SIK2 Controls the Homeostatic Character of the POMC Secretome Acutely in Response to Pharmacological ER Stress Induction.

The neuronal etiology of obesity is centered around a diet-induced inflammatory state in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, which impairs the functionality of pro-opiomelanocortine neurons (POMCs) responsible for whole-body energy homeostasis and feeding behavior. Intriguingly, systemic salt inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) knockout mice demonstrated reduced food intake and energy expenditure along with modestly dysregulated metabolic parameters, suggesting a causal link between the absence of SIK2 activity in POMCs and the observed phenotype. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a comparative secretomics study from POMC neurons following pharmacologically induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induction, a hallmark of metabolic inflammation and POMC dysregulation in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. Our data provide significant in vitro evidence for the POMC-specific SIK2 activity in controlling energy metabolism and feeding in DIO mice by regulating the nature of the related POMC secretome. Our data also suggest that under physiological stress conditions, SIK2 may act as a gatekeeper for the secreted inflammatory factors and signaling molecules critical for cellular survival and energy homeostasis. On the other hand, in the absence of SIK2, the gate opens, leading to a surge of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic cues concomitant with the dysregulation of POMC neurons.

The differences between pure and mixed invasive micropapillary breast cancer: the epithelial-mesenchymal transition molecules and prognosis.

PURPOSE: Invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) of the breast is known for its high metastatic potential, but the definition of pure and mixed IMPC remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study aims to investigate the prognostic significance of the micropapillary component ratio and the expression of critical molecules of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including E-cadherin (E-cad), N-cadherin (N-cad), CD44s, and ß-catenin (ß-cat), in distinguishing between pure and mixed IMPCs. METHODS: We analyzed 100 cases of locally advanced IMPC between 2000 and 2018 and excluded patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Pure IMPC was defined as having a micropapillary component of over 90%. A comprehensive recording of prognostic parameters was conducted. The IMPC areas were analyzed using the immunohistochemical (IHC) staining method on the microarray set for pure and mixed IMPC patients. Pearson's chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazards analysis were employed. RESULTS: The comparative survival analysis of the entire group, based on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), revealed no significant difference between the pure and mixed groups (P = 0.480, HR = 1.474 [0.502-4.325] and P = 0.390, HR = 1.587 [0.550-4.640], respectively). However, in the pure IMPC group, certain factors were found to be associated with a higher risk of short survival. These factors included skin involvement (P = 0.050), pT3&4 category (P = 0.006), a ratio of intraductal component (> 5%) (P = 0.032), and high-level expression of N-cad (P = 0.020). Notably, none of the risk factors identified for short OS in pure IMPC cases were observed as significant risks in mixed cases and vice versa. Furthermore, N-cad was identified as a poor prognostic marker for OS in pure IMPCs (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The selection of a 90% ratio for classifying pure IMPCs revealed significant differences in certain molecular and prognostic parameters between pure and mixed groups. Notably, the involvement of N-cadherin in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process provided crucial insights for predicting OS and DFS while also distinguishing between the two groups. These findings strongly support the notion that the pure IMPC subgroup represents a distinct entity characterized by unique molecular characteristics and behavioral patterns.

Oral Health Status of Outpatients with Schizophrenia in Ankara, Türkiye: A Descriptive Study. / Ayakta Tedavi Gören Sizofreni Hastalarinin Agiz Sagligi Durumu: Tanimlayici Bir Çalisma (Ankara-Türkiye).

