V–1.1 V, respectively. This study proposes a novel device fabrication method to enhance the reliability of amorphous oxide semiconductor, addressing their inherent stress-related issues.

Influence of the rs4238001 Genetic Polymorphism of the SR-B1 Gene on Serum Lipid Levels and Response to Rosuvastatin in Myocardial Infarction Iraqi Patients.

Scavenger receptor type B (SR-BI) is a receptor that binds both native and altered lipoproteins. It was revealed to facilitate utilization of high-density lipoprotein HDL and significantly affect the reverse transport of cholesterol. Therefore, the objectives were to identify the possible role of the genetic variant rs4238001 in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) on serum lipid level, and how this variant could impact the response of rosuvastatin drug. The genotyping of the rs4238001 genetic polymorphism of the SR-B1 gene was performed in 300 participants, including 150 MI patients treated with 20mg/day/4 weeks of rosuvastatin and 150 healthy control using Taq man probes (FAM and VIC) by Real-time PCR technique. The concentrations of the lipid profile were evaluated. The significance of the anthropometric data was revealed in the ejection fraction and smoking status (p < 0.05) between groups. The lipid profile shows either significant differences between control and MI patients (pre-treatment) or between pre-and post-treatment of MI patients (p < 0.05), but not HDL-c (p > 0.05). The minor allele frequency MAF% of the T allele and TT genotype were more frequent in MI patients than in controls (P = 0.173; OR = 3.62; 95% CI = 0.74-17.64). CC genotype was found to be associated with response to rosuvastatin therapy with a change of % (29.08 ± 53.2; p = 0.021). In the Iraqi population, the rs4238001 polymorphism of the SR-B1 gene is associated with variations in serum lipids, and the CC genotype of the SNP is related to higher HDL-C in the lipid-lowering rosuvastatin response.

Penggunaan Kuesioner Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) Pada Penelitian Tentang Gangguan Temporomandibula (Tinjauan Pustaka)

Patient’s quality of life has been assessed for both pre-and post treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders. Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) is known for its validity in assesing oral health related quality of life. Its original form consists of 49 items which can be categorized into seven sub-domains. The need of having a more compact questionnaire has driven researchers to create shorter forms of OHIP49, which resulted OHIP-14 and OHIP-5. Clinical studies have been carried out to assess the psychometric value for the shorter form. However, its utilization for screening purposes needs to be evaluated in future studies.

Evaluation of Change in Quality of Life, Dental Fear and Dental Anxiety in Young Children Following Full-mouth Dental Rehabilitation under General Anesthesia for Early Childhood Caries.

To evaluate the change in quality of life, dental fear, and dental anxiety in young children following full-mouth dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia for early childhood caries. About 200 children who were diagnosed with early childhood caries requiring full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia were recruited after obtaining parental consent. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was measured using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). Dental fear was evaluated using Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale and dental anxiety was evaluated using the Facial Image Scale. Scores were taken on the day of intervention, and after 14 days when the child reported for posttreatment follow-up. All 200 participants returned for a follow-up visit after 2 weeks. The child impact section was reduced from 15.7 ± 4.1 to 7.7 ± 1.9 after treatment. The family impact section was reduced from 9.6 ± 2.7 to 3.5 ± 2.6 after treatment. A statistically significant difference was seen in both sections when pre-and posttreatment values were compared (p < 0.001). The total ECOHIS showed statistically significant improvement as the pretreatment score of 21.6 ± 9.5 reduced to 11.2 ± 4.2 showing 51.9% improvement in OHRQoL after full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia was done (p < 0.001). Dental fear and anxiety among the participants showed a statistically significant reduction after treatment was done and most participants were found to be less fearful of doctors, dentists, and injections after treatment. Full-mouth rehabilitation was found to be a reliable treatment modality to improve the OHRQoL of children suffering from early childhood caries. Significant improvement was seen in the OHRQoL within 2 weeks after treatment and most participants were found to be less anxious and fearful toward dentists and dental treatment. Comprehensive dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia has been proven to be an effective treatment modality for early childhood caries and a productive treatment technique to reduce dental fear and anxiety.

