Retrospective evaluation of gestational trophoblastic disease - experience with ultrasounds.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to determine the frequency and types of GTD (Gestational Trophoblastic Disease) in our clinic, to evaluate its relationship with clinical parameters, and the consistency of clinical prediagnosis and pathological definitive diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the present study, hospital records of 120 patients with gestational trophoblastic disease between January 2019 and August 2022 were obtained and evaluated retrospectively. Demographic, hematological, biochemical, and clinical data were collected in detail, and the data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Our study included a total of 120 female patients, with an average age of 31.16±9.70. The average number of patients was 3. The average time for women to receive the diagnosis was 9.80±2.45 weeks, with the most frequent complaint on our part being bleeding (85.8%). When the pathology outcomes of the patients we included in our study were examined, it was found that the number of patients diagnosed with incomplete abortion was 34, the number of patients diagnosed with complete abortion was 82, the number of invasive moles diagnosed was 3, and the number of patient diagnosed with choriocarcinoma was 1. Kappa ratio was calculated as 0.419 (p<0.001) when the compliance of the clinical diagnosis was assessed. This value was consistent with median level alignment. In a study that examined the three years of our calism in our bulk, 1.8 per 1,000 births were followed frequently. CONCLUSIONS: We should inform patients in detail about gestational trophoblastic diseases and warn patients not to delay their consequences. We should recommend that pregnancy be avoided for 12 months for low-risk patients and 18 months for high-risk patients after GTD.

Subfatin, asprosin, alamandine and maresin-1 in cerebral ischemia, intracranial and subarachnoid hemorrhages.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) remain an important public health issue due to the increasing number of deaths worldwide. Changes in the synthesis and release of peptides in CVDs may play an important role in elucidating the physiopathology of the disease. Therefore, this study was to investigate the fate of maresin-1 (MaR-1), subfatin (SUB), asprosin (ASP), and alamandine (ALA) levels in patients with cerebral infarction (CI), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) evaluated within the scope of CVDs, and voluntary healthy controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study participants were divided into 4 groups: CI patients, ICH patients, SAH patients, and healthy volunteers. The diagnosis of CVDs was made based on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Intracerebral Hemorrhage Score (ICHS), Botterel-Hunt-Hess Scale (BHHS), and cranial computed tomography (CT). The levels of MaR-1 (ng/mL), SUB (ng/mL), ASP (ng/mL), and ALA (pg/mL) in the blood samples collected from the participants were studied using the ELISA method. Other parameters included in the study were obtained from the patient records of our hospital. RESULTS: The comparison of MaR-1 [(control 1.38 ± 0.14), SAH (0.98 ± 0.087), CI (0.67 ± 0.04), ICH (0.51 ± 0.03)], SUB [(control (13.2 ± 1.4), SAH (10.1 ± 1.2), CI (7.9 ± 0.8), ICH (5.8 ± 0.5)], and ALA [(control (67.2 ± 7.9), SAH (58.2 ± 4.3), CI (42.1 ± 3.7), and ICH (34.2 ±3.9)] values revealed a significant decrease compared to the control values. The comparison of the ASP values of SAH, CI, and ICH patients and control values (11.6 ± 1.2) showed significantly higher asprosin values in SAH (13.8 ± 1.1), CI (15.4 ± 1.2) and ICH (28.9 ± 2.8) patients. Similarly, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and glucose levels of CKD patients were also high. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased MaR-1, SUB, ALA and increased ASP compared to the control values may play a role in the physiopathology of these diseases. MaR-1, SUB, ALA, and ASP differences between SAH, CI and ICH patients may also guide clinicians along with SBP, DBP and glucose values.

Does onlay mesh placement in emergency laparotomy prevent incisional hernia? A prospective randomized double-blind study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of onlay mesh closure of emergency midline laparotomy to prevent incisional hernia. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized double-blind study and was carried out in the General Surgery Clinic, Konya City Hospital, from August 1, 2020 to August, 1, 2021. The study included 108 patients who were randomly grouped in 2 groups: patients with conventional abdominal closure and closure using additional onlay mesh (1:1). The follow-up period was for a year. The primary outcome was the incidence of incisional hernia and secondary outcomes were clinical data like complications, hospital length of stay, re-operations. RESULTS: It was observed that incisional hernia was present in 14 patients (27.4%) in conventional abdominal closure group and was in 2 patients using mesh (4%), (p = 0.001). Clavien-Dindo 3B complications were in rise in conventional closure group (p = 0.02). Of all complications, burst abdomen was significantly more common in conventional closure group (p = 0.04). The rate of surgically treated complications were higher in conventional closure group (p = 0.02). Clavien-Dindo 3A complications were more common in patients with contaminated wound in mesh group (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The use of mesh while closing the abdomen in emergency midline laparotomy reduces the risk of incisional hernia. Thus, to lower the risks of incisional hernia and its complications, prophylactic mesh can be used in high-risk patients.

