The association of microRNAs in the development of retinopathy of prematurity.

INTRODUCTION: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the main reasons of preventable childhood blindness. In the development of ROP, MicroRNAs may be effective in the balance of factors that inhibit and activate angiogenic factors. We aimed to determine the changes in the blood levels of miR-146a, miR-143, miR-210, miR-21, miR-126, miR-211, miR-221, miR-106 and let 7f and to investigate their association with ROP. We hypothesed that the level of these miRNAs changed significantly in ROP cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational study was conducted prospectively in preterm infants with ROP. Serum levels of 8 miRNAs were measured. The relationship between disease stage and progression with miRNA gene expression was analysed. Preterm infants without ROP were taken as the control group. RESULTS: 47 patients with ROP and 14 controls, were included in the study. In the ROP group, miR-210, miR-146a, miR-21 were statistically significantly lower. In the ROP group the expression level of miR-143 was insignificantly lower, miRNA-221 was insignificantly higher, and miR-106, miR-126 and let 7f were variable. CONCLUSION: It was observed that miR-210, miR-146a, miR-21 and miR-143 were significantly lower in patients with ROP compared to the control group. However, no association could be established between the type of miRNA and stage of ROP. These miRNAs may be used as adjunctive biomarkers for diagnosis of ROP.

Investigation of the protective effect of chitosan against arsenic-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage in rat kidney tissue.

Arsenic is an important metalloid that can cause poisoning in humans and domestic animals. Exposure to arsenic causes cell damage, increasing the production of reactive oxygen species. Chitosan is a biopolymer obtained by deacetylation of chitin with antioxidant and metal ion chelating properties. In this study, the protective effect of chitosan on arsenic-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage was investigated. 32 male Wistar-albino rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each as control group (C), chitosan group (CS group), arsenic group (AS group), and arsenic+chitosan group (AS+CS group). The C group was given distilled water by oral gavage, the AS group was given 100 ppm/day Na-arsenite ad libitum with drinking water, the CS group was given 200 mg/kg/day chitosan dissolved in saline by oral gavage, the AS+CS group was given 100 ppm/day Na-arsenite ad libitum with drinking water and 200 mg/kg/day chitosan dissolved in saline by oral gavage for 30 days. At the end of the 30-day experimental period, 90 mg/kg ketamine was administered intraperitoneally to all rats, and blood samples and kidney tissues were collected. Urea, uric acid, creatinine, P, Mg, K, Ca, Na, Cystatin C (CYS-C), Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and Kidney Injury Molecule 1 (KIM-1) levels were measured in serum samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the supernatant obtained from kidney tissue were analyzed by ELISA method. Compared with AS group, uric acid and creatinine levels of the AS+CS group were significantly decreased (p<0.001), urea, KIM-1, CYS-C, NGAL, and MDA levels were numerically decreased and CAT, GSH, and SOD levels were numerically increased (p>0.05). In conclusion, based on both biochemical and histopathological-immunohistochemical- immunofluorescence findings, it can be concluded that chitosan attenuates kidney injury and protects the kidney.

Relationship between combined systemic inflammatory indices with presence and severity of hyperemesis gravidarum.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to determine the levels of systemic inflammation markers and the combined systemic inflammation indices in hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) patients and to investigate the association between the severity of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 83 pregnant women with HG and 100 healthy pregnant women matched for gestational age as a control group. We grouped the HG patients according to the Modified Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis/Nausea (PUQE) scoring system as mild, moderate, and severe. We calculated the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), MPV-to-lymphocyte ratio (MPVLR), RDW-to-platelet ratio (RPR), Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), and Aggregate Systemic Inflammation Index (AISI). RESULTS: NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI levels were significantly higher in the HG group. These indices tended to increase as the severity of the disease increased. We found NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI indices as the independent risk factors for the presence and severity of HG. The SIRI index, which has the highest area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity values, was determined as the most powerful diagnostic tool in the diagnostic evaluation of the presence (AUC: 0.695; p < 0.001; sensitivity: 54%; specificity: 75%; cut-off: 3.14) and severity (AUC: 0.785; p < 0.001, sensitivity: 82%; specificity: 68%; cut-off: 2.74) of HG. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results showed that combined systemic inflammatory indices (NLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI) are associated and correlated with the presence and severity of HG. These indices are independent risk factors for the presence and severity of HG. Combined systemic inflammatory indices are diagnostic in determining the severity of HG. The SIRI index has the best diagnostic power for both the diagnosis of HG and the determination of the severity of HG.

