Search

Increased risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is associated with infections and environmental agents. We hypothesized that these factors chronically trigger the T helper-2 (Th2) pathway and result in lymphoma. We investigated the role of the Th2 pathway by exploring the relationships between components of the Th2 pathway, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, immunoglobulin E (IgE), and eosinophils, and prognostic markers of NHL.Thirty-one NHL patients and 27 healthy controls were enrolled. IL-10, IL-4, IgE, and eosinophils were measured. IL-4 and IL-10 were analyzed with the enzyme amplified sensitivity immunoassay method.High IL-10 levels were correlated with several poor prognostic features, short early survival, and lymphopenia. There was a positive correlation between albumin and IL-4 levels and a negative correlation between IL-10 and albumin. There was no relationship related with eosinophils and IgE. We found remnant increased IL-4, which could be a clue for the triggering of the Th2 pathway in the background.There is a need for differently designed studies to detect the place of the Th2 pathway in NHL.Amaç: Non-Hodgkin lenfoma (NHL) riski enfeksiyonlar ve çevresel ajanlarla artmış olarak ilişkilendirilmiştir. Hipotezimize göre bu faktörlere kronik olarak maruz kalmak T helper-2 (Th2) yolağını aktifler ve lenfomaya sebep olur. Bu amaçla Th2 yolağı komponentleri olan IL-10, IL-4, IgE, ve eozinofille, NHL’nin prognostik belirteçleri arasındaki ilişkiye baktık. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Otuz bir NHL hastası ve 27 sağlıklı kontrolde IL-10, IL-4, IgE ve eozinofil değerlerine bakıldı. IL-4 ve IL-10 EASIA metodu ile ölçüldü. Bulgular: Yüksek IL-10 düzeyleri pek çok kötü prognostik özellikle, çok kısa yaşam süresi ve lenfopeni ile ilişkiliydi. Albümin açısından IL-10 ile negatif ilişki, IL-4 ile pozitif ilişki bulundu. Eozinofil ve IgE ile ilgili herhangi bir ilişki kurulamadı. Bazı hastalarda gözlenen artmış IL-4 geri planda kalmış Th2 yolağı aktivasyonunun bir ip ucu olabilir. Sonuç: Th2 yolağının NHL patogenezindeki yerini tespit etmek için farklı dizaynlarda çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.Amaç: Non-Hodgkin lenfoma (NHL) riski enfeksiyonlar ve çevresel ajanlarla artmış olarak ilişkilendirilmiştir. Hipotezimize göre bu faktörlere kronik olarak maruz kalmak T helper-2 (Th2) yolağını aktifler ve lenfomaya sebep olur. Bu amaçla Th2 yolağı komponentleri olan IL-10, IL-4, IgE, ve eozinofille, NHL’nin prognostik belirteçleri arasındaki ilişkiye baktık. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Otuz bir NHL hastası ve 27 sağlıklı kontrolde IL-10, IL-4, IgE ve eozinofil değerlerine bakıldı. IL-4 ve IL-10 EASIA metodu ile ölçüldü. Bulgular: Yüksek IL-10 düzeyleri pek çok kötü prognostik özellikle, çok kısa yaşam süresi ve lenfopeni ile ilişkiliydi. Albümin açısından IL-10 ile negatif ilişki, IL-4 ile pozitif ilişki bulundu. Eozinofil ve IgE ile ilgili herhangi bir ilişki kurulamadı. Bazı hastalarda gözlenen artmış IL-4 geri planda kalmış Th2 yolağı aktivasyonunun bir ip ucu olabilir. Sonuç: Th2 yolağının NHL patogenezindeki yerini tespit etmek için farklı dizaynlarda çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.

