Investigation of the expression level of long non-coding RNAs in dental follicles of impacted mandibular third molars.

OBJECTIVES: Dental follicle (DF) is made up of mesenchymal cells and fibers surrounding the enamel organ of a developing tooth. It has been shown that cystic and neoplastic lesions can develop from the pericoronal follicles of impacted third molars (ITMs). But the molecular transformation of DF tissues has not yet been uncovered and remains elusive. Accordingly, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the differential expression of lncRNA genes in DF tissues associated with asymptomatic impacted mandibular third molars (IMTMs) that do not show pathological pericoronal radiolucency in radiographic examination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients with unilateral mesioangular IMTMs were enrolled for the study. The expressions of lncRNA genes were determined in the DF and healthy gingival tissues obtained from study patients. For the determination of lncRNA expression levels, RNA was isolated from the obtained tissues, converted to cDNA samples, and analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR method. RESULTS: As a result, we found that the gene expression of MEG3 was increased about 10-fold in DF tissues compared to healthy gingival tissues (p < 0.0001). In addition, NORAD expression was found to be upregulated 4.2-fold (p = 0.0002) in DF tissues. Also, expression level of MALAT1 was found to be decreased 1.24-fold (p = 0.584) and TP73-AS1 increased 2.6-fold (p = 0.093) in DF tissues compared to healthy gingival tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, present findings suggest that differentially expressed lncRNAs in DFs might be associated with the various levels of cellular events including osteogenic differentiation, DNA damage, and the transformation into odontogenic pathology. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Expression levels of MEG3 and NORAD lncRNA molecules may guide clinicians in the evaluation of asymptomatic ITM dental follicles that cannot be determined radiologically and during extraction of these teeth for prophylactic purposes.

A Pediatric COVID-19 Study: Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, Ganglion Cell Layer, and Alterations in Choroidal Thickness in Swept-Source OCT Measurements.

PURPOSE: To investigate early covid measurements of central macular thickness (CMT), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness, and choroidal thickness (ChT) in children recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out 4 weeks after completed COVID-19 treatment. The diagnosis of the Alpha variant COVID-19 was made by the polymerase chain reaction test after prediagnosis with clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings. A total of 46 children were included in the study. Pediatric patients who received COVID-19 treatment comprised the COVID-19 group (24 children), and healthy children were enrolled in the control group (22 children). Only the right eyes of the participants were enrolled in the study. All pediatric patients in the COVID-19 group required hospitalization without the need for intubation. Swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was used to measure CMT, RNFL, and GCL thickness, and ChT measurements. RESULTS: The COVID-19 and control groups had similar mean values of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, spherical equivalent, axial length, and CMT (p > 0.05 for all). RNFL thickening, GCL, and choroidal thinning were observed in all SS-OCT measurements of COVID-19 children. However, RNFL thickening was significant only in the global and nasal peripapillary quadrants. GCL thinning was significant in the nasal/inferior sector (p < 0.002 for all). Some significant correlations were observed between the mean levels of inflammatory markers and OCT measurements (p < 0.002). CONCLUSION: This study may be among the first reports of SS-OCT examination of COVID-19 children. OCT measurements showed changes in retinal and ChT in the COVID-19 children as in adult patients.

Optical biometric measurements in patients with previous COVID-19 treatment.

