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Background and Aim: This experimental study aimed to investigate the reliability of using electronic apex locator devices to determine the working length of artificial root canals. Materials and Methods: The experiments were performed using resin endoblocks and mandibular canine teeth (n = 20/group). After the same working length of root canal samples was provided, the eeth and artificial root canals were embedded in an alginate mold. The measurements with Root ZX® and Propex Pixi® apex locators were performed and recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (SPSS V23; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA) and the variance was set at P < 0.05. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups; mean distance from the actual working length using different apex locators (P = 0.633, P = 0.474), and endpoint positioning distributions (P = 0.591). Conclusion: The results indicate that the artificial model could be a laboratory method of determining the accuracy of apex locators and efficient calibration of devices before their clinical use.

The hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) on admission non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) is a well-characterized phenomenon in acute ischemic stroke.The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of HMCAS on the outcome of patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy.A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collective database included 136 consecutive patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular thrombectomy. We collected the demographics, and clinical and brain imaging as well as functional and imaging outcomes data at baseline. Patients were divided into two groups with hyperdense artery sign and those without the sign. The difference between the two groups in terms of mortality and prognosis was analyzed.There were 136 patients, 50.7% of them were women. The mean age was 59.1 years. The subgroup with HMCAS present consisted of 93 patients. There were no differences in demographics and clinical characteristics between the two groups; however, tobacco use is more common in patients with HMCAS. No significant difference was observed in clinical outcomes and mortality between the two groups at 3 months. Patients with HMCAS had statistically more new territory emboli during the procedure (9.7%) compared to patients without HMCAS.We showed that the presence of HMCAS in initial CT was not helpful in predicting good clinical outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular therapy patients. However, the presence of HMCAS is related to more new territory embolism during the procedure. Different endovascular strategies may be applied to these patients.

One of the major issues regarding long-term human space exploration is the need for a breathable atmosphere. A major component toward achieving this goal is both the removal of exhaled carbon dioxide (CO

In this study, NiAl-34Cr and NiAl-28Cr-6Mo eutectic alloys were produced by electric current assisted sintering (ECAS) method in a 3500-4200 A current range with a waiting time of 47 minutes. Phase examinations of the obtained samples were carried out with the help of X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). While determining NiAl and Cr phases in NiAl-34Cr alloy from XRD patterns; It was determined that NiAl-28Cr-6Mo alloy consists of two phases, together with Mo residues, NiAl and CrMo. According to the Archimed principle, the relative density of NiAl-34Cr and NiAl-28Cr-6Mo alloys was determined as 96.2%, 97.9% respectively. The hardness values of NiAl-34Cr and NiAl-28Cr-6Mo samples were approximately 275 ± 13 HB and 255 ± 20 HB detected. In addition, the corrosion properties of the samples were examined by hot corrosion tests at 800, 900 and 1000°C for 165 hours (15 cycles) in 25% wt. K2SO4 + 75% wt. Na2SO4 salt medium. Weight changes, microstructure (SEM-EDS) and phase analysis of the samples after corrosion were carried out, and the corrosion properties of NiAl-34Cr alloy were found to be better compared to the Mo-added alloy.

Ni–33Al–34Cr and Ni–33Al–28Cr–6Mo (at %) eutectic alloys were produced by the resistive sintering (RS) technique using elemental powders. The cycle oxidation behaviors of alloys at 800, 900, and 1000°C for 168 h in air atmosphere were investigated. The oxidation resistance of alloys was evaluated by the weight change measurements. The activation energy for NiAl–34Cr and NiAl–28Cr–6Mo alloys was 57 and 31 kJ mol–1, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were performed to characterize the initial microstructure and the oxidation products. The obtained results showed that the oxidation products mainly consist of Cr2O3, α-Al2O3, NiO, and NiAl2O4 oxides.

Ti–48Al–2Cr–2Mo–(0 and 0.5 at %) Si intermetallic alloys were synthesized by electric current- assisted sintering (ECAS). Microstructures of the alloys were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron diffraction spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods of analysis. It was found that the microstructures of the produced alloys consist of α2-Ti3Al and γ-TiAl phases. The cycle oxidation behaviors of the alloys were carried out between 700 and 900°C temperatures for 180 h in air. The oxide scale has comprised the TiO2 and Al2O3 mixture layer, intermediate Al2O3 layer, and outermost TiO2 layer. The oxidation rate constants and activation energies of the alloys were calculated.

© 2022 Verduci Editore s.r.l. All rights reserved.OBJECTIVE: We aimed at determining the effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with major vessel occlusion and infected with COVID-19, evaluating its clinical outcome and comparing it with non-COVID patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the pandemic, 729 patients who underwent MT in stroke centers due to Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion were evaluated. This study included 40 patients with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis by a positive PCR test between March 11, 2020, and December 31, 2020. These patients were compared to 409 patients who underwent MT due to major vessel occlusion between March 11, 2019, and December 31, 2019. RESULTS: Of the patients with AIS who are infected with COVID-19, 62.5% were males, and all patients have a median age of 63.5 ± 14.4 years. The median NIHSS score of the COVID-19 group was significantly higher than that of the non-COVID-19 groups. Dissection was significantly more in the COVID-19 group. The mortality rates at 3 months were higher in the COVID-19 groups compared to non-COVID-19 groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed an increased frequency of dissection in patients with COVID-19. COVID-19-related ischemic strokes are associated with worse functional outcomes and higher mortality rates than non-COVID-19 ischemic strokes.

