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OBJECTIVES: The pathogenesis of oral cavity cancers is complex. We tested the hypothesis that oral microbiota dysbiosis is associated with oral cavity cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with primary oral cavity cancer who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Matching healthy individuals were recruited as controls. Data on socio-demographic and behavioral factors, self-reported periodontal measures and habits, and current dental status were collected using a structured questionnaire and periodontal chartings. In addition to self-reported oral health measures, each participant received a standard and detailed clinical examination. DNA was extracted from saliva samples from patients and healthy controls. Next-generation sequencing was performed by targeting V3-V4 gene regions of the 16 S rRNA with subsequent bioinformatic analyses. RESULTS: Patients with oral cavity cancers had a lower quality of oral health than healthy controls. Proteobacteria, Aggregatibacter, Haemophilus, and Neisseria decreased, while Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Lactobacillus, Gemella, and Fusobacteria increased in oral cancer patients. At the species level, C. durum, L. umeaens, N. subflava, A. massiliensis, and V. dispar were significantly lower, while G. haemolysans was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Major periodontopathogens associated with periodontal disease (P. gingivalis and F.nucleatum) increased 6.5- and 2.8-fold, respectively. CONCLUSION: These data suggested that patients with oral cancer had worse oral health conditions and a distinct oral microbiome composition that is affected by personal daily habits and may be associated with the pathogenicity of the disease and interspecies interactions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This paper demonstrates the link between oral bacteria and oral cancers, identifying mechanistic interactions between species of oral microbiome.
Subject(s)
Dysbiosis , Mouth Neoplasms , Saliva , Humans , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Dysbiosis/microbiology , Mouth Neoplasms/microbiology , Saliva/microbiology , Case-Control Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Aged , Microbiota , Adult , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis , Oral HealthABSTRACT
Since the scrotum is rarely exposed to sunlight, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) development in this area is an uncommon occurrence. As result, there is a scarcity of research covering this particular presentation, which poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians. The objective of this systematic review is to provide a thorough overview of scrotal BCC, including a summary of its clinical characteristics, and microscopic subtypes. It also seeks to discuss the many techniques used in the management of this uncommon clinical presentation. Utilizing data from 1957 to October 2023, a systematic review of PubMed and Wiley Online Library was conducted to identify all cases of scrotal BCC with various presentations and managements. A total of 73 patients were included. The median patient age was 65.9 years (range 42 to 87). All studies were either case reports or case series. Our review shows that treatment with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), leads to a superior patient outcome based on anecdotal evidence in select cases. To deepen our understanding of Mohs surgery's efficacy in treating scrotal BCC, it is imperative to conduct more robust research in the form of randomized clinical trials.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Basal Cell , Mohs Surgery , Scrotum , Skin Neoplasms , Humans , Scrotum/pathology , Scrotum/surgery , Male , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/therapy , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/pathology , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/surgery , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/therapy , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/surgery , Aged , Middle Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Adult , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Background/aim: Chemical biological radiological nuclear threats are at an important point in the agenda of world health today, as they can cause mass deaths. B. mallei attracts attention as a potential biological warfare agent due to its features such as multidrug resistance, a rapid transmission mechanism via aerosol, the absence of a complete treatment protocol for the infection it causes, and the absence of an approved vaccine for protection against the bacteria. B. mallei suspect samples must be studied by experienced personnel in biosafety level III laboratories. B mallei is a difficult and troublesome pathogen to diagnose and many unknowns about B. mallei today. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the molecular differences and potential resistance genes of B mallei strains. Materials and methods: Determination of the molecular differences and potential resistance genes of B mallei strains with new bioinformatics approaches by comparatively examining the data of 29 B mallei strains, 10 of which were isolated from Türkiye, on the genome list of the National Biotechnology Information Center (NCBI). Results: According to the genome annotations of the origins, the origin containing the highest number of CDS which is 5172 was found as the 11th strain obtained in Türkiye in 1949. The origin with the highest number of pseudogenes was determined as 23,344 (China 7) origin. Two hundred and eighty-five pseudogenes found in this strain were obtained from a knee effusion in Myanmar. According to chromosome 2 data, B. mallei strain was determined as the most similar strain to ATCC 23344, line 11 with NCTC 10229 strain, and SAVP1 strain was determined as the least similar strain. When the antimicrobial resistance gene markers of the isolates included in the study were examined, amrA and amrB, qacG ade, Burkholderia pseudomallei Omp38 were found to be carrying. Conclusion: In terms of public health, it was thought that the data obtained as a result of our study about B mallei, which is defined as a biological weapon, is very valuable for creating treatment protocols to be applied to possible epidemics in the future. In addition, the available genetic epidemiological data of these strains belonging to a category that is dangerous to work with in a laboratory environment were reviewed.
