Evaluation of subclinical inflammation in familial Mediterranean fever patients: relations with mutation types and attack status: a retrospective study

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disease of childhood and adulthood. Development of systemic amyloidosis and frequent attack influence quality of life and survival. There is sporadic evidence indicating subclinical inflammation in patients with FMF. We aimed to assess subclinical inflammation using neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in pediatric patients with FMF in the attack-free period. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the files of all FMF patients in our pediatric rheumatology outpatient clinic in a tertiary center and enrolled those with sufficient clinical and laboratory data. We also enrolled 73 controls. We grouped the patients according to being in attack period or attack-free period. We compared CRP, NLR, PLR, and WBC (white blood cell) levels between different mutations and polymorphisms. We also compared patients in the attack period with those in attack-free period. We enrolled 61 patients in attack period, 509 patients in attack-free period, and 73 controls. There was no difference between patients with different mutations with respect to NLR or PLR levels in the attack-free period. However, CRP levels were higher in patients with homozygous exon 10 mutations, especially those with homozygous M694V mutations compared with other mutations. However, CRP levels were mostly normal in these patients. Our data are against the reported fact that patients with FMF have higher NLR or PLR levels in attack-free periods. However, CRP levels were higher in the presence of homozygous exon 10 mutations (in particular homozygous M694V mutations).     

In vitro comparison of autoclave polymerization on the transverse strength of denture base resins

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of autoclave polymerization on the transverse strength of denture base polymers. To this end, 30 rectangular test specimens were fabricated of two heat-polymerized denture base polymers. The test groups were: (I) control, i.e., conventional water bath to polymerize resins by heat at 100 degrees C for 30 minutes; (II) autoclave polymerization at 60 degrees C for 30 minutes followed by 130 degrees C for 10 minutes; and (III) autoclave polymerization at 60 degrees C for 30 minutes followed by 130 degrees C for 20 minutes. The specimens were tested with three-point bending test at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. It was revealed that the transverse strength of specimens increased with statistical significance when the autoclave was used for polymerization.     

Signal-Averaged Electrocardiogram May Be a Beneficial Prognostic Procedure in the Postoperative Follow-Up Tetralogy of Fallot Patients to Determine the Risk of Ventricular Arrhythmias

Early detection of arrhythmias after congenital heart disease surgery is important because it can help decrease morbidity and mortality. Standard electrocardiograms (ECGs) contain frequencies between 0.05 and 100 Hz, but higher frequencies are also present. Using high-resolution technology, the highest amplitudes of these high-frequency components within the QRS complex can be recorded and analyzed. We studied the relationship between ventricular late potentials, ventricular arrhythmias and right ventricular systolic pressure in 22 patients who underwent tetralogy of Fallot repair (mean follow-up, 40.1 ± 33.5 months). Holter ECG monitoring and signal-averaged electrocardiograms (SAECGs) were performed. SAECG parameters studied included the duration of the filtered QRS, the duration of terminal QRS below 40 μV, and the root mean square amplitude of the terminal 40 msec. Cardiac catheterization was performed on 19 patients. Eighteen healthy volunteers were studied as a control. Ventricular arrhythmias were found in 13 patients; right ventricular systolic hypertension was found in 1 patient. No significant residual ventricular septal defects were detected. Eight patients had ventricular late potentials. Right ventricular systolic pressure did not differ significantly between patients with or without late potentials. There were significant differences between patients with ventricular arrhythmias and healthy volunteers; filtered QRS duration was significantly longer in patients with ventricular arrhythmias. SAECG may be beneficial in determining ventricular arrhythmia risk in tetralogy of Fallot patients postoperatively.     

Structure of benzene from mass-correlated rotational Raman spectroscopy

We present high resolution rotational Raman spectra and derived geometry parameters for benzene. Rotational Raman spectra with sub-5 MHz resolution were obtained via high-resolution mass-correlated rotational alignment spectroscopy. Isotopologue spectra for C₆H₆, ¹³C–C₅H₆, C₆D₆, and ¹³C–C₅D₆ were distinguished through their correlated mass information. Spectra for ¹³C₆H₆ were obtained with lower resolution. Equilibrium and effective bond lengths were estimated from measured inertial moments, based on explicit assumptions and approximations. We discuss the origin of significant bias in previously published geometry parameters and the possibility to derive H,D isotope-specific bond lengths from purely experimental data.

