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Professor Tower's alternative structure for the cost/benefit analysis of protectionist policies is a welcome extension of my recent paper published in this Journal [1]. Although I don't agree with all [...]

Case report: A 61-year-old male patient who had previously been splenectomized for immune thrombocytopenia, hospitalized with mucosal bleeding. Upon failure to respond to steroid, intravenous immunoglobulin, rituximab, danazol, azathioprine and eltrombopag treatment, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was performed to the patient. At the end of the first month, he had normal platelet count.

The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mRNA-based vaccines have prevented countless mortality and morbidity, and have an excellent risk/benefit ratio. However, various adverse events may rarely occur after the BNT162b2 vaccine, like any other medical intervention. The COVID-19 itself and the spike protein produced endogenously by mRNA vaccines may have immunological, microenvironmental, prothrombotic, and neoplastic effects. As a contribution to the published report, we would like to share our experience regarding four cases in which myeloid neoplasms emerged following the vaccination. Conclusions: There is no doubt that vaccination could continue along the lines of established universal recommendations. Meanwhile, all hematological adverse events must be closely monitored and reported. Further efforts should be focused on the probable pathobiological mechanisms and causalities of spike protein-related toxicity and clonal myeloid disorders.

The effects of humic acid on plant yield, essential oil content, the composition of essential oil and the antimicrobial activity of Origanum vulgare L. subsp. hirtum (Link.) (cv. Tinmaz) cultivated in 2017 and 2018 under Eskisehir ecological conditions were evaluated. Three humic acid (HA) doses in response to 50.0 L ha−1 (HA 50), 30.0 L ha−1 (HA 30) and 0.0 L ha−1 (HA 0, as control) were applied to soil at the vegetative stage and beginning of the blooming stage of the plant throughout each harvest in both years. Essential oil composition was determined using GC-FID/GC-MS. The antibacterial and antifungal activity were determined by the well-diffusion method. Fresh herb yield, dry herb yield and dry leaf yield were highest at HA 50 both years, although essential oil content increased in 2017 at both HA 50 and HA 30, but was greatest at HA 50 in the second year. The essential oil content differences between the control dose and 50.0 L HA ha−1 were 0.46% and 0.42% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil samples against two bacteria species (Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus) and two yeast species (Candida albicans and Candida parapisilosis) was generally higher than that of the control drugs, and the activity increased with increasing HA doses. Analysis of the essential oil components showed that the carvacrol and γ-Terpinene ratios generally increased as the HA doses increased to 50.0 L HA ha−1. Soil HA applications could be recommended for higher quality, plant yield and antimicrobial activity of Origanum vulgare L. subsp. hirtum.

Amaç: Travmatik dental yaralanmalar, dünyadaki çocuk popülasyonunda sıklıkla görülen problemlerden birisidir. Bu çalışmanın amacı 6-12 yaş arası okul çağı çocuklarında görülen travmatik dental yaralanmaların meydana gelme sıklığı ve travma ile ilişkili faktörlerin değerlendirilmesidir. Gereç ve Yöntemler:Bu çalışma, Nevşehir ve İstanbul illerinde bulunan toplamda beş farklı okuldan, ortalama yaşı 8.9±0.84 olan 897 çocuk (472 kız , 425 erkek) üzerinde yapılmıştır. Kayıtlar diş hekimleri tarafından cinsiyet, yaş, travmanın tipi, etkilenen dişin tipi, sağlanan tedavi, travmanın nedeni ve dental bilgilere göre (diş eksikliği, supernumerer diş, baş başa kapanış, overjet, openbite, deepbite, croosbite) değerlendirildi ve ailedeki ebeveynlerin çalışma durumu ile kardeş sayısının sosyoekonomik ve sosyokültürel olarak verileri kaydedildi. İstatistiksel değerlendirmeler p

Herbariums, which are places where dried plant specimens are regularly stored, have indispensable working material, especially for taxonomists. The Herbarium of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Istanbul University (ISTE) is one of Turkey’s most important herbariums and has more than 110 000 plant specimens some of which have medicinal properties. The species of the Malvaceae family that make up some of the plant specimens in ISTE are significant because they are widely used in traditional folk medicine. This family is represented by 10 genera and 47 species (3 endemic) in Turkey. In this study, the specimens of Malvaceae were examined and numerical evaluation of the family in Flora and in ISTE was given. Specimens of one species from every genus that are existing in ISTE were photographed and important taxonomic characteristics of family were shown. In conclusion, 39 taxa belonging to 9 genera in ISTE have been observed and 418 specimens from these taxa were counted. The genus Alcea, which has 130 specimens, has been found to have more specimens than all genera of Malvaceae family. Also, the diagnostic key to genera has been rearranged for the new genus added to the family.

