Genomic History of Neolithic to Bronze Age Anatolia, Northern Levant, and Southern Caucasus.

Here, we report genome-wide data analyses from 110 ancient Near Eastern individuals spanning the Late Neolithic to Late Bronze Age, a period characterized by intense interregional interactions for the Near East. We find that 6th millennium BCE populations of North/Central Anatolia and the Southern Caucasus shared mixed ancestry on a genetic cline that formed during the Neolithic between Western Anatolia and regions in today's Southern Caucasus/Zagros. During the Late Chalcolithic and/or the Early Bronze Age, more than half of the Northern Levantine gene pool was replaced, while in the rest of Anatolia and the Southern Caucasus, we document genetic continuity with only transient gene flow. Additionally, we reveal a genetically distinct individual within the Late Bronze Age Northern Levant. Overall, our study uncovers multiple scales of population dynamics through time, from extensive admixture during the Neolithic period to long-distance mobility within the globalized societies of the Late Bronze Age. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

The Association between SLAP Lesions and Critical Shoulder Angle and Glenoid Depth.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The critical shoulder angle (CSA) is formed by the combination of glenoid inclination and acromial index and has been shown related to rotator cuff tears and glenohumeral osteoarthritis. SLAP lesions today have an important place among bicipitolabral pathologies that cause intensive shoulder pain. We aimed to investigate the relationship between CSA and glenoid depth and SLAP lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 2017 and January 2022, 279 consecutive shoulder arthroscopy patients' MRI images were retrospectively examined. After the exclusion criteria, 191 patients were eligible. Patients with SLAP lesions (n=37) were assembled as the study group (Group 1), and patients with intact superior labrum (n=154) were named as the control group (Group 2). Critical shoulder angle (CSA) and glenoid depth measurements were performed using the preoperative MRI images. RESULTS: A total of 191 patients, of whom 84 were male (44%) were included. The mean age was 49.9±14.96 (range 18-79). There was a statistically signifi cant difference between the SLAP group (Group 1) and the control group (Group 2) in terms of CSA (p=0.032). The mean CSA was 31.66°±3.51° in Group 1 and 33.57° ±5.01° in Group 2. The cut-off value for CSA in patients with SLAP lesions was calculated as 32.85° and the area under the curve was 0.61, therefore a satisfactory association was observed between the groups. The mean glenoid depth was 4.32 ±1.25 mm in Group 1, and 4.39 ±0.32 mm in Group 2. There was no statistically signifi cant difference between the groups in terms of glenoid depth (p=0.136) and also no association between the glenoid depth and SLAP lesions was observed (cut-off=4.45 mm, AUC=0.32). CONCLUSIONS: Low CSA is associated with SLAP lesions, just as in glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Further prospective clinical studies are needed to enlighten the predisposing effect of CSA to SLAP lesions and the success of superior labral repairs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study, Level III.

Evaluation of jaw bone changes in patients with asthma using inhaled corticosteroids with mandibular radiomorphometric indices on dental panoramic radiographs.

BACKGROUND: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are an effective drug commonly used in asthma treatment. It is known that osteoporotic changes can occur secondary to steroid usage, depending on dosage and duration. The aim of this study was to compare radiomorphometric indices and fractal dimension on panoramic images of patients with asthma using ICSs and healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 66 dental panoramic radiographs (DPRs) taken from 32 patients with asthma using ICSs and 34 healthy individuals were evaluated in this retrospective study. Panoramic mandibular index inferior and superior (PMI-i,PMI-s), mandibular cortical width (MCW), gonial index (GI), antegonial index (AI), mandibular cortical index (MCI), and fractal dimension analysis (FDA) were measured on DPRs. RESULTS: PMI-s (p=0.02), MCW (p<0.001), GI (p<0.001) and AI (p<0.001) values were significantly lower in the group of the asthma using ICSs than control group. However, the PMI-i (p ˃0.05) measurement, the MCI (p ˃0.05) and FDA values distribution were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ICSs in asthma patients can affect bone quality. The evaluation of PMI-s, MCW, GI, and AI on DPR can help determine the effect of this drug on the jawbones in the early period and select dental and surgical treatment plans appropriately.

