Cephalometric analysis of patients with beta thalassemia receiving fetal hemoglobin induction therapy.

Objective: We aimed to determine the effects of fetal hemoglobin induction therapy in restricting or even reversing the cephalometric changes associated with beta thalassemia. Materials and methods: In this comparative observational study, 90 participants were equally divided into three groups: a control group; patients with thalassemia major receiving blood transfusion (BT group); and patients receiving induction therapy (i.e., hydroxyl urea (5-10 mg/kg/day) or as much as 20 mg/kg/day) and thalidomide (2-10 mg/kg/day) along with blood transfusion (IT group). All patients underwent history taking and examination, photographic assessment, and radiographic evaluation with a lateral cephalogram. One-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Tukey test was used to determine differences among groups. Results: The IT group differed significantly from the BT group in all photographic and skull table parameters, and most cephalometric parameters, such as facial angle (p ≤ 0.001), middle and lower facial heights (p ≤ 0.001), and inter-incisal angle (p = 0.036); the mean values in the IT group were similar to those in the control group. In-addition, dental and soft tissue measurements significantly differed among groups. For most parameters, the mean difference indicated higher values in the BT group. Conclusion: Induction therapy appeared to improve the facial angles, heights, and inter-incisal angles, whereas a class II skeletal pattern was observed in the transfusion only group. These findings suggest that fetal hemoglobin induction therapy might have restricted some of the cephalometric changes in patients with beta thalassemia.

Plantar Dislocation of the Middle Cuneiform Bone With Medial Cuneiform Subluxation: A Case Report.

The middle cuneiform is the keystone of the transverse arch and is located between the medial cuneiform and lateral cuneiforms. Isolated middle cuneiform plantar dislocations are rare injuries due to their shape and ligamentous structural connections. A 20-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency service of another clinic after a 70 kg iron tractor piece fell on her foot 20 days before she was referred to our clinic. Conservative treatment with a short leg circular cast was applied, considering that there was a fracture in the cuneiforms on X-ray imaging. The patient, who was re-evaluated at the second-week follow-up, was referred to our hospital considering the complex injury of the cuneiforms. There was tenderness over the cuneiform in the physical examination. X-ray and computed tomography images of the patient revealed plantar dislocation of the middle cuneiform bone. with subluxation of the medial cuneiform. Open reduction and internal fixation were performed for the middle cuneiform. During the six-month follow-up, the patient had no complaints and was able to do routine work. No lucency or arthritic changes were observed in the X-ray at the 22-month control. Plantar middle cuneiform dislocations are rare and late diagnosis can lead to poor results. This case is presented to emphasize the importance of considering this rare injury and using advanced imaging studies when necessary, considering the mechanism of injury.

Overexpression of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α and Its Relation with Aggressiveness and Grade of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) has been shown to be involved in cancer metastasis in several cancer types. There is however conflicting evidence of HIF-1α expression with oral cancer prognosis. Therefore, this study set out to investigate HIF-1α overexpression and its relationship with the aggressiveness and grade of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to explore the diagnostic potential of HIF-1α overexpression in OSCC in a cohort of Pakistani patients. Immunostaining of HIF-1α was performed on 54 OSCC and 14 normal oral mucosa (NOM) tissue samples and various cut-offs were used to evaluate its immunohistochemical expression. HIF-1α expression in OSCC samples was significantly higher than in controls, with minimal immunoreactivity in NOM. HIF-1α overexpression was significantly associated with increased tumor size (p = 0.046). However, no association was found between HIF-1α overexpression and increasing Broder's histological grade or TNM stage. The cut-off >10% cells with moderate to marked intensity carried a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 100% to distinguish between tumor and control. ROC curve analysis of HIF-1α weighted histoscores showedHIF-1α overexpression as a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic test (p < 0.001, AUC = 0.833). HIF-1α overexpression is a tumor-specific finding associated with increased tumor size and carries a potential diagnostic role.