Background/purpose: Molar-Incisor-Hypomineralisation (MIH) is the term used to depict a condition in which one or more of the permanent molar teeth and usually no less than one incisor tooth is hypomineralised and the prevalence rates vary from 2.4 to 40.2%. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and the risk factors of MIH in children in Istanbul, Turkey. Materials and methods: A total of 1511 (760 M, 751 F), 8- to 11-year-old children were examined who had their first permanent molar and incisors evaluated using the EAPD criteria for MIH. Hypomineralized molars and incisors were recorded based on developmental defects of enamel index. The potential aetiological factors were retrieved through personal interview and etiological questions were asked to the parents. Statistical analysis was performed with a chi-Square test. Results: MIH was observed in 215 (14.2%; 102 male, 113 female) children. The sample (1511 children) comprised 71 (9.9%) 8 year-olds with MIH and 144 (18.2%) 11 year-olds with MIH. A significant difference was found between 8 (9.9%) and 11-year-old (18.2%) children with MIH (p ≤ 0.001). Complications during the mother's pregnancy, birth prematurity, average breast feeding period, diarrhea frequency, digestive system diseases, asthma, frequent high fever, ear infection, renal failure, rubeola, chickenpox and parotitis were found to be significantly associated with MIH (p

Purpose: We aimed to analyze blood inflammation parameters in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: In this retrospective study, patients were divided into three groups: wet-type AMD ( n = 60), dry-type AMD ( n = 60), and healthy controls ( n = 71). The laboratory and demographic data of the patients were analyzed. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) were calculated manually. Results: The mean NLR was 2.26 ± 1.42 in the dry-type AMD group, 3.90 ± 1.65 in the wet-type AMD group, and 1.84 ± 0.61 in the control group ( p

The goal of the present work was to revisit published data to test if genetic variation in interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) is associated with children born with cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) for cases with positive history of maternal smoking. From the 573 individuals originally studied, this reanalysis focused on 57 who had a positive history of maternal smoking during pregnancy (39 born with CL/P and 18 born without CL/P). Seven IRF6 markers (rs4844880, rs2235371, rs2013162, ra861019, rs2073487, rs642961, and rs658860) were tested for over-transmission of alleles and an alpha of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All individuals born with CL/P were homozygous for the wild type allele of rs2235371 in comparison to just two individuals born without clefts (p = 0.0000001). For rs861019, individuals born with CL/P were more likely to have the variant allele (p = 0.006). A similar trend was seen for rs642961 (p = 0.09). The results suggest that statistical evidence of over-representation of IRF6 alleles in individuals born with CL/P may be unveiled only when maternal smoking during pregnancy is used as the inclusion criterion in the analysis.

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is an enamel condition characterized by lesions ranging in color from white to brown which present rapid caries progression, and mainly affects permanent first molars and incisors. These enamel defects usually occur when there are disturbances during the mineralization or maturation stage of amelogenesis. Both genetic and environmental factors have been suggested to play roles in MIH's development, but no conclusive risk factors have shown the source of the disease. During head and neck development, the interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) gene is involved in the structure formation of the oral and maxillofacial regions, and the transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA) is an essential cell regulator, acting during proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis. In this present study, it was hypothesized that these genes interact and contribute to predisposition of MIH. Environmental factors affecting children that were 3 years of age or older were also hypothesized to play a role in the disease etiology. Those factors included respiratory issues, malnutrition, food intolerance, infection of any sort and medication intake. A total of 1,065 salivary samples from four different cohorts were obtained, and DNA was extracted from each sample and genotyped for nine different single nucleotide polymorphisms. Association tests and logistic regression implemented in PLINK were used for analyses. A potential interaction between TGFA rs930655 with all markers tested in the cohort from Turkey was identified. These interactions were not identified in the remaining cohorts. Associations (p

