Effect of intracanal cryotherapy on the inflammatory cytokine, proteolytic enzyme levels and post-operative pain in teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To investigate the changes in the biomarker levels related to inflammation and tissue destruction in the periapical exudate of mandibular pre-molar teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis after receiving intracanal cryotherapy, to compare cryotherapy and control groups in terms of analgesic intake, interappointment, and post-operative pain and evaluate the correlation between biomarker levels and interappointment pain. METHODOLOGY: Mandibular pre-molar teeth of 44 patients aged 18-35 years, diagnosed with asymptomatic apical periodontitis, were root canal treated in two visits (registered as NCT04798144). Baseline periapical exudate samples were obtained, and the patients were assigned to either control or intracanal cryotherapy group according to the final irrigation with distilled water either at room temperature or 2.5°C. The canals were dressed with calcium hydroxide. In the second visit, the calcium hydroxide was removed with passive ultrasonic irrigation, and the periapical exudate was sampled again. IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, PGE2 and MMP-8 levels were determined with ELISA. Post-operative pain levels were recorded for 6 days following both visits using a visual analogue scale. Data were analysed using t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test and correlation tests. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between the pain scores reported after first visit and IL-1ß and PGE2 levels (p < .05). IL-1ß, IL-2 and IL-6 levels showed no significant difference in the cryotherapy group (p > .05), while they significantly increased in the control group (p < .05). There was a decrease in IL-8, TNF-α, PGE2 and MMP-8 levels, however, the difference was not significant (p > .05). Pain scores were significantly lower in the cryotherapy group for the first 3 days (p < .05), except for 24th hours (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The positive correlation between interappointment pain and IL-1ß and PGE2 levels might indicate that these biomarker levels can be used to predict the severity of post-operative pain. Intracanal cryotherapy was effective in reducing post-operative pain in the short term in teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Cryotherapy prevented an increase in IL-1ß, IL-2 and IL-6 levels compared with the control group.

Induction of apoptosis by metformin and progesterone in estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia in rats: involvement of the bcl-2 family proteins.

This study compared the antiproliferative effects of metformin and progesterone, via examination of the Bcl-2/Bax-caspase apoptotic pathway in estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia (EH) in 40 rats. Two rats died after bilateral oophorectomy, and 1 week after surgery, the remaining 38 were randomly divided into three groups: the first (control, n = 12) received 4 mg/kg 17ß estradiol hemihydrate (E); the second (n = 13) received 4 mg/kg 17ß estradiol hemihydrate and 50 mg/kg metformin (E + M); and the third (n = 13) received 4 mg/kg 17ß estradiol hemihydrate and 1 mg/day medroxiprogesterone acetate (E + MPA). Histological markers and Bcl-2, Bax and caspase 9 expression were analyzed. Luminal epithelial thickness, density of gland and epithelial height was significantly higher in group E than in groups E + M and E + MPA. Histopathologic parameters were similar between the E + M and E + MPA groups. Bcl-2/Bax ratio was significantly decreased in the E + M and E + MPA groups and caspase 9 expression levels were significantly increased in the E + M and E + MPA groups, compared with the control group. In addition, Bcl-2/Bax ratio and caspase 9 expression were similar between the E + M and E + MPA groups. The data indicate that metformin reduces estrogen-induced EH in rats, via activation of the caspase-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, to the same degree as progesterone.

