Evaluation of Jaw Bone Change in Children and Adolescents with Rheumatic Heart Disease by Fractal Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recognizing the oral needs of people living with rheumatic heart disease (RHD), particularly in relation to their jaws, is of paramount importance. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate potential jaw bone changes in children and adolescents diagnosed with RHD and compare them with a group of healthy children and adolescents. METHODS AND MATERIAL: The dental panoramic radiographs (DPRs) of 32 children and adolescents diagnosed with RHD comprised the case group. In contrast, the control group consisted of DPRs from 32 children and adolescents without any known diseases. Two regions of interest (ROI1 and ROI2) of trabecular bone and a separate region of interest (ROI3) of cortical bone were selected for fractal analysis. The mandibular cortical index (MCI) was evaluated. RESULTS: The ROI1 fractal dimension (FD) value of the individuals in the case group was statistically higher in the right jaw than in the left jaw (P < 0.01). Significant differences were determined between the case and control groups regarding the left ROI1, and the left and the right ROI2 (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the patient and control groups regarding the MCI value (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that bone metabolism was affected unilaterally in the condyle region and bilaterally in the gonial region of patients with RHD. It also revealed that the cortical layer was not affected.

Comparative proteomics analysis of transforming growth factor-beta1-overexpressed human dental pulp stem cell-derived secretome on CD44-mediated fibroblast activation via canonical smad signal pathway.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study investigates whether the secretome collected from human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) transfected with transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-ß1) is related to CD44 expression of fibroblasts and canonical smad signaling pathway via proteomic analyzes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to obtain secretome, hDPSCs were conditioned with serum-free alpha-MEM in an incubator containing 37°C, 5% CO2, and humidity for 18-24 h. Proteins in control and TGF-ß1 secretome were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry-based shotgun proteomic method. Bioinformatic evaluations were completed via Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA, QIAGEN) software. CD44 expressions in fibroblasts were evaluated by real time-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescent staining. The relationship of canonical smad pathway and CD44 was analyzed by western blot and LC-MS/MS. Cell cycle, proliferation and wound healing tests were performed in the secretome groups. RESULTS: Venn diagram was showed 174 common proteins were identified from each group. In the control secretome 140 unique proteins were identified and 66 entries were exclusive for TGF-ß1 secretome. CD44 gene and protein expressions were increased in fibroblasts treated with TGF-ß1 secretome. Relationship between targeted protein data showed that activation of the canonical TGF-ß1/Smad pathway was up-regulated CD44 expression in fibroblasts. The canonical smad pathway-mediated upregulation of CD44 may increase the mitotic activity, proliferation, and wound healing potential in fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: While TGF-ß1-transfected hDPSC secretome may be a potential therapeutic candidate in regenerative connective tissue therapies as it induces fibroblast activation, anti-TGF-ß1-based therapies would be considered in histopathological conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis or hepatic fibrosis.

Exploring a novel class of Janus MXenes by first principles calculations: structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Sc2CXT, X = O, F, OH; T = C, S, N.

The already intriguing electronic and optical properties of the MXene Sc2C family can be further tuned through a wide range of possible functionalizations. Here, by means of density functional theory, we show that the 36 possible elements of the Janus MXT (M: Sc2C, X: O, F, OH, T: C, N, S) family, built by considering the four possible structural models (i) FCC, (ii) HCP, (iii) FCC + HCP, and (iv) HCP + FCC, are all potentially stable. The analysis of their mechanical properties shows the excellent mechanical flexibility of functionalized MXenes (f-MXenes) under large strain, making them more suitable for applications where stress could be an issue. Interestingly, while Sc2C presents a metallic character, Sc2COS, Sc2CFN and Sc2COHN are found to be semiconductors with bandgaps of 2.5 eV (indirect), 1.67 eV (indirect) and 1.1 eV (direct), respectively, which presents promising applications for nano- and optoelectronics. Moreover, Sc2CFC presents a ferromagnetic ground state with the 2 × 2 × 1 supercell magnetic moment of 3.99 µB, while the ground state of Sc2COHC might be antiferromagnetic with a magnetic moment of 3.98 µB, depending on the environment. Remarkably, the band structures of Sc2CFC and Sc2COHC present a half-metallic character with an HSE06 fundamental band gap of 0.60 eV and 0.48 eV, respectively. Our results confirm the extraordinary potential of the Janus MXT (M: Sc2C, X: O, F, OH, T: C, N, S) family for novel applications in 2D nano-,opto- and spintronics.