We present high resolution rotational Raman spectra and derived geometry parameters for benzene isotopologues. Rotational Raman spectra with sub-5 MHz resolution were obtained via high-resolution mass-correlated rotational alignment spectroscopy.     

Does the rhythm and appliance type of rapid maxillary expansion have an effect on root resorption?: A comparative clinical study using micro–computed tomography

ObjectivesTo evaluate the volume, amount, and localization of root resorption in the upper first premolars by micro–computed tomography (micro-CT) after three different rapid maxillary expansion appliances and two different activation rhythms.Materials and MethodsThe patients were divided into three groups; Hyrax, acrylic cap splint (ACS), and full coverage acrylic bonded (FCAB) appliances. Each group was then divided into the following two subgroups: rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and semirapid maxillary expansion (SRME). After expansion was completed, the appliances were stabilized for 12 weeks during the retention period. For each group, 10 premolars (for a total of 60 premolars) were scanned with the micro-CT (SkyScan). The reconstructed 3D images of each root sample were divided into six regions. The resorption craters on these six different root surfaces were analyzed by special CTAn (SkyScan) software for direct volumetric measurements. Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe total volume of root resorption was less with FCAB than with ACS and Hyrax (P < .001). In all groups, a greater volume of resorption was found on the buccal surface than on the lingual surface (P < .001). No significant differences were found between the RME and SRME groups (P > .05).ConclusionsAll expansion appliances caused root resorption in the upper first premolar teeth, but FCAB may be safer in terms of root resorption. The resorption craters were generally concentrated on the buccal surface. There was no effect of activation rhythm on root resorption.     

Temporary confusion depending on the usage of naratriptan

In this report, a case with vitamin B12 deficiency showing a temporary confusion depending on the usage of naratriptan during the migraine attack was presented.     

Neonatal line on fetus and infant teeth : An indicator of live birth and mode of delivery

Background

The neonatal line (NL) is an important issue in forensic odontology. It is the sign of a developmental birth defect, which is caused by the effect of metabolic stress on tooth structures when the fetus passes to extrauterine life.

Aims

The aim of this research is to determine the existence and thickness of NL in teeth, as it is a legal necessity to indicate the signs of viability at birth in a forensic examination of a fetus or infant case.

Study design and subjects

This research was conducted on 48 lower left and right lateral teeth, which were taken from 24 autopsy cases (46% female and 54% male). Left lateral teeth were sectioned in a vertical plane and right lateral teeth were sectioned in a horizontal plane. The NL thickness was measured with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). These cases comprised three conditions as: 70.3% normal birth, 16.7% caesarean sections, and 12.5% still birth cases under the legal and ethical permission.

Outcome measures

The mean NL thickness of normal birth cases was higher than caesarean cases as 7.7 μm and 2.5 μm, respectively.

Results and conclusions

The results showed a statistical significance between all birth conditions. NL does not exist in still birth cases (p < 0.001). Not only is the presence of NL a sign of live birth, but also its thickness is an indicator of the delivery mode where NL thickness of normal birth was found thicker than the caesarean cases.     

Investigation of an algorithm for anti HCV EIA reactivity in blood donor screening in Turkey in the absence of nucleic acid amplification screening

Purpose

In this study we aimed to propose an algorithm for initial anti HCV EIA reactive blood donations in Turkey where nucleic acid amplification tests are not yet obligatory for donor screening.

Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism with allergic contact dermatitis

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays an important role in the physiological control of blood pressure and inflammation. Insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the gene for ACE was investigated in relation to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible association between allergic contact dermatitis and insertion/deletion polymorphism of the ACE gene. A total of 90 patients with allergic contact dermatitis and 160 control persons were enrolled in the present study. ACE I/D genotypes were determined by the polymerase chain reaction. Allelic frequencies and genotype distribution of the ACE I/D polymorphism in the patient group were significantly different from control group (ACE II genotype 30.0% versus 17.5%, P = 0.022; ACE I allele 51.7% versus 39.4%, P = 0.008). Our data suggest that the ACE polymorphism could be a risk factor for patients with allergic contact dermatitis.