A support vector machine-based algorithm to identify bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis throughout the mandibular bone by using cone beam computerized tomography images.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop an algorithm to distinguish the patients with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) from healthy controls using CBCT images by evaluating both trabecular and cortical bone changes through the whole body of the mandibular bone. METHODS: Patient data set was created from axial CBCT images of 7 BRONJ patients (28 slices) and 8 healthy controls (27 slices). The healthy bone of healthy controls, bone sclerosis of BRONJ patients, bone necrosis of BRONJ patients, and normal appearing bone of BRONJ patients (NBP) were labeled on CBCT images by three maxillofacial radiologists. Proposed algorithm had preparation and background cancellation, mandibular bone segmentation and centerline determination, spatial transformation of gray values, and classification steps. RESULTS: Significant differences between the statistical moments (mean, variance, skewness, kurtosis, standard error, median, mode and coefficient of variance) of healthy and diseased (bone sclerosis and necrosis) groups were observed (p = 0.000, p < 0.05). Also, variations were noted between healthy controls and NBP of BRONJ patients (p = 0.000, p < 0.05).The statistical moments were utilized to develop the algorithm which has resulted with accuracy of 0.999, sensitivity of 0.998, specificity of 0.998, precision of 1, recall of 0.998, AUC of 1, and F1 score of 0.999 in identification of BRONJ patients from healthy ones. CONCLUSION: The proposed algorithm differentiated the mandibular bones of the healthy and the BRONJ patients with high accuracy in the present test sample.

Evaluation of the quality of life in the university of third age students: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper was to determine the quality of life (QoL) and related factors in university of third age (U3A) students, as well as to compare the QoL between those who participated in education and those who did not. METHODS: Two hundred seventy-one people aged 60 and over who are students at Ege U3A, were included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic data of participants were collected through a pre-prepared form. Data on the QoL of individuals were collected through the short form of the WHO QoL Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). RESULTS: A total of 271 participants were included in this study. 82.2% (n = 221) of the research group were women. In U3A, 65.3% (n = 177) of the individuals were former students. The highest value was found in the psychological and general health sub-parameter with 75.0%, and the lowest value in the social relations sub-parameters with 66.7%. The scores of sub-parameters of social environment were significantly higher in men than in women (p < 0.001, respectively). The physical health scores of the former students were higher than those of the new students (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that the QoL of U3A students was higher among males, those with higher education levels, and those who were married, as well as that the QoL of the individuals participating in the U3A training was positive in the physical health sub-dimension. There is a need for future studies in which pre- and post-training evaluations will be conducted to determine the impact of the U3A training program.

The Use of Toothpastes Containing Different Formulations of Fluoride and Bioglass on Bleached Enamel.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the application of toothpaste either containing calcium sodium phospho-silicate bioglass (NovaMin) or calcium fluorosilicate bioglass (BioMinF) on the surface mineral composition and morphology of enamel after bleaching procedure. Methods: Thirty extracted noncarious human teeth were allocated into five groups (n = 6). Group 1: Bleaching using 40% hydrogen peroxide (HP) and fluoridated toothpaste containing bioactive glass (1450 ppm fluoride). Group 2: Bleaching using 40%HP and toothpaste containing calcium fluorosilicate bioglass (540 ppm fluoride). Group 3: Bleaching using 40%HP and fluoridated toothpaste (1450 ppm fluoride). Group 4: Bleaching alone using 40%HP. Group 5: Negative control with distilled water alone. The surface morphology was evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM). The concentration of elements as atomic percentages were determined by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Results: This laboratory-based study reported that SPM and SEM detected minor changes on the surfaces of all toothpaste-treated enamel samples (Groups 1-3) after 45 days. Bioactive glass deposits were observed on enamel surfaces in Groups 1 and 2, whilst the bleaching-alone samples (Group 4) had rough enamel surfaces. XPS reported that toothpaste containing calcium fluorosilicate bioglass (Group 2) had a high atomic% of calcium and phosphate, whilst silicon values were high in the toothpaste containing bioactive glass and 1450 ppm fluoride (Group 1) after bleaching procedure when compared to other groups (p < 0.05). In addition, EDS detected the highest %F in Groups 1, 2 and 5. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this laboratory-based study, there was no significant decrease in the Ca%, P% values and surface properties of enamel after the bleaching procedure following the use of different formulations of toothpastes for a period of 45 days. However, the Ca% and P% values were significantly high for the toothpaste containing calcium fluorosilicate bioglass (BioMinF) on the bleached enamel. Clinical relevance: The bleaching process can provide optimum aesthetic outcomes, but the effect of peroxides on hard tissues is still in question. Toothpastes containing different formulations of fluoride and bioactive glass might have the potential to prevent mineral loss on bleached enamel. However, further laboratory-based studies and controlled double-blind randomised clinical trials are required to interpret the effects of toothpastes with different fluoride and bioactive glass formulations on enamel surfaces following bleaching procedures.