Subject(s)
Burkholderia mallei , Burkholderia mallei/genetics , Humans , Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics , TurkeyABSTRACT
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an acute-onset immune-mediated polyneuropathy characterized by ascending symmetrical muscle weakness, diminished reflexes, and sensory symptoms. While GBS typically follows a monophasic course, some patients experience treatment-related fluctuations or recurrences, posing diagnostic challenges in distinguishing GBS from acute-onset chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy (A-CIDP). A-CIDP, may present acutely, simulating GBS, with a nadir in less than 8 weeks, subsequently evolving into a chronic or relapsing course. The distinction between recurrent GBS and A-CIDP is crucial, as A-CIDP necessitates long-term immunosuppression. A PubMed search was conducted using the search terms 'recurrent Guillain Barre syndrome' and 'acute onset CIDP' focusing on studies in the English language, published between January 1, 2004 and April 30, 2023. Overlapping clinical features, particularly in the early stages, complicate differentiation between recurrent GBS and CIDP. Electrophysiological studies, ultrasonography, and immunological markers have been explored for discrimination; however, definitive criteria for differentiation remain elusive. Recent follow-up studies have further blurred the boundaries between recurrent GBS and A-CIDP, suggesting the persistence of underlying immune processes even in GBS patients without clinical deterioration. This emphasizes the necessity of reevaluating diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies. In conclusion, distinguishing recurrent GBS from A-CIDP remains an ongoing challenge. Existing evidence questions the categorization of recurrent GBS as a distinct entity, challenging its very existence. Continued research is necessary to refine diagnostic criteria and deepen our understanding of these conditions, ultimately advancing patient care. This review delves into the intricacies of recurrent GBS and A-CIDP differentiation and highlights the need for a reevaluation of the recurrent GBS concept.
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can cause serious complications in immunocompromised individuals and fetuses with congenital infections. These can include neurodevelopmental impairments and congenital abnormalities in newborns. This paper emphasizes the importance of concurrently evaluating ultrasonography findings and laboratory parameters in diagnosing congenital CMV infection. To examine the prenatal characteristics of CMV DNA-positive patients, we assessed serum and amniotic fluid from 141 pregnant women aged 19-45 years, each with fetal anomalies. ELISA and PCR tests, conducted in response to these amniocentesis findings, were performed at an average gestational age of 25 weeks. Serological tests revealed that all 141 women were CMV IgG-positive, and 2 (1.41%) had low-avidity CMV IgG, suggesting a recent infection. CMV DNA was detected in 17 (12.05%) amniotic fluid samples using quantitative PCR. Of these, 82% exhibited central nervous system abnormalities. Given that most infections in pregnant women are undetectable and indicators non-specific, diagnosing primary CMV in pregnant women using clinical findings alone is challenging. We contend that serological tests should not be the sole means of diagnosing congenital CMV infection during pregnancy.
