Is serum BDNF level reliable parameter in detecting of dental anxiety before impacted third molar surgery?

BACKGROUND: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a factor that implicate in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression and anxiety. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between dental anxiety and BDNF serum level through impacted third molar surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, cross-sectional study, the sample included patients who had been admitted for the impacted third molar extraction under local anesthesia between January to November 2020. The primary predictor variable was serum BDNF level and the second predictor variable was dental anxiety scores before and after operation in patients. The primary outcome variable was the correlation between anxiety scores (APAIS, MDAS, STAI, VAS) and serum BDNF level. The sample included 55 patients (22 Male, 33 Female) aged 18 to 42 (24,2+5,55). RESULTS: Comparison of pre-operative scores (APAIS, MDAS, STAI, VAS and BDNF) and post-operative scores were statistically significant (P < .05). Post-operatively, MDAS and VAS scores decreased, while BDNF levels and STAI scores increased compared to the preoperative scores. BDNF was not correlated with APAIS, MDAS, STAI, and VAS preoperatively and postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: There may be a relationship between serum BDNF level and dental anxiety scale, but, no correlation was found between them.

Evaluation of the effect of apical lesion on mucosal thickening and thickness of apical bone using limited cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of periapical lesion size on the degree of mucosal thickening of maxillary sinus and thickness of apical bone using cone-beam computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In Group 1 (teeth with apical lesions), diameter of apical lesion, width of apical bone, thickness of Schneiderian membrane; for Group 2 (teeth without apical lesions), width of apical bone in long axis of root and thickness of Schneiderian membrane were measured on coronal and sagittal images. RESULTS: Mann-Whitney U-test revealed no significant difference between two groups regarding mucosal thickening and apical bone measurements (P > 0.05). Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed no significant difference between the measurements in sagittal and coronal slices (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Results of the present study showed that Schneiderian membrane near the maxillary premolars and molars with apical lesions is not significantly thicker compared to teeth without apical lesions.

What is the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in sarcoidosis?

AIM: Information regarding the Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in sarcoidosis and the data from studies recommending its use as an indicator of inflammation and in the differential diagnosis and prognosis, are limited. With this study, it was aimed to obtain data regarding the NLR level in the patients at the time of presentation to the hospital and to determine the characteristics of patients in whom the NLR value was > 2. RESULTS: During the study period, of the 3434 patients with the sub-diagnosis of D86, 1300 cases whose complete blood count values had been recorded at the time of presentation were included in the study. Of the cases, 40 % were pulmonary sarcoidosis, 7 % were pulmonary sarcoidosis with sarcoidosis of the lymph nodes, 8 % were lymph node sarcoidosis, 1 % were sarcoidosis, of other combined areas, and 40 % of the cases were sarcoidosis that were unspecified. The F/M of the cases were 947/353, and the average age of the cases was 44. When the sarcoidosis groups were grouped into NLR < 2 (Group 1) and NLR ≥ 2 (Gorup 2), 27 % were Group 1, 73 % were Group 2, and a significant correlation was found between the two groups. When the inflammatory indicators were compared with NLR, the PLT/MPV was found to be statistically insignificant, and the ACE, ESR and CRP were found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio in the complete blood count, which is an easy and cheap test, can be used as an indicator of inflammation in Sarcoidosis. In clinical practice, wide-based studies comprising the activity and the staging in the prognosis of sarcoidosis are required (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 26).

Evaluation of the intraocular pressure in obese adolescents.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) levels of children with normal and high Body Mass Index (BMI) and to find out the potential correlation between glaucoma and obesity. METHODS: Thirty obese and thirty healty children were enrolled in this study. Physical examinations and anthropometric measurements of all patients and controls were performed. Obesity was defined as a BMI exceeding the 95th percentile for the patients according to age and sex. All participants were underwent a complete eye examination. The results of these measurements were considered for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mean age was 13.5±2.1 years in obese group and 13.3±2.0 years in control group. Mean BMIs were 28.1±3.9 kg/m2 and 19.7±1.2 kg/m2 in obese and control groups, respectively. No significant difference was found in mean IOP levels of both right and left eyes between two groups (P=0.837 and P=0.755, respectively). There was no significant difference in cup/disc ratios of each eyes and mean central corneal thickness of both right and left eyes between obese patients and controls. In visual field analysis, no statistically significant difference in mean false negativeness and mean false positiveness were found between two groups. There were not also any significant correlations in both mean deviation of each eyes (P=0.78 and P=0.94, respectively) and pattern standart deviation of right and left eyes (P=0.89 and P=0.90, respectively) between obese cases and controls. CONCLUSION: In this study, there were no significant difference in IOP measurements, central corneal thicknesses, cup/disc ratios and visual field parameters between obese and normal children. No significant correlation was found between obesity and glaucoma or elevated IOP in children.