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the oral health status and denture treatment needs of a group of outpatients with schizophrenia. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-eight patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were evaluated. Socio-demographic characteristics, eating habits, alcohol consumption, smoking status, oral hygiene attitudes, medical status, medications and the data related to dental visit were obtained via structured questionnaire of 45 questions. Medication information were confirmed from hospital records. The DMFT score (the Total of decayed, missing and filled teeth), denture status, Community Periodontal Index of Treatment (CPITN) and attachment loss were recorded in accordance with the criteria defined by the WHO. RESULTS: The mean DMFT score was 11.1±8.6. Total number of teeth decreased, while the number of decayed teeth and DMFT scores increased with age (p<0.001). There was no relationship between the anticholinergic effects of antipsychotics and the teeth count, number of decayed, filled and missing teeth, and the DMFT scores. The CPITN assessment revealed that 71.6% of the patients had healthy periodontium, 7.4% exhibited gingival bleeding upon probing, and 21% had dental calculus. Psychotropic medication and tooth brushing habits were associated with CPITN scores. Male sex was associated with higher frequency of denture need (p<0.001), while no association was observed with the education level and antipsychotic use (p>0.001). CONCLUSION: Physicians and dentists have to work in coordination to maintain good oral health of patients with schizophrenia. Patients should be encouraged for regular dental check-ups and dentist should take utmost care of the oral hygiene maintenance.

Comparative evaluation of different adhesive strategies of a universal adhesive in class II bulk-fill restorations: A 48-month randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical performance of the universal adhesive used in etch-and-rinse (ER) and self-etch (SE) adhesive strategies for 48-month in class II bulk-fill restorations. METHODS: A total of 84 class II bulk-fill resin composite (Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill) restorations were placed in 35 participants by one operator using the universal adhesive's (Adhese Universal VivaPen) etch-and-rinse or self-etch mode randomly. The restorations were evaluated by two calibrated examiners at baseline and after 6-, 12-, 24-, 36- and 48-month using modified USPHS criteria. The comparison of the two adhesive strategies for each evaluation criteria was performed with the chi-square test. The baseline scores were compared with those at the recalls using the Friedman and Cochran's Q-test (p < .05). RESULTS: At 48-month, 74 restorations were evaluated in 30 participants (recall rate: 85.7%). Marginal discoloration was statistically more frequent in SE approach (p < .05), whereas no significant difference was observed between the two strategies in terms of marginal adaptation (p > .05). There were statistically significant differences between the baseline and 48-month recall in the SE group in terms of marginal adaptation and discoloration (p < .05). In ER group, significant differences were found between baseline and 48-month only for marginal adaptation (p < .05). None of the restorations showed post-operative sensitivity. Secondary caries was observed in one restoration from SE group. CONCLUSIONS: The tested bulk-fill restorative exhibited better clinical performance only in terms of marginal discoloration when the universal adhesive was used with ER strategy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Though ER approach of the tested universal adhesive appears to be advantageous in terms of marginal discoloration, both adhesive strategies had similar impact on the clinical success of bulk-fill resin restorations.

Six-year clinical evaluation of bulk-fill and nanofill resin composite restorations.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the performance of a bulk-fill and a nanofill resin composite in class II restorations after 6 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients having at least two class II carious lesions were recruited for the study. One lesion in each patient was randomly assigned to be restored using either the Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill (TB) or Filtek Ultimate (FU) resin composites with their respective adhesives. One hundred four restorations were placed by two calibrated operators. Restorations were evaluated at baseline and annually over the course of 6 years by two examiners using modified USPHS criteria. Data were statistically analyzed using the Chi-square and Cochran Q tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Sixty-six restorations in 33 patients were evaluated after 6 years. Only one restoration was lost from FU group at 5 years. At the end of 6 years, marginal discoloration was observed in three (9.1%) TB and eight (36.4%) FU restorations creating a significant difference between the groups (p < 0.05). The FU group showed a significant increase in marginal discoloration at 6 years from the baseline (p < 0.05). Marginal adaptation was rated as Bravo for 9.1% and 24.2% of TB and FU restorations, respectively (p > 0.05). Significant degradation was observed within each group in terms of marginal adaptation (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for the other criteria tested (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bulk-fill restorations performed better for marginal discoloration. The remaining clinical performance criteria of bulk-fill and nanofill resin composite restorations were similar after 6 years. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bulk-fill resin might be a better alternative to incrementally placed restorative in terms of marginal discoloration under clinical conditions.