Epidemiological trends and seasonal dynamics of tuberculosis in Southeastern Turkey.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an important public health issue. Determining TB trend and seasonal variability provides useful information for designing treatment strategies and control programs. Aim: The present study attempts to investigate the epidemiological trend and the seasonal variations. Materials and Methods: TB data containing 2450 cases were collected over a period of seven years in the province of Diyarbakir in southeast Turkey. Trend function and seasonal variability were investigated by statistical curve fitting, surface fitting, and autoregressive time series analysis. Results: The study revealed a gradually decreasing trend in the number of TB cases over a period of seven years. Total TB incidence had seasonal variations (P = 0.04); there was a greater number of TB cases between April and July, with a peak in June. There were significant monthly seasonal variations with June peaks among females (P < 0.001), in patients in the age groups of 0-15 (P < 0.001) and 36-45 years (P < 0.001), in new cases (P < 0.001) and in the patients with pulmonary TB (P = 0.01). The extra-pulmonary TB cases peak in May (P = 0.01). Pulmonary TB and TB patients in the 36-45 age group had summer peak, while the other groups peaked at spring. Conclusions: Spring and summer peaks detected in total TB cases and in many subgroups indicate that multicenter and comprehensive clinical studies are needed to explain these variations.

DETERMINATION OF MANDIBULAR BONE CHANGES IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY HYPOTHYROIDISM TREATED WITH LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM.

Background: This study aimed to assess fractal dimension (FD) and the radiomorphometric indexes on the digital panoramic radiography (DPR) of patient with primary hypothyroidism receiving levothyroxine sodium replacement therapy. Methods: A total of 115 subjects were included in this cross sectional retrospective study. According to the results of the thyroid function tests, the subjects were divided into two groups as primary hypothyroidism (levothyroxine sodium replacement therapy given), (n = 57) and the healthy control group (n = 58). The fractal dimension (FD), panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mandibular cortical width (MCW), gonial index (GI) and mandibular cortical index (MCI) values of all patients were calculated on DPRs. The statistical analysis of all data was performed with SPSS version 22. Results: The distributions of age and gender in the primary hypothroidism group were similar to control group (p = 0.19 and p = 0.62, respectively). The two groups did not differ statistically significantly in terms of FD, PMI, MCW, GI, and MCI. Conclusion: We determined that mandibular cortical and trabecular bone structure did not significantly differ between healthy individuals and patients receiving drug replacement theraphy due to hypothyroidism, but our results should be further supported with the investigation of clinical parameters.

Mobile genes in the human microbiome are structured from global to individual scales.

Recent work has underscored the importance of the microbiome in human health, and has largely attributed differences in phenotype to differences in the species present among individuals. However, mobile genes can confer profoundly different phenotypes on different strains of the same species. Little is known about the function and distribution of mobile genes in the human microbiome, and in particular whether the gene pool is globally homogenous or constrained by human population structure. Here, we investigate this question by comparing the mobile genes found in the microbiomes of 81 metropolitan North Americans with those of 172 agrarian Fiji islanders using a combination of single-cell genomics and metagenomics. We find large differences in mobile gene content between the Fijian and North American microbiomes, with functional variation that mirrors known dietary differences such as the excess of plant-based starch degradation genes found in Fijian individuals. Notably, we also observed differences between the mobile gene pools of neighbouring Fijian villages, even though microbiome composition across villages is similar. Finally, we observe high rates of recombination leading to individual-specific mobile elements, suggesting that the abundance of some genes may reflect environmental selection rather than dispersal limitation. Together, these data support the hypothesis that human activities and behaviours provide selective pressures that shape mobile gene pools, and that acquisition of mobile genes is important for colonizing specific human populations.

The influence of MTAD and QMix on the accuracy of electronic apex locator in locating simulated perforations.

Aims and Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the electronic actual length in detecting artificial perforations of the root canal in the presence of saline solution (NaCl, (Eczacibasi, Istanbul, Turkey), chlorhexidine [CHX (Werax, Tunadent, Izmir, Turkey)], QMix (Dentsply Tulsa, Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), and MTAD (Dentsply, Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK, USA). Materials and Methods: The root canals of 25 single-rooted extracted human teeth were perforated artificially in the middle section of the root. The actual lengths up to the perforation site were measured and then, the teeth were embedded in an alginate mold. Electronic measurements of the perforations were obtained by an electronic apex locator according to the manufacturers' recommendations under dry conditions and in the presence of NaCl, CHX, MTAD, and QMix using a #20 K-file. Each canal was irrigated with distilled water and then dried with paper points between the measurements. Statistical analyses were performed using the Friedman test and Spearman Rank correlation coefficient to assess the correlations between the measurement methods. Results: Highest correlation between the actual length and the electronic measurement was observed under dry conditions and NaCl solution (r: 0.932, r: 0.940 respectively), and the least correlation was observed with MTAD solution (r: 0.697) using statistical analysis. Moreover, the accuracy of the electronic apex locator with different irrigation solutions was statistically different from each other (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The most accurate electronic measurements of artificial perforation were obtained under dry conditions or with NaCl.