The frequency of MEFV gene mutation in patients admitted to hospital with preliminary diagnosis of familian mediterranean fever who undergone a prior appendectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Familial mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by recurrent and self-limiting fever, peritonitis, arthritis, synovitis, pleuritis, carditis, and erysipelas-like lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of the MEFV gene mutation in patients who admitted to hospital with preliminary diagnosis FMF and who had undergone a prior appendectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the files of 52 patients between the ages of 7-18 who admitted to hospital with preliminary diagnosis of FMF and who had undergone a prior appendectomy. Age, gender and the MEFV gene mutations were included in the data. The 12 known, common MEFV gene mutations [E148Q, P369S, F479L, M6801 (G/C), M6801 (G/A), 1692del, M694V, M6941, K695R, V726A, A744S, R761H] were investigated in the patients. RESULTS: Of these 52 cases, 29 (55.8%) were female and 23 (44.2%) were male. Their mean age was 12.1 +/- 3.1 years (range 7-18 yr). MEFV gene mutation was detected in 31/52 cases (59.6%). In this study was found an high frequency of the MEFV gene mutation in patients admitted to hospital with a preliminary diagnosis FMF who had undergone a prior appendectomy. MEFV gene mutations were M694V 16/41 (39%), E148Q 13/41 (31%), M6801 6/41 (15%), V726A 4/41 (10%) and R761H 2/41 (5%). Other genes mutations were F479L, M6801 (G/A), 1692del, M6941, K695R and A744S. CONCLUSION: There are too much indications of unnecessary appendectomy in MEFV gene mutation carriers. In MEFV gene mutation carriers the frequency of appendicitis can be higher than the normal population. A more detailed and extensive study should be done about it.

Distribution of common methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutations in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Homocysteine levels have been investigated in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), a syndrome associated with a high level of comorbid cardiovascular disease (CVD). While significant increases in homocysteine levels have been observed in OSAS patients with CVD, no increases have been noted in OSAS patients without CVD. This study was designed to investigate the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, which is essential for homocysteine metabolism and has been shown to have a causal role in the development of CVD. Eighty subjects, 30 diagnosed with OSAS by polysomnography and 50 controls (healthy volunteers with no symptoms of OSAS) were enrolled. Two mutations in the MTHFR gene were investigated using polymerase chain reactions and restriction fragment length polymorphisms. No significant differences were found in mean age, body mass index, homocysteine levels, or MTHFR allele or genotype distributions between patient and control groups.

Sequence-based identification, genotyping and virulence factors of Trichosporon asahii strains isolated from urine samples of hospitalized patients (2011-2016).

INTRODUCTION: Trichosporon asahii is the most common species that causes trichosporonosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, a collection of 68T. asahii strains recovered from hospitalized patients urine samples between 2011 and 2016 was examined. T. asahii strains were identified by sequencing the intergenic spacer 1 region (IGS1) and genotyped. In addition, proteinase, phospholipase, esterase, haemolytic activity, and biofilm formation of a total of T. asahii strains were investigated. RESULTS: The predominant genotype was 1 (79.3%) and followed by 5 (8%), 3 (6.9%), 6 (3.4%), 4 (1.1%), 9 (1.1%). In none of the 68 strains, proteinase and phospholipase activities could be detected, while all were found to be esterase positive. Biofilm production and hemolytic activity were detected in 23.5 and 97% respectively. DISCUSSION: Our results indicated that six genotypes were (1, 5, 3, 6, 4, 9) present among T. asahii strains and no property was found to associate with a genotype, in terms of virulence factors.

Miliary tuberculosis and bilateral multifocal choroidal involvement: place of indocyanine green angiography.

