Relationship between parental adverse childhood experiences and the prevalence of early childhood caries.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the behavioural health conditions associated with parents' retrospective adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) scores and their children's early childhood caries (ECC) in parent-child dyads. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Parents with children younger than 72 months were included in the study. A relational screening model was used. Interaction among ACEs, ECC, nutritional habits and oral hygiene habits were evaluated. Chi-square tests and t-tests were used in the study. Multiple variables were evaluated using the artificial neural network (ANN) model. RESULTS: The mean age of the 535 children included in the study was 46.5 months, and 52% were female. Using the ANN model, there was a statistically significant relationship between the educational status of the mothers in both the ECC and severe ECC (S-ECC) groups and the socioeconomic status of the family (p < 0.05). If the number of snacks consumed daily was three or more, the risk of ECC was statistically significantly higher (chi-square test p = 0.034). The parents' ACEs scores had an impact on both ECC and S-ECC formation (p = 0.001, t-test). The higher the ACEs score, the higher the risk of S-ECC. The mean ACEs scores of the parents were also significantly higher in both the ECC and S-ECC groups compared to those of the parents of children without dental caries (p = 0.001, t-test). It was calculated that ACEs scores were effective at a rate of 18.2% on ECC (p = 0.045, ANN). CONCLUSIONS: The ACEs scores of parents have an impact on the oral health of young children and ECC/S-ECC formation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The long-term effects of parental ACEs are reflected in their children's oral health. Therefore, reducing the psychosocial determinants ACEs and providing parental support may help in overcoming barriers to the well-being of young children and may facilitate better oral health.

Evaluation of possible associated factors for early childhood caries: are preterm birth and birth weight related?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the oral and dental health of preschool children aged 12-71 months living in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey, and to examine the effects of low birth weight (LBW) and preterm, early term and term birth on dental caries. METHODS: 475 participants were included in the study. Intraoral examinations were performed and evaluated for the presence of early childhood caries (ECC). These values ​​are; Relationships such as age, gender, birth weight, week of birth, tooth brushing frequency, cariogenic nutrition, and parental education levels were examined. The obtained data were analyzed statistically (chi-square, t-test, artificial neural network (ANN)). RESULTS: Of the 475 participants, whose parents agreed to fill out the questionnaire, 250 were female and 225 were male. While the mean age was 49.78 ± 14.78 months for those with ECC, it was 38.93 ± 17.96 months for those without. Higher duration of breastfeeding (p = 0.04), education level of parents (p = 0.001), lower socioeconomic level (p = 0.001), and lower brushing frequency (p = 0.001) were also found to be significantly associated with ECC. ECC was seen in 90% of 77 children with a history of preterm birth. In LBW, this rate was 83%. According to the ANN result, in preterm birth; 12.9% affected ECC by LBW. CONCLUSION: According to the results of our study, both LBW and preterm delivery were found to be associated with ECC and S-ECC (severe early childhood caries). An additional study on parents of preterm/LBW infants would be beneficial. In the early period, regular dental examination, implementation of preventive and preventive treatments, and nutrition education to parents can make a significant difference in the prevention of ECC.