Matrix degradation and cell proliferation are coupled to promote invasion and escape from an engineered human breast microtumor.

Metastasis, the leading cause of mortality in cancer patients, depends upon the ability of cancer cells to invade into the extracellular matrix that surrounds the primary tumor and to escape into the vasculature. To investigate the features of the microenvironment that regulate invasion and escape, we generated solid microtumors of MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma cells within gels of type I collagen. The microtumors were formed at defined distances adjacent to an empty cavity, which served as an artificial vessel into which the constituent tumor cells could escape. To define the relative contributions of matrix degradation and cell proliferation on invasion and escape, we used pharmacological approaches to block the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or to arrest the cell cycle. We found that blocking MMP activity prevents both invasion and escape of the breast cancer cells. Surprisingly, blocking proliferation increases the rate of invasion but has no effect on that of escape. We found that arresting the cell cycle increases the expression of MMPs, consistent with the increased rate of invasion. To gain additional insight into the role of cell proliferation in the invasion process, we generated microtumors from cells that express the fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator. We found that the cells that initiate invasions are preferentially quiescent, whereas cell proliferation is associated with the extension of invasions. These data suggest that matrix degradation and cell proliferation are coupled during the invasion and escape of human breast cancer cells and highlight the critical role of matrix proteolysis in governing tumor phenotype.

Odontogenic and nonodontogenic cysts: An analysis of 526 cases in Turkey.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the age, gender, and sites of different types of odontogenic cysts (OCs) and non-OCs (nOCs) (seen in eastern Anatolian population in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following data were collected from the clinical records and histopathology reports of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the Department of Oral Pathology, Ataturk University, Turkey, during a period of 10 years. They were analyzed descriptively in terms of incidence, age, sex, cyst type, and site. RESULTS: A total of 526 cysts were diagnosed during a 10-year period. Of these, 330 (62.7%) were in males, and 196 (37.3%) were in females, the male:female ratio was 1.7:1. There were 509 (96.8%) OCs and 17 (3.2%) nOCs. There were 406 (77.2%) inflammatory OCs and 103 (19.6%) developmental OCs. Radicular cysts were the most frequent (66.4%), followed by dentigerous (19.2%) and residual (10.8%) cysts. Only nasopalatine duct cyst was found as nOC in this study (3.2%). CONCLUSION: The distribution of jaw cysts in the Turkish Eastern Anatolian population is relatively similar to that of other populations reported in previous studies in the literature, in which most OCs were of inflammatory origin. However, the relative rates of cysts were higher than those reported in other studies.

Comprehensive analysis of the volume of bone for grafting that can be harvested from iliac crest donor sites.

Our aim was to calculate the volumes of cancellous, cortical, and corticocancellous bone that can be harvested as a graft from the anterior and posterior iliac crests using 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) and software in a living adult population. We selected random CT scans of the pelvis from 31 men and 29 women from the Department of Radiology imaging database. CT data in DICOM file format were imported into Mimics software. The anterior iliac crest and posterior iliac crest bone graft-harvested boundaries were measured. The volume of the 3-dimensional cortical and cancellous bone grafts was measured using the Mimics software. There were significant differences in all comparisons between the anterior and posterior iliac crest, except for volumes of cortical bone. More cancellous and total corticocancellous bone can be harvested from the posterior than the anterior iliac crest, together with similar or smaller volumes of cortical bone. Sex, but not age, is an important factor in terms of the amount of bone that can be harvested, with a wide range of volumes individually from both iliac crests.

Effectiveness of binaural beats in reducing preoperative dental anxiety.