Subject(s)
Cytomegalovirus Infections , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , Pregnancy , Humans , Female , Infant, Newborn , Pregnant Women , Cytomegalovirus/genetics , Amniotic Fluid/chemistry , Immunoglobulin G , DNA, Viral/analysis , HospitalsABSTRACT
New rapid, reliable, and cost-effective alternative systems are needed for the rapid diagnosis of Streptococcus pyogenes. The aim of this study was to fabricate a microfluidic test device to detect Streptococcus pyogenes by combining the Loop-mediated isothermal amplification method via a 3D printer. Microfluidic test devices were designed in CATIA V5 Release 16 software, and data were directly transferred to a 3D printer and produced using the FDM method with biocompatible PLA filament. The S. pyogenes ATCC 19615 and different ATCC strains was used. Following identification by classical culture methods, a 0.5 McFarland suspension was prepared from the colonies, and DNA isolation was performed from this liquid by a boiling method. S. pyogenes specific speB gene was used to desing LAMP primer sets in PrimerExplorer V5 software and tested on a microfluidic device. LAMP reactions were performed on microfluidic device and on a microcentrifuge tube separately. Both results were analyzed using the culture method as the standard method to diagnostic values. Melting curve analysis of the amplicons of the LAMP reactions performed on a LightCycler 480 system to detect amplification. Among the 50 positive and 100 negative samples, only four samples were found to be false negative by LAMP reaction in a microcentrifuge tube, while eight samples were found to be false negative by LAMP reaction on a microfluidic device. Six samples were found to be false positive by the LAMP reaction in the microcentrifuge tube, while ten samples were found to be false positive by the LAMP reaction on a microfluidic chip. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the LAMP reactions performed in the microcentrifuge tube and on the microfluidic device were 92-84%, 94-90%, 88.46-80.77%, and 95.92-91.84%, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be the same as 1.5 × 102 CFU/mL and the limit of quantification (LOQ) values of the LAMP reactions were performed on the microcentrifuge tube and on the microfluidic device were 2.46 × 102-7.4 × 102 CFU/mL, respectively. Cohen's kappa (κ) values of the LAMP reactions were performed on the microcentrifuge tube and on the microfluidic device were 0.620-0.705, respectively. In conclusion, our data showed that the LAMP method can be combined with microfluidic test device to detect S. pyogenes, this microfluidic device can be manufactured using 3D printers and results are close to gold standard methods. These devices can be combined with LAMP reactions to detect different pathogens where resources are limited and rapid results are required.
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BACKGROUND: Medical education requires the implementation of different teaching methods and strategies for future doctors to achieve broad learning objectives. This wide range of methods and strategies includes the use of Information Technologies. For a long time, there was a call for a change in medical education for blending new teaching approaches to lessen medical students' class time. The COVID-19 pandemic then sped up the transition to the new way of medical education and classroom lectures were quickly moved to a virtual environment. We expect that these changes will continue, and online learning will be one of the main teaching strategies in medical education. Therefore, educational experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic will improve our understanding of online learning and will help to develop blended medical school curricula in the future. For this reason, we aimed to determine students' overall satisfaction with their online learning experience and to define the main factors affecting students' satisfaction with their online learning program at Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted to determine medical students' overall satisfaction with online learning methods and to identify factors associated with positive and negative satisfaction levels. A questionnaire, consisting of 24 questions to collect demographic characteristics, factors associated with online education experience and overall satisfaction levels was developed and distributed to 1600 medical students. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with positive and negative satisfaction levels. RESULTS: Regression analysis showed that being familiar with online teaching techniques (ß = 0.19, 95% CI [0.07, 0.30], faculty members' higher online teaching skill levels (ß = 0.42, 95% CI [0.32, 0.51], interactive online teaching approaches (ß = 0.54, 95% CI [0.41, 0.67], having a personal workspace (ß = 0.43, 95% CI [0.19, 0.67], and a self-reported longer attention span (ß = 0.75, 95% CI [0.57, 0.92] were associated with higher overall satisfaction with online learning. The occurrence of technical problems (ß = -0.19, 95% CI [-0.26, -0.12] was associated with lower overall satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Higher online teaching skills of faculty members, use of interactive approaches, students' familiarity with online teaching techniques, provision of a personal workspace, and self-reported longer attention spans positively contributed to higher levels of student satisfaction with online learning. Considering the increasing significance of online educational methods, our study identified key components that affect students' level of satisfaction. This information might contribute to the development of online educational programs in the future.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Education, Distance , Students, Medical , Humans , Education, Distance/methods , Pandemics , Cross-Sectional Studies , Personal Satisfaction , Surveys and Questionnaires , COVID-19/epidemiology , Regression AnalysisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are inflammatory bowel diseases with uncertain etiology. We aimed to determine the amounts of Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the intestinal microbiota of these patients and to correlate their amounts with blood IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12 cytokine levels. METHODS: Thirty UC, 30 CDs, and 46 healthy controls were included. IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12 levels of blood samples were analyzed by ELISA. The amounts of Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were determined by the LightCycler 480 qPCR system. RESULTS: F. prausnitzii, A. muciniphila, IL-10, and IL-12 decreased in patient groups, while IL-8 decreased in UC but increased in CD. A significant difference was detected between the patient and control groups in terms of F. prausnitzii, A. muciniphila, and IL-8, but not for others. The amount of F. prausnitzii was correlated with IL-8 and IL-10 in UC and with IL-10 in CD patients. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in the amount of F. prausnitzii was associated with the increase in UC disease severity. A. muciniphila and F. prausnitzii were detected in lower amounts in both diseases. F. prausnitzii decreased more with the severity of UC, suggesting that these bacteria may have complex roles in their etiopathogenesis.
Subject(s)
Colitis, Ulcerative , Crohn Disease , Humans , Faecalibacterium prausnitzii , Interleukin-10 , Interleukin-8 , Verrucomicrobia , Interleukin-12 , AkkermansiaABSTRACT
Cerebrolysin, an endogenous peptide with neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties, indicated to be beneficial on diabetic neuropathy by preliminary clinical and experimental studies but without evidence on central or peripheral action. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, based on involvement of pain sensation in both health and disease as first relay centers for transmission and processing of peripheral nociceptive sensory signals, was used to investigate possible effects of Cerebrolysin on high glucose-induced neuropathy, as model. DRG's were obtained from adult rats and the isolated neurons were seeded on E-Plate®'s equipped with gold microelectrodes, and incubated in culture media in a CO2 incubator at 37 C. DRGs were exposed to high glucose (50 mM) in the absence and presence of different concentrations of Cerebrolysin ® (2-40 mg/ml). Cell index (derived from cell viability and neurite outgrowth) was recorded with Real-Time Cell Analyzer and was used as primary outcome measure. High glucose-induced cellular neuropathy and neuroprotective effects of Cerebrolysin was evaluated from area under the curve (AUC) of cell index-time graphs. Exposure of DRG neurons to high glucose caused a rapid and persistent decrease in the mean AUC values compared to normoglycemic controls. Co-treatment with Cerebrolysin (40 mg/ml) attenuated this high glucose-induced effect in a concentration-dependent manner. In normoglycemic conditions, treatment with Cerebrolysin caused a dose-dependent increase in the mean AUC values. Cerebrolysin treatment resulted in maintenance of the functional integrity, survival, and promotion of neurite outgrowth of the cultured DRG neurons exposed to high glucose, indicating involvement of peripheral sensory neurons.