Impact of low-level laser therapy as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment on the levels of tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 in Stage 3-4, Grade C periodontitis patients: a split-mouth, randomized control study.

AIM: To investigate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) on the plasminogen-activating system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stage 3-4 Grade C periodontitis and age-gender-matched healthy individuals participated in the split-mouth study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT05233501). The study groups were Periodontitis/NSPT (Sham); Periodontitis/NSPT + LLLT (LLLT); Healthy (Control). Following NSPT, LLLT was applied on Days 0, 2 and 7. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and on Day 30. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected at baseline, on days 7, 14, and 30; tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were measured with ELISA. RESULTS: Clinical parameters, total GCF tPA (tPAt) and PAI-1 (PAI-1t) levels significantly reduced in LLLT and Sham groups (< 0.001). GCF tPAt levels in LLLT were significantly lower (< 0.05) than Sham on Day 7. GCF tPAt levels in periodontitis groups were significantly higher than the Control at baseline, on Days 7 and 14 (< 0.01). By Day 30, both groups decreased to control levels (> 0.05). GCF PAI-1t levels were significantly lower in LLLT than the Sham on day 30 (< 0.01), comparable to healthy controls (> 0.05). CONCLUSION: Adjunctive LLLT modulates the plasminogen activating system in severe periodontitis by altering GCF tPA and PAI-1 levels. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: LLLT as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment in patients with Stage 3-4 Grade C leads to reduced plasminogen activation.

The effect of alpha-lipoic acid on oxidative parameters, SCUBE-1 and SCUBE-2 in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in cholestatic rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on the liver, oxidative parameters, and signal peptide-CUB-epidermal growth factor-like domain-containing proteins 1 and 2 (SCUBE-1 and -2) in an experimental cholestatic hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (IR) model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four female rats were included in the study and divided into four groups of six rats each. Group 1 was the control group, in which only laparotomy was performed; Group 2 underwent laparotomy and received alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on a daily basis; bile duct ligation was performed in Group 3; bile duct ligation was performed, and ALA was administered to Group 4. All rats underwent relaparotomy on the seventh day, followed by 30 minutes of hepatic ischemia and 60 minutes of reperfusion in Groups 3 and 4. Liver tissue and blood samples were taken for histopathological and biochemical examinations. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), albumin, ischemia modified albumin (IMA), SCUBE-1, SCUBE-2, total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were also examined. RESULTS: The SCUBE-1 and SCUBE-2 values in Group 4 were lower than in Group 3, but no significant difference was observed between all the groups. The AST, TBIL, and DBIL levels were significantly higher in Groups 3 and 4 than in Groups 1 and 2 (p<0.0001). Although TOS was the highest in Group 3, the measurements were similar across the groups (p=0.464). IMA and TAS were similar between Groups 3 and 4 but significantly higher in these groups than in Groups 1 and 2 (p=0.001). The hepatic injury observed in Groups 3 and 4 was significantly higher than that observed in Groups 1 and 2 (p<0.0001). In the histopathological examination, neutrophilic infiltration and bile duct proliferation were less commonly detected in the portal areas in Group 4 than in Group 3, and necrotic foci were not observed due to the administration of ALA. CONCLUSIONS: The promising effects of ALA, known for its powerful antioxidant properties, on the IR injury of the liver can allow it to enter clinical practice in the future.