PURPOSE: To present the clinical features and angiographic findings of choroidal involvement in two cases with miliary tuberculosis. METHODS: 49-year and 23-year-old men were hospitalized for fever of unknown origin and they received a diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis following the systemic work-up. Both cases experienced mild visual acuity disturbances prior to initiation of systemic treatment. They underwent full ophthalmological examination including fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography. RESULTS: The visual acuity of first case was 20/30 in OD, and 20/25 in OS. There was trace of cells in the anterior chamber and mild vitritis OU. Visual acuity of the second case was 20/20 OU. Anterior segment was unremarkable OU. Ophthalmoscopy of both cases showed cream-colored patchy choroidal infiltrations especially located at the posterior pole OU. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographies were obtained with Heidelberg scanning laser ophthalmoscope. These lesions were hypofluorescent in early phases of fluorescein angiography and demonstrated gradually increased hyperfluorescence in late phases. Same lesions were hypofluorescent throughout the indocyanine green angiography and well delineated. Both patients received a systemic treatment of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and morphazinamide. Most of the choroidal lesions resolved without apparent changes whereas some healed as chorioretinal scars. CONCLUSION: In patients with miliary tuberculosis, indocyanine green angiography seems to show choroidal involvement much better than the fluorescein angiography and may be a more important diagnostic tool than fluorescein angiography during the disease course.

Does the imbalance between agonistic and antagonistic IL-1 play a role in progression of febrile convulsions?

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation may play an important role in the etiopathology of febrile convulsions (FC). IL-1ß is an important mediator of inflammation and fever is also important information of FCs. It is suggested that there may be a relationship between polymorphisms of IL-1ß and FC. The aim of the present study is to investigate the polymorphic situation of promoter region of IL-1ß in two sites (-31 and -511) and assess the IL-1 RA VNTR polymorphisms in FC patients in comparison with healthy control groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty FC patients and 50 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. DNA extraction was performed by QIAamp DNA Mini Kit from peripheral blood lymphocytes of all subjects. IL-1ß promoter polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR-RFLP, IL-1 RA VNTR polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR-agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Genotype distribution of IL-1ß promoter region in position -31 was statistically different between FC patients and control groups. Allele I and allele II of IL-1 RA distribution were also statistically different in FC patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: We have found a significant association between IL-1 RA allele distribution and FC and a poor correlation of T/C substitution at the -31 position of IL-1ß promoter in FC. Further studies are needed to investigate the gene expression levels and polymorphic situation in same samples.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity and reduce mitotic index in human amniotic fluid-derived cells.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) are commonly used materials present in many consumables for which most people are exposed to. The biological hazards of the NPs on human health have been demonstrated previously. In this study, we aimed to assess the cytotoxicity potency of TiO2 NPs on the primary human amniotic fluid cells. The cells derived from amniotic fluid were treated with different dosages of TiO2 NPs for some periods. Cell adhesion status was assessed using a light microscopic observation. Cell proliferation and cell death rates were determined using trypan blue staining and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Also, mitotic index was determined using fluorescence in situ hybridization with chromosome 8 centromer-specific DNA probe. Disrupted cell adhesion, decreased proliferation, and increased mortality rates were detected in the cells that were treated with TiO2 NPs depending on the dosage (p < 0.001). Also, reduced mitotic index was determined in the cells depending on the time and TiO2 dosage when compared with the controls (p < 0.0001). These results showed that TiO2 NPs have high cytotoxicity for amniotic fluid-derived cells. Therefore, different products containing TiO2 NPs should be used with care, especially for pregnant women.

A gene for congenital generalized lipodystrophy maps to human chromosome 9q34.

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL, Berardinelli-Seip Syndrome, OMIM # 269700) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by near complete absence of adipose tissue from birth. Affected individuals have marked insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia and acanthosis nigricans, and develop diabetes mellitus during teenage years. The genetic defect for CGL is unknown. A semi-automated genome-wide scan with a set of highly polymorphic short tandem repeats (STR) was carried out in 17 well-characterized pedigrees and identified a locus for CGL to chromosome 9q34. The maximum two-point lod score obtained was 3.6 at D9S1818 (theta(max) = 0.05). There was evidence for genetic heterogeneity (alpha = 0.73) and 2 of the pedigrees were unlinked. Multipoint linkage analysis excluding the 2 unlinked families yielded a peak lod score of 5.4 between loci D9S1818 and D9S1826. The CGL1 critical region harbors a plausible candidate gene encoding the retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA) that plays a central role in adipocyte differentiation. Identification of the CGL gene(s) will contribute to our understanding of the adipocyte differentiation and elucidation of the mechanisms of insulin resistance in disorders of adipose tissue.

Retreatment with higher dose interferon alpha in children with chronic hepatitis B infection.