556 Minimally Invasive Contracture Release Improves Function in Patients with Burn Contractures

Abstract Introduction Scar contracture bands after burns are a persistent problem that cause discomfort and physical and aesthetic limitation. Standard treatment for contracture bands in burn scars involves physical therapy, stretching, splinting and laser treatment, as well as surgical releases with local/distant flaps and grafting. A minimally invasive transcutaneous approach for the release of scar bands was initiated in our institution 6 years ago. The method was derived from techniques pioneered by Jose Daher and Raul Gonzalez to interrupt platysma bands in neck rejuvenation. With IRB approval we evaluated this new approach regarding long term outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of 45 patient charts was conducted for those with burn scars who received subcutaneous contracture release from May 1, 2016, through March 31, 2022. The procedure involves introducing a braided suture to loop the contracture band and moving it in a sawing motion until it cuts through the band in multiple sites along the contracture. Demographic data, total burn surface area (TBSA), location, amount of contracture release increments, scar size, and duration of treatment was recorded. Concurrent scar treatments and whether performed under anesthesia was also noted. In follow up visits 3-12 months post release patients were surveyed on satisfaction with the treatment and whether they noticed increased mobility after the procedure. The Vancouver Scar Scale was administered pre- and post-treatment. Patient range of motion was measured pre-and post treatment to assess for change in mobility at treated sites. Results Male to female ratio was 51%:49%, average age was 38.8(6 to 68), 58% were white . TBSA ranged from 0.5% to 85%, with an average of 36.1 ± 22.3. The release was applied to 11 different sites spanning the entire body, 39% on the neck . The procedure involved an average of 19.0 ± 8.8 incremental releases, and the average scar size for treatment was 174.4 ± 140.0 cm2. 93% of the procedures involved laser treatment, 76% were done under anesthesia because of the laser, and 84% involved a site that was skin grafted. Only one of the 45 patients reported bleeding post-discharge, and none had an infection at a puncture site. Out of 20 responses, 13 patients reported being “satisfied” and 3 “very satisfied”; none reported being “dissatisfied”. 19 noted an increase in mobility at the contracture site and one did not. On average, patient range of motion increased by 13.6 degrees. Conclusions The minimally invasive contracture release described is a versatile, safe, and well-tolerated procedure that can help patients regain form and function after a burn injury. It was successfully applied to a large range of age groups, burn sizes, and scar contracture sites. Encouraging data regarding patient recovery and gain in mobility supports the use of this contracture release technique. Further studies should include prospective multicenter trials. Applicability of Research to Practice Immediate

Azithromycin Mechanisms of Action in CRS Include Epithelial Barrier Restoration and Type 1 Inflammation Reduction.

Previous in vitro transcriptomic profiling suggests azithromycin exerts its effects in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) via modulation of type 1 inflammation and restoration of epithelial barrier function. We wished to verify these postulated effects using in vitro models of epithelial repair and in vivo transcriptional profiling. Functional effects of azithromycin in CRS were verified using in vitro models of wounding. The mechanism of the effect of azithromycin was assessed in vivo using transcriptomic profiling. Academic medical center. Effects of azithromycin on the speed of epithelial repair were verified in a wounding model using primary nasal epithelial cells (pNEC) from CRS patients. Nasal brushings collected pre-and posttreatment during a placebo-controlled trial of azithromycin for CRS patients unresponsive to surgery underwent transcriptomic profiling to identify implicated pathways. Administration of azithromycin improved the wound healing rates in CRS pNECs and prevented the negative effect of Staphylococcus aureus on epithelial repair. In vivo, response to azithromycin was associated with downregulation in pathways of type 1 inflammation, and upregulation of pathways implicated in the restoration of the cell cycle. Restoration of healthy epithelial function may represent a major mode of action of azithromycin in CRS. In vitro models show enhanced epithelial repair, while in vivo transcriptomics shows downregulation of pathways type 1 inflammation accompanied by upregulation of DNA repair and cell-cycle pathways. The maximal effect in patients with high levels of type 1-enhanced inflammation suggests that azithromycin may represent a novel therapeutic option for surgery-unresponsive CRS patients.

Effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy according to plantar calcaneal spur types

Objective: The aim of this study is to group patients with plantar heel pain and calcaneal spurs detected via lateral foot x-rays based on the angle between the spur and the calcaneus and compare the efficacy of an Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) treatment between these groups. Materials and Methods: The patients were divided into three groups based on the measurement the angle between the plantar calcaneal spur and the calcaneus. Those with a measured angle of &lt;30° were classified as Group 1, ranging between 30–60° as Group 2, and &gt;60° as Group 3. Demographic characteristics, spur length, visual analog scale (VAS) and foot function index score (FFI), and pain and function evaluation were used as the pre-and posttreatment data in each group. Results: Out of the 170 patients, 96 (56.5%) were included in Group 1, 65 (38.2%) were in Group 2, and 9 (5.3%) in Group 3. The posttreatment VAS and FFI scores of the patients were significantly lower than the pretreatment scores (p &lt; 0,001). It was determined that the highest and lowest VAS and FFI score changes in the posttreatment period was in Group 3 and Group 1, respectively. In the correlation analysis, a positive correlation was found between the measured angle value and pretreatment VAS and FFI scores, age, and spur length. Conclusion: ESWT is an effective treatment method for calcaneal spurs, but further studies are needed on PCS classifications and the efficacy of the treatment selected based on these classifications.

Continuous mechanical aspiration thrombectomy performs equally well in main versus branch pulmonary emboli: A subgroup analysis of the EXTRACT-PE trial.

The EXTRACT-PE trial evaluated the safety and performance of the Indigo Aspiration System (PenumbraInc.) with an 8F continuous mechanical aspiration thrombectomy system for the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE). This subgroup analysis evaluates performance outcomes of patients with main pulmonary artery (PA) emboli versus discrete unilateral or bilateral PA emboli without main PA involvement. The EXTRACT-PE trial was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter trial that enrolled 119 patients with acute submassive PE. Emboli location was collected at the time of enrollment, CT obstruction was measured and assessed by a Core Lab, and patients were grouped on whether emboli involved the main PA (with or without branch vessels) or not (branch vessels alone). Procedural device time, changes in the right ventricle to left ventricle (RV/LV) ratio, and systolic PA pressure from pre-and posttreatment were compared between the two groups. Out of the 119 patients enrolled, 118 had core lab-assessed clot locations. Forty-five(38.1%) had emboli that involved the main PA and 73 (61.9%) had only branch emboli. No significant difference was observed between these groups for 30-day mortality, procedural device time, changes in RV/LV ratio, reduction in CT Obstruction Index, or for systolic PA pressure from pre-and posttreatment. The mean absolute reduction in clot burden was significant in both groups. Continuous mechanical aspiration thrombectomy with the 8F Indigo Aspiration System was effective at improving clinical outcomes for submassive PE patients regardless of emboli location, and clot burden was significantly reduced in both groups.

Reducing Pre- and Post-Treatments in Cryopreservation Protocol and Testing Storage at -80 °C for Norway Spruce Embryogenic Cultures.

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is considered the most effective method for vegetative propagation of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst). For mass propagation, a storage method that is able to handle large quantities of embryogenic tissues (ETs) reliably and at a low cost is required. The aim of the present study was to compare freezing at -80 °C in a freezer to cryopreservation using liquid nitrogen (LN) as a method for storing Norway spruce ETs. The possibility of simplifying both the pre-treatment and thawing processes in cryopreservation was also studied. The addition of abscisic acid (ABA) to the pre-treatment media and using polyethylene glycol PEG4000 instead of PEG6000 in a cryoprotectant solution were tested. Both the pre-and post-treatments on semi-solid media could be simplified by reducing the number of media, without any loss of genotype or embryo production capacity of ETs. On the contrary, the storage of ETs in a freezer at -80 °C instead of using LN was not possible, and the addition of ABA to the pre-treatment media did not provide benefits but increased costs. The lower regeneration rate after using PEG4000 instead of PEG6000 in a cryoprotectant solution in cryovials was unexpected and unwanted. The simplified pre-and post-treatment protocol will remarkably reduce the workload and costs in the mass-cryopreservation of future forest regeneration materials and in thawing the samples for mass propagations, respectively.