Subject(s)
Ganglia, Spinal , Neurons , Rats , Animals , Amino Acids , Glucose/pharmacology , Cells, CulturedABSTRACT
Among sexually transmitted diseases, HIV causes very serious clinical manifestations that can lead to death. As a result, millions of people have to live with this problem that threatens their health. The virus attacks the immune system of the host, especially CD4+ T lymphocytes, causing the suppression of the immune system. CD4, CD8 counts, and HIV RNA viral loads are monitored in HIV-infected patients with antiretroviral treatment, and CD4 counts play an important role in determining the effectiveness of the treatment. Despite the advances in treatment in the present day, opportunistic infections are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients, and the evaluation of immunological parameters is valuable for the prognosis of the disease in this process. In the present study, the purpose was to investigate the opportunistic infections faced by naive HIV-positive patients who applied to our laboratory and were diagnosed between 2019 and 2022 during their one-year treatment period, and the correlation of the immunological parameters was also evaluated retrospectively using the hospital automation system and laboratory data. A total of 107 opportunistic causative microorganisms were identified in 87 of the 230 HIV-positive patients over one year. T. pallidum was detected in 43 (18.6%) of these patients, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in 32 (13.9%), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in 9 (3.9%), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in 10 (4.3%), C. albicans in 7 (3%), M. tuberculosis in 3 (1.3%), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 2 (0.8%), and C. glabrata in 1 (0.4%) patient. Although mono-agent co-infections were determined in 69 of 87 people living with HIV, two-agent co-infections were detected in 16 HIV patients, and three-agent co-infections were identified in two HIV patients. Considering the correlation between the CD4/CD8 ratio and infection positivity, a moderate negative correlation was determined with HIV RNA viral load and CMV infection. The CD4/CD8 ratio had a low negative correlation with EBV and C. albicans infections. It was also found that the follow-up of HIV RNA load in the diagnosis of T. pallidum, CMV, EBV, and C. albicans may be meaningful. Opportunistic infections mainly affect immunosuppressed patients and can be prevented with effective treatment. Although it is already known that HIV patients may face different infections during their treatment, it was concluded that more attention should be paid to T. pallidum, CMV, EBV, and C. albicans agents. These infections should be routinely monitored with HIV viral load and the CD4/CD8 ratio.
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BACKGROUND: Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are gaining popularity as effective tools for coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) research. These strategies can be used in diagnosis, prognosis, therapy, and public health management. Bibliometric analysis quantifies the quality and impact of scholarly publications. ML in COVID-19 research is the focus of this bibliometric analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive literature study found ML-based COVID-19 research. Web of Science (WoS) was used for the study. The searches included "machine learning," "artificial intelligence," and COVID-19. To find all relevant studies, 2 reviewers searched independently. The network visualization was analyzed using VOSviewer 1.6.19. RESULTS: In the WoS Core, the average citation count was 13.6â ±â 41.3. The main research areas were computer science, engineering, and science and technology. According to document count, Tao Huang wrote 14 studies, Fadi Al-Turjman wrote 11, and Imran Ashraf wrote 11. The US, China, and India produced the most studies and citations. The most prolific research institutions were Harvard Medical School, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and King Abdulaziz University. In contrast, Nankai University, Oxford, and Imperial College London were the most mentioned organizations, reflecting their significant research contributions. First, "Covid-19" appeared 1983 times, followed by "machine learning" and "deep learning." The US Department of Health and Human Services funded this topic most heavily. Huang Tao, Feng Kaiyan, and Ashraf Imran pioneered bibliographic coupling. CONCLUSION: This study provides useful insights for academics and clinicians studying COVID-19 using ML. Through bibliometric data analysis, scholars can learn about highly recognized and productive authors and countries, as well as the publications with the most citations and keywords. New data and methodologies from the pandemic are expected to advance ML and AI modeling. It is crucial to recognize that these studies will pioneer this subject.
Subject(s)
Artificial Intelligence , COVID-19 , United States , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Machine Learning , Bibliometrics , ChinaABSTRACT
This study aimed to examine the relationship between the burnout of physicians and nurses and their moral sensitivity during the pandemic. This was a descriptive and correlational study. This study was carried out with physicians and nurses who were continuing to work actively during the pandemic. Snowboard sampling method was utilized. The total mean score of the participants on the MSQ was 90.78±19.10. The total mean score of the COVID-19 Burnout Scale was 34.52±9.65. A statistically weak and significant correlation was found between the COVID-19 Burnout Scale and the MSQ total score, as well as the "benefit" and "conflict" sub-dimensions. It was determined that as MSQ total scores, "benefit" and "conflict" scores decreased in healthcare workers, COVID-19 burnout scores increased. In our study, the moral sensitivity of the participants was found to be moderate, and their burnout levels were found to be high. Although there was a weak relationship, it was observed that burnout levels increased as moral sensitivity levels increased. It is crucial that we learn from pandemic experiences and transfer this knowledge to future generations. In particular, we must assimilate these important lessons into training in order to develop and protect the moral sensitivity of healthcare professionals.
