The Effect of Early Myelotomy on Glutamate Concentrations in Spinal Cord Injury Rat Model.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of early myelotomy on glutamate concentrations in injured spinal cord tissue with a weight drop spinal cord injury rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The rats were assigned randomly to one of four groups, as follows: in group I, rats underwent laminectomy; group II, myelotomy was performed after laminectomy; group III, rats received contusion after laminectomy; and group IV, myelotomy was performed 1 hour after laminectomy and contusion. In order to create a spinal cord injury, a 10-g rod was dropped from a height of 50 mm onto the exposed dura at T10 level. For the myelotomy procedure, a longitudinal 1-1.5 mm depth midline incision was made to the spinal cord. Twelve hours later, rats were decapitated, and the spinal cord tissues were removed. The obtained tissues' glutamate concentrations were measured using the HPLC technique. RESULTS: The glutamate levels were significantly lower in group III than those of groups I and II. In group IV, glutamate levels were significantly high compared to group III and significantly low compared to group I. Between groups I and II, there was no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: This study's results suggest that early myelotomy significantly prevented glutamate depletion from the injured spinal cord. Compared to the normal spinal cord, there was still significant depletion in injured spinal cord with myelotomy because of the initial glutamate release until the myelotomy was performed. It was also concluded that myelotomy was not harmful to the spinal cord as it did not cause significant glutamate depletion.

Topical Administration of Carvacrol Improves Healing in Nasal Septal Perforation: An Experimental Animal Study.

BACKGROUND: Clinicians are exploring alternative treatments for nasal septum perforation since surgical treatment is challenging. OBJECTIVE: The effects of topical carvacrol on the healing of nasal septal perforation were investigated in an animal model. METHOD: Twenty-one male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three equal groups. A 5-mm circular biopsy punch was used to perforate the nasal septum behind the columella. For 14 days, bilateral gelatin sponges impregnated with carvacrol in olive oil in group 1, and only olive oil in group 2 were placed. Perforation only was performed in the control group. Animals were then sacrificed, and their nasal septums were removed. The closure of the perforation was measured, and samples were examined histopathologically. MMP-9 reactivity was evaluated using the immunoperoxidase technique. Histopathologic parameters were scored as 0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, and 3 = strong. RESULTS: The septum perforation closure in the carvacrol group was statistically significant compared with the other groups (p < 0.001). Cartilage regeneration, connective tissue density, and MMP-9 immunoreactivity were significantly higher in the carvacrol group (p = 0.020, p = 0.009, and p = 0.008, respectively). CONCLUSION: Topically administered carvacrol enhances wound healing in rabbit nasal septum perforation. It accelerated perforation closure by increasing cartilage regeneration, connective tissue, and MMP-9 expression.

Synthetic pyrethroids common metabolite 3-phenoxybenzoic acid induces caspase-3 and Bcl-2 mediated apoptosis in human hepatocyte cells.

Synthetic pyrethroids are a group of insecticides frequently used in public health and agriculture, and 3-PBA is a common metabolite of them. Although the liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing many compounds including pesticides, to the authors' knowledge there have been no studies on the direct hepatotoxic effects of 3-PBA. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possible hepatotoxic effects of 3-PBA on a Human Hepatoma Cell Line (HepG2) and the underlying apoptotic mechanisms. Firstly, an LC50 of 1041.242 µM was calculated for 3-PBA by using the WST-1 test with concentrations ranging between 1 µM and 10 mM. Following that, the HepG2 cells in the experimental group were exposed to 3 different concentrations of 3-PBA (1/5 LC50, 1/10 LC50 and 1/20 LC50) for 24 hours. The apoptotic mechanism was evaluated by using flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence assays for Caspase 3 and Bcl-2. In the flow cytometry assay, the total number of apoptotic cells increased in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.05). In the immunofluorescence assay, the Caspase 3 protein showed strong immunoreactivity in the experimental groups, while the reaction to the Bcl-2 protein was minimal. These results demonstrated that 3-PBA has a significant hepatotoxic effect on HepG2 cells and induces apoptosis via the regulation of Caspase-3 and Bcl-2. Furthermore, our results could further the understanding of the fundamental molecular mechanisms of 3-PBA hepatotoxicity. More studies are needed to determine the effects of long-term exposure to 3-PBA and also the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatotoxicity.

Effects of Oral Propolis on Mucosal Wound Healing after Endoscopic Nasal Surgery in a Rabbit Model.

OBJECTIVE: If the respiratory nasal mucosa is damaged and the mucosa does not heal properly during nasal or paranasal sinus surgery, a revision surgery may be required. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of oral propolis application on mucosal wound healing following endoscopic nasal surgery in a rabbit model. METHODS: Twenty four New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups, namely the experimental group (EG), the control group (CG), and the negative control group (NCG). Mucosal resection was applied with 3-mm punch forceps in the bilateral ventral nasal concha in the experimental and control groups. 75 mg/kg/day propolis was added to the diet of the rabbits in the EG for 14 days. The CG continued with the standard diet postoperatively. In the NCG, no surgical intervention was made, and no dietary support was given. On postoperative day 14 all rabbits were sacrificed and left nasal specimens were examined histopathologically, hydroxyproline levels were measured in right nasal specimens. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in hydroxyproline level, epithelial and subepithelial thickness, ciliary and goblet cell count, subepithelial fibrosis and collagen density between EG and CG. Neutrophil count was statistically significantly lower in EG, compared to CG (p=0.019, Tamhane test). CONCLUSION: Although there are many studies that show the positive effects of propolis on wound healing, such effect was not observed in this study. This study is deemed to constitute a unique experimental study that can be a resource for future similar studies to be performed with higher numbers of subjects and higher dosage of propolis.

