The Relationship between Gastroduodenal Pathologies and Helicobacter pylori cagL (Cytotoxin-Associated Gene L) Polymorphism.

BACKGROUND: The polymorphisms in the region between 58 and 62 amino acids of the 194-amino acid CagL protein (CagL hypervariable motif) affect the binding affinity of CagL to integrin α5ß1 (ITGA5B1) receptor in host epithelial cells and have an effect on the development of various gastrointestinal diseases. We aimed to evaluate the associations of gastroduodenal pathologies, with the polymorphisms of cagL gene of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and also associations between vacA genotypes and cagL polymorphisms. METHODS: A total of 19 gastric cancer, 16 duodenal ulcer, and 26 non-ulcer dyspepsia patients were included in this case-control study. All cases had H. pylori. A fragment of 651 bp from gene cagL (hp0539) and cagA, vacA genes was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Purified polymerase chain reaction products were sequenced by Sanger sequencing, and nucleotide sequences were translated into amino acid sequences. RESULTS: All of the H. pylori strains had cagL and cagA genes. In the 16 (84%) gastric cancer cases, the D58 amino acid polymorphism was significant than the 4 (15.4%) duodenal ulcer cases (P = .029), and the D58/K59 amino acid polymorphism was significant in 12 (63.1%) of the gastric cancer cases than 1 (3.85%) duodenal ulcer case (P = .008). D58/K59 and DKIGQ (n = 10; 52.63%) were the most common polymorphisms in the gastric cancer and were associated with the vacA genotype s1/m2, respectively (P = .022 and P = .008). The D58/K59 amino acid polymorphism was found to have a significant Odds Ratio (OR) value of 8.9 (P = .0017) in multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of gastric cancer development is 8.9 times higher with D58/K59 polymorphism.

The role of IgG4-positive plasma cell population in classic Hodgkin lymphoma.

The effect of IgG4, which constitutes the least of the IgG subclasses, on the pathogenesis and prognosis of lymphoma or solid tumors is one of the research topics of interest in recent years. The role of IgG4, which has been reported to suppress antitumor immunity, in classic Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL), which is recognized by its pathognomonic microenvironment, is not yet clearly known. The aim of this study was to determine IgG4-positive plasma cell density in the cHL microenvironment and to compare it with histopathological and clinical parameters. In addition, the role of the increase in IgG4-positive cells in the development of relapse after treatment was also investigated. A retrospective cross-sectional study. Ninety-four patients with the initial diagnosis of cHL who had no comorbidity or no treatment history and forty-one reactive lymph nodes with follicular hyperplasia findings were included in the study. Three hot-spot areas were identified with reference to the IgG4 sections. Mean IgG4-positive plasmacyte counts and IgG4/IgG ratios were determined and compared with histopathological characteristics. The mean IgG4 + plasma cell count was 33.57 in cHL cases and 47.04 in the control group (p = 0.233). IgG4/IgG ratio was significantly higher in cHL compared with the control group (0.27 vs. 0.21, p = 0.021). The IgG4/IgG ratio was found to be higher in younger patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma, with a low correlation (p = 0.028, r = - 0.226). There was no relationship with gender, lymph node location, histological subtype, EBV positivity and bone marrow infiltration. It was observed that IgG4/IgG ratio was higher in early-stage patients (p = 0.022). No significant IgG4 + cell increase was detected in the initial diagnosis and relapse slides of six patients who developed relapse after standard treatment, resulting in a cure. Novel therapeutic modalities targeting microenvironmental components have been reported to show dramatic effects, particularly in relapsed or refractory patients. Detailed characterization of the cHL inflammatory milieu will be useful for the identification of alternative targets. IgG4 subclass antibodies, which have been described to have anti-inflammatory effects, may have prognostic significance in a proportion of cHL patients.

Combined resveratrol and vitamin D treatment ameliorate inflammation-related liver fibrosis, ER stress, and apoptosis in a high-fructose diet/streptozotocin-induced T2DM model.

