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Industrial production leads to toxic heavy metal pollution in water bodies. Copper is one of the examples that requires removal from effluents before being discharged. It is difficult and sometimes very expensive to remove toxic heavy metals by conventional treatment techniques. This study aims to remove copper by the use of bacterial alginate as a non-conventional technique. Bacterial alginates (natural polymers composed of mannuronic and guluronic acid monomers) were synthesized by Azotobacter vinelandll ATCC® 9046 in a laboratory fermentor under controlled environmental conditions. The alginates produced, with a range of different characteristics in terms of monomer distribution and viscosity, were investigated for maximum copper uptake capacities. The average copper uptake capacities of alginates produced were found to be about 1.90 mmol/L Cu2+/g alginate. Although the GG-block amount of alginates was varied from 12 to 87% and culture broth viscosities were changed within the range of 1.47 and 14 cP, neither the block distribution nor viscosities of alginate samples considerably affected the copper uptake of alginates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pyrolysis of low- and high-density polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE) were investigated, and we characterized the liquid pyrolysis products. Pyrolysis experiments were carried out in a lab-scale batch-wise fixed-bed Pyrex® reactor, placed in a vertical furnace, and liquid products of the pyrolysis process were obtained. Nitrogen gas was used as carrier during the experiments, and the temperature was varied from 293 to 823 K. FTIR and 1H, 13C NMR spectra were used to determine structural analysis of pyrolysis product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Familial progressive hyper- and hypopigmentation (FPHH) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by multiple café-au-lait spots and hypopigmented ash-leaf macules intermingled with blotchy hyperpigmentation.[[1]] Herein, we describe a Turkish FPHH patient with café-noir spots. Physical examination showed bronze-brown hyperpigmentation with some superimposed irregular café-au-lait spots, café noir spots, as well as hypopigmented macules and patches all over the patient's body. In conclusion, in patients with diffuse hyperpigmentation accompanied by café-au-lait macules, lentigines, café noir and hypopigmented macules/patches FPHH should be among differential diagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

The kinematic viscosities of aqueous polyethylene glycol and dextran and polyethylene glycol + dextran + water were measured at temperatures of 30, 50, and 70°C. Polyethylene glycol with relative molecular masses of 200 and 1000 and dextran samples with nominal molecular masses of 37 500 and 2 000 000 were used. A one-parameter Grunberg-like equation proposed earlier by one of the present authors was used for estimating the values of viscosity of polyethylene glycol + dextran + water. A disposable parameter for the temperature range was calculated as 0.96 and 1.05 for PEG 200 + dextran 37 500 + water and PEG 1000 + dextran 37 500 + water, respectively, and as 2.74 and 2.80 for PEG 200 + dextran 2 000 000 + water, and PEG 1000 + dextran 2 000 000 + water, respectively. In view of our results, the proposed model works well for systems containing polyethylene glycol and dextran with different molecular masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silar metodu kullanılarak 70 °C’de cam alttabanlar üzerine polikristal Cu2O ince filmleri elde edildi. XRD analizleri filmlerin kübik yapıda olduğunu gösterdi ve örgü parametreleri hesaplandı. Filmlerin yüzey morfolojisi alan emisyonlu taramalı elektron mikroskobu (FE-SEM) ile görüntülendi. Filmlerin optik özelliklerini belirlemek için UV/vis spektrofotometresi kullanılmıştır. Filmlerin oda sıcaklığındaki optik geçirgenlik (% T) değerleri 300-1100 nm dalga boyu aralığında belirlenmiştir. Yarıiletken Cu2O ince filmlerinin görünür bölgedeki optik geçirgenlik değerleri %50-70 olarak bulunmuştur. Filmlerin enerji bant aralığı değerleri (Eg) 2.53-2.62 eV bulundu.

Objective. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare disease characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, neurologic abnormalities, fever, and renal insufficiency. The association or co-existence of thyrotoxicosis or antithyroid drugs with TTP has not been previously reported.

Introduction: Sweet syndrome (SS) characterized by papules, plaques or nodules. SS was divided into three subcategories as classical SS, malignancy associated SS, and drug-induced SS. Case presentation: We present a case of G-CSF-associated Sweet Syndrome (SS) in a 50-year-old man with the diagnosis of extensive stage small cell lung cancer. We started preemptive methylprednisolone with a diagnosis of the sweet syndrome. Conclusion: SS is the insidious complication of G-CSF . Clinical suspicion is the key to the early diagnosis. Keywords: Sweet Syndrome, G-CSF, Lung Cancer

Suleyman Kugu,1 Mehmet Sahin Sevim,2 Nilufer Zorlutuna Kaymak,1 Gurkan Erdogan,3 Baran Kandemir,1 Omer Kamil Dogan41Lutfi Kirdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital, Eye Clinic, Istanbul, 2Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Eye Clinic, Istanbul, 3Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Eye Clinic, Istanbul, 4World Eye Hospital, Eye Clinic, Istanbul, TurkeyAbstract: We report a case of group G Streptococcus endophthalmitis following an intravitreal ranibizumab injection for a choroidal neovascular membrane. Pars plana vitrectomy was applied for endophthalmitis and group G Streptococcus cultures were isolated in the vitreous samples taken from the patient. Twenty-four hours following pars plana vitrectomy the patient underwent myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of group G Streptococcus endophthalmitis following an intravitreal injection.Keywords: group G Streptococcus, endophthalmitis, intravitreal injection

A 52-year-old male patient applied to our hospital with the complaints of progressive dysphonia and throat irritation for nearly 6 months. In endoscopic examination, submucosal mass with smooth surface, which extended from medial side of left arytenoid to subglottic region, was observed. Computed tomography revealed a hypodense mass originating from left arytenoid and extending to lumen. Postoperative histopathological examination was reported as “chondroma”. We aimed to present the clinical properties of this rare larynx tumor and treatment methods compared with the literature.

