CXCL14 and miR-4484 serves as potential salivary biomarkers for early detection of peri-implantitis.

Peri-implantitis develops in 43.3% of implant patients, which affects tissues around the implant that may ultimately cause implant loss if not treated properly. Due to difficulties in detecting peri-implantitis in its early phases, implant failures are constantly on the rise. Therefore, new specific molecular markers need to be identified to prevent or limit disease progression in peri-implantitis patients. We investigated levels of CXCL9, CXCL12, and CXCL14 in saliva samples of 45 patients with commercially pure grade 4/5 Titanium-Aluminum-Vanadium implants. We analyzed the correlation of the chemokine levels using Pearson's Correlation test and investigated their power to discriminate peri-implantitis vs. non-peri-implantitis patients using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Our in silico investigation revealed CXCL9, CXCL12, and CXCL14 as predicted targets of miR-4484, which has been demonstrated as a powerful biomarker candidate for early detection of peri-implantitis in our previous study. We measured high CXCL9 and low CXCL14 levels in the saliva of peri-implantitis patients. We also reported that the CXCL14 level showed a significant positive correlation with miR-4484. Besides, CXCL14 together with miR-4484 in saliva differentiated peri-implantitis patients from non-peri-implantitis individuals with 100% success. We offer differential expressions of CXCL14 and miR-4484 in the saliva of patients with peri-implantitis as potential salivary biomarkers for early detection of this disease.

A combination of omega-3 and exercise reduces experimental Achilles tendinopathy induced with a type-1 collagenase in rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of omega-3 supplementation with exercise in a collagenase-induced Achilles tendinopathy (AT) rat model. Experimental groups (healthy control (HC), AT, exercise (Ex), omega-3 (W), and Ex+W) were randomly allocated. After a week of adaptation, oral omega-3 was initiated for 8 weeks (5 days/week). The exercise groups performed treadmill running for 30 min/day (5 days/week, 20 m/min, 8 weeks) following one week of adaptation (10 m/min, 15 min/day). Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and total antioxidant-oxidant status (TAS) levels were determined in serum samples. Tendon samples were obtained for biomechanical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical assessments. Ultimate tensile force, yield force, stiffness values, collagen type-I alpha 1 expression, and serum TAS significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in AT vs. HC. These values and expression significantly increased in the Ex+W group vs. AT. Serum MMP-13, IL-1ß, and TNF-α levels decreased in all treatment groups vs. AT. The most significant decrease was found in the Ex+W group (P < 0.01). Histopathologically, the improvement in degeneration was statistically significant in the Ex+W group (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemically, MMP-13, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and nitric oxide synthase-2 expression was decreased in all treatment groups vs. AT. In conclusion, omega-3 and exercise might be recommended in AT patients.

Therapeutic outcomes of one-minute application of sodium hydroxide versus phenol in the chemical cauterization of ingrown toenails.

BACKGROUND: Ingrown nails are frequently encountered in dermatology practice. The recurrence tendency of the disorder makes chemical cauterization essential during surgical procedures. In studies comparing nail matrix cauterization with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) versus phenol, phenol's application time was highly variable. OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic outcomes of matrix cauterization for a standard duration of one minute for NaOH versus phenol in stage II and III ingrown nails. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records of patients undergoing matrix cauterization with 10% NaOH or 88% phenol were evaluated. The primary outcome measure was the lack of recurrences on long-term follow-up. The secondary outcome measures were complete healing duration, patient-reported pain scores, and adverse effects related to the procedure. RESULTS: Enrolled in this study were 62 ingrown toenail sides treated with 10% NaOH and 56 ingrown toenail sides treated with 88% phenol. The mean follow-up duration was 25.17 months. Recurrence was observed in four nail sides of the NaOH group (%6.45) and three nail sides of the phenol group (%5.35). The difference between the recurrence rates did not reach statistical significance. Patients treated with both methods were free of pain on the post-procedural tenth day. The visual analog scale pain scores and complete healing duration were similar between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In a large group with long-term follow-up results, the short-term and long-term post-operative treatment outcomes were similar between the one-minute applications of 10% NaOH versus 88% phenol groups.

