Plasma D -Lactate Levels in Diagnosis of Appendicitis

We investigated the possible use of D -lactate as a predictor in the diagnosis of appendicitis. C-reactive protein level (CRP) and leukocyte counts were also evaluated. Venous blood D -lactate, CRP, and leukocyte counts were measured preoperatively in 53 patients undergoing surgery for appendicitis, as well as in 20 healthy subjects. Levels of all three parameters in the surgical patients were significantly higher than in the control group ( p < .05). Previous studies have shown that venous D -lactate is more specific to the intestine than CPR or leukocyte count. Based on our data, venous D -lactate, which had the lowest false-negative rate among these laboratory parameters, may be a useful diagnostic marker for appendicitis. None of these parameters were helpful in identifying the type of the appendicitis.     

Sensorial donor site morbidity after saphenous neurocutaneous flap

Neurocutaneous flaps based on the arterial network around the superficial sensory nerves are popular in soft tissue coverage of the lower extremities, and are usually preferred in reconstruction of the lower leg and foot. Although sacrifice of sensory cutaneous nerves is mentioned as one of their major disadvantages to our knowledge the morbidity in the foot and at the donor site has not been properly investigated. We investigated sensorial morbidity in the foot and at the donor site caused by raising a saphenous neurocutaneous flap in 14 patients by using static two-point discrimination test, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, vibration test, and by measuring somatosensory evoked potentials in the twelfth postoperative month. Our results suggest that sensory recovery is good and protective sensation is gained in most patients.     

Resonance frequency analysis of orthodontic miniscrews subjected to light-emitting diode photobiomodulation therapy

The aim of this prospective experimental study was to evaluate the effect of light-emitting diode (LED) photobiomodulation therapy (LPT) on the stability of immediately loaded miniscrews under different force levels, as assessed by resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Sixty titanium orthodontic miniscrews with a length of 8 mm and a diameter of 1.4 mm were implanted into cortical bone by closed flap technique in each proximal tibia of 15 New Zealand white adult male rabbits (n = 30). The animals were randomly divided into irradiated and control groups under different force levels (0, 150, and 300 cN). OsseoPulse? LED device (Biolux Research Ltd.) 618 nm wavelength and 20 mW/cm(2) output power irradiation (20 minutes/day) was applied to the miniscrews for 10 days. The RFA records were performed at miniscrew insertion session (T1) and 21 days after surgery (T2). Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used for statistical evaluation at P < 0.005 level. It was found that initial primer stability of all miniscrews was similar in all groups at the start of the experimental procedure. Statistically significant differences were found for changes in implant stability quotient (ISQ) values between LED-photobiomodulated group and the control (0 cN, P = 0.001; 150 cN, P < 0.001; and 300 cN, P < 0.001). Significant increase was found in ISQ values of LPT applied miniscrews under 0 cN (+11.63 ISQ), 150 cN (+10.50 ISQ), and 300 cN (+7.00 ISQ) force during observation period. By the increase of force levels, it was determined that ISQ values decreased in non-irradiated control miniscrews. Within the limits of this in vivo study, the present RFA findings suggest that LPT might have a favourable effect on healing and attachment of titanium orthodontic miniscrews.     

Inferior Vena Cava Filter Evaluation and Management for the Diagnostic Radiologist: A Comprehensive Review Including Inferior Vena Cava Filter-Related Complications and PRESERVE Trial Filters

Inferior vena cava filters are commonly encountered devices on diagnostic imaging that were highlighted in a 2010 Food and Drug Administration safety advisory regarding their complications from long-term implantation. The Predicting the Safety and Effectiveness of Inferior Vena Cava Filters (PRESERVE) trial is an ongoing after-market study investigating the safety and utility of commonly utilized filters in practice today. While most of these filters are safe, prompt recognition and management of any filter-associated complication is imperative to prevent or reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with them. This review is aimed at discussing the appropriate utilization and placement of inferior vena cava filters in addition to the recognition of filter-associated complications on cross-sectional imaging. An overview of the PRESRVE trial filters is also provided to understand each filter's propensity for specific complications.     

Developing the Cyberostracism Scale and Examining its Psychometric Characteristics

International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction - This study aims to develop the Cyberostracism Scale (CS) to assess university students’ perceptions of virtual social exclusion....     

Why does chloroquine impair renal function?: Chloroquine may modulate the renal tubular response to vasopressin either directly by inhibiting cyclic AMP generation,or indirectly via nitric oxide

Chloroquine is one of the antimalaria drugs, also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although well tolerated in most individuals, it was suggested that chloroquine can exert a profound influence on renal function, especially in individuals with compromised body fluid status. However, epidemiological studies are still lacking. The renal actions of chloroquine are further exacerbated by co-administration of other commonly used drugs such as paracetamol. The following discussion will focus on the evidence that chloroquine is a stimulator of nitric oxide (NO), which mediates many of its renal actions (diuresis, natriuresis and an increase in both glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and plasma vasopressin). Chloroquine appears to modulate the renal tubular response to vasopressin either by directly inhibiting cAMP generation or indirectly via NO.