Fungiforme type Schneiderian papilloma which originated from the sphenoid sinus is a very rare encountered disease. In this report, we are aiming to show a case, which originated from the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus primarily, with clinical, radiological, histopathological and surgical aspects. At the examination of a 42 years old male who applied with the complaint of nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea from one side, a mass which was filling the right choanal region and nasopharynx was determined. It was resected totally with endoscopy assistance. Pathological research of the mass, which originated from and eroded the right sphenoid sinus anterior wall, revealed as Schneiderian papilloma exofytic type. There was not any evidence of recurrence at the end of 11th month after intranasal endoscopical sphenoethmoidectomy. In conclusion, fungiforme type Schneiderian papilloma which originated from sphenoid sinus primarily is very rare and satisfactory results may be obtained when it is operated by intranasal endoscopic sphenoethmoidectomy.

Objectives:The time to begin oral feeding after total laryngectomy remains a subject of debate among head and neck surgeons. Widely accepted consideration about this subject is early feeding may facilitate the development of pharyngocutaneous fistulae.Methods:68 patients who had been totally laryngectomized between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2002 in SSK Tepecik Training Hospital, ENT - Head and Neck Surgery Clinic were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups as control and study. 36 patients who had been totally laryngectomized between January 1998 and June 2001 formed the control group, who were orally fed 7 to 10 days after total laryngectomy. 32 patients consisted the study group that underwent total laryngectomy between August 2001 and December 2002. The oral feeding of this group began between the 24th and 72nd postoperative hours (average 2.1 days).Results:The developmental and the predispositional factors of the fistulae were evaluated. Pharyngocutaneous fistulae ratio was found to be 9.4% for the early feeding group (24 to 72 hours) and 13.9% for the late feeding group (7 to 10 days). The mean time for fistula to be formed was considered to be 7 days for the early feeding group and 10 days for the late feeding group. Hospitalization period of the patients without fistulae after the operation was found to be 9 days for early feeding group and 11.5 days for the late feeding group.Conclusion:The difference between these two groups is not statistically significant (p>0.05).

Blunt orbital trauma commonly results in a comminuted blow-out fracture of the orbital floor, with prolapse of the orbital contents down into the maxillary sinus. The goals of reconstruction in orbital blow-out fractures are to restore continuity of the orbital floor and provide support for the globe. For this purpose alloplastic and autogenous materials can be used. High biocompatibility and low rates of infection, extrusion, and migration has popularized alloplastic materials. In addition nasoseptal cartilage is an easily accessible, abundant, cheap and autogenous source with minimal donor site morbidity. Reconstruction of the blow-out fracture by nasoseptal cartilage in a 35 years old male patient was evaluated with his pre and postoperative CT images comparing late results with the literature.

Objectives:Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical procedure where an alternative pathway is created to drain an obstructed lacrimal system into the nasal cavity. This can be accomplished externally or via endonasal approach in which the lacrimal sac is connected directly to the nose by removing the layers of bone and mucosa to separate these two structures.Methods:The surgical outcome of endoscopic endonasal DCR was reviewed minimum 5 maximum 23 months in 22 cases with nasolacrimal duct stenosis. Pope-Merocel® and primer silicon tube was applied for preventing restenosis.Results:Stenosis occurred at 5 (%31.2) cases with Pope-Merocel® and silicon tube was inserted at a second stage. There is not any stenosis at the primer or secondary silicon tube inserted cases.Conclusion:The success rate of endoscopic DCR has become comparable with that of traditional external DCR. Advantages of the endonasal approach are excellent visualization, lack of incisional scar, less time consuming, saving the medial palpebral ligament and the lacrimal pomp mechanism. If necessary additional management of intranasal pathology can be performed simultaneously.

Schwannoma is a benign slow-growing tumor which originates from peripheral, autonomic or cranial nerve sheaths. Schwannomas most often occur in the head and neck (40- 50%) or on the flexor surfaces of the extremities. It mostly originates from vagus and also originates from the other nerves of parapharyngeal region. Malignant transformation is very rare. Oral cavity remains a rare site. Because of resistance to radiotheraphy, surgical excision is necessary for optimal treatment. We purpose to present a case of Schwannoma of the tongue.

Tools and machines have an important effect on the manufacturing operations’ effectiveness and the selection process of appropriate tools and machines is a complex issue with the consideration of multiple criteria. Considering the complexity of the problem area and the difficulties in machine tools evaluation processes, the main purpose of this study is to present a novel and effective methodology for machine tool selection problem. The proposed methodology constituted for this aim combines the modified DELPHI method, AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) and PROMETHEE (Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluations) approaches with fuzzy sets theory to be able to reflect the vagueness related to judgment of the decision-maker(s). A real life application is realized for pressing machine selection problem of a fixing products manufacturer from Turkey, Istanbul. The results of the proposed approach are compared with the results of fuzzy AHP-fuzzy TOPSIS approach. Additionally, sensitivity analyses are realized to show the changes in the results with the change in the criteria weights.

The article presents a case study of a 10 days old male baby who was admitted with the dyspnea. During the physical examination, it was noticed that the patient has II/VI systolic murmur and weak femoral pulses. The transthoracic echocardiography revealed that the baby has a dilated left ventricular with aortic coarctation and midmuscular ventricular septal defect. Moreover, emergency balloon angioplasty was performed to the patient.