1. Aflatoxins (AFs) are metabolites which especially have toxic effects on proteins, and are detoxified by the aflatoxin-B

BackgroundSecukinumab (SEC), a human anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody, has similar treatment response rates to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). However, the efficacy of SEC on anterior uveitis (AU) is unclear.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the risk of new-onset or relapsing AU in axial SpA patients treated with SEC.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, 130 axial SpA patients receiving SEC at the TURKBIO registry between 2019 and 2021 were evaluated. Demographic and clinical characteristics and data about the presence of AU pre or post-treatment were collected. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the predictors of AU development.ResultsThe mean age of the patients (F/M: 59/71) was 47.4±10.9 years. The median follow-up time was 540 days (IQR: 330-630). SEC was the first biological agent in 50 (38.4%) patients and 35 (26.9%) patients were using at least one concomitant conventional synthetic DMARD (Table 1). While continued SEC therapy was in 93 (71.5%) patients, treatment withdrawal was in 37 cases (in 26 due to ineffectiveness, two adverse events and nine other reasons). Overall, 15(11.5%) patients had a history of AU before the SEC. During follow-up, AU attacks were seen in the 6 cases (4 were new-onset and 2 were flare) and 5 of these patients have a history of inadequate response to TNF inhibitors. The frequency of AU was calculated as 3.42 per 100 patient-years during SEC treatment. The only significant predictor of AU development was the baseline high C-reactive protein (CRP) level on multivariate analysis (p=0.003, OR: 1.063 [95% CI 1.021-1.107]).Table 1.Demographics and clinical characteristics of the patientsTotal (n:191)Gender (F/M)59/71Age (years) (mean±SD)47.4±10.9Diagnosis; n (%) AS125 (96.2) nr-axSpA5 (3.8)BASDAI (mean±SD)47.2±20.48 Missing n (%)4 (3.07)ASDAS (mean±SD)3.32±0.92 Missing n (%)14 (10.7)C-reactive protein (mg/L) median (IQR)12.6 (4.67-22.62)Sedimentation (mm/h) median (IQR)22 (9-42)Concomitant csDMARDs n (%)35 (26.9)Secukinumab dose n (%) 150 mg120 (92.3) 300 mg10 (7.7)TNFi-naive patients n (%)50 (38.5)Number of previous bDMARDs n (%) 136 (27.7) 223 (17.7) ≥ 321 (16.1)History of previous TNFi n (%) Monoclonal TNFi64 Etanercept16AS; Ankylosing spondylitis, nr-axSpA; Non radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, BASDAI; Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, ASDAS; Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score, csDMARD; conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug, TNFi; Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, bDMARD; biological DMARD. Datas were expressed as number (%), mean±SD or median (IQR).ConclusionIn this real-life data from the TURKBIO registry, the incidence of AU in axial SpA patients treated with SEC was calculated as 3.42 per 100 patient-years. A high baseline CRP level was an independent factor for developing AU.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared

Ti-48Al-10Cr (at.%) intermetallic alloy was produced by electric current assisted sintering (ECAS) technique. The oxidation and hot corrosion behaviors of intermetallic alloys were investigated in the cyclic conditions at 700, 800 and 900 degrees C for 180 h in the air. The hot corrosion was realized in the Na2SO4 salt. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to identify the phase compositions and microstructures of the layers formed on the samples oxidized and hot corroded. The oxidation tests results were showed parabolic behaviors for all test temperatures. In the surface of the corroded samples was observed the separations from porous scale which was composed of Na2Ti3O7, TiO2, Al2O3 and minor phase of TiS. The alloys showed good hot corrosion resistance up to 800 degrees C in the Na2SO4 while the samples showed that weak hot corrosion resistance when the salt was molten at 900 degrees C. In addition, the hot corrosion mechanism was debated on the basis of basic, acidic and synergistic fluxing model. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2018.11.324

We have investigated the effect of an external electric field on the magnetic properties of Co2MnAl thin films deposited on a lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) (011) substrate. Stain-induced magnetoelectric coupling affects the magnetic properties of the Co2MnAl/PMN-PT system. The piezo-strain induced by applying an external field normal to the surface induces only in-plane strain, which leads to the rotation of easy-axis orientation of Co2MnAl from [100] to [Formula: see text] direction. The remanent magnetization states and coercivity of the Co2MnAl film vary significantly and asymmetrically with the applied voltage due to anisotropic strain originating from PMN-PT. Electrical control of magnetic anisotropy in a Co2MnAl Heusler compound at room temperature will be of interest for realizing next-generation magnetoelectric random access memory devices.