Background: We aimed to compare optical biometric measurements using optical biometry in patients with previously received COVID-19 treatment and a control group. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients with previously received COVID-19 treatment formed the COVID-19 group and age- and sex-matched healthy participants formed the control group. Optical biometric measurements including keratometry, corneal astigmatism, astigmatic axis, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, and axial length were made using a Nidek optical biometer (AL-Scan; Nidek Co., Ltd., Japan). Results: Measurements of keratometry (p = 0.79), corneal astigmatism (p = 0.41), axial length (p = 0.96), anterior chamber depth (p = 0.59), and central corneal thickness (p = 0.37) were similar between the COVID-19 and control groups. The astigmatic axis type taken from 2.4 mm of the cornea showed significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.02, χ2), while the measurements taken from 3.3 mm of the cornea were similar (p = 0.10, χ2). In the subgroup analysis, axial length, anterior chamber depth, and central corneal thickness measurements were found to be statistically significantly higher in male patients of the COVID-19 group (p = 0.02; p = 0.001; p = 0.02, t test). Conclusion: The changes in optical biometric measurements found in our study were due to the fact that COVID-19 is more frequent and severe in males, SARS-CoV­2 can attach to the cornea via ACE­2 receptors, and favipiravir can reach the aqueous humor. To our knowledge, there is no study on this subject to date, and therefore more research is needed to shed light on this topic.

Asporin levels in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the pathogenesis of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is important for diagnosis and treatment planning. Thus, biochemical analysis is usually used for the detection of tissue damage. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the serum asporin levels in patients with TMD. METHODS: Our study was planned to be performed on 43 healthy individuals (control group) without any joint problems and 43 patients with temporomandibular joint internal derangement (TMJ-ID; patients group) according to the Wilkes classification (stages 3, 4 and 5). Serum asporin levels were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and compared between groups. Asporin levels were analysed according to the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, and the differences between them were demonstrated. RESULTS: Asporin levels were found to be significantly increased in the patients group compared to control group (p = .0303). The age and gender distributions of the samples in the control and patients groups were homogeneous, and there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. In addition, while there was no significant change in asporin levels in females in the patients group compared with the control group, the asporin levels were significantly increased in males in the patients group (p = .0403). CONCLUSIONS: Consequently, asporin seems to be an important biomarker in the pathobiology of TMJ-ID as it is significantly upregulated in these patients.

Assessment of Retinal Neurodegeneration and Choroidal Thickness in COVID-19 Patients Using Swept-Source OCT Technology.

PURPOSE: To analyze the central macular thickness (CMT), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), ganglion cell layer thickness (GCLT), and choroidal thickness (ChT) measurements in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: The study was conducted cross-sectionally 4 weeks after the completed treatment of COVID-19. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was based on the polymerase chain reaction test and/or clinical and radiological findings. The patients with treated COVID-19 were enrolled in the COVID-19 group; age- and sex-matched healthy participants served as the control group. All patients in the COVID-19 group were hospitalized and treated with favipiravir, moxifloxacin, and heparin without the requirement for intubation. The measurements of CMT, RNFLT (in four quadrants), GCLT (in six sectors of two different boundaries), and ChT (in five locations) were performed by swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). RESULTS: Similar visual acuity (p = 0.582) and intraocular pressure (p = 0.766) values were observed between the COVID-19 and control groups. Regarding SS-OCT measurements, all mean CMT, RNFLT (in four quadrants), GCLT (in six sectors of two different boundaries), and ChT (in five locations) values were similar in the COVID-19 and control groups (p > 0.05 for all). In the COVID-19 group, a statistically significant negative correlation was noted between the mean ferritin level and temporal RNFLT (r = - 0.378, p = 0.014) and a positive correlation was observed between the mean ferritin level and nasal RNFLT (r = + 0.371, p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: SS-OCT measurements showed no retinal neurodegenerative and choroidal thickness alterations in COVID-19 patients. Nonsignificant results might be due to the examination of the patients in the early period of the COVID-19 after the treatment. Therefore, late period OCT measurements should be reviewed with new studies in the future.

Evaluation of Retinal Neurodegeneration and Choroidal Thickness in Patients with Inactive Graves' Ophthalmopathy.

