Annals of Medical Research

Determination of the prevalence of asthma and asthma symptoms in bakery workers in Malatya

Adem Taha Ozdemir — 2024-12-25

Aim: Asthma is one of the most commonly reported occupational lung diseases. Studies indicate that one of the primary causes of occupational asthma is baker’s asthma. This study aims to determine the prevalence of asthma and asthma-related symptoms among bakery workers in Malatya, Turkey.

Materials and Methods: Designed as a cross-sectional study, this research was conducted through a survey to assess the prevalence of asthma, the frequency of asthma symptoms, and factors influencing asthma among bakery workers in Malatya between December 2022 and May 2023.

Results: The study included 142 participants, comprising 139 men and 3 women. Of the participants, 35.5% had been working for over 21 years, while 34% had been employed for less than 10 years. Approximately 20% of participants reported atopic complaints. While 6.3% of workers were previously diagnosed with asthma, 14.1% had at least two asthma-related symptoms. The risk of asthma was notably higher among workers in dough production compared to those in other departments.

Conclusion: Occupational exposure appears to significantly contribute to the increased frequency of asthma among bakers working in dough production.

Lymph node ratio is negatively correlated with the Crohn’s-like lymphoid reaction to the tumor and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in colorectal cancers

Tuba Dilay Kokenek Unal — 2024-12-25

Aim: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers with increasing incidence. Lymph node ratio is reported as a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer patients. The tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and lymphoid reaction around the tumor, indicating the immune response of the body, are reported to correlate with prognosis. This study aims to investigate the association between lymph node ratio, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, and lymphoid reaction in colorectal cancers.

Materials and Methods: A total of 119 patients with colorectal carcinoma were histopathologically reviewed. The lymph node ratio, the percentage of positive lymph node numbers to the total number of sampled lymph nodes was calculated. The lymph node ratio was compared to the histopathological and clinical parameters, particularly tumor budding, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, Crohn’s-like lymphoid reaction, and overall survival.

Results: The tumors with a high number of tumor budding and a low number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and Crohn’s-like lymphoid reaction rate were significantly associated with increased lymph node ratio. There was no significant relationship between lymph node ratio and overall survival.

Conclusion: The lymph node ratio is closely correlated with tumor budding, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and Crohn’s-like lymphoid reaction in colorectal cancers. As they are all important prognostic factors in colon cancer, their relationship can offer insights into the disease's progression and potential outcomes.

Exploring the correlation between body mass index and knee Hoffa fat pad size in MRI sagittal plane

Cumhur Deniz Davulcu — 2024-12-25

Aim: The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and knee Hoffa fat pad size has garnered increasing attention due to its potential implications in orthopedic pathology. This study aimed to explore the correlation between BMI and Hoffa fat pad size as measured on MRI sagittal plane images.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on MRI scans of the knee joint from a cohort of patients. Sagittal plane images were reviewed, and the size of the Hoffa fat pad was measured using standardized techniques. BMI data were collected from patient records. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between BMI and Hoffa fat pad size.

Results: A total of 60 MRI scans were included in the analysis. The mean BMI of the cohort was Y 29.7990. The mean size of the Hoffa fat pad was 29.7990. The age range was between 45 and 75. Correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between age and Hoffa fat pad size (p < 0.05). Specifically, as age increased, there was a corresponding increase in the size of the Hoffa fat pad.

Conclusion: This study provides evidence of a positive correlation between age and Hoffa fat pad size as observed on MRI sagittal plane images. No significant relationship was found between body mass index and Hoffa fat pad size. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of this relationship.

Can hand involvement in osteoarthritis be as devastating as rheumatoid arthritis?

Nevzat Yesilmen — 2024-12-25

Aim: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) lead to pain and function loss in the hand joints. Common clinical symptoms include reduction in the range of motion in joints, muscle strength and hand functions. The present study aimed to compare hand involvement in RA and OA patients based on functionality, and to investigate the correlation between hand functions, radiological scores, and other disease parameters in RA and OA patients.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with 56 RA patients and 51 hand OA patients. Hand functions were determined with hand grip strength, finger grip strength and Duruöz Hand Index in RA patients. Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life Scale (RA-QoL) Short Form-36 (SF-36), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale were applied to all patients. Radiographic analysis of the hand joints was conducted with Modified Larsen and Modified Sharp scores in RA patients and the Kellegren-Lawrence score in OA patients.

Results: Hand grip strength was lower in the RA group when compared to the OA patients (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the physical function analysis of the groups (p>0.05). There were significant correlations between Duruöz Hand Index, radiological scores, and other clinical parameters in both groups.

Conclusion: Although RA could lead to serious deformation in hand joints, it was concluded that hand osteoarthritis could lead to disabilities induced by the loss of hand functions similar to RA and affect daily living activities.

Infusion cannula-associated jet stream effects on vitrectomy results

Nihat Polat — 2024-12-25

Aim: To show infusion cannula-associated jet stream effects on the posterior pole of the retina during vitrectomy.