Acquired B-cell deficiency secondary to B-cell-depleting therapies

The advantage of the newer biological therapies is that the immunosuppressive effect is targeted, in contrast, to the standard, traditional immunomodulatory agents, which have a more global effect. However, there are unintended targets and consequences, even to these “precise” therapeutics, leading to acquired or secondary immunodeficiencies. Besides depleting specific cellular immune subsets, these biological agents, which include monoclonal antibodies against biologically relevant molecules, often have broader functional immune consequences, which become apparent over time. This review focuses on acquired B-cell immunodeficiency, secondary to the use of B-cell depleting therapeutic agents. Among the many adverse consequences of B-cell depletion is the risk of hypogammaglobulinemia, failure of B-cell recovery, impaired B-cell differentiation, and risk of infections. Factors, which modulate the outcomes of B-cell depleting therapies, include the intrinsic nature of the underlying disease, the concomitant use of other immunomodulatory agents, and the clinical status of the patient and other co-existing morbidities. This article seeks to explore the mechanism of action of B-cell depleting agents, the clinical utility and adverse effects of these therapies, and the relevance of systematic and serial laboratory immune monitoring in identifying patients at risk for developing immunological complications, and who may benefit from early intervention to mitigate the secondary consequences. Though these biological drugs are gaining widespread use, a harmonized approach to immune evaluation pre-and post-treatment has not yet gained traction across multiple clinical specialties, because of which, the true prevalence of these adverse events cannot be determined in the treated population, and a systematic and evidence-based dosing schedule cannot be developed. The aim of this review is to bring these issues into focus, and initiate a multi-specialty, data-driven approach to immune monitoring.

Effectiveness of Mobiderm® bandages in the treatment of cancer-related secondary lymphedema: A pilot study.

Secondary lymphedema is a clinically incurable disease that commonly occurs following surgical cancer treatment and/or radiation. One of the most common forms of lymphedema treatment is complete decongestive therapy (CDT). This study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of new compression bandages (Mobiderm® bandages) in patients with secondary lymphedema after cancer treatment. This study included 17 patients with ipsilateral limb lymphedema after cancer treatment (one male and 16 female patients; age, 45–80 years). Patients were divided into the Mobiderm® bandage group (n = 9) and classical bandage group (n = 8). The International Society of Lymphology (ISL) stage was also evaluated. Limb circumference was measured at 5 to 6 sites per limb to identify the maximal circumference difference (MCD) between the affected and unaffected limbs. Pre-and posttreatment MCD were analyzed. After intensive CDT, both the Mobiderm® bandage group (1.2 ± 0.56 cm) and classical bandage group (0.85 ± 0.40 cm) had a significant decrease in MCD compared to pretreatment (P < .05). However, in patients with ISL stage 2, the mean MCD decrease rate was greater in the Mobiderm® bandage group (22.82 ± 10.92 %) than in the classical bandage group (12.18 ± 8.1 1%)(P = .045). Both new bandages (Mobiderm® bandages and classical bandages) reduced the circumference of limb edema in patients with secondary lymphedema after cancer treatment. This study findings suggest that Mobiderm® bandages as an alternative modality for controlling ISL stage 2 lymphedema.