BackgroundBehcet’s disease (BD) is a multisystem inflammatory vasculitis. Skin, mucosa, eye, vascular area, joint, gastrointestinal system and central nervous system involvement is observed.ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to present the data of patients with pulmonary artery involvement (PAI) followed up with the diagnosis of BD.MethodsThe clinical, demographic and laboratory data of 394 patients with the diagnosis of BD, who were followed up in our rheumatology outpatient clinic between 2000 and 2020, were evaluated retrospectively.ResultsOf the patients followed up with the diagnosis of BD, 44% were female and 56% were male. Oral aphthous ulcers were found in 96%, genital ulcers in 65%, papulopustular lesions in 33%, erythema nodosum in 38%, and pathergy positivity in 47% of the patients.PAI was detected in 3% (n:13) of the patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of BD. 69% of the patients who had PAI were male, and their mean diagnosis age was 27±9, disease duration was 10±4.7 years. Pulmonary artery aneurysm was observed in 62%, pulmonary artery thrombosis (PAT) was observed in 85%, and both conditions were observed in 46% of the patients. Oral aphthous ulcer were found in all patients, genital ulcers in 70%, papulopustular lesions in 23%, pathergy positivity in 39%, and erythema nodosum in 23%. One of the patients with PAI had hereditary thrombophilia and also lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Cardiac involvement was in the form of intracardiac thrombus in patients with PAI.Patients with and without PAI were compared in terms of clinical findings. A significant difference was observed in terms of DVT in the lower extremity, venous and cardiac involvement. The relationship between PAI and these involvements was also shown in the regression analysis (Table 1).Table 1.Comparison of data of patients with and without pulmonary artery involvementN (%)Pulmonary Artery Involvement (+)Pulmonary Artery Involvement (-)POR (%95 CI)*N=13N=381Gender Female4(30)168(44)0.341 Male13(70)213(56)Family History2(15)46(12)0.664Oral Aphthous Ulcer13(100)366(96)1Genital Ulcer9(70)247(65)1Papulopustular lesion3(23)126(33)0.559Erythema Nodosum3(23)147(39)0.385Pathergy positivity5(39)180(47)0.738Uveitis-138(36)NARetinal Vasculitis-11(3)NAArthritis1(8)97(26)0.200Venous Involvement8(62)68(18)0.0017.365(2.33-23.20)Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis6(46)46(12)0.0036.24(2.01-19.38)Peripheral Artery Aneurysm-5(1)NAGIS involvement-17(5)NACardiac involvement3(23)4(1)0.00138.27(5.57-143.25)Cranial Involvement-24(6)NA*Significant data in logistic regression analysis were presented, GIS: Gastrointestinal systemCranial involvement was not detected in any of our patients with PAI. In subgroup analysis, a significant relationship was observed between PAT and intracardiac thrombus (p=0.001 OR:21.05 95%CI 3.4-130) and lower extremity DVT (p=0.001 OR: 8.79 95%CI 2.58-29.96).ConclusionPAI is rare but the most important involvement affecting mortality in BD patients. Recently, there has been an increase in the incidence of isolated PAT with the contribution of the developments in imaging methods.1 PAI is associated with lower extremity DVT, cerebral venous thrombosis and intracardiac thrombus.2 In our study, a significant correlation was found between PAI and the presence of venous involvement, lower extremity DVT and intracardiac thrombus.References[1]Ozguler Y, Seyahi E. Behçet’s Disease: Vascular involvement. Seyahi E, editor. Behçet’s Disease 1st ed. Ankara .Turkiye Clinics; 2020.p 43-7[2]Tascilar K, Melikoglu M, Ugurlu S, Sut N, Caglar E, Yazici H. Vascular involvement in Behçet’s syndrome: a retrospective analysis of associations and the time course. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2014 Nov;53(11):2018-22Disclosure of InterestsNone declared

BackgroundSubcutaneous biological agents (SCBA) are commonly used in rheumatologic disorders, their storage in appropriate conditions and correct administration have importance. Informing the patient adequately and correctly is essential. Storing the drug in inappropriate conditions reduces its effectiveness, and affects the response to treatment (1).When these treatments are initiated, information on all the mentioned topics is provided to the patients, and they undergo hands-on training. Finally, the patients is requestioned in outpatient follow-up about whether a problem has occurred or not (2).ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the awareness of patients using SCBA about the drug’s utilization and storage conditions.MethodsDemographic data of 100 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, using SCBA who presented to our outpatient clinic between January 2021 and June 2021,were recorded, and survey questions were asked.ResultsOne hundred patients (46 females-54 males) were included in the study. Sixty-one patients were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 19 with psoriatic arthritis. The patients’ mean age was 44.6±11.07 years. The mean duration of SCBA use was 74.5 (2-222) months.The patients’ replies to the survey questions are summarized in Table 1. Most patients performed the injection themselves in both genders, whereas some women received help from paramedics (p=0.041). Forty percent of the patients with education level of high school or higher had a concern regarding drug use, whereas this rate was 21% in patients with education level of primary school. It was determined that the anxiety level decreased with decreasing level of education (p=0.032).Table 1.The patients’ replies to the survey questionsN=100n (%)Rate of patients who read the patient consent form before starting the drug88 (88)Concern regarding drug use23 (23)Malignancy7 (7)Increase in infection7 (7)Tuberculosis70 (70)Not worriedThe person who informing patients on drug use88 (88)Nurse18 (18)Doctor7 (7)NurseanddoctorPatients who were informed about when to interrupt drug use86 (86)Situations where drug use is suspended84 (95,3)Flu and febril infection68 (79,1)Use of antibiotics39 (45,3)Herpes simplex virus infectionDrug storage65 (65)Refrigerator shelf31 (31)Refrigerator door4 (4)PharmacyState of waiting before administering the drug17 (17)Don’t wait71 (71)20-30 minutes at room temperature6 (6)>30 minutes at room temperature5 (5)Hand warming and then administration1 (1)Soak in hot waterRate of controlling the expiration date before administering the drug64 (64)Rate of patients who control the clarity of the drug75 (75)Rate of hand washing before administering the drug83 (83)Injection site cleaning6 (6)Don’t clean66 (66)With the swab from the drug box24 (24)With alcohol3 (3)With a wet wipe1 (1)With soapThe person performing the injection84 (84)The person11 (11)Person’s relative5 (5)Health personelThe patients who carry their medication in accordance with the cold chain rules during travel71 (100)It was observed that in patients who used multiple SCBA for a long time, taking the drug out of the refrigerator and applying it after waiting for the optimum time, controlling the expiration date of the drug and hand washing before the application decreased over time.ConclusionEvaluating the patient’s SCBA treatment background is essential for correct treatment practice. Our study revealed that in forming patients on drug use not only initially but also at certain intervals is essential.References[1]From therapeutic patient education principles to educative attitude: the perceptions of health care professionals – a pragmatic approach for defining competencies and resources. Patient Preference and Adherence 2017:11 603–617.[2]Adherence to Subcutaneous Anti-TNF Treatment in Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatism and Therapeutic Patient Education. Patient Preference and Adherence 2020:14 363–369.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared

