Comparison of the Torsional Resistance of 4 Different Glide Path Instruments

IntroductionThe present study aimed to compare the torsional strength of the initial files of the Mtwo (VDW, Munich, Germany) and novel Rotate systems (VDW, Munich, Germany) with the ProGlider (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and R-Pilot (VDW) glide path instruments.MethodsThe Mtwo (10/.04), ProGlider (16/.02), R-Pilot (12.5/.04), and Rotate (15/.04) glide path files were compared regarding their torsional strength, which was tested using a specially designed test device (N = 20). The data obtained were statistically analyzed at 5% significance level using 1-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey test. The fragment surfaces and separated instruments were examined with ×50, ×100, and ×1000 magnification under a scanning electron microscope.ResultsThe R-Pilot group showed the highest torsional strength value among all groups (P < .05), whereas there was no significant difference between the torsional strength values of the Mtwo and ProGlider groups (P > .05). The Rotate group had the lowest torsional strength among all groups (P < .05). The Mtwo group showed the lowest angle of rotation among all groups (P < .05).ConclusionsAlthough the R-Pilot glide path file exhibited the highest torsional strength in all groups, Rotate showed the highest angle of rotation. Differences in torsional resistance of the instruments may be associated with their manufacturing methods and design features.     

Effects of estradiol–drospirenone hormone treatment on carotid artery intima-media thickness and vertigo/dizziness in postmenopausal women

Aim  

To investigate the effects of Angeliq on hormonal, metabolic, biochemical and cardiovascular profile, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and vertigo/dizziness symptoms in postmenopausal women.     

Combined use of histopathology with touch smear cytology in biopsies of the larynx

The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the effectiveness of combined use of histopathology with cytology in biopsies of the larynx. Biopsies taken for this purpose are studied by using two different methods and the results are evaluated. One hundred and thirty-five patients with suspected malignant laryngeal lesions were examined by direct microlaryngoscopy for primary diagnosis. Each lesion was biopsied first. Subsequently touch smear cytology was obtained from the biopsies. In all cases, cytologic slides (one or two per biopsy) were screened and compared to corresponding biopsies. Lesions were categorized as benign, laryngeal intraepithelial neoplasia and malignant. Results obtained were compared with surgical samples obtained from patients who have undergone surgery. In other cases, where surgery was not applied, results of the follow-up were evaluated. In larynx biopsies the results for histopathology were as follows: sensitivity 93.9%, specificity 100% and accuracy 96.3%. The results for cytology were as follows: sensitivity 82.5%, specificity 94.5% and accuracy 87.4%. A comparison of cytologic evaluation versus histopathologic evaluation in laryngeal biopsies reveals that histopathology is superior. According to the study results, in 88.9% (120/135) of the cases the agreement between cytological and histopathological results was found. In two other cases (1.5%) cytologic evaluation contributed to the histopathologic diagnosis.     

The effect of radiological hand osteoarthritis on hand function

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of osteoarthritis (OA) on hand function in elderly patients. One hundred elderly patients with a mean age of 68.50 ± 6.37 years (87 women, 13 men) were enrolled to the study. Radiological hand OA was defined as the presence of Kellgren–Lawrence (K–L) grade ≥ 2. Grip strength, and lateral, tip, and three-fingered pinches were measured. Hand function was assessed by Dreiser’s functional index. Subjective hand disability was assessed by the hand disability index of Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and by self-reported functional limitation. Coordination was evaluated by testing for rapid alternating movement (RAM) and fine finger movement (FFM). The Jebsen test of hand function was used to determine functional hand use. Forty patients had K–L ≥ 2 radiological hand OA, and 60 patients had K–L = 0 and 1 and were accepted as the control group. In the clinical examination, 54 patients had Heberden’s nodules and 35 had Bouchard’s nodules. Self-reported functional limitation tests (activities like carrying a bundle and handling or fingering small objects) were significantly worse in patients with radiographic hand OA, and also, non-dominant hand RAM was slower in the same group. According to the evaluation of the radiologic grades of OA, grades 3–4 OA had higher scores than the control and grade 2 OA group. Our results suggest that there is a lack of association between radiological hand OA and Jebsen test and objective hand functions like grip and pinch strength, but the patients with radiological hand OA have restrictions in the self-reported functional limitation test. The presence of tenderness, pain, and Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodules had a negative effect on hand functions. Dreiser’s functional index and the hand disability index of HAQ were found as related parameters with the radiological grade of OA.     

New results for monogenic diabetes with analysis of causative genes using next-generation sequencing: a tertiary centre experience from Turkey

International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries - Although monogenic diabetes accounts for a small proportion of diabetes cases, accurate diagnosis may significantly change treatment....     

