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Objective: Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are an uncommon and quite heterogeneous group of disorders, representing only 10%-15% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Although both molecular and clinical studies have increased in recent years, we still have little knowledge regarding real-life practice with PTCLs. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of a large population-based cohort of patients presenting with systemic non-cutaneous PTCL. Materials and Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis of 190 patients consecutively diagnosed and treated with non-cutaneous PTCLs between 2008 and 2016. Results: Considering all first-line treatment combinations, the overall response rate was 65.9% with 49.4% complete remission (n=81) and 16.5% partial response (n=27). The 5-year overall survival and eventfree survival rates were significantly different between the transplant and non-transplant groups (p

“Batı” ve “İslâm” olarak ayrılan farklı dünyalarda sekülerleşme olarak tanımlanan genel anlamıyla dinin ideolojileşmesi süreci, Gencer’in tespit ettiği gibi hem ortak hem de dinlerin karakteri ve modernleşme sürecinin seyrine göre değişen farklı bir örüntü izlemektedir. Bu bakımdan, ancak farklı dinlerin hatta din-içi farklı mezheplerin karakteri ve modernleşme sürecinin seyirlerini karşılaştırarak dinlerin ideolojileşme tarzları tam anlaşılabilir. Bu açıdan İslâm Modernizmi gibi İran-Şiî sekülerleşmesi de Batı modernitesi ve Batılı akültürasyon dikkate alınmadan anlaşılamaz. Modernizm Mesih’in ahir zamanda “orada ve gelecekte” kuracağı yeni dünyayı öne çekme, Marx’ın deyimiyle tarihi hızlandırarak, hemen “burada ve şimdi” kurma projesidir. Dolayısıyla buradan modernizm-sekülerizm ilişkisi açığa çıkar ki modern dünyaya giden yolun sekülerden geçtiği görülür. Sekülerizm, nihai hedef olan yeni dünya düzenine giden yolu, ahir zamandaki yeryüzü cennetini daha fazla beklemeden “burada ve şimdi” kurma projesini ifade eder. Sekülerizm böylece tarihin askıya alındığı eskatolojik zihniyeti aşma yolu olarak bulunmuştur. Bu anlamda Batılı fikir ve politik dalgalarının etkisinde gelişen İran-Şiî sekülerleşmesi, güçlü bir medeniyet birikimine sahip İran’ın tarihsel ve kimliksel özelliklerini de yoğun olarak taşımaktadır. İran-Şiî sekülerleşmesinin tüm yönlerinde bunu görmek mümkündür. Burada Cemaleddin Afgânî (1838-1897), Muhammed Hüseyin Nâinî (1860-1936) ve Ruhullah Humeynî (1902-1989) üzerinden yapacağımız analizde öncelikle; i) Batıda olduğu gibi İran’da da “Mesih/Mehdi” inancının örtük bir şekilde sekülerleşmesi, ii) İslâm’ın ideolojileştirilmesi, iii) Sünnî dünyada olduğu gibi Şiî dünyada da “şeriat-kanun” dilemmasının yol açtığı fıkhî sekülerleşme tespit edilmeye çalışılacaktır. Bu bağlamda çalışmamızda yukarıda genel ve soyut olarak aktardığımız çerçevede İran-Şiî sekülerleşme süreci analiz edilecektir.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) which is a marker of oxidative stress, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) which has an important role in inflammation, and vitamin C which has antioxidant properties in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD). Methods: Thirty patients with wAMD were included in the study and serum levels of MDA, MCP-1, and vitamin C were compared with healthy participants ( n = 30). Serum vitamin C and MDA levels were measured using a spectrophotometric method. Serum MCP-1 levels were determined by the ELISA method. Results: MCP-1 and MDA levels were higher in patients with wAMD compared with the control group ( p

