Effects of smoking on the salivary and GCF levels of IL-17 and IL-35 in periodontitis.

Periodontitis progression is associated with a host response in which anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokine networks play a key role. Smoking is involved in the production of various mediators. The study aims to evaluate the levels of IL-17 and IL-35 in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), to investigate the effects of smoking on these cytokines in smoker and non-smoker periodontitis patients. 19 smokers with periodontitis, 20 non-smokers with periodontitis, and 18 periodontally healthy subjects were included in the study. Periodontal clinical indexes were recorded and the levels of IL-17 and IL-35 in saliva and GCF were analyzed. No significant difference was detected among the groups in terms of salivary IL-17 and IL-35 levels. GCF IL-17 and IL-35 concentration levels in the non-smoker periodontitis group were significantly lower than the others (p < 0.05). Total levels of GCF IL-17 were significantly higher in both periodontitis groups than the control group; and total levels of GCF IL-35 were significantly higher in non-smoker periodontitis group than the others (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was detected between the salivary IL-17 and IL-35 levels (r = 0.884), GCF IL-17 and IL-35 concentrations (r = 0.854), and total GCF IL-17 and IL-35 (r = 0.973) levels (p < 0.01). The present study revealed a positive correlation between the IL-35 and IL-17 levels both in saliva and GCF. IL-17 and IL-35 can be considered as one of the cytokines that play a role in periodontal health and periodontitis; and smoking may be among the factors that affect the levels of these cytokines in GCF and saliva.

Effects of smoking on the bone alkaline phosphatase in peri-implant crevicular fluid and implant stability quotient around implants before loading.

We aimed to examine the implant stability quotient (ISQ), alveolar bone level measurements (ABL), and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) around implants in smokers and non-smokers before loading in 3 months. 44 dental implants were placed into smoker and non-smoker patients equally. ISQ was measured at baseline and 3 months after surgery. The levels of PICF BALP and alveolar bone were measured. ISQ values significantly increased in smokers and non-smokers in the 3rd month (p < 0.05). ABL measurements were lower at 3 months compared to baseline in both groups (p < 0.05). Although ISQ and ABL values were higher in non-smokers than smokers at 3 months, the difference between the groups did not show any statistical significance. The PICF BALP levels in the 3rd month changed in both groups. But, these differences were insignificant. Although some of the measurements presented differences between the groups during the assessment periods, they were not indicative of the hazardous effects of smoking on bone healing around implants after surgery till functional loading in 3 months. However, smoking is an important factor to be considered for osseo-integration outcomes. Further studies are needed to clarify the influence of smoking on osseo-integration.

Adonis on the Apps: Online Objectification, Self-Esteem, and Sexual Minority Men.

The recent proliferation of mobile dating applications ("apps") has led to profound shifts in the ways sexual minority men (SMM) connect with others and themselves (Anderson, Holland, Koc, & Haslam, 2018). These apps, which often categorize users by factors such as body build, may promote sexual harassment and objectification (Griffiths, Murray, Krug, & McLean, 2018), potentially compounding already disproportionate body image concerns among this population (Daniel & Bridges, 2010). To test relations of app use and online objectification, we examined a path model testing tenets of objectification theory (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997) among a national sample of 230 SMM. We measured direct and indirect relations between patterns of app use (i.e., number of apps used, app use frequency), online objectification, internalization of sociocultural standards of attractiveness, two psychological reactions (i.e., body surveillance, body satisfaction), and self-esteem, a mental health risk particularly salient among SMM. The present study demonstrated support for expansions of objectification theory both online and among SMM. Regarding direct relations, number of apps used (though not app use frequency) was positively related with objectification, internalization, and body surveillance, and negatively related with body satisfaction and self-esteem. Variables yielded indirect relations via internalization, body surveillance, and body satisfaction. Implications of our findings, as well as limitations and implications for future research and practice, are discussed.

