Demographic profile and future expectations of students enrolled in a Turkish private dental school

The purposes of this study were to obtain information about the social and demographic profile of students enrolled in the first private Turkish dental school, to gather information regarding the reasons for their preferences, and to obtain data about their career expectations. Questionnaires were distributed to 278 students; 229 returned the survey for an overall response rate of 82 percent. Of the respondents, 145 (65.5 percent) were females and seventy-five (34.5 percent) were males; they had an average age of 21.62±1.58. First degree relative (mother, father, sibling) had the greatest influence on the students in choosing dentistry as a career. Fathers and mothers had similar impact on the students' choice of dental profession (45.9 percent and 46.6 percent, respectively). Humanistic feelings, desire to serve others, and reasonable working hours were the predominant reasons that motivated females to become a dentist (p<0.05). Also, academic interest and interest in a medical field were significantly influencing factors for female students (p<0.05 and p=0.001, respectively). One-hundred and ninety-seven students (86 percent) expressed a goal of specializing in a specific branch of dentistry; orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery were the top-ranked specialties. Although only 41 percent of the students were of Istanbul origin, 82.5 percent reported that they wish to practice in Istanbul.     

Changing Disease Course of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Children,Turkey

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), endemic in certain regions of the world, is listed as a priority disease with pandemic potential. Since CCHF was first identified in Turkey, children have been known to experience milder disease than adults. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed an unusually severe disease course, including hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). We examined cytokine/chemokine profiles of 9/12 case-patients compared with healthy controls at 3 time intervals. Interferon pathway–related cytokines/chemokines, including interleukin (IL) 18, macrophage inflammatory protein 3α, and IL-33, were elevated, but tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, CXCL8 (formerly IL-8), and cytokines acting through C-C chemokine receptor 2 and CCR5 were lower among case-patients than controls. Interferon pathway activation and cytokines/chemokines acting through CCR2 and CCR5 improved health results among children with severe CCHF. Children can experience severe CCHF, including HLH, and HLH secondary to CCHF can be successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and steroid therapy.     

The effect of betaine treatment on triglyceride levels and oxidative stress in the liver of ethanol-treated guinea pigs

We investigated the effect of betaine supplementation on ethanol induced steatosis and alterations in prooxidant and antioxidant status in the liver of guinea pigs. Animals were fed with normal chow or betaine containing chow (2% w/w) for 30 days. Ethanol (3 g/kg, i.p.) was given for the last 10 days. We found that ethanol treatment caused significant increases in plasma transaminase activities, hepatic triglyceride and lipid peroxide levels. Significant decreases in glutathione (GSH), -tocopherol and total ascorbic acid (AA) levels were also observed, but hepatic superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione transferase activities remained unchanged as compared with those in controls. Betaine treatment together with ethanol in guinea pigs is found to decrease hepatic triglyceride, lipid peroxide levels and serum transaminase activities and to increase GSH levels. No changes in a-tocopherol and total AA levels and antioxidant enzyme activities were observed with betaine treatment in alcohol treated guinea pigs. In addition, histopathological assessment of guinea pigs showed that betaine reduced the alcoholic fat accumulation in the liver. Based on these data, betaine treatment has a restoring effect on the alterations in triglyceride, lipid peroxide and GSH levels following ethanol ingestion.     

Protective effects of estrogen and bortezomib in kidney tissue of post-menopausal rats: an ultrastructural study

Purpose: Symptoms and disorders related to menopause and its associated estrogen deficiency have become a considerable health concern worldwide. Ovarian hormone depletion/estrogen deficiency can be usefully studied using animal models after removal of the ovaries [ovariectomy (Ovx)]. This study assessed renal changes after Ovx-induced estrogen deficiency in a rat model.

Methods: Rats were randomly allotted into one control group (group I, healthy) and three study groups (group II, Ovx group; group III, Ovx +17β-estradiol group; and group IV, Ovx?+?bortezomib group).