A STUDY ON THE ROLE OF PROBIOTICS IN NASAL ALLERGY

INTRODUCTION: One of the major components of the commensal microbial flora, which is being frequently used as probiotics in the intestinal tract of humans, is Lactobacilli. It exerts health benefits beyond inherent basic nutrition, and its role in increasing the immunomodulating capacity of the host is widely accepted. In the treatment of allergic diseases, the beneficial effect of probiotics has been demonstrated. OBJECTIVE This study was aimed to observe the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing the symptoms of nasal allergy. METHODS Total 50 patients suffering from Allergic Rhinitis (AR) were administered with probiotics for a period of six weeks post which the VAS and IgE scores of the symptoms (Rhinorrhea, Sneezing, and Nasal obstruction) were statistically analyzed. The pre and post treatment VAS and IgE scores were collected and analyzed. RESULTS It showed that there was a reduction in the scores after the administration of probiotics. CONCLUSIONS This prospective study demonstrated the presence of significant improvement in the VAS and IgE scores among the following nasal symptoms - Rhinorrhea, Sneezing, and Nasal obstruction with the administration of probiotics in the patients suffering with AR. KEYWORDS Allergic rhinitis, probiotics, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea and sneezing.

EVALUATION OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS USING MBT* STRAIGHT WIRES IN CROSSBITE PATIENTS

The deviation and misalignment of teeth and jaw can lead to Angle’s Class I malocclusion (division 3 and 4 according to Anderson) and Angle’s Class III malocclusion. It causes anterior or posterior cross bite with a relatively high proportion. The proportion of patients with Angle’s Class I malocclusion (division 3 and 4 according to Anderson) and Angle’s Class III malocclusion due to the combination of maxillary laterally deficiency and mandibular prognathism varies in races and residential areas. In clinical practice, we conducted treatments for 86 patients with Angle’s Class I malocclusion, Anderson 3,4 subdivisions and Angle’s Class III malocclusion to the following. Objectives: Evaluate dentofacial phenotypes, X-ray images of patients having Angle’s Class I malocclusion (division 3 and 4 according to Anderson) and Angle’s Class III malocclusion. Analyze the results of treatments using MBT straight wires in patients with Angle’s Class I malocclusion (division 3 and 4 according to Anderson) and Angle’s Class III malocclusion. Methods: Interventional study (patients was clinically compared between pre and post treatment). Results: The prevalence of Angle’s Class I malocclusion (division 3 and 4 according to Anderson) is high with 79.06 %, and that of Angle’s Class III malocclusion is 20.93%. The collected data on Cephalometric films before and after of Class III malocclusion treatments showed improvements in prognosis, especially with a good correspondence in sagittal plane (anterior to posterior relationship). Results of treatments have been achieved in accordance with the standard functionality, aesthetics, X - ray and PAR scores in both pre-and post-treatments. The percent of good results is 90.69 % and that of mediocre result is 9.30 %. The average duration of the treatments is 24.68 ± 2,366 months.

S-Ketamine in the treatment of depressive emergencies: a cases series of patients in a suicidal crisis

IntroductionPsychiatric emergencies in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are characterised by multiple types of symptoms including risk of self-harm and suicidal ideation. S-ketamine intranasally (Spravato) has recently been shown to help alleviate symptoms during depressive emergencies. In this case-series, we detail the clinical effects and usability of S-ketamine applied intranasally in a psychiatric emergency setting.ObjectivesTo describe the effects of S-Ketamine on depressive crises associated with suicidality and self-harm in a psychiatric emergency setting.MethodsPatients with MDD in a psychiatric emergency were provided with intranasal S-Ketamine according to clinical indication in routine clinical care in a University inpatient setting. Clinical characteristics were assessed in a standardised manner and symptom measures were applied pre-and posttreatment. Experience with 10 patients is systematically described in this case-series.ResultsPatients had a primary diagnosis of MDD accompanied by a variety of secondary psychiatric comorbidity. Among these 10 patients, the majority were female (70 %) and the mean age was 49.5 yrs (range 26-66). All cases were considered treatment resistant and suffered severe acute suicidal ideation. Across all cases, pre-treatment MADRS was 37 on average (range 20-47) indicating a severe form of MDD. High severity was confirmed in elevated BDI scores (pre-treatment 39). Post-treatment, MADRS scores were reduced to 18 on average, alongside BDI scores (mean 24). S-ketamine administration was well-tolerated and side effects such as dissociation were of short-lived duration.ConclusionsS-Ketamine intranasally can be safely and effectively administered in an acute psychiatric setting to treat psychiatric emergencies.Disclosure BTB received honoraria for consultancy and presentations from AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Lundbeck, Pfizer, Servier, Wyeth, LivaNova, Janssen, Novartis, Otsuka, Angelini.