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a highly heritable immune-mediated arthritis common in Turkish and Iranian populations. Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disease most common in people of Mediterranean origin. MEFV, an FMF-associated gene, is also a candidate gene for AS. We aimed to identify AS susceptibility loci and also examine the association between MEFV and AS in Turkish and Iranian cohorts. We performed genome-wide association studies in 1001 Turkish AS patients and 1011 Turkish controls, and 479 Iranian AS patients and 830 Iranian controls. Serum IL-1β, IL-17 and IL-23 cytokine levels were quantified in Turkish samples. An association of major effect was observed with a novel rare coding variant in MEFV in the Turkish cohort (rs61752717, M694V, OR = 5.3, P = 7.63×10(-12)), Iranian cohort (OR = 2.9, P = 0.042), and combined dataset (OR = 5.1, P = 1.65×10(-13)). 99.6% of Turkish AS cases, and 96% of those carrying MEFV rs61752717 variants, did not have FMF. In Turkish subjects, the association of rs61752717 was particularly strong in HLA-B27-negative cases (OR = 7.8, P = 8.93×10(-15)), but also positive in HLA-B27-positive cases (OR = 4.3, P = 7.69×10(-8)). Serum IL-1β, IL-17 and IL-23 levels were higher in AS cases than controls. Among AS cases, serum IL-1β and IL-23 levels were increased in MEFV 694V carriers compared with non-carriers. Our data suggest that FMF and AS have overlapping aetiopathogenic mechanisms. Functionally important MEFV mutations, such as M694V, lead to dysregulated inflammasome function and excessive IL-1β function. As IL-1 inhibition is effective in FMF, AS cases carrying FMF-associated MEFV variants may benefit from such therapy.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of azacitidine (AZA) in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), including patients with >30% bone marrow (BM) blasts. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective multicenter study, 130 patients of ≥60 years old who were ineligible for intensive chemotherapy or had progressed despite conventional treatment were included. Results: The median age was 73 years and 61.5% of patients had >30% BM blasts. Patients received AZA for a median of four cycles (range: 1-21). Initial overall response [including complete remission (CR)/CR with incomplete recovery/partial remission] was 36.2%. Hematologic improvement (HI) of any kind was documented in 37.7% of all patients. HI was also documented in 27.1% of patients who were unresponsive to treatment.nMedian overall survival (OS) was 18 months for responders and 12 months for nonresponders (p=0.005). In the unresponsive patient group, any HI improved OS compared to patients without any HI (median OS was 14 months versus 10 months, p=0.068). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of

INTRODUCTION: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among adults and is characterized by heterogeneous clinical, immunophenotypic, and genetic features. Different mechanisms deregulating cell cycle and apoptosis play a role in the pathogenesis of DLBCL. Growth arrest DNA damage-inducible 45 (GADD45γ) is an important gene family involved in these mechanisms. The aims of this study are to determine the frequency of GADD45γ methylation, to evaluate the correlation between GADD45γ methylation and protein expression, and to investigate the relation between methylation status and clinicopathologic parameters in DLBCL tissues and reactive lymphoid node tissues from patients with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. METHODS: Thirty-six tissue samples of DLBCL and 40 nonmalignant reactive lymphoid node tissues were analyzed in this study. Methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting analysis was used for the determination of GADD45γ methylation status. The GADD45γ protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: GADD45γ methylation was frequent (50.0%) in DLBCL. It was also significantly higher in advanced-stage tumors compared with early-stage (p=0.041). In contrast, unmethylated GADD45γ was associated with nodal involvement as the primary anatomical site (p=0.040). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that, in contrast to solid tumors, the frequency of GADD45γ methylation is higher and this epigenetic alteration of GADD45γ may be associated with progression in DLBCL. In addition, nodal involvement is more likely to be present in patients with unmethylated GADD45γ.

Bu çalışma, İran’da Şiî teolojiden İslâmcı ideolojiye geçiş sürecini ve İran’ın düşünsel sekülerleşmesini çözümlemektedir. Dolayısıyla bu örüntünün bir sonucu olan mevcut siyasi rejimin ideolojik paradigmasını ve bu ideolojik paradigmaya sahip iktidar ile rejim-karşıtı dini muhalefet arasındaki çatışma ilişkisini entelektüel düzlemde analiz etmektedir. Ayrıca çalışma 1979 Devrimi’nden günümüze İran’ın rasyonel bir aktör olarak uluslararası sistem içerisinde “otonomi mücadelesi” verdiğini öne sürmektedir

Background: Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (GT) is a genetic platelet dysfunction and a life threatening disease. Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) is a topical hemostatic agent of herbal origin which has been recently made available for clinical use. Its hemostatic effect is independent from blood clotting factors and occurs as a result of the aggregation of focal red blood cells by an encapsulated protein web. Case Report: In this paper, a patient with GT is presented in whom 3 months of gastrointestinal bleeding refractory to all medical therapies was controlled within a short time of using oral ABS. Conclusion: The difference between this patient and other cases presented in the medical literature is the oral use of ABS. Thus, this patient may contribute to the medical community in showing the safety and efficacy of systemic (oral) ABS in patients with disorders of coagulation. However, there is a need for more patient experiences.

