Ultrasonographic evaluation of the femoral cartilage thickness in patients with chronic renal failure

Objective To investigate the effects of chronic renal failure (CRF) on the distal femoral cartilage thickness by using ultrasonography and to determine the relationship between cartilage thickness and certain disease-related parameters. Design Fifty-seven CRF patients (41 male and 16 female) (mean [SD] age, 44.7 [12.1] years) and 60 healthy controls (41 male and 19 female) (mean [SD] age, 43.5 [13.3] years) were enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Cartilage thickness measurements were taken from the medial and lateral condyles, and intercondylar areas of both knees. Results Groups were similar in terms of age, weight, height, body mass index and gender (all p>0.05). The mean cartilage thickness was found to be less in CRF patients than in controls (statistically significant for medial condyles and intercondylar areas both in right and the left knees [all p<0.05]). Cartilage thickness showed no correlation with eGFR, and with the levels of serum urea, creatinine, calcium, magnesium, phosphor, hemoglobin, uric acid and as well as steroid use (all p>0.05) in CRF patients. Conclusion In the light of our findings, we imply that patients with CRF have thinner femoral cartilage than healthy controls. This result may support the view that patients with CRF are at increased risk for developing early knee osteoarthritis. Last but not least, clinicians should be aware of the importance of rehabilitation strategies aimed at decreasing onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis in patients with CRF.     

Rectum mucinous adenocarcinoma metastasis to bilateral breast in a male patient: A case report

A 47‐year‐old male presented to our clinic with complaints of mass in both breasts. In the patient's history, he had undergone low anterior resection for rectum mucinous adenocarcinoma 2 years ago. The masses in both breasts of the patient were excised. Mucinous adenocarcinoma metastases were reported in the pathologic evaluation of the masses. Metastasis should be considered in patients with bilateral breast mass and previously diagnosed cancer even if the patient is male.     

Lower vitamin D level is associated with poor coronary collateral circulation

Objectives. Vitamin D regulates calcium and bone homeostasis, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. Cross-sectional associations between lower vitamin D levels and cardiovascular diseases have been reported, but the relationship between vitamin D levels and collateral arteries in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been reported before. Design. Two hundred and fourteen patients with above 95% stenosis in at least one epicardial coronary artery were consecutively recruited after coronary angiography (CAG) during the winter season. The coronary collateral circulation (CCC) was graded using Rentrop classification. Poor CCC group included patients with Rentrop Grade 0–1 CCC and control group included patients with Rentrop Grade 2–3 CCC. Vitamin D and PTH levels were measured on the day of CAG. Results. In the poor CCC group, vitamin D levels were lower (34 ± 25 pmol/L vs. 49 ± 33 pmol/L; p = 0.01) and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (< 37 pmol/L) was higher (67% vs. 43%; p = 0.01) compared to the controls. PTH levels, calcium, and phosphate levels were not significantly different between the groups. Female gender, lower HDL cholesterol, and lower vitamin D levels were independently correlated with poor CCC in the study population. Conclusion. Lower vitamin D levels may be associated with poor collateral development in patients with stable CAD.     

Relationship between serum leptin level and disease activity in patients with systemic sclerosis

To determine the relationship between serum leptin levels and disease activity in systemic sclerosis (SSc). A total of 60 subjects (30 controls and 30 patients) were included. The inflammatory markers and leptin levels were evaluated and body mass index (BMI) was measured for both groups. The assessment of the skin involvement was performed based on the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). Disease activity was evaluated according to the Valentini scleroderma disease activity index. There was a significant difference between the patient and control groups in terms of BMI (p?<?0.05); however there was no difference with regards to age and gender (p?>?0.05). Valentini scores and mRSS were determined to be significantly higher in active patients (n?=?14) than in inactive patients (n?=?16) (p?<?0.05). No significant difference was determined between groups in terms of leptin levels (p?>?0.05). However, leptin levels were significantly lower in active patients than in inactive patients (p?<?0.05). We found a significant positive correlation between serum leptin and BMI (p?<?0.05), and leptin and serum C3 levels (p?<?0.05); no relationship was detected between leptin and other parameters. Leptin can be used as an activity marker in SSc. Further studies, including larger series, should be carried out to clarify this relationship.     

Prolonged diabetic ketoacidosis and glycemic fluctuations associated with dapagliflozin: a case report

International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries - Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2I) are oral anti-diabetic drugs. We aimed to raise awareness by presenting a difficult...     

The first histopathological evidence of trimetazidine for the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy

Aim: We aimed to investigate the prophylactic effects of trimetazidine (TMZ) against contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in rat kidneys. Methods and results: 28 Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 7 rats each (control (C), contrast media (CM) TMZ, trimetazidin?+?contrast media groups (TMZ?+?CM). The administration of TMZ solution was done on d2, d3 and d4. Fifth day, contrast media was administered at a single dose. On d6 scarification was performed. The oxidant/antioxidant parameters were measured and histopathological scores were performed in kidney tissues. Most of the histopathological scores were significantly higher in the CM group as compared to other groups. Moreover, the scores of the TMZ?+?CM and C groups were not statistically different. CM group, had significantly higher levels of MDA compared to the C and CM?+?TMZ groups (562.82?±?38.15 vs. 419.15?±?49.01 and 507.34?±?14.16 01?nmol/mg protein respectively) (p?0.001). CM group had significantly lower levels of SOD as compared to C, CM?+?TMZ and TMZ groups (p?0.05). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this study for the first time, histopathologically demonstrated the effectiveness of TMZ for the prevention of CIN.     

Primary Ovarian Malignant Melanoma Arising in Teratomatous Component of Mixed- Germ Cell Tumor in a Child: Case report

Primary ovarian malignant melanoma arising in teratomatous component of germ cell tumors is seen extremely rare with most reports being only of single cases and small series in reproductive aged woman and mostly from cystic teratoma, whereas information on pediatric presentation is sparse. This case is reported for being extremely rare tumor.     

Effects of metal surface grinding at the porcelain try-in stage of fixed dental prostheses

PURPOSE

This study was to evaluate the effect of grinding of the inner metal surface during the porcelain try-in stage on metal-porcelain bonding considering the maximum temperature and the vibration of samples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-one square prism-shaped (1 × 1 × 1.5 mm) nickel-chrome cast frameworks 0.3 mm thick were prepared. Porcelain was applied on two opposite outer axial surfaces of the frameworks. The grinding was performed from the opposite axial sides of the inner metal surfaces with a low-speed handpiece with two types of burs (diamond, tungsten-carbide) under three grinding forces (3.5 N, 7 N, 14 N) and at two durations (5 seconds, 10 seconds). The shear bond strength (SBS) test was performed with universal testing machine. Statistical analyzes were performed at 5% significance level.

RESULTS

The samples subjected to grinding under 3.5 N showed higher SBS values than those exposed to grinding under 7 N and 14 N (P<.05). SBS values of none of the groups differed from those of the control group (P>.05). The types of bur (P=.965) and the duration (P=.679) did not affect the SBS values. On the other hand, type of bur, force applied, and duration of the grinding affected the maximum temperatures of the samples, whereas the maximum vibration was affected only by the type of bur (P<.05).

CONCLUSION

Grinding the inner metal surface did not affect the metal-porcelain bond strength. Although the grinding affected the maximum temperature and the vibration values of the samples, these did not influence the bonding strength.