Evaluation of dermatoscopic findings of alopecia areata and tinea capitis in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric patients often reveal localized alopecic foci on the scalp. The essential point upon approaching a child with localized alopecia is distinguishing the two most common causes, alopecia areata and tinea capitis, as their treatments are entirely different. Although potassium hydroxide examination is the preferred method for their clear distinction, dermatoscopy is also emerging as a rapid diagnostic tool. This study aimed to assess and compare the dermatoscopic findings of alopecia areata and tinea capitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enrolled in this study were 34 children with tinea capitis and 21 children with alopecia areata admitted to a single-center outpatient clinic between 2017 and 2021. The authors confirmed all children's diagnoses by an integrative evaluation of clinical features, potassium hydroxide examination results, and treatment response patterns. Clinical features and the variables of interest (dermatoscopic findings) were investigated through the medical records and the baseline dermatoscopic images. RESULTS: The most common dermatoscopic finding within the tinea capitis cohort was comma hairs, detected in 33 (97.1%) of the patients. Other findings of the tinea capitis group included squamation (n = 31, 91.2%), broken and dystrophic hairs (n = 30, 88.2%), corkscrew hairs (n = 24, 70.6%), zigzag hairs (n = 18, 52.9%), and pigtail hairs (n = 9, 26.5%). The most common dermatoscopic finding within the alopecia areata cohort was exclamation mark hairs (n = 13, 61.9%), that was followed by black dots (n = 9, 42.9%), yellow dots (n = 8, 38.1%), vellus hairs (n = 6, 28.6%), and broken and dystrophic hairs (n = 5, 23.8%). CONCLUSION: Among the detailed evaluation of dermatoscopic findings of tinea capitis and alopecia areata patients, the only overlapping feature was dystrophic and broken hairs that could be present in both diseases; but were more common within the TC group than within the AA group (88.2% vs. 23.8%).

Incidence and Prognosis of COVID-19 in Patients with Psoriasis: A Multicenter Prospective Study from the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey.

COVID-19 infection can have a poor prognosis, especially in patients with chronic diseases and those receiving immunosuppressive or immunomodulating therapies. This study aimed to investigate the severity of COVID-19 infection in patients with psoriasis and compare the infection severity for systemic treatments and comorbidities. We conducted a study in the dermatology clinics of five different centers in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. Four hundred and eighty-eight patients were included, and 22.5% were confirmed as having COVID-19 infection. In our study, the frequency of hospitalization rates due to COVID-19 infection were similar (15.4%, 25.9% respectively) in patients receiving biological treatment and receiving non-biological systemic treatment (P=0.344). Hospitalization rates were higher in patients with hypertension, androgenetic alopecia, and acitretin use (P=0.043, P=0.028, P=0.040). In conclusion, current biologic treatments and non-biologic systemic treatments in patients with psoriasis did not appear to increase the risk of the severe form of COVID-19, except for acitretin.

Implant-Supported Prosthetic Rehabilitation of a Patient With Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Patients who have undergone maxillary resection procedures are rehabilitated with dental obturators or microvascular reconstruction. This case report describes implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient who underwent maxillary resection because of squamous cell carcinoma. After maxillectomy surgery, the patient was rehabilitated using a surgical obturator for 1 week, followed by an interim obturator until the surgical field was completely healed. For definitive prosthesis, different treatment options were presented from which the patient selected an implant-supported maxillofacial prosthesis and a removable mandibular partial prosthesis. Under general anesthesia, 2 zygomatic implants and 4 conventional implants to the posterior maxilla were inserted. After a healing period, the bar-retained maxillofacial prosthesis and removable mandibular partial denture were fabricated. The patient was satisfied regarding function, esthetics, speech, and swallowing. No problems, except slight discoloration of the prosthesis, were noted at the 6-month follow-up. Implant-supported maxillofacial prostheses are a valuable treatment option to improve quality of life after maxillary resection.

Successful treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa with secukinumab in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and Familial Mediterranean Fever.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by pain, inflamed nodules, abscess, sinus tract, and fistula. HS is more common in patients with axial spondyloarthritis and Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) compared to the normal population. Mediterranean fever gene mutations are thought to be responsible for the relationship between these three diseases. Case reports of secukinumab treatment in HS have been reported. In this article, a case of successful treatment of HS with secukinumab in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and FMF is presented.

Effect of staining and bleaching on the microhardness, surface roughness and color of different composite resins.