Clinicopathological analysis of invasive cribriform carcinoma of the breast, with review of the literature.

Invasive cribriform carcinoma (ICC) is a rare type of a primary breast carcinoma. It is subdivided into two groups as pure and mixed types. There are limited studies comparing the pure and mixed ICC at present. We aim to investigate the clinicopathological, radiological, prognostic features, and survival outcomes of two types with reviewing the published literature. 16 pure ICC and 26 mixed ICC cases were evaluated. The population consisted of 41 female and 1 male patients. The only male patient was a pure ICC case. The median age was for pure and mixed type, 46.5 and 54 years, respectively. All ICCs were ER positive. All ICCs except one mixed ICC, were positive for PR. Only one mixed ICC was accepted HER2 positive (3+). Pure ICCs showed more favorable features than mixed ICCs such as lesser axillary lymph node involvement, lower grade, and proliferation index. Twenty-five patients had one of the following imaging methods; ultrasonography (US), mammography (MG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Irregular shape, hypoechogenicity, and spiculated margins were the most common US findings. Similarly, irregular shape+spiculated margin is the most common MG findings. The median follow-up time for pure and mixed ICC was 88 and 56.5 months, respectively. One mixed ICC case developed bone metastasis. One death occurred in each group. Reasons of death were unknown. The 5-year OS for both ICC groups was 100%. 10-year OS for pure and mixed ICCs was 100% and 90%, respectively. 5-year DFS was 100% for pure ICC, and 94% for mixed ICC.

Does laser etching have an effect on application mode of a universal adhesive?-A microleakage and scanning electron microscopy evaluation.

This study aimed to evaluate the microleakage of a universal adhesive's different application modes incorporated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser on Class V resin composite restorations. Sound human molar teeth (n = 30) were used for microleakage evaluations. Specimens with 60 standardized Class V cavities were divided into five groups according to the adhesive modes of universal adhesive, Adhese Universal (n = 12). Group 1-etch-and-rinse mode with phosphoric acid; Group 2-etch-and-rinse mode with Er,Cr:YSGG laser; Group 3-selective-etch mode with phosphoric acid; Group 4-selective-etch mode with Er,Cr:YSGG laser; Group 5-self-etch. After restorations were performed with a resin composite, Tetric N-Ceram, the specimens were polished and subjected to thermocycling (10,000X). Following immersion in 0.5% basic fuschin for a day, the teeth were sectioned and the degree of microleakage was determined along the tooth-resin composite interface using a light microscopy(40X). Five specimens from each group were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The Kruskal-Wallis, Siegel Castello, and Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analyses (α = .05). At the enamel margins, significant differences were obtained among the groups (p < .05). Significantly higher microleakage scores were detected in Group 5 in comparison with Groups 1, 2, and 3. There were no significant differences between different adhesive strategies at the dentin margins (p > .05). While analyzing enamel and dentin microleakage scores, no statistically significant differences were observed in Groups 4 and 5 (p > .05). The laser application time and the adhesive modes of universal adhesives could affect the microleakage at the enamel margins. Different adhesive modes of universal adhesives combined with laser etching had no influence on the microleakage scores of dentin margins.

Management of a patient with primary mucinous testicular adenocarcinoma as a rare case with adjuvant and metastatic sequential treatments.

INTRODUCTION: Mucinous adenocarcinomas of the testicular surface epithelial tumors are very rare and are similar to malignant ovarian-type surface epithelial tumors. Although only 32 cases have been reported to date, there are only five cases of primary testicular mucinous carcinoma with access to literature in English. So there is still limited information about clinical, etiopathogenesis and treatment options. CASE REPORT: In this article, we discuss a 56-year-old male patient diagnosed with testicular mucinous adenocarcinoma due to its rarity in the light of literature review.Management and outcome: We preferred cisplatin-paclitaxel regimen for adjuvant treatment. We then used sequential treatments including oxaliplatin, 5-fluorourasil, etoposide, gemcitabine, and docetaxel to treat metastatic disease. The patient underwent lung metastasectomy for the first relapse. The patient was diagnosed in November 2013 and the response to treatment was evaluated in December 2019 and stable disease was detected. The patient, who has a total survival of 73 months, is still under treatment. DISCUSSION: Excluding malign transformation and borderline mucinous testicular tumors from mucinous cystadenomas of the testis, the knowledge on carcinogenesis, clinical course, and treatment of primary testicular mucinous adenocarcinomas is very limited.