The preventive effects of atorvastatin and N-acetyl cysteine in experimentally induced ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

AIM: We investigated the effects of atorvastatin and N-acetyl cysteine in decreasing ischemia-reperfusion damage after detorsion of a volvulus of the cecum and ascending colon. METHODS: Wistar albino rats (250-300 g) were divided into four groups. A cecal-ascending colon volvulus was created by the intestinal clockwise 720° rotation. At the end of one hour, the bowel was detorsioned. Group I (n = 7) was the sham (laparotomy) group, Group II (n = 7) the control (no treatment, volvulus or detorsion), Group III (n = 7) (N-acetyl cysteine administered ) , and Group IV (n = 7) (atorvastatin administered ) group. Blood samples were collected from each group via peripheral veins and centrifuged one hour after detorsion. The parameters of ischemia including malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were then observed in the serous fluid. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase increased in the control group, whereas they were reduced in the Group III and Group IV (p = 0.005; p = 0.008, respectively). The glutathione peroxidase levels revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05), whereas the catalase levels of the group III was higher than in each of the other three groups (p < 0.001). Histopathological evaluation detected reduced lesioning of the organ in the groups which were given atorvastatin and N-acetyl cysteine. CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin and of N-acetyl cysteine have a similar preventive effect in experimental ischemia-reperfusion injury (Tab. 8, Fig. 6, Ref. 24).

Time-Resolved Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer [TR-FRET] Assays for Biochemical Processes.

Time-Resolved Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (TR-FRET) is a fluorescence based technique which enables the analysis of molecular interactions in biochemical processes. Principle of TR-FRET is based on time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) measurement and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between donor and acceptor molecules. To generate FRET signal, donor and acceptor molecules must show spectral overlap and should be in close proximity to each other and display suitable dipole orientation. The specific signal is acquired from molecules of interest via interactions of donor and acceptor molecules. TR-FRET technique is widely used for studying kinase assays, cellular signaling pathways, protein-protein interactions, DNA-protein interactions, and receptor-ligand binding. There are various propriety applications of TR-FRET. Two different sample protocols are summarized in this review.

Increased adipsin is associated with carotid intima media thickness and metabolic disturbances in polycystic ovary syndrome.

CONTEXT: Adipsin, a protein secreted mainly from the adipose tissue, is a structural homologous of complement factor D, a rate-limiting enzyme of the alternative complement system. Growing evidence suggests that the alternative complement system plays a role both in the regulation of energy homoeostasis and in the atherosclerosis. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive and metabolic disease. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain whether circulating adipsin levels are altered in women with PCOS, and whether there is an association between adipsin and metabolic parameters or carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 144 women with PCOS and 144 age- and BMI-matched controls without PCOS were recruited for this cross-sectional study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Circulating adipsin levels were measured using ELISA. Metabolic, hormonal parameters and CIMT were also determined. RESULTS: Adipsin levels were significantly elevated in women with PCOS compared with controls (91·52 ± 14·11 vs 60·31 ± 9·71 ng/ml, P < 0·001). Adipsin positively correlated with BMI, homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), free testosterone, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and CIMT in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the odds ratio for PCOS was 3·25 for patients in the highest quartile of adipsin compared with those in the lowest quartile (OR=3·25, 95% CI=2·64-4·00, P = 0·016). Our findings further indicate that BMI, HOMA-IR, hs-CRP and free testosterone are independent factors influencing serum adipsin levels and that adipsin is an independent predictor for CIMT. CONCLUSION: Circulating adipsin levels are significantly higher in women with PCOS, and the peptide is closely related to increased cardiovascular risk and metabolic disturbances.