The importance of serum biglycan levels as a fibrosis marker in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy is recommended in the majority of patients with chronic viral hepatitis for fibrosis evaluation. Because of the potential risks of liver biopsy, many studies related to non-invasive biomarkers of hepatic fibrosis have been performed. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of serum biglycan as a non-invasive fibrosis marker in chronic hepatitis B patients. METHODS: This study included 120 patients with biopsy-proven hepatitis B patients and 60 healthy controls. Fibrosis stage and necroinflammatory activity were assessed in liver biopsy specimens. Biglycan level was measured using an ELISA assay. RESULTS: Serum biglycan levels of chronic hepatitis B patients were found to be significantly higher than those of healthy controls (337.3±363.0 pg/mL vs 189.1±61.9 pg/mL, respectively, P<.001). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between serum biglycan level and fibrosis stage (P=.004; r=.213). Besides, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between serum biglycan level and necroinflammatory activity (P<.001; r=.271). The AUROC of BGN levels was 0.702 for fibrosis stage, differentiating patients from healthy controls with statistical significance (P<.001). The AUROC of BGN levels was 0.632 for necroinflammatory activity score, differentiating patients from healthy controls with statistical significance (P=.004). CONCLUSIONS: Serum biglycan might be used as a non-invasive marker of liver fibrosis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of this marker.

Evaluation of peri-implant crevicular fluid prostaglandin E2 levels in augmented extraction sockets by different biomaterials.

OBJECTIVES: This study compares peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels, clinical parameters and implant stability quotient (ISQ) values around implants placed in augmented extraction sockets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sockets (24 in total) were randomly augmented using either EMD or Bio-Oss Collagen. Implant placements were performed after three months of healing. ISQ readings were evaluated at three points: at the time of surgery, at the first month and at the third month. PICF was collected for PGE2 evaluation after the first and the third months of implant surgery. RESULTS: After the first month, a higher level of PICF PGE2 was observed in the EMD group than in the Bio-Oss Collagen group, and this increase was of statistical significance; however, at the third month there was no statistically significant difference in PICF PGE2 levels between the two groups. For implants placed in EMD sites, ISQ values were statistically higher at the third month than at the first month, while no significant differences in ISQ value were detected between the first and third months in Bio-Oss Collagen sites. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this research suggest that both EMD and Bio-Oss Collagen are effective treatment modalities for stimulating the formation of new bone at extraction sites prior to implant surgery.

Can serum pin1 level be regarded as an indicative marker of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrotic stages?

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate serum Pin1 as an indicator of the presence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and its association with the histopathological liver fibrosis stages. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from consecutive biopsy-proven NASH patients and healthy controls, and then serum levels of Pin1 were measured. The correlations between clinical and histopathological features of NASH and Pin1 were evaluated. Patients who had fibrotic stages <2 were termed mild fibrosis group and those who had ≥ 2 as advanced fibrosis group. We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to evaluate the independent predicting factors for the presence of liver fibrosis caused by NASH. RESULTS: Fifty-six consecutive NASH patients and 56 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum Pin1 levels were significantly higher in NASH patients (39.24 ± 30.94) than in controls (27.7 ± 9.56, p < 0.001). In NASH patients, serum Pin1 levels were correlated with the histopathological features. Patients with advanced fibrosis had higher serum Pin1 levels than the mild fibrosis group (53.42 ± 33.8 vs. 33.24 ± 20.90, respectively; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, Pin1 remained an independent predicting factor of advanced liver fibrosis (OR: 1.051, 95% CI: 1.013-1.089, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum Pin1 level can be used as a potential independent marker of the presence of the NASH and advanced fibrotic scores.

Contextualizing Positionality, Intersectionality, and Intelligence in the Anthropocene.

The geological epoch of the Anthropocene has challenged traditional definitions of what intellectual abilities are necessary to creatively problem-solve, understand, and address contemporary societal and environmental crises. If we hope to make meaningful changes to how our society addresses these complex issues and pave the way for a better future for generations to come, we must advance traditional theories and measures of higher-order abilities to reflect equity and inclusion. To this end, we must address global issues by integrating the complexities of intersectional identities as they impact our understanding of what constitutes intelligence in individuals, groups, and diverse communities. This re-envisioning of intelligence presents new complexities for understanding and challenges for our field beyond the boundaries of what has been previously touted by many disciplines, including psychology. It is an opportunity to re-envision what it means to be intelligent in a diverse global context while also honoring and recognizing the value of difference, positionality, and other ways of knowing.

A Well-Intentioned Enemy in Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Diseases: NETosis.