A high fructose diet is a major cause of diabetes and various metabolic disorders, including fatty liver. In this study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol and vitamin D (VitD) treatments on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and liver regeneration in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus, namely, T2DM Sprague-Dawley rats. This T2DM rat model was created through a combination treatment of a 10% fructose diet and 40 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Resveratrol (1 mg/kg/day) and VitD (170/IU/week) were administered alone and in combination to both the diabetic and control groups. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate PCNA, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, GRP78, and active caspase-3 in liver tissue. The TUNEL method and Sirius red staining were used to determine apoptosis and fibrosis, respectively. G6PD, 6-PGD, GR, and GST activities were measured to determine oxidative stress status. We found that the expressions of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß) correlated with NF-κB activation and were significantly increased in the T2DM rats. Increased GRP78 expression, indicating ER stress, increased in apoptotic cells, enhanced caspase-3 activation, and collagen accumulation surrounding the central vein were observed in the T2DM group compared with the other groups. The combination VitD + resveratrol treatment improved antioxidant defense via increasing G6PD, 6-PGD, GR, and GST activities compared to the diabetic groups. We concluded that the combined administration of resveratrol with VitD ameliorates the adverse effects of T2DM by regulating blood glucose levels, increasing antioxidant defense mechanisms, controlling ER stress, enhancing tissue regeneration, improving inflammation, and reducing apoptosis in liver cells. In conclusion, this study indicates that the combination treatment of resveratrol + VitD can be a beneficial option for preventing liver damage in fructose-induced T2DM.

Delayed Therapeutic Administration of Melatonin Enhances Neuronal Survival Through AKT and MAPK Signaling Pathways Following Focal Brain Ischemia in Mice.

Melatonin has a role in the cell survival signaling pathways as a candidate for secondary stroke prevention. Therefore, in the present study, the coordination of ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres to evaluate delayed post-acute effect of melatonin was examined on recovery of the cell survival and apoptosis after stroke. Melatonin was administered (4 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneally for 45 days, starting 3 days after 30 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion. The genes and proteins related to the cell survival and apoptosis were investigated by immunofluorescence, western blotting, and RT-PCR techniques after behavioral experiments. Melatonin produced delayed neurological recovery by improving motor coordination on grip strength and rotarod tests. This neurological recovery was also reflected by high level of NeuN positive cells and low level of TUNEL-positive cells suggesting enhanced neuronal survival and reduced apoptosis at the fifty-fifth day of stroke. The increase of NGF, Nrp1, c-jun; activation of AKT; and dephosphorylation of ERK and JNK at the fifty-fifth day showed that cell survival and apoptosis signaling molecules compete to contribute to the remodeling of brain. Furthermore, an increase in the CREB and Atf-1 expressions suggested the melatonin's strong reformative effect on neuronal regeneration. The contralateral hemisphere was more active at the latter stages of the molecular and functional regeneration which provides a further proof of principle about melatonin's action on the promotion of brain plasticity and recovery after stroke.

Follow-Up of High-Grade Glial Tumor; Differentiation of Posttreatment Enhancement and Tumoral Enhancement by DCE-MR Perfusion.

PURPOSE: To search for the utility of DCE-MRP to differentiate between posttreatment enhancement (PT) and tumoral enhancement (TM) in high-grade glial tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients with glioma (11 grade 3; 23 grade 4) were enrolled. Enhancement in the vicinity of the resection cavity demonstrated by DCE-MRP was taken into consideration. Based on the follow-up scans, reoperation or biopsy results, the enhancement type was categorized as PT or TM. Measurements were performed at the enhancing area near the resection cavity (ERC), nearby (NNA) and contralateral nonenhancing areas (CLNA). Perfusion parameters of the ERC were also subtracted from NNA and CLNA. Intragroup comparison (paired sample t-test) and intergroup comparison (Student's t-test) were made. RESULTS: There were 7 PTs and 27 TMs. In the PT, the subtracted values of Ve and IAUC from the CLNA and NNA and the subtracted value of Kep from NNA were statistically different. In TM, all metrics were significantly different comparing the CLNA and NNA. Comparing PT with TM, Ktrans, IAUC, Kep, and subtracted values of Ktrans and IAUC from both NNA and CLNA were significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: In PT, only Ktrans values did not reveal any difference comparing NNA and CLNA. To differentiate PT from TM, Ktrans, Kep, IAUC, and subtracted values of Ktrans and IAUC from NNA and CLNA can be used. These findings are in concordance with literature.

