Osseointegration potential of boron-coated titanium alloy pedicle screw in rabbit spine model.

BACKGROUND: Spinal implants' longevity is crucial, but titanium alloys, while advantageous, lack strong bone integration. This study aimed to achieve better osseointegration rates by utilizing the ability of boron compounds to transform stem cells in the vertebra into osteoblasts. METHOD: Twenty male albino rabbits were divided into control (n = 10) and experimental (n = 10) groups. Control group received titanium alloy pedicle screws, while experimental group received boron-coated titanium alloy screws. Under general anesthesia, screws were inserted into the L6 and L7 lumbar spines. After 16 weeks, all animals were euthanized for histological examination. Vertebra samples underwent decalcification and H&E staining. Microscopic examination assessed osseointegration, necrosis, fibrosis, and vascularization using a triple scoring system by two blinded observers. RESULT: In the boron-coated titanium alloy group, all subjects exhibited osseointegration, with 50% showing focal, 40% moderate, and 10% complete osseointegration. In the titanium alloy group, 90% showed osseointegration (70% focal, 10% moderate, and 10% complete).The differences between the groups were not statistically significant (p = 0.302). Focal necrosis rates were similar between groups, with 50.0% in the titanium alloy and 60.0% in the boron-coated group (p = 0.653).Fibrosis was absent in the titanium alloy group but present in the boron-coated group, albeit with lower rates of focal fibrosis (20.0%). However, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.086).Vascularization patterns showed no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION: Boron-coated titanium alloy pedicle screws provided osseointegration rates comparable to standard titanium screws and exhibited acceptable levels of necrosis and fibrosis. With stronger biomechanical properties, they could be a better alternative to currently used titanium screws.

Analysis of Volatile Constituent by Hydrodistillation and Solid-Phase Microextraction Techniques and Antimicrobial and Scolicidal Activities of Essential Oil and Soxhlet Extracts of Ulva rigida grown in Turkey.

In the present study, the volatile composition of Ulva rigida (U. rigida) was elucidated by two different methods. As a result of the identification process of volatile components using the GC/MS-FID instrument, 31 compounds were identified by hydrodistillation (HD) method, and 15 compounds were identified by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) method, elucidating the structure of 99.86 % and 92.65 %, respectively. The most abundant compounds in the essential oil of U. rigida were n-hexadecanoic acid and pentadecanal, while the most abundant compound according to the SPME analysis was heptadecyne, a hydrocarbon compound. In the next step, hexane, dichloromethane, chloroform and methanol solvent extracts of U. rigida were prepared and the antimicrobial activities of the extracts and the essential oil obtained by hydro-distillation as well as the scolicidal activities of the solvent extracts were determined. The results of the antimicrobial activity test of the essential oil showed a high level of activity against Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876 and MRSA. The highest activity was found on the microorganism of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 in chloroform and methanol extracts of U. rigida. Furthermore, viability detection was performed and the scolicidal effects of the extracts on protoscoleces were assessed. The values of lethal concentration doses (LD50 , LD75 and LD90 ) were calculated using probit analysis.

Comprehensive Study of the Physicochemical Properties of Royal Jelly from Various Regions of Türkiye.

This study analysed some physicochemical and quality parameters of 176 royal jelly (RJ) samples from different regions of Türkiye, collected over different years and seasons. According to the obtained results, the moisture percentage varied between 47.36 % and 69.58 %, with no statistically significant differences seen across various seasons and areas (p>0.05). The average value of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), which varies according to factors such as season, region, and year, was determined to be 2.32 %. It was also seen that this value was close to the international standard. The values of total acidity ranged from 28-58 mL 1 N NaOH/100 g. Furthermore, statistical significance (p<0.001) was observed for the year-region interaction in relation to 10-HDA and total acidity. The pH measurement results for all samples confirmed the acidic nature of the samples and resulted in a range between 3.45 and 3.80. And the pH variability was also found to be statistically significant for years (p=0.002) and regions (p=0.011). Finally, the correlation analysis between moisture (%), 10-HDA (%), total acidity, and pH revealed no statistically significant or strong differences. This comprehensive study, supported by statistical analyses, is thought to be a useful reference for future research on RJ.

The effect of Fasting during Ramadan on the Kidney functions of Stage III-IV Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Examine the effect of fasting during Ramadan on kidney functions in patients with chronic kidney disease. METHODS: The study was conducted on 130 patients with stage III-IV chronic kidney disease (CKD), who were admitted to the Ordu University nephrology polyclinic during the month before Ramadan and one month after Ramadan in 2019. Blood samples were taken in the morning after 12 hours of fasting. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between BUN in the fasting group before and after the month of Ramadan. The median BUN before Ramadan was 26.65 mg/dl, the median after Ramadan was 24.05 mg/dl (p=0.004).There was a statistically significant difference between the nonfasting groups before and after Ramadan with respect to creatinine level. Median creatinine before Ramadan was 1.69 mg/dl,and the median after Ramadan was 1.86 mg/dl (p <0.001).There was a statistically significant difference between the fasting groups before and after Ramadan with respect to creatinine levels. Fasting group ,the median before Ramadan was 1.5 mg/dl, and the median after Ramadan was 1.42 mg/dl (p = 0.038).The impact of independent variable of fasting, using linear regression was found to be statistically significant (ppost-<0.001). The eGFR was 14.826 points higher in those who fasted after Ramadan than in those who did not. CONCLUSION: Fasting during the month of Ramadan does not deteriorate kidney functions and even leads to a moderate improvement in kidney functions. Taking these results into consideration, fasting may be advised for patients with stage III-IV CKD who want to fast and remain in stable condition.