Binaural beats are an auditory illusion perceived when two different pure-tone sine waves are presented one to each ear at a steady intensity and frequency. We evaluated their effectiveness in reducing preoperative anxiety in dentistry. Sixty patients (30 in each group) who were to have impacted third molars removed were studied (experimental group: 20 women and 10 men, mean (range) age 24 (18-35) years, and control group: 22 women and 8 men, mean (range) age 28 (15-47) years). All patients were fully informed about the operation preoperatively, and their anxiety recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS). The local anaesthetic was given and the patients waited for 10minutes, during which those in the experimental group were asked to listen to binaural beats through stereo earphones (200Hz for the left ear and 209.3Hz for the right ear). No special treatment was given to the control group. In both groups anxiety was then recorded again, and the tooth removed in the usual way. The paired t test and t test were used to assess the significance of differences between groups. The degree of anxiety in the control group was unchanged after the second measurement (p=0.625), while that in the experimental group showed a significant reduction in anxiety (p=0.001). We conclude that binaural beats may be useful in reducing preoperative anxiety in dentistry.

Benign tumors and tumor-like lesions of the oral cavity and jaws: An analysis of 709 cases.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to examine the prevalence, gender, age and site(s) of odontogenic and nonodontogenic benign tumors, and tumor-like lesions occurring in the oral cavity and jaws in a Turkish population, particularly, in the Eastern Turkey, and to compare findings of this study with other reports. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data were collected from the files of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the Department of Oral Pathology, Ataturk University, Turkey, during a 10-year period from January 2005 to January 2015. They were analyzed descriptively regarding prevalence, age, sex, lesion type, and site. RESULTS: A total of 709 benign tumor and tumor-like lesions of the oral cavity, and jaws were selected during a period of 10 years. One hundred and twenty-one of these lesions (17%) were odontogenic benign tumors while 588 (83%) were nonodontogenic benign tumor and tumor-like lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the distribution and characteristics of benign tumors and tumor-like lesions of oral cavity and jaws in the Turkish population, particularly including the Eastern region of Turkey have some differences as well as similarities with the findings of studies in different populations.

Giant cervical myoma associated with urinary incontinence and hydroureteronephrosis.

Cervical leiomyomas compromise fewer than 5% of all uterine leiomyomas. Cervical myomas exacerbates surgical difficulties, such as poor operative field, difficult suture repairs, and blood loss. When performing myomectomy for cervical myomas, care must be taken to avoid injuries to neighboring structures in the pelvic cavity.These structures include the bladder in front of the cervix, the rectum behind the cervix, and the uterine arteries and ureters on both sides. Myomectomy for cervical myoma is empirically difficult and frequently problematic. The authors report a case of giant cervical myoma presenting with urinary incontinence.

Oral misoprostol does not protect the kidneys from diclofenac induced toxicity: data from an unilateral ureteral obstructive rat model.

OBJECTIVE: Ureteral obstruction leads to permanent changes in the structure of the kidney by several mechanisms. In this study, it was hypothesized that there would be a protective effect of misoprostol against diclofenac in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two female rats were randomized into 5 groups of 4 and 2 rats for the control group. The right ureter was sutured. The rats were grouped as control, contrast agent, contrast agent +N-acetylcysteine (NAC),  diclofenac and diclofenac + misoprostol groups.Radiographic contrast agent was given iv on the 3rd day and other agents were administered orally for 1 week. The rats were sacrified after 1 week and histopathological and biochemical oxidative stress markers were evaluated. RESULTS: The contrast agent and NAC  group  had lower rates of hemorrhage, inflammation, obstructive dilatation and fatty degeneration compared to the contrast agent only group (p < 0.05). No differences were seen in the normal kidneys. Between all the groups, there was no difference for tubule epithelium damage (p > 0.05). The contrast agent and NAC group had higher rates of antioxidant SH level compared to the contrast agent only group (p < 0.05) and lower rates of oxidative end product carbonyl groups (p < 0.05). For normal kidneys no difference was seen. No statistical difference was seen in MDA levels (p > 0.05). Statistically no difference was seen between the diclofenac group and the diclofenac and misoprostol group neither pathologically nor chemically (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that NAC is protective against radiographic contrast agent toxicity when given before and after administration in obstructed kidneys as in previous data. Misoprostol was not observed to have any protective effect against diclofenac in obstructed kidneys.

PIP joint volar rotatory dislocation: An anatomical study to explore extensor system lesions and the Stener effect.