Epstein-Barr Virus and Helicobacter pylori co-infection in patients with gastric cancer and duodenale ulcer.

We aimed to detect EBV/Hp (Epstein-Barr Virus/Helicobacter pylori) co-infection by determining the number of copies of EBV/EBER-1 in the gastric biopsy samples of the Hp (+) GC, peptic ulcer (PU), and non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) cases. The patient group (PG), with 34 patients (34 GC and 30 PU patients) and a control group with 40 NUD cases were included. All patients and controls were Hp positive. EBV/EBNA-1 IgG were measured by the Anti-EBNA-1 ELISA IgG kit. Determination and quantification of EBV/EBER-1 gene region was performed by qPCR. EBV/EBER-1 positivity was 35.29% (12/34), 6.6% (2/30) and 2.5% (1/40) in GC, PU and 40 NUD cases, respectively. A significant difference was found between the GC and NUD cases (p=0.001). A significant difference was found between the groups for mean EBV/EBER-1 copy numbers (p=0.019). No significant difference was found between GC and the NUD cases (p=0.1455) for EBV/EBNA-1 IgG antibody positivity. EBV/EBER-1 positivity (OR=3.319), and age ≥55 years old (OR=2.331) were found to be a significant in multivariate logistic regression. In conclusion, our data suggest that the GC risk by EBVand Hp co-infection increased 3.3 times.

Mucin Expression in Mucinous Pancreatic Cysts: Can String Sign Test Predict Mucin Types? A Single Center Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Mucinous pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) express different mucin (MUC) types according to their histomorphologic types. High cystic fluid viscosity may help in the detection of mucinous PCLs. We hypothesized that high cystic fluid viscosity may be suggestive of a certain MUC type in mucinous PCLs. METHODS: Prespecified MUC types (MUC1, MUC2, MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC6) were evaluated in 18 definitively diagnosed mucinous PCLs with sufficient tissue material and prediagnostic cyst fluid viscosity evaluation-string sign (SS)-test. We evaluated the agreement of MUC expression with positive SS test results. Later, we compared cystic fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) between the prespecified MUC expressing and nonexpressing cyst types. RESULTS: A total of 18 mucinous PCL patients, 11 females, with mean age ± SD (59.7 ± 13.3) were included. Almost all malignant mucinous PCLs expressed MUC1 (71.4%) (P = .023). We found no significant agreement between the prespecified MUC types and positive SS, except MUC4 which had mild agreement. Also, no significant relation was found between cystic fluid CEA levels and MUC expression (P = .584). CONCLUSION: We did not detect a significantly moderate or good agreement between the prespecified MUC types and SS test. MUC1 was highly expressed in malignant mucinous cysts; however, it was incompatible with the SS test. MUC4 expression showed mild agreement with the SS test in a small number of patients.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging Features of the Auditory Pathways in Patients With Vestibular Schwannoma After Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.

Objective In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there is any change in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters in ipsilateral and contralateral auditory pathways after Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKR) in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) and the relationship between radiosurgery variables. Methods Sixty-six patients were evaluated with MRI and DTI before and after GKR. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were measured from the bilateral lateral lemniscus (LL), inferior colliculus (IC), medial geniculate body (MGB), and Heschl's gyrus (HG). Results There was no significant difference in ADC and FA values obtained from bilateral LL, IC, and MGB before and after radiosurgery. However, there was a significant difference between pretreatment and post-radiosurgery contralateral HG ADC values. The ADC values obtained from the contralateral HG and IC positively correlated with the duration after radiosurgery. As the duration after radiosurgery increases, the difference between the ADC values obtained from ipsilateral and contralateral HG also increases. Conclusion The high ADC values in the contralateral HG after radiosurgery may indicate microstructural alterations such as demyelination and axonal loss. Radiation exposure doses to the brainstem and cochlea are the most important factors that can cause microstructural damage to the auditory pathways. When planning radiosurgery, extreme care should be taken to prevent the harmful effects of radiation on the auditory pathways.

