Prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in kidney transplant recipients: A cross-sectional study using FibroScan.

Background and Aim: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is expected to be prevalent among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of MAFLD among KTRs, data that have not been investigated by any clinical study to date. Materials and Methods: We included a total of 52 KTRs and 53 age-, sex-, and BMI-matched individuals as the control group through prospective consecutive recruitment. We detected the presence of hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis using the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) defined by FibroScan. Results: Among the KTRs, 18 (34.6%) had metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of MAFLD among the KTRs and controls was 42.3% and 51.9%, respectively (p=0.375). The CAP and LSM values did not differ significantly between the KTRs and controls (p=0.222 and p=0.119). Among the KTRs, patients with MAFLD had significantly higher age, BMI, waist circumference, LDL, and total cholesterol levels (p<0.001, p=0.011, p=0.033, p=0.022, and p=0.029, respectively). In multivariable analysis, age was the only independent factor for MAFLD among the KTRs (OR: 1.120, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.039-1.208). Conclusion: MAFLD among KTRs did not show a significantly higher prevalence compared to the normal population. Further clinical studies with larger populations are needed.

Impact of Mobile Technology-Enhanced Follow-Up Program for Mothers with New-Born Babies on Mothers' Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, and Infant Health.

To explore the effects of mobile technology-enhanced interventions on mothers' self-efficacy, anxiety, and infant health. Quasi-experimental study. The intervention group (n=30) received mobile technology-enhanced nursing care, whereas the control group (n=30) used the hospital's routine maintenance services. Mothers' self-efficacy significantly improved, and anxiety and infant health problems (poor sucking, umbilical cord infection, and skin lesions) significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the intervention group. Mobile technology-enhanced nursing care improved self-efficacy, decreased mothers' anxiety levels, and reduced infant health problems. Mobile technology-enhanced nursing care can be integrated into clinical practice to improve maternal and infant health.

The efficacy of interventions provided by nurses to improve glycemic control of children with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Nurses have a very important role in diabetes education of children and adolescents, however, no systematic review has been performed that evaluates the effectiveness of the independent interventions of the nurses. This systematic review aims to identify and assess randomized controlled trials (RCT) that included interventions implemented by nurses to improve glycemic control for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct databases were systematically searched up to 2022. Interventions provided by nurses for any child ≤18 years diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus were included. SAMPLE: Seven RCT articles met our review criteria. RESULTS: All included studies were published between 2005 and 2021. Studies varied in terms of intervention type; telephone case management, coping skills training, motivational interview as well as home visit education programs. Interventions were found to significantly decrease the HbA1c level in three of seven studies. CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic review suggests that nurses can improve the glycemic control of children with type 1 diabetes by conducting care interventions. According to current evidence, this study suggests that telephone contact by nurses and motivational interviewing can be beneficial in improving glycemic control in this population. IMPLICATIONS: Nurses may encourage children and adolescents with diabetes to engage in self-management of their glucose levels. There is a need for more randomized controlled studies assessing the efficacy of nursing interventions for children with type 1 diabetes.

Evaluation of Outcomes of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients in the Post-COVID-19 Period: A National Multicenter Case-Control Study from Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: There are not enough data on the post-CO-VID-19 period for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients affected from COVID-19. We aimed to compare the clinical and laboratory data of PD patients after COVID-19 with a control PD group. METHODS: This study, supported by the Turkish Society of Nephrology, is a national, multicenter retrospective case-control study involving adult PD patients with confirmed COVID-19, using data collected from April 21, 2021, to June 11, 2021. A control PD group was also formed from each PD unit, from patients with similar characteristics but without COVID-19. Patients in the active period of COVID-19 were not included. Data at the end of the first month and within the first 90 days, as well as other outcomes, including mortality, were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 223 patients (COVID-19 group: 113, control group: 110) from 27 centers were included. The duration of PD in both groups was similar (median [IQR]: 3.0 [1.88-6.0] years and 3.0 [2.0-5.6]), but the patient age in the COVID-19 group was lower than that in the control group (50 [IQR: 40-57] years and 56 [IQR: 46-64] years, p < 0.001). PD characteristics and baseline laboratory data were similar in both groups, except serum albumin and hemoglobin levels on day 28, which were significantly lower in the COVID-19 group. In the COVID-19 group, respiratory symptoms, rehospitalization, lower respiratory tract infection, change in PD modality, UF failure, and hypervolemia were significantly higher on the 28th day. There was no significant difference in laboratory parameters at day 90. Only 1 (0.9%) patient in the COVID-19 group died within 90 days. There was no death in the control group. Respiratory symptoms, malnutrition, and hypervolemia were significantly higher at day 90 in the COVID-19 group. CONCLUSION: Mortality in the first 90 days after COVID-19 in PD patients with COVID-19 was not different from the control PD group. However, some patients continued to experience significant problems, especially respiratory system symptoms, malnutrition, and hypervolemia.