C21H21FeNO, monoclinic, P121/a1 (no. 14), a = 7.329(7) Å, b = 17.343(3) Å, c = 13.618(5) Å, β = 95.02°, V = 1724.3 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.044, wRref(F2) = 0.111, T = 293 K.

In this paper, a time domain stripmap mode Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) raw data simulation including both the terrain and the targets is proposed. The simulator generates SAR raw data of a scene, involving both single and double reflections in a computationally efficient manner. The inputs of the simulator are the digital elevation model of the terrain, the 3D target model, and the parameters of the SAR system. The simulator extracts a geometrically accurate reflectivity map and generates the SAR raw data in time domain. The disadvantage of time domain method is justified to be tolerable by presenting experiments on modularity performance of the simulator. Also a novel method to decrease the time domain computational complexity of the SAR raw data generation is proposed. Our method has showed very promising results in representing the scattering characteristics, the raw data, and the time domain simulation flexibility.

Purpose: To investigate the tendency of glaucoma in the patientsw with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Materials and Methods: Thirty one (62 eyes) cases with OSAS and 30 (60 eyes) control cases were included in the study. After routine eye examination has been done, corneal thickness and optic disc topographic parameters with HRT of the patients and controls were measured. Visual field examination was performed with Humphrey automatic perimetry by using central 30-2 SITA-Standard test programme. Also blood flow velocities were calculated on ophthalmicartery (OA) and central retinal artery (CRA) with colored Doppler ultrasonography. Results: Among the HRT parameters of the patients with OSAS, mean values of rim area, rim volume, height variation contour, mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and retina nerve fiber layer cross sectional area were significantly lower than the values of the control group (p<0.05). However, MD and PSD which were among the visual field parameters and blood flow velocities of CRA were significantly higher in these patients when compared with the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: As a result, it is concluded that patients with OSAS might have a tendency for glaucoma so, these patients should be followed closely due to the risk of glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the hypoxic changes in periodontal tissues resulting from smoking and periodontitis by assessing levels of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1α, HIF-2α, HIF-3α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF)., Materials and Methods: The study comprised 22 periodontally healthy non-smokers (Group H), 22 periodontally healthy smokers (Group HS), 22 non-smokers with periodontitis (Group P) and 22 smokers with periodontitis (Group PS). Clinical periodontal parameters were documented, and GCF samples were collected and analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)., Results: Significantly elevated levels of HIF-1α, HIF-3α and VEGF were observed in Groups HS, P and PS compared to Group H (p < 0.05). Moreover, higher HIF-2α levels were detected in the Groups HS and P compared to Group H (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were detected between all evaluated hypoxia biomarkers in the Group P (p < 0.05) except HIF-2α and HIF-3α. However, in the PS group, significant correlation appeared only between HIF-1α and HIF-2α (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Our findings indicate that smoking and periodontitis induce comparable hypoxic effects in periodontal tissues, as evidenced by the evaluated biomarkers. Further research is warranted to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying hypoxia in periodontal tissues., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Clinical Periodontology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

This study aimed to investigate factors influencing motivation for dementia preventive behaviors in a population aged 40 and over. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study between December 2022 and May 2023, involving 483 participants in an online survey. We collected data on dementia risk awareness, healthy lifestyle choices, and motivation for dementia risk reduction. The majority of respondents, comprising 41.6%, demonstrated a moderate level of risk awareness, with 50.5% believing that prevention is beyond anyone's control. Motivations for lifestyle change were significantly higher in women ( p < .001) and `participants with university degree education ( p < .05). Regression analysis identified gender (female), education level (higher education), and dementia risk awareness, emerged as significant predictors of motivation to change lifestyle (beta: .138, beta: .136, beta: .114, p < .001, respectively). This study underscores the importance of risk awareness in motivating dementia prevention, suggesting avenues for future research to explore specific determinants of motivation to reduce dementia risks., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Introduction: Recently, there has been an increasing interest to find a simple, low cost, widely available biomarker for outcome predictors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)., Methods: Absolute immature platelet count (AIPC), the percentage of AIPC to the total platelet count (immature platelet fraction [IPF%]), symptoms, spirometry results, age-dyspne-airflow obstruction index, and C-reactive protein tests of COPD patients and control group were recorded. Neutrophil/lymphocyte, monocyte/lymphocyte, and platelet/lymphocyte ratios and Charlson comorbidity index scores were calculated., Results: One hundred and thirty-four COPD patients and 30 healthy control subjects were included in the study. Eighty-nine patients were in exacerbation (AECOPD) and 45 of them were in stable COPD period. There was a difference between IPF% values and AIPC of COPD group and control group (3.45 ± 2.41 vs. 2.04 ± 1.12, p = 0.01; 5.87 ± 2.45 vs. 5.20 ± 3.02, p = 0.01). A positive correlation was observed between IPF% with white blood cell count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio in all patients (r = 0.352, p < 0.001; r = 0.399, p < 0.001; r = 0.186, p = 0.032; r = 0.200, p = 0.021) and AECOPD (r = 0.356, p < 0.001; r = 0.414, p < 0.001; r = 0.239, p = 0.025; r = 0.273, p = 0.010). At a cut-off of 3.4, IPF% showed the highest accuracy in identifying COPD (sensitivity: 80.3%, specificity: 82.5%) using receiver-operating characteristic analysis., Conclusion: This is the first study to examine the relationship between AIPC, IPF%, and COPD. The higher IPF% values in COPD and the positive correlation between IPF% and other inflammatory markers are suggested that IPF may be an indicator of systemic inflammation in COPD., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aim: With modern dentistry advancements, children and parents have significantly raised aesthetic expectations in pediatric dentistry. Pediatric zirconia crowns (PZCs) provide a superior aesthetic appearance compared with stainless steel crowns (SSCs), making them a popular treatment option. However, a comparison of the compressive stresses caused by these crowns on the roots of primary teeth and alveolar bones has not been conducted. Materials and Methods: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of an eight-year-old female patient who experienced premature loss of a primary mandibular left second molar were obtained from a dental hospital database. Rhinoceros 4.0 software was used to process and simulate images. Under simulated chewing forces, stress on the PZC, SSC, and intact primary first molars as control groups, as well as their roots and alveolar bone structures, was assessed with finite element analysis. Statistical Analyses: Depending on whether the descriptive data were normally distributed, the Student t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used. Quantitative variables differ between the two categories of qualitative variables. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used depending on standard distribution assumptions. p < 0.05 indicates statistical significance differences. Results: PZCs, SSCs, and cement layers were stressed according to von Mises values, while roots and alveolar bones were stressed according to maximum and minimum stress values. When assessing crowns, SSCs exhibited the highest von Mises stress values, followed by PZCs and control groups ( p < 0.001). In the cement layer, SSCs obtained significantly higher values ( p = 0.003). In the root area, minimum principal stress values are more critical. The highest values were obtained from the intact tooth, PZC, and SSC, respectively ( p < 0.001). Alveolar bones did not differ significantly in minimum principal stress ( p = 0.950). Conclusions: Restorative full-coverage crowns exhibited higher von Mises values than intact teeth, as per current research findings. The von Mises values were highest in SSC, while lowest in PZC. As a result of this condition, the cement layer and root areas had higher von Mises stress and compressive stress. Alveolar bones were not affected regardless of restoration type. PZC transmits higher stress due to its properties.