Relationship between heart rate variability and radial artery spasm in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angiography via radial access.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship and predictive power between heart rate variability (HRV) and radial artery spasm, in cases where the radial artery is preferred as the access route for coronary angiography (CAG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 394 patients, who were scheduled to have CAG were included in this study. Patients who developed radial artery spasms during CAG, performed using the radial artery as the access route, were analyzed for HRV parameters. RESULTS: Ages of the patients ranged between 31 and 74 years. Significant time domain measurements such as the standard deviation of normal-normal (NN) intervals, the standard deviation of the averages of NN, the average of the standard deviations of all NN intervals, and root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats were statistically significantly lower in the patient group that developed radial artery spasm. Frequency field measurements with prognostic values such as HF (high frequency) and very low frequency were also statistically significantly lower in the patient group that developed radial artery spasms. On the other hand, there was no statistical difference between the groups in LF (low frequency) and LF/HF ratio measurements. A statistically significantly higher radial artery spasm rate was observed in the coexistence of anxiety and low HRV. CONCLUSIONS: A significant decrease was found in major HRV values, which are closely related to the autonomic nervous system and its dysfunction, in patients with radial artery spasms.

Physiological aspect of apoptosis-regulating microRNAs expressions during fasting.

OBJECTIVE: Fasting is an activity that requires a certain calorie restriction without consuming food or drinks for a certain period of daytime. However, fasting triggers many complex events, including activating cellular stress response pathways, autophagy promotion, apoptosis pathways, and a change in hormonal balance. Among the many events affecting the regulation of apoptosis, the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays an important role. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the levels and importance of miRNA expression in fasting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expressions of 19 miRNAs regulating different pathways from saliva samples, isolated by matching healthy university students (n = 34) as group 1 (fasting for 17 consecutive hours) and group 2 (testing 70 minutes after meal consumption), were examined using the real-time PCR method. RESULTS: In fasting, modulation of apoptotic pathways by miRNAs triggers anti-pathogenic effects, and the adaptation of abnormal cells in the body decreases. For this reason, vital diseases, such as cancer, can be treated by preventing the proliferation and growth of cancerous cells by increasing programmed cell death due to the downregulation expression mechanism of miRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study aims to improve the knowledge about the mechanisms and functions of miRNAs in various apoptosis pathways during fasting and may be a model for further future physiological and pathological studies.

Comparison of COVID-19 patients who underwent thrombectomy with those in the pre-pandemic period in terms of etiology and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed at determining the effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with major vessel occlusion and infected with COVID-19, evaluating its clinical outcome and comparing it with non-COVID patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the pandemic, 729 patients who underwent MT in stroke centers due to Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion were evaluated. This study included 40 patients with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis by a positive PCR test between March 11, 2020, and December 31, 2020. These patients were compared to 409 patients who underwent MT due to major vessel occlusion between March 11, 2019, and December 31, 2019. RESULTS: Of the patients with AIS who are infected with COVID-19, 62.5% were males, and all patients have a median age of 63.5 ± 14.4 years. The median NIHSS score of the COVID-19 group was significantly higher than that of the non-COVID-19 groups. Dissection was significantly more in the COVID-19 group. The mortality rates at 3 months were higher in the COVID-19 groups compared to non-COVID-19 groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed an increased frequency of dissection in patients with COVID-19. COVID-19-related ischemic strokes are associated with worse functional outcomes and higher mortality rates than non-COVID-19 ischemic strokes.

Neuraxial anesthesia in a parturient with common variable immunodeficiency: a case report.

Choosing whether or not to initiate neuraxial anesthesia in pregnant women with immune system defects may be challenging. Anesthesiologists have the responsibility of making the best decision in terms of anesthesia management for both mother and baby during the labor and delivery process. Whether neuraxial anesthesia is associated with an increased risk of central nervous system infection in immunocompromised compared with healthy patients is unknown. It is also unclear if maternal immune modulation required for fetal tolerance makes pregnant women susceptible to pathogens and causes an altered immune response. Infection-related complications of neuraxial anesthesia are rare but may be severe, especially in immunocompromised parturients. There are no guidelines regarding the indications and limitations of regional anesthesia procedures in these patients. Immunocompromised patients are now seen more commonly, and it is essential to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to their care while tailoring anesthetic plans to the individual. We present the case of a 37-year-old parturient who had a congenital immune deficiency and who developed aseptic meningitis after receiving spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery.

Can renalase be a novel candidate biomarker for distinguishing renal tumors?