Demir, Ahmet/0000-0002-8820-3122 WOS: 000329365100006 PubMed: 23884881 Vessel grafting is commonly used for revascularization or pedicle lengthening. Although veins are more commonly used, they can form aneurysms when bridging an arterial gap. This can lead to thrombosis, and the risk is increased when there is a size discrepancy. This study reports the long-term results of arterial lengthening via size discrepant carotid artery and femoral vein grafts in a rat femoral artery model (1:1.5 ratio). A total of 28 rats were used in this study, divided into two groups of 14. By the 21st day, one anastomosis in each group has been found to be thrombosed. Long-term patency rates were the same for both groups (93.3%). Radiologic imaging showed that size match in the carotid artery grafts was excellent despite of slightly fusiform dilatation, but in the vein groups, pronounced aneurismal deformation and distortion in the anastomosis was seen. Histologic analysis revealed that in the arterial grafts, endothelial continuity was smooth and mural inflammation was less than that of the vein grafts. Organized or recanalized mural thrombi were seen in 38.5% in the vein grafts, whereas in arterial grafts there were none. Ondokuz Mayis UniversityOndokuz Mayis University [PYO.TIP.1901.10.008] This work is supported by the Scientific Research Project Fund of Ondokuz Mayis University under the project number PYO.TIP.1901.10.008.

Summary Background Cytomorphological assessment of erosive skin tumours offers a rapid and minimally invasive way to obtain a diagnosis. However, the studies so far conducted on this method have been relatively small. Aim To conduct a large retrospective study on cytomorphological assessment of erosive skin tumours. Methods In this study, 86 cytological smears prepared from erosive cutaneous tumours clinically suspicious for melanoma were examined to test the diagnostic accuracy and practicability of cytomorphological evaluation of such tumours, and to compare the assessments of two investigators with different experience levels. In a subgroup of tumours, cytological assessment was compared with dermoscopic evaluation. Results There was agreement in the cytological and histopathological results for 68 of 86 cases (79%) assessed by the experienced investigator and in 64 of 86 cases (74%) assessed by the inexperienced investigator. The diagnosis was confirmed cytologically in 39 and 34 of 42 melanomas, and in 28 and 27 of 35 basal cell carcinomas, respectively. The sensitivity of the cytodiagnosis was not significantly different between the two investigators. The dermoscopic evaluation showed good agreement with the cytological results for melanoma (82.4%), although use of dermoscopy was only possible for 49.9% of the lesions because of difficulties with the samples. Conclusions Cytological assessment of erosive melanoma and BCC lesions is a useful tool for gaining additional information on clinically uncertain skin tumours, and shows good agreement between different investigators.

AYGUN, CANAN/0000-0002-7955-5943 WOS: 000393323800007 PubMed: 28123334 Aim: The adequacy of 50 mcg folic acid supplementation given to low-birth-weight babies was investigated. The folate levels of the mothers and infants, and breastmilk, and the optimum dose for folic acid supplementation were also investigated. Material and Methods: After obtaining blood from 141 low-birth-weight infants on the 1st day of life for serum and red cell folate levels, the infants were randomly allocated into three groups according to the folic acid supplement dose. Forty-six infants were given 25 mu g/d folic acid, 39 were given 50 mu g/d folic acid, and 44 were given 75 mu g/d folic acid. Folic acid could not be given to 12 infants. Follow-up blood samples were obtained at the end of folic acid supplementation. Maternal samples for red cell and serum folate levels and breast milk folate levels were obtained within the first 48 hours and the samples for measuring breastmilk folate level were obtained on the 3rd day postnatally. The feeding modes of the infants, maternal folic acid intake, and details of neonate intensive care unit course were recorded. Results: The mean birth weight and gestational age of the infants were found as 1788.2 +/- 478.4 g and 33.5 +/- 2.9 weeks, respectively. The mean serum and red cell folate levels on admission were found as 21.2 +/- 12.2 ng/mL and 922.7 +/- 460.7 ng/mL, respectively. The mean maternal serum and red cell folate levels and the mean breast milk folate levels were found as 12.3 +/- 7.5 ng/mL, 845.5 +/- 301.4 ng/mL, and 30.6 +/- 33.0 ng/m, respectively. The breast milk folate levels of mothers who were supplemented with folic acid during pregnancy were significantly higher compared with mothers who were not supplemented with folic acid (p

WOS: 000295041200011 PubMed: 21774660 Background. Melasma is a pigmentary disorder often recalcitrant to treatment. Few studies have objectively evaluated the efficacy of treatment colorimetrically. Aim. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a depigmentation cream, including mainly glycolic acid and Rumex occidentalis. Method. Twenty-seven patients applied the cream twice daily for the first 3 months and twice weekly for the following 3 months. L*, C* and h* values of the target lesions and the perilesional area were analyzed at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks colorimetrically. The physician and patient evaluated the clinical response rate. These results were compared statistically between the lesional and perilesional area. Results. There was a significant difference between 0-12, 0-24 (L*, C* and h* values) and 12-24 weeks (L* value) (p < 0.001). For C* and h* values, the difference was not significant between 12 and 24 weeks (p = 0.464 and 0.151, respectively). Statistical significance was detected only between 3 and 6 months for C* value (p < 0.05) for the lesional and the perilesional areas. Clinical response rate was significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Our depigmentation cream is a moderate effective agent, well tolerated and can be considered as an alternative treatment of melasma. Twice-daily application may enhance the efficacy of treatment instead of twice-weekly application in the maintenance period.

