Therapeutic potential of cristobalite in the treatment of calf diarrhea.

Calf diarrhea continues to be the major problem of calves in the neonatal period. The effect of zeolites has been increasingly studied in ruminant health in recent years. In the present study, the efficacy of cristobalite, a zeolite, in neonatal calf diarrhea was studied first time. For this purpose, twenty-five neonatal calves with diarrheas were divided into two groups, and Group 1 (n=12) received conventional treatment and Group 2 (n=13) received cristobalite (Zoosorb 10 mg/kg) orally 3 times a day in addition to conventional treatment. Escherichia coli k99 and CS31a, bovine rotavirus and bovine coronavirus were isolated from fecal samples at the beginning of the treatment, on the third day and before discharge. It was determined that the recovery period in Group 2 was 0.95 (20.6%) days shorter than in Group 1 (p⟨0.05) while no viral agents were found on the fifth day in Group 2, viral shedding continued in 4 of 5 calves in Group 1. In conclusion, the study revealed that cristobalite speeds the recovery time and possibly decreases viral shedding in neonatal calf diarrhea, demonstrating a remarkable efficiency in the treatment.

Evaluation of hyaluronic matrix efficacy in sinus augmentation: a randomized-controlled histomorphometric and micro-computed tomography analysis.

The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the addition of hyaluronic acid-based matrix to collagenated heterologous bone graft for sinus augmentation would enhance bone formation compared to collagenated heterologous bone graft alone in the early healing period, by micro-computed tomography and histomorphometry. Thirteen systemically healthy patients requiring bilateral two-stage maxillary sinus augmentation (residual crest height≤4mm) were enrolled in this split-mouth prospective randomized controlled study. One sinus side as a control group was grafted with only collagenated heterologous bone graft; the other region as a test group was grafted with hyaluronic matrix and collagenated heterologous bone graft. Bone biopsy samples were taken after 4 months during the dental implant surgery and analyzed using micro-computed tomography and histomorphometric parameters. According to the micro-computed tomography and histomorphometric results, a significantly higher percentage of new bone was observed in the test group when compared to the control group after 4 months of healing. This study confirmed the hypothesis that the addition of hyaluronic matrix to collagenated heterologous bone graft for sinus augmentation enhances bone formation compared to collagenated heterologous bone graft alone in the early healing period.

Local rhBMP-2 injection after drill-hole injury in rats: does it have systemic effects?

The aim of this study is to investigate the histopathological findings of drill hole healing and interactions of parathyroid hormone (PTH), β-catenin and transcription factor-4 (TCF7L2/Tcf-4) after local application of recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). Sprague Dawley rats were used in two groups of ‘femoral cortex hole model’. In the non-treated group, a hole was opened with a 3 mm K-wire in the distal and mid third junction of the right femur. In the treated group, local rhBMP-2 protein was injected into the similar femoral hole. Sterile 18M H2O was injected into the femoral hole at contralateral femur. There was more subperiosteal membranous bone reaction in the group treated with rhBMP-2 injection compared to the non-treated group. This was also proven immunohistochemically in both ipsilateral and contralateral femur with increased anti bone morphogenic protein-2 (anti BMP-2) expression. Moreover, there was an increased subperiosteal reaction at the contralateral femur. Also, in the treated group, PTH expression was increased in cells that form callus, and nuclear beta-catenin expression was increased in chondrocytes of periosteal ossification. Future studies should try to find whether the effects of rhBMP-2 on PTH and Wnt signaling pathway changes with different fracture models, also the systemic effects of local rhBMP-2 application should be investigated.

Effect of intracameral triamcinolone acetonide on postoperative intraocular pressure after cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of 1 mg intracameral triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) after routine cataract surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study comprised 120 eyes of 120 patients with uncomplicated cataract surgery. The patients were randomized into two groups. Eyes in group 1 (60 eyes) received an injection of 1 mg TA into the anterior chamber at the end of the surgery, but eyes in group 2 (60 eyes) did not. The biomicroscopic evaluation, visual acuity (VA), and IOP measurements were done at baseline (preoperatively) and 6, 20-24 h, 1 week, and permonthly until 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean IOP at 6 and 20-24 h postoperatively were significantly higher than baseline measurements in both groups (P<0.001). Also, the mean IOP values at postoperative 6 and 20-24 h were slightly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (P>0.05 for both). The mean IOPs at week 1 and 1-6 months after surgery were not significantly different from baseline values in both groups (P>0.05 for both time periods). At 6 and 20-24 h postoperatively, the number of eyes with an IOP increase>5 and 10 mm Hg with respect to baseline were not statistically different between the two groups (P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in mean VA and the amount of anterior chamber cells and flare between the two groups at any postoperative visit (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Intracameral injection of 1 mg TA after uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery had no significant effects on postoperative IOP.