PURPOSE: The study was conducted for the assessment of the retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, and subfoveal choroidal thickness changes in patients with inactive Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) before the development of active GO findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional designed study consisted of patients with inactive Graves' ophthalmopathy (study group) and healthy subjects (control group). The thicknesses of the retinal ganglion cell layer, retinal nerve fiber layer, and subfoveal choroid (SFCT) were measured using SS-OCT with deep range imaging technology to compare these parameters between the study and control groups. RESULT: Patients with inactive Graves' ophthalmopathy had higher values of intraocular pressure but similar best-corrected visual acuity (p = 0.001, p = 0.232, respectively). The retinal nerve fiber layer was thinner only in the superior zone of the study group (p = 0.039), whereas similar values were noted in the temporal, nasal, and inferior areas as well as the average thickness. We did not observe any statistically significant difference in any sector of the ganglion cell layer between the study and control groups. A thicker mean subfoveal choroidal thickness value was measured in patients with inactive Graves' ophthalmopathy than in healthy subjects (p = 0.013) in correlation with a clinical activity score (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: SS-OCT showed minimal retinal neurodegenerative alteration and significant choroidal thickening in inactive GO. Thus, SS-OCT might be a beneficial technique to detect retinal neurodegenerative and choroidal changes earlier in the stage of inactive GO before the development of active GO signs, which may affect the time and type of treatment modalities to prevent further ocular or systemic complications. Additionally, SFCT may be a good indicator for assessment of the severity of Graves' disease.

Avoiding inappropriate therapy of single-lead implantable cardioverter-defibrillator by using atrial-sensing electrodes.

INTRODUCTION: The single-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) can be associated with more frequent inappropriate therapies compared with dual-chamber ICDs, when they are accompanied by a simpler implantation procedure. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a single-lead ICD system with atrial-sensing electrodes results in a reduction of inappropriate ICD therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population consisted of 212 consecutive patients, who underwent primary prophylactic single-lead ICD implantation at our institute. A ventricular lead with atrial-sensing electrodes was implanted in 77 patients (36%; Group-VDD) and a ventricular lead without atrial-sensing electrodes was implanted in 135 patients (64%; Group-VVI). Procedural and follow-up data were collected in a prospective registry. A higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation was present in Group-VDD. There were no other significant differences in patient baseline characteristics (age, sex, and other comorbidities) or follow-up period between the two groups. The operative parameters including fluoroscopic burden showed no significant differences between Group-VDD and Group-VVI. During a mean follow-up period of 697 ± 392 days, 26 patients (12%) experienced appropriate ICD therapies and 13 patients (6%) suffered inappropriate ICD therapies. The incidence of inappropriate ICD therapies in Group-VDD was significantly lower as compared to that of Group-VVI (1/77 [1%] vs 12/135 [9%]; log-rank, P = 0.028). The incidence of appropriate ICD therapies and the occurrence of device-related complications showed no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Single-lead ICD with atrial-sensing electrodes shows a lower incidence of inappropriate ICD therapy compared with the absence of atrial-sensing electrodes, without additional operative burden or increased complications.

EFFECTS OF INTRAVITREAL RANIBIZUMAB AND BEVACIZUMAB ON THE RETINAL VESSEL SIZE IN DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to assess the effects of a single injection of intravitreal ranibizumab (RAN) or bevacizumab (BEV) on the retinal vessel size in eyes with diabetic macular edema. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 32 patients were enrolled in the RAN group, and 30 patients were included in BEV group. Each of these groups was also subdivided into two others groups: a study group and a control group. The study groups were composed of the injected eyes, whereas the noninjected fellow eyes served as the control groups. The patients underwent complete ophthalmic examinations, including optical coherence tomography and fundus fluorescein angiography, and the primary outcome measures included the central retinal artery equivalent, central retinal vein equivalent, and artery-to-vein ratio. RESULTS: In the RAN study group (n = 32), the preinjection mean central retinal artery equivalent (175.42 µm) decreased to 169.01 µm after 1 week, and to 167.47 µm after 1 month (P < 0.001), whereas the baseline central retinal vein equivalent (235.29 µm) decreased initially to 219.90 µm after 1 week, and to 218.36 µm after 1 month (P < 0.001). In the BEV study group (n = 30), the preinjection central retinal artery equivalent (150.21 µm) decreased to 146.25 µm after 1 week, and to 145.89 µm after 1 month (P < 0.001); whereas the baseline central retinal vein equivalent (211.87 µm) decreased initially to 204.59 µm after 1 week and was 205.24 µm after 1 month (P < 0.001). The preinjection artery-to-vein ratio values changed significantly (P = 0.001) after 1 week and after 1 month in the RAN group, but no significant alteration in the artery-to-vein ratio was observed in the BEV group (P = 0.433). In both the RAN (n = 32) and BEV (n = 30) control groups, none of the 3 parameters changed throughout the study period, when compared with the baseline. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that both RAN and BEV injections significantly constricted the retinal blood vessel diameters.

