Clinical and cognitive profiles of patients with both Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor

Although Parkinson’s disease (PD) and essential tremor (ET) are distinct clinical disorders, their coexistence can sometimes cause diagnostic problems. In this study, we conducted detailed investigations of patients with both ET and PD (ET–PD) and compared their clinical and cognitive profiles with those of patients with only ET or only PD. This study examined three groups of patients: the first group had ET–PD concomitantly (n = 9); the second group had only ET (n = 9); the third group had only PD (n = 10). The groups were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, clinical features, and cognitive functions. With the exception of positive family histories, which were more common in ET–PD than in PD patients, we found no differences among the groups with respect to demographic characteristics (p = 0.044). PD-only patients had more akinetic-rigid type Parkinsonism (p = 0.016), and their levodopa response was better than that of ET–PD patients (p = 0.017). Patients with ET–PD obtained significantly lower scores than those with pure ET on several cognitive tests, suggesting a prominent frontal-type cognitive dysfunction. In conclusion ET–PD patients differed from PD patients, showing more frequent familial tremor histories and lower levodopa responsiveness. This patient population also demonstrated more severe cognitive impairments than pure-ET patients. This result suggests that ET–PD patients are a subset of ET patients with more widespread neurodegeneration, which may indicate the presence of a syndrome that includes overlap between ET and PD.     

The effects of polycystic ovary syndrome on gestational diabetes mellitus

The aim of this study was to explore the inter-relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome and gestational diabetes mellitus, and demonstrate maternal and fetal outcomes. This was a case-control study in 1360 pregnant women who received a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus between 24 and 28 weeks of gestational age. Among all diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, 150 pregnant women had received a polycystic ovary syndrome, and 160 women who did not have polycystic ovary syndrome were designated as controls. The incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension was 26.3% and 12% in the case and control groups, respectively. Preeclampsia was seen at an incidence of 12% and 6% in case and in control groups, respectively. The difference in neonatal hypoglycemia between the two groups was statistically significant, with an incidence of 17% and 5% in the case and in control groups, respectively. This study demonstrated that the presence of polycystic ovary syndrome along with gestational diabetes mellitus increases the risk of pregnancy induced hypertension by 2.4 fold, preeclampsia by 2 fold and neonatal hypoglycemia by 3.2 fold, compared to gestational diabetes mellitus alone.     

Spermatozoa protein alterations in infertile men with bilateral varicocele

Among infertile men, a diagnosis of unilateral varicocele is made in 90% of varicocele cases and bilateral in the remaining varicocele cases. However, there are reports of under-diagnosis of bilateral varicocele among infertile men and that its prevalence is greater than 10%. In this prospective study, we aimed to examine the differentially expressed proteins (DEP) extracted from spermatozoa cells of patients with bilateral varicocele and fertile donors. Subjects consisted of 17 men diagnosed with bilateral varicocele and 10 proven fertile men as healthy controls. Using the LTQ-orbitrap elite hybrid mass spectrometry system, proteomic analysis was done on pooled samples from 3 patients with bilateral varicocele and 5 fertile men. From these samples, 73 DEP were identified of which 58 proteins were differentially expressed, with 7 proteins unique to the bilateral varicocele group and 8 proteins to the fertile control group. Majority of the DEPs were observed to be associated with metabolic processes, stress responses, oxidoreductase activity, enzyme regulation, and immune system processes. Seven DEP were involved in sperm function such as capacitation, motility, and sperm-zona binding. Proteins TEKT3 and TCP11 were validated by Western blot analysis and may serve as potential biomarkers for bilateral varicocele. In this study, we have demonstrated for the first time the presence of DEP and identified proteins with distinct reproductive functions which are altered in infertile men with bilateral varicocele. Functional proteomic profiling provides insight into the mechanistic implications of bilateral varicocele-associated male infertility.     

Solitary bone metastasis in the tibia as a presenting sign of endometrial adenocarcinoma: a case report and the review of the literature

Background Metastasis to bone from endometrial adenocarcinoma is rare, when metastasises it usually locates in axial skeleton. Metastasis to extremities is extremely rare. Additionally the detection of the bone metastasis as a presenting feature is uncommon. In the present study we report the 10th cases of bone metastasis in the literature which located at tibial diaphysis and originated from endometrial adenocarcinoma as a presenting feature of the primary disease. Case Single tibial lesion was observed in a 70 years old woman. Biopsy confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma of the unknown origin. We couldn’t find the primary origin with aggressive work-up. Tibial lesion regressed with radiotherapy. Endometrial adenocarcinoma is detected after the end of disease-free one year with the symptom of vaginal bleeding. After 47 months from initial tibial lesion and 35 months from gynaecologic operation, patient is still alive and disease free. Discussion Patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma presenting an isolated skeletal metastasis may exhibit an unusual group with a better prognosis. This study was presented as a poster exhibition at the 5th Meeting of Asia-Pasific Musculo Skeletal Tumour Society held between 23 and 25, April 2004, Izmir, Turkey.     

Surface roughness and adherence of Candida albicans on soft lining materials as influenced by accelerated aging

AIM: Candida albicans (C. albicans) has been widely associated with the etiology of denture-related stomatitis and has been found on soft denture lining materials. The aim of this study was to examine the surface roughness and adherence of C. albicans to saliva coated and non-coated soft lining materials by subjecting them to an in vitro accelerated aging test. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Samples were prepared from three soft lining materials (Visco Gel, Ufi Gel P, Molloplast B). Surface roughness measurements and adhesion of C. albicans were examined before and after an aging process. The stimulated human whole saliva was used to assess its effect on adhesion. RESULTS: The aging process promotes the surface roughness of soft lining materials. The aging surface roughness of Visco Gel was significantly higher than Ufi Gel P and Molloplast B. No significant difference was observed between non-aged and uncoated materials, but aged and uncoated soft lining materials showed a greater adherence of C. albicans. No significant difference was observed between non-aged and saliva coated materials, but aged and saliva coated soft lining materials showed a greater adherence of C. albicans. CONCLUSIONS: Candidosis induced by C. albicans is the most common fungal infection. Awareness of susceptibility of soft lining materials to the adherence of C. albicans is an important factor in their selection. The use of soft lining materials with smooth surfaces minimizes the adherence of C. albicans.