Randomised controlled study of seroma rates after mastectomy with and without quilting the skin flap to pectoralis muscle.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine whether seroma formation was affected by reduction of the potential dead space with the flap fixation method and obliteration of the axillary region in patients with breast cancer who underwent either mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection or sentinel lymph node biopsy. A total of 105 patients with breast cancer were divided into two groups according to wound closure patterns. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The operating time, postoperative pain and complications, time to drain removal, seroma formation, amount of fluid aspirated and number of aspirations were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between groups in the rates of seroma development (P = 0.7), complication rates (P = 0.6), time to drain removal (P = 0.5), length of hospital stay (P = 0.3) or numbers of aspiration (P = 0.7). The operating time for fixation was determined to be longer than that of the classic procedure (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Reducing potential dead space with flap fixation and obliteration of the axillary region may be useful in decreasing the development of seroma in patients who have undergone mastectomy because of breast cancer. However, surgical technique must be careful, and appropriate patient follow-up must be conducted.

The investigation of the antitumoral effect of Cornus mas L in mice with ehrlich solid tumor.

AIM: Cornus mas L is commonly used due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and anti-oxidant properties. In the study, the effects of C. mas L extract on a solid tumor were examined in the Ehrlich solid tumor model developed in Balb/C type mice. METHODS: Ehrlich acid tumor (EAT) cells (1x106 EAT cell) from the stock animal were injected subcutaneously (s.c.) through the nape of the mice. Treatment groups of solid tumor-induced animals received 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of C. mas L extract intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 14 days. RESULTS: Tumor volumes and animal weights were found to be statistically significant compared to the control group (p < 0.05). AgNOR staining was performed in tumor tissues. Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of TAA/NA ratio (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical and biochemical parameters were also evaluated. An estimation of tumor proliferation of the lung, liver, brain, kidney, testis and tumor antioxidant parameters viz. lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was made. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the anti-tumor effect of C. mas L in assisted tumor development with EAT cells, was mediated by the enhancement of oxidative stress with multiple mechanisms (Tab. 6, Fig. 12, Ref. 38).

The low power effect on holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP); A comparison between 20W and 37,5W energy regarding apical enucleation efficacy and patient safety.

INTRODUCTION: The Holmium laser has proven to be an invaluable tool for endoscopic prostate enucleation. The proper energy selection, during the different steps of the procedure, has always been a matter of debate. In this work we compare the effectiveness of the Holmium laser, using two different low-power energy settings, during enucleation and hemostasis (20W and 37.5W). METHODS: One hundred and sixty patients underwent a HoLEP procedure with a 50Hz and 2J (100W) setting. During enuleation and hemostasis, two different low-power settings were applied (20W vs. 37.5W). In both groups, only the prostatic tissue in the bladder neck and enucleated tissue far away from the apex, were cut with a setting of 50Hz and 2J (100W). RESULTS: The mean enucleation efficiency (0.78 vs. 1.2g/min-p:001) was significantly higher by utilizing 37.5W energy (group 2). Additionally, the mean enucleation rate (0.64 vs. 0.88%-P:0.001) and laser efficiency (2.07 vs. 2.12 joule/g-P:0.003) were significantly higher in group 2. The enucleation time was significantly shorter (54 vs. 75.5 mins-P:0.002), while the mean catheter removal time (27 vs. 42 hrs-P:0.008) and Hb decrease (0.5 vs. 0.6g/dl--P:0.019) were significantly lower in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP can be performed efficiently with 100 W-37.5W settings. Enucleation and hemostasis can be performed successfully with 37.5W, while the use of 100W during bladder neck dissection shortens the duration of the procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Evaluation of the possible relationship between obesity and temporomandibular joint disorders.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to question the existence of a possible relationship between obesity and temporomandibular joint disorders. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 256 healthy subjects were included in the study. While the body mass index was used for the detection of obesity, Fonseca anamnestic index was used for the detection of temporomandibular joint disorders. The relationship between body mass index and temporomandibular joint disorders frequency was investigated. Values of P< 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There were 136 female (53.1%) and 120 male (46.9%) subjects. The mean age was 39.02 ± 10.62. 41.4% of the subjects were in normal weight, 32.4% were overweight and 26.1% were obese. The prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders was 73.8%. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference between body mass index and temporomandibular joint disorders frequency, but further larger studies will give more accurate outcomes.