Background: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are common arrhythmias with diverse clinical implications. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of medical treatments using various clinical, imaging, and electrocardiographic parameters in patients with idiopathic PVCs., Methods: A total of 1051 patients with idiopathic PVCs were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into three groups based on treatment response: beta-blocker (BB) responders (479 patients), calcium-channel blocker (CCB) responders (335 patients), and class 1c antiarrhythmic (AA) responders (237 patients). Clinical, imaging, and electrocardiographic data were collected and analyzed to assess the factors influencing treatment response., Results: Age, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), PVC QRS duration, CI variability, and multiple PVC morphologies were identified as significant factors affecting treatment response. Older age and lower LVEF were associated with better response to BB treatment, whereas CCB responders showed narrower QRS complexes. BB responders also exhibited higher CI variability, possibly linked to automaticity mechanisms. Moreover, the BB responder group had a higher frequency of multiple PVC morphologies., Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of tailored treatment approaches based on individual patient characteristics., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All the authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Although nutritional status is influenced by multidimensional aspects encompassing physical factors, there is limited research on this complex relationship., Objectives: This study aimed to examine the interaction between physical activity level indicators and the nutritional status of adults in Türkiye., Methods: A total of 3,970 individuals aged 18 years or older, residing in Afyonkarahisar (Türkiye), participated in this study. Data were obtained through face-to-face interviews with a questionnaire, using simple random sampling among adults. One-day food consumption was recorded using a 24-h dietary recall (24HDR). Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)., Results: This study comprised 3,970 participants: 2,087 (52.57%) men and 1,883 (47.42%) women. Among them, 32.64% smoked cigarettes, and 8.72% consumed alcohol. About 40% of adults were overweight, and 16.33% were obese. All participants had inadequate intake levels of potassium, calcium, and iron when compared to the recommended amounts. Physical activity levels showed a weak positive correlation with dietary energy, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and cholesterol, and a weak negative correlation with age, waist-to-hip ratio, and BMI of participants., Conclusion: This study provides insights into the importance of addressing both physical activity and nutritional status. It was found that the weekly duration of physical activity for women was lower than for men. As a result of the nutritional status evaluation, it was found that the daily energy intake of men was higher than that of women., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Karaca Çelik, Morales-Suárez-Varela, Uçar, Soriano, İnce Palamutoğlu, Baş, Toprak, Hajhamidiasl, Erol Doğan and Doğan.)

Perianaesthetic dental trauma is a common anaesthesia-related complication. Theprevious studies have shown a lack of knowledge regarding mouthguard usage and controversial results related to perianaesthetic dental trauma prevention. This study aimed to conduct a finite element analysis of the compressive and tensile stresses on the tooth-periodontal ligament-bone complex using custom-made mouthguards of different thicknesses and glass fibre splints to prevent perianaesthetic dental trauma. Custom-fitted ethylene-vinyl acetate mouthguards of two different thicknesses (2 and 3 mm) and glass fibre splint were modelled. A linear static finite element analysis was performed by applying a rigid Macintosh laryngoscope to the palatal surface of the maxillary central incisors at 150 N. The model without a mouthguard and glass fibre splint showed the highest stress values at the palatinal root surfaces during the impact. Increasing the mouthguard thickness significantly decreased the stress-strain values regardless of the presence of the glass fibre splint. Maximum stresses in the group using the 3 mm mouthguard were the lowest compared with the other groups.