BackgroundConsidering the concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccine safety among patients with rheumatic diseases due to a lack of data, an urgent need for studies evaluating safety profiles of vaccines emerged.ObjectivesVaccination against the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) started in March 2021 in the group using biological therapy in our country. In this study, post-vaccine real-life data of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) followed up with biological therapy were analyzed.MethodsAdult patients diagnosed with SpA who were followed up under biological therapy and vaccinated by CoronaVac inactive SARS-CoV-2 orBNT162b2 messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine were included in our observational, multicenter, prospective study.ResultsA total of 287 patients (58.2% male; mean age: 47) were included in the study. 202 (%70,4) of patients were being followed up with the diagnosis of AS, 40 (%13,9) of them with PsA, 32 (%11,1) of them with nr-axSpA, 11 (%3,8) of them with enteropathic arthritis, and 2 (%0,7) of them with uSpA. The most common comorbidities were found to be HT (n:65; 22.6%) and DM (n:38; 13.2%). While 221 (77%) of the patients were receiving biological therapy alone, 27 (9.4%) patients were using methotrexate, 25 (8.7%) patients were using sulfasalazine, and 12 (4.2%) patients were using leflunomide. The median duration of biological therapy was 40 weeks (19-75 IQR). The most commonly used treatment was infliximab (26.8%), adalimumab (23.3%) was the second (Table 1).It was determined that 207 (72.1%) of the patients preferred inactivated virus vaccine, while 80 (27.9%) preferred mRNA vaccine. When the time between the biological treatment and the day of vaccination is examined, detected median time between biological treatment and the first dose of vaccination is 11.5 days (5-19 IQR), between the first dose of vaccination and biological treatment is 14 days (7-21 IQR), between treatment and the second dose of vaccine is 14 days (5-23.5 IQR), and between the second dose of vaccine and the next biological treatment is 12.5 days (7-15 IQR). While 25 (8.7%) of the patients had COVID-19 infection before vaccination, 7 (2.4%) patients were found to have COVID-19 after vaccination (pThe rate of patients who developed side effects after the first dose of the vaccine was 20.6%. The side effects seen, respectively, were detected as pain-redness at the injection site (16%), fatigue (11.8%), headache (8.4%), muscle-joint pain (7.3%) and fever (5.6%). The rate of patients reporting side effects after the second dose of the vaccine was 17.1%. The incidence of side effects after mRNA vaccine was found to be statistically significant compared to inactivated virus vaccine in terms of both doses (p=0.011, pConclusionDuring the follow-up of the patients during the study, no major vaccine-related side effects, post-vaccine disease activation and the need for treatment change were not detected. In order to more accurately evaluate the efficacy of the vaccination program in the patient population using biologic agents, larger-scale studies including unvaccinated individuals are needed.References[1]Sattui SE, Liew JW, Kennedy K, et al. Early experience of COVID-19 vaccination in adults with systemic rheumatic diseases: results from the COVID-19 global rheumatology alliance vaccine survey. RMD Open. 2021;7(3):e001814.[2]Shenoy P, Ahmed S, Paul A, et al. Inactivated vaccines may not provide adequate protection in immunosuppressed patients with rheumatic diseases. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021. doi:10.1136/annrheumdi s-2021-221496Disclosure of InterestsNone declared