Cyst Fluid Carcinoembryonic Antigen Level Difference between Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms and Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The role of cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level in differentiating mucinous pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) is controversial. We investigated the role of cyst fluid CEA in differentiating low-risk (LR)-intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) from high-risk (HR)-IPMNs and LR-mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs). METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 466 patients with PCLs who underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needleaspiration over a 7-year period. On histology, low-grade dysplasia and intermediate-grade dysplasia were considered LR, whereas high-grade dysplasia and invasive carcinoma were considered HR. RESULTS: Data on cyst fluid CEA levels were available for 50/102 mucinous PCLs with definitive diagnoses. The median CEA (range) levels were significantly higher in HR cysts than in LR cysts (2,624 [0.5-266,510] ng/mL vs. 100 [16.8-53,445]ng/mL, p=0.0012). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was 0.930 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-0.8; p<0.001) for differentiating LR-IPMNs from LR-MCNs. The AUROC was 0.921 (95% CI, 0.823-1.000; p<0.001) for differentiating LR-IPMNs from HR-IPMNs. Both had a CEA cutoff level of >100ng/mL, with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. CONCLUSION: Cyst fluid CEA levels significantly vary between LR-IPMNs, LR-MCNs, and HR-IPMNs. A CEA cutoff level of >100ng/mL had a 100% NPV in differentiating LR-IPMNs from LR-MCNs and HR-IPMNs.

Association between human leukocyte antigen gene polymorphisms and multiple EPIYA-C repeats in gastrointestinal disorders.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are suggested to increase the risk of gastric cancer (GC). AIM: To investigate the HLA allele frequencies of patients with GC relative to a control group in terms of CagA+ multiple (≥ 2) EPIYA-C repeats. METHODS: The patient group comprised 94 patients [44 GC and 50 duodenal ulcer (DU) patients], and the control group comprised 86 individuals [(50 non-ulcer dyspepsia patients and 36 people with asymptomatic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)]. Polymerase chain reaction was performed for the amplification of the H. pylori cagA gene and typing of EPIYA motifs. HLA sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) typing was performed using Lifecodes SSO typing kits (HLA-A, HLA-B HLA-C, HLA-DRB1, and HLA-DQA1-B1 kits). RESULTS: The comparison of GC cases in terms of CagA+ multiple (≥ 2) EPIYA-C repeats showed that only the HLA-DQB1*06 allele [odds ratio (OR): 0.37, P = 0.036] was significantly lower, but significance was lost after correction (Pc = 0.1845). The HLA-DQA1*01 allele had a high ratio in GC cases with multiple EPIYA-C repeats, but this was not significant in the univariate analysis. We compared allele frequencies in the DU cases alone and in GC and DU cases together using the same criterion, and none of the HLA alleles were significantly associated with GC or DU. Also, none of the alleles were detected as independent risk factors after the multivariate analysis. On the other hand, in a multivariate logistic regression with no discriminative criterion, HLA-DQA1*01 (OR = 1.848), HLA-DQB1*06 (OR = 1.821) and HLA-A*02 (OR = 1.579) alleles were detected as independent risk factors for GC and DU. CONCLUSION: None of the HLA alleles were detected as independent risk factors in terms of CagA+ multiple EPIYA-C repeats. However, HLA-DQA1*01, HLA-DQB1*0601, and HLA-A*2 were independent risk factors with no criterion in the multivariate analysis. We suggest that the association of these alleles with gastric malignancies is not specifically related to cagA and multiple EPIYA C repeats.

The effects of human amniotic membrane on silicone related capsule formation in rats.