Assessment of the validity and reliability of a novel dental trauma index.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are one of the most commonly encountered dental health complications. In order to standardize the evaluations and compare the findings of TDI, a carefully defined dental trauma index may serve as a good tool for the correct recording of dental trauma. A new dental trauma index, the Modified Eden & Baysal dental trauma index (MEBTI), has been introduced. It is an expanded index to record soft tissue injuries in addition to dental injuries. The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the MEBDTI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The archival data of 20 patients with different traumatic injuries were selected. A web-based form including the radiographs and photographs of selected cases was created. Following a training session, 12 dentists with a minimum of 10 years of clinical experience were asked to score the cases using the MEBDTI on an online form. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to test the normality. The Kruskal-Wallis Test was used for intergroup comparisons. Inter-observer agreement was investigated by reliability analysis. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the agreement among observers. The Chi-Square test of independence was used to determine if there is a significant relationship between two nominal variables (p < .05). RESULTS: The rate of correctly assessing the alveolar bone fracture was 96.9% followed by apex maturity (92.7%), root fracture (85.4%), luxation injury (76.5%), crown fracture (76.2%), and soft tissue injury (50%). Considering all parameters, the soft tissue injuries were statistically different in terms of the answers given by the 12 dentists (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The accuracy of the scores of participants was high and in accordance with each other except for the identification of soft tissue injuries. In favor of this novel index, the data on dental trauma cases could be recorded practically and reliably.

Relationship between COVID-19 and Male Sexual Dysfunction; A Prospective, Multicentric Study

Background: Sexual function is an excellent marker of psychological, systemic, and specifically vascular performance. Endothelial dysfunction is the main determinant of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms. Considering the adverse effects ofthe COVID-19 pandemic on psychological and sexual functions, we hypothesized potential differences and underlying factors if there is any erectile function and premature ejaculation status of male patients with COVID-19 by comparing both with the control group.Methods: Hospitalized male patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated. Male patients who applied to the Urology outpatient clinic were the control group. All participants completed the International Index of Erectile Function Form 15 (IIEF-15) and gave information regarding their premature ejaculation (PE) status if present. COVID-19 patients were called by phone to fill in the IIEF-15. Their PE status was questioned on the 45th and 90th days after discharge. The following parameters were in the data records: Age, comorbidity, length of hospital stay, treatment, oxygen saturation, pulmonary involvement,white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and sedimentation values. Results: The study had 253 participants, including 168 COVID-19 patients and 85 volunteers as the control group. The number of PE cases was less, whereas erectile dysfunction (ED) cases were more in the COVID-19 patient group in comparison to the control group in the pre-pandemic period (p = 0.00) (p = 0.00). In the post-pandemic period, PE developed in 13 more COVID-19 patients on the 45th and 90th days (p = 0.00). The IIEF-15 scores of COVID-19 patients decreased by 4-point in the short term and by 3-point in the long term (p = 0.002). Age and sedimentation were responsible for the difference in PE status. (AU)

Laparoscopic surgery experience does not influence oncological and functional results of robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery is one of the treatment alternatives for prostate cancer, and robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has become the new trend in the past decade. There is no consensus yet for surgeons who will perform RALP whether they need to be trained or experienced in laparoscopy. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the surgeon's laparoscopy experience in the perioperative and postoperative results of RALP patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients who underwent RALP were retrospectively screened. The first 20 cases done by surgeons in both groups and 40 cases in total were included in the study. Surgeons with laparoscopy training were designated as group 1, and surgeons without laparoscopy training were designated as group 2. Patient's age, preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value, prostate biopsy pathology, radical prostatectomy pathology, surgical margin positivity, extracapsular extension, and seminal vesicle invasion status, blood transfusion rate, operation time, length of hospital stay, and 1-year follow-up potency and urinary incontinence rates were compared. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups in terms of age, preoperative PSA, preoperative biopsy results, blood transfusion rates, operation times, and the length of hospital stay of the patients. When the postoperative oncological and functional results of the patients were examined, there was no difference between the two groups in the prostatectomy pathology (p = 0.895), extracapsular extension (pT3a) (p = 0.519), positive surgical margin (pSM) (p = 0.723), and seminal vesicle invasion (pT3b) (p = 0.756). Potency and urinary incontinence rates were similar in both groups at the end of one year follow-up (p = 0.327, 0.500 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our study, it is clearly seen that regardless of the surgeon's experience of laparoscopy, it can be safely preferred when looking at the oncological and functional results of RALP.