In Vitro evaluation of the bond strength of metal brackets adhered to different dental restorative materials using different orthodontic adhesives.

Background: During orthodontic treatment, teeth with brackets may sometimes be restored with different restorative materials. In this case, the content of the orthodontic adhesive selected for bracket bonding may also be important. Aim: This study compared the bond strength of metal orthodontic brackets adhered to different resin composite and glass ionomer cement (GIC) restoration surfaces with glass ionomer-based and resin-based orthodontic adhesives to determine the best orthodontic adhesive for use in restored teeth. Material and Methods: This study prepared 80 discs. Four material groups of 20 discs were created: reinforced high-viscosity GIC, high-viscosity GIC, flowable bulk-fill resin composite, and nanohybrid resin composite. Specimens in each material group were divided into two subgroups that differed in the orthodontic adhesive used to bond the brackets to the prepared specimens. After 24 hours, the specimens were shear bond strength (SBS) tested at 1 mm/min using a universal tester. Results: The SBS of glass ionomer-based orthodontic adhesive differed significantly between metal brackets adhered to different bases (P < 0.001). The highest SBSs were observed between metal brackets and high-viscosity glass ionomer restorations (6.79 ± 2.38). The highest SBSs observed with a resin-based orthodontic adhesive were between metal brackets adhered to nanohybrid resin composite restorations (8.84 ± 2.10; P = 0.030). Conclusions: Glass ionomer-based orthodontic adhesive provided safer bond strength and demineralization prevention when applying metal brackets to teeth with glass ionomer restorations.

Remineralization activities of toothpastes with and without aloe vera with different ratios of fluoride on demineralized enamel: An In-vitro study.

AIM and Background: The aim of this in-vitro study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of both pure aloe vera and commercially available toothpastes with different fluoride compounds and different fluoride amounts on artificial initial enamel lesions by Vicker's microhardness values. In the study, 72 extracted human molar teeth were divided into mesiodistal and 144 specimens were prepared using the vestibule and palatal/lingual surfaces of the teeth. After the surface treatments and initial microhardness measurements, all the specimens were placed in a demineralizing solution (pH: 4.5) for 7 days, resulting in artificial initial enamel lesion, and were randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 18). After the teeth were subjected to pH cycle for 14 days, microhardness measurements were repeated and the data were recorded. Materials and Methods: Statistical analyzes were performed using MedCalc Statistical Software version 12.7.7. The significance level was determined to be 0.05. Results: In the statistical results, when the microhardness values after demineralization and post-cycle were compared, Groups B1 and A2 showed the lowest values, while Groups A3 and B3 did not show a significant difference in terms of microhardness values after demineralization and post-cycle, and only Group B4 showed statistically significantly higher values. Conclusions: This study emphasized the remineralization effects of fluoride on initial enamel lesions. It can be said that toothpaste containing 1450 ppm fluoride and aloe vera provides an effective remineralization and sodium monofluorophosphate formulation may have a synergistic effect with aloe vera.

The dark side of technology: cyberloafing, a Turkish study of nursing behaviour.

AIM: This study aimed to explore the frequency of both serious and minor cyberloafing behaviours of nurses and the factors which affect these behaviours. BACKGROUND: Cyberloafing is using the internet or an internet connected device at work for personal use. Cyberloafing is a behaviour that negatively affects the personal performance of healthcare staff. METHODS: A total of 375 nurses in three large hospitals in Eastern Turkey participated in this descriptive research. A personal information form and the Cyberloafing Scale were used to collect the data. RESULTS: The data analyses showed moderate levels of minor cyberloafing scores and low levels of serious cyberloafing scores. The more serious level of cyberloafing behaviour was found among nurses who had social networking accounts and spent more than four hours on the internet each day. Minor cyberloafing behaviours occurred more frequently than the serious level. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of cyberloafing behaviours is influenced by time spent on the internet, having social networking accounts, age, marital status, education and professional experience. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: The findings support the development of policies that are designed to have nurses focus on patient care during work hours; use their working hours more effectively; and prevent cyberloafing.