The potential applications of Achillea species in various industries have encouraged the examination of their phytochemical components along with their biological potential. In the present study, phenolic contents and essential oil compositions together with the in vitro biological activities of the aerial parts from Achillea biebersteinii Afan. and Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan. collected from Turkey were evaluated. Different solvent extracts (n-hexane, chloroform, methanol, water) were prepared and their antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, and antioxidant activities were studied. The LC-MS/MS results revealed the presence of 16 different phenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin, and luteolin glycosides, in methanolic extracts. According to GC-FID and GC/MS results, the primary components of the oils were identified as 1,8-cineole (32.5%), piperitone (14.4%), and camphor (13.7%) in A. biebersteinii and 1,8-cineole (12.3%) and β-eudesmol (8.9%) in A. millefolium subsp. millefolium. The infusion and methanolic extracts of both species were found to be rich in their total phenolic content as well as their antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity. In contrast, the n-hexane and chloroform extracts of both species showed strong antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging from 15 to 2000 μg/mL. Our findings suggest that the investigated Achillea species could be evaluated as potent natural agents, and further studies into the promising extracts are needed.

INTRODUCTION: Localized provoked vulvodynia (LPV) is a gynecological disease that is difficult to manage. Despite the wide spectrum of pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment modalities, there is limited success in the management of this disease. Surgical treatment is usually performed as the last resort. We aimed to investigate the histopathological results of 38 women with LPV who underwent surgical vestibulectomy. METHODS: of the 55 women that were diagnosed with LPV and underwent vulvar vestibulectomy, 38 patients with complete histopathological results were included in this retrospective study. RESULTS: in 14 patients, the pathological reports revealed low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LGSIL) (36.8%) whereas for 21 cases (55.2%), the findings were concordant with vestibulitis. The remaining three patients (7.8%) were diagnosed with lichen simplex chronicus. CONCLUSION: the presence of LGSIL in the surgical specimens of LPV cases is noteworthy. In this group of patients, surgical excision may contribute to the prevention of progression into high-grade lesions. The relationship between Human Papilloma Virus infections and LPV should be further investigated.

Abstract Background Matrix metallopeptidase 20 (MMP20) is an evolutionarily conserved protease that is essential for processing enamel matrix proteins during dental enamel formation. MMP20 mutations cause human autosomal recessive pigmented hypomaturation‐type amelogenesis imperfecta (AI2A2; OMIM #612529). MMP20 is expressed in both odontoblasts and ameloblasts, but its function during dentinogenesis is unclear. Methods We characterized 10 AI kindreds with MMP20 defects, characterized human third molars and/or Mmp20−/− mice by histology, Backscattered Scanning Electron Microscopy (bSEM), µCT, and nanohardness testing. Results We identified six novel MMP20 disease‐causing mutations. Four pathogenic variants were associated with exons encoding the MMP20 hemopexin‐like (PEX) domain, suggesting a necessary regulatory function. Mutant human enamel hardness was softest (13% of normal) midway between the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ) and the enamel surface. bSEM and µCT analyses of the third molars revealed reduced mineral density in both enamel and dentin. Dentin close to the DEJ showed an average hardness number 62%–69% of control. Characterization of Mmp20−/− mouse dentin revealed a significant reduction in dentin thickness and mineral density and a transient increase in predentin thickness, indicating disturbances in dentin matrix secretion and mineralization. Conclusion These results expand the spectrum of MMP20 disease‐causing mutations and provide the first evidence for MMP20 function during dentin formation.

