Background and PurposeMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory demyelination. Recent studies have shown that long-term exposure to air pollutants (including PM10 particulates) is potentially an environmental risk factor for MS. We aimed to determine the prevalence rates of MS in two cities with different levels of air pollution.MethodsThis door-to-door population-based study was conducted between April 2014 and June 2015. Two cities were screened for the prevalence rates of MS: 1) Karabük, which borders an iron-and-steel factory, and 2) Akçakoca, which is a coastal city located in the same region. A validated survey form was used for screening MS. The 2010 McDonald Criteria were used for diagnosing MS. The patients were examined twice, first by a neurology assistant in the field and then by a senior neurologist in public health centers in the cities.ResultsThe prevalence of MS was 95.9/100,000 in Karabük and 46.1/100,000 in Akçakoca. In total, 33 patients were diagnosed with clinically definite MS. The female/male ratio was 1.5, and 21 patients were diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, 9 with secondary progressive MS, and 3 with primary progressive MS.ConclusionsWe found that the prevalence of MS was more than two fold higher in Karabük than in Akçakoca, which supports a link between air pollution and the pathogenesis of MS. However, larger etiological and epidemiological studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Background This study aims to determine the stroke prevalence in Akçakoca which is a rural area in Turkey. Methods The study was designed as a cross-sectional, door-to-door survey. The stroke questionnaire was completed by a trained team in the presence of the participants according to their answers. Based on the screenings, patients who had been diagnosed with stroke previously were reexamined by a neurologist and determined the prevalence values, risk factors, and stroke types. Results A total of 3750 people over 44 years old were reached in the screenings. It was determined that 83 people had previously suffered a stroke. The prevalence rate of stroke in those above 44 years was found to be 2.2 (98% confidence level and ± 2% margin of error). 70 (84.3%) patients had suffered an ischemic stroke while 12 (14.5%) had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. Male/female ratio was 1.1. Conclusion The results of this study give the prevalence rate of stroke among the Turkish population living in a rural area. Due to a lack of other similar studies, it is impossible to make any data comparison. However, the results of this study help shed light on the stroke prevalence rate.
ObjectivesWe aimed to determine whether multiple sclerosis (MS) and methylprednisolone and disease-modifying drugs have an effect on menopausal age.MethodsA total of 86 patients and 98 healthy subjects were included in this study. The natural menopausal age of the patients and healthy subjects were compared. The cumulative dosages of methylprednisolone, beta interferons (IFNβs), and glatiramer acetate were calculated. The effects of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), duration of the disease, and cumulative dosage of medications on menopausal age were evaluated.ResultsThe patients’ mean menopausal age was 45.3 ± 4.8 years and healthy subjects’ menopausal age was 46.8 ± 4.3 years, with no significant difference between the two groups. The cumulative dosage of methylprednisolone showed an effect on menopausal age. There was a significant inverse correlation between menopausal age and dosage of IFNβ-1b, while the disease duration and EDSS score showed no correlation with menopausal age.ConclusionsWe conclude that menopausal age is not affected by MS. However, long-term methylprednisolone and IFNβ-1b treatments may change menopausal age in a dose-dependent manner.
It was aimed to determine the level of psychological resilience and to investigate the psychological and clinical parameters that affect the resilience level in migraine patients. Patients and Methods: A total of 100 migraine patients and 100 healthy controls who agreed to participate in the study filled in the sociodemographic data form and also Beck Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Scale, Psychological Resilience Scale for Adults, Perceived Stress Scale, Stress Coping Styles Scale, and Psychological Well-Being Scale. Also, the results of Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) were recorded in order to determine the clinical parameters of migraine patients. Results: When the migraine patients were examined in terms of the number of painful days in the last 3 months, duration of illness, and correlations between clinical scales, there were statistically significant correlations between the psychological resilience scale and well-being (r=0.691 p<0.001), positive coping styles (r=0.676 p<0.001), Beck depression scale (r=−0.670 p<0.001). Conclusion: Self-confident approach, social support-seeking approach, and level of psychological well-being predict psychological resilience in migraine patients. Interventions aiming to increase the level of psychological resilience, which is negatively correlated with depression, are expected to increase the quality of life of patients with migraine.
Barr e syndrome related to COVID-19 infection € Ulk€ u T€ urk B€ or€ u a , Cansu K€ oseo glu Toksoy a , Cem B€ ol€ uk b , Hayri Demirbaş a and Ahmet C¸a gdaş Yılmaz c
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