Neutrophils are an essential member of the innate immune system derived from the myeloid stem cell series and develop in the bone marrow. The action of neutrophils defined in immune response includes phagocytosis, degranulation, cytokine production, and neutrophil extracellular traps. The success of the host immune defense depends on effective neutrophil activation. Recent studies have shown that neutrophils that have completed their task in the field of inflammation rejoin circulation. Uncontrolled inflammatory response and dysregulated immune responses to the host are important factors in the development of acute and chronic diseases. Neutrophils are the first cells to be drawn into the field at the time of inflammation. They have developed response strategies that produce proinflammatory cytokines and are known as neutrophil extracellular traps since they create mesh-like structures with their DNA contents into the external environment and release their granular proteins in this way. This article summarizes numerous recent studies and reviews the role of neutrophil extracellular traps in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases in the hope, that this will lead to the development of more effective treatments. In addition, in this review, the role of neutrophil extracellular trap formation in some pediatric autoimmune diseases is emphasized.

Comparison of ZnO doped different phases TiO2 nanoparticles in terms of toxicity using zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Titanium dioxide is used in many commercial and industrial areas such as paint, paper, cosmetics, textiles, and surface coating. The reasons for its use in such a wide area are its anti-corrosion and high stability. Although TiO2 is considered to be a low-toxicity material, research has been further expanded following the recognition of the possible carcinogenic effects of TiO2 in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The aim of this study is to compare the toxicity of TiO2 used in many fields in different phases. In the study anatase TiO2 synthesized by hydrothermal method and dual phase TiO2 (anatase and rutile phase) structures obtained by thermal conditioning were used and compared with commercially available TiO2. ZnO which has similar uses like TiO2 was also used and compared with 1% doped TiO2 in different phases in terms of toxicity. Zebrafish (Danio rerio, D. rerio), a freshwater fish, which is widely used in toxicity assessments was preferred in this study due to its small size, fast reproduction rate, low cost, physiological and molecular similarity with humans, and genetic predisposition. Experimental investigations showed that the highest death occurred in the low concentrations of (10 ppm) ZnO doped rutile phase. 39% of the embryos died in the ZnO nanoparticle solutions prepared at low concentrations. The highest mortality at medium (100 ppm) and high (1000 ppm) concentrations were observed in the ZnO-doped rutile phase after 96 h. Similarly, the highest malformation was detected in the ZnO-doped rutile phase during the same period.

Evaluation of long-term antibody kinetics in healthcare workers vaccinated with inactivated COVID-19 Vero cell vaccine (CoronaVac), a propensity score-matched observational study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term antibody kinetics after vaccinating with an inactivated COVID-19 Vero cell vaccine (CoronaVac) in healthcare workers (HCWs) at a single center in Turkey. METHODS: For this prospective observational study, Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used for the determination of binding antibodies (bAb) and neutralizing antibodies (nAb), respectively. Antibody kinetics were compared for the potential influencing factors, and propensity score analysis was performed to match the subcohort for age. RESULTS: Early bAb and nAb response was achieved in all 343 participants. Titers of bAbs against SARS-CoV-2 on 42 days post-vaccination (dpv) were higher in HCWs who were aged <40 years and who had a history of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 bAb levels in HCWs on days 42 (n = 97), 90 (n = 97), and 180 (n = 97) were 175 IU/ml (3.9-250), 107 IU/ml (2.4-250), and 66.1 IU/ml (2.57-250), respectively (p<0.001). SARS-CoV-2 bAb (p<0.001) and nAb (p<0.001) titers decreased significantly over time. There was a high negative correlation between SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers and inverse optic density of nAb responses (Pearson correlation coefficient: -0.738, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: When the antibody responses were compared, it was seen that the vaccine immunogenicity was better in those who had prior COVID-19 history and were aged <40 years. In the course of time, it was determined that there was a significant decrease in bAb and nAb responses after the 90th day. These results may guide approval decisions for booster COVID-19 vaccines.

Spondylenchondrodysplasia mimicking a systemic lupus erythematosus: A diagnostic challenge in a pediatric patient.