Diagnostic efficiency of systemic immune-inflammation index in fusion prostate biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic efficiency of systemic immune response (SII) in prostate cancer (PCa) in patients with PSA < 10 ng/mL undergoing fusion prostate biopsy. METHODS: The prospective study included patients who were planned for fusion prostate biopsy and had PSA < 10 ng/mL and a PI-RADS ≥ 3. All the patients underwent 12-core standard transrectal prostate biopsy followed targeted biopsy (combined biopsy). Based on preoperative complete blood count parameters, SII was calculated using the following formula: SII = platelet × neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. Correlations between PI-RADS score, platelet, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, PSA, PSA density, SII and PCa were determined using ROC curve analysis. Optimal cut-off values were determined using the maximum Youden Index (defined as: sensitivity + specificity - 1). RESULTS: The study included 508 patients with a mean age of 62.49 ±â€¯6.86 years and a median PSA level of 7.28 (5.69-8.70) ng/mL. The overall clinically significant PCa rate was 39.4%. Although SII had no significant diagnostic value in PCa patients with low ISUP grades (grade 1 and 2) (AUC = 0.487, P = 0.622), it was revealed as a significant marker in PCa patients with an ISUP grade ≥ 3 (AUC = 0.811, P < 0.001). The cut-off value of SII was 533.0. While the combination of SII with PI-RADS score is the most effective marker, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet were also revealed as effective markers in predicting ISUP grade 3-5 PCa, though not as effective as SII. CONCLUSION: SII and SII combination with PI-RADS score appear to be a significant diagnostic marker in patients with high-grade PCa (ISUP grade 3-5). These values were found to be higher compared to those of patients with a benign pathology and patients with lower ISUP scores.

Iodine intake is still inadequate among pregnant women eight years after mandatory iodination of salt in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: A recent study showed first sign of reduction in goiter prevalence and elimination of iodine deficiency state among school-age children in Turkey after a decade of mandatory iodination of table salt. However, iodine status among pregnant women is a still debated issue in our country. AIM: To investigate iodine status, iodized salt consumption rate, and goiter prevalence in 1st trimester pregnant women 8 yr after the mandatory iodination. MATERIAL/ SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-one 1sttrimester pregnant women who had been followed-up between January and October 2006 in the obstetric outpatient clinics in Turkey were included. Besides a physical examination, subjects underwent laboratory investigations for free T(3), free T(4), and urinary iodine concentration (UIC). All subjects completed a questionnaire regarding sociodemographic parameters, use of iodized salt, and pregnancy history. Goiter status was revealed by a palpation method according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. RESULTS: In this study, we found that the median UIC of pregnant women was 149.7 microg/l (range 20.9-275.1 microg/l). Almost half of the subjects were below the WHO, United Nations Children's Fund, and International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders lower median reference limits of 150 microg/l. Total goiter prevalence was 24.8%, of which 9.2% were visible goiters. Among the study patients, 2.1% had subclinical hypothyroidism, and 0.7% had overt hypothyroidism. The rate for iodized salt use among the pregnant women was 95%. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that iodine deficiency still remains a serious problem for pregnant women. Based on our results, antenatal follow-up protocols in the primary care setting in Turkey must include iodine supplementation.

The role of expectations in patients' hospital assessments: a Turkish university hospital example.

PURPOSE: This paper aims to conduct a preliminary assessment of patient attitudes regarding important aspects of service dimensions using SERVQUAL. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The SERVQUAL scale is routinely used at the Baskent University Hospitals Network, Turkey. The study consisted of 550 randomly chosen patients who presented to any member of the hospital network during January and February 2006 and received treatment as inpatients or outpatients at those healthcare facilities. FINDINGS: The patients' perceived scores were higher than expected for an ordinary hospital but lower than expected for a high-quality hospital. Young patients had a high-expected service score gap and a low adequate service score difference. Highly educated patients had a high-expected service score difference. Uninsured patients had a low adequate service score difference. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Baskent University multidisciplinary healthcare teams have performed periodic patient satisfaction surveys in order to identify strengths and problem areas, formulate the quality improvement objectives and monitor progress towards achieving these objectives. However, patient satisfaction survey results are often highly positive. In these cases, improving care is not easy because measures are not sensitive enough to changes. Therefore a more sensitive measurement tool based on the SERVQUAL scale was developed. The authors believe that patient opinions are extremely important because they provide information that is not necessarily emphasized by managers or health care professionals, resulting in a more complete assessment of past performance and a clearer road map for future action.