Post-COVID-19 outcomes of non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease patients: a national, multicenter, controlled study.

PURPOSE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a higher mortality in the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there has not been much research in the literature concerning the outcomes of CKD patients in the post-COVID-19 period. We aimed to investigate the outcomes of CKD patients not receiving renal replacement therapy. METHODS: In this multicenter observational study, we included CKD patients with a GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 who survived after confirmed COVID-19. Patients with CKD whose kidney disease was due to diabetic nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease and glomerulonephritis were not included in this study. CKD patients with similar characteristics, who did not have COVID-19 were included as the control group. RESULTS: There were 173 patients in the COVID-19 group and 207 patients in the control group. Most patients (72.8%) were treated as inpatient in the COVID-19 group (intensive care unit hospitalization: 16.7%, acute kidney injury: 54.8%, needing dialysis: 7.9%). While there was no significant difference between the baseline creatinine values of the COVID-19 group and the control group (1.86 and 1.9, p = 0.978, respectively), on the 1st month, creatinine values were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group (2.09 and 1.8, respectively, p = 0.028). Respiratory system symptoms were more common in COVID-19 patients compared to the control group in the 1st month and 3rd month follow-ups (p < 0.001). Mortality at 3 months after the diagnosis of COVID-19 was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group than in the control group (respectively; 5.2% and 1.4%, p:0.037). Similarly, the rate of patients requiring dialysis for COVID-19 was significantly higher than the control group (respectively; 8.1% and 3.4%, p: 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: In CKD patients, COVID-19 was associated with increased mortality, as well as more deterioration in kidney function and higher need for dialysis in the post-COVID-19 period. These patients also had higher rate of ongoing respiratory symptoms after COVID-19.

Characteristics and Survival Results of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Suffering from COVID-19 in Turkey: A Multicenter National Study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to study the characteristics of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), determine the short-term mortality and other medical complications, and delineate the factors associated with COVID-19 outcome. METHODS: In this multicenter national study, we included PD patients with confirmed COVID-19 from 27 centers. The baseline demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data and outcomes at the end of the first month were recorded. RESULTS: We enrolled 142 COVID-19 patients (median age: 52 years). 58.2% of patients had mild disease at diagnosis. Lung involvement was detected in 60.8% of patients. Eighty-three (58.4%) patients were hospitalized, 31 (21.8%) patients were admitted to intensive care unit and 24 needed mechanical ventilation. Fifteen (10.5%) patients were switched to hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration was performed for four (2.8%) patients. Persisting pulmonary symptoms (n = 27), lower respiratory system infection (n = 12), rehospitalization for any reason (n = 24), malnutrition (n = 6), hypervolemia (n = 13), peritonitis (n = 7), ultrafiltration failure (n = 7), and in PD modality change (n = 8) were reported in survivors. Twenty-six patients (18.31%) died in the first month of diagnosis. The non-survivor group was older, comorbidities were more prevalent. Fever, dyspnea, cough, serious-vital disease at presentation, bilateral pulmonary involvement, and pleural effusion were more frequent among non-survivors. Age (OR: 1.102; 95% CI: 1.032-1.117; p: 0.004), moderate-severe clinical disease at presentation (OR: 26.825; 95% CI: 4.578-157.172; p < 0.001), and baseline CRP (OR: 1.008; 95% CI; 1,000-1.016; p: 0.040) were associated with first-month mortality in multivariate analysis. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Early mortality rate and medical complications are quite high in PD patients with COVID-19. Age, clinical severity of COVID-19, and baseline CRP level are the independent parameters associated with mortality.

Middle-term outcomes in renal transplant recipients with COVID-19: a national, multicenter, controlled study.

