Bond strength comparison of a fiber-reinforced composite resin: Different dentin conditions and preparation techniques.

This study aimed to compare the bond strength of a fiber-reinforced composite resin with traditional and bulk-fill composite resins under different dentin conditions and preparation techniques. Eighty molar teeth, excluding the mesio-distal half of the occlusal dentin surfaces of each teeth, were isolated with acid-resistant nail varnish and stored in a demineralisation solution (pH 4.5). After mechanical removal of the varnish, the teeth were buried in acrylic resin blocks. In every composite resin group, one-half of the specimens were prepared with a diamond bur and another half with Er: YAG laser. Then, the specimens were divided into four groups of composite resins (Filtek Z250, G-aenial Posterior, SonicFill 2, Ever X Posterior) (n = 10). Shear bond strengths were measured using a universal testing device, and failure types were determined with stereomicroscope images. SEM images were obtained at 1000× magnification. Data were analyzed using a three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Bonferroni correction was used for multiple comparisons (p = .05). Differences in the dentin surface affected the bond strength results (p < .05), whereas there was no significant difference between cavity preparation methods (p > .05). EverX Posterior showed the highest bond strength results. Within the limitations of this study, fiber-reinforced composite resin exhibited successful bond strength results in addition to improved mechanical properties. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Fiber-reinforced composite had successful bond strength values. Bond strength values of sound dentin groups were higher than those of caries-affected dentin groups. The use of an Er: YAG laser for preparation did not lead to insufficient bond strength results.

Comparison of serum biochemical markers in patients with mesothelioma and pleural plaques versus healthy individuals exposed to environmental asbestos.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to compare serum biochemical markers in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma and pleural plaques versus healthy individuals exposed to environmental asbestos. METHODS: Between September 01, 2010 and March 31, 2011, a total of 540 participants (354 males, 186 females; mean age 61.4 years; range, 35 to 89 years) were included in the study. The participants were divided into four groups as follows: (1) patients with pleural plaques (n=277); (2) healthy individuals with normal chest X-rays who were exposed to environmental asbestos (n=121); (3) healthy individuals with normal chest X-rays who were not exposed to environmental asbestos (n=118); and (4) patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (n=24). Serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen 125, 15-3, 19-9, free T3, free T4, thyroidstimulating hormone, vitamin B12, folate, and ferritin were measured. RESULTS: Serum cancer antigen 125, 15-3, folic acid, vitamin B12, and ferritin levels were higher with lower free T3 levels in Group 4 than the other groups. The areas under the curve for cancer antigen 125 and 15-3 were 0.78 and 0.67, respectively in the differential diagnosis of mesothelioma from other pathologies (p<0.001 for both). Optimal limits of these biomarkers were 13.63 and 18.43 ng/mL, respectively with 83% and 75% sensitivity and 69% and 48% specificity, respectively. CONCLUSION: The combination or individual use of serum cancer antigen 125, 15-3, folic acid, vitamin B12, and ferritin levels may be helpful for early diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

The Effects of Oral 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors on Penile Intracavernosal Pressures and Penile Morphology in Rat Model.

PURPOSE: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and erectile dysfunction (ED) are urological diseases which affect more than 50 % of men older than 50 years of age. It has been reported that 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) used in clinical studies for the treatment of BPH caused ED in 0.8-15.8% of the patients. The aim of this study is evaluation of the effects of oral finasteride and dutasteride on penile intracavernosal pressures and penile morphology in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar Albino strain male rats were randomized into control (n = 10), finasteride (n = 10), and dutasteride (n = 10) groups. After 8 weeks of treatment erectile responses were evaluated in all rats measuring intracavernosal pressure (ICP) changes during erectile responses to cavernosal nerve electrical stimulation. Serum hormone levels were studied and all rats underwent prostatectomy and penectomy. All tissue samples were examined histomorphologically and a semiquantitative scoring system was used for cavernosal tissue collagen density grading. One-way analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis and P < .05 was accepted as the level of statistical significance. For two group comparisons Tukey HSD test was used as post hoc test of one way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Approximately 50% decrease was seen in mean ICPs in the finasteride and dutasteride groups compared to the control group for all voltages (2.5 V, 5 V. 7.5 V). Mean ICPs for 7.5 V were 62.17 ± 30.89mmHg in control group, 35.27 ± 31.94 in the finasteride, and 36.01 ± 19.20mmHg in the dutasteride group. But regarding ICPs there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P > .05). The serum testosterone (T) concentrations were higher in treatment groups (P < .001). Serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were not significantly different between the groups. As a result of histomorphological studies, a statistically significant increase in cavernosal tissue collagen density, and marked atrophic changes in prostatic epithelial tissues were observed in the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Although 5-ARIs cause marked atrophic changes in prostatic epithelial tissues, and prominent collagen deposition in penile cavernosal tissues, no significant effect on penile ICPs was seen in this study. The failure to show a statistically significant difference was attributed to higher standard deviations of ICP values. If sample size and duration of the treatment are increased, statistically significant results in ICPs may be reached. The penile morphology evaluation results point to a negative effect of 5-ARIs on erectile function.