Background: The aim of our study is to assess the prognostic impact of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) on 28-day mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit with crush syndrome following the Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Türkiye., Methods: A total of 63 adult patients with crush syndrome admitted to the intensive care unit after the earthquake were enrolled in this study. The medical records of the patients were examined using follow-up forms and the hospital data system., Results: The mean age of the patients was 38.9±17.3 years, and the median time under debris was 31.5 hours. The 28-day mortality rate was 27%. In univariate generalized estimating equations (GEE) and other analyses, variables that are significant (or candidate variables) between 28-day mortality groups included age as a biological factor. These variables were included in the multivariate GEE model. The effects of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), serum sodium concentration, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and PLR on mortality were statistically significant., Conclusion: Elevated SOFA scores, the necessity for CRRT, increased serum sodium levels, and decreased PLR values are associated with increased 28-day mortality in patients with crush syndrome after an earthquake.

Background/aim: Thermoplastic mouthguards have been a reliable means of protection against impacts and shocks for a century. Although orofacial injuries are prevalent among basketball players, many athletes still avoid using mouthguards due to concerns regarding impaired breathing, speech interference, and nausea. This study aims to compare basketball players' subjective assessments of two different thicknesses of custom-made mouthguards (MGs) with boil-and-bite MGs (B&B MG)., Material and Methods: A total of 60 systematically healthy male professional basketball players, without active orthodontic treatment, were enrolled and randomly assigned to three groups: Group 1 (received B&B MGs; n = 20), Group 2 (received custom-made MGs with a 3 mm thickness [ethyl vinyl asetat]; n = 20), and Group 3 (received custom-made MGs with a 5 mm thickness; n = 20). To evaluate MG comfort and usability, 12 key factors, including comfort, fit, stability, tiredness, thirsting, oral dryness, nausea, speaking, breathing, drinking, ease of wear and removal, and inclination to chew, were assessed. The athletes were made to rate these factors using a 10 cm-long Visual Analog Scale, measured at three-time intervals, and the values for both inter-group and intra-group were compared., Results: Data from 48 basketball players were retrieved, and data analysis revealed that B&B MGs had the least favorable parameter values. Among the B&B MG group, stability was reported to be poorer during the initial measurement (p < .05). In the second measurement, B&B MGs showed significantly lower values for comfort, stability, tiredness, speaking, and inclination to chew (p < .05). During the third measurement, the B&B MG group exhibited significantly reduced values for comfort, breathing, drinking, and speaking (p < .05). In contrast, no statistically significant difference was observed between 3 and 5 mm thickness MGs in these measurements., Conclusions: Custom-made MGs with different thicknesses consistently outperformed B&B MGs in all measurements, indicating the potential to tailor MG thickness based on sport, age, professional level of athlete, and presence of other protective equipment. While custom-made mouthguards are considered the gold standard, dentists who provide B&B MGs can lead to cost savings while maintaining protection and encouraging athletes to use higher-quality custom-made mouthguards., (© 2024 The Authors. Dental Traumatology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a relapsing disease described as excessive use of alcohol. Evidence of the role of DNA methylation in addiction is accumulating. Ghrelin is an important peptide known as appetite hormone and its role in addictive behavior has been identified. Here we aimed to determine the methylation levels of two crucial genes (GHRL and GHSR) in ghrelin signaling and further investigate the association between methylation ratios and plasma ghrelin levels., Methods: Individuals diagnosed with (n = 71) and without (n = 82) AUD were recruited in this study. DNA methylation levels were measured through methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM). Acylated ghrelin levels were detected by ELISA. The GHRL rs696217 polymorphism was analyzed by the standard PCR-RFLP method., Results: GHRL was significantly hypermethylated (P < 0.0022) in AUD between 25 and 50% methylation than in control subjects but no significant changes of GHSR methylation were observed. Moreover, GHRL showed significant positive correlation of methylation ratio between 25 and 50% with age. A significant positive correlation between GHSR methylation and ghrelin levels in the AUD group was determined (P = 0.037). The level of GHRL methylation and the ghrelin levels showed a significant association in the control subjects (P = 0.042)., Conclusion: GHSR and GHRL methylation levels did not change significantly between control and AUD groups. However, GHRL and GHSR methylations seemed to have associations with plasma ghrelin levels in two groups. This is the first study investigating the DNA methylation of GHRL and GHSR genes in AUD., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the Mediterranean diet (MD), combined with curcumin and resveratrol supplementation, on disease activity, serum inflammatory markers, and quality of life in patients with mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis (UC). This study was designed as a prospective multicenter three-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized to the MD, MD + curcumin, and MD + resveratrol groups. All participants were placed on the MD for 8 weeks. The MD + curcumin group also received 1600 mg/day of curcumin supplementation, whereas the MD + resveratrol group received 500 mg/day of resveratrol supplementation for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, Truelove-Witts Index, Short Form-36, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS), and laboratory tests were performed at baseline and postintervention. Within-group comparisons showed that MD, MD + curcumin, and MD + resveratrol interventions were effective in reducing disease activity and inflammation and improving quality of life in individuals with UC ( p < 0.05). Between-group comparisons revealed no significant difference in all parameters except for the pain subparameter of SF-36 and the MEDAS score ( p < 0.05). The MD is an effective and safe intervention to be used in clinical practice in individuals with UC.