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

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

Assessment of hearing via otoacoustic emission in patients that underwent spinal anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, our aim is to show the differences between the preoperative and postoperative otoacoustic emissions (OAE) value in patients, who underwent spinal anesthesia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The presented study was carried out as a randomized, double-blinded, prospective study upon the approval of Ethics Committee of Medicine School, Erciyes University. The study was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. The study involved 39 ASA I-II patients (aged 18-65 years), who underwent varicectomy operation in the Cardiovascular Surgery Department. For each of the patients, 3 OAE measurements were performed; the day before surgery, during surgery and the 1st day after surgery. RESULTS: Significant differences were detected between the 2000 F2 measurements performed before, during and after the surgery (p<0.05). The differences originated from measurements performed before and during surgery. Significant differences were detected among 3000 F1 measurements performed before, during and after surgery (p<0.05). Hearing loss is one of the late complications of spinal anesthesia. In this study, we observed the differences between the preoperative and postoperative OAE values. The incidence of hearing loss detectable with auditory measurements has been reported to vary between 10 and 50%. Of these, 25% is clinically relevant or recognizable. However, it is considered to be a subjective test, because it is influenced from mental, motor and psychological status of the patient. But the management in hearing loss following spinal anesthesia is still controversial. Hearing loss is generally spontaneously resolved within a few days. However, there are case reports of hearing loss lasting for months. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed differences between some preoperative and postoperative OAE values.

The ability to cross the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier is a generic property of acute lymphoblastic leukemia blasts.

Prevention of central nervous system (CNS) relapse is critical for cure of childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). Despite this, mechanisms of CNS infiltration are poorly understood, and the timing, frequency, and properties of BCP-ALL blasts entering the CNS compartment are unknown. We investigated the CNS-engrafting potential of BCP-ALL cells xenotransplanted into immunodeficient NOD.Cg- ITALIC! Prkdc (ITALIC! scid) ITALIC! Il2rg (ITALIC! tm1Wjl)/SzJ mice. CNS engraftment was seen in 23 of 29 diagnostic samples (79%): 2 of 2 from patients with overt CNS disease and 21 of 27 from patients thought to be CNS negative by diagnostic lumbar puncture. Histologic findings mimic human pathology and demonstrate that leukemic cells transit the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier situated close to the dural sinuses, the site of recently discovered CNS lymphatics. Retrieval of blasts from the CNS showed no evidence for chemokine receptor-mediated selective trafficking. The high frequency of infiltration and lack of selective trafficking led us to postulate that CNS tropism is a generic property of leukemic cells. To test this, we performed serial dilution experiments which showed CNS engraftment in 5 of 6 mice after transplant of as few as 10 leukemic cells. Clonal tracking techniques confirmed the polyclonal nature of CNS-infiltrating cells, with multiple clones engrafting in both the CNS and periphery. Overall, these findings suggest that subclinical seeding of the CNS is likely to be present in most BCP-ALL patients at original diagnosis, and efforts to prevent CNS relapse should concentrate on effective eradication of disease from this site rather than targeting entry mechanisms.

Cochlear involvement in patients with ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether cochlear involvement is an extraintestinal manifestation in patients with ulcerative colitis. METHOD: Forty-four ulcerative colitis patients and 44 age-matched healthy subjects were included in the study. Pure tone and speech audiometry, and distortion product otoacoustic emission tests were performed on all participants. The audiometric test results were compared between groups and their relationship with disease activity was investigated. RESULTS: Pure tone threshold averages were significantly higher in ulcerative colitis patients compared to controls (p 0.05). CONCLUSION: Even though hearing thresholds may be within normal limits, decreased distortion product otoacoustic emission amplitude values indicate a cochlear involvement in ulcerative colitis patients.

