Quantitative three‐dimensional imaging of live avian embryonic morphogenesis via micro‐computed tomography

Many clinically relevant congenital malformations arise during mid to late embryonic stages. This period is challenging to image quantitatively in live embryos, necessitating the use of multiple specimens with increased experimental variability. Here we establish X‐ray and blood‐pool computed tomography (CT) contrast agent toxicity and teratogenesis thresholds for 3D Micro‐CT imaging of live avian embryos. Day 4 chick embryos micro‐injected with Visipaque? (VP) developed for an additional 6 days without defect. X‐ray radiation up to 798 mGy was nontoxic. Peak average contrast of 1,060 HU occurred within 1 hr of imaging at 50 μm resolution. VP‐enhanced contrast persisted past 24 hr with delayed accumulation in the allantois. Regional volumes of VP‐injected embryos were statistically identical to those of fixed embryos perfused with osmium tetroxide. We further quantified longitudinal volumetric morphogenesis of the allantois over 30 hr. These results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of contrast enhanced quantitative micro‐CT imaging for live embryos. Developmental Dynamics 240:1949–1957, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Surveillance and oseltamivir resistance of human influenza a virus in Turkey during the 2007–2008 season

Monitoring the activity of influenza viruses is important for establishing the circulating types and for detection of the emergence of novel sub‐types and antiviral resistant strains. This is the first report from Turkey on the surveillance and oseltamivir resistance of influenza viruses in 2007–2008. Five hundred twenty‐four nasal swabs were tested from different geographical regions in Turkey during November 2007–April 2008. One hundred sixty‐three (31%) samples were positive for influenza viruses of which 111 (68%) were influenza A, 52 (31%) influenza B using an immuno‐capture ELISA. Forty isolates were selected at random from influenza A positive samples and grown in MDCK cell cultures. The supernatant of the cell cultures was used for RNA extraction followed by RT‐PCR to detect the sub‐types. Sub‐typing revealed all samples as A/H1N1. The N1 gene segment of 30 A/H1N1 samples was sequenced in part, from the 201st to 365th residue, which included the critical region for oseltamivir resistance. Then resulting sequences were analyzed with oseltamivir sensitive and resistant strains obtained from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank by CLC Main Workbench Software. H275Y (H274Y according to N2 numbering) mutation, which is known to confer resistance to oseltamivir, was detected in 6 out of 30 (20%) H1N1 isolates from four cities (Istanbul, Bursa, Ankara, and Izmir). The D354G mutation was observed in all oseltamivir resistant H1N1 isolates but not in the oseltamivir sensitive isolates. Assay of neuraminidase activity revealed that these isolates were resistant to oseltamivir, but sensitive to zanamivir. J. Med. Virol. 81:1645–1651, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Effect of cervical length on second trimester pregnancy termination

AIM: To evaluate the value of sonographic measurement of cervical length as a predictor of abortion or delivery within 24 h by misoprostol in second trimester termination of pregnancy (TOP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty-three women underwent TOP between 14 and 26 weeks of pregnancy due to various indications. The primary outcome was abortion within 24 h. Cervical length was measured before transvaginal administration of misoprostol. The effects of cervical length, total misoprostol dose, parity, and gestational age at diagnosis on successful TOP were evaluated. Results: One hundred and sixty-three women were eligible who met the inclusion criteria. TOP occurred in 80.5% of patients within 24 h. Parous women had shorter prolonged induction to expulsion period over 24 h (14.1% vs 28.6%, P = 0.061). Total misoprostol dose and history of abortion were parameters that affected induction to delivery period (P = 0.002 and P = 0.041). Using an optimum cutoff of 36 mm, 58.2% sensitivity and 68.2% specificity were obtained. In addition, positive and negative predictive values were 85.36% and 33.3%, respectively. Pregnant women whose preinduction cervical length was shorter than 36 mm had a shorter induction time and needed a lower total misoprostol dose to achieve TOP than women with a cervical length longer than 36 mm (P = 0.027 and P = 0.011, respectively). Conclusion: Transvaginal measurement of cervical length before administration of prostaglandin analogue was not correlated with successful TOP within 24 h. It cannot be used as a predictor in light of our findings.     

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin is associated with preeclampsia in a cohort of Turkish women

Purpose: We investigated the optimal cut-off level for urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in preeclamptic patients to confirm the diagnosis.