The NR1H2 gene produces the Liver X Receptor Beta (LXRB) protein, which is crucial for brain cholesterol metabolism and neuronal development. However, its involvement in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains largely unexplored, aside from animal studies. This study is the first to explore the potential link between autism and rs2695121/rs17373080 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the regulatory regions of NR1H2 , known for their association with neuropsychiatric functions. Additionally, we assessed levels of oxysterols (24-Hydroxycholesterol, 25-Hydroxycholesterol, 27-Hydroxycholesterol), crucial ligands of LXR, and lipid profiles. Our cohort comprised 107 children with ASD and 103 healthy children aged 2-18 years. Clinical assessment tools included the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Autistic Behavior Checklist, and Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised. Genotyping for SNPs was conducted using PCR-RFLP. Lipid profiles were analyzed with Beckman Coulter kits, while oxysterol levels were determined through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Significantly higher total cholesterol ( p = 0.003), LDL ( p = 0.008), and triglyceride ( p < 0.001) levels were observed in the ASD group. 27-Hydroxycholesterol levels were markedly lower in the ASD group ( p ≤ 0.001). ROC analysis indicated the potential of 27-Hydroxycholesterol to discriminate ASD diagnosis. The SNP genotype and allele frequencies were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Our findings suggest that disturbances in oxysterol metabolism, previously linked to neurodegeneration, may constitute a risk factor for ASD and contribute to its heterogeneous phenotype.

There is an emerging fluconazole resistance in Candida parapsilosis in recent years. The leading mechanism causing azole resistance in C. parapsilosis is the Y132F codon alteration in the ERG11 gene which encodes the target enzyme of azole drugs. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity, compatibility, and specificity of a novel tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR) method for rapid detection of the Y132F mutation in fluconazole nonsusceptible C. parapsilosis. Antifungal susceptibility tests for detection of fluconazole resistance were performed by broth microdilution according to the CLSI guidelines. All susceptible and nonsusceptible C. parapsilosis isolates were analyzed for ERG11 mutations with Sanger sequencing. T-ARMS-PCR was fully concordant with the Sanger sequencing (100% of sensitivity and specificity) for detection of Y132F mutations. T-ARMS-PCR method could be a rapid, simple, accurate, and economical assay in the early detection of the most common cause of fluconazole resistance in C. parapsilosis isolates. In routine laboratories with high C. parapsilosis isolation rates, performing the T-ARMS-PCR for early detection of the most common reason of fluconazole resistance in C. parapsilo sis, could be a life-saving approach for directing antifungal therapy before obtaining the definitive antifungal susceptibility tests results.

