Talonavicular-cuneiform arthrodesis in the management of Mueller-Weiss Syndrome: a retrospective case series.

Mueller-Weiss Syndrome (MWS), characterized by spontaneous adult-onset tarsal navicular osteonecrosis, is an uncommon cause of chronic midfoot pain that can lead to functional impairment and progressive deformities. This study aimed to present clinical and radiological outcomes of talonavicular-cuneiform (TNC) arthrodesis in the treatment of patients with MWS. A retrospective study was performed on 8 consecutive patients (6 female, 2 male; mean age = 50 years; range = 33-64) who underwent TNC arthrodesis using plate fixation with autologous bone grafting for the treatment of MWS. To evaluate clinical status, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Midfoot Score was performed immediately preoperatively and at the final follow-up. In radiographic evaluation, talus-first metatarsal angle (Meary's angle) was measured preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Solid fusion was also examined on postoperative radiographs and computerised tomography. The mean follow-up was 35 months (range = 24-52). The mean AOFAS improved from 37 (range = 24-53) preoperatively to 85 (range = 80-93) at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). No major intra- operative complications were observed in any of the patients. According to the Maceira and Rochera radiological staging system, 5 feet was stage 3, and 3 feet was stage 4. The mean union time was 10 months (range = 5-15). Radiographic solid fusion was achieved in all but one foot that developed talonavicular non-union. TNC arthrodesis using plate fixation with autologous bone grafting seems to be an effective surgical method for reconstruction of MWS.

Involved-site Radiotherapy Delineation Dilemmas in the Treatment of Adult Hodgkin Lymphoma: Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology Hematological Oncology, Pediatric Oncology and TBI Study Group Case-based Questionnaire Review (TROD 03-005).

AIMS: The International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group (ILROG) defined involved-site radiotherapy (ISRT) guidelines. These rules offer a certain variability that allows for autonomous decision-making in diverse clinical settings. However, this flexibility also gives rise to conflicts about the selection of treatment fields in the daily decision-making process. The aim of this study was to show the extent of interobserver variability when ILROG-ISRT recommendations were used in different clinical scenarios. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 10-question survey used in our study consisted of two parts (part A and part B) and was prepared by four senior radiation oncologists experienced in the haemato-oncology field. The results were presented by stratifying according to clinical experience (<10 years, ≥10 years). Binomial tests (one-sided) were conducted to assess whether answers for each group and the whole group reached a consensus. RESULTS: Twenty-six radiation oncologists, 13 of whom had less than 10 years of experience and 13 seniors, participated in the survey. Eighty per cent of respondents thought ILROG did not bring sufficient solutions for all clinical scenarios but offered solutions in some cases. In different case-based scenarios, the consensus among the respondents decreased down to 38%. Senior radiation oncologists were found to have more doubts about the adequacy of current guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: ILROG guidelines allow for a high degree of variability in real-life clinical scenarios and different interpretation of the recommendations may lead to increased toxicity and recurrences. Therefore, there is a need for refinement in ISRT delineation strategies. On behalf of the Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology Hematological Oncology, Pediatric Oncology and TBI Study Group, we are planning to carry out further educational contouring sessions to detect the interobserver variability in real-life contouring cases.

Bacterial MgSe complex nanoparticle synthesis and electrical characterization of fabricated Ag/MgSe/p-Si hetero-structure under dark and illumination.

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa OG1 strain was used in the bacterial synthesis of MgSe compound nanoparticles. The obtained samples were subsequently shaped into nanocrystalline MgSe films, and their optical, structural, morphological, and electrical properties were assessed on glass and p-Si substrates. Structural and morphological characterizations showed that the fabricated thin film samples have a polycrystalline structure with high quality and uniform grain sizes. The MgSe films produced on glass substrates exhibit a direct spectral band gap of 2.53 eV, according to optical measurements. The Ag/MgSe/p-Si layered diode structure was fabricated using the produced MgSe nanoparticles and then characterized by electrical properties. Electrical measurements were carried out under these two conditions to assess the effects of dark and illumination conditions on the band dynamics of the heterostructure devices. Under illumination, the barrier height decreased while the interface density states distribution increased. These measurements showed that using bacterial-assisted grown MgSe nanocrystalline films, the developed Ag/MgSe/p-Si device structure exhibited a remarkable photoresponse and stable rectifying property. Green synthesis methods for the production of these nanocrystalline materials have the potential to offer low-cost alternatives for photosensitive applications.