Retrospective analysis of the effect of aflibercept loading dose on the retinal vessel diameters in patients with treatment-naive neovascular AMD.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effects of intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) on retinal vessel diameters in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective study conducted at the Kutahya Dumlupinar University Faculty of Medicine included 15 eyes of 15 patients with treatment naive neovascular AMD. METHODS: All eyes received IVA injections once per month for 3 months; untreated contralateral eyes were used as controls. The central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE), central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE), and artery-vein ratio (AVR) values were measured using a computer-based program before the first IVA injection and 30 days after the first, second, and third injections. The main outcome measurements were the central macular thickness (CMT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), choroidal thickness, CRAE, CRVE, and AVR. RESULTS: Significant vasoconstriction of the retinal arterioles was observed in all eyes treated with IVA when compared to baseline (p = 0.009). However, no significant differences were found for CRVE or AVR throughout the study period in treated eyes. In the control group, all parameters measured during each visit were similar to baseline measurements (p > 0.05). The mean BCVA significantly improved at the end of the loading dose of IVA, when compared to baseline (p = 0.006). After the IVA injections, the mean CMT and choroidal thickness were significantly reduced at all visits, compared to baseline (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed that IVA led to significant retinal arteriolar vasoconstriction and choroidal thinning, which may cause reduced retinal blood flow.

Comparative Retinal Vessel Size Study of Intravitreal Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab in Eyes with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper was to assess and compare the effects of intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab on retinal vessel diameter in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Patients with neovascular AMD who underwent intravitreal injection of either ranibizumab or bevacizumab were included. Noninjected fellow eyes served as a control. The main outcome measures were central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE), central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE), and the artery-vein ratio (AVR). RESULTS: In the ranibizumab group, the mean CRAE value decreased significantly at 1 week and 1 month (p = 0.002). The AVR value decreased significantly at 1 month (p = 0.028). CRVE values did not change at 1 week and 1 month (p = 0.083). In the bevacizumab group, the preinjection CRAE, CRVE, and AVR values did not change through the study period (p = 0.128, p = 0.600, and p = 0.734, respectively). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that intravitreal ranibizumab led to significant retinal arteriolar vasoconstriction in eyes with neovascular AMD.

Low Incidence of Esophageal Lesions After Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using Contact-Force Sensing Catheter Without Esophageal Temperature Probe.

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a cornerstone therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). Although severe complications are rather rare, the development of an atrio-esophageal fistula (AEF) is a fatal complication with a very high mortality even after surgical treatment. The use of esophageal temperature probes (ETP) during PVI may protect the esophagus but it is still under debate since the ETP may also lead to esophageal lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical safety of PVI using contact-force (CF) sensing catheter without esophageal temperature monitoring.We investigated 70 consecutive patients who underwent point-by-point PVI without usage of ETP and who underwent esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD) with detailed evaluation of the esophagus after the index PVI procedure. The operator attempted to keep CF within the 10-40 g range. The incidences of esophageal lesions (EDEL) detected by endoscopy were then analyzed.Two of 70 patients (2.9%) showed EDEL consisting of one longitudinal ulcer-like erythematous lesion with fibrin and a different one consisting of a round-shaped lesion surrounded by erythema and petechial hemorrhage. All EDEL healed within two weeks under high proton-pump inhibitor therapy without developing AEF as proven by a second EGD of the esophagus.Point-by-point PVI without usage of ETP showed a low incidence of EDEL (2.9%); atrio-esophageal fistula was absent. Further studies on the necessity of ETP under CF control are necessary.