BACKGROUND: More than 50% of children with chronic hepatitis B infection do not respond to interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment and are prone to have progressive liver disease. The best treatment modality is unknown in these children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible benefit of a second higher dose IFN-alpha therapy for children with chronic hepatitis B diseases who failed previous therapy. METHODS: Twenty-four children with chronic hepatitis B infection who had not responded to previous IFN-alpha treatment were enrolled into the study. All were hepatitis B virus DNA- and hepatitis B e antigen-positive for >6 months after initial treatment. They received 10 megaunits (MU)/m2 of IFN-alpha 2a three times a week for 24 weeks. Liver function tests, hepatitis B virus markers and hepatitis B virus DNA were determined regularly during treatment and follow-up. A complete response was defined as clearance of both hepatitis B virus DNA and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). RESULTS: At the end of therapy 8 (33.3%) patients cleared hepatitis B virus DNA and seroconverted to anti-HBeAg. Patients were followed for an average period of 12.2 +/- 4.7 months after retreatment. During follow-up an additional 4 patients cleared hepatitis B virus DNA and seroconverted to anti-HBe, whereas one seroconverted patient became HBeAg-positive again. Thus 11 patients (45.8%) had complete response at the end of the follow-up period. Alanine aminotransferase normalized in 11 responder patients and in 5 nonresponders. Positive predictive factors were low baseline titers of hepatitis B virus DNA and elevated transaminase values (> 100 IU/l). CONCLUSIONS: IFN-alpha retreatment with a higher dose may be an alternative modality for treatment of children with chronic hepatitis B infections who failed previous IFN-alpha, especially in those with favorable predictive factors.

Comparison of standard and high dosage recombinant interferon alpha 2b for treatment of children with chronic hepatitis B infection.

BACKGROUND: Interferon is currently the most useful therapeutic agent for chronic viral hepatitis. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of standard and high dosages of interferon in children with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. METHODS: Thirty children with chronic hepatitis B infection were randomly assigned to receive 5 million units/m2 body surface area (Group I) or 10 million units/m2 body surface area (Group II) recombinant interferon alpha 2b three times weekly for 6 months. Patients were followed for at least 6 months (range, 6 to 18; median, 9 months) after the end of therapy, by physical and serologic examination every 3 months. RESULTS: Clearance of HBV DNA occurred in 4 (27%) patients from Group I and 9 (60%) patients from Group II at the end of therapy. Hepatitis B e antigen (HbeAg) clearance was 7% (1 patient) and 53% (8 patients) in the two groups, respectively (P < 0.05). HBV DNA was undetectable in 40 and 60% of the children at the 12th month of randomization in Groups I and II, respectively. HBeAg/antibody to HBeAg seroconversion was found in 33% (5 patients) who received standard dosage and 60% (9 patients) in the high dosage group. Sustained complete response (normal alanine aminotransferase, negative HBeAg and HBV DNA at 12th month) was obtained in 5 and 9 patients respectively from groups I and II (P > 0.05). Only mean baseline serum alanine amino-transferase concentrations were predictive of response to interferon. CONCLUSIONS: A 6-month course of interferon alpha 2b in children with chronic HBV disease was well-tolerated by most patients. Sustained suppression of HBV was obtained in 60% of patients with high dosage interferon and in 33% of the patients receiving standard dosage. Although these results were not statistically significant, studies with more patients are needed to ascertain whether high dosage improves the response rate.

Tilt and decentration after primary and secondary transsclerally sutured posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate tilt and decentration after primary and secondary implantation of transsclerally sutured posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs). SETTING: Dokuz Eylül University Medical School, Department of Ophthalmology, Izmir, Turkey. METHODS: Fifty-six consecutive eyes of 53 patients who had implantation of transsclerally sutured PC IOLs were prospectively included in the study. Intraocular lens tilt and decentration after primary (14 eyes) and secondary (42 eyes) implantation were compared quantitatively using Purkinje images. RESULTS: The mean IOL tilt was 6.09 degrees +/- 3.80 (SD) in all eyes, 5.71 +/- 3.41 degrees in the primary implantation group, and 6.22 +/- 3.94 degrees in the secondary implantation group. The mean IOL decentration was 0.67 +/- 0.43 mm (range 0 to 2.5 mm), 0.59 +/- 0.38 mm, and 0.69 +/- 0.45 mm, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the primary and secondary implantation groups in decentration or tilt. Decentration greater than 1.0 mm was present in 7 eyes (16.7%) after secondary implantation and in 1 eye (7.1%) after primary implantation. Tilting of more than 10 degrees was present in 7 eyes (16.7%) and 2 eyes (14.2%), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in decentration greater than 1.0 mm (chi square = 0.194, P =.834) or in tilting greater than 10 degrees (chi square = 0.834, P =.659). CONCLUSIONS: Clinically significant IOL tilt or decentration was rare after transscleral implantation. There were no differences in tilt or decentration between primary and secondary implantation.

Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of posterior scleritis mimicking choroidal mass.

We present imaging findings in a case of posterior scleritis, which may mimic tumoral mass lesion resulting in unnecessary enucleation. Magnetic resonance imaging was remarkable for a subretinal mass hypointense on T2 and hyperintense on T1 weighted images. A peripheral rim of hypointensity was noteworthy, suggestive of sclerouveal thickening. There was an ill-defined area of increased T2 signal intensity adjacent to globe at the site of nodular lesion implying an inflammatory process. A linear contrast enhancement was seen within the bulbus oculi which may represent detached retina by exudation or displaced retina due to thickened sclera and choroidal layers. The CSF space around the optic nerve was enlarged.

Pseudotumor formation in tibia in Gaucher's disease.

A very rare case of type 1 Gaucher's disease with pseudotumor formation in the right tibia is presented. In addition to the characteristic radiographic finding of distal femoral flaring (Erlenmeyer flask deformity), a lobulated osteolytic area with surrounding sclerosis was seen in the proximal metaphysis of the right tibia. Adjacent to this pseudotumor appearance was an old pathologic fracture and no significant soft tissue swelling was evident, both of these features being reported for the first time in association with Gaucher's disease.

Uveitis in juvenile arthritis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical features of and determine the risk factors for uveitis in patients with juvenile arthritis. METHODS: The prevalence and clinical characteristics of uveitis were studied retrospectively in 90 children diagnosed with arthritis. Patients with uveitis were compared with those who did not have eye involvement. RESULTS: Uveitis was diagnosed in 11 patients (12.2%). Of these, seven (63.6%) had oligoarticular, two (36.4%) had polyarticular, and one (9.1%) had systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). One patient (9.1%) was diagnosed with enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) (9.1%). The prevalence of uveitis was significantly higher in patients with oligoarticular JRA. The mean age at onset of arthritis in the uveitis patients was 4.39 years, which was significantly lower than in the non-uveitis group. There was no gender difference in the risk of developing uveitis. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) was positive in seven (63.6%) of the 11 uveitis patients, confirming ANA as a significant determinant for uveitis in juvenile arthritis. Rheumatoid factor was not found to be a risk factor. One (9.1%) of the 11 patients developed serious sight-threatening complications during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that oligoarticular onset, ANA positivity, and young age are risk factors for developing uveitis in patients with juvenile arthritis. Gender was not found to be a determining factor. Prompt treatment of uveitis effectively decreased the prevalence of visual impairment.

Tc-99m dextran scintigraphy in the diagnosis of protein losing enteropathy.

Tc-99m dextran scintigraphy was performed on a 16-year-old male patient with protein losing enteropathy. Abnormal leakage of the radiotracer was observed in the right upper lumbar area that moved over time and excreted in the stool which was suggestive of protein loss. It is concluded that Tc-99m dextran is useful in the detection of protein losing enteropathy which is not detected by extensive radiological and endoscopic examination.

Management of free floating iris cysts in the anterior chamber: a case report.

PURPOSE: To present a case with free iris cysts in the anterior chamber and its management with YAG laser. CASE REPORT: A 14-year-old boy presenting with the complaint of seeing a small ball-like moving mass in his left eye. RESULTS: Slit-lamp examination revealed a pair of free-floating iris cysts located inferiorly in the anterior chamber. After YAG laser application both the cysts collapsed. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a case with multiple free iris cysts in the anterior chamber. Considering the possibility of endothelial damage in the long-term, it is worth noting the favorable response to YAG laser treatment.

Unilateral Purtscher-like retinopathy after weight-lifting.

PURPOSE: To report a case of Purtscher-like retinopathy after weightlifting. METHODS: A 17-year-old man presented with a sudden visual loss in his left eye after weightlifting two weeks ago. Fundus examination of the left eye showed cotton-wool spots and scattered retinal hemorrhages in the posterior pole. Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope were performed. RESULTS: Angiography showed hypofluorescent areas adjacent to the optic disc and in the posterior pole and partial filling insufficiency in the inferior and inferotemporal branch retinal veins. Complete venous filling was noted in late phases of angiography. CONCLUSIONS: The pathogenesis of weightlifting suggests the Purtscher-like changes as a result of Valsalva maneuver in our case. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Purtscher-like retinopathy associated with weightlifting.