Protective effects of Panax ginseng berry extract on blue light-induced retinal damage in ARPE-19 cells and mouse retina

BackgroundAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a significant visual disease that induces impaired vision and irreversible blindness in the elderly. However, the effects of ginseng berry extract (GBE) on the retina have not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective effects of GBE on blue light (BL)-induced retinal damage and elucidate its underlying mechanisms in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19 cells) and Balb/c retina. MethodsTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of GBE on retinal damage in vitro, we performed cell viability assay, pre-and post-treatment of sample, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and western immunoblotting using A2E-laden ARPE-19 cells with BL exposure. In addition, Balb/c mice were irradiated with BL to induce retinal degeneration and orally administrated with GBE (50, 100, 200 mg/kg). Using the harvested retina, we performed histological analysis (thickness of retinal layers), qRT-PCR, and western immunoblotting to elucidate the effects and mechanisms of GBE against retinal damage in vivo. ResultsGBE significantly inhibited BL-induced cell damage in ARPE-19 cells by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway, regulating NF-kB translocation, caspase 3 activation, PARP cleavage, expressions of apoptosis-related factors (BAX/BCL-2, LC3-Ⅱ, and p62), and ROS production. Furthermore, GBE prevented BL-induced retinal degeneration by restoring the thickness of retinal layers and suppressed inflammation and apoptosis via regulation of NF-kB and SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway, cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP, and expressions of apoptosis-related factors in vivo. ConclusionsGBE could be a potential agent to prevent dry AMD and progression to wet AMD.

Patellofemoral Ağrı Sendromunda Hasta Eğitiminin Etkinliği: Randomize Kontrollü Çalışma

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the routine physiotherapy program and the education program given to individuals diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) on pain, daily life activities, kinesiophobia, quality of life and functional status. Material and Methods: The study included 68 patients who were diagnosed with PFPS. The participants included in the study were randomly divided into 2 groups as control (routine physiotherapy and rehabilitation) and study (routine physiotherapy and rehabilitation+ patient education). Visual analogue scale, Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living, Tampa, EQ-5D-5L, Kujala scales were filled by the participants before and after treatment and at the 6th week. Results: Comparing preand post treatment values, significant improvements were found in pain, functionality, activities of daily living and quality of life of both groups (p<0.05). However, at the end of the 6th week, it was determined that the study group had significantly better values than the control group in all parameters (p<0.05). Conclusion: In addition to other routine physiotherapy program in PFPS, patient education was found to be more effective in reducing the pain and kinesiophobia of the patient, increasing daily life activities, functional status and quality of life at 6 weeks follow-up than the routine physiotherapy program. Therefore, it should be remembered that physical activity regulation, life style changes, in short, patient education is the main component of rehabilitation in PFPS. However, with the patient education, we think that the patient will be able to manage himself and hence health expenses can be reduced.

Anti-Diabetic Activity of Polypeptide-K Isolated from Momordica Charantia: A Retrospective Study of 142 Cases