Amebicidal effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) against Acanthamoeba cysts.

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (TF) is known to the public as a chest emollient, mucous expectorant, laxative and is used to prevent maturation of boils and diabetes since ancient times. In this study, we aimed to determine the amebicidal effects against Acanthamoeba cysts. Plant extracts were prepared at concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 mg/ml and were placed in a hemocytometer with cell counts 22 × 106 cell/ml. The fatty acid profiles of TF seeds were determined. Standard Acanthamoeba cysts were added and incubated at 25°C. The viability of the parasite was checked and recorded at hours 3, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 102. The values of lethal concentration doses (LD50 and LD90) were calculated using probit analysis. This study revealed that T. foenum-graecum prevented proliferation of the parasite at certain times. However, further for in vivo and controlled experimental studies are needed in order to find out how to use this plant as medication.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of new dental implant system: Results of a 3-year prospective study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate implant survival, crestal bone level changes, and clinical parameters of IDcam dental implants over a mean follow-up period of 3 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two patients, 32 females and 40 males, received 255 implants. Implant-supported metal-ceramic fixed restorations were inserted. Following completion of restorations, each patient was re-examined at 6-month intervals. Radiographic crestal bone level changes were calculated, as well as soft tissue parameters including pocket probing depth, bleeding on probing, plaque index, and gingival index. Examination results were recorded from 18 months to 42 months. Implant survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Associations between implant survival and recorded variables were estimated using Cox proportional regression analysis. RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated a cumulative survival rate of 97.6%. Three implants in three patients failed to osseointegrate at stage 2 surgery, and three implants in three patients were lost after loading. The mean marginal bone losses were 0.35 ± 0.14 mm, 0.47 ± 0.15 mm, and 0.58 ± 0.16 mm, as determined 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after prosthetic loading, respectively. Cox proportional regression analysis revealed that the variables such as age, sex, type of the restoration, and implant region had no significant influence on implant failure (P > 0.05). Coefficients of correlation between implant survival and crestal bone loss, pocket probing depth, bleeding on probing, plaque index, and gingival index were found to be nonsignificant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Survival and radiographic and clinical assessments of implants after 2 years of function demonstrated promising results for an IDcam dental implant system.

The Comparative Effect of Carrot and Lemon Fiber as a Fat Replacer on Physico-chemical, Textural, and Organoleptic Quality of Low-fat Beef Hamburger.

This study was designed to determine the usability of lemon fiber (LF-2%, 4%, 6%) and carrot fiber (CF-2%, 4%, 6%) to produce low-fat beef hamburgers. To that end, a certain amount of fat was replaced with each fiber. The proximate composition, pH value, cholesterol content, cooking characteristics, color, texture profile, and sensory properties of low-fat beef hamburgers were investigated. LF increased moisture content and cooking yield due to its better water binding properties, while CF caused higher fat and cholesterol contents owing to its higher fat absorption capacity (p<0.05). LF resulted in a lighter, redder, and more yellow color (p<0.05). Hardness, gumminess, springiness, and chewiness parameters decreased when the usage level of both fibers increased (p<0.05). However, more tender, gummy, springy, and smoother hamburgers were produced by the addition of CF in comparison with LF (p<0.05). Moreover, hamburgers including CF were rated with higher sensory scores (p<0.05). In conclusion, LF demonstrated better technological results in terms of cooking yield, shrinkage, moisture retention, and fat retention. However it is suggested that CF produces better low-fat hamburgers since up to 2% CF presented sensory and textural properties similar to those of regular hamburgers.

Quality of life of patients with implant-retained maxillofacial prostheses: a prospective and retrospective study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Clinical studies on implant-retained maxillofacial prostheses have focused on biological outcomes. An assessment of the effect of prostheses on patients' quality of life (QOL) by using specific questionnaires developed for this patient population provides important information on treatment outcomes from the patients' perspectives. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report patient-based outcomes of implant-retained maxillofacial prostheses and to evaluate the effect of implant-retained maxillofacial prostheses on QOL of participants in a prospective study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-two participants were treated with implant-retained maxillofacial prostheses. Participants were divided into 2 groups: a retrospective group (participants treated and under care) and a prospective group (participants willing to be treated). The posttreatment patient satisfaction scores for each question were statistically analyzed by 2-way ANOVA with variables of defect type and retention type. The Student-Newman-Keuls test was used to determine any significant differences among the groups. In the prospective group, mean scores before and after prosthetic treatment were compared with the paired t test (α=.05). RESULTS: The details of 54 retrospective and 28 prospective participants were reviewed. The posttreatment results of 82 patients showed that patient satisfaction with implant-retained maxillofacial prostheses was significantly different for cleaning the prostheses and recommending treatment to other people, depending on the defect and retention type. In the prospective group, participants reported significant increases in satisfaction for all questions. CONCLUSIONS: Implant-retained prostheses were considered highly satisfactory, indicating good QOL for patients with maxillofacial defects. A comparison of pretreatment and posttreatment assessments revealed that implant-retained maxillofacial prostheses increased patient QOL.