Evaluation of JPEG and JPEG2000 compression algorithms for dermatological images.

BACKGROUND: Some image compression methods are used to reduce the disc space needed for the image to store and transmit the image efficiently. JPEG is the most frequently used algorithm of compression in medical systems. JPEG compression can be performed at various qualities. There are many other compression algorithms; among these, JPEG2000 is an appropriate candidate to be used in future. OBJECTIVE: To investigate perceived image quality of JPEG and JPEG2000 in 1 : 20, 1 : 30, 1 : 40 and 1 : 50 compression rates. METHODS: In total, photographs of 90 patients were taken in dermatology outpatient clinics. For each patient, a set which is composed of eight compressed images and one uncompressed image has been prepared. Images were shown to dermatologists on two separate 17-inch LCD monitors at the same time, with one as compressed image and the other as uncompressed image. Each dermatologist evaluated 720 image couples in total and defined whether there existed any difference between two images in terms of quality. If there was a difference, they reported the better one. Among four dermatologists, each evaluated 720 image couples in total. RESULTS: Quality rates for JPEG compressions 1 : 20, 1 : 30, 1 : 40 and 1 : 50 were 69%, 35%, 10% and 5% respectively. Quality rates for corresponding JPEG2000 compressions were 77%, 67%, 56% and 53% respectively. CONCLUSION: When JPEG and JPEG2000 algorithms were compared, it was observed that JPEG2000 algorithm was more successful than JPEG for all compression rates. However, loss of image quality is recognizable in some of images in all compression rates.

Recurrent bullous lesions associated with familial Mediterranean fever: a case report.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited, recurrent, inflammatory disease. Of its various cutaneous features, erysipelas-like erythema is the best known and most common skin lesion. We present a new case of FMF with recurrent bullous lesions. A 41-year-old woman was admitted to our clinic with tense bullae, 20 x 20 mm in diameter on the left shin. The patient had a history of fever, abdominal pain, peritonitis attacks and infertility. A lesional skin biopsy revealed subepidermal bullae and neutrophilic infiltration around dermal vessels. Direct immunofluorescence analysis was negative. Over the period of investigation, the lesion regressed spontaneously; 1 month later, a similar lesion appeared on the right wrist. Diagnosis of FMF was made according to the Tel-Hashomer criteria. Recognition of this peculiar skin lesion may lead to an earlier diagnosis of the disease.

Complete remission of psoriasis following bevacizumab therapy for colon cancer.

Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is used to treat several cancers. Currently, experience with anti-VEGF treatment for psoriasis is limited, and no published reports on this use exist. We describe a patient with metastatic colon cancer and psoriasis who experienced complete remission of psoriasis during treatment with bevacizumab and combination chemotherapy without any other treatment for psoriasis. These data suggest that bevacizumab may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of psoriasis.

Periodontal status in patients with pemphigus vulgaris.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodontal status of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) patients and compare it with that of healthy controls. We also analysed the association between the periodontal condition and the clinical severity of the disease in PV patients. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty patients (nine women, 11 men; mean +/- s.d. age, 42.9+/-9.8 years) with PV and 22 healthy subjects (eight women, 14 men; mean +/- s.d. age, 40.5 +/- 12.1 years) were included in the study. The periodontal status of all subjects was evaluated according to the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). PV patients were also assessed for Clinical Severity Score (CSS). RESULTS: The mean CPITN values were observed to be higher in PV patients (2.8 +/- 0.7) compared with those of healthy controls (1.0 +/- 0.8) (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant difference in CPITN values according to the CSS (P = 0.4). The number of carious teeth was significantly higher in PV patients than that in healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that periodontal status is worse in PV patients. Moreover, PV might contribute to the development and / or progression of periodontitis. PV patients should be encouraged for long-term periodontal follow up.

Progressive symmetrical erythrokeratoderma: report of a Turkish family and evaluation for loricrin and connexin gene mutations.