One-Year Success Rate of Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using a Novel Irrigated Multipolar Mapping and Ablation Catheter With Reduced Power Settings.

The use of a novel irrigated multipolar ablation and mapping catheter for pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has demonstrated reasonable acute success rates and short procedure times, however, long-term outcome data are limited. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term efficacy of this novel ablation system utilizing a reduced power setting for safety purposes.A total of 89 patients with paroxysmal (63 of 89 patients; 71%) or persistent AF underwent PVI with a reduced power setting of maximum 20 Watts (W) unipolar radiofrequency energy and 30 seconds in duration. In cases of persistent AF, atrial substrate ablation was performed additionally. Follow-up was based on outpatient clinic visits at 3, 6, and 12 months and included 5-day Holter ECGs. All of the 347 identified pulmonary veins were successfully isolated. Mean procedure times in PVI and PVI plus substrate ablation were 102 ± 25 minutes and 126 ± 32 minutes, respectively, applying a mean total radiofrequency time of 14 ± 6 minutes and 19 ± 9 minutes. Mean fluoroscopy time was 17 ± 8 minutes and 18 ± 6 minutes, respectively. Follow-up was available for all 89 patients. At one-year follow-up, 44 (70%) patients with paroxysmal AF and 11 (42%) patients with persistent AF remained in stable sinus rhythm after a singleprocedure and off antiarrhythmic drugs.The use of a novel irrigated multipolar ablation catheter with a reduced power setting is safe and feasible, and demonstrates a one-year success rate of 70% in paroxysmal AF and 42% in persistent AF.

Reduction of Fluoroscopic Exposure Using a New Fluoroscopy Integrating Technology in a 3D-Mapping System During Pulmonary Vein Isolation With a Circular Multipolar Irrigated Catheter.

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a cornerstone therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). With increasing numbers of PVI procedures, demand arises to reduce the cumulative fluoroscopic radiation exposure for both the physician and the patient. New technologies are emerging to address this issue. Here, we report our first experiences with a new fluoroscopy integrating technology in addition to a current 3D-mapping system. The new fluoroscopy integrating system (FIS) with 3D-mapping was used prospectively in 15 patients with AF. Control PVI cases (n = 37) were collected retrospectively as a complete series. Total procedure time (skin to skin), fluoroscopic time, and dose-area-product (DAP) data were analyzed. All PVI procedures were performed by one experienced physician using a commercially available circular multipolar irrigated ablation catheter. All PVI procedures were successfully undertaken without major complications. Baseline characteristics of the two groups showed no significant differences. In the group using the FIS, the fluoroscopic time and DAP were significantly reduced from 571 ± 187 seconds versus 1011 ± 527 seconds (P = 0.0029) and 4342 ± 2073 cGycm(2) versus 6208 ± 3314 cGycm(2) (P = 0.049), respectively. Mean procedure time was not significantly affected and was 114 ± 31 minutes versus 104 ± 24 minutes (P = 0.23) by the FIS.The use of the new FIS with the current 3D-mapping system enables a significant reduction of the total fluoroscopy time and DAP compared to the previous combination of 3D-mapping system plus normal fluoroscopy during PVI utilizing a circular multipolar irrigated ablation catheter. However, the concomitant total procedure time is not affected. Thus, the new system reduces the radiation exposure for both the physicians and patients.