Silicone breast implants are commonly used materials in plastic surgery for breast augmentation and reconstruction and the most severe complication of silicone implants are capsule contraction which occurs in 40% of patients. The aim of our study is to evaluate how the amniotic membrane alters the capsule formation effects of silicone 24 wistar rats were used in the study. We placed a bare silicone block into the left side (Subgroup A) and single layer amniotic membrane coated silicone block into the right side (Subgroup B) of the rats back. The rats were then separated into three groups and in group 1 rats were euthanized after 3 weeks, in group 2 after 12 weeks and in group 3 after 24 weeks. Then capsule thickness, fibroblast and lymphocyte cell counts were evaluated for each sample. In Group 2 and group 3, the capsule thickness in Subgroup B was detected to be statistically significantly lower than that in Subgroup A. In Group 1, 2, and 3, the lymphocyte count in the capsule tissue taken from Subgroup B was lower than Subgroup A but the difference was not statistically significant. In Group 2 and 3, the fibrocyte count detected in the capsule tissue in Subgroup B was found to be statistically significantly lower than Subgroup A. the amniotic membrane was demonstrated to reduce capsule thickness by the antifibrinolytic effect in our study.

Association between polymorphisms in HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-DR, and DQ genes from gastric cancer and duodenal ulcer patients and cagL among cagA-positive Helicobacter pylori strains: The first study in a Turkish population.

Colonization of the human gastric mucosa by H. pylori may cause peptic and duodenal ulcers (DUs), gastric lymphomas, and gastric cancers. The cagL gene is a component of cag T4SS and is involved in cagA translocation into host. An association between the risk of gastric cancer and the type of HLA class II (DR and/or DQ) was suggested in different populations. The aim of this study was to investigate, the clinical association of the cagL gene with host HLA alleles in H. pylori strains that were isolated from patients with gastric cancer, DU, and non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and to determine the HLA allele that confers susceptibility or resistance for the risk of gastric cancer and DU development in Turkish patients. A total of 94 patients (44 gastric cancer and 50 DU patients; 58 male, 36 female; mean age, 49.6 years), and 86 individuals (50 NUD patients and 36 persons with normal gastrointestinal system [NGIS]; 30 male, 56 female; mean age, 47.3 years) were included as the patient and the control groups, respectively. CagA and cagL were determined by PCR method. DNA from peripheral blood samples was obtained by EZ-DNA extraction kit. For HLA SSO typing, LIFECODES SSO Typing kits (HLA-A, HLA-B HLA-C, HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQA1/B1 kits) were used. The CagL/CagA positivity distribution in the groups were as follows: 42 (95.4%) gastric cancer, 46 (92%) DU and, 34 (68%) NUD and no NGIS cases. The HLA-DQA1*01 (OR: 3.82) allele was significantly different, suggesting that these individuals with H. pylori strains harbouring the CagL/CagA positivity are susceptible to the risk of gastric cancer and DU, and the HLA-DQA1*05 (OR, 0.318) allele was suggested as a protective allele for the risk of gastric cancer and DU using univariate analyses. HLA-DQA1*01 (OR, 2.21), HLA-DQB1*06 (OR, 2.67), sex (male, OR, 2.27), and CagL/CagA/(<2) EPIYA C repeats (OR, 5.72) were detected independent risk factors that increased the risk of gastric cancer and DU using multivariate analyses. However, the HLA-DRB1*04 (OR, 0.28) allele was shown to be a protective allele, which decreased the risk of gastric cancer and DU. Gastric pathologies result from an interaction between bacterial virulence factors, host epigenetic and environmental factors, and H. pylori strain heterogeneity, such as genotypic variation among strains and variations in H. pylori populations within an individual host.

Relationship between KRAS mutation and diffusion weighted imaging in colorectal liver metastases; Preliminary study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate whether there are any differences in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values obtained from colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) according to Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) gene mutation status. METHOD: In this retrospective study, we included 22 patients with 65 liver metastases due to colorectal cancer and performed KRAS gene mutation tests. We divided the patients into two groups as KRAS mutation positive (+) (n:10, 30 lesions) and the wild-type group (n:12, 35 lesions). Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare ADC and ADC mean values of the two groups. In addition, we performed receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to discriminate the two groups in terms of their ADC and ADCmean values. RESULTS: The ADC and ADCmean values were found to be statistically significantly lower in the KRAS (+) group compared to the wild-type group. ROC curve analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in terms of ADC and ADCmean with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.680 and 0.760, respectively. The cut-off values for ADC and ADCmean were 986 × 10-6 mm2/s and 823 × 10-6 mm2/s, respectively. CONCLUSION: In our study, the lower ADC and ADCmean values of CRLM are associated with presence of KRAS mutation. ADC and ADCmean values derived from liver metastases due to the colorectal cancer can be used to differentiate KRAS mutation status.