Radiosensitising Effects of Metformin Added to Concomitant Chemoradiotherapy with Cisplatin in Cervical Cancer.

AIMS: The role of metformin on the radiosensitising effect of cisplatin is not clear. Here we investigated the radiosensitising effect of metformin alone and combined with cisplatin in HeLa cells, as well as the implications of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway on the radiosensitising effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HeLa cells were treated with ionising radiation, metformin, cisplatin, A769662 (AMPK activator) and dorsomorphin (AMPK inhibitor) or in combination. A cell proliferation assay, Western blot and flow cytometry were carried out. RESULTS: Metformin potentiated cisplatin cytotoxicity when administered 4 h before ionising radiation. Although the radiosensitising effects of metformin and cisplatin alone were observed, which is more apparent at high ionising radiation doses, the metformin-cisplatin combination did not increase the radiosensitivity of cisplatin at any ionising radiation dose. Dorsomorphin alone significantly decreased cell proliferation and potentiated the radiosensitising effects of cisplatin with ionising radiation. Administration of A769662 24 h prior to cisplatin treatment resulted in an increased AMPK level that yielded resistance to cisplatin, but this effect was not observed in HeLa cells concomitantly treated with A769662 and cisplatin. CONCLUSIONS: Modulation of AMPK may have a role in cervical cancer treatment. Increased AMPK levels result in higher sensitivity to ionising radiation but causes resistance to cisplatin. Dorsomorphin is proven to be a potent radiosensitising agent. The use of metformin alone may be an option as a radiosensitiser during high-dose ionising radiation (e.g. intracavitary brachytherapy).

Evaluating the effect of tumor size and sidedness on prognosis in stage 2 colon cancer: a retrospective population study.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of tumor size and tumor sidedness on prognosis in patients with stage 2 colon cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of 501 patients diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer were evaluated retrospectively. It was evaluated whether the patients' age, gender, tumor differentiation, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, overall survival rate, and disease-free survival rate had any correlation with horizontal tumor diameter and tumor sidedness. In the ROC analysis performed to determine the cut-off value for the tumor diameter, which we think will predict survival, no significant results were obtained with maximum sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the median value of the tumor diameter, which is 5 cm, was accepted as the cut-off value.  Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used for survival analysis and determination of prognostic factors. RESULTS: When the patients were evaluated in terms of tumor localization, 189 (37.7%) patients had right colon tumors and 312 (62.3%) patients had left colon tumors. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival according to tumor localization. When the patients were analyzed by dividing them into two groups according to the horizontal tumor size (<5 cm and ≥5 cm), no statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) p=0.085, p=0.699, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the management of patients with stage 2 colon cancer requires a better understanding of tumor biology rather than features such as tumor size and localization.

Factors affecting prognosis and treatment strategies in metastatic soft tissue sarcomas: twenty years of experience.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to reveal the general clinicopathological features, treatment features, and factors that could predict overall survival in metastatic soft tissue sarcomas, a very rare and heterogeneous disease group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort study. Patients monitored with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma between January 2001 and January 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients aged 18 years and over, histopathologically diagnosed with metastatic STS, and unsuitable for operations, such as local curative surgery or metastasectomy, were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 179 patients in the metastatic stage and monitored in our center were included in the study. The median follow-up period was 8.4 months (IQR, 3.4-14.4). 58 (32.4%) patients were de-novo metastatic, and 121 (67.6%) patients developed metastasis later. The median age was 53.2 (Range: 18.8-87.6 years), and 101 (56.4%) patients were male. The most common primary location was the lower extremity (87) (48.6%). The most common histological subtypes were synovial sarcoma (38) (21.2%), pleomorphic sarcoma (37) (20.7%), and liposarcoma (26) (14.5%). The majority were grade 3 tumors (n=131, 73.2%). Having ECOG PS 2-3 (HR=2.829, 95% CI 1,667-4.800, p<0.001), having tumor grade as 3 (HR=1.748, 95% CI 1.150-2.656, p<0.009), receiving palliative chemotherapy (HR=0.294, 95% CI 0.144-0.600, p<0.001), and receiving two or more lines of chemotherapy among those palliative receivers (HR=2.505 95% CI 1.696-3.700, p<0.001) were independent predictive factors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Survival in metastatic soft tissue sarcoma is better in patients with good ECOG performance status, low tumor grades, and who have received palliative chemotherapy. Receiving more than one line of palliative systemic treatment for progressive disease improves survival.

