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Background and Objectives : The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may cause acute respiratory failure, but also remains responsible for many other pathologies, including electrolyte disorders. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes disorders in many systems and can disrupt water homeostasis with thirst and appetite abnormalities. Dysnatremia affects prognosis, and may be associated with mortality in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2. Materials and Methods : The study included 209 patients admitted to the ICU between 12 April 2021 and 1 March 2022 who were over 18 years old and diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection by clinical and thoracic tomography findings or with a positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result. The laboratory markers, treatment modalities, nutritional, and respiratory support also for outcome evaluation, length of stay in the ICU, total hospitalization duration, and mortality in the ICU were recorded. The laboratory marker comparison was made using admission with the final assessment performed before the time of mortality in the ICU or after discharge. Results : Inotropic requirements among patients were high, which reflected mortality in the ICU. Hypernatremia presence was associated with an increase in enteral support, the inotropic support requirement, and mortality. Hypernatremia was correlated with diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, and a longer duration under mechanical ventilation. Conclusions : Hypernatremia was an important risk factor in ICU patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection, which was also affected by the treatment regimens given themselves. This complex relationship underlies the importance of proper electrolyte management, especially in patients who were under severe stress and organ failure.

Hodgkin-Reed-Sternberg cells (HRSCs) in classic Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) frequently lack expression of human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I), considered to hamper activation of cytotoxic T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we demonstrate HLA-I expression on HRSCs to be a strong determinant of TME composition whereas expression of HLA-II was associated with only minor differential gene expression in the TME. In HLA-I-positive HL the HRSC content and expression of CCL17/TARC in HRSCs are low, independent of the presence of Epstein-Barr virus in HRSCs. Additionally, HLA-I-positive HL shows a high content of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. However, an increased expression of the inhibitory immune checkpoint LAG3 on CD8+ T cells in close proximity to HRSCs is observed. Suggesting interference with cytotoxic activity, we observed an absence of clonally expanded T cells in the TME. While HLA-I-positive HL is not associated with an unfavorable clinical course in our cohorts, they share features with the recently described H2 subtype of HL. Given the major differences in TME composition, immune checkpoint inhibitors may differ in their mechanism of action in HLA-I-positive compared to HLA-I-negative HL., Competing Interests: Dr von Tresckow is an advisor or consultant for Allogene, BMS/Celgene, Cerus, Incyte, IQVIA, Gilead Kite, Lilly, Miltenyi, Novartis, Noscendo, Pentixapharm, Roche, Amgen, Pfizer, Takeda, Merck Sharp & Dohme, and Gilead Kite; has received honoraria from AstraZeneca, BMS, Incyte, Lilly, Novartis, Roche Pharma AG, Takeda, and Merck Sharp & Dohme; reports research funding from Novartis (Inst), Merck Sharp & Dohme (Inst), and Takeda (Inst); and reports travel support from AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Gilead Kite, Lilly, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Pierre Fabre, Roche, Takeda, and Novartis all outside the submitted work. Dr P. Borchmann reports grants from BMS during the conduct of the study. Dr Engert reports grants and nonfinancial support from BMS during the conduct of the study, and personal fees from Takeda, BMS, and MSD outside the submitted work. Dr Bröckelmann is an advisor or consultant for BeiGene, BMS, MSD, Stemline, and Takeda, received honoraria from BeiGene, BMS, MSD, Stemline, and Takeda, received travel support from BeiGene, Celgene, and Takeda, and reports research funding from BeiGene (Inst), BMS (Inst), MSD (Inst) and Takeda (Inst). Dr Klapper reports grants from Roche, Amgen, Takeda, Incyte, and Regeneron paid to his institution outside the submitted work. The remaining authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 The Authors. HemaSphere published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Hematology Association.)

Tumor-associated microglia and blood-derived macrophages (TAMs) play a central role in modulating the immune suppressive microenvironment in glioma. Here, we show that GPNMB is predominantly expressed by TAMs in human glioblastoma multiforme and the murine RCAS-PDGFb high grade glioma model. Loss of GPNMB in the in vivo tumor microenvironment results in significantly smaller tumor volumes and generates a pro-inflammatory innate and adaptive immune cell microenvironment. The impact of host-derived GPNMB on tumor growth was confirmed in two distinct murine glioma cell lines in organotypic brain slices from GPNMB-KO and control mice. Using published data bases of human glioma, the elevated levels in TAMs could be confirmed and the GPNMB expression correlated with a poorer survival., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To determine the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), fatigue, depression, and cardiac functions in patients with stable angina., Methods: A randomized, controlled, single-blinded study. Twenty patients (59.95 ± 7.35 y, LVEF = 58.77 ± 7.49) with stable angina received IMT at the lowest load (10 cmH 2 O), and 20 patients (55.85 ± 7.60 y, LVEF = 62.26 ± 7.75) received training at 30% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) seven days/8 weeks. Respiratory muscle strength (MIP; maximal expiratory pressure, MEP), peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary functions, functional exercise capacity (6-min walking test; exercise test), fatigue, HRQoL, depression, and cardiac functions were evaluated before and after., Results: A statistical difference was found between groups in terms of respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary functions, functional exercise capacity ( p  < 0.05). The results of fatigue, depression, HRQoL, and cardiac functions were similar between the groups ( p  > 0.05)., Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate the positive effects of IMT in patients with stable angina. IMT is a safe and effective method and is recommended to be added to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs and guidelines, as it results in increased peripheral muscle strength and functional exercise capacity in stable angina patients.Implications for rehabilitationInspiratory muscle training (IMT) is a safe and effective method for coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with stable angina.IMT improved respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, pulmonary functions, and health-related quality of life in CAD patients with stable angina.Perception of depression and fatigue were decreased with IMT in CAD patients with stable angina.

Background: Primary lymphoma of the central nervous system (PCNSL) encompasses a variety of lymphoma subtypes, with the majority being diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, which require aggressive systemic treatment. In contrast, low-grade lymphomas are reported infrequently and are mostly limited to dural manifestations. Very rarely, parenchymal low-grade PCNSL is diagnosed, and the cases documented in the literature show a wide variety of treatment approaches., Methods: We screened all cases of PCNSL treated at our department (a tertiary hematooncology and neurooncology center) in the last 15 years and conducted a comprehensive literature research in the PubMed database., Results: Overall, two cases of low-grade primary parenchymal PCNSL treated with irradiation were identified. The dose prescriptions ranged from 30.6 to 36 Gy for the involved site, with sparing of the hippocampal structures. Both patients had an excellent response to the treatment with a mean follow-up of 20 months. No clinical or radiological signs of treatment toxicity were detected., Conclusions: Our analysis corroborates the results from the literature and demonstrates that parenchymal low-grade PCNSL shows a good response to localized radiation treatment, enabling a favorable outcome while avoiding long-term treatment toxicity.