The role of expectations in patient assessments of hospital care: an example from a university hospital network, Turkey.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to document a study, in which the SERVQUAL scale was used to evaluate hospital services, conducting a preliminary assessment of patient attitudes regarding the important aspects of service dimensions. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The SERVQUAL scale was implemented into routine use at the Baskent University Hospitals Network in Baskent, Turkey. The study consisted of 550 randomly chosen patients who presented to any member hospital in that network during January and February 2006 and received treatment as inpatients or outpatients at those healthcare facilities. The SERVQUAL scale was utilised to evaluate hospital services. FINDINGS: A questionnaire was completed by a total of 472 (86.0 per cent) patients. The perceived scores of the patients were higher than expected for an ordinary hospital but lower than expected for a high-quality hospital. The highest difference between the perceived service score and the expected service score was found at the Alanya Application and Research Center in Alanya, Turkey. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The paper demonstrates the use of the SERVQUAL scale in measuring the functional quality of the hospitals assessed.

Diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of carcinoid tumour of the ampulla of Vater: long-term follow-up of a case.

Carcinoid tumours of the gastrointestinal tract are most commonly localized in the appendix, followed by the small intestine and the rectum. Carcinoid tumours of the ampulla of Vater are extremely rare. In this report, we present a long-term follow-up of a new case with carcinoid tumour of the ampulla of Vater.

Synthesis of some substituted quinazolinediones as potential inhibitors of smooth muscle contraction.

3-Substituted 2,4(1H,3H)-quinazolinediones were prepared from the corresponding N-substituted 2-aminobenzamides by treatment with ethyl chloroformate and KOH in ethanol. Also, a series of 3-substituted and 1-methyl-3-substituted 2,4(1H,3H)-quinazolinediones were synthesized by the reaction of 1-methyl-1,4-dihydro- and 1,4-dihydro-2,4-dioxo-3(2H)-quinazolineacetic acid with the corresponding N-substituted piperazines. The 13C NMR spectra and mass spectra of the compounds were measured and signals were assigned. Some of the compounds showed inhibitory action on contractile function of smooth muscle.

Organ donation: a cross-sectional survey of the knowledge and personal views of Turkish health care professionals.

Health care professionals (HCPs) represent a key element in the cadaveric organ donation process. This cross-sectional survey assessed HCPs' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to cadaveric organ donation and transplantation. One thousand one hundred eighty-four HCPs were randomly selected from various units of five health care institutions located in three major Turkish cities. Each individual completed a questionnaire. The ages ranged between 18 and 63 years. By examining the tendency to organ procurement, 78.6% of the physicians and 69.5% of the nurses stated that establishing brain death during ventilator support is the optimum condition. The results indicated good overall knowledge of the criteria for brain death. Physicians displayed significantly better understanding of the criteria for brain death and optimal conditions for organ procurement. While physicians have significantly better knowledge about kidney transplantation, there was no difference for liver transplantation. Compared to nurses, doctors had significantly better knowledge of which organs can be used in the current transplantation process. Although 44.2% claimed they were willing to donate their organs, only 17.9% actually carried a legal donation card. The rate of willingness to donate was significantly higher among doctors than nurses. Physicians have significantly better knowledge about legal aspects of organ donation and transplantation. Overall, the survey revealed that lack of knowledge has a negative impact on people's attitudes toward organ donation even among health care professionals. Improvements must be made to develop a nationwide Donor Hospital Education Program that will provide training concerning transplantation and organ donation.

Promotion of fracture healing by vitamin E in rats.

