Interleukin-1alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-1Ra polymorphisms in febrile seizures

Febrile seizures are the most common form of childhood seizures. The exact mechanism promoting convulsions during a common febrile illness remains unknown, but it is accepted that genetic influences are likely to account for at least some of the cases. Previous studies reported high interleukin-1beta levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with febrile seizures. Recently, an association between a regulatory polymorphism in the genes encoding interleukin-1beta and interleukin-1Ra and febrile seizures was reported. In this study, we attempted to confirm these findings. We analyzed the cytokine gene polymorphisms of interleukin-1beta, interleukin-1alpha, and interleukin-1Ra of 73 children with febrile seizure and 152 healthy controls. The distribution of interleukin-1beta -511, interleukin-1alpha -889, and interleukin-1Ra genotypes and alleles did not differ significantly between cases and controls. Our data suggest that the studied gene polymorphisms of interleukin-1beta, interleukin-1alpha, and interleukin-1Ra do not have a significant role in the pathogenesis of febrile seizures.     

Mapping techniques for aligning sulci across multiple brains

Visualization and mapping of function on the cortical surface is difficult because of its sulcal and gyral convolutions. Methods to unfold and flatten the cortical surface for visualization and measurement have been described in the literature. This makes visualization and measurement possible, but comparison across multiple subjects is still difficult because of the lack of a standard mapping technique. In this paper, we describe two methods that map each hemisphere of the cortex to a portion of a sphere in a standard way. To quantify how accurately the geometric features of the cortex -- i.e., sulci and gyri -- are mapped into the same location, sulcal alignment across multiple brains is analyzed, and probabilistic maps for different sulcal regions are generated to be used in automatic labelling of segmented sulcal regions.     

Current therapeutic approaches in childhood chronic hepatitis B infection: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of three different regimens in childhood chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. METHODS: A total of 182 children with CHB infection were prospectively allocated to three random groups. Sixty-two patients in the first group received high-dose interferon (IFN)-alpha 2b (10 MU/m2) thrice/weekly alone for 6 months. In the second (n = 60) and third groups (n = 60), IFN-alpha was used for 6 months (5 MU/m2) thrice/weekly in combination with lamivudine (LAM) (4 mg/kg, maximum 100 mg/day) for 12 months. Lamivudine was started simultaneously with IFN in the second group, while it was started 2 months prior to IFN injections in the third group. RESULTS: The initial mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values for the first, second and third groups were 109 +/- 93 IU/L, 101 +/- 64 IU/L and 92 +/- 42 IU/L, respectively (P > 0.05). At the end of the therapy, ALT values decreased to 82 +/- 111 IU/L, 38 +/- 41 IU/L and 29 +/- 16 IU/L in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The mean ALT value of the first group was significantly different to the second and third groups (P = 0.046 and P = 0.002, respectively) at the end of the therapy and these differences were found to be sustained after 18 months. However, results in the second and third groups were similar (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in HBeAg clearance and anti-HBe seroconversion at the initial stage, 12 months and 18 months between the three groups (P > 0.05). Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA clearance in the first group was different from the second and third groups, while the second and third groups had similar HBV DNA clearance ratios at 12 and 18 months. No significant difference was found in the complete response (normalization of ALT, clearance of HBV DNA and seroconversion of anti HBe) ratios of all groups (at 12 months: 28.8, 45.5, 35.8% and at 18 months 33.3, 49 and 34% in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the ALT normalization and HBV DNA clearance ratios of IFN plus LAM combination groups were better than the high-dose IFN-alpha monotherapy group, no significant difference was found in the complete response ratios of all three groups.     

Metastatic endodermal sinus tumor: CT appearances

A one-week-old boy had undergone resection of a sacrococcygeal benign cystic teratoma. At the age of 12 months, he had a serum alpha-fetoprotein level of 139,000 IU/ml and a recurrent pelvic mass which was removed, and the microscopic examination revealed endodermal sinus tumor. Postoperatively, massively enlarged inguinal lymph nodes and abdominal distention developed. Computerized tomography displayed enlarged inguinal lymph nodes, metastatic lesions in the liver, and a pelvic recurrent mass. He received BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) chemotherapy regimen, and a complete remission was achieved with a normal serum alpha-fetoprotein. Close follow-up and serum alpha-fetoprotein monitoring are mandatory after the resection of a sacrococcygeal teratoma.     

A morphometric study on the humerus for intramedullary fixation

In recent years, the popularity of intramedullary humeral nailing is on the rise in spite of its handicaps. There are many problems in intramedullary humeral stabilization because of the anatomic structure of the bone. We performed various methods and measurements to determine shape, length and diameter and curvature of the medullary canal of the humerus in 57 human dry cadaver bones. Anterior angulation with an average of 21 cm apart from greater tubercle was found at 1/3 distal part. Mean degree of angulation was 9 degrees (max: 15, minutes: 5, S.D.: 2.84). Humerus bones with septal aperture (supratrochlear foramen) at the fossa coronoidea were observed to have very narrow medullary canal. The best point for nail insertion was found to be an area on the line from greater tubercle anteromedially to caput humeri. This study revealed that carefully evaluated structure of humeral medullary canal and various congenital constructions such as septal aperture, and correct selection of a nail with proper length and diameter are essential for successful nailing.     

Surgical approach to ascending aorta in bicuspid aortic valve

OBJECTIVE: Former studies have pointed out that hemodynamic stress imposed by associated valvular disease is the primary factor in the development of ascending aorta dilatation. At present, intrinsic wall pathology is blamed for dilatation and aneurysm formation in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed on 78 adult patients with BAV. Patients were divided into two groups. Group I (n = 27) underwent only AVR. Group II (n = 51) underwent AVR and additional ascending aorta procedures such as Shawl-Lapel aortoplasty (n = 12) and tailoring aortoplasty (n = 9). Dacron wrapping was performed after both techniques were done. Ascending aorta replacement was done on 11 patients by using composite graft. Supracoronary graft replacement was performed in 3 patients after AVR. RESULTS: Ascending aorta diameter increment was 1.25 mm/year in normotensive and 2.80 mm/ year in hypertensive patients. Ascending aorta aneurysm (diameter > 55 mm) developed in eight patients in the postoperative period in group I. Ascending aorta dilatation did not develop in group II patients. Mean survival time +/- standard error (SE) was 128 +/- 11 and 99 +/- 4 months and survival possibility was 77.78% and 92.16%. Freedom from reoperation was 65.4% and 95.9% in 8 years in group I and group II, respectively. CONCLUSION: Aortic wrapping with or without aortoplasty has a beneficial effect not only in dilated ascending aorta but also in all nondilated BAV patients with normal-sized aortic diameter. Ascending aorta wrapping in BAV patients preserves the endothelial lining and prevents further dilatation, aneurysm formation, and dissection.     

Determination of genistein in the Turkish Genista L. species by LC-MS

In this study, Genista species growing in Turkey were analysed for their total and free genistein content by using LC-MS method. The highest amount of total and free genistein was found in Genista tinctoria as 1.05% and 0.27% respectively and trace amount in G. libanotica. Total and free genistein content of the aerial parts of other Genista species varied from 0.01 to 0.18% and from 0.01 to 0.13% respectively.     

Conjoined twins: historical perspective and report of a case.

In this article we review the historically important cases of conjoined twins (Biddenden Maids, Siamese twins, Blazek sisters) and contemporary knowledge regarding incidence, etiopathogenesis, antenatal diagnosis, antenatal management, and outcome of conjoined twins. We also present a case of male cephalothoracoomphalopagus, which is extremely rare.