Background: In this study, we evaluated 3-month clinical outcomes of kidney transplant recipients (KTR) recovering from COVID-19 and compared them with a control group. Method: The primary endpoint was death in the third month. Secondary endpoints were ongoing respiratory symptoms, need for home oxygen therapy, rehospitalization for any reason, lower respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, biopsy-proven acute rejection, venous/arterial thromboembolic event, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/disease and BK viruria/viremia at 3 months. Results: A total of 944 KTR from 29 different centers were included in this study (523 patients in the COVID-19 group; 421 patients in the control group). The mean age was 46 ± 12 years (interquartile range 37-55) and 532 (56.4%) of them were male. Total number of deaths was 8 [7 (1.3%) in COVID-19 group, 1 (0.2%) in control group; P = 0.082]. The proportion of patients with ongoing respiratory symptoms [43 (8.2%) versus 4 (1.0%); P < 0.001] was statistically significantly higher in the COVID-19 group compared with the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of other secondary endpoints. Conclusion: The prevalence of ongoing respiratory symptoms increased in the first 3 months post-COVID in KTRs who have recovered from COVID-19, but mortality was not significantly different.

Are resin-containing pulp capping materials as reliable as traditional ones in terms of local and systemic biological effects?

The aim of this study was to compare the local and systemic effects of current pulp capping materials containing resin with those of traditional materials in an animal study. A total of 48 rats were used: a control group (n=12) (sub-control and negative control), a resin-containing group (n=18) (Calcimol LC, Theracal LC, Activa-BioActive Base/Liner), and a traditional group (n=18) (Biodentine, ProRoot MTA, Dycal). The materials which had been placed in polyethylene tubes were implanted in subcutaneous pockets. The rats were sacrificed at 1, 2, or 4 weeks. Evaluations were made of subcutaneous connective tissue, the left kidney, liver, and blood samples. Of all the study groups, MTA demonstrated biocompatibility at a level close to that of the control groups. Inflammation was observed to be more severe in resin-containing materials, but Activa Base/Liner showed a more successful local and systemic tissue response.

Characteristics and outcomes of acute kidney injury in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A multicenter study by the Turkish society of nephrology.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and the severity of AKI is linked to adverse outcomes. In this study, we investigated the factors associated with in-hospital outcomes among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and AKI. METHODS: In this multicenter retrospective observational study, we evaluated the characteristics and in-hospital renal and patient outcomes of 578 patients with confirmed COVID-19 and AKI. Data were collected from 34 hospitals in Turkey from March 11 to June 30, 2020. AKI definition and staging were based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Patients with end-stage kidney disease or with a kidney transplant were excluded. Renal outcomes were identified only in discharged patients. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 69 years, and 60.9% were males. The most frequent comorbid conditions were hypertension (70.5%), diabetes mellitus (43.8%), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (37.6%). The proportions of AKI stages 1, 2, and 3 were 54.0%, 24.7%, and 21.3%, respectively. 291 patients (50.3%) were admitted to the intensive care unit. Renal improvement was complete in 81.7% and partial in 17.2% of the patients who were discharged. Renal outcomes were worse in patients with AKI stage 3 or baseline CKD. The overall in-hospital mortality in patients with AKI was 38.9%. In-hospital mortality rate was not different in patients with preexisting non-dialysis CKD compared to patients without CKD (34.4 versus 34.0%, p = 0.924). By multivariate Cox regression analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval (95%CI)]: 1.01 [1.0-1.03], p = 0.035], male gender (HR [95%CI]: 1.47 [1.04-2.09], p = 0.029), diabetes mellitus (HR [95%CI]: 1.51 [1.06-2.17], p = 0.022) and cerebrovascular disease (HR [95%CI]: 1.82 [1.08-3.07], p = 0.023), serum lactate dehydrogenase (greater than two-fold increase) (HR [95%CI]: 1.55 [1.05-2.30], p = 0.027) and AKI stage 2 (HR [95%CI]: 1.98 [1.25-3.14], p = 0.003) and stage 3 (HR [95%CI]: 2.25 [1.44-3.51], p = 0.0001) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced-stage AKI is associated with extremely high mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Age, male gender, comorbidities, which are risk factors for mortality in patients with COVID-19 in the general population, are also related to in-hospital mortality in patients with AKI. However, preexisting non-dialysis CKD did not increase in-hospital mortality rate among AKI patients. Renal problems continue in a significant portion of the patients who were discharged.