We investigated the effects of the antioxidant alphae-tocopherol on early- and late-phase fracture healing in a rat model. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into two groups. The right tibia of each rat was fractured manually under anaesthesia, and fracture sites fixed with intramedullary Kirschner wires. The alpha-tocopherol group received 20 mg/kg alpha-tocopherol intraperitoneally; the control group received intraperitoneal saline injections. Ten rats from each group were sacrificed on day 15, day 45 and day 60. In the alpha-tocopherol group, malondialdehyde concentrations, a measure of lipid peroxidation associated with oxygen free radicals, were significantly decreased on day 15 and day 45 compared with the control group, but had regained the 15-day value on day 60. On histopathological and radiological assessment, fracture healing on day 60 was significantly more advanced in the alpha-tocopherol group. We conclude that alpha-tocopherol has a positive effect on both early and late-phase fracture healing, and may be beneficial in clinical fracture

New naphthyloxyalkyl beta-diketone and 3,5-dimethylisoxazole derivatives as potential antiviral agents.

Ten new compounds having 3-[(2-naphthyloxy)alkyl]-2,4-pentanedione and 4-[(2-naphthyloxy)alkyl]-3,5-dimethylisoxazole structures were synthesized and their cytotoxicities and antiviral activities investigated. 3-[6-(2-Naphthyloxy)hexyl]-2,4-pentandione possessing inhibitory activity on the replication of both adenovirus type 5 and poliovirus type 1 at 20 micrograms/ml was the most active compound in the series.

Eficacia diagnóstica del índice de inmunidad-inflamación sistémica en la biopsia de próstata por fusión / Diagnostic efficiency of systemic immune-inflammation index in fusion prostate biopsy

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia diagnóstica del índice de inmunidad-inflamación sistémica (IIS) en el cáncer de próstata (CaP) en pacientes con PSA<10ng/ml sometidos a una biopsia de próstata por fusión.MétodosEl estudio prospectivo incluyó a pacientes con una biopsia de próstata por fusión planificada, con un PSA<10ng/ml y un PI-RADS≥3. Todos los pacientes se sometieron a una biopsia prostática transrectal estándar de 12 cilindros, seguida de una biopsia dirigida (biopsia combinada). Con base en los parámetros del recuento sanguíneo completo preoperatorio, el IIS se calculó mediante la siguiente fórmula: IIS=plaquetas×índice neutrófilo-linfocito. Las correlaciones entre la puntuación PI-RADS, las plaquetas, el índice neutrófilo-linfocito, el PSA, la densidad de PSA, el IIS y el CaP se determinaron utilizando el análisis de curvas ROC. Los valores de corte óptimos se determinaron utilizando el máximo del índice de Youden (definido como: sensibilidad+especificidad−1).ResultadosEl estudio incluyó 508 pacientes con una media de edad de 62,49±6,86 años y un nivel medio de PSA de 7,28 (5,69-8,70) ng/ml. La tasa global de CaP clínicamente significativo fue del 39,4%. Aunque el IIS no tenía un valor diagnóstico significativo en los pacientes con CaP de bajo grado ISUP (grado 1 y 2) (AUC=0,487, p=0,622), se reveló como un marcador significativo en los pacientes con CaP con un grado de ISUP≥3 (AUC=0,811, p<0,001). El valor de corte del IIS fue de 533,0. Aunque la combinación de IIS con la puntuación PI-RADS conforman el marcador más efectivo, el índice neutrófilo-linfocito y las plaquetas también se mostraron como marcadores efectivos en la predicción del CaP de grado ISUP 3-5, aunque no tanto como el IIS. (AU)

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic efficiency of systemic immune response (SII) in prostate cancer (PCa) in patients with PSA<10ng/ml undergoing fusion prostate biopsy.MethodsThe prospective study included patients who were planned for fusion prostate biopsy and had PSA<10ng/ml and a PI-RADS≥3. All the patients underwent 12-core standard transrectal prostate biopsy followed targeted biopsy (combined biopsy). Based on preoperative complete blood count parameters, SII was calculated using the following formula: SII=platelet×neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. Correlations between PI-RADS score, platelet, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, PSA, PSA density, SII and PCa were determined using ROC curve analysis. Optimal cut-off values were determined using the maximum Youden Index (defined as: sensitivity+specificity−1).ResultsThe study included 508 patients with a mean age of 62.49±6.86 years and a median PSA level of 7.28 (5.69-8.70) ng/ml. The overall clinically significant PCa rate was 39.4%. Although SII had no significant diagnostic value in PCa patients with low ISUP grades (grade 1 and 2) (AUC=0.487, P=.622), it was revealed as a significant marker in PCa patients with an ISUP grade≥3 (AUC=0.811, P<.001). The cut-off value of SII was 533.0. While the combination of SII with PI-RADS score is the most effective marker, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet were also revealed as effective markers in predicting ISUP grade 3-5 PCa, though not as effective as SII. (AU)