We report here the first Turkish patient with progressive symmetric erythrokeratoderma. The patient's skin lesions appeared in the axillae at 3 months of age, and gradually spread to other flexural areas and to the trunk. Dermatological examination of the boy at 3.5 years of age revealed symmetric, hyperkeratotic plaques with erythematous outlines on the neck, wrists, armpits, trunk and posterior knees. The histopathological changes were nonspecific, including marked hyperkeratosis, irregular acanthosis, focal papillomatosis and perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates. Molecular studies of the loricrin (LOR), connexin 31 (GJB3) and connexin 30.3 (GJB4) genes did not identify a disease-causing mutation. These results further underline the genetic heterogeneity of the erythrokeratodermas.

Relationship between periodontal findings and the TNF-alpha Gene 1031T/C polymorphism in Turkish patients with Behçet's disease.

BACKGROUND: Genetic factors that predispose individuals to Behçet's disease (BD) and periodontal disease. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both BD and periodontal disease. The relationship with periodontitis and the pathogenesis of BD has not yet been determined. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible relation of the periodontal scores and single nucleotide polymorphism of TNF-alpha-1031T/C with BD compared with healthy controls (HC) and recurrent aphtous stomatitis (RAS). We also sought to determine the effects of periodontal condition and TNF-alpha-1031T/C polymorphism on clinical severity of BD. METHODS: Eighty-two unrelated patients with BD, 42 RAS patients and 77 HC were enrolled in the study. Periodontal status of all subjects was evaluated according to the World Health Organization community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN). For genotyping, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was employed. RESULTS: The mean CPITN was observed to be higher in patients with BD compared with HC and RAS (P < 0.001). TNF-alpha-1031C allele was significantly higher in patients with BD (P = 0.023) and RAS (P = 0.007) compared with HC. Mean CPITN was higher in CC genotype compared with other genotypes (P = 0.004). Moreover, CPITN and CC genotype was found to be correlated with the severity of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that the TNF-alpha-1031T/C gene polymorphism (CC genotype) is a risk factor for periodontitis, RAS and BD patients and also suggests that long-term periodontal follow-up and education of oral hygiene in patients with BD may help to prevent the development and/or progression of the disease.

Relationship between optokinetic nystagmus response and recognition visual acuity.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between recognition visual acuity (RVA) and optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) response exhibited to different bar sizes with varying contrast. METHODS: OKN testing was performed in 52 children aged between 3 and 11 years. The children were evaluated in two groups according to their RVA. Group I consisted of 22 eyes with RVA equal to or better than 0.1 logMAR units. Group II consisted of 30 eyes with RVA 0.2-1 logMAR units. Each subject was seated 60 cm from the screen of Ophthimus device, and was exposed to consecutive black and white stripes of seven different spatial frequencies (0.08-1.6 cycle/degree). The narrowest bar that elicited OKN was identified, and then the OKN contrast threshold at this bar size was established. RESULTS: Twenty-one of the 22 eyes in Group I, and 26 of the 30 eyes in Group II exhibited 1.6 cycle/degree spatial frequency (P=0.287). In Group II, 88.9% of the 18 eyes with RVA 0.2-0.5 logMAR responded at this maximum spatial frequency, whereas the corresponding figure for the 12 eyes with RVA 0.6-1 logMAR was 83.3% (P=0.531). Contrast sensitivity (CS) significantly changed with age in Group I (P=0.006). When the eyes that responded at maximum spatial frequency in the two groups were compared, the mean CS in Group II was significantly lower than that in Group I (P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate no relation between spatial frequency threshold for OKN response and RVA in children. However, the children with RVA deficits had significantly lower CS.

Cutaneous alternariosis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Alternaria species are common saprophytic fungi that naturally subsist on decaying plant materials, and occasionally may cause diseases in human beings and domestic animals. They can be a potential opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromized hosts or those with significant underlying disease. However, rarely they are also pathogen in otherwise healthy hosts. We report here the first case of cutaneous alternariosis in a 30-year-old woman who was on systemic steroid therapy for active systemic lupus erythematosus. The patient was referred to our department with purple papules and ulcerated nodules on the dorsum of the hands, wrists and ankles. Skin biopsy showed granulomatous reaction with fungal elements that were subsequently identified as Alternaria species. Individual lesions were successfully treated with oral itracanozole 200mg daily for six weeks. Besides the patient's own disease, the use of systemic steroid use might be a possible predisposing factor for the development of cutaneous alternariosis.