Neuroblastoma cells have been used for antitumoral mechanisms such as stopping the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. The genus of Lysimachia is studied to determine its anti-proliferative effect. The aim of this study is to show the cytotoxic effect of Lysimachia savranii on neuroblastoma cells in vitro conditions. Neuroblastoma cells and mesenchymal stem cells were cultured and treated with the extract of Lysimachia savranii and IC50 dose was evaluated. The effects on cell viability, oxidative stress, neurite inhibition and apoptosis of Lysimachia savranii at dose of IC50 were studied. In neuroblastoma cells, the rates of eNOS and iNOS stainings used for analysis of oxidative stress were greater than mesenchymal stem cells, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.005). TUNEL assay to determine cell apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells was greater than mesenchymal stem cells and also the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.005). The effects of Lysimachia savranii was showed out in vitro on neuroblastoma cells and this plants can be analysis for its cytotoxic effect in vivo models.

The number of breast cancer cases have increased gradually in women. During treatment of the breast cancer, chemotherapy needs adjuvant agents. Medicinal plants have an anticancerogenic effect in such cases. Our aim is to search the cytotoxic effect of Origanum minutiflorum O. Schwarz & P.H. Davis on breast cancer cells in vitro conditions. For this purpose MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells were used. Oregano oil from Origanum minutiflorum was exposed to the all cells and IC50 dose was calculated by MTT assay. The immunocytochemical staining of eNOS, p53, PCNA and TUNEL at IC50 dose for each cells. The results were evaluated using one-way-ANOVA by Graphpad software. The proliferation of breast cancer cells were inhibited by oregano oil. Oregano oil did not show any cytotoxic effect in mesenchymal stem cells. It was determined that cytotoxic effect of oregano oil on cancer cells was occurred through increase of eNOS and p53 staining for survival and the TUNEL labeling for apoptosis, and decreased of PCNA staining for proliferation. According to our data, oregano oil has cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cell lines, and it needs to be analysis to detect active components for other biological activities.

Abstract Clinical data on the use of tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) in late-onset ankylosing spondylitis (LoAS) are limited. The present study aimed to evaluate efficacy, safety, and treatment adherence associated with the initial use of TNFi therapy in biologic naive patients diagnosed with LoAS. Patients whose age of onset was ≥ 45 years and

Objectives To compare the treatment effectiveness of secukinumab in radiographic (r) versus non-radiographic (nr) axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients treated in routine care across Europe.Methods Prospectively collected data on secukinumab-treated axSpA patients with known radiographic status were pooled from nine countries.Remission rates based on patient-reported outcomes (PROs; Numeric Rating Scale (0–10), for example, pain ≤2/Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) ≤2 and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) inactive disease (ID)

Objective: To examine the influence of hirudotherapy on parameters of oxidative stress. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from March 29 to September 29, 2021, at the Alanya Research and Training Hospital’s Traditional and Complementary Medicine Application Centre, Turkey, and comprised adult volunteers of either gender. The participants were subjected to two sessions of hirudotherapy 4 weeks apart. Total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index values, ischemia-modified albumin level, paraoxonase 1, disulfide, native thiol, total thiol, and arylesterase levels were assessed at baseline and after the second hirudotherapy session. Data was analysed using SPSS 15. Results: Of the 50 subjects, 30(60%) were females and 20(40%) were males. The overall mean age was 47.10±15.16 years. Oxidative stress, ischemia-modified albumin and disulfide levels decreased, but not significantly (p>0.05). The reduction in disulfide levels was significant (p=0.021). Conclusion: Hirudotherapy, within its limitations, could reduce oxidative stress. Key Words: Antioxidant activity, Oxidative stress, Medicinal leeches, Hirudin.

Abstract Silicone is often used in environments where water repellency is an advantage. Contact with water promotes the adhesion of microorganisms and biofilm formation. Depending on the application, this may increase the possibility of food poisoning and infections, the material's degrading appearance, and the likelihood of manufacturing defects. The prevention of microbial adhesion and biofilm formation is also essential for silicone-based elastomeric foams, which are used in direct contact with human bodies but are often difficult to clean. In this study, the microbial attachment in and the retention from the pores of silicone foams of different compositions is described and compared to those of commonly used polyurethane foams. The growth of the gram-negative Escherichia coli in the pores and their leaching during wash cycles is characterised by bacterial growth/inhibition, adhesion assay, and SEM imaging. The structural and surface properties of the materials are compared. Despite using common antibacterial additives, we have found that non-soluble particles stay isolated in the silicone elastomer layer, thus affecting surface microroughness. Water-soluble tannic acid dissolves into the medium and seems to aid in inhibiting planktonic bacterial growth, with a clear indication of the availability of tannic acid on the surfaces of SIFs.