Relationship between COVID-19 and Male Sexual Dysfunction; A Prospective, Multicentric Study.

BACKGROUND: Sexual function is an excellent marker of psychological, systemic, and specifically vascular performance. Endothelial dysfunction is the main determinant of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms. Considering the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological and sexual functions, we hypothesized potential differences and underlying factors if there is any erectile function and premature ejaculation status of male patients with COVID-19 by comparing both with the control group. METHODS: Hospitalized male patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated. Male patients who applied to the Urology outpatient clinic were the control group. All participants completed the International Index of Erectile Function Form-15 (IIEF-15) and gave information regarding their premature ejaculation (PE) status if present. COVID-19 patients were called by phone to fill in the IIEF-15. Their PE status was questioned on the 45th and 90th days after discharge. The following parameters were in the data records: Age, comorbidity, length of hospital stay, treatment, oxygen saturation, pulmonary involvement, white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and sedimentation values. RESULTS: The study had 253 participants, including 168 COVID-19 patients and 85 volunteers as the control group. The number of PE cases was less, whereas erectile dysfunction (ED) cases were more in the COVID-19 patient group in comparison to the control group in the pre-pandemic period (p = 0.00) (p = 0.00). In the post-pandemic period, PE developed in 13 more COVID-19 patients on the 45th and 90th days (p = 0.00). The IIEF-15 scores of COVID-19 patients decreased by 4-point in the short term and by 3-point in the long term (p = 0.002). Age and sedimentation were responsible for the difference in PE status. On the other hand, comorbidity, length of hospital stay, treatment type, WBC, D-dimer, ferritin, CRP levels, and pulmonary infiltration were responsible for the difference in ED. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, we can say that we have enough evidence to suspect COVID-19 sequelae can affect male sexual health. After the pandemic, male patients with andrological problems should have enough time to feel more comfortable and their organic and psychogenic conditions should be optimized.

The effect of hydronephrosis grade on stone-free rate in retrograde intrarenal stone surgery with flexible ureterorenoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Hydronephrosis, which may be caused by kidney stones in the collecting system, may induce permanent flank pain and damage to kidney function. In this study, we aimed to examine whether the presence of hydronephrosis in the patient has an effect on the stone-free rates in flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) applications. METHOD: The study was carried out retrospectively with 164 patients. Stone size was calculated as volume in computed tomography. Preoperative patient demographic data, radiographic stone characteristics, operational findings, complication status and postoperative 1st month results were recorded. RESULT: The mean stone-free rate was found to be 61.5%. It was determined that age, gender, side, number, size and the Hounsfield Unit of the stone, the presence of preoperative extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) history and the presence of hydronephrosis and its degree did not affect the stone-free rate. However, it was concluded that preoperative percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) application and prolonged operation time were found to affect statistically significant stone-free rate. In addition, '2' was found to be the cut-off value for hydronephrosis in the receiver operating characteristic analysis. CONCLUSION: The presence of preoperative hydronephrosis does not decrease the success of FURS. However, it can be expected that the success of FURS will decrease as grade 2 or more severe grade of hydronephrosis. Therefore, we think that other treatment modalities such as ESWL and PNL should be prioritized in patients with grade 2 and more severe grade of hydronephrosis.

The effect of the type of surgery performed due to prostate cancer on preoperative patient anxiety, a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Anxiety level in prostate cancer patients is common due to the increase in the incidence of prostate cancer diagnosis. We aimed to search for answers to the following questions such as whether there is preoperative anxiety in patients who will be operated for prostate cancer, what are the risk factors that may cause disease-induced anxiety and the type of surgery especially does robotic surgery reduce patient anxiety. METHOD: The patients who were taken into operation were divided into 2 groups as Open Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy-Group 1 and Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy-Group 2. Age, active surveillance history, preoperative prostate spesific antigen (PSA) level, prostate biopsy pathology result, time between prostate biopsy and operation, state and trait anxiety scores of these patients were recorded. RESULT: The study was conducted with a total of 149 patients; 61 patients in Group 1 and 88 patients in Group 2. The presence of active surveillance history, time between prostate biopsy and operation and state and trait anxiety levels were not found to be significant between both groups. However, it was concluded that the patients in Group 2 were significantly younger and operated with lower PSA and Gleason scores. The type of surgery had no effect on anxiety levels. CONCLUSION: Preoperative information about the surgical procedure was found to be an effective factor in reducing anxiety. Regardless of the type of surgery we recommend that patients' anxiety should be reduced by explaining the surgical procedure to patients enough and in a way that they can understand.