Treatment modalities of non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients over 65 years of age: A two-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted with the aim of making the contribution to a decision for treatment and determination of the modalities in patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma which increasingly become widespread in the geriatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-one patients aged over 65 years diagnosed with lymphoma and treated in Bezmialem Vakif University Medical Faculty Hospital and Haseki Training and Research Hospital between 2008 and 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Finally, 63 patients for whom data could be reached were included in the study. RESULTS: Examining the results, histological diagnoses of our patients were as follows: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (50.8%), follicular lymphoma (23.8%), marginal zone lymphoma (12.7%), mantle cell lymphoma (4.8%), T-cell lymphoma (4.8%), lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (1.6%) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (1.6%). Stages at the time of diagnosis were early stage by 33.3% and late stage by 66.7%. Of the patients, 36.5% had a low-intermediate and 63.5% a high-intermediate International Prognostic Index score. According to the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scoring, 34.9% of the patients have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score of 2-4. Activities of daily living score of 33.3% patients was under 5. Looking at the responses to treatment, the complete response was found in 50.8%, partial response in 4.8%, stable disease in 1.6% and progressive disease in 9.5% of the patients. The mean follow-up duration of patients was found as 25.2 months and disease-free survival after remission as 20.2 months. CONCLUSION: We found that we have achieved a complete remission in more than half of our patients (50.8%). Based on this, treatment should aim remission in elderly patients.

Gamma knife radiosurgery compared to whole brain radiation therapy enhances immunity via immunoregulatory molecules in patients with metastatic brain tumours.

Background: There is lack of data on the effect of stereotactic radiosurgery in modulation of the immune system for cancer patients with metastatic brain tumours. Therefore, we investigated the change in levels of immunoregulatory molecules after Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKR) and whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) in patients with brain metastases.Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 15 patients who received GKR, nine patients who received WBRT for brain metastases and 10 healthy controls. Samples were obtained at three time points such as before, 1h after and 1 week after the index procedure for patients treated with GKR or WBRT. All patients' demographic data and radiosurgical parameters were retrospectively reviewed. We analyzed the change in the levels of T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), and cytokines such as IL-2, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α after GKR and WBRT using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).Results: Baseline level of IFN-γ was found to be lower and that of PD-L1 was higher in the GKR group compared to WBRT group and healthy controls (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 were increased (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively), while CTLA-4 and PD-L1 were decreased (p = 0.05 and p = 0.01, respectively) after GKR compared to pre-GKR levels, while there was no change after WBRT.Conclusion: GKR regulates immunoregulatory molecules towards enhancing the immune system, while WBRT did not exert any effect. These findings suggested that treatment of metastatic brain lesion with GKR might stimulate a systemic immune response against the tumour.

Primary vitrectomy with short-term silicone oil tamponade for uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of phakic and pseudophakic uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated with primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and short-term silicone oil (SO) tamponade. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 201 eyes (185 patients) with uncomplicated RRD treated with primary 23-gauge PPV and short-term SO tamponade. Anatomical success was defined as a reattached retina for at least 6 months after SO removal. RESULTS: The analysis consisted of 111 phakic eyes and 90 pseudophakic eyes. The mean duration of SO tamponade in phakic eyes was 8.5 ± 1.9 and in pseudophakic eyes was 8.3 ± 1.9 weeks [corrected] (P = 0.39). The primary reattachment rate was 93% in the phakic group and 98% in the pseudophakic group (P = 0.19). The mean Snellen VA equivalent at the final visit was 20/30 in both groups. Final VA ≥ 20/40 was achieved in 81% of phakic and 86% of pseudophakic eyes (P = 0.69). Postoperative complications included cataract in the phakic group (100%), transient elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) (29%), epiretinal membrane (8%), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (7%), cystoid macular edema (3%), secondary macular hole (2%), persistent elevation of IOP (1.5%), and persistent hypotony (1%). CONCLUSIONS: The success rates and functional outcomes of primary 23-gauge PPV with short-term SO tamponade did not differ significantly between the two groups, suggesting that lens status is not the single most important factor influencing the final results. The use of short-term SO was not associated with keratopathy, visual loss without any apparent reason and high rates of chronic elevation of IOP or redetachment following SO removal.

