Turk J Med Sci
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Gout may cause various radiographic abnormalities such as cartilage loss, spurs, sclerosis, and periostal new bone formation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of Achilles and plantar spurs and related factors in gout patients. ⋯ The presence of metabolic comorbidities increases the frequency of calcaneal spurs in gout patients. This condition can be explained by the impaired microvascular structure and increased hypoxia resulting in calcification on the tendon and ligament insertion sites.
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Although cutting edge procedures such as cell-free fetal DNA isolation from maternal blood are now available, invasive prenatal tests are still being used extensively for prenatal diagnosis. The study aims to evaluate the demographic data, indications, and cytogenetic results of 9297 results of patients who underwent prenatal invasive testing for genetic analysis that were referred for the last 20 years in a University Medical Genetics Center. ⋯ These data have provided useful information on the frequency of referrals to the reference genetics department, and the feasibility of genetic services. By reviewing the indications and their corresponding results, we can offer invaluable insights that will be useful in genetic counseling and also in the development of more effective genetic strategies.
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most extensive inflammatory arthritis causing permanent deformities in the joint. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress is a substantial factor in the pathogenesis of RA. This study aimed to examine the salivary oxidant-antioxidant status of RA and control groups and to compare these biomarkers by correlating them with disease activity, acute phase reactants, and clinical findings. ⋯ Oxidative stress causes tissue damage in response to excessive mechanical loading, which in turn promotes TMD. However, disease activity has not a prominent impact on the salivary oxidative stress status of RA patients.
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This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of lutein/zeaxanthin isomers (L/Zi) on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, NF-κB/Nrf2 pathways, and synaptic plasticity proteins in trained rats. ⋯ These results suggested that exercise combined with L/Zi supplementation might be effective to reduce neurodegeneration via improving neurotrophic factors and synaptic proteins, and oxidative capacity in the cerebral cortex.
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The COVID-19 outbreak is known to increase stress levels of most patients with chronic diseases. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are highly susceptible to environmental stress. In the current study, we aimed to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic psychologically affected patients with chronic progressive diseases such as AS and RA and the effects of these psychological factors on disease activity. ⋯ Psychologically, AS and RA patients were found to be worse off compared to healthy controls. The perceived COVID threat and psychological status were associated with disease activity in AS, but not RA patients. Patients with chronic illnesses may be more vulnerable to the psychological effects of the pandemic, which can worsen disease activity.