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An abstract of the article "Pulmonary Nodule-Associated Cat Scratch Disease in an Immunocompromised Patient," by Levent Özdemir and Burcu Özdemir is presented.

Background: Dental malocclusions may cause disruption in occlusal harmony, and destructive interferences during mandibular functional movements can be seen. Ideal occlusal contacts during dynamic mandibular movements may be crucial for preventing the occurrence of mid‐buccal gingival recession (mbGR). While determining mbGR risk factors in young adults, the effect of occlusal interferences on mbGR has not yet been focused on. Based on this gap, this field needs to be clarified with new studies. Objective: The aim of this case–control study was to evaluate the relationships between the presence, extent and severity of mbGRs to dental malocclusions, occlusal interferences in anterior (AG) and lateral guidance (LG) and to determine the potential risk indicators in a young population. Methods: A total of 149 dental students were comprised and 70 of them presented mbGR(s) and 79 did not (18–25 years, 4553 teeth). Periodontal status was assessed with full mouth bleeding (FMBS) and plaque score (FMPS), probing depth, clinical attachment level, recession depth and keratinised tissue width (KTW) by a periodontist. Malocclusions and occlusal interferences were evaluated by an orthodontist. Logistic regression analyses provided data on the effect of occlusal interferences and the other indicators towards mbGR. Results: The mean of the number of teeth with mbGR(s) per subject was 4.3. The mean of the overall extent of teeth with mbGR(s) was 14.2%. FMBS, decreased KTW, self‐reported bruxism, group function occlusion, increased contact number of all teeth and only premolars/molars in AG or LG and Class III malocclusions were significantly associated with the presence of mbGR. Decreased KTW presenting mbGR in the mandible and non‐carious cervical lesion adjunct to mbGR significantly increased the odds of the severity of mbGR. Group function occlusion revealed higher mbGRs in premolar/molars than canine guided occlusion. Conclusion: Increase in the occlusal interferences in premolars/molars during lateral and anterior guidance may have an effect on the presence and severity of mbGR. Further studies should be designed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Severe hypocalcemia is a rare but serious complication of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SH) surgery. Continuous intravenous calcium replacement is required and patients are not discharged. Cryopreserved parathyroid autotransplantation (CPA) is the most effective and lasting treatment option for severe hypocalcemia. However, a cryopreservation laboratory is necessary for this procedure. Methods: Subtotal parathyroidectomy performed 150 SH cases (age range: 26-69 years, mean age: 39.5 years, men/women: 2/1) were retrospectively evaluated. Severe hypocalcemia (serum calcium level of <6.5 mg/dL) was developed in 7 (4.6%) cases. CPA was performed and cases were observed in a minimum of 18 months. Results: After transplantation in five cases, intravenous and oral calcium replacement was ceased and cases were discharged. Transplantation failed in two cases, thus second time CPA. After the second CPA, intravenous calcium is ceased and cases were discharged. Any side effects or complications were not seen during the observation period. Conclusion: CPA is the most effective and lasting treatment option for severe hypocalcemia. CPA is not difficult to perform but a cryopreservation laboratory and experienced laboratory team are necessary for this procedure. The presence of this laboratory in SH surgery performed centers reduces the risk of mortality and morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and parameters that determined the clinical course and prognosis of the COVID-19 patients admitted to Ankara City Hospital during the first month of the pandemic in Turkey. Materials and methods: SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive patients who were hospitalized between March 10 and April 10, 2020 were included. Results: Among 222 patients, mean age was higher in severe acute respiratory illness (SARI)/critical disease group (P < 0.001). Median time from illness onset to admission and presence of comorbidity, especially coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, were significantly higher in the SARI/critical disease group (P < 0.05). Cough and fever were the most common symptoms, while anosmia and loss of taste were observed in 8.6% and 7.7% patients, respectively. The mortality rate was 5.4%. A high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio; low lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet count; elevated liver enzymes; low GFR; and high levels of muscle enzymes, ferritin, and IL-6 on admission were found to be associated with SARI/critical disease (P < 0.05). Bilateral ground-glass opacity and patchy infiltration were more frequently seen in the SARI/critical disease group (P < 0.001). Patients older than 65 years had an 8-fold increased risk for development of SARI/critical disease. Conclusion: This cohort study regarding COVID-19 cases in Turkey reveals that older