Ozaslan, Cihangir/0000-0002-2611-4837 WOS: 000291164000005 PubMed: 21323572 Cytokine genes are important for researching cancer predisposition to cancers that elicit anti-tumor immune response. In this study, we investigated the association between breast cancer and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) -308 (G>A), TNF-beta +252 (A>G), and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) +874 (T>A) gene polymorphisms in a Turkish population. This study involved 204 female breast cancer patients and 204 healthy female controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from EDTA-preserved peripheral venous blood of patients and controls by a salting-out method and analyzed by polymerase chain reaction, allele-specific oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction, and restriction fragment length polymorphism. TNF-alpha -308 genotype was found to have no effect on breast cancer susceptibility. However, there were statistically significant differences between the genotype frequencies of patients and controls for TNF-beta polymorphism (p = 0.016) and the allele and genotype frequencies for the IFN-gamma polymorphism (p = 0.0312 and p = 0.001, respectively). In the composite genotype analysis, the TNF-alpha/beta GAAG composite genotype (p = 0.0424), the TNF-alpha/IFN-gamma GGTT and GATT composite genotypes (p = 0.0296 and p = 0.0129, respectively), the TNF-beta/IFN-gamma AGTT composite genotype (p = 0.0003), and the TNF alpha/beta/IFN-gamma GGAGTT and GAAGTT composite genotypes (p = 0.0437 and p = 0.0038, respectively) were estimated to have a protective effect against breast cancer. However, the TNF-alpha/IFN-gamma GGTA composite genotype is a risk factor for breast cancer (p = 0.0156). In conclusion, TNF-beta +252GG genotype was found more frequent in Turkish breast cancer patients than controls and IFN-gamma TA+AA genotypes were estimated to increase breast cancer risk significantly in Turkish population. Ondokuz Mayis UniversityOndokuz Mayis University [T-403] This study was supported by the Ondokuz Mayis University (Project No. T-403) and is a report of a Ph.D. thesis.

To analyze the effect of possible risk factors, including breastfeeding, on the development of childhood-onset psoriasis, a multicenter case-control study with prospective collection of data was performed. Using a standard questionnaire, personal and specific variables including family history of psoriasis, maternal and environmental tobacco smoke exposure, body mass index (BMI), exclusive and partial breastfeeding for at least 3 and 12 months, cow's milk intake before 1 year, birth delivery method, and stressful life events were collected during 2009 from 537 patients with psoriasis and 511 controls younger than 18. Overall, patients more frequently reported exposure to environmental tobacco smoke at home and stressful life events in the year preceding the diagnosis than controls. The odds ratios (OR) for smoking and stressful life events were 2.90 (95% confidence interval [CI]=2.27-3.78) and 2.94 (95% CI=2.28-3.79), respectively. In addition, children with psoriasis were more likely to have a higher BMI (>26) than controls (OR=2.52; 95% CI=1.42-4.49). High BMI, environmental tobacco smoke exposure at home, and stressful life events may influence the development of pediatric psoriasis.

Background There is a need for a laboratory marker that correlates with the clinical activity of Behcet’s disease (BD). Objective We aimed to investigate whether serum galectin-3 (Gal-3) levels were affected during the course of the disease with regard to disease activity. Methods A total of 131 subjects were involved in the study as follows: Group 1: BD active (n = 39); Group 2: BD inactive (n = 31); Group 3: Disease controls with leucocytoclastic vasculitis confirmed with a skin biopsy (n = 22); and Group 4: Healthy control subjects (n = 39). The BD patients were followed regularly and samples were taken in their active and inactive periods of the disease over a 2-year period. Results Serum Gal-3 levels were significantly higher in active BD patients (mean 2.38) than inactive BD patients (mean 0.63; P