Analysis of the Nutrition, Self-Care Skills, and Health Professional Support in Schools of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the nutrition, self-care skills, and health professional support of children with autism spectrum disorder. METHOD: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The parents of 82 children with autism spectrum disorder agreed to participate as part of a study group in 8 special education schools in 3 districts. The schools were selected on the basis of their levels of sociodemographic development. The data were collected and analysed between September 2016 and July 2017 using a two-section questionnaire developed after a literature review. RESULTS: The majority of the parents (63.4%) had sufficient knowledge with regard to autism spectrum disorder, but the issues that were most lacking in terms of education were care, nutrition, and skills related to daily living (36.2%). The parents wanted to be educated on "nutrition problems," and "activities of daily living." The majority of the children lacked self-care skills (82.9%). CONCLUSION: The most frequently observed nutrition problem in children with autism spectrum disorder was selective eating. In line with the literature, the majority of the children in this study were found to be unable to care for themselves. School nurses can provide support in terms of nutrition and self-care skills in these schools. School health education programmes for parents can be developed to allow for the more rapid and effective resolution of nutrition and self-care problems.

Effects of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model on Metabolic Control of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes in Turkey: Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of information-motivation-behavioral skills model interventions given by nurses during home visits on the knowledge levels, personal and social motivation levels, behavioral skills, and HbA1C levels of adolescents with poor glycemic control. DESIGN AND METHODS: The present study was designed as randomized controlled trial. 50 adolescents with type 1 diabetes were equally divided into study and control groups. Socio-Demographic Form, Diabetes Information Evaluation Form, The Child Attitude Toward Illness Scale, The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale were utilized in data collection. The scales were administered at the beginning of the study and six months later. HbA1c levels of adolescents were evaluated in the third and sixth months. Multiple home visits and phone calls were made to each participant in the intervention group. Interventions to improve the information-motivation-behavioral skills model-based knowledge, personal and social motivation, and behavioral skills were applied during the home visits. RESULTS: As a result of information-motivation-behavioral skills model-based interventions, knowledge levels (p<0.001), personal motivation levels (p = 0.001), social motivation levels (p = 0.004), and behavioral skills (p<0.001) of the study group improved. Additionally, HbA1c levels decreased significantly in the third (p<0.001) and sixth months (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model-based intervention effectively improved glycemic control among adolescents with type 1 diabetes. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses should develop strategies to increase personal motivation, social motivation, and behavioral skills to training programs planned for adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Comparison of 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate in 70% Alcohol and 10% Povidone-Iodine Used for Port Catheter Dressing Changes in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% alcohol with that of 10% povidone-iodine, for dressing changes in pediatric hematology-oncology patients with port catheters, in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter, observational, and cross-sectional study, 45 patients (25 patients for chlorhexidine, 20 patients for povidone-iodine) with port catheters were evaluated from January 2018 to May 2019. The sociodemographic, clinical, and port catheter-related variables were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 6.28 ± 4.58 years, and 60% of patients were female. RESULTS: Among the patients whose dressings were changed using 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% alcohol, the mean number of dressing changes was 39.52 ± 29.7 and the rates of exit-site infection and CRBSI were 20% (2.37/1000 catheter-days) and 16% (1.90/1000 catheter-days), respectively. Among the patients whose dressings were changed using 10% povidone-iodine, the mean number of dressing changes was 48.0 ± 31.48 and the rates of exit-site infection and CRBSI were 15% (1.59/1000 catheter-days) and 10% (1.06/1000 catheter-days), respectively. None of the patients developed pocket infections. The rates of CRBSI and exit-site infections were not different between the 2 antiseptic solutions. CONCLUSION: This study found no differences between the effectiveness of 2% chlorhexidine in 70% alcohol and that of 10% povidone-iodine solution in preventing CRBSI. Therefore, both solutions can be used in dressing changes.