Renalase (RNLS) is synthesized mainly in renal tissues. The function of RNLS in cancerous renal tissues has not been investigated. We investigated the synthesis of RNLS in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, papillary renal cell carcinoma and clear cell renal cell carcinoma with Fuhrman grades (FG): FG1, nucleoli are absent or inconspicuous and basophilic; FG2, nucleoli are conspicuous and eosinophilic and visible but not prominent; FG3, nucleoli are conspicuous and eosinophilic; FG4, extreme nuclear pleomorphism, multinucleate giant cells, and/or rhabdoid and/or sarcomatoid differentiation. We used 90 tissue samples including 15 healthy controls, 15 chromophobe renal cell carcinoma tissues and 10 papillary renal cell carcinoma renal tissues: 12 FG1, 14 FG 2, 14 FG 3 and 10 FG4. RNLS in the tissue samples was measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and immunostaining of RNLS in these tissues. RNLS was significantly greater in the chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and papillary renal cell carcinoma tissues than the control. The least amount of RNLS was found in the renal tissues of clear cell renal cell carcinoma FG1; the amount of RNLS increased as the FG grades increased. Because RNLS increased significantly in renal tissues due to cancer, except for clear cell renal cell carcinoma FG1, RNLS may be useful biomarker for distinguishing grades of renal cancer. Because RNLS increases cell survival, anti-RNLS preparations may be useful for treating cancer in the future.

Can the use of surface sealant on restorative materials prevent discoloration related to iron syrup supplements?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of surface sealants on the stain resistance of restorative materials exposed to iron syrups. METHODS: Sixty specimens were prepared from each of three restorative materials-compomer (Dyract XP), a microhybrid composite (Filtek Z250), and a nanohybrid composite (G-aenial Anterior). Specimens were divided into three solution groups (n = 20) and immersed in two iron syrups (Ferrum and Ferro Sanol B) and distilled water. Two subgroups, sealed (BisCover ( +)) and unsealed (BisCover (-)), were established for each group (n = 10). Color changes between baseline and measurements at 4, 8, 24, 48, and 72 h were calculated with CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) metrics. Data were analyzed with 4-factor mixed-design ANOVA. RESULTS: The first null hypothesis of this study that the use of surface sealant would not mitigate the restorative materials' susceptibility to staining was rejected: significant differences were found between BisCover ( +) and BisCover (-) groups in ΔE00 values for all restorative materials tested in Ferro Sanol B (p < 0.001) and Ferrum (p = 0.002) solutions. The ΔE00 values in the Ferro Sanol B/BisCover ( +) groups were significantly lower than in Ferrum/BisCover ( +) groups (p = 0.002), the second null hypothesis that different forms of iron syrups would not impact the staining resistance of restorative materials was rejected. ΔE00 values were different for each restorative materials tested, the third null hypothesis that the type of restorative material would not affect staining resistance was rejected. CONCLUSIONS: The application of surface sealant significantly improved the color stability of restorative materials. The content of iron syrups was also an important factor affecting color change. Nanohybrid composites seem to be more resistant to the staining effects of iron syrups.

An approach to evaluating the potential teratogenic and neurotoxic mechanism of BHA based on apoptosis induced by oxidative stress in zebrafish embryo (Danio rerio).

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) has been widely used in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries due to its antioxidant activity. Despite the antioxidant effects, reported adverse effects of BHA at the cellular level have made its use controversial. In this regard, this study was performed to elucidate the potential toxicity mechanism caused by BHA at the molecular level in zebrafish embryos. For this purpose, zebrafish embryos were exposed to BHA at levels of 0.5, 1, 5, 7.5 and 10 ppm and monitored at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. Survival rate, hatching rate and malformations were evaluated. We examined the potential for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis signalling accumulation in the whole body. Moreover, we evaluated histopathological and immunohistochemical (8-OHDG) characterization of the brain in zebrafish embryos at the 96th hour. We also examined apoptosis, histopathological and immunohistochemical (8-OHDG) characteristics in 96 hpf zebrafish larvae exposed to tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), one of the major metabolites of BHA, at doses of 0.5, 2.5, 3.75 and 5 ppm. Consequently, it has been considered that increased embryonic and larval malformations in this study may have been caused by ROS-induced apoptosis. After 96 h of exposure, positive 8-OHdG immunofluorescence, degenerative changes, and necrosis were observed in the brain of BHA and TBHQ-treated zebrafish larvae in a dose-dependent manner. BHA and TBHQ exposure could lead to an increase in 8-OHdG activities by resulting oxidative DNA damage. In particular, the obtained data indicate that the induction of ROS formation, occurring during exposure to BHA and/or multiple hydroxyl groups, could be responsible for apoptosis.