Association of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) L55M and PON1 Q192R gene polymorphisms and risk of psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Although there have been significant advances for clarifying the pathogenesis of psoriasis, exact pathogenic mechanism of the disease is still unknown. Oxidative stress is considered to be a new etiopathogenetic key factor in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, as a result of the studies performing the association between psoriasis and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity. In this study, we aimed to examine the possible associations between the both PON1 L55M and PON1 Q192R polymorphisms and psoriasis susceptibility and disease progression in Turkish population. METHODS: The study group consisted of 100 unrelated patients with psoriasis and 153 unrelated healthy controls with no psoriatic lesions in their personal history or on clinical examination. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes from EDTA-anticoagulated blood using the High Pure Polymerase Chain Reaction Template Preparation Kit. To identify PON1 L55M and Q192R single-nucleotide polymorphisms, genotyping was performed using commercially synthesized primers and fluorescently labeled probes and the LightCycler 480 II Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction System. The genotyping method was based on methods developed previously for genotyping both PON1 55 and 192 polymorphisms using LightCycler real-time polymerase chain reaction technology, which relies on fluorescence resonance energy transfer. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the PON1 L55M genotype distributions and allele frequencies of the psoriasis patients and the control group. There was a statistically significant difference between distributions of the genotype or allele frequencies of the PON1 Q192R of the patient groups and control subjects (P=0.0018 and P=0.0001, respectively). PON192Q/R polymorphisms have been found to be associated with susceptibility to psoriasis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report simultaneously investigating the possible associations between the PON1 L55M and PON1 Q192R polymorphisms and psoriasis susceptibility and disease progression in Turkish population. We provide evidence that PON1 Q192R polymorphisms may have an effect on the risk of psoriasis in the Turkish population.

Oxytocin for preventing injury due to testicular torsion/detorsion in rats.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of oxytocin on the testes for treating ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: A total of 24 male Wistar albino rats weighing 250-320 g were used. The rats were randomized into three groups of eight rats. Group 1 was assessed as the control group. In Group 2 rats, testicular torsion was first performed, followed by testicular detorsion to induce reperfusion injury. In Group 3, following testicular torsion and detorsion, oxytocin was administered before inducing reperfusion. Testicular tissues were histologically evaluated, spermatogenic parameters were assessed using the Johnsen scoring system, and the mean Johnsen score was calculated. RESULTS: Histological tests revealed significantly different results between the testicular torsion group and the oxytocin-treated torsion and control groups as well as between the oxytocin-treated torsion group and the control and testicular torsion groups (p=0.010 and 0.012, respectively). Biochemical test results revealed that superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p=0.007 and 0.007, respectively). Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were significantly lower in Group 3 than in Group 2 (p=0.017 and 0.014, respectively). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that oxytocin can be considered as an alternative agent for treating testicular torsion in clinical practice to minimize tissue damage.

Oxidative Stress And Prolidase Enzyme Activity In The Pathogenesis Of Primary Varicose Veins.

Objectives Vascular endothelial dysfunction leads to the emerging of free oxygen radicals, deficiency of antioxidant system, forming of oxidative stress, inflammatory processes and release of proinflammatory cytokines. These things play big role in the development of primary varicose veins. Prolidase has been reported as an indicator of oxidative stress in diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, non-ulcerous dyspepsia, osteoporosis, polycystic over syndrome and many other diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the oxidative stress at venous insufficiency and to provide preliminary knowledge about the role of prolidase enzyme in varicose vein formation. Methods Ninety patients aged between 22 and 80 (47.35 ± 17.69) were included in the study and divided into 3 groups. Group1(n:30)(Serum control group): Patients without venous insufficiency. Group 2(n:30)(Tissue control group(healthy vein group): Patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (the remaining portion of great saphenous vein used as coronary artery bypass graft used as normal tissue) . Group 3(n:30)(Varicose vein group): Patients underwent varicose vein surgery (varicose vein and serum of these patients were used for study). Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Total Antioxidant Status (TAS), Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) and Prolidase enzyme levels were detected in tissue and serum samples. Results No significant changes were detected between three groups' serum samples in oxidative stress parameters and in the prolidase enzyme activity. The tissue TOS and OSI were higher in varicose vein group according to normal vein group and this was found statistically significant. And TAC levels in varicose vein group were significantly lower than normal vein group. Prolidase enzyme activity in varicose vein group was found higher according to normal vein group. Conclusion Oxidative stress plays a role at the development of primary varicose veins at biochemical level. Prolidase enzyme related with oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of primary varicose veins.

Assessment of local and systemic 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, RANKL, OPG, and TNF levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis.