3D finite element analysis of stress distribution as a result of oblique and horizontal forces after regenerative endodontic treatment part II: comparison of material thickness.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the stress distribution caused by secondary trauma forces after regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) using different thicknesses of coronary barrier material with three-dimensional finite element analysis(FEA). METHOD: A control model was created using the tomography image of the immature maxillary central tooth with computer software.Study models were created with the modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio of the materials used in RET.Enamel, dentin, cementum, periodontal ligament, cortical, and cancellous bone were modeled. Coronary barrier materials were applied in 3 mm and 5 mm thicknesses (Model 1: control model, model 2:3 mm/Calcium Enriched Mixture(CEM), model 3:3 mm/Mineral Trioxide Aggregate(MTA), model 4:3 mm/Biodentin, model 5:5 mm/CEM, model 6:5 mm/MTA, model 7:5 mm/Biodentin). For the trauma force simulation, 300 N force in the horizontal direction was applied to the buccal surface of the tooth in the first scenario. For the second scenario, maximum bite force simulation, a force of 240 N in the oblique direction was applied to the palatal surface of the tooth. FEA was performed with Algor Fempro. The resulting stresses were recorded as Von Mises, maximum, and minimum principal stresses. RESULTS: Lower stress values were obtained in 5 mm models compared to 3 mm models. However, the difference between them was insignificant. Lower stress values were obtained in all RET models compared to the control model. The lowest stress values in dental tissues and bone tissue were obtained in the CEM models. CONCLUSION: This is the first study in which the stress caused by different thicknesses of CEM on dental tissues was evaluated with FEA. RET strengthens immature teeth biomechanically. CEM and Biodentin are more successful materials in stress distribution than MTA. Considering the cost of treatment, 3 mm material thickness is ideal for RET since there is no significant difference between the stress values resulting from the use of 5 mm and 3 mm coronary barrier material.

O Nível de Endocan Sérico pode ser Usado como Biomarcador para Prever Aterosclerose Subclínica em Pacientes Pré-Diabéticos? / Can the Serum Endocan Level Be Used as a Biomarker to Predict Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Prediabetes?

Resumo Fundamento Pacientes pré-diabéticos têm um risco aumentado de doença cardiovascular aterosclerótica, e, portanto, a detecção precoce é importante. Objetivo Nosso estudo teve o objetivo de revelar a usabilidade dos níveis de endocan sérico como biomarcador no diagnóstico de aterosclerose subclínica em pacientes pré-diabéticos, com base em medições de EIMC. Métodos Os participantes foram classificados de acordo com a presença (n=42) ou ausência (n=42) de pré-diabetes. Os valores de endocan sérico, glicemia em jejum, insulina em jejum e hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c) dos pacientes foram examinados e a EIMC foi medida. O nível de significância para a análise estatística foi 0,05. Resultados Apesar de se ter determinado que os níveis de endocan sérico são mais baixos em pacientes pré-diabéticos em comparação com o grupo de controle (p=0,042), determinou-se que os valores de EIMC são mais altos (p=0,046). A avaliação do endocan sérico por análise regressiva multivariada detectou que seu nível estava associado à EIMC, independentemente de outros parâmetros (p=0,007). Encontramos uma correlação negativa entre insulina plasmática em jejum e níveis de endocan (r=-0,320, p=0,001). Conclusões Este estudo demonstrou que a espessura íntima-média de carótida é mais alta e o nível de endocan sérico é mais baixo em pacientes pré-diabéticos. Os níveis de endocan sérico diminuídos em pacientes pré-diabéticos podem ser um fator que contribui para os mecanismos de formação de aterosclerose.

Abstract Background Patients with prediabetes have an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; therefore, early detection is important. Objective The present study aimed to reveal the usability of serum endocan levels as a biomarker in the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with prediabetes, based on CIMT measurements. Methods Participants were classified according to the presence (n=42) or absence (n=42) of prediabetes. Serum endocan, fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values of patients were examined, and CIMT was measured. The level of significance for statistical analysis was 0.05. Results While serum endocan levels were found to be lower in patients with prediabetes, when compared to the control group (p=0.042), CIMT values were found to be higher (p=0.046). When evaluated by multivariate regression analysis, the serum endocan level was found to be associated with CIMT, regardless of other parameters (p=0.007). A negative correlation was found between plasma fasting insulin and endocan levels (r=-0.320, p=0.001). Conclusions Carotid intima media thickness was found to be high and the serum endocan level was low in patients with prediabetes. Decreased serum endocan levels in patients with prediabetes may be a contributing factor to atherosclerosis formation mechanisms.

Can the Serum Endocan Level Be Used as a Biomarker to Predict Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Prediabetes? / O Nível de Endocan Sérico pode ser Usado como Biomarcador para Prever Aterosclerose Subclínica em Pacientes Pré-Diabéticos?