Treatment options after regorafenib failure in metastatic colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: In the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), there is a need for a treatment option in patients who have received regorafenib (RGR) therapy and progressed, especially in patients fit enough to receive a new therapy. We aimed to compare the role of rechallenge chemotherapy (RCH CTx) with best supportive care (BSC) in mCRC patients after standard CTx and subsequent RGR treatment in terms of survival benefit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with progressive mCRC who received at least one month of subsequent RGR therapy after standard CTx treatments were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: receiving RCH CTx or BSC (without antitumoural therapy) after RGR failure. There were 26 patients in the RCH CTx group and 30 patients in the BSC group. The RCH CTx and BSC groups were compared for demographic and clinical features, laboratory parameters, and survival rates. RESULTS: After the RGR failure, the median overall survival (OS) for the RCH CTx (n = 26) and BSC (n = 30) groups were 7.5 (95% CI, 6.3-8.7) months and 1.2 (95% CI, 0.9-1.5) months, respectively (p < 0.001). The median OS was 7.5 (95% CI, 6.3-8.7) months for the RCH CTx (n = 26) and 1.4 (95% CI, 0.3-2.4) months for the BSC (n = 14) groups when only the patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) ≤ 2 at progression with RGR treatment were compared, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After the RGR failure, mCRC patients, especially those with a better ECOG-PS (≤ 2) and adequate organ function, should be considered candidates for RCH CTx instead of BSC.

The Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Basal Metabolism Rate in Patients with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the effect of the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on basal metabolism rate (BMR) in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). Methods: Demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) and smoking history of the patients were recorded. Basal metabolism rate was measured via indirect calorimetry in the morning following nights of polysomnography and CPAP titration. Basal metabolism rate, oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide output (VCO2) levels were compared before and after CPAP administration. Results: A total of 25 patients with a mean age of 51.4 ± 13.7 years were included in the study: 6 (24%) female and 19 (76%) male. A significant reduction in the BMR (p = 0.049), VO2 (p = 0.042) and VCO2 (p = 0.008) values were observed after a single night administration of CPAP as compared to before treatment. Furthermore, it was detected that this reduction provided by CPAP treatment was more significant in current smokers, patients with AHI > 60 and BMI ≥ 30. Conclusion: It is suggested that there is a correlation between BMR and the severity of OSAS, and it is possible to provide a significant reduction in BMR with single night administration of CPAP depending on the patient's smoking history, degree of obesity and disease severity.

Economic burden of severe asthma in Turkey: a cost of illness study from payer perspective.

Summary: Objective. To estimate economic burden of severe asthma in Turkey from payer perspective based on expert panel opinion on practice patterns in clinical practice. Methods. This cost of illness study was based on identification of per patient annual direct medical costs for the management of sever easthma in Turkey from payer perspective. Average per patient direct medical cost was calculated based on cost items related to outpatient visits, laboratory and radiological tests, hospitalizations and interventions, drug treatment and equipment, and co-morbidities/complications. Results. Based on total annual per patient costs calculated for outpatient admission ($ 177.91), laboratory and radiological tests ($ 82.32), hospitalizations/interventions ($ 1,154.55), drug treatment/equipment ($ 2,289.63) and co-morbidities ($ 665.39) cost items, total per patient annual direct medical costrelated to management of severe asthma was calculated to be $ 4,369.76 from payer perspective. Drug treatment/equipment (52.4%) was the main cost driver in the management of severe asthma in Turkey, as followed by hospitalizations/interventions (26.4%) and co-morbidities (15.2%). Conclusions. In conclusion, our findings indicate that managing patients with severe asthma pose a considerable burden to health economics in Turkey, with medications as the main cost driver.