The gingival crevicular fluid levels of growth factors in patients with amlodipine-induced gingival overgrowth: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Amlodipine, calcium channel blocker (CCB), is used in the management of cardiovascular diseases which causes gingival overgrowth (GO). The growth factors may have a role in the pathogenesis of amlodipine-induced GO. OBJECTIVES: This pilot study aimed to investigate the growth factors including transforming growth factor-b1 (TGF-b1), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with amlodipine-induced GO and compare with of healthy subjects. METHODS: GCF samples were collected from 56 sites presenting GO (GO + group) and from 38 sites not presenting GO (GO- group) of 5 patients using amlodipine for more than one year, and from 45 sites (control group) of 5 healthy subjects. The levels of TGF-b1, PDGF-BB, and bFGF were determined by using ELISA kits. RESULTS: The mean concentration of TGF-b1 in GCF samples of GO + group (9.50 ± 7.30 ng/ml) was higher than both GO- group (2.07 ± 0.50 ng/ml) and control group (2.74 ± 1.01 ng/ml) (P = 0.014). No significant difference was found among the groups in the GCF levels of PDGF-BB (P = 0.767). bFGF was detected in only 33% of the sites from patients. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results suggest that TGF-b1 may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of amlodipine-induced GO.

Endoscopic treatment of biliary complications after duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis in pediatric liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Studies reporting outcomes of endoscopic treatment methods in children who underwent liver transplantation (LT) is very limited. We present our outcomes, as a high-volume transplant center where endoscopic methods are preferred as the first choice in the treatment of biliary complications in children. METHODS: Patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as the first treatment approach for biliary complications after LT between 2005 and 2017 were included. Clinical data included patient demographics, ERCP indications (stricture or leak), and treatment outcomes, including the need for percutaneous and surgical intervention. RESULTS: ERCP was performed in 49 patients who had a duct-to-duct anastomosis (38 living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), 11 deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT)). The most common biliary complication was stricture. Our endoscopic success rate was 66.7% (18/27) and 75% (6/8) in LDLT and DDLT patients with stricture (p > 0.05), respectively. While our endoscopic success rate was 75% (3/4) in patients with leak alone after LDLT, it was 25% (1/4) in patients with leak and stricture in this group. The endoscopic success rate was 50% in two patients who had leak alone after DDLT. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP should be considered as a preferential treatment option for the management of biliary complications in pediatric liver transplant patients with duct-to-duct anastomosis, as in adults.

Effect of novel oral anticoagulants on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores.

BACKGROUND: The negative impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) on health-related quality of life has been extensively documented. The aim of this study was to compare the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores of patients with non-valvular AF during warfarin administration and after switching to novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs). METHODS: The study comprised 100 consecutive patients on warfarin treatment between July 2018 and January 2019 for whom a transition to NOACs was planned. All patients completed the HADS at the start of the study and at least 3 months after that date. RESULTS: The mean value of HADS-A (5.9 ± 2.1 vs. 4.4 ± 1.6, p < 0.001) and HADS-D (4.4 ± 1.7 vs. 3.7 ± 1.4, p < 0.001) scores was significantly higher in patients when they used warfarin than when they switched to NOACs. Analysis revealed that there was a significant correlation between HADS-A and HADS-D scores with age and history of bleeding (p < 0.001). The highest scores were found for patients with a history of bleeding and age ≥75 years (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that patients with nonvalvular AF under treatment with NOACs had lower HADS-A and HADS-D scores compared with patients on warfarin treatment. These findings suggest that NOACs may increase the quality of life and decrease morbidity and mortality by reducing anxiety and depression.