Effects of different pediatric drugs and toothbrushing on color change of restorative materials used in pediatric dentistry.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different pediatric drugs and toothbrushing on color changes of restorative materials used in pediatric dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty specimens were prepared from each of three restorative materials (compomer [Dyract XP], glass hybrid [Equia Forte], and glass carbomer [GCP Glass Fill]). Specimens were divided into six solution groups (n = 10) and immersed in five different pediatric drugs (antibiotic, analgesic, common cold syrup, cough syrup, and an iron and vitamin formula) and distilled water. Two subgroups (brushed and unbrushed) were established for each group (n = 5). Specimens were agitated for 1 min every 8 h over 2 weeks. Color changes [CIEDE2000 (ΔE00)] were calculated at baseline, 7, and 14 days. Data were subjected to 4-factor mixed-design ANOVA using a general linear model procedure for repeated measurements. RESULTS: After 14 days, the highest ΔE00was found in the compomer/non-brushing group immersed in iron and vitamin formula (5.6 ± 0.27), and the lowest was in glass hybrid/brushing group immersed in distilled water (0.59 ± 0.8) pairwise. ΔE00values were significantly greater for compomer than for glass hybrid or glass carbomer (P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences between the brushing and non-brushing groups for all tested solutions on the compomer specimens (except antibiotic) and glass hybrid specimens (except antibiotic and cough syrup). The Δ00 values in brushing groups were significantly lower statistically than in non-brushing groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Toothbrushing dramatically affected the color stability of the aesthetic restorative materials. The content of pediatric drugs is also an important factor for color change. Glass hybrids and glass carbomers used with their surface sealants appeared to be more resistant to staining from pediatric drug formulations than compomers.

Effects of umbelliferone isolated from the Ferulago pauciradiata Boiss. & Heldr. Plant on cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis model in rats.

Sepsis is a pathophysiological event involving systemic inflammatory response syndrome, multiple organ failure syndromes, and tissue damage. Overproduction of free radicals as a result of tissue damage during sepsis contributes to cellular toxicity, organ failure, and even mortality. Antioxidants, which scavenge free radicals, play a protective role against various diseases. Previous studies have shown that umbelliferone (UF) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Since oxidative stress is naturally associated with sepsis-induced organ dysfunction, the application of antioxidant compounds could potentially illuminate the pathophysiology of sepsis, which does not yet have an effective treatment. The sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was applied to rats. Different doses of UF (10░mg/kg, 20░mg/kg, and 40░mg/kg) on oxidant-antioxidant in septic rats, mRNA of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1 its effects on expression levels were evaluated in lung, kidney, and liver tissues. When the lung, kidney, and liver tissues of septic rats were compared with those of the control group, it was found that UF administration increased dose-dependent superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels and significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels. The effects of UF administration on oxidative parameters were dose-dependent. The 40░mg/kg UF dose showed greater anti-oxidative properties than the 20░mg/kg and 10░mg/kg doses for all the evaluated parameters. Further, the TNF- α mRNA expression of the CLP +40░mg/kg group was reduced to a level comparable to that of the control group. UF has been found to be an effective molecule in reducing oxidative stress by supporting endogenous antioxidants and enhancing the scavenging effects of free radicals. The potent antioxidant property of UF may also be related to the suppression of the cytokine cascade during sepsis. The results suggest that UF administration may represent a new treatment for the prevention of lung, kidney and liver damage caused by septic conditions.