Correlation of astrocyte elevated gene-1, basic-fibroblast growth factor, beta-catenin, Ki-67, tumor necrosis factor-alfa with prognostic parameters in ductal carcinomas and ductal intraepithelial neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the second most frequent cancer in the world. Although it is widely accepted that the etiology of breast cancer includes both genetic and environmental factors, the molecular mechanism of its development and progression remains poorly understood, and thus far, no specific signature of breast cancer gene expression has been reported to allow for patient-tailored therapy strategies. Hence, it is of great clinical value to further understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of breast cancer and to identify effective early markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease as well as novel therapeutic targets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on a total of 90 paraffin-embedded breast tumor samples. Immunohistochemical stains for astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1), basic-fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), beta-catenin, Ki-67, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were performed on tissue microarray using standard procedures. Each patient age, grade, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) status, size, lymphovascular invasion, metastasis of lymph node (LNM), nipple and ductal hyperplasia areas were assessed. RESULTS: We observed significant relationship between the age and LNM or FGF (P = 0.018, 0.035, respectively). The relationship between histological and nuclear grade, LNM, ER, PR, HER-2 and prognostic parameters was evaluated in cases of ductal carcinomas (DC). There was a significant positive correlation between TNF-α, size, LNM (P ≤ 0.0001, 0.002, 0.005). We found that significant relationship between AEG-1 and TNF-α. There was a significant positive correlation between FGF and Ki-67 and negative correlation AEG-1. Although, FGF, TNF-α, AEG-1 staining in DC were observed higher than ductal intraepithelial neoplasms, this observation could not statistically (P ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present work aims to investigate the relationship between the expression of AEG-1, b-FGF, beta-catenin, Ki-67, TNF-α other prognostic parameters in DC and ductal intraepithelial neoplasm. We found a relationship between these factors.

Effects of rapamycin treatment on pancreatic fibrosis, cellular apoptosis and oxidative stress in experimental chronic pancreatitis model.

PURPOSE: Rapamycin reduces hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation. The present study investigated whether rapamycin treatment could modify the degree of fibrosis, cellular apoptosis and oxidative stress (OS) in an experimental model of CP. METHODS: Fifty-five male, Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-400g were randomized into four groups. CP was induced by intraductal trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) infusion in group A (n = 15) and group B (n = 15). Group C (n = 15) received intraductal TNBS and was killed for histologic confirmation at four weeks. Group D (n = 10) received intraductal saline instead of TNBS. Group A and group D received oral rapamycin (2 mg/kg/d) for two weeks after CP was induced while group B received oral tap water instead of rapamycin. Blood and pancreatic tissue specimens were collected and oxidative stress parameters, fibrosis and cellular apoptosis were determined. RESULTS: Tissue and blood malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly lower in rapamycin treated group compared to controls (p < 0.001). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were also significantly higher in the active treatment group (p < 0.001 for both). Tissue and blood MDA, SOD, GSH-Px measurements was similar in rapamycin group and pancreatic cannulation group (p > 0.05). Histopathologic fibrosis scores were similar in rapamycin and control groups. Apoptotic cell counts tended to be lower in rapamycin treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of rapamycin alleviated OS and, in part, prevented apoptotic cell death in experimental CP, but did not reduce fibrosis.

Sucralose enhances GLP-1 release and lowers blood glucose in the presence of carbohydrate in healthy subjects but not in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Artificial sweeteners were thought to be metabolically inactive, but after demonstrating that the gustatory mechanism was also localized in the small intestine, suspicions about the metabolic effects of artificial sweeteners have emerged. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of artificial sweeteners (aspartame and sucralose) on blood glucose, insulin, c-peptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Eight newly diagnosed drug-naive type 2 diabetic patients (mean age 51.5±9.2 years; F/M: 4/4) and eight healthy subjects (mean age 45.0±4.1 years; F/M: 4/4) underwent 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). During OGTT, glucose, insulin, c-peptide and GLP-1 were measured at 15- min intervals for 120 min. The OGTTs were performed at three settings on different days, where subjects were given 72 mg of aspartame and 24 mg of sucralose in 200 ml of water or 200 ml of water alone 15 min before OGTT in a single-blinded randomized order. RESULTS: In healthy subjects, the total area under the curve (AUC) of glucose was statistically significantly lower in the sucralose setting than in the water setting (P=0.002). There was no difference between the aspartame setting and the water setting (P=0.53). Total AUC of insulin and c-peptide was similar in aspartame, sucralose and water settings. Total AUC of GLP-1 was significantly higher in the sucralose setting than in the water setting (P=0.04). Total AUC values of glucose, insulin, c-peptide and GLP-1 were not statistically different in three settings in type 2 diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sucralose enhances GLP-1 release and lowers blood glucose in the presence of carbohydrate in healthy subjects but not in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients.