Spondyloenchondrodysplasia (SPENCD) is a rare autosomal recessive skeletal dysplasia caused by biallelic mutations in the ACP5 gene that encodes tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). The extra-osseous phenotype of SPENCD is extremely pleiotropic and is characterized by neurological impairment and immune dysfunction. This phenotype can mimic systemic lupus erythematosus. Herein, we report a child presented with systemic lupus erythematosus-like symptoms, including multisystem inflammation, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiency, but was subsequently diagnosed as SPENCD.

Clinical significance of serum vascular endothelial growth factor, endostatin, and leptin levels in children with lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: A number of clinical studies conducted in adults have demonstrated the prognostic significance of angiogenic factors in malignancies, however, only a limited number of studies have been conducted in children. The aim of this study was to determine serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endostatin, and leptin levels in children with lymphoma and to investigate whether these factors provide prognostic information. PROCEDURE: Serum samples from 36 children with lymphoma (non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) N = 21, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) N = 15) were collected at diagnosis and during remission. Serum samples were also collected from 18 healthy children as the control group. Serum VEGF and endostatin levels were quantified by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and serum leptin by immunoradiometric assay. RESULTS: The serum VEGF levels were found elevated in patients compared to controls (P = 0.033), while endostatin and leptin levels were lower in patients than in controls (endostatin, 43.9 ± 5.8 ng/ml vs. 123.6 ± 13.5 ng/ml, P < 0.001; leptin, 5 ± 1.5 ng/ml vs. 6.7 ± 1.2 ng/ml, P = 0.013). VEGF levels declined (pre, 151.6 ± 55.9 pg/ml vs. post, 16.2 ± 7.9 pg/ml, P = 0.041), while endostatin and leptin levels increased in patients who achieved remission (33 of 36 patients) when compared to pre-treatment levels (endostatin pre, 43.1 ± 5.9 ng/ml vs. post, 65.9 ± 6.8 ng/ml, P = 0.047; leptin, pre, 5.3 ± 1.6 ng/ml vs. post, 9.8 ± 2.7 ng/ml, P = 0.012). Serum VEGF, endostatin, and leptin levels were not predictive of survival. CONCLUSION: Serial measurement of serum VEGF, endostatin, and leptin levels could potentially be used to predict response to treatment or progressive disease in children with lymphoma.

Evaluation of Plasma Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor (UPAR) in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B, C and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) as Serological Fibrosis Marker.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Progressive hepatic fibrosis is the main predictor of outcome and prognosis in chronic liver diseases. The importance of the coagulation cascade has been defined in liver fibrosis; however, the role of the fibrinolytic pathway has not been clear yet. We aimed to evaluate the association between the plasma levels of soluble urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (uPAR) and the severity of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B, C and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). METHODS: 96 chronic hepatitis B, 22 chronic hepatitis C and 11 NAFLD patients together with 47 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. uPAR plasma levels were detected by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: The plasma levels of uPAR in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C significantly exceeded those of healthy controls (P < 0.001) while mean uPAR levels in patients with NAFLD were not different from healthy controls. Mean uPAR levels in chronic viral hepatitis patients with F1-F3 fibrosis and F4-F6 fibrosis were higher than those of control group (P < 0.001). Mean uPAR level in patients with F4-F6 fibrosis was significantly higher than that of patients with F1-F3 fibrosis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This is the first study that investigated uPAR as a fibrosis marker in NAFLD and chronic hepatitis B patients. It is suggested that plasma levels of uPAR are closely related to the fibrosis stage in chronic hepatitis B and C and that uPAR might be a noninvasive marker of liver fibrosis.

Dendritic cell activation is blunted in patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that functional status of dendritic cells (DCs) in diabetic patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP) are more mature and activated than diabetic patients without coronary artery disease (CAD) and none diabetic patients with UAP. Accordingly we aimed to assess the activation of DCs in patients with CAD with/and without Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and compare to those in subjects with normal coronary arteries (NCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty three patients with severe CAD who were scheduled to coronary artery by-pass grafting surgery and 6 patients with angiographycally NCAs were included in the study. Activation of peripheral blood DCs have been analyzed by flow cytometric measures of CD86 activation. RESULTS: In patients with CAD and without DM, DC activation significantly increased after stimulation of oxidesized LDL (135 ±â€¯121 vs 248 ±â€¯197 p = 0.024). However this activation didn't significantly increased in patients with CAD and DM (100 ±â€¯20 vs 120 ±â€¯97, p = 0,54). Patients with NCAs and without DM showed marked activation of CD86 after stimulation with ox-LDL. CONCLUSION: We have documented that DC activation, upon stimulation of ox-LDL has blunted in patients with CAD compared to patients with NCAs. Moreover this defective activation is more pronounced in those with diabetic patients with CAD.