Malignancy and Pulmonary Thromboembolism: Comparison of Symptomatic Cases with the Incidental Ones

ABSTRACT Objective: The use of advanced techniques of computed tomography (CT) has resulted in increased incidentally detected pulmonary embolism in oncology patients undergoing routine cancer staging CT scans. The aim of this study was to compare the symptomatic and incidental pulmonary emboli cases in oncologic patients. Methods: The medical data of the patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism (ICD: I.26) and had an underlying malignancy were evaluated retrospectively from their hospital records between the years of 2009 and 2013. The results of their right ventricle dilatations were evaluated from the thorax CT. Results: There were 38 women (44.2%) and 48 men (55.8%), totalling 86 patients. Their mean age was 61.7 ± 11.9 years and the median duration of their follow-up was 6 months. Their most common underlying malignancies were gastrointestinal (29.4%), lung (22.4%), genitourinary (21.2%) and breast cancers (10.6%). Their pulmonary thromboembolism was diagnosed incidentally on routine control thorax CT in 39 of the cases (45.3%). When the incidental cases were compared with the symptomatic ones, no statistically significant difference was found with respect to the type of malignancy, history of chemotherapy, the presence of metastasis and evidence of septum flattening on the thorax CT. The presence of bilateral thrombus was found to be increased in the symptomatic cases compared with the incidental ones and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.026). It was found that the right ventricle/left ventricle ratio was significantly higher in symptomatic cases (p = 0.03) than in the incidental ones. Conclusion: A considerable number of pulmonary thromboemboli episodes could be asymptomatic in malignant patients. It is suggested that the submassive clinical course and preserved right ventricle functions could be the reason for the asymptomatic events.

Upregulation of virulence genes promotes Vibrio cholerae biofilm hyperinfectivity.

Vibrio cholerae remains a major global health threat, disproportionately impacting parts of the world without adequate infrastructure and sanitation resources. In aquatic environments, V. cholerae exists both as planktonic cells and as biofilms, which are held together by an extracellular matrix. V. cholerae biofilms have been shown to be hyperinfective, but the mechanism of hyperinfectivity is unclear. Here we show that biofilm-grown cells, irrespective of the surfaces on which they are formed, are able to markedly outcompete planktonic-grown cells in the infant mouse. Using an imaging technique designed to render intestinal tissue optically transparent and preserve the spatial integrity of infected intestines, we reveal and compare three-dimensional V. cholerae colonization patterns of planktonic-grown and biofilm-grown cells. Quantitative image analyses show that V. cholerae colonizes mainly the medial portion of the small intestine and that both the abundance and localization patterns of biofilm-grown cells differ from that of planktonic-grown cells. In vitro biofilm-grown cells activate expression of the virulence cascade, including the toxin coregulated pilus (TCP), and are able to acquire the cholera toxin-carrying CTXФ phage. Overall, virulence factor gene expression is also higher in vivo when infected with biofilm-grown cells, and modulation of their regulation is sufficient to cause the biofilm hyperinfectivity phenotype. Together, these results indicate that the altered biogeography of biofilm-grown cells and their enhanced production of virulence factors in the intestine underpin the biofilm hyperinfectivity phenotype.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy for non-metastatic bone and soft tissue sarcomas.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of hypofractionated radiotherapy in non-metastatic soft tissue and bone sarcomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients underwent hypofractionated radiotherapy between 2007 and 2015. Overall, 17 patients underwent primary hypofractionated radiotherapy, nine underwent hypofractionated radiotherapy for reirradiation, and four received a boost dose via hypofractionated radiotherapy after external beam radiotherapy. Most common disease sites were head and neck and retroperitoneum. Hypofractionated radiotherapy was administered with a definitive, adjuvant, or neoadjuvant intent. RESULTS: Median age was 37 years (range: 11-82 years). Median hypofractionated radiotherapy dose was 35Gy (range: 20-50Gy) in three to five fractions. Median follow-up was 21 months (range: 1-108 months). One- and 2-year overall survival rate was 75% and 52%, respectively. One- and 2-year local recurrence-free survival rate was 59% and 48%, with local recurrence rates of 16% and 33% in 1 and 2 years, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed tumour size (P=0.04), hypofractionated radiotherapy intent (P=0.016) and reirradiation (P=0.001) as prognostic factors for local recurrence-free survival. Severe late toxicity was observed in one patient as grade 3 trismus. CONCLUSION: Hypofractionated radiotherapy as the primary treatment or for reirradiation has been shown to be safe in the treatment of bone and soft tissue sarcomas. It can provide relatively good local control and survival rates.