Volar rotatory dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint results from volar rotation of the condyle around an intact opposite collateral ligament. A cadaveric study was preformed to better understand the mechanisms of this injury. Thirty-two long fingers (II to V) were studied. After partial section of the triangular ligament, the radial collateral ligament was cut (partly or completely, at proximal or distal insertion) and volar rotatory dislocation was induced. We studied the incidence of a fixed dislocation, the distal extension of the triangular ligament lesion, and the Stener lesion of the radial collateral ligament. A buttonhole lesion was produced by a dislocated lateral band in all cases with complete section of the collateral ligament. When the lesion of the triangular ligament extended distally, dislocation became irreducible. A Stener effect (interposition of the lateral band between the condyle and the collateral ligament) was observed after reduction in 21% of cases with proximal lesions of the radial collateral ligament.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty combined with a latissimus dorsi and teres major transfer for a deficit of both active elevation and external rotation. Results of 15 cases with a minimum of 2-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of reverse shoulder replacements performed in association with a latissimus dorsi and teres major tendon transfer in cases of irreparable posterosuperior cuff tears including the teres minor tendon. Our hypothesis was that the tendon transfers would improve the clinical results of arthroplasty by restoring active external rotation. METHODS: Fifteen procedures in 14 patients were performed through a single deltopectoral approach. Both tendons were fixed to the proximal anterolateral aspect of the humeral metaphysis. Mean age at the time of surgery was 67.5 years (range 53 to 82 years). All had severe cuff tear arthropathy (Hamada stage 3 or 4) and severe atrophy or fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus and teres minor on preoperative MRI or CT-scan (Goutallier stage 3 or 4). Preoperative and postoperative functions were assessed by Constant score. Satisfaction was assessed by the Simple Shoulder Test (SST). At follow up, radiographs were examined for radiolucent lines, osteolysis and scapular notching. RESULTS: The average follow-up after surgery was 33.2 months (range 24 to 60 months). The mean absolute Constant score improved significantly (P=10(-5)) from 23.7±11.5 preoperatively to 61.1±11.9 postoperatively. Forward flexion and external rotation with the arm at the side improved significantly, respectively from 64.7±35.6° preoperatively to 126±34.4° postoperatively (P<10(-5)) and from -8.7±21.3° to 27.3±12.2° (P<0.0005). Internal rotation was not affected. The mean SST improved from 1.9±1.6 points preoperatively to 7.6±1.8 points postoperatively (P<0.0005). Twelve patients were very satisfied or satisfied (including one with a bilateral procedure) and 2 were unsatisfied with the final result. At final follow-up, radiographs showed no radiolucent lines around the implants nor scapular notching. CONCLUSION: The combined procedure helped restoration of active elevation and external rotation in cases of massive cuff tear including the teres minor tendon. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV.

Free vascularised fibular graft in multi-operated patients for an aseptic non-union of the humerus with segmental defect: Surgical technique and results.

In cases of non-union of the humerus with segmental bone defect, if a conventional treatment has failed, free fibular transfer should be considered as a reliable option to allow satisfactory bone union. We reported five cases of aseptic and multi-operated non-union of the humerus from trauma. In each case, a free fibular flap was performed after failure of a conventional treatment and bony union was demonstrable radiologically within six months. Some technical points such as harvesting of the fibula, humerus approach, fibula placement and fixation are highlighted in order to simplify the transfer and to standardise the technique.

Complex proximal humeral fractures: a prospective study of 22 cases treated using the "Bilboquet" device.

INTRODUCTION: Despite recent improvements in surgical devices, complex proximal humerus fractures internal fixation still encounters frequent mechanical failures. HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to confirm that the Bilboquet device (a design mimicking the cup-and-ball game) helps solving mechanical difficulties associated with these fractures internal fixation and to present a simplified version of the original surgical procedure. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This non-randomised prospective study included 22 fractures in 22 patients, mean age: 70 years. According to the Neer classification there were three-part fractures in seven cases and four-part fractures in 15 cases. Fractures were all reduced and treated by internal fixation in a simplified surgical procedure using the Bilboquet device. RESULTS: Mean postoperative follow-up was 34 months. The mean Constant score was 66 and the weighted Constant score was 86. Mean active forward elevation was 108° and mean active external rotation was 28°. No per- or postoperative complications occurred. Initial reduction of the tuberosity was incomplete in four cases. Union was obtained in all fractures. There was no secondary tilting of the head, and no migration or pseudarthrosis of the tuberosities. Five patients developed postoperative avascular necrosis of the humeral head. DISCUSSION: The Bilboquet staple component provides a supporting platform for the entire humeral head area. This peripheral stabilization associated with tension band wiring explains the lack of secondary displacement in these cases. Although the Bilboquet device provides a solution to the mechanical problems of complex fractures of the proximal humerus, it does not solve the problem of secondary avascular necrosis of the humeral head, which occurred in 23% of the patients in this series and in 33% of patients in the four-part fractures subgroup. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV (non-randomised prospective study).