BACKGROUND: Patients with prediabetes have an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; therefore, early detection is important. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to reveal the usability of serum endocan levels as a biomarker in the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with prediabetes, based on CIMT measurements. METHODS: Participants were classified according to the presence (n=42) or absence (n=42) of prediabetes. Serum endocan, fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values of patients were examined, and CIMT was measured. The level of significance for statistical analysis was 0.05. RESULTS: While serum endocan levels were found to be lower in patients with prediabetes, when compared to the control group (p=0.042), CIMT values were found to be higher (p=0.046). When evaluated by multivariate regression analysis, the serum endocan level was found to be associated with CIMT, regardless of other parameters (p=0.007). A negative correlation was found between plasma fasting insulin and endocan levels (r=-0.320, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid intima media thickness was found to be high and the serum endocan level was low in patients with prediabetes. Decreased serum endocan levels in patients with prediabetes may be a contributing factor to atherosclerosis formation mechanisms.

FUNDAMENTO: Pacientes pré-diabéticos têm um risco aumentado de doença cardiovascular aterosclerótica, e, portanto, a detecção precoce é importante. OBJETIVO: Nosso estudo teve o objetivo de revelar a usabilidade dos níveis de endocan sérico como biomarcador no diagnóstico de aterosclerose subclínica em pacientes pré-diabéticos, com base em medições de EIMC. MÉTODOS: Os participantes foram classificados de acordo com a presença (n=42) ou ausência (n=42) de pré-diabetes. Os valores de endocan sérico, glicemia em jejum, insulina em jejum e hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c) dos pacientes foram examinados e a EIMC foi medida. O nível de significância para a análise estatística foi 0,05. RESULTADOS: Apesar de se ter determinado que os níveis de endocan sérico são mais baixos em pacientes pré-diabéticos em comparação com o grupo de controle (p=0,042), determinou-se que os valores de EIMC são mais altos (p=0,046). A avaliação do endocan sérico por análise regressiva multivariada detectou que seu nível estava associado à EIMC, independentemente de outros parâmetros (p=0,007). Encontramos uma correlação negativa entre insulina plasmática em jejum e níveis de endocan (r=-0,320, p=0,001). CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo demonstrou que a espessura íntima-média de carótida é mais alta e o nível de endocan sérico é mais baixo em pacientes pré-diabéticos. Os níveis de endocan sérico diminuídos em pacientes pré-diabéticos podem ser um fator que contribui para os mecanismos de formação de aterosclerose.

Knowledge, Attitude and Clinical Practice of Dentists about Extraction of First Permanent Molars.

PURPOSE: The extraction of permanent first molar (PFM) teeth with poor prognosis allows the build of a new-and-ideal occlusion with the spontaneous movement of the healthy second and third molars by taking advantage of the patient's development. This study aimed to evaluate dentists' knowledge level about controlled tooth extractions and determine their information needs. STUDY DESIGN: The survey, consisting of 9 questions about balance and compensation extractions, was prepared on Google Forms and sent via email to dentists. RESULTS: The questionnaire was sent to 3137 dentists and 472 (15.04%) of them answered. While deciding on PFM extraction, the rate of those who checked the presence of permanent 3rd molar tooth was found to be 64.4%. Although 79% of pedodontists stated that they knew about balance extractions, only 60.9% of them apply it in the clinic. After maxillary PFM extraction, the rate of oral and maxillofacial surgeons who think that "mandibular PFM over-erupt" was 92.8%, and the rate of orthodontists was 68.7%. 87.1% of the participants stated that they needed more information about controlled extractions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It is possible to raise awareness, encourage the common and follow-up of correct clinical practices, and avoid complications; by adding controlled extractions to the undergraduate education program.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging findings that affect the magnetic resonance-directed ultrasound correlation of non-mass enhancement lesions: a single-center retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Our single-center retrospective study aimed to evaluate the relationship between magnetic resonance (MR)-directed ultrasound (MDUS) detectability and MRI findings of non-mass enhancement (NME) lesions, regarding the morphologic and enhancement features, the distance from the skin and nipple, and the presence of concomitant landmarks. METHODS: A total of 350 MRI-detected NME lesions that were determined between January 2015 and May 2019 and subsequently underwent MDUS were analyzed. The MRI findings, biopsy results, and follow-up outcomes of lesions were recorded. The correlation between the MRI findings of the lesions and MDUS detectability was analyzed. RESULTS: 114 (32.6%) of the 350 lesions had a counterpart in the MDUS. Respectively, 66 (37.9%), 38 (43.2%) and 59 (38.3%) of the lesions detected in MDUS were larger than 20 mm in size, with a distance of less than 20 mm to the nipple and 15 mm to the skin. The lesion size and lesion distance to the nipple and skin were significantly associated with a ultrasound correlate (p < 0.05). The MDUS detection rate was significantly higher in NME lesions with MR findings including diffuse distribution (p < 0.001), clustered-ring enhancement pattern (p < 0.001), washout kinetic curve (p = 0.006), and MR-BIRADS category 5 (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that only the clustered-ring enhancement pattern was significantly associated with an MDUS correlation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Statistically significant correlations were found between the size, distance to the nipple and skin, distribution pattern, enhancement pattern and kinetic curve of the NME lesions on MRI and ultrasound detectability. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: We found that clustered-ring enhancement patterns were significantly more frequent in MR-directed ultrasound detectable lesions.