Effects of combined general anesthesia and thoracic epidural analgesia on cytokine response in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Severe postoperative pain is not often experienced in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Anesthesia, surgery, and pain are stressful and cause different reactions in neuro-immuno-endocrine systems. Many factors such as the pharmacological effect of the drugs used, as well as the type and depth of anesthesia, can affect these reactions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the combination of general anesthesia and thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) on cytokine reaction in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical comparative study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty adult patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were divided into four groups. Group saline (Group S), group fentanyl (Group F), group bupivacaine (Group B), and group levobupivacaine (Group L) were infused with saline, saline and fentanyl, bupivacaine and fentanyl, and levobupivacaine and fentanyl, respectively, via epidural catheter before surgical incision. RESULTS: There were no differences among groups in the demographic features, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and peripheral oxygen saturation values. Group L had lower visual analogue scale value compared to the other postoperative groups (P < 0.01). In all groups, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and IL-10 levels started to increase at 2 h and returned to the basal level at 24 h. IL levels increased in most of the epidural saline-administered group compared to other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined general anesthesia and TEA provided pain control and hemodynamic stability more efficiently during the first 24 h of the intraoperative and postoperative period by suppressing cytokine levels. However, we determined that this effect was more obvious with the local anesthetic and opioid combination.

Does removal of CU-IUD in patients with biofilm forming candida really maintain regression of clinical symptoms?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether symptoms and recurrence would differ with and without Cu-IUD removal in patients with concomitant biofilm forming Candida spp. METHODS: The data of 270 consecutive patients wearing TCu380A Cu-IUD were evaluated. Among these patients, 100/270 were found to have Candida spp. isolated from the tail of Cu-IUD or vaginal samples. These patients were investigated in four groups: Group 1 (n = 24; Biofilm (+), Cu-IUD removed), Group 2 (n = 14; Biofilm (+), Cu-IUD not removed), Group 3 (n = 29; Biofilm (-), Cu-IUD removed), Group 4 (n = 33; Biofilm (-), Cu-IUD not removed). Patients in each group were followed for clinical signs and symptoms for 8-16 months and compared to each other. RESULTS: Symptoms, physical findings and candida positivity have decreased statistically significantly in Group 1 one year after removal of Cu-IUD (95.8% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.01; 95.8% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.01; 100% vs. 8.3%, p < 0.01 respectively). In Group 2, symptoms, physical findings and candida positivity have decreased after follow-up, but without a statistical significance. In Group 3, all the parameters have decreased, but only decrease in candida positivity has reached statistical significance (100% vs. 48.3%, p < 0.01). In Group 4 - as in Group 1- symptoms, physical findings and candida positivity have decreased statistically significantly (48.5% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.01; 72.7% vs. 48.5%, p = 0.05; 100% vs. 51.5%, p < 0.01 respectively). CONCLUSION: Biofilm forming microorganisms should be considered in the management of vaginal infections or symptoms for safer use of intrauterine devices.

Prurigo simplex subacuta or prurigo simplex acuta?

Prurigo is a condition of nodular cutaneous lesions that itch intensely. Prurigo lesions are divided into acute, subacute and chronic forms that itch intensely. Subacute prurigo (SP) clinically presents as excoriated papules mostly in a symmetrical distribution on the extensor surfaces of the extremities, neck, lower trunk, and buttocks. It tends to occur in middle-aged patients, especially in women. Herein, we described prurigo simplex subacuta in a 4-year-old boy. It was histopathologically documented.