age, presence of comorbidity, bilateral infiltration on CT, high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, low monocyte and platelet count, elevated liver enzymes, low GFR, high levels of muscle enzymes, and high levels of ferritin and IL-6 on admission are predictors of SARI and severe disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusobacterium necrophorum is an anaerobic, nonspore-form-ing, Gram-negative bacterium that can cause localized or systemic infection. Lemierre's syndrome, postanginal sepsis and necrobacillosis are among the systemic infections caused by F. necrophorum. Lemierre's syndrome is characterized by the development of internal jugular venous thrombosis and septic emboli following classical oropharyngeal infections in healthy young adults. In this case report, we present a 26-year-old female patient with a one-week history of back pain, shoulder pain, dyspnea and fever. She was intubated and admitted to the intensive care unit with symptoms of respiratory failure on the second day. She had high fever, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, cholestasis, and elevated bilirubin levels. Metastatic septic embolism in the patient's lungs, internal jugular vein thrombosis and a mycotic aneurysm were detected. After planning the treatment as meropenem, gentamicin, amphotericin B, multiseptal abscess foci were found between the paravertebral muscle plans and the deep neck fascia. In addition to antimicrobial treatment, recurrent surgical procedures were implemented. Lemierre's syndrome is a rare clinical entity which has a high rate of mortality. The present case was reported with the aim of reminding such an important disease and that early diagnosis and multidisciplinary approach is life-saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: .The aim of this study was to transplant hyperplastic cells obtained from human parathyroid tissues into the rats without immunsupression, and also evaluate the efficiency. Materials and Methods: Present study,hyperplasic parathyroid tissues were obtained and cells were isolated from a 62-year-old male. Three male rats were used as recipients.Cells were obtained from human,transplanted into different anatomical locations of rats without immunosuppression. During the transplantation, cells were injected directly into the vena porta, vena cava and peripheral vena.Total parathormone (PTH) and serum calcium levels were measured before and after transplantation in terms of follow-up of transplantation success. Results: Total PTH levels of rats, before transplantation were determined 1.4-4.2 pg/mL and throughout 45 days values were detected 6.2-17.1 pg/mL. Conclusion: Peripheral circulation and vena porta transplantation was found more successful than vena cava.As a result, cell transplantation from the peripheral vein might be useful technique.In the future, new studies should be carried out by increasing the number of animals will be strengthen this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This research article aims to measure the effects of group therapy on institutionalized elderly in terms of reducing depression and improving psychosocial functioning. Methods: Thirty elderly nursing home residents were recruited, and 16 of them elected to receive group treatment for depression and 14 declined treatment. The Multidimensional Observation Scale for Elderly Subjects and the Geriatric Depression Scale were given to both groups when group work began and again when it ended. Results: Clients who received group treatment experienced reductions in depression and their psychosocial functioning improved. Conclusion: Group work intervention was followed by reductions in the depression levels and improvements in their psychosocial functions among institutionalized elderly clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Systemic conditions may affect host susceptibility, disease progression and severity as well as treatment response. Previously, low oestrogen (E2) levels were associated with increased bone resorption, due to increased osteoclastogenesis and decreased osteoclast apoptosis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is an essential cytokine for osteoclastogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) OPG levels in menopausal and premenopausal patients with or without periodontitis, and effects of phase I periodontal therapy on GCF OPG levels. Methods: Forty-four systemically healthy premenopausal and menopausal patients were recruited and divided into subgroups of periodontitis and control. Bone mineral density (BMD) and serum E2 levels were measured. Before and after phase I periodontal therapy clinical indices, including clinical attachment levels (CAL) were recorded, and GCF samples were collected. GCF OPG levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Repeated measurement ANOVA and Spearman correlation tests were used. Results: All clinical indices improved significantly after treatment(p <0.001), except Pre-M/C groups CAL reduction(p >0.05). Periodontitis groups’ OPG levels were lower than gingivitis groups(p >0.05). Following periodontal phase I therapy, GCF OPG levels increased markedly in all groups, however this alteration was found statistically insignificant (p >0.05). Conclusions: The current data revealed that GCF OPG levels were lower in periodontitis patients and phase I therapy resulted with increased GCF OPG levels, however those alterations were statistically insignificant. In addition, present data suggested that menopause do not seem to have a significant effect on periodontal status or response to phase I treatment, within the limits of this study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is considerable evidence suggesting that cytokines play important roles in pain and in mediating neurovascular inflammation associated with migraine headaches. Although consensus exists to recommend topiramate (TPM) for migraine prevention, the mechanism of action in this regard is unknown. We measured serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in 66 migraine patients. Of these patients, 23 (34.9%) were taking TPM for migraine, and 43 (65.1%) were not. The IL-6 levels were compared with those of healthy controls without migraine, from the population living in the same region. The mean IL-6 levels in migraine patients taking TPM and patients who did not were 67.06 ± 92.09 pg/mL and 44.09 ± 59.19 pg/mL, respectively ( P > 0.05). The IL-6 levels were higher in the patients taking TPM. The IL-6 level in the controls was 8.60 ± 7.36 pg/mL, which was significantly lower than the patient group using TPM ( P = 0.001). Our results show that, although IL-6 may be involved in pain induction or inflammatory mechanisms of migraine attacks, the serum IL-6 level was not reduced in migraine patients receiving TPM therapy. In conclusion, we found high IL-6 levels in migraine patients both with and without TPM therapy, suggesting that high IL-6 levels during pain-free periods could be a conditioning factor, making patients more vulnerable to pain attacks in chronic migraine. Further studies investigating the possible mechanism of TPM in migraine are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to explore the protective effect of mask use against respiratory tract viral agents during the pandemic. The study included patients with a COVID-19 negative test who were hospitalized in the pulmonary disease clinic with the diagnoses of asthma attack, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation, and pneumonia in two periods: during mandatory mask use (October 2021 - May 2022) and after the mask mandate was lifted (October 2022 - May 2023). Combined nose and throat swab samples taken from the patients were evaluated for viral agents by using the PCR test method. Viral agents isolated from the patients in the two periods were compared based on hospitalization diagnoses and periods. The study enrolled 1,335 patients, 483 female and 852 male. It was found that viral agents significantly increased during the period without a mask mandate compared to the period when the mask mandate was in effect (41.6% vs. 23.4%) ( p < 0.001). During the period without mask mandate, influenza A, H1N1, and RSV/AB viruses significantly increased ( p = 0.019, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, respectively). Our results indicated that mask use during the pandemic is protective against the transmission of respiratory tract viruses. Thus, it can be concluded that mask use is important not only in the coronavirus pandemic but also especially in influenza and RSV epidemics., (© 2024 SavaŞ Gegin et al., published by Sciendo.)

Aim: In cases where standardized maximum uptake (SUVmax) values in positron emission tomography (PET-CT) were not sufficient to differentiate mediastinal lymphadenopathy and masses from malignant or benign, the contribution of Hounsfield unit (HU) values in thorax computed tomography to the diagnosis was evaluated., Material Method: The study was conducted by evaluating the data of 182 patients between 2019 and 2023. HU values on non-contrast thorax computed tomography and PET-CT SUV max values of biopsied masses and lymph nodes were compared with histopathological diagnoses., Results: Patients, 58 females (31.9%) and 124 males (68.1%), who underwent EBUS were included in the study. Biopsies were taken from 233 stations (199 lymph nodes, 34 masses) from 182 patients. A total of 135 of the biopsies taken from 233 stations were histopathologically malignant and 98 were benign. While PET-CT SUV max values of cases with benign histopathology were 4.5 ± 3.5, it was 7.6 ± 4.2 in patients with malignant pathology (p<0.05). The HU value on non-contrast thorax tomography in patients with benign histopathology was 43.1 ± 15.7, and in patients with malignant histopathology it was 40.5 ± 13.7 (p>0.05). When HU was compared according to lung cancer type, it was found to be significantly higher in non-small cell lung cancer (p=0.035). A weak (r=0.182) positive and significant relationship (p<0.01) was found between PET-CT values and HU values in thorax computed tomography., Conclusion: While positron emission tomography maintains its importance in the differentiation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy and masses from malignant to non-malignant, it was concluded that HU values in computed tomography are not sufficient to distinguish malignant/non-malignant., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (© 2024 Gegin et al.)