Objective Irisin is a myokine released from muscles by exercise and it has been shown to be a prognostic indicator in acute stroke patients. However, irisin's relationship with the chronic phase of stroke and spasticity has not been studied yet. We aimed to determine the serum level of irisin to examine its relationship with the functional status and severity of spasticity in patients with chronic stroke, and to compare these with healthy controls. Materials and Methods A total of 70 (35 chronic stroke and 35 control patients) patients were included in the study. The blood serum irisin levels of the patients and the controls were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, their functional status was evaluated with the modified Rankin scale (mRS), and spasticity severity using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). Results The mean serum irisin levels of the stroke and the control groups were 6.20 ± 2.2 and 5.45 ± 2.3, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). No significant correlation was found between the serum level of irisin and the severity of spasticity and functional status, assessed by the mRS in stroke patients. Conclusion These results showed that irisin levels in chronic stroke patients were similar to controls, and there was no relationship between the severity of spasticity and functional status and irisin level.

Abstract Background Male HLA-B27-positive radiographic-axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) patients are prone to have severe spinal radiographic progression, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We recently showed that persistently elevated Lipocalin 2 (LCN2; L) reflects sacroiliac joint (SIJ) inflammation. LCN2 binds to MMP9. Concomitant elevation of L and LCN2-MMP9 (LM) was detected in many inflammatory diseases. We asked whether L and LM play similar roles in r-axSpA pathogenesis. Methods We analyzed 190 axSpA patients (123 radiographic and 67 non-radiographic axSpA) who had no detectable circulating Oncostatin M, to avoid complications due to cross-talk between pathways. L and LM levels from a single blood sample of each patient were measured and were correlated with MRI and modified stoke AS (mSASS) scoring. Association of elevated L (L+) or concurrent L+ and elevated LM (LM+) patterns with B27 status and gender were assessed. Results In L+LM+ axSpA patients, both L and LM levels correlated with MRI SPARCC SIJ scores, but only LM levels correlated with MRI Berlin Spine Scores, suggesting LM is a biomarker for both SIJ and spinal inflammation. Among patients with minimal spinal ankylosis (mSASSS < 10), 65% of male r-axSpA patients are L+LM+, while 30% and 64% of female patients are L+LM+ and L+, respectively, supporting the role of LM with disease progression. In B27+ L+LM+ male patients, both L and LM (but not CRP) levels correlate with mSASSS. B27 positivity and maleness have additive effects on spondylitis progression, suggesting concurrent high L and LM elevations are associated with B27+ male patients having more significant radiographic damage. L+ B27-negative male patients or L+ female patients are more likely to have milder disease. Conclusion L and LM are informative biomarkers for SIJ and spinal inflammation, as well as for ankylosing development in r-axSpA patients. Distinctive L+LM+ or L+ patterns not only could distinguish clinically aggressive vs milder course of disease, respectively, but also provide an explanation for B27-positive male patients being the most susceptible to severe ankylosis.

The sensory characteristics of teachers and prospective teachers directly affect them and their teaching activities. It is important to examine in detail how the attitude and anxiety levels of prospective primary teachers towards the teaching profession change throughout the years they receive education. This study aimed to cross-sectionally and longitudinally examine whether the attitude and anxiety levels of prospective primary school teachers towards the teaching profession changed throughout their undergraduate education and determine the factors/experiences triggering this change in accordance with the qualitative data obtained. A cross-sectional study was carried out with the participation of 1085 prospective teachers. For the longitudinal study, quantitative and qualitative data were collected together from 57 prospective teachers over a period of four years. Attitude scale regarding teaching and occupational anxiety scale for prospective teachers were used for data collection. The results of both the cross-sectional and longitudinal studies showed that the attitude scores of the participants did not change in accordance with the grade level. However, it was determined that the anxiety scores of the participants decreased as the grade level increased. The results revealed that this change is statistically significant. The qualitative results revealed that internship practices and direct experiences had a great influence on this change.