Correction to: Primary vitrectomy with short-term silicone oil tamponade for uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Dear editor and readers, this letter is written to make you aware that the original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.

Value of Shear Wave Elastography for differentiating benign and malignant renal lesions.

AIMS: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of shear-wave elastography (SWE) for assessing malignant and benign kidneymasses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with solid renal masses underwent US elastographic evaluation. SWE values of the lesions and adjacent cortical renal parenchyma and SWER were detected prospectively. Malignant tumors were recorded as group 1 and benign tumors were recorded as group 2. RESULTS: The highest elasticity values were 27.27±25.66 kPa for group 1 and 16.13±8.89 kPa for group 2. The mean±SD elasticity values for adjacent renal cortex for groups 1 and 2 were 2.7±2.08 and 2.75±1.35, respectively. For group 1, a negative correlation was observed between the age of the patients and SWER value (p=0.047, rs=­0.401). There was also a negative correlation between the SWER value and the SWE value of adjacent renal cortex (p=0.004, rs=­0.555). CONCLUSION: SWE is a noninvasive method that provides quantitative elasticity informationon tissues. Overlaps among different types of renal lesions may be due to heterogeneity of the lesions. Larger studygroups may clarify the other factors affecting SWE values under both normal and pathological conditions.

Functional and anatomical outcomes following surgical management of persistent fetal vasculature: a single-center experience of 44 cases.

PURPOSE: To investigate the functional and anatomical outcomes following surgical management of persistent fetal vasculature (PFV). METHODS: Single-center, retrospective, interventional consecutive case series of 41 patients (44 eyes) who underwent vitrectomy with or without lensectomy through a limbal or pars plana/plicata approach with diagnosis of anterior, posterior, or combined anterior and posterior segment PFV were included. RESULTS: The median age at the time of surgery was 3 months (range, 1-36 months), and the mean follow-up period was 37.2 ± 38.1 months (range, 12-164 months). Of the 44 eyes, 5 (11%) had clinical and ultrasonographic findings of anterior PFV, 5 (11%) had posterior PFV, and 34 (78%) had components of both anterior and posterior disease. At the last visit, 38 eyes (87%) were aphakic, 5 eyes (11%) were phakic, and 1 eye (2%) was pseudophakic. The mean Snellen equivalent VA at the final visit for the 14 (32%) eyes with measurable VA was 20/283. Nine (20%) eyes had final VA of only light perception or no light perception. The remaining 21 (48%) eyes behaved consistently with form vision, but the patients were not able to report VA. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the eyes achieved at least form vision, with acceptable postoperative complication rates. Functional and anatomical outcomes are not strictly dependent on axial length, and microphthalmic eyes with mild posterior segment involvement have the potential for good visual results. Outcomes after surgery for posterior PFV associated with tractional retinal detachment are limited. Anatomical success does not always equate to functional improvement.

Predictors of obturator functioning and satisfaction in Turkish patients using an obturator prosthesis after maxillectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors affecting obturator function and satisfaction using the obturator functioning scale (OFS) in maxillectomy patients rehabilitated with obturator prostheses. STUDY DESIGN: The study sample consisted of 41 maxillectomy patients. The OFS was translated into Turkish and adapted for assessing obturator functioning and patient satisfaction among Turkish patients. Data were collected from patients' medical records and self-completed questionnaires, including the Turkish version of the OFS, sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and backward stepwise multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.86) were acceptable for the OFS. The most frequently reported problem was "difficulty chewing." Bivariate analysis revealed significant differences in total OFS scores in terms of surgery type, defect size, and education level, except for the other clinical and sociodemographic characteristics and behavioral factors. Education level and surgery type were found to be the most important predictors of patient satisfaction and functioning of the obturator. CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish version of the OFS might be a useful tool for clinicians to identify patients who are at risk for poor functioning of the obturator, lack of satisfaction, and unmet needs.