BackgroundLumbosacral transitional vertebras (LSTVs) are anatomic variations observed at L5-S1 junction (1). The prevalence of LSVT ranges from 3.9% to 35.6%, indicating that this congenital anomaly is common in general population. LSVTs are well-defined anatomical differences causing low back pain and pelvic trauma (2). However, the studies assessing the influence of abnormal lumbosacral anatomy on low back pain and sacroiliac joints in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are scarce (3).ObjectivesThe current study aimed to investigate the frequency of LSVTs and the their effects on clinical variables in AS patients.MethodsThe study was designed as a prospective cross-sectional study. 113 patients were included in the study. Demographic data, clinical variables, laboratory results were recorded. Disease activity (ASDAS-CRP and ASDAS-ESR), patients’ functionality (BASFI, BASMI), enthesitis (Leeds enthesitis index) and quality of life (SF-36, visual analogue scale) were evaluated. The baseline pelvic conventional radiographs and the sacroiliac magnetic resonance imaginings at the diagnosis were screened and assessed by two independent physicians. LSTVs were classified via Castellvi classification. Kappa coefficient was used to find the interobserver reliability.ResultsLSVTs were observed in 38 (33.6%) patients. Castellvi type Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb, and IV were found in 10 (8.8%), 7 (6.2%), 7 (6.2%), 6 (5.3%), 4 (3.5%), 1 (0.9%), and 3 (2.7%) patients, respectively. The kappa value for interobserver reliability was 0.69. There were not any differences between AS patients with and without LSVTs in terms of disease activity, functionality, and quality of life (Table 1). No statistically significant correlation was found between LSVTs identified by conventional radiography and sacroiliitis determined by MRI. When compared the patients according to Castellvi classification, visual analogue scale was higher in patients with IIIa than in patients with IV (p=0.013). Disease duration was longer in patients with Ib than in patients with Ia (p=0.029). ASDAS-CRP and ASDAS-ESR were higher in patients with IIIa than in patients with IV (p=0.008 and p=0.007).Table 1.The comparison of clinical characteristics between patients with and without LSVTsPatients without LSVTs (n=75)Patients with LSVTs (n=38)pVAS3.0 (2.0−5.0)3.4 (1.0−6.0)0.734Disease duration (month)122.0 (60.0−180.0)120.0 (57.0−183.0)0.834ASDAS-CRP1.8 (1.2−2.5)1.8 (1.2−2.9)0.855ASDAS-ESR1.6 (1.2−2.5)1.6 (1.0−2.7)0.976CRP1.8 (0.8−5.3)2.5 (1.0−6.1)0.471BASMI2.9 (2.0−4.4)3.0 (2.1−4.0)0.796BASFI1.8 (0.7−4.6)2.1 (0.7−3.0)0.768SF-36Physical function80.0 (55.0−95.0)80.0 (63.8−95.0)0.765Role physical45.6 (0−100.0)50.0 (25.0−100.0)0.280Role emotional66.7 (0−100.0)33.0 (0−100.0)0.267Energy/fatigue50.0 (35.0−70.0)60.0 (38.8−71.3)0.201Mental health64.0 (48.0−76.0)68.0 (52.0−80.0)0.330Social functioning62.5 (50.0−87.5)75.0 (50.0−100.0)0.252Body pain67.5 (45.0−80.0)67.5 (45.0−90.0)0.751General health45.0 (35.0−65.0)50.0 (40.0−71.3)0.411Values are given as median (interquartile range)ConclusionIn AS patients, the frequency of LSVT is 33.6%, which is consistent with the general population. Type I, also known as a dysplastic transverse process, is the most observed type of LSVT. The presence of LSVTs is associated neither with clinical variables nor with sacroiliitis.References[1]Heaps BM, Feingold JD, Swartwout E, et al. Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae Predict Inferior Patient-Reported Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy. Am J Sports Med. 2020;48(13):3272-3279[2]Matson DM, Maccormick LM, Sembrano JN, Polly DW. Sacral Dysmorphism and Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae (LSTV) Review. Int J Spine Surg. 2020;14(Suppl 1):14-19. Published 2020[3]Carvajal Alegria G, Voirin-Hertz M, Garrigues F, et al. Association of lumbosacral transitional vertebra and sacroiliitis in patients with inflammatory back pain suggesting axial spondyloarthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2020;59(7):1679-1683.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared

BackgroundGranulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a granulomatous systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology that can affect many organs. Approximately 90% of patients with GPA have upper respiratory tract involvement, including the nasal cavity, sinuses, ear and trachea. Subglottic stenosis (SGS) may develop in some patients due to tracheal involvement.ObjectivesIt is aimed to evaluate the general characteristics, treatments and disease prognosis of our GPA cases with tracheal stenosis as it is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.MethodsThe data of 48 patients diagnosed with GPA between 2000-2021 were analyzed retrospectively and the data of 6 patients with tracheal stenosis (TS) were evaluated.ResultsTS was present in 13% of the patients. All patients with TS were female. The mean age of the patients with TS was 46.5±6.5 years, the mean age of disease onset was 35.5 ±13.4 years, and the mean disease duration was 10.8±10.2 years. Constitutional symptoms were in 17% of patients, and 17% had mastoiditis, sinusitis, otitis, bloody nasal discharge and renal involvement. None of the patients had hearing loss, skin, eye and neurological involvement. 83% of patients had limited disease. While all patients had SGS, one patient also had glottic and bronchial stenosis. The most common symptoms in patients were hoarseness and shortness of breath. All patients received systemic treatment according to their organ involvement, local treatment (dilatation, steroid injection) was also applied to two patients. All patients had anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity. When patients with and without tracheal stenosis were compared, there was a difference in terms of gender, lung and kidney involvement, presence of anemia, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, pANCA, cANCA and PR3-ANCA positivity, and myalgia. In addition, our patients with tracheal stenosis had a younger age of onset and a longer delay in diagnosis.ConclusionThe incidence of SGS in large series has been reported as 8-23% of GPA patients.1,2 Although the number of cases in our study was small, this rate was 13%. Symptoms range from cough and shortness of breath to progressively life-threatening severe stridor. Early diagnosis and treatment are important. For this reason, TS is strongly emphasized.References[1]Girard C, Charles P, Terrier B, Bussonne G, Cohen P, Pagnoux C, et al. Tracheobronchial stenoses in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s). Medicine. 2015;34:1-6.[2]Costantino CL, Niles JL, Wright CD, Mathisen DJ, Muniappan A. Subglottic stenosis in granulomatosis with polyangiitis: therole of laryngotracheal resection. Ann Thorac Surg 2018;105:249-53.Table 1.Comparison of data from GPA patients with and without tracheal stenosisN(%)Tracheal Stenosis +GPA(n=6)Tracheal Stenosis - GPA (n=42)PGender Female6 (100)21(51)0.031 Male020(49)Mean Age46.5±6.555.6±13.20.095Symptom Onset Age35.5±13.449.3±14.50.041Delay in Diagnosis (months)44.2±6.59.98±14.80.023Myalgia2(33)33(81)0.030Fever1(17)21(51)0.194High ESR1(17)31(78)0.007High CRP5(50)32(80)0.138Anemia1(17)28(70)0.020Upper Respiratory Involvement6(100)24(59)0.074Lung Involvement3(50)36(90)0.037GIS involvement1(17)6(15)1Eye Involvement-11(27)NASkin Involvement-12(29)NAUrogenital Involvement-1(2)NANeurological Involvement-13(32)NARenal Involvement1(17)29(71)0.018ANCA positivity6(100)38(93)1 MPO-ANCA2(33)4(10)0.162 PR3-ANCA1(17)33(81)0.004 p-ANCA5(83)6(15)0.000 c-ANCA1(17)31(78)0.001Disclosure of InterestsNone declared