Characteristics and outcomes of 974 COVID-19 patients in intensive care units in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: In our previous report on Turkish COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care, the 24 patients in a single ICU were elderly and mortality was high. We extended our analysis to include patients admitted to ten ICUs. OBJECTIVES: Report the demographics, clinical features, imaging findings, comorbidities, and outcomes in COVID-19 patients. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Intensive care unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study includes patients with clinical and radiological confirmed or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection who were admitted to ten ICUs between 15 March and 30 June 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical outcomes, therapies, and death during hospitalization SAMPLE SIZE: 974, including 571 males (58%). RESULTS: The median age (range) was 72 (21-101) years for patients who died (n=632, 64.9%) and 70 (16-99) years for patients who lived (n=432, 35.2%) (P<.001). APACHE scores, and SOFA scores were higher in patients who died than in those who survived (P<.001, both comparisons). Respiratory failure was the most common cause of hospitalization (82.5%), and respiratory failure on admission was associated with death (P=.013). Most (n=719, 73.8%) underwent invasive mechanical ventilation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of COVID-19 require respiratory support. LIMITATIONS: Although the Turkish Ministry of Health made recommendations for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, patient management may not have been identical in all ten units. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Efficacy of Preemptive Analgesia on Postoperative Pain Control in Children Who Underwent Full-Mouth Dental Rehabilitation Under General Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous preemptive analgesia on postoperative pain in children undergoing dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia. METHODS: In this prospective randomized clinical trial, 70 children aged 3 to 7 years were scheduled for dental treatment and randomized into two groups: the control group or the preemptive group. Patients received 15 mg/kg of intravenous paracetamol either before the start of treatment (preemptive group, n = 35) or at the end of treatment (control group, n = 35). Postoperative pain scores were recorded at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBFS). Additionally, the need for rescue analgesic and the total opioid consumption of the patients were recorded during the first 24 hours postoperative. RESULTS: The pain scores in the preemptive group were significantly lower than those in the control group at the postanesthesia care unit and at 2, 4, and 8 hours postoperative (P < .05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in pain scores between groups at 12 and 24 hours postoperative. Need for rescue analgesics and total intravenous fentanyl consumption were significantly higher in the control group than in the preemptive group (P < .05). The percentage of children who received medication for pain relief at home was higher in the control group than in the preemptive group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Preemptive use of intravenous paracetamol reduces postoperative pain scores and postoperative opioid consumption. However, there is a need to evaluate pain levels in children who receive comprehensive dental treatment under general anesthesia after hospital discharge for effective postoperative pain control.

Estimating the total economic costs of Neospora caninum infections in dairy cows in Turkey.