Effect of rectal mucosa cleansing on acute prostatitis during prostate biopsy: A randomized prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Infectious complications after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PB) can range from asymptomatic bacteriuria and febrile or non-febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) to sepsis. Cleaning of rectal mucosa with topical antiseptics such as povidone iodine or chlorhexidine before the procedure are alternative prophylaxis methods. We aimed to investigate the effects of these two different topical antiseptic agents on infectious complications and their superiority to each other. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted with 200 patients. Rectal mucosa cleansings were performed in 50 patients with povidone iodine and 49 patients with chlorhexidine. The remaining 101 patients did not receive any antiseptic treatment. The results were examined according to the hospital admissions or hospitalization for the first 30 days after the procedure due to UTI, body temperature >38.5°C, sepsis, hematuria, rectal bleeding, and urinary retention. RESULTS: The mean age of study population was 63.3±7.26 years, and the mean prostate specific antigen value was 13.96±29.5 ng/mL. Acute prostatitis occurred in 14 patients (7%), 9 of whom were hospitalized due to sepsis after TRUS-PB. Statistically significant less acute prostatitis was observed in those patients who were treated with topical rectal antisepsis (topical rectal antisepsis 2% vs. no rectal antisepsis 12.1%, p=0.01). Chlorhexidine and povidone iodine were not superior to each other in terms of inhibiting the development of acute prostatitis (chlorhexidine 2% vs. povidone iodine 2%, p=1.00). CONCLUSION: Rectal mucosal cleansing with chlorhexidine or povidone iodine before TRUS-PB prevented the development of sepsis due to acute prostatitis. We recommend that this effective method, which is easy to apply, cheap, reliable, easily tolerated should be used in all prostate biopsy practice.

Morphological Assessment of Maxillary Sinus Septa Variations with Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in a Turkish Population.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to measure and classify sinus septa variables (prevalence, numbers, heights, locations, orientations, and morphology) and to determine the effects of age, gender, and dental status on the presence of septa and also to evaluate the effects of septa on pathological mucosal thickening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2,000 patients were analyzed through conebeam computed tomography (CBCT). The total of 500 maxillary sinuses were included in this study. The number of maxillary sinus septa was determined on axial sections of CBCT images. Their locations, orientations, and morphologies were determined on both the axial and sagittal sections, and their heights were determined only on the sagittal sections. The influence of age, gender, dental status, and pathological mucosal thickening on the presence of septa was statistically analyzed. Mann-Whitney U-test and descriptive statistics were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The average height of the determined 287 septa was measured as 7.36 mm. The highest rates of septa location, morphology, and orientation were found, respectively, in the middle region septa (57.49%), completed septa (75.95%), and transverse septa (93.37%). The effect of dental status, age, and gender on the presence of septa was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These high rates of findings support the importance of CBCT in the diagnosis of the variations of the maxillary sinus septa. Therefore, it is important to evaluate CBCT images of the relevant region to increase the success of surgical interventions in the maxillary posterior region and to eliminate possible complications.

Prospective randomized single-blind study of post-operative bleeding after minor oral surgery in patients with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The management of patients with cirrhosis requiring dental extractions is complicated due to an increased risk of post-operative bleeding. Topical hemostatic agents are usually required to control bleeding in these cases, as an adjunct to systemic measures of hemostasis. The aims of this randomized, prospective, single-blind clinical study are twofold. The primary aim is to compare the hemostatic efficacy of chitosan and surgicel in patients with cirrhosis after a tooth extraction, and the secondary aim is to assess the value of the current setting as a clinical model of post-operative bleeding following minor oral surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty patients with cirrhosis scheduled for a tooth extraction under local anesthesia were prospectively included in the study in a randomized fashion. Patients were blinded to the treatment group they were in. The cirrhosis classification, bleeding time, trauma score, and corrected bleeding time (during post-operative reviews) were recorded. Statistical evaluations were done. RESULTS: Study groups had an equal number of teeth extractions (40 teeth each). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with respect to patient demographics, cirrhosis classification, trauma score, and bleeding time. No side effects were noted. CONCLUSION: Both Celox and Surgicel are effective for controlling bleeding and are safe after a tooth extraction in patients with cirrhosis.

