Turk J Med Sci
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Current clinical guidelines recommend to use both clinical and self-reported measurements for evaluation of chronic neck pain. Among the self-reported outcomes, Neck disability index and patient-specific functional scale are the most widely used and recommended instruments. The purpose of our study was to determine the test-retest reliability and validity of patient-specific functional scale which was not validated in Turkish language previously. ⋯ The Turkish version of the patient-specific functional scale is a valid and reliable scale for evaluating functional status in patients with chronic neck pain.
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Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are among the most common cancers in the world. Many risk factors may increase the chance of developing GI cancers. In recent years, a number of epidemiological studies have reported evidence of carcinogenic effects of opium in humans. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between opium use and GI cancer. ⋯ Opium, in the form used among drug users in this area, can lead to an increased risk of GI cancers. Fruit and vegetables have a protective and modifying effect on the risk of GI cancer development caused by opium consumption.
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Rapid antigen test (RAT) is a practical test to detect the presence of Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus antigens in throat swab samples. The aim of this study is to investigate the changes in the empiric antibiotic prescribing behavior of 10 family physicians in Kırıkkale Province after using RAT in 2017. ⋯ This study shows that there has been a significant decrease in antibiotic prescription in 10 Family Medicine departments in 2017 in comparison to February, March, and April 2015 and 2016. The use of RAT resulted in a decrease in antibiotic prescription rates in 2017.
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Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is treated by corticosteroids and/or intravenous immune globulin as the first line treatment when necessary. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a marker of platelet production and function. In this study, we aimed to search the relationship between the MPV and the treatment response in ITP patients and it was hypothesized that MPV can be used as a predictor of the response. ⋯ MPV can be used as a predictor of early response to the first line treatment in newly diagnosed adult primary ITP patients.
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In Hungary, a nationwide colorectal screening program is about to be introduced in order to improve the high mortality rate of colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim was to summarize experiences from and assess short-term efficacy of the population- based pilot colorectal screening program in 2015 in Csongrád county, Hungary. ⋯ The Csongrád county population-based colorectal cancer screening was evidently successful on the short-term considering participation rate, and the changes in CRC incidence and stage, thus its national extension is necessary.