ozkaya, ozan/0000-0002-0198-1221; BEK, KENAN/0000-0002-1005-2379 WOS: 000258726000009 PubMed: 18663330 Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of pruritus in pediatric patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Patients and Methods: Twenty-seven patients (16 females, 11 males), aged between 5 and 18 years, were evaluated for the presence, intensity, onset, activation time, duration, characteristics, localization and increasing factors for pruritus. The intensity of pruritus was scored using a visual analog scale. Patients were grouped according to the existence of pruritus and other clinical and laboratory parameters (dialysis duration, dialysis adequacy, hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, Ca, P, albumin, bicarbonate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), C-reactive protein (CRP)) were compared between the 2 groups. Results: The mean age of patients was 11.85 +/- 4.4 years. There were 21 patients (77.7%) without pruritus and 6 patients with pruritus (22.2%). Serum P, PTH, CRP levels and Ca x P product were significantly higher in patients with pruritus compared to patients without pruritus (p = 0.027, p = 0.03, p < 0.026, p = 0.031, respectively). In a stepwise logistic regression model, P (p = 0.01), Ca x P product (p = 0.09), PTH (p = 0.03) and CRP (p = 0.02) were independently associated with pruritus. Conclusion: Our study indicates that pruritus remains a common but not troublesome symptom in children on peritoneal dialysis. Higher serum P, Ca x P product, PTH and CRP concentrations appear to be important factors associated with uremic pruritus in this group. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Background Psoriasis is a multifactorial disease in which genetic and inflammatory factors play important roles. Leptin is classified as a cytokine and plays an important role in the regulation of the T-helper response. A common polymorphism in the promoter of the human leptin gene (G-2548A) may have a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Aim To investigate the association between psoriasis and leptin gene polymorphism (G-2548A). Methods The study involved 109 patients with psoriasis and 125 healthy controls. Analyses of G-2548A polymorphism of the leptin gene were made by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. The genotypes (GG, GA, and AA of leptin gene G-2548A) and alleles (G and A) were scored and the frequencies were estimated. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes in patients and controls were compared. The relationship between leptin gene polymorphism and the clinical features of the patients was analyzed. Results Both genotype [odds ratio (OR), 0.921; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.501–1.694; P = 0.792] and allele (OR, 0.864; 95% CI, 0.600–1.242; P = 0.429) frequencies were not significantly different between patient and control groups. In addition, there was no significant association between genotype and allele frequencies and the clinical characteristics of psoriasis. Conclusion In this case–control study, no evidence of association between the G-2548A variant of the leptin gene and psoriasis was found.

Background Behcet's disease is a chronic, multisystem, inflammatory disease characterized by the predominance of T-helper 1 cytokines. The disease is also characterized by infiltration of lymphocytes and neutrophils into the affected tissues. Because cytokines are involved in the regulation of lymphocyte and phagocyte functions, they may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Behcet's disease. Leptin, a member of the gp 130 family of cytokines, induces a strong T-helper 1 response and is regarded as a proinflammatory inducer. Recent studies have shown that serum leptin concentration was increased in patients with Behcet's disease and correlated with disease activity. Objectives We aimed to investigate the role of G2548A polymorphism of leptin gene in patients with Behcet's disease and compare the results with healthy controls. Patients and methods A total of 93 subjects with Behcet's disease and 125 healthy controls were included in this study. Analyses of G-2548A polymorphism of the LEP gene were performed using the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. The genotypes (GG, GA, and AA of leptin G2548A) and alleles (G and A of leptin 2548) were scored and the frequency was estimated. The frequencies of the alleles and genotypes in patients and controls were compared. We analysed the correlation between leptin gene polymorphism and the clinical features of BD. Results Both genotype and allele frequencies were not significantly different between controls and Behcet's disease patients [OR = 0.67, 95% CI (0.35–1.29), P = 0.197 and OR = 0.77, 95% CI (0.52–1.15), P = 0.184]. We did not find any significant relationship between leptin gene polymorphism and the clinical features of BD (P > 0.05). Conclusion In the present case-control study, we found no evidence of an association between the G-2548A variant of the leptin gene and BD among Turks. Further studies are needed to investigate serum leptin level to explain the mechanisms behind the lack of association between leptin G2548A gene polymorphism and BD.

