Investigation of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 −1607 1G/2G polymorphism in a Turkish population with periodontitis

Aim: Matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) is a proteolytic enzyme that degrades extracellular matrix and plays a fundamental role during destruction of periodontal tissues. The aim of this study was to examine the association between MMP‐1 ?1607 1G/2G polymorphism and chronic periodontitis susceptibility in a Turkish population. Material and Methods: A total of 180 subjects were enrolled in this study. All the subjects received a periodontal examination including full‐mouth clinical attachment loss measurements, probing depths, plaque index scores, gingival index scores and radiographic bone loss ratios. Three groups formed according to periodontal conditions were healthy, moderate periodontitis and severe periodontitis groups. MMP‐1 ?1607 1G/2G gene promoter polymorphism was genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: Analysis of the polymorphism showed no differences in distribution of the MMP‐1 ?1607 1G/2G polymorphism among healthy, moderate periodontitis and severe periodontitis groups (p>0.05). When the groups were further stratified by smoking status, we found no significant differences in genotype distributions, allele frequencies and carriage rates among any groups either (p>0.05). Conclusions: On the basis of the results, no significant association is found for the MMP‐1 ?1607 1G/2G polymorphism with susceptibility to periodontitis. Moreover, smoking status did not seem to affect this result.     

A malignant mixed gonadal stromal tumour of the testis with heterologous components

We report a case of malignant mixed gonadal stromal tumour in the testis, which consisted of epithelial heterologous components and metastasized to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes. The primary lesion and biopsy of the retroperitoneal metastases showed predominance of the Sertoli cell component. The patient was put on chemotherapy.     

The prevalence of treated and untreated mental disorders in five countries

We analyzed survey data from Canada, Chile, Germany, The Netherlands, and the United States to study the prevalence and treatment of mental and substance abuse disorders. Total past-year prevalence estimates range between 17.0 percent (Chile) and 29.1 percent (U.S.). Many cases are mild. Although disorder severity is strongly related to treatment, one- to two-thirds of serious cases receive no treatment each year. Most treatment goes to minor and mild cases. Undertreatment of serious cases is most pronounced among young poorly educated males. Outreach is needed to reduce barriers to care among serious cases and young people at risk of serious disorders.     

Spinal epidural abscess associated with IgG4 deficiency

The objective is to present the possibility of an association between spinal epidural abscess and IgG deficiency. Spinal epidural abscess is a rare but potentially devastating condition. Review of the literature showed no reported acknowledgment about the relationship between spinal epidural abscess and IgG deficiency. This report discusses the case of a 16-year-old boy who developed progressive paraplegia within 24 hours. Clinical and neuroradiologic features are reported. Serum quantitative total IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations were measured by nephelometry. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging showed epidural abscess between T6 and T11 compressing the cord posteriorly. IgG subclasses (IgG ) were found abnormal. The possible importance of immunologic evaluation in the patients with spinal epidural abscess when no source of infection could be find is discussed.(4) (4) (4)     

The prevalence of pancreatitis in organophosphate poisonings

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of pancreatitis in cases of organophosphate (OP) poisonings admitted to Yüzüncü Yil University Teaching Hospital over an 18-month period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 47 patients of acute poisoning with OP insecticides attended the Emergency Department of the Yüzüncü Yil Medical School Hospital, from May 1999 to December 2000, and were prospectively studied. Serum amylase and lipase levels were studied with colorimetric assay. Serum SGOT, SGPT, LDH, CPK, K levels, leukocyte count and total hospitalization days were also evaluated. RESULTS: Four of 47 patients had obviously elevated amylase and lipase levels (amylase >300 U/L, lipase >60 U/L). Only two of the patients with amylase levels between 100 and 300 U/L had also elevated levels of lipase. None of the patients with normal amylase levels had elevated levels of lipase. A total of 12.76% was diagnosed as acute pancreatitis. CONCLUSION: Acute pancreatitis as a complication of OP intoxication is not a rare condition. In order to improve the outcome of OP poisoning, early diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is important and serum levels of amylase and lipase should be routinely considered carefully. In acute pancreatitis, serum levels of SGOT, SGPT, LDH and leukocyte counts may also be found to be elevated. However, serum K levels are only slightly decreased.     

Tear function and ocular surface changes in multinodular goiter patients

AIMS: To evaluate preoperative and postoperative conjunctival surface changes in multinodular goiter (MNG) patients and to compare their results with healthy control subjects. METHODS: Twenty MNG patients who had undergone near total thyroidectomy were evaluated pre- and postoperatively at the end of the 3rd month and the 1st year by performing tear function tests and conjunctival impression cytologic analysis. These results were compared with the results of 15 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: When preoperative and postoperative tear function parameters were compared, the mean Schirmer test value and BUT value were decreased, the mean Rose Bengal staining score was increased during the postoperative period. These differences were statistically significant at the end of the 1st year (p < 0.001). The average goblet cell density of the MNG patients decreased significantly during the postoperative period when compared with the preoperative values (p < 0.001). All these findings of the MNG cases were significantly different from the results of the control group both before and after the operation. CONCLUSION: Tear function tests and the impression cytology findings of the MNG cases were statistically different from the results of the control group during the pre- and postoperative period. We recommend postoperative follow-up of these patients for ocular surface changes.     

Cerebral abscesses in Behcet's disease: a case report

Beh?et's disease is a multisystem relapsing inflammatory disorder of unknown cause. Neurological involvement is one of the most serious causes of long-term morbidity and mortality in Beh?et's disease. Cerebral abscess is very rare in literature. A 45-yr-old man with Beh?et's disease manifesting focal epileptic seizure and multiple cerebral abscesses is reported in the case. He was diagnosed with cerebral abscess and was treated with antibiotics but no improvement occurred. Excisional biopsy was performed and the lesions were consistent with abscess. The clinical state of the patient gradually improved. The patient had no further complications. The etiology, and clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings are discussed.