The aim of this study was to estimate the total cost of Neospora caninum infection in cows in Turkey. According to present literature, the mean seroprevalence of infection was estimated as 14.7%. The seropositivity rate of N. caninum in aborted cows was found to be 18%. The financial costs were estimated in US$ at 2019 prices. The total cost of N. caninum infection was estimated at US$710 (438-1043) per a dairy cow and the annual economic costs were estimated at US$40.5 (24.6-60.3) million for Turkey. In this study, the distribution of economic costs caused by neosporosis per cow was determined to be 67.3% for abortion, 16.8% prolonged calving interval, 4.6% milk loss, 3.5% additional artificial insemination, and 7.7% veterinary and diagnostic costs, respectively. All studies that have been conducted so far on Neosporosis are focused on the prevalence and the diagnosis of the disease in Turkey. In this study, we firstly determined the economic costs due to N. caninum infections and try to attract attention on the economic impacts of the disease. As a result, awareness among breeders regarding the epidemiology, control, and eradication of neosporosis should be raised through training activities; coordination between the relevant institutions and organizations should be ensured; emergency action plans should be prepared; and further spread of the disease should be prevented.

Relationships among oncostatin M, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Objective Activated macrophages (M1-type macrophages) in adipose tissue secrete many proinflammatory cytokines that induce insulin resistance (IR). Oncostatin M (OSM), a member of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family of Gp130 cytokines, plays an important role in a variety of biological functions, including the regulation of inflammatory responses. Proinflammatory cytokines released in patients with IR trigger a chronic, low-grade inflammatory reaction in blood vessel walls. This inflammator response leads to endothelial damage, which is the main mechanism for atherosclerosis and many cardiovascular diseases. Animal studies have reported a relationship between OSM and IR. To the best of our knowledge, however, few clinical studies have examined this topic. Therefore, we studied the relationship between serum levels of OSM and IR. Subjects and methods This prospective cross-sectional case-control study enrolled 50 people with IR (according to the HOMA-IR and QUICKI indices) and 34 healthy controls. The fasting blood concentrations of insulin, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride, total cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and OSM were determined. Results There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, sex, and HbA1c levels. Univariate analyses showed that waist circumference (WC) and levels of fasting glucose, insulin, CRP, HDL-C, OSM, HOMA-IR, and QUICKI differed between the two study groups. In multivariate analyses, both IR indices (QUICKI and HOMA) and OSM differed between the two groups. Conclusion OSM was correlated with the IR indices (QUICKI and HOMA). For simplicity, it might replace the other IR indices in the future. Further detailed studies are needed to confirm this.

Relationships among oncostatin M, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation: a pilot study.

Objective Activated macrophages (M1-type macrophages) in adipose tissue secrete many proinflammatory cytokines that induce insulin resistance (IR). Oncostatin M (OSM), a member of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family of Gp130 cytokines, plays an important role in a variety of biological functions, including the regulation of inflammatory responses. Proinflammatory cytokines released in patients with IR trigger a chronic, low-grade inflammatory reaction in blood vessel walls. This inflammator response leads to endothelial damage, which is the main mechanism for atherosclerosis and many cardiovascular diseases. Animal studies have reported a relationship between OSM and IR. To the best of our knowledge, however, few clinical studies have examined this topic. Therefore, we studied the relationship between serum levels of OSM and IR. Subjects and methods This prospective cross-sectional case-control study enrolled 50 people with IR (according to the HOMA-IR and QUICKI indices) and 34 healthy controls. The fasting blood concentrations of insulin, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride, total cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP), and OSM were determined. Results There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, sex, and HbA1c levels. Univariate analyses showed that waist circumference (WC) and levels of fasting glucose, insulin, CRP, HDL-C, OSM, HOMA-IR, and QUICKI differed between the two study groups. In multivariate analyses, both IR indices (QUICKI and HOMA) and OSM differed between the two groups. Conclusion OSM was correlated with the IR indices (QUICKI and HOMA). For simplicity, it might replace the other IR indices in the future. Further detailed studies are needed to confirm this.