Rectum mucinous adenocarcinoma metastasis to bilateral breast in a male patient: A case report.

A 47-year-old male presented to our clinic with complaints of mass in both breasts. In the patient's history, he had undergone low anterior resection for rectum mucinous adenocarcinoma 2 years ago. The masses in both breasts of the patient were excised. Mucinous adenocarcinoma metastases were reported in the pathologic evaluation of the masses. Metastasis should be considered in patients with bilateral breast mass and previously diagnosed cancer even if the patient is male.

Thirty-six-month clinical evaluation of different adhesive strategies of a universal adhesive.

AIM: The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate and compare the performance of a universal adhesive with different adhesive strategies in the restoration of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) over a 36-month period. MATERIAL AND METHOD: One hundred sixty-five NCCLs in 35 patients (13 female, 22 male) with at least 3 lesions each were included in this study. Three groups were formed according to the adhesive strategy used (n = 55): selective-etch mode, etch-and-rinse mode, or self-etch mode of a universal adhesive, Single Bond Universal. The same nanofilled resin composite, Filtek Ultimate, was used for all restorations by a single operator. The restorations were evaluated by two calibrated examiners at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months in accordance with the modified USPHS criteria. The chi-square test was used for intergroup comparison and Cochran's Q test for intragroup comparison (∝ = 5%). RESULTS: At 36 months, the recall rate was 98.1% and three restorations, one from each group, had failed because of retention loss (P > 0.05). The self-etch mode group showed 17 bravo scores for both marginal staining and marginal adaptation after 3 years, which was significantly different from the selective-etch and etch-and-rinse groups (P < 0.05). For all groups, the only statistically significant difference was found when baseline and 36-month evaluations were compared in terms of marginal staining (P = 0.000). When the marginal adaptation values at 36 months were compared with those at the baseline, statistically significant differences were found in the etch-and-rinse and self-etch mode groups (P < 0.05). Neither secondary caries nor postoperative sensitivity was observed at any recall. CONCLUSION: All adhesive modes showed similar retention rates. Although all restorations were clinically acceptable, restorations in self-etch mode showed less satisfying performance for marginal staining and marginal adaptation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: At the end of 36 months, the Single Bond Universal adhesive received acceptable scores according to the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. However, clinicians should be aware that its use in self-etch application mode tends to result in marginal staining and marginal deterioration when compared with etch-and-rinse and selective-etch application modes.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Enhance Axonal Regeneration through Cross-Facial Nerve Grafting in a Rat Model of Facial Paralysis.

BACKGROUND: Cross-face nerve grafting combined with functional muscle transplantation has become the standard in reconstructing an emotionally controlled smile in complete irreversible facial palsy. However, the efficacy of this procedure depends on the ability of regenerating axons to breach two nerve coaptations and reinnervate endplates in denervated muscle. The current study tested the hypothesis that adipose-derived stem cells would enhance axonal regeneration through a cross-facial nerve graft and thereby enhance recovery of the facial nerve function. METHODS: Twelve rats underwent transection of the right facial nerve, and cross-facial nerve grafting using the sciatic nerve as an interpositional graft, with coaptations to the ipsilateral and contralateral buccal branches, was carried out. Rats were divided equally into two groups: a grafted but nontreated control group and a grafted and adipose-derived stem cell-treated group. Three months after surgery, biometric and electrophysiologic assessments of vibrissae movements were performed. Histologically, the spectra of fiber density, myelin sheath thickness, fiber diameter, and g ratio of the nerve were analyzed. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for the evaluation of acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junctions. RESULTS: The data from the biometric and electrophysiologic analysis of vibrissae movements, immunohistochemical analysis, and histologic assessment of the nerve showed that adipose-derived stem cells significantly enhanced axonal regeneration through the graft. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that adipose-derived stem cells could be a clinically translatable route toward new methods to enhance recovery after cross-facial nerve grafting.