Diabetes Mellitus occurs when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin, or the body is unable to use the insulin produced effectively. In order to regulate the blood glucose of diabetic patients, Diabegard®, a herbal antidiabetic medicine and daily supplement, contains polypeptide-k which exists in the seed of Momordica Charantia (bitter gourd) was prescribed. Purpose: A retrospective study is therefore done with the aim to examine the effectiveness of Diabegard®, polypeptide-k in regulating the blood glucose and cholesterol level of diabetic patients who took Diabegard® for four weeks with a dose of 60 mg per day. Methods: A database record of 105 male and 37 female (ages 25-81) treated with Diabegard®, polypeptide-k was assessed. The effectiveness of Diabegard®, polypeptide-k in blood glucose regulation was determined based on four aspects: gender, three different age categories, four different categories of duration of the disease and five different categories of severity of the disease. The Pearson's correlation was used to find the correlation among variables. Paired sample t-test was used to compare the means of pre- and post-treatment of blood glucose level. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the means of different groups for each aspect. Results: Result showed that age and duration of disease (r2=0.469), pre-treatment of blood glucose and post-treatment of blood glucose (r2=0.606) showed positive relationship. Both paired sample T-test of pre-and post-treatment of blood glucose showed significant difference (p&lt;0.05). Categories with very mild (7 mmol/L), severe (13.9-19.4mmol/L) and very severe (&gt;19.4mmol/L) diabetes showed significant difference (p&lt;0.05). Other tests showed no significant difference. Conclusion: In conclusion, this present retrospective study showed that Diabegard®, polypeptide-k was effective in controlling blood glucose level of all diabetic patients especially in patients with mild (26.87% reduction), severe (40.43% reduction) and very severe diabetes (49.27% reduction).

Efficacy of Hawthorn fruit extract on blood pressure and quality of sleep in patients with hypertension along with sleep disorders: A randomized double-blind controlled trial

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Crataegus monogyna (C.monogyna) on controlling the blood pressure in patients with hypertension along with sleep disorder. Methods: This was a parallel double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study from May, 2018 to December, 2019. Total of 60 patients with hypertension and sleep disorder were randomly assigned to C.monogyna and placebo groups. The groups received C.monogyna and placebo capsules twice-daily for 8 weeks. The primary outcomes were the changes of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and Pittsburgh questionnaire’s scores from baseline measurements. The secondary outcomes were changes in serum biochemical markers from baseline. Results: Before treatment, there was no significant difference between study groups in terms of demographic data and outcomes (P&gt;0.05) except body mass index (P=0.02). After treatments, the intervention group had a significant improvement in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to placebo ((118.14±6.76 vs 129.76±8.28, 95% CI: 7.54 – 15.69, P&lt;0.001 and 77.14±5.32 vs 83.57±6.73, 95% CI: 3.17 – 9.68, P&lt;0.001, respectively) analysis revealed no significant difference observed between study groups in terms of baseline characteristics and pre-and posttreatment laboratory tests. Also, none of the groups had superiority in terms of the Pittsburgh questionnaire’s scores (P=0.44); however, the intragroup analysis revealed significant improvements in the intervention group (P= 0.001). Conclusion: C.monogyna fruit extract as a supplementary medication has beneficial effects on controlling blood pressure and quality of sleep in patients with hypertension along with sleep disorders.

Occlusal Splint Therapy Followed by Orthodontic Molar Intrusion as an Effective Treatment Method to Treat Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder: A Retrospective Study

Our goal is to show that temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients with orthopaedic instability can be effectively treated by the combination of occlusal splint therapy and molar intrusion. Diagnostic records of 18 patients reporting previous TMD and treated with splint therapy were evaluated. Postsplint anterior open bite was treated by skeletally anchored molar intrusion. Changes in overjet (OJ), overbite (OB) were measured on articulator mounted models: initially in maximal intercuspidation (MI), centric “de jour”, postsplint centric relation (CR) and postintrusion CR. Changes in ANB (A point-Nasion-B point) angle, mandibular plane–palatal plane angle and facial axis angle were assessed on lateral cephalograms. Morphological changes of the condyle were detected on pre-and posttreatment CBCT images. When compared screening mountings to MI models, significant differences were found in OJ and OB. Following splint wear, there was a significant increase in lower facial height and significant decrease in facial axis angle, which in turn increased ANB angle. OB and OJ showed a significant change on the postsplint mountings when compared to MI. After intrusion, mandible exhibited counterclockwise rotation, which decreased lower facial height, increased OB and facial axis angle and decreased ANB and OJ. Posttreatment CBCTs confirmed improved condylar morphology.Occlusal splint therapy followed by orthodontic molar intrusion provides MI-CR harmony, therefore, it seems to be an effective method for treating TMD patients.