BACKGROUND: There are studies that examined the effect of staining on the surface properties of composite resins, using different solutions and bleaching applications. However, the effect of both staining and bleaching on the same composite specimens is an issue that needs to be investigated. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the surface microhardness, roughness and color changes (ΔE) of 2 different composite resins after staining and bleaching. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A microhybrid and a nanohybrid composite were used in the study. One hundred and fifty specimens were prepared from each composite. The specimens were divided into 5 groups and stained for 30 days with tea, coffee, cola, red wine, or distilled water (control). Subsequently, each group was divided into 3 subgroups. Each subgroup received a 14-day application of Opalescence™ Boost, Opalescence PF or VivaStyle® Paint On Plus bleaching materials. The color as well as surface microhardness and roughness of all specimens were determined at baseline, after staining and after bleaching. Data was analyzed using the repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni method. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease was observed in the surface microhardness of the microhybrid composite specimens after bleaching (p < 0.05).The highest ΔE values were observed in the red wine groups for both composite resins. CONCLUSIONS: Staining and bleaching may affect surface properties and color, depending on the type, filler and matrix content of the composite resin.

Is systemic isotretinoin use a risk factor for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

AIM: To investigate whether acne treatment agent systemic isotretinoin causes susceptibility to COVID-19 disease. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Patients admitted to a single center due to acne between March 2020 and December 2020 were included. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of acne patients receiving systemic isotretinoin or topical treatments. The patients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were recorded. RESULTS: 302 patients who used isotretinoin and 329 patients who used topical treatment were included in the study. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of age (p = 0.151). It was found that of the 302 patients who used isotretinoin, 33 had PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 and two of these had PCR positivity, while of the 329 patients who received topical treatment, 45 had PCR test and five of these had PCR positivity. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of having SARS-CoV-2 positivity with PCR (p = 0.692). CONCLUSION: Susceptibility to COVID-19 disease was not observed in patients using systemic isotretinoin.

Investigation of the relationship between alopecia areata and inflammatory blood parameters.

AIM: Alopecia areata (AA) is an inflammatory condition that causes regional shedding without scarring on the hair or eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard. In studies conducted, it has been concluded that platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and mean platelet volume (MPV) are significant indicators of systemic inflammation in various diseases. In the present study, our aim was to examine these parameters in AA patients and to investigate their relationship with the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 135 AA patients and 135 healthy controls who did not have any systemic, inflammatory, infectious, or autoimmune diseases were included in this study. Demographic characteristics and complete blood count (CBC) results were analyzed retrospectively and recorded, and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: PLR, NLR, and MPV values were not differ between AA patients and the control group. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that PLR, NLR, and MPV values are not convenient parameters to show inflammatory response in AA.

MiR-4484 Acts as a Potential Saliva Biomarker for Early Detection of Peri-implantitis.

PURPOSE: Peri-implantitis, a potentially progressive disease that occurs in patients with dental implants, is more aggressive than periodontal lesions, which makes the prevention of peri-implantitis an important priority. Due to problems in the early detection of peri-implantitis, there is an urgent need for discovering novel biologic molecules with the ability of early diagnosis. The goal of this study was to profile the microRNA content of saliva samples collected from patients with titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy dental implants who experienced peri-implantitis and to find potential diagnostic markers for detection of this disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The microRNA expression profiles of eight saliva samples (four collected from patients with peri-implantitis, four collected from patients who have successful implants) were investigated, and the deregulation of select microRNAs was further confirmed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The expressions of 179 microRNAs were found as deregulated in the saliva of peri-implantitis patients in comparison to controls. Then, downregulation of miR-4484 was confirmed in the saliva of peri-implantitis patients in a larger validation cohort. Also, 40% of non-peri-implantitis patients and 78% of peri-implantitis patients had significantly decreased miR-4484 expression in saliva samples collected after 4 to 6 months subsequent to implant placement compared with samples collected before implant placement. CONCLUSION: Considering these findings, microRNA content of saliva might be proposed as a plausible source for the early diagnosis of peri-implantitis, where miR-4484 might serve as an encouraging early diagnostic biomarker.

Annual pattern and clinical characteristics of herpes zoster in immunocompetent children in a rural area.

This study aims to investigate the clinical signs, symptoms, complications and seasonal distribution of herpes zoster for otherwise healthy children and to demonstrate the outcome of varicella vaccinations on the herpes zoster incidence in a pediatric population. A retrospective study was conducted by using the data of the pediatric patients who were referred to two rural cities of Turkey, clinically diagnosed as Herpes Zoster (HZ). All participants were evaluated for clinical-epidemiological factors, signs, symptoms, complications and varicella vaccination status for HZ. This study was comprised of 69 pediatric patients (29 [42%] female and 40 [58%] male) who were diagnosed with HZ. The mean age was 10.57 (6 months-17) years old. The rash of HZ mostly appeared on the thoracic dermatome as seen in 29 patients. The findings revealed that among 56 unvaccinated patients of all, 25 (44.6%) had a painful rash, in comparison among vaccinated patients none reported pain as the characterization of shingles (P = .001). Annual distribution of cases showed two peaks (March and September), whereas in August no cases were detected. Of all participants, one patient had postherpetic neuralgia, who also had ophthalmic dermatomal involvement, and this was the only complication observed in this study cohort. In immunocompetent children, the most common involvement site was the thoracic dermatome. Our findings show that varicella vaccination has a protective role in the herpes zoster clinic, both by decreasing the prevalence and by making the infection course less severe.