Introduction: Tuberculosis is an opportunist infection that is fatal and most frequently seen in HIV-positive patients due to immunosuppression. Endobronchial lesions can portray symptoms in different ways. Endobronchial Tuberculosis is one of these lesions., Case Report: An HIV-positive, untreated 26-year-old patient with fever, cough, and dyspnea consulted our clinic. In the chest X-ray taken, effusion on the right side and non-homogeneous density increase in the middle and upper lobes, bilaterally more prominent on the right side, were observed. Therefore, the patient underwent bronchoscopy because the CT (computerized tomography) showed mediastinal lymphadenopathy (LAP) and an endobronchial lesion in the left main bronchus. During bronchoscopy, a vegetative endobronchial lesion that causes obstruction in the left main bronchus was monitored. With the help of Pathology and PCR results, endobronchial tuberculosis was diagnosed., Conclusion: Even if Acid-alcohol-resistant Bacillus (ARB) is detected negative in patients who stop responding to antimicrobial treatment and are being monitored under radiological scanning, a distinctive diagnosis of endobronchial tuberculosis should be kept in mind while performing bronchoscopy., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Objective: T-wave positivity in the lead aVR is a marker of ventricular repolarization abnormality and provides information on short- and long-term cardiovascular mortality in heart failure patients, those with anterior myocardial infarction, and patients who underwent hemodialysis for various reasons. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between T-wave positivity in the lead aVR on superficial electrocardiogram and mortality from COVID-19 pneumonia., Methods: This study retrospectively included 130 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and treated as an outpatient or in the thoracic diseases ward in a single center between January 2021 and June 2021. All patients included in the study had clinical and radiological features and signs of COVID-19 pneumonia. The COVID-19 diagnosis of all patients was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction detected from an oropharyngeal swab., Results: A total of 130 patients were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: survived and deceased. There were 55 patients (mean age: 64.76-14.93 years, 58.18 male, 41.12% female) in the survived group and 75 patients (mean age: 65-15 years, 58.67 male, 41.33% female) in the deceased group. The univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that positive transcatheter aortic valve replacement (OR 5.151; 95%CI 1.001-26.504; p=0.0012), lactate dehydrogenase (OR 1.006; 95%CI 1.001-1.010; p=0.012), and d-dimer (OR 1.436; 95%CI 1.115-1.848; p=0.005) were independent risk factors for mortality., Conclusion: A positive transcatheter aortic valve replacement is useful in risk stratification for mortality from COVID-19 pneumonia.

Polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites with spray-and freeze-dried cellulose nanocrystals (i.e., SCNC and FCNC) were prepared through solution casting using four different solvents: tetrahydrofuran (THF), chloroform (CHL), dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Small amplitude oscillatory shear rheological analysis was extensively employed to explore the CNC dispersion quality in PLA. Overall, the rheological properties differences of PLA/SCNC and PLA/FCNC nanocomposites were not very significant. Moreover, the use of THF and CHL did not lead to a proper dispersion of CNCs in PLA due to their low dielectric constants. On the other hand, while the use of DMF was effective on the enhancement of CNC dispersion, DMSO could more dramatically lead to such enhancement due to its higher dielectric constant. The percolation threshold in PLA/SCNC nanocomposites prepared with DMF and DMSO was predicted around 1.52 and 0.12 wt% CNC, respectively. The crystallization behavior of PLA/nanocomposites prepared with DMF and DMSO were also explored., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The endocannabinoid system is involved in the regulation of periodontal tissue homeostasis. Synthetic cannabinoid methanandamide (Meth-AEA) has improved stability and affinity to cannabinoid receptors compared to its endogenous analog anandamide. In the present study, we investigated the effect of methanandamide on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in primary human periodontal ligament cells (hPdLCs)., Methods: hPdLCs were treated with Meth-AEA for 24 h, and the resulting production of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 was measured in the absence or the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Additionally, the effect of Meth-AEA on the proliferation/viability of hPdLCs was measured by the MTT method., Results: Methanandamide at a concentration of 10 μM significantly inhibited P. gingivalis LPS induced production of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1. Basal production of IL-6 and IL-8 was slightly enhanced by 10 μM Meth-AEA. No effect of Meth-AEA on the basal production of MCP-1 was observed. Meth-AEA in concentrations up to 10 μM did not affect the proliferation/viability of hPdLCs, but significantly inhibited it at a concentration of 30 μM., Conclusion: Our study suggests that the inflammatory response in periodontal ligament cells could be influenced by the activation of the cannabinoid system, which might be potentially involved in the progression of periodontal disease.