Effect of hypertension on echocardiographic parameters in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Hypertension (HTN) is common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Both HTN and RA have a negative impact on echocardiographically determined parameters including wall thickness, chamber diameter, diastolic function, epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). We aimed to demonstrate the effect of HTN on these parameters in RA patients. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups: one group comprised 39 RA patients with HTN (7 male, mean age 56.3 ± 8.4 years) and the second comprised 38 age- and gender-matched RA patients without HTN (10 male, mean age 55.3 ± 7.4 years). We retrospectively analyzed the RA patients without overt structural heart disease by determining the study parameters from echocardiograph recordings. The two groups were compared in terms of echocardiographic parameters and disease characteristics. RESULTS: RA characteristics, chamber sizes and wall thicknesses did not differ between the groups. CIMT was significantly increased in the RA with HTN group (median 0.9 mm, range 0.6-1.2 mm vs. median 0.8 mm, range 0.6-1.0 mm; p = 0.031). EAT was also significantly increased in the RA with HTN group (8.2 ± 1.8 mm vs. 7.4 ± 1.4 mm; p = 0.022). Septal early diastolic E' wave velocities were significantly decreased in the RA with HTN group (8.8 ± 2.4 cm/s vs. 10.2 ± 1.8 cm/s; p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: HTN has a further negative impact on diastolic functions, CIMT and EAT in RA patients.

Comparison of hardness of three temporary filling materials cured by two light-curing devices.

AIM: Polymerization ability of light-curing devices can affect the light-cured material hardness. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the hardness of three temporary filling materials that had been light-cured by either a light emitting diode (LED) or a halogen light-curing unit. METHODS: The temporary filling materials, First Fill, Voco Clip and Bioplic, were placed in wells in a Teflon plate. The 24 specimens of each material were divided into two groups (N.=12/group) for photo-activation by either of the two light-curing units. The LED or halogen device was applied for 40s to the top surface of each specimen. A Knoop hardness test was performed on the top and bottom surface of each specimen, with five measurements per specimen. RESULTS: The highest hardness values for both the LED and halogen treated groups were observed for First Fill and the lowest values were for Voco Clip in top and bottom surfaces. The hardness obtained for the three materials with the halogen unit were significantly higher than the values obtained with the LED unit in both surfaces (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: First Fill light-cured temporary material exhibited the highest hardness values on the top and bottom surfaces than Voco Clip and Bioplic temporary materials. The hardness of light-cured temporary filling materials can be affected by the type of light-curing unit.

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.

Elbow problems in paraplegic spinal cord injured patients: frequency and related risk factors--a preliminary controlled study.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional controlled study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the elbow joint with ultrasound in paraplegic patients, determine the related factors and compare it with healthy controls. SETTING: A training and research rehabilitation hospital in Istanbul. METHODS: A total of 30 paraplegic patients and 20 healthy controls were included in the study. Patients demographic data, pain in the elbow joint, level and duration of injury, ambulation status, type of wheelchair used, daily duration of wheelchair and other ambulation equipment usage, transfers being dependent or independent, daily number of push-ups were recorded. Elbow joints were evaluated with ultrasound for presence of fluid and thickness of the triceps tendon. RESULTS: Mean triceps tendon thickness values of the right side were larger in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients when compared with those of healthy controls'. Joint effusion on the right elbow joint was also found to be more common in SCI patients than in normal subjects. Triceps tendon thickness measurements were not found to be correlated with demographic and clinical factors. Seven paraplegic patients (23%) reported that they have pain in the elbow. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary study, our results showed that right elbow effusion was more frequent and right triceps tendon was thicker in SCI patients when compared with healthy subjects.