Evaluation of serum procollagen C-proteinase enhancer 1 level as a fibrosis marker in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

AIM: Although liver biopsy has long been considered the gold standard for staging fibrosis, because of the disadvantages and risks of biopsy, several noninvasive processes such as serum biomarkers have been introduced for the assessment of liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of serum procollagen C-proteinase enhancer 1 (PCPE-1) as a noninvasive fibrosis marker in treatment-naive chronic hepatitis B patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 126 patients with biopsy-proven hepatitis B and 50 healthy controls. Fibrosis stage was determined using the Ishak scoring system. The PCPE-1 level was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay assay, and the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and the FIB-4 index were calculated using the formulas described in Appendix 1 (Supplemental digital content 1, http://links.lww.com/EJGH/A277). RESULTS: Serum PCPE-1 levels of chronic hepatitis B patients were found to be significantly lower than those of the healthy control group (4.49±2.74 vs. 42.9±59.6 pg/ml, respectively, P<0.001). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between serum PCPE-1 level and fibrosis stage (P=0.011; r=-0.226). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between serum PCPE-1 level and necroinflammatory activity (P=0.030; r=-0.194). PCPE-1 levels of patients with liver fibrosis scores of F1-2 were statistically significantly lower than those of the healthy control group (P<0.001) (area under the receiver operating characteristic: 0.955). The area under the receiver operating characteristic of the PCPE-1 level was 0.615 for the prediction of fibrosis (F0 vs. F1-6) (P=0.039). CONCLUSION: Serum PCPE-1 might be used as a noninvasive marker of liver fibrosis. Further animal and human studies are needed to assess the utility of this marker.

Correlation between IL-17A/F, IL-23, IL-35 and IL-12/-23 (p40) levels in peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures and disease activity in Behcet's patients.

Behcet's disease is a chronic multisystemic disease with remissions and relapses. Several studies have shown that immune mechanisms play an important role in the development of the disease. In order to assess the association of disease activity with IL-17A/F, IL-23, IL-12/23 (p40) and IL-35 expression, we aimed to investigate production of these cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Behcet's patients and normal controls. Furthermore, we included Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) as disease control to evaluate the specificity of our data for immunopathogenesis of BD. Totally 15 active, 15 inactive Behcet's patients, 12 active and 12 inactive SLE patients and 12 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated, lymphocyte cultures were performed and IL-17A/F, IL-12/23 p(40), IL-23, IL-35 cytokine levels were measured by ELISA in culture supernatants in the presence or absence of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) on time-dependent manner. IL-17 A/F levels increased parallel to IL-23 levels in Behcet's and SLE patients. Compared to healthy controls, IL-17 A/F levels were higher in active Behcet's and SLE patients; on the contrary, levels of IL-35 were lower. IL-17A/F, IL-12/23 (p40) and IL-23 levels were detectable most frequently in active Behcet's patients followed by active SLE patients. Our results indicate that IL-17 A/F, IL-23 and IL-12/23 (p40) may play role in the immunopathogenesis of BD so as Th17 and Th1 cell responses. Since IL-35 levels were lower in active Behcet's patients compared to inactive patients and healthy controls, there may be a plasticity between Th17 and Treg cells according to the state of disease activity.

Investigation of the functional characteristics of antibodies to therapeutic anti-human tumor necrosis factor alpha monoclonal antibody.

Humanized antibody-based treatment modalities represent an active area of investigation. Included in these strategies are passive administrations of monoclonal antibodies, which recognize tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). However, several problems associated with these types of treatment strategies have been reported in the literature. We attempted to address the issue related to unresponsiveness to infliximab that might be induced by anti-idiotype response to the passively administered humanized monoclonal antibody. The characteristics and functional importance of antibodies to infliximab (ATI) were investigated in human sera. We studied the binding characteristics of ATI to infliximab, TNF-alpha Receptor-I (RI, p55) and Receptor-II (RII, p75). In addition, cytotoxicity effect on L929 cells and blocking effects on the binding of TNF-alpha with infliximab and etanercept were also analyzed. On the basis of the results obtained from the experiments, it seems that the target epitope for ATI is related with somewhere else not residing in the region capable of generating "mirror image". The results presented indicate that ATI does not mimic the functional characteristics of TNF-alpha. However, ATI inhibited the binding properties of infliximab to TNF-alpha.