PAIT-Survey Follow-Up: Changes in Albuminuria in Hypertensive Diabetic Patients with Mild-Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Albuminuria is an early marker of kidney disease and reduction of albuminuria translates into a decreased occurrence of cardiovascular and renal outcomes. AIMS: To evaluate the changes in the prevalence of albuminuria in diabetic hypertensive patients treated with several combinations of renin-angiotensin aldosterone system with calcium channel blockers. METHODS: We analysed data from 668 unselected patients from the PAIT survey (mean age 60.4 ± 10.2 years, prevalence of males 38%), with and without albuminuria, maintained for 6 months with the previous treatment with amlodipine-valsartan, amlodipine perindopril, lercanidipine-enalapril, verapamil-trandolapril, nitrendipine-enalapril and felodipine-ramipril Albuminuria was assessed, as urinary albumin-creatinine ratio, using a Multistic-Clinitek device analyzer. Microalbuminuria was defined as a loss of 3.4-33.9 mg albumin/mmol creatinine (30-300 mg/g) and macroalbuminuria as a loss of > 33.9 mg albumin/mmol creatinine (> 300 mg/g). Blood pressure was measured with a validated digital device. RESULTS: At baseline, albuminuria was present in 310 subjects (46.4%) (microalbuminuria in 263 (84.8%), macroalbuminuria in 15.2%), and normoalbuminuria in 53.6% 358. After 6 months, the prevalence of subjects with albuminuria was significantly lowered (p < 0.01) by 23.5% (microalbuminuria - 23.9%, p < 0.01 and macroalbuminuria - 21.3%). The prevalence of subjects with microalbuminuria was reduced with all treatments: amlodipine-valsartan - 15.6%, amlodipine-perindopril - 11.8%, lercanidipine-enalapril - 41.3% and verapamil-trandolapril - 19.2%. Data with nitrendipine-enalapril and felodipine-ramipril were not analyzed, due to the low number of patients. The frequency of patients with normoalbuminuria was significantly higher (p < 0.01) with lercanidipine-enalapril compared with any other treatment. Blood pressure was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced, with a similar effect between treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The treatments decrease the prevalence of subjects with albuminuria, showing a significant difference among the different drug combinations, favoring the use of new dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, such as lercanidipine, combined with RAAS inhibitors, to control albuminuria in diabetic hypertensive patients.

Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Five Different One-Step Self-Etching Adhesives.

PURPOSE: To qualitatively and quantitatively compare the cytotoxic potentials of five different one-step self-etching adhesives: Prime&Bond One-Select (PB-OS), Optibond All-in-One (OB-AIO), G-Bond (GB), Clearfil Universal Bond (CUB), Single Bond Universal (SBU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the first stage of the study, the cytotoxic activities of the test materials were evaluated qualitatively using the direct contact method. In this method, the test materials were placed directly into a monkey kidney epithelial cell culture medium. Reaction zones which occurred in the culture medium were evaluated, in addition to the density and changes in the morphology of the cells. During the second stage, the cytotoxic potential of four different dilutions (1%, 0.1%, 0.01%, 0.001%) of the test materials on L929 rat fibroblast cells was quantitatively evaluated at three different time periods (24 h, 48 h, 72 h) with the MTT tetrazolium-based assay. RESULTS: In the first stage, a zone exceeding 1 cm was observed around or below SBU, CUB, GB and OB-AIO. In PB-OS, the zone borders were approximately 1 cm. In the second stage after the MTT assay, CUB was the most cytotoxic after 24 h, GB and SBU after 48 h, and OB-AIO after 72 h. CONCLUSION: All adhesives tested showed different degrees of cytotoxicity, which statistically significantly increased with dose. Changes were seen related to time.

PAIT-survey-Prevalence of albuminuria in patients with diabetes and hypertension in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Albuminuria is an early marker of kidney disease in patients with diabetes and/or hypertension undetected or untreated albuminuria is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular events, The purpose of the present survey was to assess the prevalence of albuminuria in patients with diabetes and hypertension, treated with a combinations of renin angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors and dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. METHODS: The survey was performed in 105 Primary Care Units in Turkey and involved outpatients, routinely visited by either a specialist or a non-specialist physician. Albuminuria was evaluated in a spot morning urine sample, as albumin-creatinine ratio, using the Multistic-Clinitek-device analyzer (Siemens), that has a strong correlation with 24-h urinary albumin excretion. Microalbuminuria was defined as a loss of 3.4-33.9mg albumin/mmol creatinine and macroalbuminuria as a loss of >33.9mg albumin/mmol creatinine. Diabetes was assessed through documented blood glucose concentration or use antidiabetic drugs, whereas hypertension through blood pressure measurement and current antihypertensive treatment. RESULTS: The survey enrolled 1708 subjects with a prevalence of type 2 diabetes (87.6%). Albuminuria was detected in 52.0% of patients. Blood pressure was controlled in 37.0% and diabetes in 56.7%. The risk of albuminuria was significantly high in patients with uncontrolled diabetes (p<0.001) and blood pressure (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of treated hypertensive patients with diabetes, albuminuria was present in about 50% and was correlated with poor diabetes and blood pressure control. Systematic screening of albuminuria, particularly in Primary Care, is an important tool for the early diagnosis of nephropathy.