Effects of different bladder management methods on the quality of life in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Multi-center, cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of different bladder management methods on the quality of life (QoL) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Turkey. METHODS: Consecutive SCI patients (n=195, 74.4% males), for whom at least 6 months had elapsed since the injury, were included and evaluated in five groups: normal spontaneous micturition (NSM), micturition with assisted maneuvers (MAM), aseptic intermittent catheterization by patient (IC-P), aseptic IC by an attendant/caregiver (IC-A) and indwelling catheterization. The King's Health Questionnaire was used to evaluate the patients' QoL. RESULTS: The bladder management groups were similar regarding age, time elapsed since injury, education level, marital and occupational status. There was no difference among the groups in general health perception, personal relationships and sleep/energy domain scores. While the NSM group had generally the lowest scores, that is, better QoL, the IC-A group had the highest scores, that is, poorer QoL, in most of the domains. When the patients were grouped according to the frequency of urinary incontinence or American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grades, no difference was found in the domain scores of the groups except the symptom severity domain scores. No significant difference was found between paraplegic and tetraplegic patients in the King's Health Questionnaire domains. CONCLUSION: The QoL was notably affected in SCI patients in IC-A group and negative effects on emotional status, physical and social activity limitations were observed, as well.

MXene-based Ti2C/Ta2C lateral heterostructure: an intrinsic room temperature ferromagnetic material with large magnetic anisotropy.

Two-dimensional (2D) lateral heterostructures (LH) combining Ti2C and Ta2C MXenes were investigated by means of first-principles calculations. Our structural and elastic properties calculations show that the lateral Ti2C/Ta2C heterostructure results in a 2D material that is stronger than the original isolated MXenes and other 2D monolayers such as germanene or MoS2. The analysis of the evolution of the charge distribution with the size of the LH shows that, for small systems, it tends to distribute homogeneously between the two monolayers, whereas for larger systems electrons tend to accumulate in a region of ∼6 Šaround the interface. The work function of the heterostructure, one crucial parameter in the design of electronic nanodevices, is found to be lower than that of some conventional 2D LH. Remarkably, all the heterostructures studied show a very high Curie temperature (between 696 K and 1082 K), high magnetic moments and high magnetic anisotropy energies. These features make (Ti2C)/(Ta2C) lateral heterostructures very suitable candidates for spintronic, photocatalysis, and data storage applications based upon 2D magnetic materials.

Correlation between the serum lumican level and the severity of coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have previously shown that some small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are associated with atherosclerotic plaque. We aim to investigate the relationship between circulating lumican levels and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 255 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography for stable angina pectoris. All demographic and clinical data were collected prospectively. The severity of CAD was assessed based on the Gensini score and a value >40 was defined as advanced CAD. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were in the advanced CAD group; these are older and the frequency of diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular accidents, reduced ejection fraction (EF), left atrium diameter was higher. Serum lumican levels were found as higher in advanced CAD group (0.4 ng/ml vs. 0.6 ng/ml, respectively, p<0.001). When the Gensini score increased, a statistically significant increase was observed in lumican levels with a good correlation (r=0.556 and p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus, EF and lumican were predictive for advanced CAD. Lumican level predicts CAD seriousness with a sensitivity rate of 64%, specificity rate of 65%. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we reveal a relationship between serum lumican levels and CAD severity. More research is warranted to determine the mechanism and prognostic values of lumican in the atherosclerosis.

Supersensitivity psychosis in a case with clozapine tolerance.

Despite its serious side effects, clozapine is still the golden standard in treatment of schizophrenia due to its effectiveness and lack of extrapyramidal side effects. Some studies have mentioned withdrawal symptoms, including withdrawal psychosis after stopping clozapine, and have tried to explain this severe symptom through dopamine receptor supersensitivity. This phenomenon, called supersensitivity psychosis, can be explained by the development of tolerance towards the effect of the medication. In literature, there are several cases of supersensitivity psychosis while using other neuroleptics. However, to our knowledge, there are no published cases reporting an association between clozapine and supersensitivity psychosis. The current patient, who has been diagnosed as resistant schizophrenia, responded well to the clozapine in the beginning of treatment. Due to an effective dose of clozapine, he had psychotic exacerbation with significant positive symptoms. We discuss the probable reasons causing this situation and the relationship between tolerance to the treatment effect and the dopamine supersensitivity.

Transforming growth factor ß1-enriched secretome up-regulate osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells, and a potential therapeutic for gingival wound healing: A comparative proteomics study.

