Augmentation of Shoulder Contour Using a Calf Implant

Sprengel deformity is a rare orthopedic condition that is associated with functional and cosmetic impairment. Results of orthopedic procedures are usually inconsistent and cosmetic results are far from satisfactory in these patients. A silicone-gel-filled calf prosthesis was used to correct the shoulder contour in a patient with Sprengel deformity. Cosmetically the deformity can be restored by using a calf implant for patients in whom orthopedic procedures are not likely to yield a satisfactory outcome.     

The effect of chronic restraint stress and sulfite on visual evoked potentials (VEPs): relation to lipid peroxidation.

Stress and sulfite can stimulate numerous pathways leading to an increased production of free radicals which generate a peroxidation cascade producing lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, DNA damage and cell death, and contribute to the occurrence of pathologic conditions. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of stress and sulfite on visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and to examine the relationship between lipid peroxidation and VEP changes. Forty male wistar rats, aged three months were used. They were equally divided into four groups: control (C), the group exposed to restraint stress (R), the group treated with sulfite (S) and the group exposed to stress and treated with sulfite (RS). Chronic restraint stress was applied for 21 days (1h/day) and sodium metabisulfite (520 mg/kg/day) was given by gavage for the same period. All latencies of VEP components were prolonged in the R, S and RS groups with respect to the C group. Brain and retina TBARS levels were found to be increased in those groups compared to the C group. Our results strongly suggest that the latency prolongations of all VEP components may have resulted from the enhancement of lipid peroxidation. Correlation analysis between brain and retina TBARS levels and VEP latencies also support this conclusion. Our data in regard to latency prolongations of all VEP components in the stress group exposed to sulfite, reflected an additive effect of sulfite toxicity on VEP components. Therefore it could be suggested that chronic exposure to stress and sulfite together is associated with a considerable health risk.     

Segmental myoclonus as the presenting symptom of an acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: a case report.

Segmental myoclonus is described as the involuntary contractions of contiguous muscles innerved by the brain stem or by spinal cord. The underlying causes of segmental myoclonus in children are demyelinating diseases and intrinsic tumors. Here, we report a case who was presented with segmental myoclonus on his left arm and later diagnosed as atypical monosymptomatic presentation of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). The case represents the first in the literature in which ADEM is considered as the possible cause of segmental myoclonus. Our findings demonstrate that: (i) in focal movement disorders such as segmental myoclonus, a careful neuroradiological examination of the neuroanatomical region for the possible presence of organic lesions might be rewarding, (ii) ADEM might be one of the potentially reversible causes of myoclonus.     

Effect of water extract of Turkish propolis on tuberculosis infection in guinea-pigs.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H(37)R(v))-infected guinea-pig model was used to investigate the effect of water extract of propolis (WEP). After subcutaneous inoculation of tubercle bacilli, each animal received oral WEP (n=9), isoniazid (n=5) or saline (n=6) as placebo and were sacrificed 30 days later. Formation of necrosis was less prominent in the group treated with WEP, but was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The granuloma formation in the same group was more prominent than the placebo and isoniazid groups; however, this finding failed to reach statistical significance by the Kruskal-Wallis test (P>0.05). These findings suggest that Turkish WEP may have a limited effect on the development of tuberculosis infection in this guinea-pig model.     

Present and Theoretical Applications of Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone (PEEK) in Orthodontics: A Scoping Review

Background: During the last decade, there has been an increased demand for non-metallic materials in orthodontics due to allergies, compatibility with medical imaging devices such as MRI, and aesthetic reasons. Monolithic poly-ether-ether-ketone material could address medical issues such as allergies and MRI compatibility. Moreover, nickel–titanium (NiTi) archwires covered in PEEK, either by a tube or electrophoretic deposition, could address esthetic concerns. This scoping review aims to summarize the available evidence in the literature to provide an overview of the applications and material properties of PEEK in orthodontics. Methods: This scoping review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Protocols extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We searched for relevant publications in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CENTRAL, ProQuest, and SCOPUS. A gray literature search was conducted on Google Scholar. Results: Six studies were included. In three studies, the authors investigated the feasibility of developing a composite PEEK-NiTi wire, while in two other studies, the authors investigated the feasibility of monolithic PEEK wires. In the final study, the authors investigated the feasibility of PEEK as a bonded retainer. Conclusions: The included studies show promising results in developing monolithic and composite (PEEK-NiTi) materials. Further research on the robustness of PEEK composites in the oral cavity, the status of cytotoxicity and roughness values, and the (bio)-mechanical behavior of the composites is needed. A homogenously set up comparative study of clinically relevant, evenly sized, monolithic PEEK wires versus conventional orthodontic wires for their biomechanical, mechanical, and material properties would clarify the possibilities of developing monolithic PEEK wires. Missing data in the retainer study suggest more research on the mechanical properties and points of failure of PEEK-bonded retainers, and a comparative study comparing the failure and mechanical properties of PEEK-bonded retainers to flat braided metallic bonded retainers is needed.     