Background/purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of platelet rich plasma (PRP) combined with coronally advanced flap plus acellular dermal matrix application (CAF + ADM) in the treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions (MAGRs)., Materials and Methods: 12 patients with 84 Miller Class I or II recession defects were participated. Sites were randomly assigned into CAF + ADM + PRP or CAF + ADM groups. Gingival recession depth (GRD), recession width (GRW), width of keratinized tissue (WKT), creeping attachment (CRA), root coverage (RC) as well as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and 3rd,6th and 12th months postoperatively. The data were analyzed statistically., Results: GRD and GRW values were statistically higher in group CAF + ADM compared to the CAF + ADM + PRP group at 6th and 12th month ( P  < 0.05). CRA showed statistically significant increases in 3rd, 6th and 12th months with regard to the baseline in CAF + ADM + PRP group ( P  < 0.05), however CRA remained stable in CAF + ADM group at 6th and 12th month. The mean RC% was 77.9% and 69.4% for the CAF + ADM + PRP and CAF + ADM groups, respectively, at 12th month ( P  < 0.05). GRD reduction was statistically greater in the maxillary teeth treated with CAF + ADM + PRP compared to mandibular teeth treated with CAF + ADM at 12 months., Conclusion: Our data suggested that addition of PRP to CAF + ADM in the treatment of MAGRs significantly improved the clinical outcomes, according to 1-year follow-up results.(Clinicaltrials.gov identification NCT03043638).

Background: Primer epiploic appendagitis (PEA) is an uncommon condition., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records and computed tomography (CT) findings of 45 patients with PEA., Results: On the basis of physical examination and pain localization, presumptive clinical diagnosis was acute appendicitis (n=13), acute cholecystitis (n=2), acute diverticulitis (n=19), renal colic (n=7) and ovarian pathology (n=4)., Conclusion: Although it has no characteristic clinical and laboratory features, CT is the best modality for accurate diagnosis of PEA.

Objective: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is considered to enhance bone formation especially at early stages of wound healing, depending on the limited and short life-span of platelets and growth factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of double-application of PRP (DA-PRP) on bone healing in a rabbit calvarial defect model., Study Design: Twenty-eight rabbits, each had two surgically prepared calvarial bone defects (10mm diameter), were included in this study and randomly divided into six groups. Defects (n=56) were treated with single-application of PRP (SA-PRP)(n=10), SA-PRP and beta-tricalciumphosphate (SA-PRP+TCP)(n=10), DA-PRP (n=8), DA-PRP and beta-tricalciumphosphate (DA-PRP+TCP)(n=8), beta-tricalciumphosphate (TCP)(n=10) or left empty (Control)(n=10). Animals were sacrificed at 30 days postoperatively., Results: The new bone (NB%) and defect fill (DF%) percentages were calculated from histological slides by image-analyzer software and statistically analysed. All test groups showed higher NB% than control, but differences among all groups were insignificant. The TCP treated groups had significantly higher DF% than groups treated without TCP, however the DF% differences between control, SA-PRP and DA-PRP or TCP, SA-PRP+TCP or DA-PRP+TCP were insignificant., Conclusion: Although new bone formation was histomorphologically remarkable at double-application PRP groups, statistical analyses of the histomorphometric data revealed no significant difference.