The authors report the thickness dependent structural and magnetic properties of Mn5Ge3 thin films with different Mn layer thicknesses in the range from 5 nm to 30 nm deposited on Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.7Ti0.3O3 (PMN-PT) substrates using solid phase epitaxy. Gradual decrease of the surface roughness due to the formation of larger grains, as well as the decrease of the coercivity and squareness ratio on increasing of Mn layer thickness has been observed. It has been revealed that the slightly greater value of the saturation magnetization than the corresponding one observed early for thin films and bulk samples is associated with the presence of structural defects. The ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectra have been obtained to be isotropic for the films with 5 nm thickness, whereas those registered from the films with the thicknesses of 10 nm and above demonstrated in-plane magnetic anisotropy, which have been interpreted as to be resulted from magnetocrystalline anisotropy as well as the stress-induced magnetic anisotropy. These results are suggested to create a major interest in the development of magnetoelectric heterostructured devices based on strain coupling that are compatible with CMOS technology.

In this study, Ti-48Al and Ti-48Al-2Cr (at. pct) intermetallic alloys were produced by electric current activated sintering (ECAS). In order to characterize the phase formation and microstructures of these alloys, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were used. The XRD result shows that the intermetallic alloys are composed of γ-TiAl and α2-Ti3Al phases. The microstructure is dense with a low amount of porosity. The hot corrosion behavior of intermetallic alloys was carried out in a salt mixture of 25 wt pct K2SO4 and 75 wt pct Na2SO4 at 700 °C for 180 hours. The morphology of corroded surfaces was observed by SEM-EDS and XRD. Corrosion phases were identified as TiO2 and Al2O3. Well-adhering oxide scale was detected on the corroded sample surface at the end of 180 hours, and no spallation was observed. In addition, a parabolic curve was obtained at the weight change rate vs time.

One of the most important complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) is vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy (DR). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides visualization of early structural abnormalities of the retina and choroid.To compare retinal thickness (RT) and choroidal thickness (CT) between patients with DM without DR and healthy controls.Diabetic patients without DR were divided into two groups according to serum glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Group 1: HbA1c ≤7.5 (n = 25) and group 2: HbA1c7.5 (n = 23). The 3CT in the subfoveal, temporal, and nasal quadrants was significantly higher in the healthy control group than in groups 1 and 2. Subfoveal and temporal quadrant CT in group 2 were significantly thinner than those in group 1. The average RT (ART) was thinner in group 1 than in the other groups, but there was no difference between the control group and group 2.This study showed that CT and ART decreased in diabetic patients without DR.

The cyclic oxidation and electrochemical corrosion behaviors of CoCrFeNiAlx (x = 0.7, 0.85 and 1 mol) high entropy alloys (HEAs) produced by resistance sintering were explored. In accordance with the purpose of this work, CoCrFeNiAlx HEAs with different Al content were cyclically oxidized at temperatures of 800, 875 and 950 °C for 120 h, and their corrosion performances in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 3.5 wt% NaCl solutions were assessed using the potentiodynamic polarization. X-ray diffraction analysis results revealed that BCC and FCC phases along with a minor B2 phase formed in all three HEAs. When the Al content increased to 1 mol from 0.7 mol, the phase fraction of BCC increased by 34.7%, accompanied by an increase in microhardness by 22.6%. The increased Al content had a significant effect in enhancing the cyclic oxidation resistance of CoCrFeNiAlx HEAs. The oxidation rate of all the oxidized HEAs increases with either increasing temperature or decreasing Al content. The best oxidation resistance at temperatures of 800 °C, 875 °C and 950 °C was observed with CoCrFeNiAl HEA, which had minimum weight change data during 120 h of exposure. XRD analysis results revealed that Al2O3 and Cr2O3 were the main oxides that formed on surfaces of the HEAs after oxidation for 120 h. Cross-sectional micrographs showed that the thickness and continuity of oxide scales that formed on HEAs were strongly dependent on the Al content. The improved oxidation behavior of HEAs was attributed to the rise in Al content, which causes the increasing Al2O3 content in oxide scale. Over the performed oxidation duration, neither cracking nor spalling of the oxide scales was witnessed. The effect of Al exhibited a contrary pattern in terms of the oxidation and corrosion behaviors of HEAs. In both 3.5 wt% NaCl and 0.5 M H2SO4 solutions the HEA with the highest Al showed worse corrosion resistance among the HEAs, reflected in the more negative corrosion potential and higher corrosion current density as well as higher corrosion rate. The worsening of the corrosion behavior has been attributed to the increased phase fraction of BCC due to the increased Al content.