P21 and p27 Immunoexpression in Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinomas.

p21 and p27 are members of cyclin-dependent kinase family, which function as tumor suppressors and they are involved in development and progression of several malignancies. We investigated their expression in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUTUC). Radical nephroureterectomy materials of 34 patients were assessed by immunohistochemistry to evaluate expression of p21 and p27 in UUTUC. Results were correlated with various clinicopathological variables as age, gender, tumor grade and stage, tumor architecture, multifocality, subsequent bladder carcinoma development and clinical outcome.p21 and p27 expression was observed in 52.9 % (n = 18) and 88.2 % (n = 30), respectively. A total of 21 tumors (61.7 %) showed either total loss of p21 expression (n = 16, 47 %) or lower expression (n = 5, 14.7 %). No correlation was found between p21 expression and clinicopathologic variables. Cases showing total loss or lower p27 expression (11.7 % and <25.6 %, respectively) (n = 19, 55.8 %) constituted 67.6 % (n = 23) of the cases totally. This loss or lower p27 expression correlated with a shorter overall survival in both univariate and multivariate analysis (p = 0.039 and p = 0.037, respectively). None of the noninvasive tumors (papillary and nodular tumors) showed loss of p27 (p = 0.016) while 33.3 % of invasive ones showed p27 loss. Noninvasive tumor architecture also correlated with subsequent bladder carcinoma development (p = 0.032) while invasive tumor architecture correlated with advanced stage (T3 and T4) (p = 0.003). p27 is widely expressed in UUTUC, while p21 expression is observed in half of the cases. Loss of p27 expression correlated with tumor architecture and overall survival in UUTUC. However, further research is needed to assess their role in UUTUC.

Non-Contact and Contact Tonometry in Corneal Edema.

PURPOSE: To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) values by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and Reichert 7 CR noncontact tonometry (R7CR-NCT) in patients with postsurgical corneal edema and to examine the impact of postoperative corneal edema on these values. METHODS: Forty-six patients with grade 4 and 5 cataracts were included in this study. Intraocular pressure was measured using GAT and R7CR-NCT before and 1 day after phacoemulsification. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was determined before and after surgery to quantify postsurgical corneal edema. The R7CR-NCT provided a Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) and corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc). RESULTS: The CCT increased significantly 1 day after surgery (the mean preoperative CCT, 543.5 ± 25.4 µm; the mean postoperative CCT, 681.5 ± 19.8 µm; p < 0.001), a mean increase of 26.7%. The preoperative R7CR-NCT measurements (the mean IOPcc, 18.8 ± 5.6 mm Hg; the mean IOPg, 17.8 ± 4.5 mm Hg) were significantly higher than GAT measurements (the mean GAT-IOP, 16.0 ± 3.4 mm Hg) (p < 0.001). On postoperative day 1, the R7CR-NCT measurement (the mean IOPcc, 27.0 ± 9.8 mm Hg; the mean IOPg, 25.1 ± 8.9 mm Hg) were significantly higher than GAT measurements (the mean GAT-IOP, 18.3 ± 7.9 mm Hg) (p < 0.001). The difference between postoperative R7CR-NCT and GAT-IOP values were significantly higher than the difference between preoperative R7CR-NCT and GAT-IOP values (p < 0.001 for both IOPcc to GAT-IOP and IOPg to GAT-IOP). The difference between postoperative IOPcc and GAT-IOP was significantly correlated to the change in CCT (r = 0.526, p < 0.001). Similarly, the difference between postoperative IOPg and GAT-IOP was significantly correlated to the change in CCT (r = 0.536, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The R7CR-NCT IOP values were high in patients with postsurgical intensive corneal edema. Consequently, the difference between R7CR-NCT IOP and GAT-IOP increased in edematous corneas.

Mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: A case report and review of the literature.

Mesonephric adenocarcinoma is a rare neoplasm of uterine cervix. It originates from the mesonephric ductus remnant or mesonephric hyperplasia area. There have been few such cases reported. Our case was 64 years of age and her tumour held the whole endocervical wall. It was around 5cm in diameter, and had exophytic component as well. Bilateral pelvic and paraaortic lymph nodes were negative for metastasis.

Comparison of intravitreal bevacizumab and triamcinolone acetonide theraphies for diffuse diabetic macular edema.

AIM: To compare therapeutic effects of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) versus intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections for bilateral diffuse diabetic macular edema (DDME). METHODS: Forty eyes of 20 patients with bilateral DDME participated in this study. For each patient, 4 mg/0.1 mL IVTA was injected to one eye and 2.5 mg/0.1 mL IVB was injected to the other eye. The effects of injection for diabetic macular edema (DME) were evaluated using best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) by applanation tonometer. Patients underwent eye examinations, including BCVA, CMT, and IOP at pre-injection, 1, 4, 8, 12 and 24wk after injection. During the follow-up, second injections were performed to eyes which have CMT greater than 400 µm at 12wk for salvage therapy. RESULTS: BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) at pre-injection, 1, 4, 8, 12 and 24wk after injection was 0.71±0.19, 0.62±0.23, 0.63±0.12, 0.63±0.13, 0.63±0.14 and 0.61±0.24 in the IVTA group and 0.68±0.25, 0.61±0.22, 0.60±0.24, 0.62±0.25, 0.65±0.26 and 0.59±0.25 in the IVB group, respectively. CMT (µm) at pre-injection, 1, 4, 8, 12 and 24wk after injection was 544±125, 383±96, 335±87, 323±87, 333±92, 335±61 in the IVTA group and 514±100, 431±86, 428±107, 442±106, 478±112, 430±88 in the IVB group respectively. Reduction ratios of mean CMT were 29% at 1wk, 38% at 4wk, 40% at 8wk, 38% at 12wk, and 38% at 24wk in the IVTA group. Second IVTA injections were performed to the 6 eyes (30%) at 12wk. Reduction ratios of mean CMT were 16% at 1wk, 17% at 4wk, 14% at 8wk, 7% at 12wk, and 16% at 24wk in the IVB group. Second IVB injections were performed to the 15 eyes (75%) at 12wk. CONCLUSION: This study showed earlier and more frequent macular edema recurrences in the eyes treated with bevacizumab compared with the ones treated with triamcinolone acetonide. Triamcinolone acetonide was found to provide more efficient and long-standing effect in terms of reducing CMT compared with the bevacizumab.

The Notch pathway is a critical regulator of angiogenesis in a skin model of ischemia.

The Notch pathway is definitely required for normal vascular development. Although the contribution of Notch in postnatal angiogenesis is the focus of intense investigation, the implication of Notch in reparative neovascularization in the skin remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated Notch changes using a skin model of ischemia. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups. In the surgery group (n = 24), a caudally based dorsal skin flap was raised and sutured back into its initial position. In the control group, no surgical procedure was performed. Tissue biopsies were obtained at different time intervals. Tissue specimens were assessed for Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immunohistochemical staining was used for detection of DLL4 in tissue materials. Quantitative assessment of skin flap microvasculature was made. Compared with normoperfused tissue, VEGF and DLL4 expressions increased significantly (p < 0.01). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed weak and patchy expression of DLL4 in microvascular endothelial cells of normoperfused tissues. Conversely, DLL4 expression was upregulated in capillary endothelial cells after ischemia. In conclusion, in this study we have shown that the Notch ligand DLL4 is upregulated in skin tissue after ischemia. A deeper understanding of these fundamental principles will aid in the development of new avenues for the treatment of blood vessel-related skin pathologies.

Sex differences in fingerprint ridge density in a Turkish young adult population: a sample of Baskent University.