Abstract Background Informative serum biomarkers for monitoring inflammatory activity and treatment responses in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are lacking. We assessed whether Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) and Oncostatin M (OSM), both having roles in inflammation and bone remodeling, may accurately reflect chronic joint inflammation and treatment response in axSpA. Previous reports in animal models showed involvement of LCN2 and OSM in joint/gut inflammation. We asked whether they also play a role in human axSpA. Methods We analyzed a longitudinal observational axSpA cohort (286 patients) with yearly clinical assessments and concurrent measurements of serum LCN2 and OSM (1204 serum samples) for a mean of 4 years. Biomarker levels were correlated with MRI scoring and treatment response. Results Persistent and transient elevation of LCN2 and OSM were observed in axSpA patients. Persistent elevation of LCN2 or OSM, but not CRP, correlated with sacroiliac joint (SIJ) MRI SPARCC scores (Pearson’s correlation p = 0.0005 and 0.005 for LCN2 and OSM respectively), suggesting that LCN2/OSM outperforms CRP as reflective of SIJ inflammation. We observed both concordant and discordant patterns of LCN2 and OSM in relationship to back pain, the cardinal clinical symptom in axSpA. Twenty-six percent (73/286) of the patients remained both clinically and serologically active (CASA). Sixty percent (173/286) of the patients became clinically quiescent, with back pain resolved, but 53% (92/173) of them were serologically active (CQSA), indicating that pain control may not indicate control of joint inflammation, as reflected by positive MRI imaging of SIJ. With respect to treatment responses, transient elevation of LCN2 or OSM over time was predictive of better response to all treatments. Conclusion In axSpA, persistent LCN2 and/or OSM elevation reflects chronic SIJ inflammation and suboptimal treatment response. In our cohort, half of the currently deemed clinically quiescent patients with back pain resolved continued to demonstrate chronic joint inflammation. LCN2 and OSM profiling outperforms CRP as a predictive measure and provides an objective assessment of chronic local inflammation in axSpA patients.

Bu çalışmanın amacı akran destekli yazma etkinliklerinin ilkokul 4. sınıf öğrencilerinin yazma başarı ve performansı üzerindeki etkisini tespit edebilmektir. Çalışma, tek denekli desenlere uygun olarak yürütülmüştür. Araştırmanın katılımcıları, küme rastgele örnekleme yoluyla tespit edilmiş bir ilkokul 4. sınıf şubesinden seçilen altı öğrenciden oluşmaktadır. Veri analizinde betimsel yöntemlerden faydalanılmış; akran destekli yazma grubu ile sınıfın geri kalanına ait bulgular karşılaştırılmıştır. Ayrıca akran destekli yazma grubunun ön-test ve son-test ölçüm sonuçları Wilcoxon İşaretli Sıralar testi ile kıyaslanmıştır. Yapılan analizler sonucunda sınıfın geri kalanına kıyasla akran destekli yazma grubunun yazma başarı puanları, yazılan toplam kelime sayıları ve doğru kelime sayısı oran yüzdeleri açısından daha avantajlı olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Akran destekli yazma grubunun yazma başarı puanları ve doğru kelime sayısı oranlarında son-test lehine anlamlı bir farklılığın olduğu da görülmüştür. Bu doğrultuda akran destekli yazmanın ilkokul 4. sınıf öğrencilerinin yazma başarı ve performansına olumlu yönde bir katkı sağladığı ifade edilebilir.

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) play an important role in gametogenesis, fertility and embryonic development. The current study investigated the effect of different doses of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin/human chorionic gonadotrophin (PMSG/hCG) and repeated ovarian stimulation (OS) on the expression of the Mili, Miwi, Mael, Tdrd1, Tdrd9, qnd Mitopld genes, which have crucial roles in the biogenesis and function of piRNAs. Here, we found that after treatment with 7.5 I.U. PMSG/hCG and two repeated rounds of OS, both the mRNA and protein levels of Tdrd9, Tdrd1 and Mael showed the greatest decrease in the ovarian tissue, but the plasma E2 levels showed the strongest increases (p