Este estudio pretendía examinar la relación entre el burnout de médicos y enfermeras y su sensibilidad moral durante la pandemia. Se trató de un estudio descriptivo y correlacional, y se llevó a cabo con médicos y enfermeras que seguían trabajando activamente durante la pandemia. Se utilizó el método de muestreo de Snowboard. La puntuación media total de los participantes en el MSQ fue de 90,78±19,10. La puntuación media total de la Escala de Burnout COVID-19 fue de 34,52±9,65. Se encontró una correlación estadísticamente débil y significativa entre la Escala de Burnout COVID-19 y la puntuación total del MSQ, así como las subdimensiones "beneficio" y "conflicto". Se determinó que, a medida que disminuían las puntuaciones totales del MSQ y las puntuaciones de "beneficio" y "conflicto" en los trabajadores sanitarios, aumentaban las puntuaciones de burnout de la COVID-19. En nuestro estudio, se observó que la sensibilidad moral de los participantes era moderada y que sus niveles de burnout eran elevados. Aunque existía una relación débil, se observó que los niveles de burnout aumentaban a medida que lo hacían los de sensibilidad moral. Es crucial que aprendamos de las experiencias pandémicas y transmitamos estos conocimientos a las generaciones futuras. En particular, debemos asimilar estas importantes lecciones en la formación para desarrollar y proteger la sensibilidad moral de los profesionales sanitarios.
Esse estudo objetivou examinar a relação entre o burnout de médicos e enfermeiras e sua sensibilidade moral durante a pandemia. Esse era um estudo descritivo e correlacional. Esse estudo foi realizado com médicos e enfermeiras que continuaram trabalhando ativamente durante a pandemia. O método da amostragem em snowboard foi utilizado. A média total dos participantes no MSQ foi 90,78±19,10. A média total na Escala de Burnout pela COVID-19 foi 34,52±9,65. Uma correlação fraca e significante foi encontrada entre os escores totais na Escalas de Burnout pela COVID-19 e MSQ, assim como nas subdimensões "benefício" e "conflito". Determinou-se que como os escores totais na MSQ e os escores "benefício" e "conflito" diminuiram em trabalhadores de cuidados à saúde, os escores de burnout pela COVID-19 aumentaram. Em nosso estudo, a sensibilidade moral dos participantes foi considerada ser moderada e seus níveis de burnout considerados serem altos. Embora tenha havido uma correlação fraca, foi observado que os níveis de burnout aumentaram quando os níveis de sensibilidade moral aumentaram. É essencial que aprendamos das experiências com a pandemia e passemos esse conhecimento para as futuras gerações. Em particular, nós devemos assimilar essas importantes lições em treinamentos, de forma a desenvolver e proteger a sensibilidade moral de profissionais de cuidados à saúde.
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OBJECTIVE: To comparatively investigate the periodontal results and microbial load in subgingival biofilm samples (SBS) in rheumatoid arthritis subjects and healthy volunteers. METHODS: One hundred twenty subjects were classified into different cohorts: healthy (H-C); periodontitis with good systemic health (H-P); rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and good periodontal health (RA-C); and periodontitis with RA (RA-P). The periodontal parameters were recorded, and SBS were collected to determine periodontal pathogens including Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Candida albicans using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Subjects that had greater disease course, determined by moderate or high disease activity scores 28 (DAS28), suffered from worse oral health conditions (higher plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, and excessive clinical attachment loss) than those with low DAS28 scores. A higher prevalence of Treponema denticola (T. denticola) was observed in the RA-P group. Cyclic citrullinated peptide was associated with the occurrence of T. denticola and Campylobacter rectus. DAS28 using C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) had a significant association with Capnocytophaga gingivalis and EBV. The duration of the RA disease was associated with the presence of T. denticola. CONCLUSION: Subgingival microbial difference could reliably discriminate RA from healthy individuals. Especially, T. denticola and EBV may play a key role in periodontitis associated with RA.