This paper reports the low velocity impact behavior of preloaded E-glass/polypropylene sandwich composite plates. In particular, the effects of the type of preload and pre-strain amount on the impact behavior of composite plates are reported. Low velocity impact tests of specimens subjected to biaxial tension, compression and tension-compression (shear) were carried out using a drop-weight impact machine under a hemispherical impactor. Deformations ranging from 250 to 500 microstrains were imposed by a special fixture fabricated for this purpose. Single impact loadings were applied to the composite sandwich structures at different impact energies which were varied from rebounding case (10 J) to the perforation case (40 J). Impact results were explained in terms of typical contact force – deformation (F-D) curves and energy – time diagrams. The maximum contact force, deformation and absorbed energy of the specimens were compared to investigate the influence of pre-strain amount. In addition to the single impact tests, repeated impact behavior of composite sandwich structures subjected to different preload types were obtained with the same impact energy levels. The experimental results showed that the maximum contact force and maximum absorbed energy were considerably different in these situations. However, the repetition number of the specimens at the higher impact energies subjected to shear preloads was largely unaffected.

The goal of the study was to identify whether the stroke etiology play a role in the recanalization and outcome of patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy with stent retrievers.A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database included consecutive patients treated with stent retrievers. We included patients with cardioembolic stroke and large vessel atherosclerotic disease and compared risk factors for stroke, baseline NIHSS and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT scores (ASPECTS), stroke outcome, recanalization rate, onset-to-recanalization, onset-to-groin puncture time and the procedural time between two groups. Male sex was statistically more common in patients with large vessel atherosclerotic disease. Mean time from symptom onset- to the achievement of recanalization in patients with LVAD was 242±72.4 compared with cardioembolic stroke patients (301±70.7; p=0.014). Time for groin puncture to recanalization was longer in patients with cardioembolic stroke compared to LVAD group (97.5±44.3 vs 58.2±21.8; p=0.002). Time for microcatheter to successful recanalization or procedural termination was longer in patients with cardioembolic stroke compared to LVAD group (63.6±30.2 vs 34.2±19.4; p0.001) with cardioembolic stroke had significantly worse long-term outcome (mRS 3-6) compared to those with LVAD (60.6% vs 26.3%; p=0.036).Stroke etiology may play a role in the outcome of acute stroke patients who underwent endovascular stroke therapy. Cardioembolic strokes may be more resistant to endovascular acute stroke treatment.

The aim of this study was to investigate the Type-I hot corrosion performance of Ti–48Al–1Mo–2Cr and Ti–48Al–1Mo–2Mn (at.%) alloys in the Na2SO4–25K2SO4 (wt.%) molten salt environment at 900C for 180 h under cyclic conditions, and the applicability of artificial neural network (ANN) modeling for the prediction of the corrosion behavior of these alloys. In addition, this study elucidates the effect of Cr and Mn additions on corrosion resistance of the TiAl in the molten salt mixture. Corrosion kinetics indicated that the Mn-added alloy has poor corrosion resistance compared to Cr-added alloy. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were conducted to characterize the corrosion scale formed on the alloys. The XRD patterns showed the corrosion products are composed of TiO2, Al2O3 and Na2Ti3O7. The inspects of surface and cross-section showed that the corrosion products of both alloys have porous and loose attributes due to corrosive molten salt mixture. The modeling results revealed a good agreement between experimental and prediction results.

The cyclic hot corrosion behaviors of TiAl based intermetallics were studied in two different molten salts consisting of % wt. Na2SO4-25NaCl and Na2SO4-25K2SO4 at 800 and 900 °C for 180 h, respectively. The aim of the study is to elucidate the effect of alloying elements on hot corrosion phenomena in the corrosive molten salt mixture. Corrosion kinetics revealed the Mo-added samples exhibit poor corrosion resistance in both corrosive salt mixture. It has been found that the NaCl-containing salt mixture clearly influence the extent of degradation due to the self-sustaining reaction mechanism.