Results: In the Ovx group (group II), thickening of glomerular capillary walls, narrowing of Bowman’s capsular space, glomerular hypertrophy, atrophic tubules, and loss of the basal membranes of the tubules were observed. Mesangial cell proliferation was observed, particularly in the glomerulus. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining studies in this group showed dense staining in the mesangial cells, tubular cell Nf-KB/p65, and caspase-3. Groups III and IV (Ovx +17β-estradiol and Ovx?+?bortezomib) showed decreased NF-kB/p65 and caspase-3 expression compared with the Ovx group (p?Conclusion: In renal failure related to estrogen deficiency caused by Ovx, 17β-estradiol and bortezomib have a protective effect on renal tissue.     

Immunodetection of thyroid hormone receptor (alpha1/alpha2) in the rat uterus and oviduct

The aim of this study was to investigate the immunolocalization and the existence of thyroid hormone receptors (THR) (alpha1/alpha2) in rat uterus and oviduct. For this purpose 6 female Wistar albino rats found in estrous period were used. Tissue samples fixed in 10% neutral formalin were examined immunohistochemically. Sections were incubated with primary mouse-monoclonal THR (alpha1/alpha2) antibody. In uterus, THR (alpha1/alpha2) immunoreacted strongly with uterine luminal epithelium, endometrial gland epithelium and endometrial stromal cells and, moderately with myometrial smooth muscle. In oviduct, they were observed moderately in the epithelium of the tube and the smooth muscle cells of the muscular layer.In conclusion, the presence of THR in uterus and oviduct suggests that these organs are an active site of thyroid hormones.     

The relationship between physical impairment and disability during stroke rehabilitation: effect of cognitive status

The objectives of this study were to assess the relationship between physical impairment and disability during stroke rehabilitation and to determine the effect of cognitive functions on physical impairment during rehabilitation. Prospectively collected data from stroke patients admitted for rehabilitation were compared at admission and at discharge by the Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment (the Chedoke Assessment) impairment inventory and subscores of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). The Chedoke Assessment was used to measure physical impairment in the lower extremities and the FIM was used to measure physical disability; motor and cognitive subscales of the FIM instrument were also evaluated. Although stroke-related impairment and motor FIM were significantly correlated with each other, cognitive measures on the FIM at discharge were not correlated with motor impairment, although cognitive disability was slightly improved. It is possible that dependency in physical activities of daily living and walking after stroke are mostly affected by degree of motor impairment.     

Could mini-PET be used to instead of 4 h original-PET to assess peritoneal permeability in children on peritoneal dialysis?

Background: Original peritoneal equilibration test (PET) is an implementation that requires hard work for peritoneal dialysis (PD) staff. Therefore, several authors have attempted to validate short and fast PET protocols, with controversial results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concordance between the mini-PET and original PET in children. Methods: In 26 stable continuous ambulatory PD patients, we performed an original PET with 2.27% (4?h) and a mini-PET with 3.86% glucose PD fluid (1?h) and compared ultrafiltration (UF) and small solute transports obtained with the two methods. Results: Twenty-six children, 14 males, mean age 11.4 ± 5.6 (range 2.5–19?years), were included. Meantime on PD at time of enrollment was 35.2 ±?24.5?months (range 6–84?months). Based on the 4-h creatinine D/P data, the number of the patients within each transport category was as follow: high, 5; average, 18; low, 3. Kappa test showed a significant concordance between original PET and mini-PET (k?=?0.610). Based on the 4-h glucose D/D₀ data, the number of the patients within each transport category was as follow: high, 5; average, 17; low, 4. Kappa test showed a moderate agreement between original PET and mini-PET (0.514, p?=?0.000). When Pearson correlation analysis between original PET and mini-PET was performed, there were significant positive correlations between original 2.27% PET and mini-PET (r?=?0.720, p?=?0.000, r?=?0.638, p?=?0.000, respectively). When comparing the numeric results of mini-PET and 4?h of original PET for D/C_reatinine, by simple regression analysis, we found statistically significant correlation among PETs. Conclusions: In this study, we showed concordance between the mini-PET and original PET. The 3.86% mini-PET is simple and fast methods to assess free water transport. This also gives information about total UF and small solute transports and it is in good agreement with the original PET.