The possible mechanisms of protocatechuic acid-induced central analgesia

It is aimed to investigate the central antinociceptive effect of protocatechuic acid and the involvement of stimulation of opioidergic, serotonin 5-HT_2A/2C, α2-adrenergic and muscarinic receptors in protocatechuic acid-induced central analgesia in mice. Time-dependent antinociceptive effects of protocatechuic acid at the oral doses of 75, 150 and 300?mg/kg were tested in hot-plate (integrated supraspinal response) and tail-immersion (spinal reflex) tests in mice. To investigate the mechanisms of action; the mice administered 300?mg/kg protocatechuic acid (p.o.) were pre-treated with non-specific opioid antagonist naloxone (5?mg/kg, i.p.), serotonin 5-HT_2A/2C receptor antagonist ketanserin (1?mg/kg, i.p.), α2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (1?mg/kg, i.p.) and non-specific muscarinic antagonist atropine (5?mg/kg, i.p.), respectively. The antinociceptive effect of protocatechuic acid was observed at the doses of 75, 150 and 300?mg/kg in tail-immersion test, at the doses of 150 and 300?mg/kg in hot-plate test at different time interval. The enhancement in the latency of protocatechuic acid-induced response to thermal stimuli was antagonized by yohimbine, naloxone and atropine in tail-immersion test, while it was antagonized only by yohimbine and naloxone pretreatments in hot-plate test. These results indicated that protocatechuic acid has the central antinociceptive action that is probably organized by spinal mediated cholinergic and opiodiergic, also spinal and supraspinal mediated noradrenergic modulation. However, further studies are required to understand how protocatechuic acid organizes the interactions of these modulatory systems. As a whole, these findings reinforce that protocatechuic acid is a potential agent that might be used for pain relief. Additionally, the clarification of the effect and mechanisms of action of protocatechuic acid will contribute to new therapeutic approaches and provide guidance for new drug development studies.     

The role of endometrium in endometriosis

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus. Several theories have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of this disease. According to Sampson's retrograde menstruation theory, endometrial cells are refluxed through the fallopian tubes during the menstruation and implant onto peritoneum or pelvic organs. Since retrograde menstruation is a very common phenomenon among women of reproductive age, there must be other factors that may contribute to the pathophysiology and/or pathogenesis of endometriosis. Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and alterations in immune and endocrine functions are believed to play significant roles in the establishment and maintenance of endometriosis. Although the eutopic endometriums of women with and without endometriosis are histologically similar, studies revealed that there are many fundamental differences between these two tissues. Invasive properties, decreased apoptosis, alterations in expression of specific gene and proteins, and increased steroid and cytokine production have been identified in eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis. Furthermore, significant biochemical differences exist even between ectopic and autologous eutopic endometrium. These differences can be explained by the direct effects of an inflammatory peritoneal environment.     

Corrosion of orthodontic brackets: qualitative and quantitative surface analysis

ObjectivesTo determine and compare surface characteristics and presence of corrosion in new and used brackets with optical light microscopy (OLM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and with elemental chemical analysis with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).Materials and MethodsOLM and SEM were used to analyze 24 new and 24 used conventional premolar brackets. EDS analysis was performed in six used brackets and four new brackets with corrosion-suspected spots.ResultsOLM and SEM images showed wear/abfraction signs, striations, pits/crevices, and adherent material. Used brackets showed more deterioration than new brackets. SEM images disclosed more morphological features than OLM images. EDS analysis revealed a significantly higher phosphorus (P = .001) and sodium (P < .005) weight fraction and significantly lower amounts of chromium (P < .001) in used brackets. The iron, chromium, and nickel weight fractions did not differ significantly between the clean and corrosion-suspected spots. Of the corrosion-suspected spots analyzed by combined SEM and EDS, 44.14% and 6.90% remained corrosion-suspected on used and new brackets, respectively.ConclusionsUsed brackets showed more signs of corrosion than new ones. Combined assessment of SEM and EDS indicates that the bracket surface is affected during orthodontic treatment as a result of corrosion.     

How understandable are the patient education materials about flat foot on the Internet for parents?

Flat foot is a common reason for parents to visit orthopedic clinics. As the Internet has become an easy-search platform, parents often seek online educational materials before seeking out a professional. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality, readability, and understandability of such online materials for parents. An Internet search was performed for “flat foot” and “pes planus” using the Google search engine. The readability was evaluated using 6 different grading systems: Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, Fry Readability score, Gunning Fog Index tests, and Automated Readability Index. The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool test was used to assess the understandability. For quality assessment, the Journal of American Medical Association benchmark criteria and Health on the Net code were applied. One hundred nine websites were included and evaluated for readability, understandability, and quality. The mean readability grade for all websites was 10.5 ± 2.0. The mean Gunning Fog Index tests and Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level scores for all websites were 12.4 ± 2.2 and 9.7 ± 2.1 sequentially. The mean Coleman–Liau index score was 10.0 ± 1.5, and the average Fry Readability score was 9.9 ± 2.0. The automated readability index for all websites was 10.3 ± 2.5. The average Flesch Reading Ease score for all educational materials was 59.3 ± 10.1. The average Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool score for all educational materials was 81% (range, 70–87%). The mean Journal of American Medical Association benchmark criterion for all websites was 1.0, with a range from 1.0 and 2.0. Eighteen (16.5%) websites had Health on the Net certificates. Readability, understandability, and quality of patient education materials about flat feet on the Internet vary and are often worse than professional recommendations.