The independent association of plateletcrit with long-term outcomes in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Purpose

Platelets play a key role in the genesis of thrombosis. Plateletcrit (PCT) provides complete information on total platelet mass. The relationship between PCT values and long-term outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who undergo primary angioplasty is not known. We sought to determine the effect of PCT values on the outcomes of primary angioplasty for STEMI.

Methods

Overall, 2572 consecutive STEMI patients (mean age, 56.6 ± 11.8 years) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled retrospectively into the present study. Plateletcrit at admission was measured as part of the automated complete blood count. Patients were classified into 2 groups: high PCT (> 0.237, n = 852) and nonhigh PCT (< 0.237, n = 1720). Clinical characteristics and in-hospital and long-term (median, 21 months) outcomes of primary angioplasty were analyzed.

Results

A higher in-hospital shock rate was observed among patients with high PCT values compared with those with nonhigh PCT values (6.5 vs 3.8%, respectively; P = .003). The long-term cardiovascular prognosis was worse for patients with high PCT values (Kaplan-Meier, log-rank test; P = .007). We used Cox proportional hazard models to examine the association between PCT and adverse clinical outcomes. High PCT values were also an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.061-3.22; P = .03).

Conclusion

High PCT values on admission are independently associated with long-term adverse outcomes in patients with STEMI who undergo primary angioplasty.     

Vitamin D receptor gene BsmI, FokI, ApaI, TaqI polymorphisms and bone mineral density in a group of Turkish type 1 diabetic patients

Previous studies have suggested an influence of vitamin D receptor alleles on bone metabolism and on susceptibility to type 1 diabetes mellitus in different ethnic populations. We aimed to investigate the distribution of vitamin D receptor (VDR) alleles in relation to biochemical bone turnover parameters and bone densitometry measurements in a group of Turkish type 1 diabetic patients. One hundred and seventeen patients (M/F 57/60, 27.6?±?7.3?y duration of diabetes 8.1?±?6.3?y) and 134 healthy controls (M/F 61/73, 26.2?±?5.3?y) were included in the study. Bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) polymorphisms FokI, Bsm1, Apa1, and Taq1 were examined using a PCR-based restriction analysis. Serum levels of calcium, phosphor osteocalcin, intact parathyroid hormone, and C telopeptide were measured. Vitamin D receptor Bsm1 Fok1, Apa1, and Taq1 genotype distributions were not different between patient with diabetes and control groups. BMD was 0.77?±?0.2?g/cm(2) vs. 0.97?±?0.2?g/cm(2) (P?=?0.0001) for the femur, 1.0?±?0.1?g/cm(2) vs. 1.13?±?0.1?g/cm(2) (P?=?0.001) for type 1 diabetic patients and controls. Bone turnover markers were significantly lower in type 1 diabetic group. BMD measurements and bone metabolic markers were not different between the genotypes in either the patient with diabetes or the controls. The VDR gene polymorphisms, Bsm1, Fok 1, Apa1, and Taq1 showed no influence on bone metabolism in our group of type 1 diabetic patients.     

Amelioration of proteolipid protein 139-151-induced encephalomyelitis in SJL mice by modified amino acid copolymers and their mechanisms

Copolymer 1 [Cop1, glatiramer acetate, Copaxone, poly(Y,E,A,K)n] is widely used in the treatment of relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis in which it reduces the frequency of relapses by approximately 30%. In the present study, copolymers with modified amino acid compositions (based on the binding motif of myelin basic protein 85-99 to HLA-DR2) have been developed with the aim of suppressing multiple sclerosis more effectively. The enhanced efficacy of these copolymers in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced in SJL/J mice with proteolipid protein 139-151 was demonstrated by using three protocols: (i) simultaneous administration of autoantigen and copolymer (termed prevention), (ii) pretreatment with copolymers (vaccination), or (iii) administration of copolymers after disease onset (treatment). Strikingly, in the treatment protocol administration of soluble VWAK and FYAK after onset of disease led to stasis of its progression and suppression of histopathological evidence of EAE. The mechanisms by which these effects are achieved have been examined in several types of assays: binding of copolymers to I-A(s) in competition with proteolipid protein 139-151 (blocking), cytokine production by T cells (T helper 2 polarization), and transfer of protection by CD3(+) splenocytes or, notably, by copolymer-specific T cell lines (induction of regulatory T cells). The generation of these copolymer-specific regulatory T cells that secrete IL-4 and IL-10 and are independent of the immunizing autoantigen is very prominent among the multiple mechanisms that account for the observed suppressive effect of copolymers in EAE.