Calcifying pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis: CT, MR imaging, and histologic features.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Non-neoplastic, calcified, fibro-osseous lesions known as "calcifying pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis" (CAPNON) are rare and can occur anywhere within the neuraxis. The radiologic and histopathologic characteristics of this unusual entity are not well understood. We present the largest series reviewing the MR imaging features of CAPNON. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MR and CT imaging features in 4 patients with a pathologic diagnosis of "calcifying pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis" were retrospectively reviewed. A neuropathologist also analyzed the histopathologic features for typical and atypical patterns. RESULTS: Imaging features were strikingly similar for all 4 patients. All lesions appeared T1 and T2 hypointense without vasogenic edema. All tumors had dense calcification, and 3 tumors showed minimal linear internal or rim enhancement on MR imaging. CONCLUSIONS: CAPNON may mimic more common vascular malformations or neoplasms and are often not considered in the differential diagnosis of calcified lesions. CAPNON should be included in the differential diagnosis of a calcified mass with marked T1 and T2 hypointensity and limited to no enhancement. Careful CT and MR imaging evaluation can suggest this entity, and this preoperative recognition may help subsequent management decisions.

Epidemiologic analysis of patients with burns presenting to the burn units of a University Hospital Network in Turkey.

This retrospective study analyzed risk factors in addition to the demographic and epidemiological features of 813 burn patients who were admitted to the burn units of a University Hospital Network in Turkey during a 6-year period. The study consisted of 436 men (53.6%) and 377 women (46.4%; mean age, 31; range, 0-87 years). The age distribution of the patients peaked at 1 to 6 years and at 35 to 44 years. The most common types of burns were scalds (63.8%) and flame burns (22.1%). The mean TBSA burned was 9.4 +/- 15.3% in adults and 19.8 +/- 18.6% in children. The median and mean hospital stays were 16 and 22.8 days, respectively (range, 1-114 days). A total of 813 patients were evaluated, leaving only 255 hospitalized patients. Of the hospitalized patients, 100 (74.6%) underwent autografting, 8 (6.0%) underwent amputation, 113 (84.3%) underwent débridment, and 76 (56.7%) underwent escharotomy. The mortality rate among hospitalized patients was 14.1%. Although this study provides information about the population within close proximity to our burn units, there remains a need for a countrywide database of burn incidents.

Quantitative structure-activity relationship study of some 7-substituted theophyllines.

Some novel 7-substituted theophylline derivatives have been investigated for quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR). For this purpose, their bronchodilatory activities (in vitro), which were examined by the inhibition of acetylcholine induced contraction in tracheae isolated from guinea pigs, have been correlated with various quantum chemical and physicochemical parameters.

New beta-diketone and 3,5-dimethyl isoxazole derivatives of theophylline as potential bronchodilator agents.

Ten new compounds having 7-[(2,4-pentanedione-3-yl)alkyl]- and 7-[(3,5-dimethylisoxazole-4-yl)alkyl]-3,7-dihydro-1,3-dimethyl-1H- purine-2, 6-dione structures were synthesized and their bronchodilator activities investigated using the method based on inhibition of acetylcholine and histamine-induced contractions in guinea pig trachea. None of the compounds were effective on acetylcholine-induced contractions. However, the compounds 4d, 4e, 5d and 5c were potent inhibitors of the bronchospasm induced by histamine, whereas the others (4b, 4c, 5b and 5c) were weak inhibitors.