Trichoderma afroharzianum ( Hypocreales ) is known as an important mycoparasite and biocontrol fungus and feeds on fungal material by parasitizing other fungi. Recent studies indicate that this species is also an ear rot pathogen in Europe. Here, the complete mitochondrial genome of three T. afroharzianum strains was sequenced using next-generation sequencing and comparatively characterized by the reported Trichoderma mitogenomes. T. afroharzianum mitogenomes were varying between 29 511 bp and 29 517 bp in length, with an average A + T content of 72.32%. These mitogenomes contain 14 core protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, one gene encoding the ribosomal protein S3, and three or four genes including conserved domains for the homing endonucleases (HEGs; GIY-YIG type and LAGLIDADG type). All PCGs are initiated by ATG codons, except for atp8, and all are terminated with TAA. A significant correlation was observed between nucleotide composition and codon preference. Four introns belonging to the group I intron class were predicted, accounting for about 14.54% of the size of the mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the positions of T . afroharzianum strains within the genus of Trichoderma and supported a sister group relationship between T. afroharzianum and T. simmonsii . The recovered trees also supported the monophyly of all included families and of the genus of Acremonium . The characterization of mitochondrial genome of T. afroharzianum contributes to the understanding of phylogeny and evolution of Hypocreales., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are the predominant cause for chronic kidney disease below age 30 years. Many monogenic forms have been discovered due to comprehensive genetic testing like exome sequencing. However, disease-causing variants in known disease-associated genes only explain a proportion of cases. Here, we aim to unravel underlying molecular mechanisms of syndromic CAKUT in three unrelated multiplex families with presumed autosomal recessive inheritance. Exome sequencing in the index individuals revealed three different rare homozygous variants in FOXD2, encoding a transcription factor not previously implicated in CAKUT in humans: a frameshift in the Arabic and a missense variant each in the Turkish and the Israeli family with segregation patterns consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance. CRISPR/Cas9-derived Foxd2 knockout mice presented with a bilateral dilated kidney pelvis accompanied by atrophy of the kidney papilla and mandibular, ophthalmologic, and behavioral anomalies, recapitulating the human phenotype. In a complementary approach to study pathomechanisms of FOXD2-dysfunction-mediated developmental kidney defects, we generated CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of Foxd2 in ureteric bud-induced mouse metanephric mesenchyme cells. Transcriptomic analyses revealed enrichment of numerous differentially expressed genes important for kidney/urogenital development, including Pax2 and Wnt4 as well as gene expression changes indicating a shift toward a stromal cell identity. Histology of Foxd2 knockout mouse kidneys confirmed increased fibrosis. Further, genome-wide association studies suggest that FOXD2 could play a role for maintenance of podocyte integrity during adulthood. Thus, our studies help in genetic diagnostics of monogenic CAKUT and in understanding of monogenic and multifactorial kidney diseases., (Copyright © 2023 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The complete genome of a European pine sawfly Neodiprion sertifer nucleopolyhedrovirus (NeseNPV-TR) was sequenced and characterized from next-generation sequencing data of N. sertifer larva from Türkiye. This genome was analyzed and compared to previously reported genomes of baculoviruses. The baculovirus phylogeny was reconstructed and the species identity of the NeseNPV-TR was delineated using K2P distance. The length of the genome was 82,052 bp, with a G + C content of 33.28%. It contained 83 putative ORFs, including 38 baculovirus core genes, three lepidopteran baculovirus core genes, and three non-conserved genes. It had five hrs with 20.6% overall mean distance on average. The pairwise K2P distances of lef-8, lef-9, and polh genes and combinations of three genes and 38 genes between NeseNPV-TR and NeseNPV were slightly higher than the specified threshold values for species demarcation. The most variable genes were lef-2, helicase, p40, desmoplakin, pif7, p6.9, vp91, and vp39, while the most conserved were lef-8, lef-9, odv-e18, pif2, and lef-5 among baculoviruses. The genome of NeseNPV-TR is smaller and contains the fewest ORFs among baculoviruses. Some of unassigned ORFs had conserved domains and hence, we suggest further investigation to determine their structural and functional roles. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed its position within genus Gammabaculovirus. Taking into account the phylogenetic position, K2P distances, and NJ tree, the NeseNPV-TR can be classified in the same species (Gammabaculovirus nesertiferis) with NeseNPV. The different divergence rates in the baculovirus core genes may be related with different selection pressures acting on the genes. The lower genetic diversity of Group I alphabaculoviruses is most probably due to recent emergence., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Patients can often access the internet and social media for health information but it is not clear how much they trust and use the information retrieved., Objective: To investigate the social media and internet use rates and preferences of orthopaedic patients, to reveal to what extent they self-treat, and to probe the affecting factors., Methods: Two thousand fifty-eight patients admitted to an orthopaedic polyclinic were asked to fill out a survey (voluntarily) consisting of 15 items, to collect demographic data, preference for platforms and sources used, trusted sources, and the extent to which information obtained was used for self-care., Results: The most preferred and most trusted sources of information were Google and other search engines, and physicians' personal websites (p < 0.001)., Discussion: Variables such as age, gender, educational level and occupation affect the research preferences. Reliance on social media decreases with increasing educational levels (p < 0.001)., Conclusion: Health information and knowledge services should work with health professionals to improve aspects of health literacy among orthopaedic patients., (© 2023 Health Libraries Group.)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of 0.6% hyaluronic acid (HA) gel on the healing process and postoperative pain levels after diode laser-assisted labial frenectomy in pediatric patients. Ninety-six pediatric patients (females, 50 and males, 46) aged 8-14 years were randomly divided into four groups as follows: (1) conventional frenectomy with 0.6% topically administered HA (CFH, n = 24); (2) conventional frenectomy with placebo gel (CFP, n = 24); (3) frenectomy performed by diode laser with 0.6% topically administered HA (DLH, n = 24); and (4) frenectomy performed by diode laser with placebo gel (DLP, n = 24). HA application was continued for 1 week thrice daily after the frenectomy. Visual analog scale forms were collected from patients 1 week after the operation. In addition, the plaque index, gingival index, periodontal probing depth, and keratinized tissue width and thickness were recorded. This process was repeated 1 and 3 months after the first visit. The DLH group revealed significant differences in the probing depth, bleeding on probing, keratinized gingiva width, and attached gingiva width according to dual comparisons of the initial, first, and third-month values (p = 0.010, p = 0.007, p<0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). Significant differences were observed between the CFP and CFH groups according to the initial and initial third-month values with regard to the bleeding on probing (p=0.019 and p = 0.019, respectively). The attached gingival thickness revealed significant differences between the CFP and CFH groups for the initial and initial-third-month comparisons (p = 0.005 and p = 0.007, respectively). The mean values of the initial and initial-third-month differences were significantly higher in the CFH group than those in the CFP group. HA- and laser-assisted labial frenectomies revealed better outcomes in terms of the probing depth, attached gingiva width, keratinized gingiva width, healing process, and postoperative comfort., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Schwartz-Jampel Syndrome (SJS) type-1 (OMIM; #255800), a rare cause of skeletal dysplasia, is characterized by myotonic myopathy, chondrodystrophy, short stature, facial and eye abnormalities. SJS Type-1 develops due to variations in the HSPG2 gene which produces the "perlecan" molecule, one of the main proteoglycans of the basement membrane. A 6-year-old girl presented with short stature, a mask face, shrunken lips, narrow palpebral opening due to blepharospasm, stiffness of facial muscles, micrognathia, overlapping teeth, a short neck, and a bell-shaped thorax due to myotonic myopathy. She was diagnosed with SJS type-1 due to compound heterozygosity of two novel variations in the HSPG2 gene. In patients with short stature and an accompanying myotonic myopathy SJS should be considered. Compound heterozygosity may cause typical clinical findings of SJS. In case of suspicion creatinine kinase levels can be measured, and the determination of myotonia may require evaluation with electromyography. Once the diagnosis is made, patients should be carefully monitored in terms of growth, neuromuscular disorders, joints problems and bone health.