Background: Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is one of the most life-restricting coronary artery diseases, and symptom relief is the main goal in CCS patients who suffer from angina., Objectives: To assess the potential benefits of device-guided breathing in CCS patients with angina in this randomized, controlled, single-blinded study., Methods: Fifty-one patients with CCS received device-guided breathing for 7 days/8 weeks. Exercise capacity [exercise stress test], cardiac function [transthoracic echocardiography], and angina severity [Canadian Cardiovascular Society Classification] were evaluated initially and after the training. Device-guided breathing was performed at the lowest resistance of the device (POWERbreathe® Classic LR) for the control group (n = 17). The low load training group (LLTG; n = 18) and high load training group (HLTG; n = 16) were trained at 30% and 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure. Baseline characteristics were compared using one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. ANCOVA was performed to compare changes between three groups. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: Metabolic equivalent values were significantly improved in both HLTG and LLTG groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.003). The Duke treadmill score significantly improved and shifted to low-risk both in the HLTG (p < 0.001) and LLTG (p < 0.001) groups. Angina severity significantly alleviated after the training in both HLTG and LLTG groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.002)., Conclusions: An 8-week long program of short-term respiratory muscle training provided positive gains in exercise capacity and angina severity in CCS patients with angina. The effects of long-term training programs on CCS patients should be investigated clinically because of the possibility of helping to decrease the need for invasive treatments., Competing Interests: The authors stated that there is no conflict of interest.

Background: Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and hypertension (HTN) occur frequently in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but whether blood pressure (BP) influences CMD and outcomes is unknown., Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that HTN is associated with worse CMD and outcomes., Methods: This retrospective study included 690 HCM patients. All patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, and rhythm monitoring; 127 patients also underwent rest/vasodilator stress 13 NH 3 positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on their rest systolic blood pressure (SBP) (group 1 ≤110 mm Hg; group 2 111-140; group 3 >140 mm Hg) and were followed for development of ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF), heart failure (HF), death, and composite outcome., Results: Group 1 patients had the lowest age and left ventricular (LV) mass but the highest prevalence of nonobstructive hemodynamics and restrictive diastolic filling. LV scar was similar in the 3 groups. Group 1 had the lowest rest and stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) and highest SDS (summed difference score). Rest SBP was positively correlated with stress MBF and negatively correlated with SDS. Group 1 had the highest incidence of VT/VF, whereas the incidences of HF, death, and composite outcome were similar among the 3 groups. In multivariate analysis, rest SBP ≤110 mm Hg was independently associated with VT/VF (hazard ratio 2.6; 95% confidence interval 1.0-6.7; P = .04)., Conclusion: SBP ≤110 mm Hg is associated with greater severity of CMD and coronary microvascular ischemia and higher incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in HCM., (© 2023 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of Heart Rhythm Society.)

Background and Objective: To compare oxidative stress (OS) markers in the saliva, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and serum samples of pregnant women with gestational diabetes (GDM) and healthy pregnant women and to investigate the association between periodontal health/diseases and OS and GDM., Method: Eighty women with GDM and 80 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. Medical and clinical anamnesis was obtained from all the pregnant women included in the study, and their plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BoP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) measurements were performed. GCF, saliva, and serum samples were collected for the measurements of the local and systemic total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS)., Results: Clinical periodontal parameters were found to be significantly higher in the GDM group compared to the control group. The serum and saliva TAS, TOS, and TAS/TOS values were significantly lower in the GDM group than in the control group. In the analysis of the GCF samples, the mean TAS and TAS/TOS values were significantly lower and the TOS value was significantly higher in the GDM group than in the control group. The multivariate reduced model indicated that gravidity, salivary TAS/TOS, and GCF TAS were significant independent variables in the development of GDM (p < .05)., Conclusion: Our results indicated that the OS of serum, saliva, and GCF samples increased in patients with GDM compared to healthy pregnant women. The role of local OS parameters in GDM may be associated with elevated clinical periodontal parameters., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The study aims to determine the chemical contents of the surface water of the Duger Creek and the sediments of the Duger basin, which feeds the Burdur Lake, the correlation between these contents, the potential ecological risks of these contents, the toxic heavy metal contents, and their spatial distribution by using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy method. The Duger basin, which has been selected as the study area, is located on the streams feeding the Burdur Lake, which has been determined as the Ramsar area in Turkey. Burdur Lake has a key role in the ecological balance due to its biological diversity, characteristic animal/plant fauna since it provides a suitable area for seasonal migration of waterfowl. Considering all these functions, the surface water and sediment quality of the Duger basin, which is located in the streams feeding Burdur Lake, is critical. In this study, elemental compositions of 20 water and 20 sediment samples collected from the Duger basin were determined by using the XRF spectroscopy method. Many elements that may have toxicological characteristics in terms of human and environmental health have been detected in the surface water and sediment samples from the Duger basin. These elements were found to have the following average values: Al (60.09 mg/L), Co (3.35 mg/L), Zn (3.35 mg/L), Cu (2.21 mg/L), Cr (0.14 mg/L). It is interpreted that they may be toxic because they exceed the limits specified in WHO 2004. In this context, the surface water in the Duger basin, which feeds the Burdur Lake, must be filtered before using it as drinking water or for agricultural and livestock purposes. New strategic planning is suggested to ensure the sustainability of the basin's surface water quality., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide with a high mortality rate. Dietary fibers, both soluble and insoluble, are essential for reducing the risk of CRC. In this study, a meta-analysis was performed to examine the relationship between the soluble and insoluble dietary fiber consumption and CRC risk. The highest vs. lowest fiber concentrations were compared by using PRISMA guidelines. To determine publishing bias, the Egger test; assess study heterogeneity I 2 statistics were used. Studies that reported adjusted relative risk estimates with 95% confidence intervals (Cl) for the associations of interest were included. The results reveal that the relationship between soluble and insoluble fiber intake and the risk of CRC is almost equal [The total fiber ES = 0.75 (95% CI = 0.66-0.86), soluble fiber ES = 0.78 (95% CI = 0.66-0.92), insoluble fiber ES = 0.77 (95% CI = 0.67-0.88)]. Funnel plot and Egger's linear regression tests demonstrated that there was no publication bias. Both soluble and insoluble fiber consumption appear to be protective against CRC, with a clinically significant reduction in CRC risk. It is critical to identify preventive steps to avoid the CRC development, especially by leading a healthier lifestyle that includes healthy diet.

The aim of our study was to obtain similar surface properties and elemental composition to virgin implants after debridement of contaminated titanium implant surfaces covered with debris. Erbium-doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser, erbium, chromium-doped:yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser, curette, and ultrasonic device were applied to contaminated implant surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were taken, the elemental profile of the surfaces was evaluated with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and the surface roughness was analyzed with profilometry. Twenty-eight failed implants and two virgin implants as control were included in the study. The groups were designed accordingly; titanium curette group, ultrasonic scaler with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) tip, Er: YAG very short pulse laser group (100 μs, 120 mJ/pulse 10 Hz), Er: YAG short-pulse laser group (300 μs, 120 mJ/pulse, 10 Hz), Er: YAG long-pulse laser group (600 μs, 120 mJ/pulse, 10 Hz), Er, Cr: YSGG1 laser group (1 W 10 Hz), Er, Cr: YSGG2 laser group (1.5 W, 30 Hz). In each group, four failed implants were debrided for 120 s. When SEM images and EDX findings and profilometry results were evaluated together, Er: YAG long pulse and ultrasonic groups were found to be the most effective for debridement. Furthermore, the two interventions have shown the closest topography of the sandblasted, large grit, acid-etched implant surface (SLA) as seen on virgin implants.