Materials and Methods: For this retrospective study 39 eyes of thirty-nine patients were assigned to the two groupsregarding their infusion cannula position during vitrectomy. Group 1 consisted of the patients who had a cannula placed at an angle to the sclera and also there was a two-step entering position of the trocar. Group 2 consisted of the patients who had a cannula that was fixated perpendicular to the sclera. The results of preoperative and postoperative examination of the patients were evaluated.

Results: There were 20 patients in group 1 and 19 patients in the group 2. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding preoperative visual acuity (1.79±0.77 logMar for the group 1 and 1.86±0.59 logMar for the group 2, p= 0.989 ). The differences in thepreoperative intraocular pressures (IOPs) were not statistically significant between the groups (13.3±2.9 mmHg for the group 1 and 13.1±2 mmHg for the group 2, p= 0.460). The mean duration of surgery in group 1 was 48±12 minutes and was 50±10 minutes for the group 2 (p= 0.460). The postoperative visual acuity was 0.24±0.21 logMar in group 1 and 0.53±0.28 logMar in group 2. There was statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the postoperative visual acuity (p= 0.0001). The difference of postoperative IOPs were comparable among the groups (14.9±4.2 mmHg for the group 1 and 13.4±2.8 mmHg for the group 2, p= 0.289).

Conclusion: The present study shows infusion cannula associated jet stream may reduce postoperative visual acuity. Using new type of design for infusion cannulas or method for placing the infusion cannula in an angle to avoid the flow force on posterior pole should be considered for better vitrectomy results.

The improvement rates in disc height and lordotic angle following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with disc prosthesis

Yasin Gokturk — 2024-12-25

Aim: The objective of this study is to illustrate the impact of disc prosthesis instrumentation in the intervertebral disc space following discectomy on cervical lordosis (CL) as observed in radiographic images by measuring the Cobb angle and cervical disc height taken before and after surgery. Furthermore, the study seeks to evaluate the functionality of the disc prosthesis employed. The objective was to evaluate the functionality of the surgical procedure and the type of disc prosthesis employed.

Materials and Methods: A total of 106 patients with cervical disc herniation who underwent surgical intervention using cervical disc prostheses were included in the study. Pre- and post-surgical lateral direct radiographic evaluations were obtained from each patient. The following variables were recorded for evaluation: preoperative Cobb angles, cervical disc height, surgical level, age, and gender.

Results: The most frequent site of cervical disc operation was the C5-6 level. There was a significant increase in the cervical Cobb angle after surgery, as well as a significant increase in postoperative disc height in comparison to preoperative values. The change in Cobb angle and disc height was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: A variety of cervical interbody grafts are currently in use. The use of cervical disc prostheses in cervical disc herniation surgery allows achieving optimum lordotic angulation. There is a continued need for new studies to support our physical examination findinds on the long-term clinical follow-up.

Relevant anatomy of facial region and clinical analysis of common complications in botulinum toxin and filler injections

Hurriyet Cetinok — 2024-12-25

Aim: This study analyzes the prevalent problems associated with Botulinum toxin and filler injections. By concentrating on the Iranian populace, we seek to elucidate the particular obstacles and adverse effects associated with these prevalent cosmetic operations. Healthcare professionals must implement preventive efforts and be equipped to address any consequences. A comprehensive understanding of anatomy is essential for achieving optimal outcomes.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective-descriptive study analyzed the medical records of female patients treated with Botox and dermal fillers at the private dental clinic between 2019 and 2024. The study focused on comparing the most common complications associated with each treatment for botulinum toxin and filler injections. Exclusion criteria included patients with pre-existing skin conditions, chronic diseases, or other significant health concerns. This study aimed to analyze the frequency and severity of problems, contextualizing data with current literature to evaluate the relative safety and efficacy of different cosmetic operations.

Results: In our study, we identified the most common complications associated with botox and filler injections. For botox, the top three issues were no correction (20.22%), redness (15.1%), over and under correction (9.5%). As for fillers, the most frequent complications include inflammation (25.9%), pain (25.9%) and erythema (22.2%).

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of understanding facial anatomy, specifically complications in the context of botox and filler injections, emphasizing the importance of meticulous technique and a strong understanding of anatomy to minimize risks. The insights provided will assist practitioners in better complications, ultimately enhancing the safety and outcomes of cosmetic procedures.

Surgical treatment of complete bronchial rupture due to blunt thoracic trauma with bronchoplasty

Merve Biyikli — 2024-12-25

Tracheobronchial ruptures are rare but potentially life-threatening injuries. These injuries can develop as a result of high-energy motor vehicle accidents, falling from a height, crushing, and penetrating injuries. If diagnosed early, tracheobronchial ruptures can be successfully treated.The most common symptoms include shortness of breath, subcutaneous emphysema, and pneumomediastinum. Diagnosis may be delayed due to other accompanying system injuries. Pneumomediastinum, which does not respond to tubular toracostomy, massive air leakage from the thoracic drain and the presence of pneumothorax should warn the clinic of the possibility of intratorastic tracheobronchial rupture. Early diagnosis prevents non-reversible loss of parenchym, resulting in fewer complications and an increase in survival.