Fingerprints are considered to be one of the most reliable methods of identification. Identification of an individual plays a vital part of any medico-legal investigations. Dermatoglyphics is a branch of science that studies epidermal ridges and ridge patterns. Epidermal ridges are polygenic characteristics that form intrauterine 10-18 weeks and considered fully developed by the sixth month of fetal growth. Fingerprints are permanent morphological characteristics and criminal detection based on fingerprints is based on the principle that no two people can have identical fingerprints. Sex determination from fingerprints has been examined in different population. In this study we aimed to study fingerprint ridge density in Turkish population sample of Baskent University students. Fingerprints were obtained from 118 women, 88 men a total of 206 students aged between 17 and 28 years old by means of simple inking method. Fingerprints from all right and left hands fingers were collected in three different area of each. The ridges on fingerprints were counted diagonally on squares measuring 5 mm × 5 mm on radial, ulnar and inferior areas. The fingerprint ridge density in radial, ulnar and inferior areas and between sexes was compared statistically Mann Whitney U test and Friedman test. The ridge density was significantly greater in women in every region studied and in all fingers when compared to men. The fingerprint ridge density in the ulnar and radial areas of the fingerprints was significantly greater than the lower area. Fingerprint ridge density can be used by medico-legal examination for sex identification.

Evaluation of Renal Transplant Scintigraphy and Resistance Index Performed Within 2 Days After Transplantation in Predicting Long-Term Graft Function.

PURPOSE: Value of renal transplant scintigraphy and resistance index (RI) in the assessment of renal graft function is well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of renal transplant scintigraphy and RI for long-term graft function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 119 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Renal transplant scintigraphy with technetium Tc 99 m DTPA and color Doppler ultrasonography for RI were performed to each patient within 2 days after transplantation. Resistance index and the results of the tests in perfusion/renographic curve analysis of scintigraphy were compared with the serum creatinine (sCr) levels at 3 months, 1 year, and 5 years after transplantation. A sCr level of more than 1.5 mg/dL was considered abnormal. RESULTS: Differences of the mean values of T½ of graft washout (GW½), time difference between peak renal perfusion and arterial count ([INCREMENT]P), and accumulation index (R20/3) were significantly high in patients with high follow-up sCr (>1.5 mg/dL) (P < 0.01). The correlation of these tests with the follow-up sCr levels was significant (P < 0.01). The number of recipients with high perfusion curve grade was also significant in the follow-up groups with high sCr levels. However, difference of the mean value of RI was insignificant between the follow-up groups, and there was no correlation between the RI and sCr levels. CONCLUSION: Renal transplant scintigraphy performed within 2 days after transplantation is useful in the prediction of long-term graft function at 3 months, 1 year, and 5 years; and it is superior to resistance index.

ß-3AR W64R Polymorphism and 30-Minute Post-Challenge Plasma Glucose Levels in Obese Children.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of W64R polymorphism of the ß3-adrenergic receptor gene (ß-3AR) with childhood obesity and related pathologies. METHODS: ß-3AR gene W64R genotyping was carried out in 251 children aged 6-18 years. Of these subjects, 130 were obese (62 boys) and 121 were normal-weight (53 boys). In the obese group, fasting lipids, glucose and insulin levels were measured. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed in 75 of the obese patients. RESULTS: The frequency of W64R genotype was similar in obese and non-obese children. In obese children, relative body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, serum lipid, glucose and insulin levels, as well as homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores were not different between Arg allele carriers (W64R and R64R) and noncarriers (W64W). In 75 obese children, OGTT results showed that Arg allele carriers had significantly higher 30-minute glucose levels (p=0.027). CONCLUSION: W64R polymorphism of the ß-3AR gene is not associated with obesity and waist-to-hip ratio in Turkish children. Although there were no relationships between the genotypes and lipid, glucose/insulin levels or HOMA-IR, the presence of W64R variant seemed to have an unfavorable influence on early glucose excursion after glucose loading.