Results of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer in primary or salvage reconstruction of irreparable rotator cuff tears.

INTRODUCTION: This study intends to evaluate latissimus dorsi tendon transfer outcomes inpatients with irreparable rotator cuff tears, irrespective of the fact that this procedure had been used primarily in 17 patients (Group I) or as a revision of a previously shoulder surgery in eight patients (Group II). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients (14 males and 11 females), mean age 55.8 years were treated using this procedure. Tears involved both supraspinatus and infraspinatus in 21 cases. The latissimus dorsi flap was harvested through an axillary approach and reattached on the greater tuberosity, using suture anchors. Outcome was assessed at a mean follow-up duration of 22 months (12 to 60 months) based on objective measures (Constant and Murley scores) as well as on subjective criteria (patient's satisfaction). RESULTS: Active forward elevation (AFE) improvement as well as external rotation and absolute Constant score gains were all significant. This amelioration was more important in patients with a preoperative AFE below 80 grades and this without any significant difference between group I and II. Subjectively, 84% of the Group I patients were satisfied with their outcome versus 50% of patients in Group II. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears, clinical results of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer showed significant pain level reduction, and gains in active range of motion both in forward elevation and external rotation. We did not find a significant difference between primary or revision repairs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV retrospective therapeutic study.

[Results of primary repair of injuries to the median and ulnar nerves at the wrist]. / Résultats de la réparation primaire des plaies du nerf médian et du nerf ulnaire au poignet.

INTRODUCTION: Wounds on the palmar side of the wrist affecting the median or ulnar nerves are responsible for motor and sensory sequelae, severe pain and cold intolerance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with 40 nerve sections were retrospectively reviewed with a mean follow up of 23 months. The median nerve alone was affected 20 times, the ulnar nerve seven times and both nerves simultaneously 13 times. In 75% of the cases, there was an associated vascular injury (radial artery and/or ulnar artery). The average number of tendons cut was 4.25. RESULTS: After repair of the median nerve, 71% of patients recovered antepulsion and opposition that was normal or possible against resistance. The strength was approximately 70% of the opposite side. The sensitive recovery was good (S3 in>or=50% of cases) but it was accompanied by cold intolerance one out of two patients. After repair of the ulnar nerve, 29% of the cases had an ulnar claw hand, 71% of patients recovered sensitivity greater or equal to S3 but with cold intolerance in 42% of the cases. The combined median and ulnar sections had a poorer sensory-motor prognosis. Revision surgery was necessary in 12 of these cases. CONCLUSION: Sensory recovery after an isolated ulnar nerve lesion at the wrist is better than after an isolated median nerve lesion but there is no difference in the motor recovery. Combined median and ulnar lesions have an especially bad prognosis and may require secondary palliative surgery. The existence of nerve contusion and a high number of tendon injuries were factors associated with a poorer prognosis.

Myoglobin-catalyzed tyrosine nitration: no need for peroxynitrite.

The nitration of tyrosine residues in protein to yield 3-nitrotyrosine derivatives has been suggested to represent a specific footprint for peroxynitrite formation in vivo. However, recent studies suggest that certain hemoproteins such as peroxidases catalyze the H(2)O(2)-dependent nitration of tyrosine to yield 3-nitrotyrosine in a peroxynitrite-independent reaction. Because 3-nitrotyrosine has been shown to be present in the postischemic myocardium, we wished to assess the ability of myoglobin to catalyze the nitration of tyrosine in vitro. We found that myoglobin catalyzed the oxidation of nitrite and promoted the nitration of tyrosine. Both nitrite oxidation and tyrosine nitration were H(2)O(2)-dependent and required the formation of ferryl (Fe(+4)) myoglobin. In addition, nitrite oxidation and tyrosine nitration were pH-dependent with a pH optimum of approximately 6.0. Taken together, these data suggest that the acidic pH and low oxygen tension produced during myocardial ischemia will facilitate myoglobin-catalyzed, peroxyntrite-independent formation of 3-nitrotyrosine.

Analysis of factors that may affect the enzymatic profile of gingival crevicular fluid: sampling technique, sequential sampling and mode of data presentation.