The course of COVID-19 in patients with Behçet's disease.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency and clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with Behçet's disease (BD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included patients diagnosed with BD according to the International Study Group for BD criteria who were being followed up in the Dermatology and Rheumatology clinics. Patients who applied to Rheumatology and Dermatology clinics and were not diagnosed with any rheumatological disease were taken as the control group. The medical records of the patients were examined retrospectively. A record was made of age, gender, additional systemic disease, for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), colchicine treatment dose, whether or not a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was performed, disease course in patients diagnosed with COVID-19, length of stay in hospital, and the need or not for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. RESULTS: Evaluation was made of 203 BD patients and a control group of 200 individuals. No difference was determined between the groups in respect of age and gender (respectively p = 0.348, p = 0.828). A polymerase chain reaction test for the SARS-CoV-2 was applied to 56 patients in the BD group, and 18 were reported positive, and to 80 subjects in the control group, of which 32 were determined positive. No difference was determined between the groups in terms of PCR test positivity (p = 0.321). No significant difference was determined between the groups in length of stay in hospital, lung involvement, ICU admissions, and mortality rates (respectively p = 0.684, p = 1.000, p = 0.503, p = 1.000). In the BD patient group, in all the parameters there was no significant difference between those who were positive or negative for COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed no increased risk for BD patients compared to the normal population in respect of the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection, length of hospital stay, lung involvement, ICU admission and mortality.

Evaluation of the correlation between scales determining disease severity in patients with moderate-severe chronic plaque-type psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic erythematous-squamous disease. The results of studies related with the correlation between methods used in determining disease severity are contradictory. AIMS: The aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate the correlation between Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and body surface area (BSA) involvement which are used to determine psoriasis severity and which are evaluated by the physician and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) which are evaluated by the patients. METHODS: Demographic data, PASI, BSA, DLQI, and PDI values of the patients were recorded. The correlation between the scales was evaluated. RESULTS: 51 patients, 11 female (21.6%) and 40 male (78.4%), were included in the study. Average age was found as 44.76 ± 11.14, while average disease duration was found as 20.74 ± 7.94. Average PASI, BSA, DLQI and PDI values were found as 17.27 ± 7.49, 33.90 ± 13.87, 15.09 ± 7.48, 23.58 ± 10.20, respectively. In the evaluation of the correlation between the scales, while PASI was found to be correlated with BSA involvement (r = 0.780 P = .000), DLQI and PDI were not found to be correlated. On the other hand, correlation was also found between DLQI and PDI (r = 0.641 P = .000). CONCLUSION: There is no correlation between physical assessment methods (PASI, BSA) and quality of life scales (DLQI, PDI).

An evaluation of surface roughness after staining of different composite resins using atomic force microscopy and a profilometer.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the surface roughness of different composite resins using atomic force microscope (AFM) and a profilometer after storage in different solutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight different composite resins were used in this study. Twenty specimens of each composite resin material were prepared using a 2-mm thick and 8-mm diameter stainless steel mold. After the composites had been placed in the mold, they were polymerized with a LED curing unit. The surfaces of all specimens were polished using aluminum oxide discs, and the specimens were then divided into four groups. The specimens in the experimental groups were stored in cola, coffee, or red wine, while the control group was stored in distilled water. Specimen surface roughness was examined after 30 days using an AFM and a profilometer, and the data obtained were subjected to analysis. RESULTS: Evaluation of the surface roughness of composite resins using a profilometer revealed no statistically significant difference between the groups, but significant differences were found using the AFM. The mean surface roughness of nanohybrid composites was lower than that of microhybrid composites. CONCLUSIONS: The surface roughness of the composite resins varies with storage in different solutions, depending on the organic matrix structure and inorganic fillers of the resin.

Assessment of Life Quality Index and Treatment Efficacy in Psoriasis Vulgaris Patients Receiving Biologic Therapies in a Turkish Population.