Tumor-associated microglia/macrophages (TAMs) are the main innate immune effector cells in malignant gliomas and have both pro- and anti-tumor functions. The plasticity of TAMs is partially dictated by oncogenic mutations in tumor cells. Heterozygous IDH1 mutation is a cancer driver gene prevalent in grade II/III gliomas, and IDH1 mutant gliomas have relatively favorable clinical outcomes. It is largely unknown how IDH mutation alters TAM phenotypes to influence glioma growth. Here we established clinically relevant isogenic glioma models carrying monoallelic IDH1 R132H mutation (IDH1 R132H/WT ) and found that IDH1 R132H/WT significantly downregulated immune response-related pathways in glioma cells, indicating an immunomodulation role of mutant IDH1. Co-culturing IDH1 R132H/WT glioma cells with human macrophages promoted anti-tumor phenotypes of macrophages and increased macrophage migration and phagocytic capacity. In orthotopic xenografts, IDH1 R132H/WT decreased tumor growth and prolonged animal survival, accompanied by increased TAM recruitment and upregulated phagocytosis markers, suggesting the induction of anti-tumor TAM functions. Using human cytokine arrays that query 36 proteins, we identified significant downregulation of ICAM-1/CD54 in IDH1 R132H/WT gliomas, which was further confirmed by ELISA and immunoblotting analyses. ICAM1 gain-of-function studies revealed that ICAM1 downregulation in IDH1 R132H/WT cells played a mechanistic role to mediate the immunomodulation function of IDH1 R132H/WT . ICAM-1 silencing in IDH1 wild-type glioma cells decreased tumor growth and increased the anti-tumor function of TAMs. Together, our studies support a new TAM-mediated phagocytic function within IDH1 mutant gliomas, and improved understanding of this process may uncover novel approaches to targeting IDH1 wild type gliomas., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Glioblastoma (GBM, WHO grade IV glioma) is the most common and lethal malignant brain tumor in adults with a dismal prognosis. The extracellular matrix (ECM) supports GBM progression by promoting tumor cell proliferation, migration, and immune escape. Uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucose 6-dehydrogenase (UGDH) is the rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans that are the principal component of the CNS ECM. We investigated how targeting UGDH in GBM influences the GBM immune microenvironment, including tumor-associated microglia/macrophages (TAMs) and T cells. TAMs are the main immune effector cells in GBM and can directly target tumor cells if properly activated. In co-cultures of GBM cells and human primary macrophages, UGDH knockdown in GBM cells promoted macrophage phagocytosis and M1-like polarization. In orthotropic human GBM xenografts and syngeneic mouse glioma models, targeting UGDH decreased ECM deposition, increased TAM phagocytosis marker expression, reduced M2-like TAMs and inhibited tumor growth. UGDH knockdown in GBM cells also promoted cytotoxic T cell infiltration and activation in orthotopic syngeneic mouse glioma models. The potent and in-human-use small molecule GAG synthesis inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) was found to inhibit GBM cell proliferation and migration in vitro , mimic the macrophage and T-cell responses to UGDH knockdown in vitro and in vivo and inhibit growth of orthotopic murine GBM. Our study shows that UGDH supports GBM growth through multiple mechanisms and supports the development of ECM-based therapeutic strategies to simultaneously target tumor cells and their microenvironment., (© 2021 Chongqing Medical University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: The determination of the impact of risk factors such as smoking in periodontal disease development is of importance to better characterize the disease. However, its impact on host response remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of tobacco smoking on GCF levels of neutrophil enzymes (myeloperoxidase (MPO), beta-glucuronidase (BGD), neutrophil elastase (NE) and periodontal parameters in healthy young adults with dental plaque biofilm-induced gingivitis., Methods: The study population consisted of 60 systemically healthy young adults (39 smokers (Sm) and 21 non-smokers (n-Sm)) diagnosed with plaque-induced gingivitis. The periodontal examination consisted of a plaque index (PI); gingival index (GI); probing depth (PD); bleeding on probing (BoP), and clinical attachment level (CAL). GCF MPO, BGD, and NE levels were determined by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)., Results: PI, GI, and BoP were significantly increased in the Sm group ( p < 0.05). PD and CAL showed no significant difference between Sm and n -Sm groups ( p > 0.05). In GCF, MPO, BGD, and NE levels were significantly increased in Sm group ( p < 0.05). NE levels showed a significant correlation with GI and BoP ( p < 0.05 for both). Moreover, a positive correlation between BGD and NE levels ( p < 0.05) was measured., Conclusions: It may be concluded that, even in young patients, tobacco consumption affects the host's immune response related to gingival inflammation. It is, therefore, mandatory to inform young patients about the risk related to tobacco consumption for their gingival health.

Background: This cross-sectional study evaluated the utility of the 2018 European Federation of Periodontology/American Academy of Periodontology (EFP/AAP) classifications of epidemiological studies in terms of periodontitis severity, prevalence and associated risk factors and the 2012 American Academy of Periodontology/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (AAP/CDC) case definitions., Methods: We included 488 participants aged 35-74 years. Measurements were recorded at six sites per tooth by two qualified examiners. The evaluated parameters included pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP). Periodontitis prevalence and severity were reported using the 2018 EFP/AAP classification and the AAP/CDC case definitions. The data were stratified by recognized risk factors (age, diabetes and smoking status)., Results: The 2018 EFP/AAP classification indicated that all patients suffered from periodontitis. When CAL served as the main criterion, the frequency of patients with severe (Stages III-IV) periodontitis was 54%. When the AAP/CDC case definitions were applied, the prevalence of periodontitis was 61.9% and that of severe periodontitis 16.8%. Age was the most significant risk factor, regardless of the chosen case definition., Conclusion: It is essential to employ a globalized standard case definition when monitoring periodontitis and associated risk factors.

Aim: We evaluated cardiovascular (CV) risk stratification for nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAIs) via the coronary-artery-calcium (CAC) score., Materials and Methods: The participants were patients with NFAI (n = 55). They were compared to patients with chest pain, a low-intermediate Framingham-risk score, and a non-diagnostic treadmill- exercise test, which served as the control group (n = 49). Subsequently, the NFAI group was subdivided according to a CAC score of <100 Agatston units - mild coronary-artery calcification (n = 40) - and ≥100 Agatston units - moderate-to-severe calcification (n = 15)., Results: Similar rates of traditional risk factors were observed between the NFAI and control groups, and lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol rates were observed in the NFAI group. The CAC score was significantly higher for the NFAI group than the control group. Glucose, potassium, adrenocorticotropic-hormone, and basal-cortisol levels were higher in those with a CAC score of ≥100. High-density-lipoprotein cholesterol estimated glomerular filtration rate and ejection fraction (EF) were higher in those with a CAC score of <100. Adenoma size and location were similar between the groups. Age, EF, and glucose were the most significant variables related to CAC score in patients with NFAI, at ≥100 Agatston units., Discussion: Patients with a low-intermediate CV risk profile and NFAI have a higher risk of atherosclerosis when compared to patients with a low-intermediate CV risk profile, but no NFAI., Conclusion: In patients with NFAI, CAC score evaluation may be used to predict increased atherosclerosis, especially in patients of an older age with higher glucose and decreased EF., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