Current-driven coherent skyrmion generation.

The next-generation logic and memory devices using magnetic skyrmions as spintronic information carriers are frequently studied, thanks to their remarkable magnetic stability, extremely compact size and very-low-cost driving forces within nanotracks. In order to realize skyrmion-based spintronic devices, understanding the skyrmion generation and their dynamics are essential. In this study, we have carried out a systematic micromagnetic simulation study on coherent magnetic skyrmion generation in which we theoretically engineered nanotracks by embedding an anti-notch to a channel of certain width. We found that the drift velocity and the skyrmion generation frequency can be tailored by the applied spin-polarized DC current density. Moreover, skyrmion generation is crucially affected by both damping and nonadiabaticity parameters, as well as the geometry of the anti-notch. We anticipate that our predictions provide rational basis for skyrmion-based devices in which skyrmions are used as information carriers, and influence future discussions.

Traumatic Facial and Vestibulocochlear Nerve Injury in The Internal Acoustic Canal in The Absence of A Temporal Bone Fracture.

We present a rare case of traumatic facial and vestibulocochlear nerve injury in the internal acoustic canal in the absence of a temporal bone fracture. A 2.5-year-old female presented with sudden-onset left-sided facial paralysis and ipsilateral total hearing loss after being hit by a falling television. High-resolution computed tomography revealed an occipital fracture line that spared the temporal bone and otic capsule. Diagnostic auditory brainstem response testing showed that wave V at 90-db normal hearing level was absent in the left ear. Needle electromyography revealed severe axonal injury. Facial paralysis regressed to House-Brackmann grade IV 9 months after the trauma, and no surgical intervention was scheduled. Traumatic facial and vestibulocochlear nerve injury can occur in the absence of a temporal bone fracture. Thus, careful evaluation of the internal acoustic canal is mandatory if concurrent 7th and 8th cranial nerve paralyses exist with no visible fracture line.

Modulation of Cerebellar-Cortical Connections in Multiple System Atrophy Type C by Cerebellar Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims at modulating the altered cerebellar-cortical interactions in patients with multiple system atrophy-cerebellar subtype (MSA-C) by using cerebellar repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). We hypothesized that cerebellar modulation by low-frequency rTMS can resolve the abnormal cortical excitability in multiple system atrophy cerebellar subtype. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied detailed effects of rTMS of the cerebellum on reaction time (RT) and short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) response in MSA-C group, Alzheimer Disease (AD) group, and a control group of healthy individuals. The RT and SAI responses were measured before and after 1 Hz cerebellar rTMS in all groups. The study was conducted in the neurophysiology laboratory in Hacettepe University Hospital. RESULTS: Our results indicated that motor cortex disinhibition was predominant in patients with AD and MSA-C. In AD and control groups, there were no changes in SAI after rTMS. However, after application of rTMS over the cerebellum in MSA-C patients, the pathological disinhibition and RT results showed an improvement compared to their previous results. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights that cerebellar rTMS impairs abnormal cerebellar-cortical inhibitory connections in case of MSA-C.

Laser-driven formation of transient local ferromagnetism in FeRh thin films.

The antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition in FeRh can be induced globally by either heating the material above its phase transition temperature or applying a combination of external stimuli (such as mechanical strain, electric/magnetic fields) on the material preheated close to its transition temperature. On the other hand, to locally induce this phase transition is more desirable for applications and requires a confined source of energy such as a focused laser beam. Here we combine laser excitation with X-ray magnetic imaging to determine the effect of laser heating on the local and transient magnetization of FeRh using time-resolved photoelectron emission microscopy. Excitation by an ultrashort laser pulse generates a local ferromagnetic state within 0.6ns which recovers its initial antiferromagnetic state after a further 2ns. The form of the domains during the growth and diminution of ferromagnetic ordering suggests an intrinsic speed limit for magnetic and structural changes.