Choice of treatment based on Turkish hypertension consensus report: Do we follow the recommendations?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine how often the recommendations of the Turkish Hypertension Consensus Report are followed, and to draw attention to the report. METHODS: The demographic information of 1000 patients diagnosed with hypertension and the details of the antihypertensive medications prescribed at the outpatient service of a tertiary care hospital were recorded, and the data were compared with the recommendations of the report. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 62±11 years. In all, 623 (62.3%) of the 1000 patients were women, and 377 (37.7%) were men. A combination of an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) and a diuretic was the most frequently observed prescription. A diuretic was the most used antihypertensive drug (58.7%), followed by an ARB (48.8%). However, as a monotherapy, a calcium channel blocker (CCB) was the most commonly used antihypertensive drug (19.2%). The most frequently used antihypertensive drug group in older patients was diuretics (63.6%), as proposed in the report. Beta blockers (49.1%) were used more often than expected. For the diabetic group also, a diuretic (60.7%) was the most frequently used antihypertensive drug, followed by an ARB (51.1%) and a CCB (45.2%). Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (34.6%) were the fifth most preferred antihypertensive drug class. However, when ACE inhibitors and ARBs were considered as a single group, known as renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers, these RAS blockers were the most prescribed antihypertensive drug class, followed by diuretics. In the group of patients with coronary artery disease, treatment was found to be generally consistent with the report, but the use of diuretics was greater than expected. Lastly, 124 of 160 patients who had chronic kidney disease were given RAS blocker therapy, which was in line with the consensus report recommendations. CONCLUSION: Antihypertensive therapies were individualized, as suggested by the consensus report. However, there are proposals still to be considered in special patient groups.

The Effects of Blood Glucose Regulation in Omentin-1 Levels among Diabetic Patients.

Objectives: Omentin-1, an adipocytokine that increases the insulin sensitivity, has been determined to be reduced in patients with insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and Type-2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, we have investigated the alterations in Omentin-1 levels with the blood glucose regulation in diabetic patients having poor glycemic control. By this way, we aimed to determine the role of Omentin-1 as a marker in follow-up and monitoring progression of diabetes. Methods: Totally 58 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, older than 18 years of age who were having poor glycemic control (HbA1c≥9) were included in this study. In the first visit, all clinical and biochemical parameters of patients were recorded. After baseline evaluation, the patients were advised life style changes, and their medical treatment was determined individually according to the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association guidelines. At the end of the third month patients were re-evaluated. Serum Omentin-1 levels were measured with ELISA. Results: In patients using only oral antidiabetic agents, after exchanging the treatment with insulin, on 3rd month of treatment, there was a significant decrease in serum C-peptide and Omentin-1 levels compared with the initial results (p=0.034, p=0.048, respectively). On the other hand, in patients using insulin treatment from the beginning of the study, there was not any significant alterations in serum C-peptide or Omentin-1 levels compared with the initial results (p>0.05). Conclusions: Serum Omentin-1 levels may change with insulin and metformin treatments in Type-2 diabetic patients. In patients with poor glycemic control, Omentin-1 levels do not change with the regulation of blood glucose levels. A decrease in Omentin-1 and C-peptide levels has been determined after the initiation of insulin therapy. This suggests that, Omentin-1 levels are closely associated with the endogenous insulin reserve and may be used in follow-up of patients.