Abstract Background Cancers and microbial infections are still a major health problem, therefore research on new anticancer and antimicrobial agents ought to be continued. Natural products including essential oils from medicinal plants continue to be an important resource to manage various diseases. Thus, the particular objectives of this study are to investigate the chemical composition, cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of three Plectranthus species namely P. cylindraceus Hocst. ex Benth., P. asirensis JRI Wood and P. barbatus Andrews grown in Saudi Arabia. Methods The essential oils of the three Plectranthus species were obtained by hydrodistllation and analyzed using GC/FID and GC-MS. The essential oils were further assessed for their cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Determination of the cytotoxic activity was carried out against Hela, HepG2 and HT-29 cancer cell lines by utilizing MTT-assay. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against six bacterial and fungal strains by using broth micro-dilution assay. In addition, the antioxidant activity was evaluated utilizing the DPPH and β-Carotene-linoleic acid assays. Results The GC/FID and GC-MS analysis led to the identification of 59, 60 and 42 compounds representing 89.0% 95.0 and 97.1% of the total essential oils of P. cylindraceus, P. asirensis and P. barbatus, respectively. The essential oils were characterized by a high content of oxygenated sesquiterpenes in P. cylindraceus, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons in P. asirensis and monoterpene hydrocarbons in P. barbatus where maaliol (42.8%), β-caryophyllene (13.3%) and α-pinene, (46.2%) were the predominant compounds. Additionally, the oils particularly of P. cylindraceus and P. barbatus exhibited remarkable cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities with IC50-values between 3.8 and 7.5 μg/mL and MIC-values ranging from 0.137 to 4.40 mg/mL. Moreover, the oils showed moderate to high radical scavenging and antioxidative activities ranging from 52 to 75% at the highest concentration of 1 mg/mL. Conclusions The observed results back the suggestion that these three Plectranthus species represent a promising source of cytotoxic and antimicrobial agents.

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of 3 mg drospirenone/30 μg ethinyl estradiol (OC) alone or combined with 1700 mg metformin on metabolic risk factors. Materials and methods: In this randomized, prospective, controlled study, 87 non-obese (18–30 BMI) women of reproductive age (18–39) with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were assigned to control (n = 17), OC (n = 21), combination (n = 20) and metformin (n = 29) therapy groups. Results: Adiponectin levels changed −28.27%, −20.37% and 35.78% after OC, combination and metformin therapies, respectively. High sensitive C-reactive protein levels (hsCRP) changed with OC, combination and metformin therapies by 102.32%, 3.2% and −7.14%, respectively. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels decreased 41.34% in the metformin group. Apolipoprotein-B levels changed in a manner similar to changes in hsCRP levels. The homeostatic model insulin resistance index changed significantly between the groups following treatment (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Six cycles of treatments with OC alone may cause metabolic variables to deteriorate in non-obese women with PCOS. The addition of metformin to OC may ameliorate some aspects of this effect.

DOI: 10.26650/eor.2018.495The aim of this article was to review the literature and present a case of regional odontodysplasia (ROD) with special emphasis on clinical and radiographic features. A 6-year-old girl was referred to our department with the chief complaint of missing her permanent maxillary left central incisor, lateral incisor, and both of her canines. The gingiva of the involved region was enlarged, fibrous, and tense. Radiographic examination showed abnormal tooth formation and shortened roots. After 3 years of follow up with temporary prosthetic rehabilitation, periodontal surgery was performed. Following forced eruption and levelling, abnormal tooth eruption and root development were observed. ProRoot MTA (Dentsply-Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) was used for root canal treatment. Intracanal fiber posts selected and access cavities were restored with composite resin. Prosthetic rehabilitation was completed with zirconia ceramic crowns. The time of diagnosis, characteristics of the present/existing symptoms, and functional and esthetic needs of the patient should be considered to determine the optimal treatment modality for ROD.

The aim of this article was to review the literature and present a case of regional odontodysplasia (ROD) with special emphasis on clinical and radiographic features. A 6-year-old girl was referred to our department with the chief complaint of missing her permanent maxillary left central incisor, lateral incisor, and both of her canines. The gingiva of the involved region was enlarged, fibrous, and tense. Radiographic examination showed abnormal tooth formation and shortened roots. After 3 years of follow up with temporary prosthetic rehabilitation, periodontal surgery was performed. Following forced eruption and levelling, abnormal tooth eruption and root development were observed. ProRoot MTA (Dentsply-Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) was used for root canal treatment. Intracanal fiber posts selected and access cavities were restored with composite resin. Prosthetic rehabilitation was completed with zirconia ceramic crowns. The time of diagnosis, characteristics of the present/existing symptoms, and functional and esthetic needs of the patient should be considered to determine the optimal treatment modality for ROD.