We have evaluated 57 patients retrospectively who underwent arthroscopic and mini open surgery in our clinic between 24.12.2009-31.12.2011. Twenty of 34 patients with impingement syndrome were treated by arthroscopic surgery and 14 of 34 patients were treated by arthroscopic and mini open surgery. Seven of 23 patients with rotator cuff lesions were treated by arthroscopic surgery and 16 of 23 patients were treated by arthroscopic and mini-open surgery. Temperature over 37 oC was considered as sub febrile temperature. The difference between the highest temperature observed in the postoperative period and the temperature in the preoperative period was calculated and termed as delta temperature. The delta temperature in the arthroscopically treated group was found 1.2± 0.7oC and was 0.8±0.50C in the other group (p

BAYDIN, AHMET/0000-0003-4987-0878 WOS: 000305781100008 PubMed: 22642594 Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) like unstable angina (UA) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can lead to the morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis and management of patients with ACS in the earliest times after symptom onset are considerably important in the emergency service. Study aimed to investigate the serum levels of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp 70), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), total creatine kinase (CK) activity, creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), leukocyte count (WBCs) and markers of oxidative stress in the first hours of ACS and to view their diagnostic values. 70 patients with ACS after admission and 20 sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Serum Hsp 70, hsCRP, CK, CK-MB, cTnI, protein carbonyls, malondialdehyde as well as whole blood WBCs were measured. The level of hsCRP was statistically higher in patients with AMI and UA than that of control group (p

WOS: 000265881000005 PubMed: 18690546 Genetic differences in the metabolism of xenobiotics have recently been suggested as modifiers of individual susceptibility to bladder cancer (BC). The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between bladder tumor and variants of cytochrome p450 1A2 (CYP1A2) 734 C -> A, cytochrome p450 2D6 (CYP2D6) 1934 G -> A, glutathione S-transferase M1, (GSTM1 null), glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1 null), and glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) I105 V. We investigated the distribution of these polymorphisms in 135 BC patients and in 128 age and sex-matched cancer-free controls. The polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay and the multiplex PCR method. Genotype and allele frequencies and their associations with BC risk, demographic factors, smoking status, and tumor stage were investigated. The prevalence of GSTT1 null genotype in cases was 23%, compared with 7% in the control group (OR = 3.94, 95% CI = 1.70-9.38, P = 0.001). There was no association between the studied polymorphisms of CYP1A2, CYP2D6, GSTM1, and GSTP1 genes and BC. There was an association between smoking status and BC. These data seem to indicate that GSTT1 gene polymorphism may be associated with BC in the Turkish population studied. Further studies will be needed to clarify the role of such variation in determining susceptibility to BC. Ondokuz Mayis University Research FundOndokuz Mayis University [402] This study was completely supported by Ondokuz Mayis University Research Fund ( Project No. 402). We also thank Dr Cem Irkilata for providing some of the samples used in this study.

Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2007) -- JUN 13-16, 2007 -- Barcelona, SPAIN WOS: 000264461400007 PubMed: 19084457 Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of two different home-based daily exercise programs on pulmonary functions in the patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: Fifty-one patients with AS were distributed into three groups. Group 1 (n = 19) was given a conventional exercise regimen. Group 2 (n = 19) received exercises based on the Global Posture Reeducation (GPR) method. Group 3 (n = 13) was accepted as the control group. Patients were assessed according to pain, functional capacity (The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index - BASFI), disease activity (The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index - BASDAI), chest expansion, pulmonary function parameters, and 6-min walk distance (6MWD) test. Results: Although there were significant improvements for BASDAI and BASH scores in all groups, significant improvements in the VAS pain, chest expansion, pulmonary function parameters and 6MWD test were observed in the exercise groups. The improvements in pain, functional capacity, disease activity, chest expansion, pulmonary function parameters and 6MWD test were better in the exercise groups than in the control group. The GPR method resulted in greater improvements than the conventional exercise program in specific pulmonary function parameters like forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and peak expiratory flow parameters. Conclusion: Both exercises are efficient in improving pulmonary functions. Since the improvements in pulmonary function tests were greater in the patients who performed the exercise according to GPR method, motivated patients should be encouraged to perform this exercise program. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. European League Against Rheumatism