Influence of increment thickness on radiant energy and microhardness of bulk-fill resin composites.

Determining the energy transferred at the bottom of eleven bulk-fill resin composites, comparing top and bottom microhardness's and evaluating the correlation between microhardness and radiant energy were aimed. Samples were placed over the bottom sensor of a visible light transmission spectrophotometer and polymerized for 20 s. The bottom and top Knoop microhardness were measured. Paired t-test and correlation analysis were used for statistics (p≤0.05). In all groups, the bottom radiant energy decreased significantly with increasing thickness. For groups of Aura 2 mm, X-tra Fil 2 and 4 mm, SDR 2 and 4 mm, X-tra Base 2 mm no significant difference was found between top and bottom microhardness. For the bottom levels of Aura, X-tra Fil, Filtek Bulk-Fill Posterior, SDR, X-tra Base groups no significant difference was found between the microhardness's of 2 and 4 mm thicknesses. For X-tra Fil, Tetric Evo Ceram Bulk-Fill, Filtek Bulk-Fill Flowable and Z100 groups radiant energy affected positively the microhardness.

Cytotoxicity of Dental Implants: The Effects of Ultrastructural Elements.

PURPOSE: In this in vitro study, the purpose was to assess the cytotoxicity profiles of seven commercial dental implant materials by using cell culture methods on an osteoblastic cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The microstructure of seven commercial dental implants (each given a letter code) was investigated via scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray analysis. Medium extracts were collected on the first and fifth days for each group and tested using MC3T3-E1 cell line. Cytotoxicity was evaluated with Xcelligance System and XTT reagent, and apoptosis was determined by Annexin-V staining. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple range tests were used for statistical analyses. In all tests, P was set as .05. RESULTS: ANOVA results disclosed that Ti (P = .001), Na (P = .001), Ca (P = .019), Al (P = .024), and P (P = .020) amounts were significantly different between test materials. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis analyses revealed that implant materials (C) and (E) were the materials with the lowest cell vitality and the highest apoptosis rates among the test materials. Phosphorus was the only element that presented the highest amount in C and E (14.23% and 12.29%, respectively) compared with the other implant materials tested. (F) and (G) had favorable results for all experiments. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that pure dental implant materials with a lower number of additional elements may possess fewer cytotoxic effects than the other implant materials tested in this study.

Effects of body mass index on the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the the effect of body mass index (BMI) on PNL results and complications with a large number of patients. Materials and Methods A total of 958 patients were included in the study, who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy in our clinic between 2008 and 2015. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their body mass index. Patients with a BMI < 30 kg/m2 were classified as group 1 (n:676) and patients with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were classified as group 2 (n:282). Achieving stone-free status or having residual stones of ≤ 4 mm were considered as operational success. Results The mean age was 47.9 years for group 1 and 48.9 years for group 2 patients. At postoperative first month CT analysis, residual stone was not observed in 466 patients (69%) of group 1 and 20 (72%) patients of group 2. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of stone-free status (p=0.348). There was no significant difference between two groups complications. Also, there was no difference between the groups for requiring additional intervention (p=0.924). No other complications were observed in the patients. Conclusions BMI does not affect the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy as well as complication rate.

Effects of body mass index on the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the the effect of body mass index (BMI) on PNL results and complications with a large number of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 958 patients were included in the study, who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy in our clinic between 2008 and 2015. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their body mass index. Patients with a BMI < 30 kg/m2 were classified as group 1 (n:676) and patients with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were classified as group 2 (n:282). Achieving stone-free status or having residual stones of ≤ 4 mm were considered as operational success. RESULTS: The mean age was 47.9 years for group 1 and 48.9 years for group 2 patients. At postoperative first month CT analysis, residual stone was not observed in 466 patients (69%) of group 1 and 20 (72%) patients of group 2. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of stone-free status (p=0.348). There was no significant difference between two groups complications. Also, there was no difference between the groups for requiring additional intervention (p=0.924). No other complications were observed in the patients. CONCLUSIONS: BMI does not affect the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy as well as complication rate.

Radiopacity of Luting Cements as a Potential Factor in Peri-implantitis: An In Vitro Comparative Study.