Background: Investigation of morphological differences in relation with serological variables between primary versus secondary Sjögren's syndrome associated with systemic scleroderma (Scl-SS). Materials and Methods: A total of 69 primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and Scl-SS patients were grouped according to the American–European Consensus Group criteria. Serum autoantibody information was obtained from the patient records. Hematoxylin and eosin sections of the minor salivary gland biopsy were reevaluated, and the lymphocyte focus score (FS), plasma cell focus, and fibrosis rates were all evaluated. Results: There were 43 pSS and 26 Scl-SS cases. Both biopsy and autoantibody were positive in 16 pSS cases while only biopsy was positive in 25 cases and only antibody in 1 case. Both biopsy and antibody were positive in 5 Scl-SS cases while only biopsy was positive in 18 and only antibody in 3 cases. The plasma cell focus was statistically significantly higher in pSS cases (P = 0.003). No difference was seen between Sjögren' syndrome (SS) subtypes in terms of lymphocyte FS, fibrosis, and autoantibody positivity. Conclusion: We found that plasma cell focuses could be found more frequently in pSS than Scl-SS. In addition, our study reveals that the coexistence of SS and systemic scleroderma decreases the incidence of FS value ≥1 compared to pSS.

Objective: In this study the association between K55R polymorphism, methylation level of the EPHX2 promoter region, and PE was investigated in 520 individuals including 260 PE patients and 260 healthy pregnant women. Methods: K55R polymorphism and methylation level of the EPHX2 promoter were determined by the real-time PCR using double-dye hydrolysis probes and methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting analysis, respectively. Results: The presence of the K55R polymorphism was significantly higher in cases (28.1%) than controls (17.3%), and was associated with increased risk of PE (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.09–2.63). Methylation levels of the EPHX2 promoter region in cases were significantly lower than controls. A 2.83 times increased PE risk was observed in pregnant women with EPHX2 promoter methylation levels of

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most prominent health threats worldwide. Hepatitis B exacerbation is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients who are the candidates of cytotoxic, immunosuppressive therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in areas where chronic hepatitis B infection is endemic. Patient and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit. A total of 64 patients, who underwent autologous HSCT were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 64 patients with median age of 57 (22–79) years and gender distribution of 66% (n = 42) males and 34% (n = 22) females, who underwent autologous HSCT were included in the study. Three patients who were identified as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive prior to the transplantation had autologous HSCT under lamivudine prophylaxis. HBV reactivation had occurred in one of these patients. Hepatitis B infection (reverse seroconversion) was identified in one of the two patients who were HBsAg negative and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) positive prior to the treatment via serologic tests performed due to transaminase increases observed on day 407 in one case and on day 222 in the other. Conclusion: HBsAg positivity constitutes an independent risk factor for HSCT. In addition, it is necessary to administer prophylaxis and/or be more cautious in HBsAg negative patients prior to the transplantation and those with antibody positivity as they are more likely to develop reverse seroconversion.

This study anayses the transition process from Iran Shia teology to Islamist ideology and Iran's intellectual secularization.

RESUMOObjetivoA artrite gostosa e a febre familiar do Mediterrâneo (FFM) compartilham algumas características clínicas e patológicas, como ser classificada como uma doença autoimune inflamatória, ter associação com o inflamassoma, manifestar artrite intermitente de curta duração e boa resposta a tratamentos com colchicina e anti-interleucina-1. Como o gene da febre familiar do Mediterrâneo (MEFV) é o fator causador da FFM, este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a prevalência de mutações do gene MEFV e seu efeito sobre as manifestações da doença em pacientes turcos com artrite gotosa.MétodosForam incluídos no estudo 97 pacientes com diagnóstico de artrite gotosa primária (93 M e 4 F; 54 [37-84] anos) e 100 controles saudáveis (94 M e 6 F; 57 [37-86] anos). Todos os indivíduos foram submetidos à análise do genótipo à procura de variações no MEFV. Também foi registrado o número de crises de gota, o uso de diuréticos e a história de nefrolitíase e presença de tofos.ResultadosA frequência de portadores de mutações no MEFV em pacientes e controles foi de 22,7% (n = 22) e 24% (n = 24), respectivamente. A comparação entre os pacientes e os controles não produziu diferença estatisticamente significativa em termos de frequência de portadores de mutações no MEFV (p = 0,87). As frequências alélicas de mutações no MEFV nos pacientes foram de 11,9% (n = 23) e 14% (n = 28) nos controles (p = 0,55). A presença de variantes do MEFV não mostrou qualquer associação com as características clínicas da artrite gotosa. A análise por subgrupos de pacientes revelou que aqueles com artrite gotosa com mutações tinham frequências semelhantes de tofo, história de nefrolitíase e podogra em comparação com os indivíduos sem mutações (p > 0,05).ConclusõesAs mutações no gene MEFV não exercem um papel relevante em pacientes turcos com artrite gotosa.