Reliability of panoramic radiography in determination of neurosensory disturbances related to dental implant placement in posterior mandible.

INTRODUCTION: During implantology procedures, one of the most serious complications is the damage of the inferior alveolar nerve, which may result in neurosensory disturbances (NSD). Panoramic radiographs have been considered for a primary evaluation to determine the bone height and implant-mandibular canal distance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand five hundred ninety-seven panoramic radiographs of patients, who were treated with 3608 dental implants in Erciyes University, Oral and Maxillofacial Hospital between 2007 and 2012, were examined. Forty-eight implants were determined to be near the mandibular canal using a 2-dimensional software program. RESULTS: A total of 48 implants were closer than 2 mm to the mandibular canal. A range of 0 to 1.9 mm distance was detected between the mandibular canal and these implants. Fourteen implants (29.16%) placed in a distance less than 1 mm to the mandibular canal, and 34 (70.83%) between 1 and 2 mm. One patient had NSD. CONCLUSION: Determination of the dental implant length using panoramic radiography is a reliable technique to prevent neurosensory complications. However computed tomography or cone-beam computed tomography based planning of dental implants may be required for borderline cases.

Flexor tendons repair: effect of core sutures caliber with increased number of suture strands and peripheral sutures. A sheep model.

BACKGROUND: Surgeons have aimed to achieve strong repair so as to begin early active rehabilitation programs for flexor tendon injury. Multi-strand suture techniques were developed to gain improved gap resistance and ultimate force compared with the respective two-strand techniques. In vivo studies indicate that multiple strands may cause ischemia during the intrinsic healing process by decreasing the total cross-sectional area of the injured site, unless the total cross-sectional area of the sutures is not decreased. HYPOTHESIS: The hypothesis was to design an in vitro study to understand the biomechanical relationship between suture calibers of core sutures with increased number of suture strands and peripheral suture on final repair strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty fresh sheep forelimb flexor digitorum profundus tendons were randomly placed into three groups (A, B, and C), each containing 20 specimens, for tendon repair. Two-, four-, and eight-strand suture techniques were respectively used in Groups A, B, and C. A simple running peripheral suture technique was used in Subgroups A2, B2, and C2. For each repaired tendon, the 2-mm gap-formation force, 2-mm gap-formation strength, maximum breaking force and maximum breaking strength were determined. RESULTS: Differences in 2-mm gap-formation force and 2-mm gap-formation strength were found between Subgroups A1 and A2, B1 and B2, and C1 and C2. Between Groups A and B, A and C, and B and C, there was no difference as well. CONCLUSION: Both the number of strands and the ratio between the total suture volume and tendon volume at the repair site are important for ideal repair. If the total cross-sectional area of the sutures is equal in 2-strand, 4-strand, and 8-strand procedure, there is no difference in the strength of the repair. A decrease in caliber size suture requires more passes to achieve the same strength. Instead, it is much better to use peripheral suture techniques to improve the strength of the repair with larger diameter 2-strand core sutures.

The effects of glycyrrhizin on experimental acute pancreatitis in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Although physiopathology of acute pancreatitis (AP) is not fully understood, the roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and changes of cytokines have been determined. AIM: To investigate anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of glycyrrhizin (GL) on taurocholate-induced AP in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty six rats were randomly divided into three groups as sham, AP and AP+GL (n=12 per group). AP was induced by 1 ml/kg body weight using 5% taurocholate injection into the biliopancreatic duct in groups II and III after clamping the hepatic duct. In groups III, GL (20 mg/kg) was given by oral gavage twice daily for 4 days. Group I and II did not receive any treatment. After the rats were killed; blood samples were taken to measure amylase, lipase, calcium, albumin, urea, glucose, AST and LDH assays before killing. Pancreatic tissue samples were also taken for biochemical analyses and histopathology. RESULTS: Amylase, lipase, AST and urea levels were significantly lower in the AP+GL group than in the AP group. Cytokines including IL-6, TNF-α and MPO levels were significantly lower in the AP+GL group than in the AP group. Even so there is no statistically difference between in the AP+GL group and the AP group in terms of pancreatic tissue IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α levels. DISCUSSION: GL treatment significantly decreased pancreatic tissue MPO activities and MDA levels in the AP+GL group compared with the other groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.05, respectively). Acinar cell necrosis, hemorrhage, and edema determined that were significantly lower in the AP+GL group than in the AP group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: GL treatment for acute necrotizing pancreatitis in rats suppressed the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and caused a clear recovery of histological changes.