Clinical features and natural course of Behçet's disease in 661 cases: a multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic inflammatory disease with unpredictable exacerbations and remissions. The natural course of BD is not fully known. OBJECTIVES: We aimed retrospectively to determine the occurrence of the symptoms in chronological order. We also evaluated the influence of the treatment and follow-up on the clinical severity and tried to identify the factors determining severe organ involvement. METHODS: Six hundred and sixty-one patients were involved in this multicentre study. The symptoms of the disease were recorded retrospectively in the time order of the manifestations in each patient. RESULTS: Oral ulcers were the most common manifestation (100%), followed by genital ulcers (85.3%), papulopustular lesions (55.4%), erythema nodosum (44.2%), skin pathergy reaction (37.8%), and articular (33.4%) and ocular involvement (29.2%). Oral ulcers were the most common onset manifestation (88.7%). The mean +/- SD duration between the onset symptom and the fulfilment of diagnostic criteria was calculated to be 4.3 +/- 5.7 years. The clinical severity score was significantly increased in the noncompliant treatment group compared with the compliant group with the passage of time (P < 0.001). The frequency of ocular involvement and genital ulcers was significantly higher in patients whose disease onset was at < 40 years. Genital ulcers, ocular involvement, papulopustular lesions, thrombophlebitis and skin pathergy reaction were found to be significantly more frequent in males. CONCLUSIONS: Mucocutaneous lesions are the hallmarks of the disease, and especially oral ulcers precede other manifestations. The increase in clinical severity score is more pronounced in patients without regular treatment and follow-up. Male sex and a younger age at onset are associated with more severe disease.

TNF-alpha gene 1031 T/C polymorphism in Turkish patients with Behçet's disease.

BACKGROUND: Genetic factors that predispose individuals to Behçet's disease (BD) are considered to play an important role in development of the disease. The tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha gene, which is closely linked to the HLA-B51 gene, is involved in susceptibility for BD. Recently, a polymorphism at position -1031 within the TNF-alpha promoter region was demonstrated to be responsible for susceptibility to BD in a British population. However, the functional effects of this polymorphism have not yet been determined. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the possible relation of the TNF-alpha-1031 T/C polymorphism with susceptibility to BD in a Turkish population and to determine the functional importance of this polymorphism. METHODS: Ninety-nine unrelated patients (47 women, 52 men; mean +/- SD age, 34.10 +/- 10.53 years) with BD and 103 ethnically matched healthy controls (52 males, 51 females; mean +/- SD age, 40.25 +/- 14.15) were enrolled in the study. For genotyping, polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis was employed. The functional importance of TNF-alpha-1031 T/C polymorphism was determined with an enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay. For this purpose, mononuclear cells obtained from BD patients and controls were analysed for TNF-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma production. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed between BD patients and controls with respect to the allele frequency of TNF-alpha-1031C [P = 0.018, OR = 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07-3.13]. When the allele frequencies were analysed according to the clinical features, the T allele in patients with positive skin pathergy test (SPT) was significantly increased when compared with those of patients without these findings (P = 0.004, OR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.3-5.86). To demonstrate the frequency of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma producing cells, mononuclear cells from four representative individuals of each genotype were used and the spontaneous and stimulated TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma values (spot numbers) were analysed. Compared with the control groups, a significant increase was observed in the number of cells producing TNF-alpha obtained from BD patients (P < 0.001). Moreover, the stimulation index for TNF-alpha [bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated/unstimulated] was higher for the CC genotype (9 +/- 9.5) with respect to the other genotypes (TT; 1.3 +/- 0.3 and TC; 1.2 +/- 0.2). While the difference in the spontaneous IFN-gamma values between groups were not statistically significant, the stimulated IFN-gamma values were found to be significantly increased in the BD group when compared with the healthy control group (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that, in the Turkish population the TNF-alpha-1031C allele is associated with susceptibility to BD. On the other hand, carrying the T allele may render patients more prone to developing a positive skin pathergy test. In addition, ELISPOT assays revealed that BD patients exhibited a significantly higher number of mononuclear cells producing TNF-alpha, and cells obtained from patients with a CC genotype had a stronger response to LPS stimulation. The strong IFN-gamma response upon LPS stimulation in BD patients supports the previous findings that BD is a Th1 driven disease. These findings suggest that the TNF-alpha-1031 polymorphism may have a functional effect and could explain the reason for high levels of TNF-alpha production observed in BD patients.

Monitoring the turbidity and surface temperature changes and effects of the 17 August 1999 earthquake in the Izmit Gulf, Turkey by the Landsat TM/ETM data.