Can serum Inhibin B and FSH levels, testicular histology and volume predict the outcome of testicular sperm extraction in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia?

INTRODUCTION: In our study, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Inhibin B, testicular volumes and distribution of testicular sperm extraction (TESE) outcome according to the histological diagnosis in men with non-obstructive azoospermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2001 and April 2002, 66 men presenting with infertility of at least 1 year were found to have non-obstructive azoospermia. Serum FSH and Inhibin B levels, testicular volumes and pathological analysis were reviewed retrospectively using medical records of these patients. RESULTS: Of 66 patients, 52 were enrolled into the study and sperm extraction was successful in 31 of 52 patients (59.6%). There was no statistically significant difference between the patients who had successful and unsuccessful TESE in terms of mean serum Inhibin B, FSH levels and testicular volumes (P>0.05). The area under ROC analysis for serum Inhibin, serum FSH and testicular volume was 0.557, 0.523 and 0.479, respectively. For Inhibin B, the best cut-off value for discriminating between successful and failed TESE at 90% sensitivity was 6.25 with a very low level of specificity (14%) and diagnostic accuracy that was 53.8. CONCLUSION: Besides the controversies about the direct marker role of serum Inhibin B in determination of spermatogenesis, it does not seem to give a clue about the prediction of sperm presence before TESE. Because of the conflicting results in the literature, the potential role of serum Inhibin B as a marker for prediction of sperm presence in testis is yet to be determined.

Serum Cytokine Profiles in Infants with Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) in infancy is believed to have distinct features as compared to AD in other age groups, and little is known about cytokine production in infants with AD. We aimed to measure the serum cytokine levels of infants with atopic dermatitis and evaluate the association of new anti-inflammatory cytokines with the disease. Eighty-one infant patients with AD and 52 healthy controls were involved in this study. The serum levels of major pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines of the T-helper (Th) subtypes, as well as more recently defined interleukins (IL-27, IL-35, and IL-37), were measured using the ELISA method. The serum levels of IL-35, IL-5, and interferon (IFN)-γ were found to be significantly higher, while the levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 and IL-13 were found to be significantly lower in patients with AD as compared to controls. There was no statistically significant correlation between serum cytokine levels and objective SCORAD index or total immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels. We did not observe prominent serum Th2 polarization in atopic infants. The immunopathogenesis of atopy onset at an early age may be more complicated than that at older ages.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome is associated with significant cognitive dysfunction.

AIM: Cognitive dysfunction is a neurologic manifestation in primary Sjögren syndrome (PSS). On the other hand, several antibodies are related to cognitive dysfunction. The aim of this study is to assess the cognitive dysfunction of PSS patients via detailed neurologic tests. Moreover, its associations with antibodies were also evaluated. METHOD: Twenty-eight female patients with PSS and 17 healthy controls comprised the study groups. Short-term memory, long-term memory, verbal learning, visual memory, visual spatial perception, attention, verbal frequency function, executive functions and information processing speed were evaluated with neurologic tests in both of the study groups. Furthermore, anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type anti-glutamate-receptor antibody, anti-ribosomal-p and antiganglioside antibodies were assessed in the study groups. RESULTS: The attention, data processing speed, verbal learning, short-term verbal memory and visuo-spatial perception performances were lower in the patients with PSS when compared to the healthy controls. The difference reached statistical significance in Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (P < 0.01), Serial Digit Learning Test (P < 0.01), clock drawing (P = 0.03), Auditory Verbal Learning Test immediate verbal memory (P = 0.01) and Benton Judgement of Line Orientation Test (P = 0.03). Even if antiganglioside antibodies were more likely to be present in the PSS group when compared to the healthy controls, no relationship was found between its positivity and cognitive dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Results of this study suggest that cognitive dysfunction is quite prevalent in PSS patients without being associated with studied antibodies.