OBJECTIVES: Current study aimed at comparing the human dental pulp-derived stem cell (hDPSC) secretome (Control secretome) and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-ß1)-transfected hDPSC secretome (TGF-ß1 Secretome), which have the potential to be therapeutic in terms of regenerative dentistry, in terms of osteogenesis, adipogenesis and gingival wound healing with proteomic analyses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: pCMV-TGF-ß1 plasmid was transfected into hDPSCs by electroporation. hDPSC and TGF-ß1 transfected hDPSC secretomes were collected for LC-MS/MS. Protein contents in control secretome and TGF-ß1 secretome were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry-based shotgun proteomic method. Bioinformatic evaluations for canonical pathways, upstream regulators and networks were completed via Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA, QIAGEN) software. Surface marker expressions between groups, treated secretome were measured by flow cytometry. To support the proteomic data morphologically, we performed osteogenic-adipogenic differentiation in hDPSCs treated with control secretome and TGF-ß1 secretome, and scratch wound healing assay in gingival fibroblasts. Statistical analyses were performed by GraphPad Prism 8.02. RESULTS: Venn diagram classification showed us 174 common proteins were identified from each group. In the control secretome 140 unique proteins were identified and 66 entries were exclusive for TGF-ß1 secretome. TGF-ß1 secretome was found to have therapeutic effect on MSC-specific immunophenotypes. TGF-ß1 secretome was determined to up-regulate osteogenesis-related molecules and pathways while down-regulating adipogenesis-related pathways. Analysis of canonical pathways showed that TGF-ß1 secretome is associated with the wound healing pathway. CONCLUSION: Our study provided the first evidence that proteins identified in TGF-ß1-transfected hDPSC secretomes are potential regulators of osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation and fibroblast wound healing. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Based on these results, TGF-ß1 secretome may have a therapeutic effect in repairing osteoporosis-related bone injuries, wound healing of oral mucosa and gingival tissue. TGF-ß1 secretome may be a potential cell-free therapeutic in orthopedics and regenerative dentistry.

Gene expression profiles of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of psoriasis patients.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are involved in the pathological process. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels expressed in immune cells have been shown to be associated with inflammatory diseases. We aimed to evaluate mRNA expression levels of TRP channels in PBMCs of patients with psoriasis. 30 patients with plaque psoriasis and 30 healthy age- and gender-matched control subjects were included in this study. mRNA expression levels of TRP channels in psoriasis patients were determined by Real-time polymerase chain reaction. A decreased TRPM4, TRPM7, TRPV3, TRPV4, and TRPC6 genes expression levels were found in the patient group compared to controls, respectively (p = 0.045, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.045, p = 0.009), whereas, an increased expression level was found in TRPM2 and TRPV1 genes in the patient group compared to controls (p = 0.001 and p = 0.028). This is the first study showing the TRP channel mRNA expressions in PBMCs of psoriasis patients. Different expression patterns of TRP channels may have a role in pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Impact of acute myocardial injury on prognosis in patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency and impact of acute myocardial injury on prognosis in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included consecutive hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Clinic-demographic characteristics, laboratory values, and high-sensitivity troponin I were extracted from the electronic database. Mortality and other clinical complications, including respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and acute kidney injury were recorded. Myocardial injury was defined as having a serum troponin I value >19.8 ng/mL. We performed Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression to determine survival times and independent predictors of mortality. RESULTS: A total of 324 patients were included. Seventy-seven patients (23.8%) had acute myocardial injury. The primary outcome measure, namely death, occurred in 54.5% and 3.2% of the patients with and without myocardial injury, respectively. Notably, 75.3% of the patients with myocardial injury and 6.5% of the patients without myocardial injury developed ARDS. Overall, 50 out of 324 patients (15.4%) died during the study period. The mortality rate was 54.5% in patients with myocardial injury and 3.2% in patients without myocardial injury. Mean survival times were significantly different between the groups (15.1±0.9 days in patients with myocardial injury and 24.4±0.7 days in patients without myocardial injury, log-rank test p-value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of chronic kidney disease and application of invasive mechanical ventilation were found to be independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. The presence of acute myocardial injury was common but not independently associated with mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.