The present study aimed to evaluate proinflammatory cytokine and vitamin D levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic periodontitis (CP) patients and healthy individuals before and after initial periodontal treatment. Overall, 17 CP patients with RA (RA + CP), 18 systemically healthy CP patients (CP), and 18 healthy controls (C) were included. Clinical periodontal measurements were recorded and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and blood samples were recorded. RA + CP and CP patients received nonsurgical periodontal treatment. Vitamin D, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, receptor activator of nuclear factor-KB ligand (RANKL), and OPG levels were determined in GCF and serum. Baseline clinical parameters were similar in all periodontitis groups (P > 0.05) but were higher than that in controls (P < 0.05). Periodontal treatment improved clinical parameters in all periodontitis groups (P < 0.05). GCF vitamin D levels were higher in RA + CP and CP groups than in healthy controls, but these levels decreased in the RA + CP group after periodontal treatment (P < 0.05). Serum RANKL and GCF TNF-α levels in RA patients decreased after periodontal treatment (P < 0.05). Within the limitations of this study, the results suggested that GCF vitamin D levels are increased in RA patients and decrease after periodontal treatment; therefore, local vitamin D levels might be an important indicator of periodontal bone loss.

Effect of bevacizumab on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of intraperitoneally administered bevacizumab on colitis induced by acetic acid. METHODS: An experimental model of acetic acid-induced colitis was introduced in rats. After the induction of colitis, bevacizumab was administered intraperitoneally at two different daily doses of low (2.5 mg/kg) or high (5 mg/kg) concentration. Control groups were included for colitis and bevacizumab. After 7 d, the rats were sacrificed, and colonic tissues were harvested for macroscopic and microscopic examination of colonic damage. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), IL-6, myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, glutathione, and superoxidismutase values were measured biochemically. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant macroscopic improvement in damage to the colon tissues (P > 0.05). The severity of inflammation was significantly reduced (0.98 ± 0.22) in the low-dose bevacizumab-treated rat group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). The decrease in the inflammation score in the high-dose bevacizumab-treated rat group was not statistically significant (1.40 ± 0.33). In addition, although there was no significant change in the myeloperoxidase levels biochemically, IL-6 and malondialdehyde levels decreased in the low-dose treatment group (P = 0.014, P = 0.002, respectively). A significant decrease was found at both treatment doses in IL-1ß (P < 0.001, P = 0.010), tumor necrosis factor alpha (P < 0.001, P = 0.015), superoxidismutase (P = 0.046, P = 0.011), and glutathione (P = 0.012 and P < 0.001) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatment doses of bevacizumab were observed to have a protective effect in an experimental colitis model, and the dosage of 2.5 mg/kg bevacizumab was found to have a more prominent effect.

Effects of sevoflurane on female reproductive functions in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of sevoflurane by inhalation on female reproductive hormones and ovarian tissues. METHODS: This experimental study was conducted at the Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey, and comprised Wistar-Albino female rats. The rats were divided into six groups; one control and five study groups. The control group (C) received 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for seven days; the first study group (S1) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for seven days; the second group (S2) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for seven days and no treatment for the following seven days; the third group (S3) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for 14 days; the fourth group (S4) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for 14 days and no treatment for the following seven days; and the fifth group (S5) received 1 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane + 2 L/min O2 in 18 min/day for 14 days and no treatment for the following 14 days. The duration of the study was 28 days in February 2015. Reproductive system hormone levels were analysed and histological assessment of the ovaries was performed. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 30 rats, there were 5(16.7%) in each group. Histological injury scores in S2, S3, S4, and S5 were significantly higher than in C (p=0.016, p=0.008, p=0.016 and p=0.032, respectively). The hormone levels belonging to follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, estradiol and progesterone revealed significant alterations in all groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic exposure to sevoflurane negatively affected the histological structure of the ovary and hormonal regulation.

The Protective Effect of Curcumin on a Spinal Cord Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Model.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to investigate the neurological, biochemical, and histopathologic effects of both the acute and maintenance treatment of curcumin on an experimental spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury model in rats. METHODS: The animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: (1) Sham, (2) ischemia-reperfusion (IR), (3) curcumin, and (4) solvent. Spinal cord ischemia was induced by clamping the aorta with minivascular clamps at a position just below the left renal artery and just proximal to the aortic bifurcation for 45 min. After 72 hr of reperfusion, neurological function was evaluated with a modified Tarlov score. In spinal cords, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and nitric oxide (NO) levels were detected biochemically. Immunohistochemical staining was performed by antibodies against interleukin-6 (IL-6) and myeloperoxidase. Histopathologic changes were examined with hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS: Although MDA tissue levels were elevated significantly in the IR group compared with the sham group, SOD and GPx levels decreased. After the administration of curcumin, MDA levels in the spinal cord decreased, and SOD and GPx levels increased. Those changes were statistically significant. There was no significance at NO levels. Among all groups, there was no difference in IL-6 and myeloperoxidase immunostaining. Histopathological analysis showed that histopathological changes in the IR group were improved by curcumin treatment. In the curcumin group, neurological outcome scores were significantly better statistically when compared with the IR group. CONCLUSION: We believe that curcumin possesses antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anticarcinogenic properties and may be an effective drug for the prevention of spinal cord IR injury in light of the neurologic, biochemical, and histopathological data of this study and published scientific literature.