Methods: Urinary NGAL concentrations were measured by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: Patients with preeclampsia had significantly higher urinary NGAL concentrations than controls (mean: 387 ng/ml vs. 188 ng/ml, respectively; P< 0.001). Using a cutoff value 252 ng/ml for urinary NGAL to confirm diagnosis of preeclampsia, sensitivity, and specificity were 92% and 91%, respectively.

Conclusion: Urinary NGAL concentrations were significantly elevated in women with preeclampsia versus normotensive controls.     

Dental technician's pneumoconiosis: mineralogical analysis of two cases

Pneumoconiosis was diagnosed by open lung biopsy in two dental technicians who had interstitial lung disease. Mineralogical analysis was performed to investigate the origin of the dust that had been inhaled. A marked accumulation of silicon and phosphorus was found in both cases. The hard metals chromium and cobalt were also found. Dental technician's pneumoconiosis is a complex pneumoconiosis in which such dust and hard metals may play a role.     

Comparing the efficacy of intrauterine lidocaine and paracervical block in decreasing the pain associated with endometrial biopsy: a randomised trial

Purpose

Almost 50 % of the patients experience moderate-to-severe pain during endometrial biopsy. The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of intrauterine lidocaine for relieving pain during endometrial biopsy.

Methods

A randomised trial was conducted in 120 patients undergoing endometrial biopsy. Sixty-seven women were assigned to the paracervical block group and 53 were assigned to the intrauterine lidocaine group. The main outcome measure was pain intensity, measured using the visual analogue scale, during and after the procedure.

Results

The groups were similar with regard to age, body mass index, gravidity, total number of previous vaginal deliveries, menopausal status, and uterine depth. The pain scores immediately after the procedure were similar in the groups (p = 0.079). However, the pain scores 30 min after the procedure were significantly lower in the intrauterine group than in the paracervical group (p = 0.0001).

Conclusions

Compared to paracervical block, intrauterine lidocaine may be the preferred anaesthesia for endometrial biopsy, and it does not cause any serious complications.     

Effect of Photoactivated Disinfection on Bond Strength of Root Canal Filling

IntroductionThe aim of this in vitro study was to assess and compare the effect of photoactivated disinfection (PAD) on the bond strength of root canal sealers to human root canal dentin using the push-out test.MethodsFifteen extracted human mandibular premolar teeth with single and straight roots were used. After the clinical crowns were removed from the cementoenamel junction, root canals were prepared with the ProTaper (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) rotary system to the size of the F3 file. The smear layer of the roots was removed using 17% EDTA followed by 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and distillate water. The roots were then randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 5) according to the final irrigation regimen. In group 1, PAD (FotoSan; CMS Dental, Copenhagen, Denmark) was applied to the root canals and light cured for 20 seconds. Group 2 was finally irrigated with a 2% solution of chlorhexidine gluconate, and group 3 served as the control group (NaOCl + EDTA). All the canals were then obturated with the lateral condensation technique using gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer (Dentsply Maillefer) sealer. One-millimeter-thick horizontal sections from the coronal and midthirds of each root (n: 5 × 4 = 20) were sliced for the push-out bond strength measurement. The data were converted to megapascals and statistically analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey test.ResultsThere was no significant difference among the bond strength of PAD, chlorhexidine gluconate, and NaOCl (P > .05).ConclusionsWe conclude that PAD does not adversely affect the bond strength of the AH Plus sealer to root canal dentin and that it can be used for the final disinfection of root canals.     

In Vitro Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Roots Filled with a Bonded Filling Material or Different Types of Posts

AimThis study aimed to compare the fracture resistance of roots filled with a bonded material, fiber posts, or titanium post systems.MethodsCanals in the first group were filled with AH Plus and gutta-percha cones, and roots in the second group were filled with Epiphany sealer and Resilon cones. The root fillings (60 roots) were removed up to 4 mm from the canal apex to obtain 10-mm-deep post spaces, and posts were cemented. The groups were as follows: AH Plus control group, Epiphany control group, AH Plus fiber post group, AH Plus titanium post group, Epiphany fiber post group, and Epiphany titanium post group. Fracture tests were performed by using an Instron testing machine. The force was applied at a 45° axial angle with a constant speed of 1 mm/min. For each sample, the force at which fracture occurred was recorded in units of newtons. Statistical analysis was carried out by using analysis of variance test.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between all groups (P > .05).ConclusionsTitanium posts, fiber posts, and Epiphany root canal filling systems were found to have no reinforcing effect on endodontically treated roots.