Serum Osteoprotegerin Levels Related With Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels in relation to cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on different regimens of renal replacement therapy. METHODS: A total of 143 patients with CKD and 30 healthy controls were included in this study and divided into five categories, including predialysis patients with chronic renal failure (preD; n = 36), chronic peritoneal dialysis patients (PD; n = 36), hemodialysis patients (HD; n = 35), renal transplant patients (RT; n = 36), and controls (n = 30). Data on demographics, concomitant diseases and CV risk factors, serum OPG levels, and correlates of serum OPG levels were determined. RESULTS: Serum OPG (pmol/l) levels were significantly higher in HD (P <0.001 for each), PD (P <0.001 for each), and preD (P <0.01 vs. control, P <0.05 vs. RT) groups than RT and control groups. Diabetics than nondiabetics in HD (P = 0.008), PD (P = 0.024), and RT (P = 0.004) groups and males than females in PD group (P = 0.021) had higher OPG levels. Serum OPG levels were associated positively with age in HD (P <0.001), PD (P = 0.001), and in overall population (P <0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed increased serum levels of OPG in dialysis and preD patients compared to RT and controls. In the patient groups receiving two dialysis treatment, the levels were worse, indicating a more pronounced vascular injury. Age, C-reactive protein (CRP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and cystatin C (CysC) in CKD patients, CRP and PTH in the control subjects, and age and BMI in the overall population were the significant correlates of serum OPG levels.

Ionizing radiation induces structural and functional damage on the molecules of rat brain homogenate membranes: a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic study.

Humans can be exposed to ionizing radiation, due to various reasons, whose structural effects on biological membranes are not well defined. The current study aims to understand the ionizing radiation-induced structural and functional alterations in biomolecules of brain membranes using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy using rat animal models. For this purpose, 1000 cGy of ionizing radiation was specifically directed to the head of Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were decapitated after 24 h. The results revealed that the lipid-to-protein ratio decreased and that irradiation caused lipid peroxidation and increases in the amounts of olefinic =CH, carbonyl, and methylene groups of lipids. In addition, ionizing radiation induced a decrease in membrane fluidity, disordering of membrane lipids, strengthening of the hydrogen bonding of the phosphate groups of lipid head-groups, and weakening in the hydrogen bonding of the interfacial carbonyl groups of lipids. Radiation further caused significant decrements in the α-helix and turns, and significant increments in the ß-sheet and random coil contents in the protein structure. Hierarchical cluster analyses, performed in the whole region (3030-1000 cm(-1)), lipid (3030-2800 cm(-1)), and protein (1700-1600 cm(-1)) regions separately, successfully differentiated the control and irradiated groups of rat brain membranes and showed that proteins in the membranes are affected more than lipids from the damages induced with ionizing radiation. As a result, the current study showed that FT-IR spectroscopy can be used successfully as a novel method to monitor radiation-induced alterations on biological membranes.

Phylogeny of cultivated and wild wheat species using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy.

Within the last decade, an increasing amount of genetic data has been used to clarify the problems inherent in wheat taxonomy. The techniques for obtaining and analyzing these data are not only cumbersome, but also expensive and technically demanding. In the present study, we introduce infrared spectroscopy as a method for a sensitive, rapid and low cost phylogenetic analysis tool for wheat seed samples. For this purpose, 12 Triticum and Aegilops species were studied by Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis clearly revealed that the lignin band (1525-1505 cm(-1)) discriminated the species at the genus level. However, the species were clustered according to their genome commonalities when the whole spectra were used (4000-650 cm(-1)). The successful differentiation of Triticum and its closely related genus Aegilops clearly demonstrated the power of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as a suitable tool for phylogenetic research.

Agomelatine strongly interacts with zwitterionic DPPC and charged DPPG membranes.

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric diseases in the population. Agomelatine is a novel antidepressant drug with melatonin receptor agonistic and serotonin 5-HT2C antagonistic properties. Furthermore, being a melatonergic drug, agomelatine has the potential of being used in therapeutic applications like melatonin as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic drug. The action mechanism of agomelatine on the membrane structure has not been clarified yet. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the interaction of agomelatine with model membranes of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylgylcerol (DPPG) by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). We found that agomelatine interacts with the head group in such a manner that it destabilizes the membrane architecture to a large extent. Thus, agomelatine causes alterations in the order, packing and dynamics of the DPPC and DPPG model membranes. Our results suggest that agomelatine strongly interacts with zwitterionic and charged membrane phospholipids. Because lipid structure and dynamics may have influence on the structure of membrane bound proteins and affect the signal transduction systems of membranes, these effects of agomelatine may be important in its action mechanism.