The temporal turbidity and surface temperature changes and effects of the 17 August 1999 earthquake in the Izmit Gulf, Turkey have been investigated using Landsat TM/ETM data. The gulf is in the Mediterranean-Black Sea transition climatic zone and is partially surrounded by green vegetation cover and degraded and densely urbanized-industrialized areas. Landsat TM/ETM data acquired in 1990-1999 confirms increase in turbidity. Turbidity is always low in the southern part and high in the northern part of the gulf, because the more urbanized and industrialized areas are located in the northern part. The Landsat-7 ETM data acquired in the same year (1999) shows seasonal changes in turbidity. Moreover, the two high turbidity and surface temperature anomalies, one of which is parallel to the 17 August 1999 earthquake surface rupture (east-west) and the other which is in the northwest-southeast direction were mapped from Landsat-5 TM data acquired the day (18.08.1999) following the earthquake in the east end of the gulf. On the basis of turbidity implying the sea bottom movement, it is possible to state that a second rupture in the northwest and southeast direction could have occurred at the sea bottom during the earthquake. The distribution of the seismicity centers and the orientation of the lineaments in the area support this finding.

Comparison of additional intraocular pressure-lowering effects of latanoprost vs brimonidine in primary open-angle glaucoma patients with intraocular pressure uncontrolled by timolol-dorzolamide combination.

PURPOSE: To compare the additive intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects of latanoprost 0.005% and brimonidine 0.2% in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients uncontrolled on fixed combination of timolol 0.5% and dorzolamide 2% (TDC) alone. METHODS: In all, 80 eyes of 80 POAG patients with IOP inadequately controlled by TDC were randomly assigned to receive either latanoprost 0.005% or brimonidine 0.2%. IOP measurements were recorded at 1000 (peak effect) and 1600 (trough effect) on day 0 (baseline) and at 1 and 3 months. At each stage and time point, the mean IOP reductions from baseline were evaluated for both groups, and success rates (minimum 15% reduction) were determined. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean peak/trough IOPs with TDC were 20.2/21.6 and 19.9/21.4 mmHg in latanoprost and brimonidine groups, respectively. Latanoprost+TDC reduced the mean peak/trough IOP by 4.4/3.4 and 5.2/3.5 mmHg at 1 and 3 months. The corresponding values for brimonidine+TDC were 3.9/2.9 and 4.6/2.9 mmHg. Each of these results represented a significant reduction from baseline (P<0.001 for all); however, the groups' peak/trough reductions from baseline did not differ at any time point (P>0.05 for all). With the latanoprost+TDC combination, the peak/trough success rates at 1 and 3 months were 76.3%/42.1% and 77.1%/40%. The corresponding values with the brimonidine+TDC combination were 71.8%/41% and 77.7%/41.7%. There were no significant differences in the groups' success rates at any time point (P>0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Addition of latanoprost 0.005% or brimonidine 0.2% to TDC reduces peak/trough IOPs significantly and the effects of these combinations are comparable.

The effects of iron deficiency on infants' developmental test performance.

AIM: To assess the effects of iron deficiency on developmental test scores in infants. METHODS: This prospective, single-blind, controlled clinical intervention study was made on 108 children aged 6-30 mo who applied to our paediatric outpatient clinic. The cases were classified as control (n = 31, haemoglobin > or = 11 g/dl, serum ferritin > 12 microg/l, MCV > or = 70 fl), non-anaemic iron deficiency (NAID, n = 40, haemoglobin > or = 11 g/dl, serum ferritin < or = 12 microg/l, MCV > or = 70 fl) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA, n = 37, haemoglobin < 11 g/dl, ferritin < or = 12 microg/l, MCV < 70 fl) due to their anaemia status. In each group, MCV, haemoglobin and ferritin levels were measured, and Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) and Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID-I) were administered before and after a 3-mo follow-up. IDA and about half of the NAID subjects were treated with oral iron for 3 mo. RESULTS: Subjects with iron deficiency showed significantly lower developmental test scores both with BSID-I and DDST-II compared to their iron-sufficient peers (p < 0.05). After 3 mo of iron treatment, lower mental developmental test scores were no longer observed among the IDA and NAID groups whose anaemia and iron deficiency were also corrected. No significant differences were found between control NAID and control IDA groups on DGTT-II results after treatment. The difference in motor and mental developmental scores did not appear to depend on environmental and family factors considered in the analyses. CONCLUSION: These findings support the conclusions that iron deficiency may cause lower mental and motor test scores in infants and these adverse effects can be improved by iron therapy.