OBJECTIVES: New bone formation is one of the hallmark characteristics of ankylosing spondylitis, which is thereby associated with syndesmophytes. Fetuin-A is a molecule that is abundantly found in calcified tissues and it shows high affinity for calcium phosphate minerals and related compounds. Considering the role of fetuin-A in the regulation of calcified matrix metabolism, we compared the fetuin-A levels in ankylosing spondylitis patients with syndesmophytes with those in patients without syndesmophytes and in healthy controls. We also studied other biomarkers that are thought to be related to syndesmophytes. METHODS: Ninety-four patients (49 patients without syndesmophytes, 67.3% male, 40.7±8.7 years; 45 patients with syndesmophytes, 71.1% M, 43.9±9.9 years) and 68 healthy controls (44.2±10.6 years and 70.6% male) were included in this study. Syndesmophytes were assessed on the lateral radiographs of the cervical and lumbar spine. The serum levels of fetuin-A, dickkopf-1, sclerostin, IL-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and bone morphogenetic protein-7 were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Patients with syndesmophytes had significantly higher levels of fetuin-A compared with patients without syndesmophytes and controls (1.16±0.13, 1.05±0.09 and 1.08±0.13 mg/ml, respectively). However, fetuin-A was not different between the patients without syndesmophytes and controls. Bone morphogenetic protein-7 was significantly lower; dickkopf-1 was significantly higher in patients with ankylosing spondylitis compared with controls. The sclerostin concentrations were not different between the groups. In regression analysis, fetuin-A was an independent, significant predictor of syndesmophytes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that fetuin-A may a role in the pathogenesis of bony proliferation in ankylosing spondylitis.

Background & objectives: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) can be fatal with bleeding, shock and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). Although similar genetic strains have been defined, the causes of the clinical differences between the cases are yet to be found. We aimed to demonstrate the balance between oxidant and antioxidant system in CCHF. Methods: In this study, the patient group consisted of 72 cases with a positive diagnosis of CCHF according to PCR/ELISA outcome among the patients referred to Cumhuriyet University, Medical Faculty in 2010. A total of 74 volunteers who were not having any viral or metabolic disease, non-smokers and age and sex matched with the patients group were enrolled as the control group. Both in the controls and the patients, individuals aged under 16 yr were defined as group 1 and the individuals aged over 16 yr as group 2. The serum samples were stored at -80°C until the study was carried out. All the samples were simultaneously thawed. In these cases, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), lipid peroxide (LPO), paraoxonase (PON) and arylesterase were analyzed with the ELISA method. OSI was calculated. Results: Levels of TOS, OSI and LPO were found significantly higher in CCHF patients in both the groups (p Interpretation & conclusion: Our study demonstrated increased oxidative stress in CCHF patients in both groups 1 and 2. In order to prevent tissue damage which might be developed due to the oxidative stress in CCHF patients, further comprehensive studies should be conducted to define whether the adding antioxidants to the treatment would be helpful or not.

OBJECTIVE: Nitric oxide is produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and its production can be influenced by polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene. Because candidate genes responsible for susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis are mostly unknown and available data suggest that there may be problems related to the nitric oxide pathway, such as endothelial dysfunction and increased asymmetric dimethylarginine, this study aimed to assess the association of common endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms with ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: One hundred ninety-four unrelated Turkish ankylosing spondylitis patients and 113 healthy without apparent cardiovascular disease, hypertension or diabetes mellitus were included. All individuals were genotyped by PCR-RFLP for two single-nucleotide polymorphisms, namely 786T>C (rs2070744, promoter region) and 786 Glu298Asp (rs1799983, exon 7). Variable numbers of tandem repeat polymorphisms in intron 4 were also studied and investigated by direct electrophoresis on agarose gel following polymerase chain reaction analysis. The Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index of the patients was calculated, and human leukocyte antigen B27 was studied. RESULTS: All studied polymorphisms satisfied Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Sex distributions were similar between the patient and control groups. No significant differences were found in the distributions of allele and genotype frequencies of the studied endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms between patients and controls. There were no correlations between endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms, disease duration, Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index or human leukocyte antigen B27. CONCLUSION: The results presented in this study do not support a major role of common endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms in Turkish ankylosing spondylitis patients.