Intermittent Cold-Blood Cardioplegia and Its Impact on Myocardial Acidosis during Coronary Bypass Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to assess the degree of myocardial acidosis in patients undergoing elective coronary bypass surgery, in whom intermittent cold-blood cardioplegia (ICBC) was used for myocardial protection. The results of this study are presented in comparison to those of a previous trial conducted by the same investigators, using a similar methodology, but with intermittent warm-blood cardioplegia (IWBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 15 patients undergoing elective myocardial revascularization with ICBC for myocardial protection, metabolic changes of global ischemia indicators, lactate and pH values (measured simultaneously in coronary sinus and arterial blood) were analyzed. Lactate concentrations and pH values were measured at the beginning and the end of each cardioplegia administration, and the change-overtime analysis of the values was performed. For comparison with the results of the previous study (IWBC method) consisting of 12 patients, the analysis of variance with repeated measurements, including tests for a crossover, group, and time effect were used. RESULTS: Using the ICBC method, as compared with IWBC, no significant difference in the lactate production was observed during the first two successive cardioplegia administrations. During the third and fourth administrations, especially at the end of reperfusions, ICBC patients had a significantly lower lactate release and higher pH values, as compared with IWBC patients. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that ICBC has an inhibiting effect on potentially progressive myocardial acidosis during cross-clamp period.

Comparison of choroidal thickness, superficial and deep retinal vascular indices, and foveal avascular zones: Martial Arts Athletes vs Healthy Non-Athletes.

AIM: The study aims to compare choroidal thickness, deep and superficial retinal capillary plexuses, and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters in elite martial arts athletes and a healthy sedentary control group. METHODS: The study included martial arts athletes (32 individuals, 64 eyes) and healthy sedentary persons (43 individuals with healthy sedentary lifestyles, 86 eyes) aged 18-35 years. In this single non-repeated observational and cross-sectional study, choroidal thickness, superficial and deep retinal capillary plexuses, and FAZ measurements were measured using Swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) and compared between groups. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found (p>0.05) in age, IOP, AL (axial length), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) parameters between groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in choroidal thickness, superficial and deep retinal capillary plexuses, and FAZ parameters determined by the OCTA method (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In our study, we observed that the retinal and choroidal structures of martial art athletes and healthy sedentary individuals were similar. This observation implies that the putative microvascular effects on the choroid and retina in martial arts, especially those based on the anaerobic energy system, may reflect similar outcomes to those observed in individuals with sedentary lifestyles characterized by healthiness.

Analysis of Microvasculature in Children Recovered from COVID-19 Using Swept-Source OCT/OCTA Technology.

PURPOSE: To analyze structural and vascular changes of the retina and choroid in pediatric patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using optical coherence tomography (OCT)/OCT angiography (OCTA). METHODS: This comparative cross-sectional study consists of the COVID-19 group including pediatric COVID-19 patients and the control group including healthy children. Vessel density (VD), central macular thickness,, and choroidal thickness (ChT) measurements were performed using swept-source OCT/OCTA 12 weeks after the recovery from COVID-19. RESULTS: The mean VD measurements in the central fovea and nasal quadrants of all three retinal layers and choriocapillaris showed insignificantly lower values in the COVID-19 group when compared to the control group (0:002 < p < 0:05 for all). Similar to VD measurements, insignificant lower ChT measurements were obtained in the central fovea and nasal points in the COVID-19 group. CONCLUSION: OCTA can be used as a non-invasive and valid biomarker in the assessment of early microvascular dysfunction associated with COVID-19.

Evaluation of biochemical variables in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of various biochemical agents on the etiopathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). METHODS: We enrolled 70 RAS patients and 70 healthy volunteers. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected. We performed complete blood counts, then measured the levels of ferritin, vitamin B12, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, thyroid-stimulating hormone, T3, T4, and 25-hydroxy D3. RESULTS: The groups did not differ in terms of age (p = 0.912) or sex (p = 0.612). The levels of ferritin and 25-hydroxy vitamin D were significantly lower in RAS patients (both p Ë‚ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D and/or ferritin deficiency may induce RAS. Measurements of vitamin D and ferritin may assist diagnosis and follow-up.