In murine experimental glioma models, TLR3 or TLR9 activation of microglial/macrophages has been shown to impair glioma growth, which could, however, not been verified in recent clinical trials. We therefore tested whether combined TLR3 and TLR9 activation of microglia/macrophages would have a synergistic effect. Indeed, combined TLR3/TLR9 activation augmented the suppression of glioma growth in organotypic brain slices from male mice in a microglia-dependent fashion, and this synergistic suppression depended on interferon β release and phagocytic tumor clearance. Combined TLR3/TLR9 stimulation also augmented several functional features of microglia, such as the release of proinflammatory factors, motility, and phagocytosis activity. TLR3/TLR9 stimulation combined with CD47 blockade further augmented glioma clearance. Finally, we confirmed that the coactivation of TLR3/TLR9 also augments the impairment of glioma growth in vivo Our results show that combined activation of TLR3/TLR9 in microglia/macrophages results in a more efficient glioma suppression, which may provide a potential strategy for glioma treatment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Glioma-associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs) are the predominant immune cells in glioma growth and are recently considered as antitumor targets. TLRs are involved in glioma growth, but the TLR3 or TLR9 ligands were not successful in clinical trials in treating glioma. We therefore combined TLR3 and TLR9 activation of GAMs, resulting in a strong synergistic effect of tumor clearance in vitro , ex vivo , and in vivo Mechanisms of this GAM-glioma interaction involve IFNβ signaling and increased tumor clearance by GAMs. Interfering with CD47 signaling had an additional impact on tumor clearance. We propose that these signaling pathways could be exploited as anti-glioma targets., (Copyright © 2020 the authors.)

Aim: Lung adenocarcinoma is characterized by poor prognosis and short survival rates. Therefore, tools to identify the tumoural molecular structure and guide effective diagnosis and therapy decisions are essential. Surgical biopsies are highly invasive and not conducive for patient follow-up. To better understand disease prognosis, novel non-invasive analytic methods are needed. The aim of the present study is to identify the genetic mutations in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, plasma, and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples by next-generation sequencing and evaluate their utility in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with lung adenocarcinoma., Method: FFPE, plasma, and EBC samples were collected from 12 lung adenocarcinoma patients before treatment. DNA was extracted from the specimens using an Invitrogen PureLink Genomic DNA Kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. Amplicon-based sequencing was performed using Ion AmpliSeq Colon and Lung Cancer Research Panel v2., Results: Genetic alterations were detected in all FFPE, plasma, and EBC specimens. The mutations in PIK3CA, MET, PTEN, SMAD4, and FGFR2 genes were highly correlated in six patients. Somatic and novel mutations detected in tissue and EBC samples were highly correlated in one additional patient. The EGFR p.L858R and KRAS p.G12C driver mutations were found in both the FFPE tissue specimens and the corresponding EBC samples of the lung adenocarcinoma patients., Conclusion: The driver mutations were detected in EBC samples from lung adenocarcinoma patients. The analysis of EBC samples represents a promising non-invasive method to detect mutations in lung cancer and guide diagnosis and follow-up.

In this paper, we generalize and compare Gompertz and Logistic dynamic equations in order to describe the growth patterns of bacteria and tumor. First of all, we introduce two types of Gompertz equations, where the first type 4-paramater and 3-parameter Gompertz curves do not include the logarithm of the number of individuals, and then we derive 4-parameter and 3-parameter Logistic equations. We notice that Logistic curves are better in modeling bacteria whereas the growth pattern of tumor is described better by Gompertz curves. Increasing the number of parameters of Logistic curves give favorable results for bacteria while decreasing the number of parameters of Gompertz curves for tumor improves the curve fitting. Moreover, our results overshadow some of the existing results in the literature., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

First identified in the 1980s, tenascin-C (TNC) is a multi-domain extracellular matrix glycoprotein abundantly expressed during the development of multicellular organisms. TNC level is undetectable in most adult tissues but rapidly and transiently induced by a handful of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a variety of pathological conditions including infection, inflammation, fibrosis, and wound healing. Persistent TNC expression is associated with chronic inflammation and many malignancies, including glioma. By interacting with its receptor integrin and a myriad of other binding partners, TNC elicits context- and cell type-dependent function to regulate cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. TNC operates as an endogenous activator of toll-like receptor 4 and promotes inflammatory response by inducing the expression of multiple pro-inflammatory factors in innate immune cells such as microglia and macrophages. In addition, TNC drives macrophage differentiation and polarization predominantly towards an M1-like phenotype. In contrast, TNC shows immunosuppressive function in T cells. In glioma, TNC is expressed by tumor cells and stromal cells; high expression of TNC is correlated with tumor progression and poor prognosis. Besides promoting glioma invasion and angiogenesis, TNC has been found to affect the morphology and function of tumor-associated microglia/macrophages in glioma. Clinically, TNC can serve as a biomarker for tumor progression; and TNC antibodies have been utilized as an adjuvant agent to deliver anti-tumor drugs to target glioma. A better mechanistic understanding of how TNC impacts innate and adaptive immunity during tumorigenesis and tumor progression will open new therapeutic avenues to treat brain tumors and other malignancies.

Backgorund: Quantification of myocardial blood flow (MBF) by positron emission tomography (PET) is important for investigation of angina in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Several software programs exist for MBF quantification, but they have been mostly evaluated in patients (with normal cardiac geometry), referred for evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD). Software performance has not been evaluated in HCM patients who frequently have hyperdynamic LV function, LV outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, small LV cavity size, and variation in the degree/location of LV hypertrophy., Aim: We compared results of MBF obtained using PMod, which permits manual segmentation, to those obtained by FDA-approved QPET software which has an automated segmentation algorithm., Methods: 13 N-ammonia PET perfusion data were acquired in list mode at rest and during pharmacologic vasodilation, in 76 HCM patients and 10 non-HCM patients referred for evaluation of CAD (CAD group.) Data were resampled to create static, ECG-gated and 36-frame-dynamic images. Myocardial flow reserve (MFR) and MBF (in ml/min/g) were calculated using QPET and PMod softwares., Results: All HCM patients had asymmetric septal hypertrophy, and 50% had evidence of LVOT obstruction, whereas non-HCM patients (CAD group) had normal wall thickness and ejection fraction. PMod yielded significantly higher values for global and regional stress-MBF and MFR than for QPET in HCM. Reasonably fair correlation was observed for global rest-MBF, stress-MBF, and MFR using these two softwares (rest-MBF: r = 0.78; stress-MBF: r = 0.66.; MFR: r = 0.7) in HCM patients. Agreement between global MBF and MFR values improved when HCM patients with high spillover fractions (> 0.65) were excluded from the analysis (rest-MBF: r = 0.84; stress-MBF: r = 0.72; MFR: r = 0.8.) Regionally, the highest agreement between PMod and QPET was observed in the LAD territory (rest-MBF: r = 0.82, Stress-MBF: r = 0.68) where spillover fraction was the lowest. Unlike HCM patients, the non-HCM patients (CAD group) demonstrated excellent agreement in MBF/MFR values, obtained by the two softwares, when patients with high spillover fractions were excluded (rest-MBF: r = 0.95; stress-MBF: r = 0.92; MFR: r = 0.95)., Conclusions: Anatomic characteristics specific to HCM hearts contribute to lower correlations between MBF/MFR values obtained by PMod and QPET, compared with non-HCM patients. These differences indicate that PMod and QPET cannot be used interchangeably for MBF/MFR analyses in HCM patients.

Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with increased mortality risk in various diseases. The objective of this investigation:to study HRV in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) and to assess the effect of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) on HRV in these patients. Materials and methods. HRV registration and Doppler echocardiographic assessment of systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) was carried out in 61 stable patients with SCA and 24 healthy subjects. Results. Low frequency power (LFP) and high frequency power (HFP) were decreased in SCA patients compared to healthy subjects. Among SCA patients, PAH patients had lower  LFP and HFP than patients without PAH. In SCA patients, systolic PAP showed significant negative correlation with LFP and HFP. Conclusion. HRV is significantly decreased in SCA patients, especially in those with PAH. HRV may be particularly useful in early detection of PAH patients who may have worse prognosis and higher mortality risk.

Aim: One-lung ventilation (OLV) is an anesthesia technique used to provide visualization in thoracoscopic lung surgeries and increase surgical site visibility during operation. In OLV, atelectasis occurs and blood from the lung participates in circulation without receiving oxygen. We designed a prospective study on patients we implemented surgery in order to research whether OLV leads to oxidative stress and DNA damage or not., Methods: It was taken 5cc blood samples 4 times from these patients in the postoperative preparatory stage (T1), on the 60th minute after the start of OLV (T2), on the 60th minute after the termination of OLV (T3) and 24 hours after surgery (T4). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) values were examined with regards to DNA damages in the blood samples taken., Results: DNA damage was statistically increased with OLV compared to baseline level (p<0.05) and statistically decreased in 24 hour (p<0.05). TAC level was statistically decreased with OLV compared to baseline level and statistically increased in 24 hour (p<0.05 ). TOS level was statistically increased with OLV compared to baseline level (p<0.05) and statistically decreased in 24 hour (p<0.05 ). OSI level was statistically increased with OLV compared to baseline level (p<0.05) and statistically decreased in 24 hour (p<0.05 )., Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge this is the first study showing DNA damage in thoracic surgery which was operated with OLV. This DNA damage found to be decreased in first postoperative day and might be related to changes in oxidative status of this patient group., Key Words: Oxidative stress, lung ventilation, DNA damage.

This study analyzed 25 river water samples collected from the Bogacayi River in Antalya, Turkey, to evaluate the potential risk of pollution by heavy metals. Concentrations of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and V were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The method was validated prior to analysis in terms of linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and recovery. In addition, a certified standard (SPS-SW2 surface water) was used to verify method trueness. Method validation data and results obtained from the certified material suggested that the method could be applied to determine elemental compositions of the samples. Although various concentrations of As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Sr were found in the samples, no Hg, V, Co, and Se concentrations were found. The highest concentration of Pb, Cd, and As was found in the samples from the 22nd, 16th, and 5th sampling stations, respectively. Concentrations of the studied elements were aligned from high to low as Sr > Ba > Ni > Cr > Cu > Mn > Pb > As > Cd. To evaluate the risk potential of metallic pollution, the data were used to calculate the heavy metal pollution index (HPI). The HPI values were found to be in the range from 7.81 to 43.97 (mean 25.48). Samples from upstream seemed to show lower risk potentials (<15) than those from downstream (>30); however, all HPI values were lower than 100, which is the critical HPI value for drinking safety.

Background: A possible association between periodontitis and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been suggested. The aim of this study is to compare periodontitis prevalence between controls and patients with OSA by assessing clinical periodontal parameters and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP); serum hs-CRP was also sampled., Methods: A case-control study was performed that included 163 individuals: 83 individuals (18 females and 65 males) with OSA and 80 non-OSA individuals (23 females and 57 males) as controls. The test group was classified according to OSA severity. Clinical periodontal measurements were recorded, and GCF samples were collected. GCF hs-CRP, IL-lβ, and TNF-α levels were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Serum hs-CRP was measured by latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay., Results: Prevalence of periodontitis in the OSA group (96.4%) was significantly higher than in the control group (75% [P <0.001]). Severe periodontitis prevalence was higher in the OSA group than control group. All periodontal clinical parameters and GCF IL-lβ concentrations were significantly higher in patients with OSA than in controls (P = 0.001). No significant differences were found between the mild OSA and moderate-to-severe OSA groups. Additionally, there was no significant difference in GCF TNF-α and hs-CRP levels between the groups (P >0.05). Serum hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in patients with OSA. A significant correlation was found between GCF IL-1β and all clinical parameters., Conclusions: Results demonstrated higher prevalence of periodontitis and higher levels of GCF IL-1β and serum hs-CRP in patients with OSA. However, there is still a need for randomized clinical trials testing oral care interventions.

Serotype 1 is one of the most common causes of pneumococcal disease worldwide. Pneumococcal protein vaccines are currently being developed as an alternate intervention strategy to pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. Pre-requisites for an efficacious pneumococcal protein vaccine are universal presence and minimal variation of the target antigen in the pneumococcal population, and the capability to induce a robust human immune response. We used in silico analysis to assess the prevalence of seven protein vaccine candidates (CbpA, PcpA, PhtD, PspA, SP0148, SP1912, SP2108) among 445 serotype 1 pneumococci from 26 different countries, across four continents. CbpA (76%), PspA (68%), PhtD (28%), PcpA (11%) were not universally encoded in the study population, and would not provide full coverage against serotype 1. PcpA was widely present in the European (82%), but not in the African (2%) population. A multi-valent vaccine incorporating CbpA, PcpA, PhtD and PspA was predicted to provide coverage against 86% of the global population. SP0148, SP1912 and SP2108 were universally encoded and we further assessed their predicted amino acid, antigenic and structural variation. Multiple allelic variants of these proteins were identified, different allelic variants dominated in different continents; the observed variation was predicted to impact the antigenicity and structure of two SP0148 variants, one SP1912 variant and four SP2108 variants, however these variants were each only present in a small fraction of the global population (<2%). The vast majority of the observed variation was predicted to have no impact on the efficaciousness of a protein vaccine incorporating a single variant of SP0148, SP1912 and/or SP2108 from S. pneumoniae TIGR4. Our findings emphasise the importance of taking geographic differences into account when designing global vaccine interventions and support the continued development of SP0148, SP1912 and SP2108 as protein vaccine candidates against this important pneumococcal serotype., (Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objective: In this split-mouth clinical trial, we evaluated the clinical benefits of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM)., Background Data: The impaired wound healing seen in diabetic patients may affect the results of periodontal treatment and may require an additional approach., Materials and Methods: In total, 22 chronic periodontitis patients with type 2 DM were included. Applying a split-mouth design, two quadrants were treated with only scaling and root planing (SRP) as the control and those in the other two were treated with SRP + LLLT as the test sites in each patient. An 808 nm GaAlAs diode laser was performed in the test sites at the energy density of 4.46 J/cm 2 on days 1, 2, and 7 after SRP. Plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and clinical attachment level were measured at baseline and again at 1 and 3 months after treatment. Deep periodontal pockets (PD ≥4 mm) were evaluated separately., Results: Test sites showed significant improvement in PI and BOP in deep pockets at the 1-month follow-up period (p < 0.001 and <0.001, respectively), whereas no difference was found between the control and the test sites in other periodontal parameters., Conclusions: LLLT during periodontal treatment offered minimal short-term additional benefit in deep pocket healing in patients with type 2 DM.