Wideband Tympanmetry Results of Bone Cement Ossiculoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to investigate hearing sensitivity and wideband tympanometry results in bone cement ossiculoplasty cases in present study. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTING: Ossiculoplasty patients were grouped according to the anatomical location of bone cement application by surgery note. Ossiculoplasty and tympanoplasty patients were retrospectively invited to the clinic and evaluated. 30 bone cement ossiculoplasty cases as well as 30 Type I tympanoplasty cases (intact ossicular chain) and 30 healthy controls were included in the study and Wideband Tympanometry was performed. Tympanometric peak pressure, equivalent middle ear volume, static admittance, tympanogram width, resonance frequency, average wideband tympanometry and absorbance measurements were analyzed. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement was observed in the hearing levels of all ossiculoplasty and type I tympanoplasty patients (p < 0.05). Bone cement ossiculoplasty groups demonstrated the remarkable differences than the type I tympanoplasty and control group in Wideband Tympanometry test parameters. In some parameters, malleus-stapes and manubriostapedioplasty groups demonstrated similarities to Type I tympanoplasty and control groups. CONCLUSION: Bone cement is an effective application for ossiculoplasty. Wideband tympanometry is a promising method for the evaluation of the middle ear dynamics.

In vitro vasoactive effects of dexmedetomidine on isolated human umbilical arteries.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the vasoactive effects of dexmedetomidine on isolated human umbilical arteries and possible mechanisms involved. METHODS: Human umbilical artery strips were suspended in Krebs-Henseleit solution and dose-response curves were obtained for cumulative dexmedetomidine before and after incubation with different agents; propranolol, atropine, yohimbine, prazosin, indomethacin, verapamil. Effects of calcium on cumulative dexmedetomidine-induced contractions were also studied. RESULTS: Cumulative dexmedetomidine resulted in dose dependent contraction responses. Incubation with propranolol (Emax: 93.3 ± 3.26 %), atropine (Emax: 92.0 ± 6.54 %), or indomethacin (Emax: 94.25 ± 2.62 %), did not attenuate dexmedetomidine-elicited contractions (p > 0.05). There were significant decreases in the contraction responses of cumulative dexmedetomidine with yohimbine (Emax: 12.1 ± 11.9 %), prazosin (Emax: 28.8 ± 4.6 %) and verapamil (Emax: 11.2 ± 13.6 %) (p < 0.05). In Ca+2 free medium contraction responses to cumulative dexmedetomidine was insignificant (Emax: 5.20 ± 3.42 %). Addition of cumulative calcium to the Ca+2 free medium resulted in concentration dependent increase in contractions (Emax: 64.83 ± 37.7 %) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine induces vasoconstriction in endothelial-free umbilical arteries via both, α1- and α2-adrenergic receptors and also extracellular Ca+2 concentrations play a major role. ß-adrenergic receptors, muscarinic cholinergic receptors, and inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzyme are not involved in this vasoconstriction (Fig. 3, Ref. 36).

Prevalence of obesity among adolescents in Eastern Turkey: A cross-sectional study with a review of the local literature.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization defines obesity as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that can damage health. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of obesity and risk factors in high school students in Erzurum City Center. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The number of students participating in the study was 845, including 47.6% females and 52.4% males. Data collection was done by surveys filled in under supervision. Anthropometric measurements were performed by the researchers. Predictions of the Extended International Obesity Task Force were used for body mass index. Parents' body mass indexes were calculated by self-report and classified according to cut-off points for adults in the world health community. A systematic review of the local literature published between 2004 and 2013 was drafted. RESULTS: In girls and boys, the frequency of overweight was 26.9% and 25.7%, respectively, while the frequency of obesity was 12.4% and 9.5%. A logistic regression analysis was performed to reveal significant risk factors for overweight/obesity. Weekly exercise status [odds ratio = 3.0, 95% confidence interval CI (1.2-7.8)] and school transfer % CI = (1.1-7.2) were important independent risk factors for obesity. The local literature showed a 4.3-fold increase in the prevalence of obesity within 10 years. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity and overweight in adolescents requires the implementation of effective programs to fight this epidemic. Health education targeting peers and their parents, peer education, screening of risk groups, and controlling the sale of unhealthy foods can be some interventions.