The protective effects of taurine on experimental acute pancreatitis in a rat model.

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of taurine (Tau) on experimental acute pancreatitis (AP) in a rat model by measuring cytokines and oxidant stress markers. Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, AP, Tau and AP + Tau. AP was induced with sodium taurocholate. No treatment was given to the AP. All rats were killed 5 days later. Pancreatic tissues of rats and blood samples were obtained. Tau treatment significantly decreased serum amylase activity (p < 0.001), total injury score (p < 0.001), malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.001) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the Tau and AP + Tau groups in serum and pancreatic tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6 levels (p = 1.000). Histopathologic scores in the AP + Tau and Tau groups were significantly lower compared with the AP group (both p < 0.001). These results showed that Tau reduces lipid peroxidation, amylase and MPO activities and the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines secondary to AP and also increases superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in rats with sodium taurocholate-induced AP. It also has a marked ameliorative effect at histopathologic lesions. With these effects, Tau protects the cells from oxidative damage, reduces inflammation and promotes regression of pancreatic damage.

Comparison of cyclic fatigue resistance of used and new RaCe instruments.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate cyclic fatigue resistance of used and new RaCe rotary nickel-titanium instruments. STUDY DESIGN: Forty RaCe (FKG Dentaire, La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) instruments of sizes 30/.06, 30/.02, 25/.04, and 25/.02 were selected and divided into 2 groups: group A = 20 new instruments; group B = 20 used instruments. In group B, each instrument was used for shaping 5 curved molar root canals. Cyclic fatigue testing of new and used instruments was performed using a device that allowed the instruments to rotate freely inside a stainless steel artificial canal. Data were analyzed using t test to determine any statistical significance between used and new instruments of the same file size. RESULTS: For all sizes, new instruments were more resistant to failure then the used ones (P < .05). A reduction in lifespan was observed ranging from 18% (30/.06) to 51% (25/.02). CONCLUSION: The results showed that clinical use significantly reduced cyclic fatigue resistance of RaCe rotary instruments compared with new ones.

Beta-thalassaemia trait: haematological parameters.

BACKGROUND: Beta-Thalassaemia syndromes are a group of hereditary disorders characterised by a genetic deficiency in the synthesis of beta-globin chains due to a defect in beta-globin genes. The objective of this study was to determine the haematological features of beta-thalassaemia trait (BTT). and to determine the sensitivity of Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) and Mentzer Index (ML) as a screening tool for beta-thalassaemia trait. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted in Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar from May 2009 to May 2010 with 203 subjects having BTT. Blood samples were collected in EDTA anti-coagulated tubes. RBC indices were taken as part of complete blood count (CBC) by haematology analyser, and Haemoglobin (Hb) electrophoresis was done to determine the HbA2 percentage. The data was collected and analysed on statistical software for demographic details, RBC indices and HbA2 levels. RESULTS: Out of 203 patients, 92 (45%) were males and 111 (55%) were females. Most patients tested were in the 15-45 year age group. One-hundred-sixty (79%) patients had anaemia. MCV was lower than 76 fl in all the cases. Mean MCV was 59.1 fl. MCH was low, the mean MCH being 19.3 g/dl. MCH < 26 gave sensitivity of 99% in detecting BTT. We calculated MI for these cases and found out that it was < 12 in 75% of cases and < 15 in 197 (97%). CONCLUSION: Beta-thalassaemia traits present with a microcytic hypochromic blood picture, detected on simple haematology analysers as low MCV and MCH and MI which provide a useful screening tool for beta-thalassaemia trait.