The effect of nebulised magnesium sulphate in the management of childhood moderate asthma exacerbations as adjuvant treatment

BACKGROUND: After the bronchodilator effect of magnesium was shown, the use of magnesium in treatment of asthma exacerbations became common. With the results of recent studies, the use of intravenous magnesium in severe asthma exacerbations took its place. We aimed to examine the effects of adding isotonic magnesium sulphate instead of isotonic saline into nebulised salbutamol on the Modified Pulmonary Index Score (MPIS) and the hospitalisation rate in moderate asthma exacerbations. METHODS: Our study population included 100 children age between 3 and 15 years with asthma admitted to emergency department due to moderate asthma exacerbations. The patients were randomised to placebo or magnesium, with 50 patients in each arm. All patients received 1mg/kg of systemic methylprednisolone at the beginning of treatment and thereafter received either nebulised salbutamol (0.15mg/kg/dose) and 1ml magnesium sulphate (15%)+1.5ml isotonic saline on three occasions at roughly 20min intervals (Magnesium group) or nebulised salbutamol (0.15mg/kg/dose) and 2.5ml isotonic saline mixture on three occasions at roughly 20min intervals (Placebo group). The MPIS of patients on 0th min, 20th min, 40th and 120th min were calculated and compared. The primary outcome was to compare MPIS values at the end of 120th min. RESULTS: Both groups have similar demographic, allergic characteristics and baseline MPIS scores. When the MPIS scores in the 120th min and admission rates in the 200th min, there was no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of nebulised magnesium sulphate in moderate asthma exacerbation as adjuvant treatment showed no benefit to standard treatment in our study

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The effect of nebulised magnesium sulphate in the management of childhood moderate asthma exacerbations as adjuvant treatment.

BACKGROUND: After the bronchodilator effect of magnesium was shown, the use of magnesium in treatment of asthma exacerbations became common. With the results of recent studies, the use of intravenous magnesium in severe asthma exacerbations took its place. We aimed to examine the effects of adding isotonic magnesium sulphate instead of isotonic saline into nebulised salbutamol on the Modified Pulmonary Index Score (MPIS) and the hospitalisation rate in moderate asthma exacerbations. METHODS: Our study population included 100 children age between 3 and 15 years with asthma admitted to emergency department due to moderate asthma exacerbations. The patients were randomised to placebo or magnesium, with 50 patients in each arm. All patients received 1mg/kg of systemic methylprednisolone at the beginning of treatment and thereafter received either nebulised salbutamol (0.15mg/kg/dose) and 1ml magnesium sulphate (15%)+1.5ml isotonic saline on three occasions at roughly 20min intervals (Magnesium group) or nebulised salbutamol (0.15mg/kg/dose) and 2.5ml isotonic saline mixture on three occasions at roughly 20min intervals (Placebo group). The MPIS of patients on 0th min, 20th min, 40th and 120th min were calculated and compared. The primary outcome was to compare MPIS values at the end of 120th min. RESULTS: Both groups have similar demographic, allergic characteristics and baseline MPIS scores. When the MPIS scores in the 120th min and admission rates in the 200th min, there was no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of nebulised magnesium sulphate in moderate asthma exacerbation as adjuvant treatment showed no benefit to standard treatment in our study.

Assessment of concomitant versus sequential trastuzumab on radiation-induced cardiovascular toxicity.

There are limited data regarding effect of trastuzumab on radiation-induced cardiovascular toxicity when used sequentially or concomitantly. This experimental study aims to investigate effect of trastuzumab on radiation-induced cardiovascular toxicity with respect to the treatment sequence. One hundred and eight female Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups (G): G1 was control, G2 was trastuzumab, and G3 was radiotherapy (RT); G4 and G6 were sequential RT and trastuzumab; and G5 was concomitant RT and trastuzumab groups, respectively. Rats were killed at 6th h, 21st and 70th days after RT; thoracic aorta and heart samples were obtained. Transthoracic echocardiography and functional studies evaluating relaxation of thoracic aorta were performed. Subendothelial edema scores of thoracic aorta samples at 21st and 70th days were higher in RT groups (G3, G4, G5, and G6) ( p < 0.001). There was a deterioration of relaxation responses of thoracic aorta samples in RT groups ( p < 0.001). Cardiac fibrosis (CF) scores revealed detrimental effect of RT beginning from 6th h and trastuzumab from 21st day. RT groups showed further deterioration of CF at 70th day. Ejection fraction, left ventricular mass, and fractional shortening were significantly decreased in G4, G5, and G6. Trastuzumab may increase pathological damage in cardiovascular structures when used with RT regardless of timing.