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF NIGELLA SATIVA OIL ON MYOCARDIUM IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the protective effect of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on the myocardium in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two 7-8-week-old female Wistar albino rats (300-350 g) were equally divided into 4 groups: nondiabetic untreated animals (control), diabetes mellitus (DM), NSO, and DM+NSO groups. For the induction of diabetes, 45 mg/kg streptozotocin was applied to the rats in the DM and DM+NSO groups as a single intraperitoneal dose. NSO (400 mg/kg) was orally administered through an intragastric catheter once a day over 21 days. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of the myocardium were evaluated histopathologically and immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Compared to the control, NSO, and DM+NSO groups, the myocardial tissue samples from the rats in the DM group had significantly higher myositis, hyaline degeneration, and Zenker's necrosis. Moreover, the Bcl-2 expressions were significantly higher in the control, NSO, and DM+NSO groups than in the DM group. CONCLUSION: NSO has a protective effect on the myocardium of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, most likely via suppressing apoptosis.

Kinematic analysis of scapular movements in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate scapular movements by the three-dimensional electromagnetic system during shoulder elevation in FSHMD patients, and to compare the results with healthy individuals. 10 patients with FSHMD and 10 healthy individuals were included in the study. Scapular anterior-posterior tilt, upward-downward rotation and internal-external rotation at 30°, 60° and 90° were evaluated using the three-dimensional electromagnetic system during the elevation of the upper limbs in the scapular plane. Humerothoracic elevation levels on the dominant and non-dominant sides were found to be lower in the patients than healthy individuals (p < .001). Both scapula were rotated downwards at 30° (dominant/non-dominant p < .001) and 60° (dominant p = .009, non-dominant p = .04) of humerothoracic elevation, the scapula was rotated internally at 30° of humerothoracic elevation on the non-dominant side (p = .03), and the scapula was tilted posteriorly at 90° of humerothoracic elevation on the non-dominant side (p = .009) in patients. These existing abnormal patterns of the scapula in the patients increase the risk of impairment, pain, impingement and instability especially in the activities that require arm elevation. It is thought that physiotherapy approaches should first be emphasized to improve scapular stabilization and strengthening exercises should then be performed for the shoulder girdle muscles.

Effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice on kidney, liver, heart and testis histopathological changes, and the tissues lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in lead acetate-treated rats.

Pomegranate juice (PJ) contains relevant amounts of active biological compounds which alleviate the detrimental effects of chronic heavy metal exposure. This study investigated the protective potential of PJ against lead-induced oxidative stress. A total of forty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four experimental groups. The animals were fed a standard pellet diet and tap water ad libitum. The rats were divided into four groups (n=10 for each group): control, lead asetat (2000 ppm), low-treated PJ- a daily dose of 2.000 ppm lead plus 30µl pomegranate juice (included 1.050 µmol total polyphenols, gallic acid equivalent), and high-treated PJ- a daily dose of 2.000 ppm lead plus 60µl pomegranate juice (included 2.100 µmol total polyphenols, gallic acid equivalent). The treatments were delivered for 5 weeks. After the treatment period, the tissues samples (kidney, liver, heart and testis) were collected. Tissue lead (Pb) and mineral amounts (copper, zinc, and iron), tissues lipid peroxidation level and antioxidant status, and tissues histopathological changes were determined. The results showed that the highest rate lead loading was in the kidney and the testis. Pomegranate juice was decreased the lead levels of soft tissues examined; increased Zn amounts in tissues of which the lead accumulation was higher (kidney and the testis); decreased the copper, zinc and the iron levels of the liver and heart tissues, without creating a weakness in antioxidant capacity of these tissues, restricted the oxidative stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation, improved both of the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalaz (CAT), and the level of glutathione (GSH) in all the tissues examined in lead-treated groups. As histopathological findings, the cellular damage induced by lead in the tissues of the kidney, liver and the heart were observed to have been partially prevented by PJ treatment. The protective effect of PJ was more pronounced in the testis compared to those others.

Effects of Smoking on healthy oral mucosa: a red-green-blue (photographic) evaluation.