Effect of the different finishing and polishing procedures on the surface roughness of three different posterior composite resins.

Finishing and polishing techniques have great importance on the long term success and aesthetics of the composite restorations. In this study it was aimed to examine the effect of three different posterior composites on surface texture with various finishing and polishing procedures. Three different posterior composites, Filtek P60, Clearfil Majesty Posterior and Cavex Quadent Posterior Dense, and three different finishing and polishing procedures diamond finishing burs, tungsten carbide burs and Sof-Lex discs were used in the study. The specimens were 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height. The surface roughness was measured at three seperate points with a profilometer device and the Ra values were recorded. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis was applied for statistical analysis and p < 0.05 was accepted significant. No statistically significant differences were found between the composite resins with respect to surface roughness (p > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the groups of diamond, carbide, and Sof-Lex groups (p < 0.05). Sof-Lex polishing system was more successful than the diamond and carbide burs in the finishing and polishing procedures of composites. SCANNING 38:448-454, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of paricalcitol and aliskiren combination therapy on experimental diabetic nephropathy model in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of combination of aliskiren with paricalcitol on experimental diabetic nephropathy (DN) model in rats. METHODS: Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups of 8 rats each, namely the control (Group C), diabetes (Group D), aliskiren (Group A), paricalcitol (Group P), and aliskiren plus paricalcitol (Group A+P) groups. Aliskiren was given by oral-gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day once daily for 12 weeks. Paricalcitol was given by intraperitoneally at a dose of 0,4 µg/kg/three day of week for 12 weeks. Renal function parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, mRNA expression of renin-angiotensin system parameters and kidney histology were determined. RESULTS: Group A+P had lower mean albümin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) (p=0.004) as well as higher creatinine clearance (CCr) (p<0.005) than the diabetic rats (Group D). Combination therapy significantly increased CCr (Group A+P vs. Group A, p<0.005; Group A+P vs. Group P, p=0.022) and reduced ACR (Group A+P vs. Group A, p=0.018; Group A+P vs. Group P, p<0.005) when compared to monotherapy. Serum malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower (p=0.004); glutathion levels (p=0.003), glutathion peroxidase (p=0.004) and superoxide dismutase (p<0.005) activities were significantly higher in group A+P than in group D. The mean scores of mRNA expression of renin (p<0.005), angiotensin II (p=0.012) and angiotensin type 1 receptor (p=0.018) in group A+P were significantly lower. Although combination therapy showed no additional effect on oxidative system, renin-angiotensin system and renal histology, aliskiren plus paricalcitol significantly decreased interstitial fibrosis volume when compared to monotherapy (Group A+P vs. Group A, p<0.005; Group A+P vs. Group P, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Our data seem to suggest a potential role of aliskiren plus paricalcitol acting synergystically for reducing the progression of diabetic nephropathy in an experimental rat model.

Unusual presentation of peritonitis with persistent clear aspirate: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Peritonitis is the most frequent complication of peritoneal dialysis. Diagnosis of peritonitis includes symptoms and signs of peritonitis with a cloudy aspirate of more than 100 WBC/ml, as well as positive cultures. Although sterile peritonitis has been reported in the literature, to the best of our knowledge this is the first report of an unusual presentation of peritonitis without any white blood cells in the peritoneal aspirate despite multiple positive peritoneal cultures. CASE PRESENTATION: An 82-year-old Caucasian man who had been on continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis for 12 years was admitted to our hospital with general malaise, loss of appetite, weight loss and somnolence. He did not describe abdominal pain or fever. Even though his peritoneal fluid was consistently negative for leukocytes and clear, he had peritonitis with different organisms consecutively. CONCLUSIONS: Our case report shows that any patient on peritoneal dialysis presenting with evidence of infection (fever, peripheral leukocytosis) without an obvious cause should have aspirate cultures done even if the aspirate is clear and abdominal pain is absent. Our case report may change the initial work-up and management of these patients. We believe this report is of interest to general medicine and emergency room physicians as well as nephrologists.