To evaluate the possible effect of sampling technique and sequential sampling on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, 14 patients presenting at least two symmetrical maxillary sites with mild/moderate periodontitis were selected. Two sites in each individual were sequentially sampled using either the deep-intracrevicular or orifice technique. Spectrophotometrically determined MPO levels were presented either as total MPO activity or MPO concentration. Although the clinical periodontal status of the 20 sampling sites were similar, the deep-intracrevicular technique regularly provided larger GCF volumes. With both techniques, the last samples contained the highest GCF volume. During sequential orifice sampling, GCF volume was relatively more stable. In general, a depletion of MPO activity was observed with sequential sampling performed with either of the techniques. Depletion of MPO did not replenish to baseline levels at the end of the 10-min sequential sampling. Although MPO activity showed a general reduction during sequential orifice sampling with both modes of data presentation, total MPO activity and MPO concentration did not match with the deep-intracrevicular technique. Due to the potential of affecting GCF volume/composition, the selection of sampling technique seems to be a critical methodological decision in GCF-profile studies, primarily during sequential sampling. In GCF-profile studies, mode of data presentation should also be considered.

The importance of data presentation regarding gingival crevicular fluid myeloperoxidase and elastase-like activity in periodontal disease and health status.

BACKGROUND: The enzymatic profile of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) is being analyzed with increasing interest, but related studies lack a general consensus on most methodological points, including the appropriate mode of data presentation. METHODS: GCF myeloperoxidase (MPO) and elastase-like activity (ELA) levels were spectrophotometrically determined on a total of 60 subjects who were divided into three equal subgroups as early-onset periodontitis (EOP), adult periodontitis (AP), and healthy. GCF enzyme levels were calculated and evaluated both as total enzyme activity and enzyme concentration. The correlations between these GCF enzymes and clinical periodontal status were also analyzed. RESULTS: With both modes of data presentation, the results regarding MPO activity were consistent. When presented either as total MPO activity or MPO concentration, the periodontally healthy group showed significantly lower MPO activity than the two patient groups (P<0.05). However, two modes of data presentation did not match when GCF ELA was concerned. When data were reported as total ELA, the healthy group exhibited lower enzyme activity (0.02 +/- 0.001 U) than EOP (0.04 +/- 0.01 U) and AP (0.06 +/- 0.02 U) groups; but when reported as concentration, the highest ELA levels were seen in the healthy group (221 +/- 31.53 nmol/min/ml), followed by AP (98.63 +/- 23.03 nmol/min/ml) and EOP (70.49 +/- 12.02 nmol/min/ml) (P<0.05). A strong-positive and significant correlation existed between GCF MPO and ELA. Correlations with clinical parameters were mostly observed with total activities. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study confirm the relationship between GCF ELA and MPO activity and periodontal disease and also support the functional relativity between the two enzymes. Furthermore, based on these findings, it can be suggested that data presentation by use of total activity seems to be more sensitive in both the reflection of the actual enzymatic profile of GCF and also the existing clinical periodontal status. For each GCF component, the validity of different modes of data presentation should be considered.

Do experimentally induced ipsilateral testicular torsion, vas deferens obstruction, intra-abdominal testis or venous obstruction damage the contralateral testis through a common mechanism?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if various conditions affecting the ipsilateral testis which also damage the contralateral testis share a common pathway for their effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised five groups of 10 adult rats which underwent surgery to produce (on their left sides); group 1, a sham operation (control); group 2, testicular torsion; group 3, vas deferens obstruction; group 4, an intra-abdominal testis; and group 5, venous obstruction. The ipsilateral and contralateral testes were harvested 4 weeks after surgery. The relative proportions of haploid cells, the mean seminiferous tubular diameter (MSTD), mean testicular biopsy scores (MTBS), and lactate and hypoxanthine levels were determined and compared. RESULTS: The proportions of haploid cells in the ipsilateral and the contralateral testes of groups 2-5 were significantly lower than those of the corresponding testes of the control group. The MSTD and MTBS of the ipsilateral testes in groups 2-5 were also significantly lower than the ipsilateral testes of controls and the contralateral testes within the same groups. While the MSTD and MTBS of the contralateral testes of groups 1 and 5 were not significantly different, those of the contralateral testes of groups 2-4 were significantly less than that of group 1. The lactic acid and hypoxanthine levels of the ipsilateral and contralateral testes were significantly increased in groups 2 and 3. While only the hypoxanthine level of group 5 increased significantly, both variables were not significantly different between the ipsilateral testes of groups 1 and 4. CONCLUSIONS: These four treatments damaged both the ipsilateral and contralateral testes. As the lactic acid and hypoxanthine levels within the contralateral testis were greater than in the controls, testicular torsion and vas deferens obstruction seem to share a common pathway (which may be a reflex decrease in contralateral testicular blood flow) for their effects on the contralateral testis.