Objective: In this study, to investigate the place of T cell-mediated immunity in the etiology of ADHD, for which we do not have enough information; we aimed to investigate the activity of DPP IV and ADA, which are T cell-related enzymes, and the relationship of these enzymes with ADHD symptoms in children with ADHD., Methods: Twenty-seven children aged 6 to 12 years with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 27 children aged 6 to 12 years without any psychiatric disease were included in the study., Results: While serum ADA and DPP-IV activity were found to be statistically significantly higher in the group with ADHD. There was no statistically significant correlation between serum ADA and DPP-IV activities and CTRS-R-L and CPRS-R-L in both groups., Conclusion: We think that T cell mediated inflammation may play a role in the etiology of ADHD due to changes in ADA and DPP-IV levels in children., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Fixed space maintainers (FSMs) are commonly utilized in pediatric dentistry to prevent space loss following premature tooth extraction. Although previous studies have examined the survival rates and causes of FSM failure, the impact of arm design on failure has not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the tensile and compressive stresses related to FSMs with different arm designs and evaluate the effect of arm designs on FSM failure. Cone beam computed tomography images of a child who experienced premature loss of a primary mandibular left second molar tooth were retrieved from our database, then processed and simulated using the Rhinoceros software. Finite element analysis was performed to evaluate the stresses on four distinct FSM arm designs under simulated chewing forces. The results showed that the straight-arm FSM design exhibited the highest von Mises principal stress, while FSMs with curved arms and surrounding primary mandibular left first molar in the mesial area demonstrated the lowest von Mises stress accumulation. Intense stress accumulation on the distal surface of tooth 74 was observed in the test models due to the transmitted forces by the FSM. The maximum principal stresses accumulated at the base of the alveolar socket of the mesial root of tooth 36, while the minimum principal stresses were identified at the mesio-marginal area of the alveolar crest. The arm design played a crucial role in enabling the appliance to effectively withstand the stresses accumulating on the Space maintainer (SM) and orthodontic band. Bending the SM arms to match the surrounding profile with curvature increased the stress absorption capacity by increasing the arm length., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (©2024 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.)

Our objective was to scrutinize the risk factors related to bilateral involvement in the developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and to inspect the impact of bilaterality on the enduring results of the DDH. All patients, aged between 6 and 18 months, who underwent surgery using the limited posteromedial approach (734 hips from 561 patients), were included in this study. The number of births, birth type, history of consanguineous marriage, family history, and swaddling were analyzed. Physical examination and complaints of the patients were evaluated, and direct radiographs were examined in terms of the redislocation, avascular necrosis, and residual acetabular dysplasia. Among the 561 patients, bilateral DDH was observed in 173 patients (30.8%). The use of swaddling was found to be statistically significant between groups ( p = 0.012). The use of swaddling for more than one month was associated with a higher odds ratio for bilaterality ( p = 0.001, OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.2-2.0). Furthermore, bilaterality was associated with a higher risk for redislocation in DDH ( p = 0.001, OR = 4.25, 95% CI: 1.6-11.2). The study concludes that swaddling for over a month is strongly linked with the bilateral involvement in DDH. It is important to note that bilaterality plays a crucial role in the development of redislocation after open reduction in DDH.

Background: Misattribution of motivational salience to non-salient (neutral) stimuli could be viewed as a hallmark of psychosis in schizophrenia. Studies have recently revealed increased subjective experience of emotional arousal (EA) to neutral social stimuli in paranoid schizophrenia psychosis, suggesting a misattribution of emotional salience to them. We examined this phenomenon directly by quantifying the level of EA subjectively attributed to low-arousal, neutral-valenced faces., Subjects and Methods: Patients with remitted schizophrenia (PG) (n=26), first-degree relatives of schizophrenic patients (RG) (n=25), and healthy controls (HCG) (n=36) were compared in terms of oxidative stress parameters -serum Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Nitrite, Nitrate, Malondialdehyde, and Total Glutathione levels-, social cognition measured by the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test and working memory measured by the N-back Task. Groups were compared, assuming that HCG had a genetically lower risk of schizophrenia compared to PG and RG., Results: HCG performed significantly better than PG and RG, who were genetically at high risk, in terms of social cognition (respectively p=0.000, p=0.014), working memory (respectively p=0.001, p=0.003), and had statistically lower Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) level than the PG and RG (both p:0.000). After controlling for the effect of the general intellectual abilities measured by the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices Test and working memory the differences between groups on the Eyes Test disappeared (p=0.057). However, this value tended to be significant., Conclusion: It was concluded that social cognition and working memory and GPx level may be used as endophenotypes and social cognition, working memory, and general intellectual skills are different but strongly related constructs. Endophenotypes guide treatment targets even after the disease has developed. The results of our study showed that in addition to psychopharmacological treatments, interventions to reduce oxidative stress and approaches to improve cognitive skills will have a positive impact on the disease's progression.

Background: Cefiderocol is generally active against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp. (CRK) with higher MICs against metallo-beta-lactamase producers. There is a variation in cefiderocol interpretive criteria determined by EUCAST and CLSI. Our objective was to test CRK isolates against cefiderocol and compare cefiderocol susceptibilities using EUCAST and CLSI interpretive criteria., Methods: A unique collection ( n  = 254) of mainly OXA-48-like- or NDM-producing CRK bloodstream isolates were tested against cefiderocol with disc diffusion (Mast Diagnostics, UK). Beta-lactam resistance genes and multilocus sequence types were identified using bioinformatics analyses on complete bacterial genomes., Results: Median cefiderocol inhibition zone diameter was 24 mm (interquartile range [IQR] 24-26 mm) for all isolates and 18 mm (IQR 15-21 mm) for NDM producers. We observed significant variability between cefiderocol susceptibilities using EUCAST and CLSI breakpoints, such that 26% and 2% of all isolates, and 81% and 12% of the NDM producers were resistant to cefiderocol using EUCAST and CLSI interpretive criteria, respectively., Conclusions: Cefiderocol resistance rates among NDM producers are high using EUCAST criteria. Breakpoint variability may have significant implications on patient outcomes. Until more clinical outcome data are available, we suggest using EUCAST interpretive criteria for cefiderocol susceptibility testing.