GUVEN, AYLA/0000-0002-2026-1326; Ozgen, Ilker Tolga/0000-0001-6592-9652 WOS: 000257668200019 PubMed: 18533952 Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of sociodemographic and lifestyle variables, eating habits, adolescent weight perception and weight changes on obesity in Turkish adolescents. Methods: A total of 87 normal weight and 78 obese participants were included in the study. They were selected from adolescents who had no other health problems beside obesity. Underweight and overweight adolescents were excluded. Estimation of prevalence of overweight and obesity were based on cut-off points of the International Obesity Task Force (excess of the 85th and 95th percentiles, respectively). The prevalence of underweight was defined as the percentage of adolescents below the fifth percentiles of the US adolescents' age- and gender-specific body mass index. A structured questionnaire that included sociodemographic and lifestyle variables, eating habits, weight questions about adolescents' weight perception and weight changes was administered to the participants. Results: In the obese group, the level of the mothers' and fathers' education was lower than in the normal group (P = 0.006; P = 0.001, respectively). Obese adolescents had fewer obese people in their family (P = 0.001). There were statistically significant correlations between groups for fathers' occupation, joining in cultural activities, physical exercise, feeling about body shape and food preference (P = 0.014; P = 0.001; P = 0.003; P = 0.001; P = 0.001, respectively). Increase in weight was larger in the obese group (P = 0.001) and those who wanted to loose weight but failed (P = 0.001). Conclusions: There are associations between obesity and level of mothers' and fathers' education, number of obese people in family, fathers' occupation, joining in cultural activities, physical exercise and food preference in Turkish adolescents.

WOS: 000251467200008 PubMed: 17851828 Objectives. The etiology of periodontitis is related to the interaction between micro-organisms and host responses. Host modifving factors, such as genetic predisposition, may increase the severity of periodontitis. Recent works have shown that the levels of cytokine expression are regulated by genetic polymorphisms, and that these variations can interfere with progression of the disease. This study therefore aimed to evaluate whether interleukin (IL) 4 gene polymorphisms are associated with severe generalized chronic periodontitis. Material and Methods. Seventy-five severe generalized chronic periodontitis patients and 73 healthy subjects were examined. Blood samples were taken and genomic DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Identification of 70 base-pair repeat polymorphisms in intron 2 and C -> T polymorphisms at -590 position of the promoter region was performed through PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Results. No significant differences were found in the allele and genotype frequencies between the control and periodontitis group. Conclusion. The IL-4 polymorphisms were not related to severe generalized chronic periodontitis in a Turkish population.

PubMed: 16280408 The aims of this study were to report experience in patients with organophosphate poisoning (OPP) and to discuss the potential role for hemoperfusion (HP) in the management of severe OPP. At the emergency service of a university hospital, 52 patients with acute OPP were included in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into 2 groups (Group 1, severe poisoning, n = 25; and Group 2, mild poisoning, n = 27). All patients with mild OPP survived. Seven patients (28%) of the 25 with severe OPP died. This study supports previous data documenting that HP is unnecessary in the management of mild OPP. Although there was not a control group (severe poisoning without HP treatment) in this study, experience suggests that HP can be useful in severe cases. Reports from centers having experience with severe OPP can help clarify this controversial issue. Randomized controlled (prospective) studies investigating the possible beneficial effects of HP on patient survival in patients with severe OPP with control group are needed. Copyright © 2005 Sage Publications.

BAYDIN, AHMET/0000-0003-4987-0878 WOS: 000175469600012 PubMed: 11992340 Researchers and clinicians have been investigating and implementing various methods of early diagnosis for sepsis before documentation of infection. The aim of this study was to outline the efficiency of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell count (WBC) in determining the early diagnosis of sepsis in the emergency department. Between January 1999 and September 2000, 34 patients with signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to nonsuspected sepsis and suspected sepsis clinically. Admission PCT was significantly higher in suspected sepsis group (median 68.7 mug/L; lower [L] = 15.24 mug/L, upper [U] = 120.54 mug/L) compared with the unsuspected sepsis group (.23 mug/L; L = .10 mug/L, U = .44 mug/L). PCT values were compared with WBC and CRP levels. Predictive accuracy for sepsis expressed as area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was .88 for PCT, .44 for WBC, and .34 for CRP. PCT can probably be used as a predictive marker in bacterial infections in emergency departments. (Am J Emerg Med 2002;20;202-206. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.)