Background: Pneumococcus kills over one million children annually and over 90 % of these deaths occur in low-income countries especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where HIV exacerbates the disease burden. In SSA, serotype 1 pneumococci particularly the endemic ST217 clone, causes majority of the pneumococcal disease burden. To understand the evolution of the virulent ST217 clone, we analysed ST217 whole genomes from isolates sampled from African and Asian countries., Methods: We analysed 226 whole genome sequences from the ST217 lineage sampled from 9 African and 4 Asian countries. We constructed a whole genome alignment and used it for phylogenetic and coalescent analyses. We also screened the genomes to determine presence of antibiotic resistance conferring genes., Results: Population structure analysis grouped the ST217 isolates into five sequence clusters (SCs), which were highly associated with different geographical regions and showed limited intracontinental and intercontinental spread. The SCs showed lower than expected genomic sequence, which suggested strong purifying selection and small population sizes caused by bottlenecks. Recombination rates varied between the SCs but were lower than in other successful clones such as PMEN1. African isolates showed higher prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes than Asian isolates. Interestingly, certain West African isolates harbored a defective chloramphenicol and tetracycline resistance-conferring element (Tn5253) with a deletion in the loci encoding the chloramphenicol resistance gene (cat pC194 ), which caused lower chloramphenicol than tetracycline resistance. Furthermore, certain genes that promote colonisation were absent in the isolates, which may contribute to serotype 1's rarity in carriage and consequently its lower recombination rates., Conclusions: The high phylogeographic diversity of the ST217 clone shows that this clone has been in circulation globally for a long time, which allowed its diversification and adaptation in different geographical regions. Such geographic adaptation reflects local variations in selection pressures in different locales. Further studies will be required to fully understand the biological mechanisms which makes the ST217 clone highly invasive but unable to successfully colonise the human nasopharynx for long durations which results in lower recombination rates.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a nasopharyngeal commensal that occasionally invades normally sterile sites to cause bloodstream infection and meningitis. Although the pneumococcal population structure and evolutionary genetics are well defined, it is not clear whether pneumococci that cause meningitis are genetically distinct from those that do not. Here, we used whole-genome sequencing of 140 isolates of S. pneumoniae recovered from bloodstream infection (n = 70) and meningitis (n = 70) to compare their genetic contents. By fitting a double-exponential decaying-function model, we show that these isolates share a core of 1,427 genes (95% confidence interval [CI], 1,425 to 1,435 genes) and that there is no difference in the core genome or accessory gene content from these disease manifestations. Gene presence/absence alone therefore does not explain the virulence behavior of pneumococci that reach the meninges. Our analysis, however, supports the requirement of a range of previously described virulence factors and vaccine candidates for both meningitis- and bacteremia-causing pneumococci. This high-resolution view suggests that, despite considerable competency for genetic exchange, all pneumococci are under considerable pressure to retain key components advantageous for colonization and transmission and that these components are essential for access to and survival in sterile sites., (Copyright © 2015 Kulohoma et al.)

Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) worldwide, with the highest burden in developing countries. We report the whole-genome sequencing analysis of 448 serotype 1 isolates from 27 countries worldwide (including 11 in Africa). The global serotype 1 population shows a strong phylogeographic structure at the continental level, and within Africa there is further region-specific structure. Our results demonstrate that region-specific diversification within Africa has been driven by limited cross-region transfer events, genetic recombination and antimicrobial selective pressure. Clonal replacement of the dominant serotype 1 clones circulating within regions is uncommon; however, here we report on the accessory gene content that has contributed to a rare clonal replacement event of ST3081 with ST618 as the dominant cause of IPD in the Gambia.

Objectives: To evaluate the plasma and salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) in patients with generalized chronic periodontitis (CP), generalized aggressive periodontitis (AgP), and periodontally healthy controls., Methods: This cross-sectional study includes of 88 individuals seeking dental treatment at the Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey between January 2011 and March 2012. Fifteen AgP patients were compared with 21 healthy controls (C1), while 36 CP patients were compared with 16 healthy controls (C2). Clinical periodontal measurements were recorded, and plasma and saliva samples were collected. The TAOC of the plasma and saliva samples were determined using a commercially available colorimetric kit., Results: The plasma TAOC of both AgP and CP patients was significantly lower for C1 and C2. The salivary TAOC of CP patients was significantly lower for C2, but there was no significant difference between AgP patients and C1., Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that severe periodontitis may be associated with a lower plasma antioxidant capacity. The reduced antioxidant capacity in patients with severe periodontitis, especially with aggressive forms may be an important contributing factor to severe tissue destruction.

Motivation: To obtain large-scale sequence alignments in a fast and flexible way is an important step in the analyses of next generation sequencing data. Applications based on the Smith-Waterman (SW) algorithm are often either not fast enough, limited to dedicated tasks or not sufficiently accurate due to statistical issues. Current SW implementations that run on graphics hardware do not report the alignment details necessary for further analysis., Results: With the Parallel SW Alignment Software (PaSWAS) it is possible (a) to have easy access to the computational power of NVIDIA-based general purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs) to perform high-speed sequence alignments, and (b) retrieve relevant information such as score, number of gaps and mismatches. The software reports multiple hits per alignment. The added value of the new SW implementation is demonstrated with two test cases: (1) tag recovery in next generation sequence data and (2) isotype assignment within an immunoglobulin 454 sequence data set. Both cases show the usability and versatility of the new parallel Smith-Waterman implementation.

Purpose: We aimed to determine the prevalence of paratracheal air cysts (PTACs) and the relationship of PTACs with emphysema and bronchiectasis through retrospective analysis of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings., Methods: MDCT findings of 1027 consecutive patients who underwent routine thorax examination between January 2012 and January 2013 were evaluated retrospectively for the presence of PTACs. Localization of the PTACs, as well as their size, shape, and relationship with the trachea were examined. Presence of emphysema and bronchiectasis was recorded, and bronchiectasis severity index was calculated when present. We randomly selected 80 patients who had no visible PTACs as the control group. The findings of patients with and without PTACs were compared., Results: PTACs were determined in 82 of 1027 patients (8%), in 8.8% of females and 7.3% of males. The presence of PTACs was determined to be independent of gender (P = 0.361). Eighty-one PTACs (98.8%) were located in the right side of the trachea and 56.1% had a tracheal connection. The presence of PTACs significantly correlated with the presence and severity of bronchiectasis (P = 0.001 and P = 0.005 respectively). There was no significant relationship between the presence of PTACs and the presence of emphysema on CT images (P = 0.125)., Conclusion: The prevalence of PTACs was determined as 8% in this study. There was significant association between PTACs and bronchiectasis.

Arterial cannulation is a common anaesthetic procedure that might be challenging and time-consuming in elderly patients. To establish an appropriate wrist joint position for arterial cannulation is crucial for ultrasound (US)-guided cannulation success. This study aimed to find out the optimal wrist joint angle for long axis in-plane (LA-IP) US-guided approach in radial artery cannulation in elderly patients. One hundred patients over 60 years old, who were assumed to require an arterial catheter for continuous blood pressure monitoring or frequent blood gas analysis in the intensive care unit or in the operating room were included in this prospective randomized study. Patients were randomized to five groups according to the wrist positions (0°, 15°, 30° 45° and 60° groups) for LA-IP approach for radial artery cannulation. Cannulation time (s), number of attempts, total success rate (%), first attempt success rate were recorded in all patients. Mean radial artery height was increased in 45° group compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Distance between skin and radial artery in 45° and 60° groups were statistically significantly decreased compared to 0° group (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Mean cannulation time of 45° group was statistically decreased compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Number of attempts and total success rate were similar among groups, whereas first attempt success rate was significantly increased in 45° group compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Mean arterial height of the first attempt successful group was statistically increased compared to the first attempt failed group (p < 0.001) and mean cannulation time and mean number of attempts were also negatively correlated with arterial height (p < 0.001; for all comparisons). The 45° wrist angle increment might be advantageous in US-guided LA-IP radial artery cannulation in elderly patients in view of cannulation time and first attempt success rate.

Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is a disease with unknown etiology, characterized by peripheral blood eosinophilia and abnormal eosinophil accumulation in the lungs. A 43-year-old male with 30 years history of exposure to isocyanates was admitted with the complaint of sputum, cough, progressive dyspnoea, and weight loss. Physical examination revealed bilaterally decreased breath sounds and extensive rales. On laboratory analysis; leukocytosis (12.3 10(3)/proportional variant L), hypereosinophilia (30%), elevated CRP and RF (1000 IU/ml), and IgE levels (1160 IU/ml) in the serum were observed. Chest radiograph and computed tomography on admission showed reticulonodular pattern at both lung fields. Pulmonary function tests assumed a restrictive pattern and a low diffusing capacity. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed a marked eosinophilia (50%). Transbronchial lung biopsy indicated eosinophilic pneumonia. In this case we aimed to describe a rare case of CEP probably caused by exposure to isocyanate.

Acute angle closure glaucoma is a sight-threatening situation characterized by a sudden and marked rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) due to obstruction of aqueous humour outflow. Many local (ocular drops, nasal and nebulized agents) and systemic drugs (e.g. atropine, adrenaline, ephedrine, some psychoactive and antiepileptic drugs) that are widely used in intensive care units have the potential to precipitate such an acute attack. In this case report, we describe progressive visual loss due to acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) in a 59 year old female patient followed in the ICU due to a massive pulmonary embolism.

Introduction: Although there are studies evaluating the effects of periodontal health on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the effects of COPD - a systemic disease, on periodontal tissue is unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of COPD on periodontal tissues by comparing COPD patients and controls., Methods: Fifty-two COPD patients and 38 non-COPD controls were included in this case-control study. Number of teeth, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level and probing depth were included in the periodontal examination. In addition to clinical evaluations, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1 beta (IL-lb) and prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), and serum hs-CRP levels were measured in COPD patients and the controls., Results: The number of teeth was significantly lower while PI and GI were significantly higher in COPD patients when compared to the controls. As well as serum hs-CRP levels, the GCF levels of hs-CRP, IL-1b and PGE2 were significantly higher in COPD patients than the controls., Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that COPD may be associated with periodontal disease as manifested by lower number of teeth and higher levels of inflammatory mediators especially CRP in GCF. This finding may be a reflection of systemic effects of COPD on periodontal tissues. Poor oral health behavior of COPD patients have to be considered in larger size group studies in the future.

Objective: The aims of this descriptive, cross-sectional investigation were to evaluate the gingival health awareness of dental students by comparing their clinical gingival bleeding scores and self-reports, and to compare differences in awareness between males and females., Methods: In total, 100 (51 males, 49 females) freshman dental students were included in the study. Periodontal indices recorded were: Presence of plaque percentage (plaque index [PI], %), percentage of sites of bleeding on probing (BOP, %), probing depth, and community periodontal index (CPI). Percent agreement, kappa agreement, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated by comparing their self-reported gingival bleeding and BOP%., Results: The self-reports of gingival bleeding exhibited statistically significant correlations with BOP% in females (r = 0.42, P = 0.003). Female students showed a higher degree of awareness when kappa agreement, 0.23 (males: 0.16, females: 0.39), sensitivity, 48% (males: 42%, females: 51%), and specificity, 95% (males: 90%, females: 100%) were calculated. Although male dental students had higher PI and CPI scores, there was no significant difference by gender in the clinical measurements., Conclusions: According to our results, the validity of self-reported gingival bleeding was higher among dental students than in previous population-based studies. Female dental students showed a higher degree of awareness than males of their gingival health. Half of the included dental students could not differentiate whether they had gingival bleeding when there was actual bleeding. More emphasis should be given to the education of dental students regarding the relationship between gingival bleeding and active periodontal disease.

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease caused by microorganisms and characterized by progressive destruction of the tooth supporting tissues leading to tooth loss. Periodontal diseases are associated with an increase in CRP (C-reactive protein) levels. Release of the cytokines such as prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), and interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β) from the periodontal lesion, stimulate hepatocytes and circulating leukocytes to produce CRP. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate serum levels of hs-CRP (high sensitive C-reactive protein) and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of hs-CRP, PGE2, and IL-1β in patients with varying degrees of periodontal disease., Methods: A total of 60 (30 mild and 30 severe) chronic periodontitis patients were included in this study. GCF and serum samples were collected and whole-mouth clinical periodontal measurements were recorded. GCF levels of hs-CRP, PGE2, IL-1β, and serum levels of hs-CRP were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Serum hs-CRP levels were measured by latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay. Correlation analyses were performed between the sampled site PD, CAL, and the biomarkers., Results: The groups were similar with regard to age, gender, and number of teeth. All periodontal clinical parameters were increased in the severe periodontitis group. GCF IL-1β and PGE2 levels were significantly higher in the severe periodontitis group than in the mild periodontitis group (p = 0.04). Serum and GCF levels of hs-CRP were not significantly different between severe and mild cases. There was no significant correlation between serum and GCF levels of CRP. GCF IL-1β levels were positively correlated with the PD of the sampled site (r = 0.52, p = 0.003)., Conclusions: IL-1β in GCF could be a marker of disease severity and activity. Neither serum nor GCF levels of hs-CRP differed with disease severity. Serum hs-CRP levels did not reflect GCF levels in periodontitis patients. Local and systemic involvement of CRP in periodontal disease remains to be determined.