Efficacy of calcium hypoclorite with and without Er,Cr: Yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet laser activation on Enterococcus faecalis in experimentally infected root canals.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of calcium hypochlorite (Ca(OCl)2) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) associated with or without erbium, chromium: yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet (Er,Cr: YSGG) laser irradiation in root canals experimentally infected with Enterococcus faecalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The root canals of 105 single-rooted premolars were enlarged up to file 40, autoclaved, inoculated with E. faecalis, and incubated for 21 days. The teeth were randomly divided into seven experimental (n = 15) groups according to the protocol for decontamination: syringe irrigation (SI) with distilled water (DW), SI with 2.5% NaOCl, SI with 2.5% Ca (OCl)2, laser-activated irrigation (LAI) with DW, LAI with 2.5% NaOCl and LAI with 2.5% Ca (OCl)2 and LAI with no solution. Microbiological samples were collected and the colony-forming units were counted before and after irrigation procedures and the percentages of reduction were calculated. RESULTS: Mean numbers of recovered bacteria in the SI with DW group were significantly higher than those in the other experimental groups (P < 0.05). The high bactericidal reduction was observed in any of the other treatment groups: SI using NaOCl or Ca (OCl)2 and LAI with DW, NaOCl, Ca (OCl)2 or no solution, with no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Er,Cr: YSGG laser with or without an irrirgation solution has antimicrobial effects on dentinal tubules infected with E. faecalis. The antimicrobial property of 2.5% Ca (OCl)2 was effective as 2.5% NaOCl on E. faecalis with conventional or laser activated irrigation in root canals.

Is there any relationship between clinical parameters and histopathologic features of gallbladder specimens obtained from living liver donors?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether there is any relationship between the clinical parameters and the histopathological features of the gallbladder (GB) specimens obtained from living liver donors (LLDs). METHODS: The demographic (age, sex, height, weight, and BMI), clinical (liver graft type, liver graft weight, and GB volume), microbiological (bile culture), and histopathological (width, length, wall thickness, and microscopic properties of the GB specimen) data of 169 LLDs, who underwent living donor hepatectomy between October 2015 and October 2017, were prospectively recorded and retrospectively analyzed. The LLDs were compared with respect to sex (male vs. female) and the histopathological features of the GB (normal structure vs. chronic cholecystitis vs. cholesterolosis/polyps/cholelithiasis). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between both sexes with respect to age, graft type, and some features of GB (volume, wall thickness, width, length, and bile culture). On one hand, there were significant differences between both sexes with regard to height (P < 0.001), weight (P < 0.001), BMI (P < 0.001), histopathological findings (P = 0.003), and graft size (P = 0.003). Comparison with regard to GB's histopathological features revealed no significant differences between the three groups with respect to age, weight, and some features of GB (volume, length, width, and bile culture). On the other hand, the three groups were significantly different in terms of sex (P = 0.003), height (P = 0.008), BMI (P = 0.002), and wall thickness (P = 0.044). Bile culture proliferation occurred in none of the patients except for one patient. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to assess GB's volume, dimensions, and bile culture in healthy individuals such as LLDs.

Antimicrobial activity of trans-cinnamic acid and commonly used antibiotics against important fish pathogens and nonpathogenic isolates.

AIMS: Antibiotics and several other chemicals have been used to prevent fish diseases. However, this situation results in economic loss for the companies in the aquaculture industry and most importantly it pollutes the environment. Cinnamic acid is a naturally occurring aromatic acid and is considered to be safe for human consumption. Therefore, in this study, the antibacterial activity of trans-cinnamic acid and commonly used antibiotics, namely chloramphenicol, vancomycin, streptomycin and erythromycin, were tested against 32 bacteria, including fish pathogens, nonpathogenic isolates and collection strains. METHODS AND RESULTS: Trans-cinnamic acid was applied against the bacteria using the disc diffusion and microdilution method under in vitro conditions. Antibiotics were also tested under similar conditions against all tested bacteria using the disc diffusion method. The results show that among 32 bacterial strains trans-cinnamic acid exhibited potent inhibitory effect on the Gram-negative fish pathogen Aeromonas sobria. In addition, a moderate inhibition of trans-cinnamic acid of fish pathogens Aeromonas salmonicida, Vibrio (Listonella) anguillarum, Vibrio crassostreae and Yersinia ruckeri was also observed for trans-cinnamic acid in our study. On the contrary, the majority of nonpathogenic intestinal isolates were resistant to trans-cinnamic acid. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the antimicrobial activity of trans-cinnamic acid on 24 of the studied bacteria isolated from fish. In conclusion, trans-cinnamic acid can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative additive to prevent and control primarily A. sobria, as well as other pathogenic bacteria such as A. salmonicida, V. anguillarum, V. crassostreae and Y. ruckeri. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study indicated that trans-cinnamic acid may present an environmentally friendly alternative therapeutic agent against A. sobria infections in the aquaculture industry.