Effects of Smoking on healthy oral mucosa: a red-green-blue (photgraphic) evaluation. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare normal looking oral mucosa of smokers and non-smokers by means of a photographic technique. SETTING: Tertiary referral centre Material and methods: There were 78 patients included in the study (age range: 20-60 years), all of whom had normal looking oral mucosa and had been smoking for at least five years. The control group of non-smoking volunteers was age- and gender-matched. Anyone who had reflux, chronic tonsillitis, and pharyngitis or acute upper airway infection was excluded from the study. The oropharyngeal mucosa was examined and photographed endoscopically. Seventeen different oropharyngeal points were chosen and standardized, and the red-green-blue (RGB) values of those specific points were measured. RESULTS: 156 subjects were enrolled in the study: the control group (19 females, 59 males; mean age 41.5 years) and the smoking group (21 females, 57 males; mean age 38.7 years). A statistically significant difference arose between the RGB values of the smoking and control groups (p < 0.05), but not for gender and age (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the normal oral mucosae of the smokers were clearly darker than the non-smokers'. This finding is significant because dark mucosa is thought to be the precursor to any premalignant lesions.

Aromatase inhibitors decrease radiation-induced lung fibrosis: Results of an experimental study.

PURPOSE: In experimental and clinical trials, tamoxifen (TAM) has been shown to increase radiation-induced lung fibrosis (RILF). Furthermore, aromatase inhibitors (AI) have been shown to be superior to TAM in the adjuvant setting and preclinical data suggest that letrozole (LET) sensitizes breast cancer cells to ionizing radiation in other studies. In this experimental study, we evaluated whether AI have any impact on the development of RILF in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60 female wistar- albino rats were divided into 6 groups: Control (group A), RT alone (group B), RT + TAM (group C), RT + anastrozole (ANA group D), RT + LET (group E), and RT + exemestane (EXE, group F). RT consisted of 30 Gy in 10 fractions to both lungs with an anterior field at 2 cm depth. Equivalent doses for 60 kg adult dose per day of TAM, ANA, LET, and EXE were calculated according to the mean weight of rats and orally administrated with a feeding tube. Percentage of lung with fibrosis was quantified with image analysis of histological sections of the lung. The mean score values were calculated for each group. the significance of the differences among groups were calculated using one way ANOVA test and Tukey HSD post-hoc test. RESULTS: Mean values of fibrosis were 1.7, 5.9, 6.7, 2.5, 2 and 2.2 for groups A, B, C, D, E, and F, respectively (p = 0.000). TAM increased RT-induced lung fibrosis but without statistical significance. Groups treated with RT + AI showed significantly less lung fibrosis than groups treated with RT alone or RT + TAM (p = 0.000). RT + AI groups showed nearly similar RT-induced lung fibrosis than control group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that AI decreased RT-induced lung fibrosis to the control group level suggesting protective effect.

Role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes on nicotine's enhancing effect on electrical field stimulation elicited contractile responses in rabbit urine bladder.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the contribution of presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) sub-types to nicotine-induced enhancement in electrical field stimulation (EFS) EFS-mediated contractile responses in rabbit urine bladder smooth muscle preparations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rabbit urine bladder smooth muscle strips were placed in organ baths containing 20 ml of an aerated Krebs-Henseleit solution, and contractions were recorded using isometric force displacement transducers. Following the acquisition of control EFS (60 V, 8 Hz, 1 ms) responses, nicotine was added to the bath at a 3×10-5 M concentration, and EFS responses were obtained. The effect of nAChR antagonists on nicotine-induced augmentation in EFS-mediated responses was investigated in the presence of hexamethonium, dihydro-ß-erythroidine, mecamylamine, and α-bungarotoxin. RESULTS: Tetrodotoxin (TTX; 10-6 M) completely blocked EFS-induced contractile responses in smooth muscle strips. Similarly, Atropine (10-6 M), when administered with α,ß-methylene adenosine triphosphate (α,ß-methylene-ATP) (10-5 M), completely blocked EFS responses. Nicotine significantly enhanced EFS-mediated contractile responses (23.67% ± 1.75). Nicotine-induced increases in EFS responses were largely inhibited by hexamethonium, mecamylamine, and dihydro-ß-erythroidine, whereas α-bungarotoxin only partly inhibited these enhancements. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that EFS-induced neurogenic contractions in rabbit urine bladder smooth muscle strips are mediated by purinergic and cholinergic transmissions, and the α4ß2, α3ß4, and α7 sub-types of nAChRs contribute to the enhancement effect of nicotine on EFS-induced contractile responses.