Background: Contrary effects of vitamin B12 deficiency have been shown on the cardiovascular system. Aim of our study was to analyze left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation, by using the two dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency and normal LV ejection fraction., Methods: Twenty-five patients with vitamin B12 deficiency (B12 levels < 200 pg/mL; mean age: 29.6 ± 8.2 years, 15 female), and 27 healthy controls (B12 levels > 200 pg/mL; mean age: 30.1 ± 6.9 years, 13 female) were included in the study. 2D echocardiography images were transferred to a workstation for further offline analysis. Longitudinal peak systolic (LPSS) and global strain (LGS) was obtained from 4 chamber and apical long axis (APLAX) views., Results: Standard echocardiographic parameters and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) velocities were compared between the groups. All LPSS values in the patient group except for apical 4C septal wall longitudinal strain were significantly decreased than those in the control group. There was a positive correlation between B12 levels and strain values except apical 4C septal wall strain values., Conclusions: We found that in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency, global and segmental myocardial deformation was impaired and this impairment was correlated with the levels of vitamin B12.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that curcumin (CUR) has protective effects against ischemia reperfusion injury to various organs. We aimed to determine whether CUR has favorable effects on tissues and oxidative stress in abdominal aorta ischemia-reperfusion injury., Materials and Methods: Thirty rats were divided into three groups as sham, control and treatment (CUR) group. Control and CUR groups underwent abdominal aorta ischemia for 60 min followed by a 120 min period of reperfusion. In the CUR group, CUR was given 5 min before reperfusion at a dose of 200 mg/kg via an intraperitoneal route. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in blood serum were measured, and lung, renal and heart tissue histopathology were evaluated with light microscopy., Results: TOS and OSI activity in blood samples were statistically decreased in sham and CUR groups compared to the control group (p < 0.001 for TOS and OSI). Renal, lung, heart injury scores of sham and CUR groups were statistically decreased compared to control group (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Histopathological examination revealed less severe lesions in CUR group than in the control group., Conclusion: CUR administered intraperitoneally was effective in reducing oxidative stress and histopathologic injury in an acute abdominal aorta I/R rat model., (Copyright © 2014 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Hydatid cyst is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus whose people is the intermediate host. Although this parasite can settle in any part of the human body, it is frequently seen in liver and lungs. The rate of unusual located hydatid cyst outside of liver and lungs is 13,9%. In this study, we aimed presenting unusual located hydatic cysts regarding 51 patients., Material and Method: In this retrospective study, the files of the patients operated in our department between 2005 and 2012 with the diagnosis of hydatid cyst, characterized be an additional location besides liver and lung involvement and located outside of liver and lung were controlled., Findings: We had a total of 51 patients between the ages of 6-79 (average age 35,34), 20 of them were men (39%) and the others were women (61%) (men/women = 1.56). The cysts outside of liver and lung were frequently seen in spleen (24/51), ovarium (9/51), intraabdominal (8/51), brain (8/51), kidney (6/51), psoas muscle (1/51), bladder (1/51), cervical lymph node (1/51), the heart(1/51) respectively. The most frequent symptom in our patients was stomachache. Besides, symptoms of cough, fever, respiratory disorder were present; only one patient suffered from hemophtysis. While 32 patient out of 51 were treated by laparotomy, 8 patients were operated with laparotomy and thoracotomy in the same session; the patient with 2 ovarian cysts was submitted to cystectomy through laparoscopic surgery. As a patient had a cyst both in brain and liver, he was submutted to laparotomy and craniotomy. 46 cysts in 9 patients with lung involvement were treated with lung resections: 7 wedges resection and 2 segmentectomies. The other lung cysts of the analysed patients were treated by cystectomy and capitonnage. Bile leakage was detected in a total of 7 patients: 3 of them were treated with T tube drainage and the others were endoscopically healed by means of ERCP., Conclusion: The incidence of hydatid cyst, which is an important health problem in endemic areas, can be reduced by means of simple preventive measures. Its basic treatment is surgery. Main objective of the surgery should be parenchyma sparing while taking off completely the cysts. Although the disease is frequently seen in liver and lung, other organ involvements should be considered. Thus, it does not matter where hydatid cyst is seen, abdomen and thorax should be attentively controlled by the simplest imaging method also outside of clinical symptoms. Abdomen and thorax imaging should be carried out at least once in the two following years to have an early detection of an eventual recurrence.

Background and Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effect of 21% and 40% oxygen supplementation on maternal and neonatal oxidative stress in elective cesarean section (CS) under spinal anesthesia., Methods: Eighty term parturients undergoing elective CS under spinal anesthesia were enrolled in the study. We allocated patients randomly to breathe 21% (air group) or 40% (oxygen group) oxygen from the time of skin incision until the end of the operation. We collected maternal pre- and post-operative and umbilical artery (UA) blood samples. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and the oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured., Results: Age, weight, height, parity, gestation week, spinal-skin incision time, skin incision-delivery time, delivery time, operation time, 1(st) and 5(th) minutes Apgar scores, and birth weight were similar between the groups (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). There were no differences in preoperative TAC, TOS, or OSI levels between the groups (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). Postoperative maternal TAC, TOS and OSI levels significantly increased in the oxygen group (p = 0.047, < 0.001 and 0.038, respectively); umbilical artery TAC levels significantly increased in the oxygen group (p = 0.003); and umbilical artery TOS and OSI levels significantly increased in the air group (p = 0.02 and < 0.001, respectively)., Conclusions: The difference in impact on maternal and fetal oxidative stress of supplemental 40% compared to 21% oxygen mandates further large-scale studies that investigate the role of oxygen supplementation during elective CS under spinal anesthesia., (Copyright © 2013 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Background: Infective exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with increased mortality. Therefore, effective management of COPD should include prevention and reduction of exacerbations. The oral cavity is an important reservoir for the respiratory pathogens and these pathogens can be aspirated into the lower respiratory tract, increasing the risk of respiratory infection. Periodontal therapy may reduce these pathogens colonized on the surfaces of teeth and thus may reduce the frequency of COPD exacerbations. The authors aim to assess the effect of initial periodontal therapy on exacerbation frequency in COPD patients., Methods: The authors conducted a prospective, controlled group trial of initial periodontal treatment in 40 patients with COPD with chronic periodontitis (CP) and a history of ≥1 infective exacerbation in the previous year. Number of exacerbations in the previous year was recorded. Patients were divided into two groups; the test group (n = 20) included patients who had initial periodontal treatment, and the control group (n = 20) included patients who did not have periodontal therapy. Number of exacerbations during the following 12 months was noted. Periodontal parameters were measured at baseline and 6 and 12 months., Results: The test group showed a significant reduction in the exacerbation frequency during the follow-up period (P = 0.01). Although median exacerbations declined from 3 to 2 in the test group, they increased from 2 to 3 in the control group., Conclusion: Initial periodontal therapy in patients with COPD with CP may decrease the exacerbation frequency.

An increased number of sensitized patients await kidney transplantation (KTx). Sensitization has a major impact on patient mortality and morbidity due to prolonged waiting time and may preclude live donor transplantation. However, recent reports have shown that KTx can be performed successfully using novel immunosuppressive protocols. This study presents our experience with patients displaying donor-specific antibody (DSA) (+). We enrolled 5 lymphocyte cross-match (LCM) negative (complement-dependent cytotoxicity) and panel-reactive antibody (PRA) plus DSA-positive patients mean fluorescein intensity [MFI] > 1000) who underwent living kidney donor procedures. All subjects were females and their mean age was 36.7 years. In our protocol, we started mycophenolate mofetil (2 g/d), tacrolimus (0.01 mg/kg) and prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg) on day -6. We performed 2 sessions of total plasma exchange (TPE) with albumin replacement and administered 2 doses of IVIG (5 g/d). On day -1, we added rituximab (200 mg). On the operation day and on day +4, the patients received doses of basiliximab. Serum samples were taken on days -6, 0, and 30 as well as at 1 year after transplantation. All patients displayed immediate graft function. Mean basal DSA titer was 5624 MFI. After desensitization, the MFI titers decreased at the time of transplantation to 2753 MFI, and were 2564 MFI at the 1st month and 802 MFI at 1st year. Three patients experienced acute rejection episodes (60%). After treatment for rejection, the average follow-up was 17 months and last creatinine levels were 0.6-0.8 mg/dL (minimum-maximum). In conclusion, KTx can be succesfully performed in sensitized patients displaying DSA. However, there seems to be a greater acute rejection risk. There is no consensus regarding adequate doses of IVIG or plasmapheresis treatments; furthermore, more studies are needed to clarify the safe MFI titer of the DSA., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)