The introduction of biologic therapy has resulted in a major change in treatment efficacies, especially in conventional treatment-resistant psoriasis patients. This study is to assess the efficacy of biologic agents in conventional treatment-resistant patients regarding Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) after therapy. Patients were monitored prospectively for 24 weeks after the initiation of etanercept, adalimumab, or ustekinumab therapy. PASI 75/90/100 responses and the number of patients with 0/1 DLQI score were compared. In the patients who used etanercept, adalimumab, and ustekinumab therapies, PASI 75 responses were found as 61.5%, 57.9%, and 84.6%, respectively, in the 12th week, while they were found as 72.7%, 76.9%, and 90.9% in the 24th week, and no statistically significant difference was found between the three groups (P > 0.05). The percentage of patients who had a DLQI score of 0 and 1 were 30.8%, 42.1%, and 38.5% in the 12th week (P = 0.92) and 36.4%, 61.5%, and 45.5% in the 24th week (P > 0.45) for etanercept, adalimumab, and ustekinumab therapies, respectively. As a result, no significant differences were found between biologic agents concerning improvement in both clinical response (PASI and VYA) and quality of life (DLQI and PDI).

Effect of Super-Bond C&B and self-adhesive dual-cured resin cement on the fracture resistance of roots with vertical root fracture.

Background. Vertical root fracture might occur during root canal preparation, obturation, post procedures or endodontic treatment. Methods. Fifty-four single-rooted human teeth were decoronated to obtain a standardized length. The root canals were enlarged up to #50 and obturated with gutta-percha and root canal sealer. Eighteen teeth were used as a control group, and vertical root fracture was induced in the remaining teeth. The samples were randomly divided into three groups, as follows: control group (without vertical root fracture), Super-Bond C&B group (fragments were attached with Super-Bond C&B), and self-adhesive dual-cured resin cement group (fragments were attached with self-adhesive dual-cured resin cement). Each specimen was subjected to a fracture resistance test, and data were statistically analyzed using chi-squared test, one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests (P=0.05). Results. The fracture resistance values of the control and Super-Bond C&B groups were higher than those of the self-adhesive dual-cured resin cement group (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the control and Super-Bond C&B groups (P>0.05). Conclusion. Within the limitations of the present study, Super-Bond C&B was beneficial in obtaining higher fracture resistance in endodontically treated roots with vertical root fracture.

Hidradenitis suppurativa: Clinical characteristics and determinants of treatment efficacy.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that causes a significant decline in quality of life. There are numerous treatment options; however, real-life data on the efficacy of these treatments is limited. This study was performed in two centers to describe clinical characteristics and assess treatment outcome in a cohort of 139 patients with HS. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics, Hurley stage and comorbidities were collected from patient charts and evaluated retrospectively. Treatment response was measured with HS clinical response index (HISCR). Mean body mass index was 27.8±4.88. Inflammatory comorbidities were present in 23%. Among first-line drugs systemic doxycycline resulted in 60% HISCR followed by rifampicin-clindamycin combination (46.4%). Isotretinoin had the lowest HISCR (30.7%) in this group. For second-line therapies, all acitretin treated patients achieved response and patients treated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors had the highest HISCR. Currently recommended first-line therapies have moderate efficacy in HS. Acitretin appears to be a reasonable alternative for the highly effective TNF-α inhibitors in patients with severe and resistant HS. Overall, these results support that excessive inflammatory response play an important role in pathogenesis of HS.

Comparison of temperature change among different adhesive resin cement during polymerization process.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the intra-pulpal temperature changes in adhesive resin cements during polymerization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentin surface was prepared with extracted human mandibular third molars. Adhesive resin cements (Panavia F 2.0, Panavia SA, and RelyX U200) were applied to the dentin surface and polymerized under IPS e.max Press restoration. K-type thermocouple wire was positioned in the pulpal chamber to measure temperature change (n = 7). The temperature data were recorded (0.0001 sensible) and stored on a computer every 0.1 second for sixteen minutes. Differences between the baseline temperature and temperatures of various time points (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 minute) were determined and mean temperature changes were calculated. At various time intervals, the differences in temperature values among the adhesive resin cements were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey honestly test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were found among the time points and resin cements (P < 0.05). Temperature values of the Pan SA group were significantly higher than Pan F and RelyX (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Result of the study on self-adhesive and self-etch adhesive resin cements exhibited a safety intra-pulpal temperature change.