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OBJECTIVE: Sclerostin is a protein produced by osteocytes, kidneys, and vascular cells and has many effects on kidney and vascular structures. Soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis is a proinflammatory cytokine that may cause glomerular and tubular injury and increase sclerostin expression. This study aimed to investigate serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis levels in patients with glomerulonephritis and the effects they may be associated with. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 93 patients, 63 of whom were glomerulonephritis and 30 were healthy controls. Serum sclerostin, soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis, and 24-h urinary protein excretion were measured, and pulse wave velocity was calculated for arterial stiffness. RESULTS: Serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis were higher in glomerulonephritis patients than in the control group, and serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis levels were correlated with both proteinuria and pulse wave velocity. In addition, in the regression analysis, serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis levels were found to be independent predictors of proteinuria in patients with glomerulonephritis. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show that serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis are elevated in glomerulonephritis patients, and these two markers correlate with arterial stiffness and proteinuria in these patients. Considering the effects of sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis in patients with glomerulonephritis, we think these mechanisms will be the target of both diagnosis and new therapies.
Subject(s)
Glomerulonephritis , Pulse Wave Analysis , Humans , Biomarkers , Cross-Sectional Studies , Cytokine TWEAK , ProteinuriaABSTRACT
In recent years, it has been shown that some bacteria may be associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, it was aimed to investigate the role of Fusobacterium nucleatum and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) in the etiology of CRC by comparing the amounts of these bacteria in colon biopsy tissues of patients with CRC and healthy individuals. The amounts of F.nucleatum and ETBF were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in colon biopsy samples taken from 35 CRC and 35 healthy individuals, and the results were compared in the patient and control groups. The detection rate and amounts of F.nucleatum were found to be statistically significantly higher in tissues of female patients with CRC compared to male patients (p= 0.003, p= 0.013, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the tissues of female and male patients with CRC in terms of detection rate and amount of ETBF (p= 0.521, p= 0.515, respectively). It was found that in the 50-74 age group, the amount of ETBF was statistically significantly higher in women and men with CRC compared to the controls (p= 0.005, p= 0.047, respectively), while the amount of F.nucleatum was statistically significantly higher in female patients compared to controls. However, no difference was found between male patients and controls (p= 0.009, p= 0.083). It was determined that the detection rate and amount of F.nucleatum in the tissues of patients with CRC, regardless of age and gender, were not statistically different from the controls (p= 0.473, p= 0.995, respectively), however, the detection rate of ETBF and the amount of ETBF were found to be statistically significantly higher (p= 0.002, p= 0.004, respectively). It has been determined that ETBF can play a role in the etiology of CRC in both men and women, and F.nucleatum only in women, in the age range of 50-74 years, when routine screenings for CRC are performed.
Subject(s)
Bacteroides fragilis , Colorectal Neoplasms , Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Fusobacterium nucleatum , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Colorectal Neoplasms/etiology , Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Case-Control Studies , Bacteria , Biopsy/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Multiple symmetrical lipomatosis (MSL) is a disease that causes symmetrical fat deposits in the neck, shoulders, and upper trunk. It is more common in the neck area in men who consume alcohol. The male-to-female ratio varies from 15:1 to 30:1. Madelung's disease has been reported in a small number of female patients who do not consume alcohol. Pseudoathletic appearance (MSL type 1C) is rare and causes misdiagnosis. We would like to present a 50-year-old woman with an athletic appearance who had fat deposits on her shoulders and upper chest. After excluding obesity and Cushing's syndrome, which were initially considered, we aimed to remind people of this entity that causes symmetrical fat deposits in the upper trunk in females.