Comparison of Diagnostic Accuracy of Panoramic Radiography to CBCT in Maxillary Sinus Diseases.

We aimed to compare the effectiveness of panoramic radiography (PR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in radiographic diagnosis of maxillary sinus (MS) diseases. MS diseases (mucosal thickening, mucus retention cyst, polyp sinusitis, mucocele and tumoral formations) was carried out on both PR and CBCT images belonging to 625 patients. Analyzes were performed separately for right and left maxillary sinus, and total of 1250 PR and CBCT images. While a diagnosis of disease was made in 42.96% of a total of 1250 MS according to CBCT. According to PR, diagnosis was made in 58.72%. The 537 diagnoses where lesion presence was determined on CBCT in our study were compared over PR, and it was observed that, there was the right diagnosis (true positive) in 106 (19.73%) of these including respectively mucus retention cyst (n = 88), polyp (n = 16), 1 sinusitis and 1 tumor, and there was an incorrect diagnosis (false positive) in 221 (41.15%). In 42.92% of the MS that were identified as healthy based on CBCT, the correct diagnosis was also made on PR (true negative). The use of CBCT instead of PR in the diagnosis of pathological or inflammatory diseases contributes to a more accurate radiographic differential diagnosis.

Inflammation-associated long non-coding RNA signature in radicular cyst tissues.

Radicular cysts are characterized by significant levels of changes in inflammatory biomarkers. Among them, interleukins and growth factors have been reported to be deregulated in radicular cyst tissues. Moreover, long non-coding RNAs are recently discovered non-coding RNA molecules that regulate various intracellular stimuli to keep homeostasis in balance. A growing body of evidence suggests that lncRNAs are significantly involved in the regulation of inflammation by targeting various inflammatory biomarkers. Accordingly, the present study was aimed to investigate the gene expression levels of inflammation-related lncRNAs in radicular cysts and show their possible roles in the development of radicular cysts. For the study, a total of 25 patients with a radiologically and pathologically confirmed radicular cyst were enrolled. For the determination of non-coding RNA expression levels, real-time qPCR was used. As a result of the current study, expression levels of PACER and THRIL were found to be significantly elevated in radicular cyst tissues compared to control tissue samples. However, MALAT1, ANRIL, and NEAT1 expression levels were not significantly altered in radicular cyst tissues compared to control tissue samples. In conclusion, long non-coding RNAs, PACER and THRIL, seem to have significant pathophysiological roles by acquiring molecular changes during inflammation and might be involved in the development and formation of radicular cysts.

Analysis of swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography measurement alterations in adult patients recovered from COVID-19.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Vessel density (VD) measurements obtained using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) of the retinal layers and choriocapillaris have the capacity to demonstrated retinal changes in COVID-19 patients. BACKGROUND: To investigate VD changes in the retinal layers and choroid using SS-OCTA in patients recovered from COVID-19. METHODS: This cross-sectionally designed study was conducted in a single eye centre. The diagnosis of COVID-19 disease was confirmed by a polymerase chain reaction test. Patients who had fully recovered from COVID-19 served as the COVID-19 group, and the control group comprised age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. VD measurements in the superficial and outer retina layers and the choriocapillaris were performed using SS-OCTA. RESULTS: VD measurements in the central fovea and all quadrants of superficial and deep retinal layers, and the choriocapillaris, showed a significant decrease in the COVID-19 group (P < 0.05 for all) compared to the control group. Significant reductions in VD measurements were more prominent in the choriocapillaris when compared to the retinal layers. Mean ferritin and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations showed negative correlations with VD measurements in certain quadrants of the deep retinal layer and choriocapillaris. CONCLUSION: VD reductions occur the superficial and deep retinal layers and choriocapillaris in patients with pre-existing COVID-19. These results suggested the use of SS-OCTA as a microvascular biomarker and an auxiliary technique for the diagnosis and follow-up of COVID-19.