Today the electric current activated sintering (ECAS) technique is commonly preferred as it has many advantages such as microstructure control, reduction of process time, rapidly heating rate and sintered parts with full density. Two-phased (α2-Ti3Al+γ-TiAl) TiAl alloys have drawn considerable interest for automotive, aerospace and gas turbine industry applications because of their low density and superior high-temperature properties. The study aims to investigate the effect of the alloying elements (Cr, Mn, Mo) on the oxidation resistance of TiAl based intermetallics produced by ECAS under the cyclic condition. The cycle oxidation behavior of two-phased intermetallics in air at 700, 800 and 900 °C for 180 h was studied. The phase composition, microstructure, surface morphology and cross-sectional microstructure of the specimens were examined using SEM, EDS and XRD. According to the XRD and EDS results, the formed scale was composed mainly of TiO2 and Al2O3 phases. The cross-section SEM images show that the oxide scales of the alloys featured strong adhesion of scale with a multi-layered structure. The scales on the Mo-added alloys are thinner, compact and adherent and thus the scale-exfoliation resistance is enhanced. The activation energy values calculated for the oxidation of specimens varied between 50 and 116 kJ mol−1. Considering the thermodynamic and kinetic factors, possible oxidation mechanism of studied specimens was discussed.

Web based geographic information systems (GIS) has great potential based on developments in internet and web technology. Web based GIS is a network based tool that takes advantage of internet with visualizing, analysing and accessing of distributed data and analysis functions. With the length of 30 kilometres, the Bosphorus provides an essential zone that offers great maritime traffic services. This shipping way which connects The Black Sea and The Mediterranean Sea through The Marmara Sea, has no alternative and it is substantial for economies of Black Sea countries. The Bosphorus is one of most important natural straits in the world handling 150 transit ships, 23 freighters with dangerous cargo and 2500 local transport ships with 2 million passengers on daily basis. In this study, it is aimed to create a web based GIS application for an effective coast management which includes berthing factors (anchorage areas, currents, submerged, etc.), maritime traffic factors (traffic separation schemes, traffic flow directions), closed areas and other factors (lighthouses, buoys, beacons, etc.) by digitizing printed navigation charts produced by Turkish Naval Forces, Office of Navigation, Hydrography and Oceanography.

Background and Purpose. Successful recanalization after endovascular stroke therapy (EVT) did not translate into a good clinical outcome in randomized trials. The goal of the study was to identify the predictors of a good outcome after mechanical thrombectomy with stent retrievers.Methods. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database included consecutive patients treated with stent retrievers. We evaluated the influence of risk factors for stroke, baseline NIHSS score, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECT) score, recanalization rate, onset-to-recanalization and onset-to-groin puncture time, and glucose levels at admission on good outcomes. The number of stent passes during procedure and symptomatic hemorrhage rate were also recorded. A modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2 at 90 days was considered as a good outcome.Results. From January 2011 to 2014, 70 consecutive patients with an acute ischemic stroke underwent EVT with stent retrievers. The absence of a medical history of diabetes was associated with good outcomes. Apart from diabetes, the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were similar between subjects with poor outcome versus those with good outcomes. Median time from onset to recanalization was significantly shorter in patients with good outcomes 245 (IQR: 216–313 min) compared with poor outcome patients (315 (IQR: 240–360 min);P=0.023). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was observed in eight (21.6%) of 37 patients with poor outcomes and no symptomatic hemorrhage was seen in patients with good outcomes (P=0.006). In multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis, a favorable ASPECT score (ASPECT > 7) and successful recanalization after EVT were predictors of good outcomes. Every 10-year increase was associated with a 3.60-fold decrease in the probability of a good outcome at 3 months. The probability of a good outcome decreases by 1.43-fold for each 20 mg/dL increase in the blood glucose at admission.Conclusion. To achieve a good outcome after EVT with stent retrievers, quick and complete recanalization and better strategies for patient selection are warranted. We need randomized trials to identify the significance of tight blood glucose control in clinical outcome during or after EVT.

Background: Endovenous thermal ablation of the small saphenous vein carries a risk for sural nerve injury. Ablation above mid-calf level is recommended to avoid it. However, this strategy could not eradicate this complication. We present our results of consecutive 30 small saphenous vein thermal ablations which are performed after ultrasonographic identification of the sural nerve. Methods: We studied 26 consecutive subjects with a total of 30 limbs. Ablation was performed proximal to the risk point by a 1470-nm diode laser. Patients were asked to attend follow-up outpatient controls at 7 days, 30 days, and 180 days postoperatively. Rate of identification of the sural nerve by ultrasonography, safety of the mid-calf level as a puncture site and postoperative sural nerve damage were assessed. Results: The sural nerve identification was achieved by ultrasonography in all patients except for one. Mid-calf level as a puncture site was not safe in three (10%) extremities. None of the patients showed any evidence suggesting postoperative sural nerve damage. Conclusion: Choosing the puncture site according to the risk point may be more reasonable than general mid-calf level which is being used.

The aim of the current study was to determine the frequency of the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene pathogenic variants in 60 children diagnosed with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and to compare the phenotype-genotype correlation. Genomic DNA was isolated by the spin-column method from peripheral blood samples (collected in vacutainers containing EDTA) and buccal smears. The MEFV gene profiles for the current FMF cohort were genotyped by pyrosequencing and direct Sanger sequencing techniques for the target pathogenic variants. The most prominent clinical symptoms were abdominal pain (53.4%), fever (23.4%) and arthritis (23.3%). Eighteen different pathogenic variants were identified and the most frequent were p.Met694Val (20.0%), p.Glu148Gln (13.3%), p.Met680 Ile (11.7%) and p.Arg202Gln (11.7%). Abdominal pain, fever and arthritis were the most common presenting clinical characteristics. Results showed that not only clinical characteristics, but also genotyping of the MEFV gene is needed to establish the correct diagnosis of FMF in children and other family members.