The aim of this study was to establish the radiopacity of cements used in implant-retained fixed partial dentures with respect to implant material, enamel, and dentin. A sample of 10 specimens of 13 different cements, implants, enamel, and dentin were prepared. Radiographs of the specimens and aluminum step wedges were acquired. Mean gray values of specimens were measured using digital imaging software. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk normality tests and independent t test were used (P = .05). Implantlink Semi, Premier, and Dentotemp had the lowest radiopacity values; GC FujiTemp LT, Multilink Implant, Poly-F Plus, Cavex-Temporary, and Panavia SA showed the highest. Within the limitations of the study, cements containing zinc oxide and ytterbium-trifluoride can be recommended for cementation of implant-retained restorations.

Can We Use Single-step Dilation as a Safe Alternative Dilation Method in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy?

OBJECTIVE: To examine the outcomes of the patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy with single-step dilatation technique in our clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 932 patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy by using single-step dilation technique in the period between 2008 and 2015 in our clinic were included in the study. Data of the patients were analyzed, such as age, sex, stone burden, operative time, fluoroscopy time, operation success, and perioperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS: An analysis of the data of 932 patients revealed similar operation success and complication rates as in the literature. Mean age of the patients included in the study was 48.9 years. Mean operative time was 66.6 minutes and mean fluoroscopy time was 139 seconds. Postoperative residual stone was detected in 17.1% of the patients. Postoperative fever was observed in 29 patients (3.1%), and sepsis developed in 11 (1.1%) of them. Additional postoperative procedures were required in 29 patients (3.1%). No patient was lost due to complications. Our data were compatible with the literature. CONCLUSION: Single-step dilation technique can be used as an effective and safe alternative dilation method in adult patients.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy with one-shot dilation method: Is it safe in patients who had open surgery before?

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate whether one-shot dilatation technique is as safe in patients with a history of open-stone surgery as it is in patients without previous open-stone surgery. METHODS: Between January 2007 and February 2015, 82 patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) surgery with one-shot dilation technique who previously had open-stone surgery were retrospectively reviewed and evaluated (Group 1). Another 82 patients were selected randomly among patients who had PNL with one-shot dilation technique, but with no history of open renal surgery (Group 2). Age, gender, type of kidney stone, duration of surgery, radiation exposure time, and whether or not there was any bleeding requiring perioperative and postoperative transfusion were noted for each patient. RESULTS: The stone-free rates, operation and fluoroscopy time, and peroperative and postoperative complication rates were similar in both groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our experience indicated that PNL with one-shot dilation technique is a reliable method in patients with a history of open-stone surgery.

Comparison of the effects of intensive insulin treatment modalities on cardiovascular biomarkers in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

AIM: To evaluate effects of intensive insulin treatment modalities on cardiovascular biomarkers in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 patients with T1DM receiving intensive insulin therapy either in the form of continuous insulin pump (IP group; n=13) or as multiple daily injections (MDI group; n=12) and 13 controls (control group, n=13) were included. Data on demographics, anthropometrics, diabetes history, and laboratory findings including glycemic and lipid parameters, and cardiovascular biomarkers [C-reactive protein (mg/dL), homocysteine (µmol/L), fibrinogen (mg/dL), oxidized LDL (ng/dL), PAI-1 (ng/mL), MCP-1 (pg/mL) and VEGF (pg/mL)] were recorded in each group. Correlation of cardiovascular biomarkers to other parameters was also evaluated in T1DM patients. RESULTS: Apart from significantly higher mean (SD) values for HbA1c [6.1 (0.3) vs. 5.6 (0.5)% (43 (3) vs. 38 (5) mmol/mol), p<0.05)] and HDL-cholesterol [71.5 (13.6) vs. 58.2 (10.8), p<0.01) in the IP than in the MDI group, no significance difference was noted between insulin treatment modalities as well as between patient and control groups in terms of demographic, anthropometric and laboratory parameters. Negative correlation of MCP-1 to treatment duration (r=-0.615, p=0.025), and HDL-c to CRP (r=-0.685, p=0.010) and VEGF (r=-0.678, p=0.011) was noted in IP group, whereas positive correlation of PAI-1 to diabetes age (r=0.805, p=0.002) and treatment duration was noted in MDI group. CONCLUSION: Our findings in a cohort of T1DM patients with optimal glycemic control revealed that intensive insulin therapy was not associated with an increase in atherosclerotic markers in T1DM, regardless of whether continuous IP infusion or MDIs was administered.