Serum,salivary, and tissue levels of plasminogen in familial Mediterranean fever,amyloidosis, and chronic periodontitis

1 Background

There are no published studies regarding the role of the plasminogen (PLG) system in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), FMF‐associated secondary amyloidosis, or chronic periodontitis (CP), although recent limited data have focused on the association between FMF and chronic periodontitis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the serum, salivary, and gingival tissue levels of PLG in patients with CP, FMF, and amyloidosis.

2 Methods

The study population included 122 patients with FMF (only FMF, and FMF and amyloidosis and 128 individuals who were systemically healthy controls. Blood and salivary samples were obtained from the cases and controls, and clinical periodontal parameters were recorded. Serum and salivary PLG levels were assessed. The gingival tissue samples of the case and control groups were analyzed histopathologically and immunohistochemically for amyloid deposition and PLG.

3 Results

The amyloidosis group had significantly more severe clinical periodontal parameters than those of the FMF and systemically healthy groups (P < 0.05). Salivary levels of PLG were significantly higher in the FMF and amyloidosis groups compared with those in the control group (P < 0.001). The FMF with periodontitis and amyloidosis with periodontitis groups had higher salivary PLG levels compared with those in the CP group. Serum and salivary PLG levels were significantly associated with the clinical periodontal parameters in the FMF group. The amyloidosis cases had hyperplasia, severe inflammation, and activation of the gingiva.

4 Conclusion

The PLG system could play an important role in inflammatory diseases, such as chronic periodontitis, FMF, and FMF‐associated secondary amyloidosis.     

Cefuroxime-induced lupus

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus (DILE) is a syndrome that shares symptoms and laboratory characteristics with idiopathic systemic lupus erythematosus. Recognition of DILE is important because it usually reverts within a few weeks after stopping the offending drug. Antibiotics are uncommonly associated with DILE, and cefuroxime has never been incriminated as a cause. We present herein the first case of DILE induced by cefuroxime. Although this is the first report of cefuroxime-induced DILE, we should be aware of this occurrence.     

Unveiling the optical parameters of vanadium dioxide in the phase transition region: a hybrid modeling approach

The phase change behavior of vanadium dioxide (VO₂) has been widely explored in a variety of optical and photonic applications. Commonly, its optical parameters have been studied in two extreme regimes: hot (metallic) and cold (insulating) states. However, in the transition temperatures, VO₂ acts like an inherent metamaterial with mixed metallic-insulating character. In this range, the portions of metallic and insulating inclusions are tuned by temperature, and therefore a gradual change of optical parameters can be achieved. In this paper, a universal hybrid modeling approach is developed to model VO₂ in the intermediate region. For this aim, the measured reflectivity data, is analyzed and matched through the transfer matrix method (TMM) simulations where an effective medium theory (EMT) is employed. Based on the findings of this approach, not only the relative portions of inclusions are tailored but also their grain shapes are significantly altered in the transition range. Finally, the modeling approach is testified by experimental findings through dynamic device applications operating at short and mid infrared wavelengths. In addition, the hysteretic behaviors on electrical, optical, and structural parameters of the VO₂ film along the heating and cooling cycles are demonstrated by the experiments and scrutinized by the simulations.

A universal hybrid modeling approach is developed to model VO₂ in transition, revealing dynamic behavior of metallic inclusions and grain shapes.     

Urgent Abdominal Re-Explorations

Background  

Treatment of a number of complications that occur after abdominal surgeries may require that Urgent Abdominal Re-explorations (UARs), the life-saving and obligatory operations, are performed. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the reasons for performing UARs, outcomes of relaparotomies (RLs) and factors that affect mortality.     

Sialoblastoma of the parotid gland

A 3 year-old girl presented with a 6- months history of facial swelling in the region of cheek. Physical examination revealed a firm, non-tender, non- erythematous, mobile, 3 × 3 cm mass in the right cheek. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the mass demonstrated significiant mitotic activity, slight pleomorfism and atypical cells. A transoral incisional biopsy was also done for accurate diagnosis and the tumor was diagnosed as sialoblastoma. After performing superficial parotidectomy, the tumor was excised with large margins. No adjuvant treatment was given and no recurrence has been noted after 6 months. Despite the rareness of the disease, pathologists and otolaryngologists should always consider the possibility of sialoblastoma of salivary glands in childhood and it can be best described as locally agressive with malignant potential.     

The association between thyroid hormones and arterial stiffness in peritoneal dialysis patients

Background/Aims  

The association between thyroid hormones and arterial stiffness is unclear. In this study, we investigated, for the first time in a large cohort of euthyroid peritoneal dialysis patients, the relationship between thyroid hormone levels and arterial stiffness.     

The evaluation of vitamin D levels in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). 25(OH)D levels were checked in 108 consecutive patients with CTS symptoms and 52 healthy controls. All patients underwent nerve conduction studies and completed Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BQ) symptom severity and functional status scales to quantify symptom severity, pain status and functional status. There were 57 patients with electrophysiological confirmed CTS (EP+ group) and 51 electrophysiological negative symptomatic patients (EP? group). 25(OH) D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml) was found in 96.1 % of EP? group, in 94.7 % of EP+ group and in 73.8 % of control group. 25(0H) D level was found significantly lower both in EP+ and EP? groups compared to control group (p = 0.006, p < 0.001, respectively). Although mean vitamin D level in EP? group was lower than EP+ group, statistically difference was not significant between EP+ and EP? groups (p = 0.182). BQ symptom severity and functional status scores and BQ pain sum score were not significantly different between EP+ and EP? groups. We found no correlation with 25(OH) D level for BQ symptom severity, functional status and pain sum scores. 25(OH) D deficiency is a common problem in patients with CTS symptoms. As evidenced by the present study, assessment of serum 25(OH)D is recommended in CTS patients even with electrophysiological negative results.     

Paradoxical embolism in Ebstein’s anomaly

A 26-year-old man with Ebstein’s anomaly had cerebellar infarction due to paradoxical embolism. Ebstein’s anomaly is characterized by a downward displacement of the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle due to anomalous attachment of the tricuspid leaflets. Echocardiography is the method of choice to diagnose Ebstein’s anomaly on its own or in association with other heart defects. Paradoxical embolism is a potential complication whenever a right to left shunt exists (for example, atrial septal defect). Ebstein’s anomaly diagnosed in adult life is a benign and stable disease, particularly if the patient is asymptomatic; surgical correction must be performed if the patient becomes symptomatic because of either paradoxical embolism or worsening of the tricuspid regurgitation.