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One of the most prevalent autoimmune illnesses in the world is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, whose pathogenesis is still unknown. The gut-thyroid axis is frequently examined, and although oral health affects thyroid functions, there are limited data on how oral microbiota is linked to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The study aims to identify the oral microbiota from saliva samples taken from treated (with levothyroxine) and untreated female euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients as well as healthy controls who were age- and sex-matched to compare the oral microbiota across the groups and to contribute preliminary data to the literature. This study was designed as a single-center cross-sectional observational study. Sixty (60) female patients with euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and eighteen (18) age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected. After DNA isolation, sequencing was performed by targeting the V3-V4 gene regions of the 16S rRNA on the MiSeq instrument. R scripts and SPSS were used for bioinformatic and statistical analysis. No significant differences were found in the diversity indices. However, Patescibacteria phylum showed a significantly higher abundance (3.59 vs. 1.12; p = 0.022) in the oral microbiota of HT patients compared to HC. In the oral microbiota, the euthyroid HT group had approximately 7, 9, and 10-fold higher levels of the Gemella, Enterococcus, and Bacillus genera levels than healthy controls, respectively. In conclusion, the results of our study demonstrated that Hashimoto's thyroiditis causes changes in the oral microbiota, whereas the medicine used to treat the condition had no such effects. Therefore, revealing the core oral microbiota and long-term follow-up of the HT process by conducting extensive and multicenter studies might provide some important data for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease.
ABSTRACT
Obesity is a multifaceted, complex condition that has negative impacts on one's health. There are conflicting reports regarding the COVID-19 vaccine's ability to induce antibody formation in obese people. Our study aimed to determine anti-S-RBD IgG and surrogate neutralizing antibody (snAb) levels before and after the third Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) vaccination (at 15, 60, 90, and 120 days) in normal-weight adults, overweight, and obese individuals without any comorbidity or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection history, but it did not evaluate the response to the first two doses. In this longitudinal prospective study in Istanbul, Turkey, a total of 323 consecutive adult individuals (141 normal weight, 108 overweight, and 74 patients with obesity) were included. Peripheral blood samples were collected. Anti-S-RBD IgG and surrogate neutralizing antibody levels were detected using the ELISA method. After the third dose of BNT162b2 vaccination, obese patients had significantly lower levels of snAb against SARS-CoV-2 compared with normal-weight controls, but the levels otherwise did not differ between the study groups. Across all individuals in our cohort, titers peaked about a month after this third vaccination and then gradually faded. Anti-S-RBD IgG and snAb IH% levels against SARS-CoV-2 were not correlated with IL-6 and TNF-α levels. In conclusion, anti-S-RBD IgG titers and snAb IH% levels against SARS-CoV-2 were determined longitudinally for 120 days after the third homologous BNT162b2 vaccination. Although there were no significant differences in anti-S-RBD IgG, we found significant differences in the snAb IH% levels against SARS-CoV-2 between obese and healthy control subjects.
ABSTRACT
Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium are the three most commonly reported sexually transmitted bacteria. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium in urogenital samples collected from 18-68-year-old Turkish patients who were admitted to the hospital with various urogenital symptoms. A total of 360 patients with symptoms of STD were included in the study. Following DNA extraction by QIAamp Mini Kit, the presence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium were investigated using multiplex real-time PCR. Causative organisms were identified in 68 (18.9%) of 360 patients. C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium were detected in 40 (11.1%), 14 (3.9%), and 28 (7.8%) of the patients, respectively. Patients 21-30 years of age represented more than one-third (37.8%) of positive patients. Of all patients, dual infections of C. trachomatis-M. genitalium, N. gonorrhoeae-C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae-M. genitalium, and triple infection of C. trachomatis-N. gonorrhoeae-M. genitalium were determined in 1.6% (6/360), 1.3% (5/360), 0.2% (1/360), and 0.2% (1/360) of the patients, respectively. In CT-, NG-, and MG-positive patients, different STI agents were also found such as HIV, HBV, HPV, HSV2, T. pallidum, and T. vaginalis. In conclusion, among C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium, CT was the most frequently detected bacterial cause of STDs in our hospital at Istanbul. Co-infections, which comprise more than one-fifth of the cases, should not be underestimated. Regular screening and following up of STD agents using multiplex real-time PCR-based diagnostic methods enabling the immediate detection of co-infections are essential for the treatment and primary prevention of STDs.