AMAÇ: Bu çalışmada güzellik uzmanlarının bazı sosyodemografik özellikleri, işyeriyle ilişkili bulaşıcı hastalıklar ve hijyen konuları hakkında bilgi ve tutumları, verdikleri hizmet sırasında uyguladıkları hijyen ve dezenfeksiyon uygulamalarının değerlendirilmesi amaçlandı. GEREÇ-YÖNTEM: Tanımlayıcı tipteki araştırma, 22.10.2017 tarihinde Antalya’da düzenlenen 17. Uluslararası Güzellik ve Kozmetoloji Kongresi’ne Türkiye genelinden katılan 200 güzellik uzmanından araştırmaya katılmayı kabul eden 98 kişi üzerinde yapıldı. Veriler, araştırmacılar tarafından literatür desteğiyle hazırlanan 26 soruluk bir anket formu yardımıyla toplandı. BULGULAR: Katılımcıların; %91,7’si kadın, %59,2’si lise mezunu, %30,6’sı üniversite mezunu, %36,7’si meslekte 10 yıldan daha fazla süredir çalışmaktaydı. Katılımcıların %75,8’i HIV(AIDS)’in, %74,7’ü Hepatit B’nin, %66,3’ü Hepatit C’nin kozmetik uygulamalar sırasında bulaşabileceğini belirtti. Meslekte çalışma süresi 10 yıl ve daha az olanların %83,9’u, 10 yıldan daha fazla süredir çalışanların %64,5’i HIV enfeksiyonun güzellik salonlarından bulaşabileceğini ifade etti. Tüm grupta HBV aşısı yaptırma oranı %78,7’ydi. Kullandıkları araç ve gereçlerin dezenfeksiyonunu sağlama yöntemleri sorusuna verilen cevapların %37,0’sini ultraviyole sterilizatör, %25,9’unu dezenfektan solüsyonlar oluşturdu. SONUÇ: Özellikle kan yoluyla bulaşan enfeksiyon etkenleri ile ilgili bilgi sahibi olanların oranları benzer çalışmalara göre yüksek bulunmuş olmakla birlikte bu konularda yetersiz bilgiye sahip olmak, bu meslek grubu için kabul edilebilir bir durum değildir. Bu nedenle güzellik uzmanlarına eğitimleri sırasında mesleki uygulamaları ile ilişkili bulaşıcı hastalıklar hakkında daha fazla bilgi verilmelidir. Tüm çalışanların Hepatit B aşısı yaptırmasının sağlanması hedeflenmeli ve yetkili kurumlarca denetimleri arttırılmalıdır. Meslekte uzun yıllardır çalışanları da hedefleyen meslek içi eğitimler düzenlenerek, hijyen konusunda uygulamalı eğitimlerle beceri kazandırılmalıdır.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the possible role of vitamin D deficiency in primary dysmenorrhea by assessing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels in a cohort which includes young Turkish women with primary dysmenorrhea and healthy controls. Materials and methods: A total of 683 women who were aged between 18 and 25 years and who were consecutively admitted to the study center were eligible. After the exclusion of 55 women, 184 women with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly assigned into the dysmenorrhea group and 184 women without dysmenorrhea were randomly allocated into the control group. Results: The dysmenorrhea group had significantly less consumption of dairy products (p = 0.001), lower serum calcium (p = 0.001), lower serum vitamin D (p = 0.001) and higher serum parathyroid hormone (p = 0.001) than those of the control group. Hyperparathyroidism was significantly less frequent whereas vitamin D deficiency was significantly more frequent in the dysmenorrhea group (p = 0.001 for each). The dysmenorrhea patients with vitamin D deficiency had significantly higher visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (p = 0.001). Depression, irritability, mood swings, fatigue, headache and breast tenderness were significantly more frequent in the vitamin D deficiency group (p