Organochlorine compounds in the adipose tissue of urban and rural women who gave birth by cesarean delivery in northern Turkey.

In this study, the levels of a group of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the adipose tissue of women living in northern Turkey who gave birth by cesarean delivery were investigated. Sixty subcutaneous samples were collected in 2013 from women in urban (30) and rural (30) areas. The levels of nine OCPs, namely α-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), ß-HCH (lindane), γ-HCH, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), aldrin, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, 2,4'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), 4,4'-DDE, 2,4'-DDT, 4,4'-DDT, and 16 PCBs, PCB-28, -52, -70, -74, -81, -99, -101, -118, -138, -153, -156, -170, -180, -183, -187 and -208, were investigated with a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). ß-HCH was detected in nine samples (mean 23.70 ± 4.24 ng g-1 of fat) and γ-HCH was detected in six samples (mean 41.88 ± 12.41 ng g-1 of fat). HCB was detected in five samples (mean 30.97 ± 14.31 ng g-1 of fat), 2,4'-DDT in one sample (5 ng g-1 of fat), 4,4-DDT in two samples (mean 6.70 ± 0.42 ng g-1 of fat), 2,4'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene in three samples (mean 6.27 ± 0.42 ng g-1 of fat), PCB-28 in six samples (mean 10.03 ± 7.79 ng g-1 of fat), PCB-81 in one sample (7.60 ng g-1 of fat) and PCB-118 in one sample (10.20 ng g-1 of fat). In total, organochlorine compounds were detected in 12 (40%) of rural and 12 (40%) of urban women. These results are an indication of the level of organochlorine compounds in the environment where the subjects of the study lived.

Therapeutic role of curcumin in oxidative DNA damage caused by formaldehyde.

PURPOSE: Formaldehyde is a common environmental contaminant that causes oxidative DNA damage in cells by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to investigate the amount of 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG), tumor protein 53(TP53), beta-amyloid[Aß(1-42), Aß (1-40)], total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the therapeutic role of curcumin in rat cells with oxidative DNA damage caused by formaldehyde. METHOD: The control group was given physiological saline for 15 days (i.p.) and the second group was given 37% formaldehyde (i.p.) at a dose of 9 mg/kg group every other day. The third group was given 9 mg/kg formaldehyde (i.p.) every other day and treated therapeutically with 100 mg/kg curcumin every day by gavage. At the end of the trial period, urine, blood, and brain tissue was collected from the rats. RESULTS: The levels of MDA in sera were increased and the TAC, TP53, and Aß (1-40) levels were reduced in the formaldehyde-treated group with respect to the control group (p<0.005). After treatment with curcumin, the levels of sera MDA were significantly reduced, the TAC, TP53, and Aß (1-40) levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The levels of whole brain Aß (1-42) and 8-OhdG were increased in the formaldehyde-treated group and reduced after treatment with curcumin (P < 0.05). Urinary 8-OhdG excretion increased in the formaldehyde-treated group (P < 0.05) and decreased after treatment with curcumin (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the oxidative stress caused by formaldehyde exposure was reduced with the application of curcumin.

Subacute oral toxicity of combinations of selected synthetic pyrethroids, piperonyl butoxide, and tetramethrin in rats.

In this study, 70 Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven equal groups (six experimental and one control), which consisted of animals belonging to both sexes. Different combinations of insecticides were administered daily to the experimental groups (group 1: cypermethrin + piperonyl butoxide (PBO); group 2: alphacypermethrin + PBO; group 3: deltamethrin + PBO; group 4: cypermethrin + PBO + tetramethrin; group 5: alphacypermethrin + PBO + tetramethrin; and group 6: deltamethrin + PBO + tetramethrin) for 28 days. During the study period, mortality and serious clinical findings were not observed in any animal. However, feed consumptions decreased in groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.05). Red blood cells, white blood cells, and hemoglobin levels, especially in cypermethrin and alphacypermethrin groups (groups 1, 2, and 4), were found to be higher than the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, biochemical changes related to liver, kidney functions, and protein metabolism occurred in males of almost all the groups. Relative liver and kidney weights of the male animals increased in the cypermethrin and alphacypermethrin groups (p < 0.05). The most common finding observed during the histopathological examination of all the experimental groups was centrilobular degeneration in the liver. It was concluded that although clinical symptoms were not observed, synthetic pyrethroid, synergist, and knockdown agent combinations might cause serious abnormalities when administered in certain doses in mammalians.

Toxic and essential elements in butter from the Black Sea region, Turkey.

In this study, 88 randomly selected samples of butter produced in the Black Sea region of Turkey were purchased from different retail markets during different periods and investigated for toxic and essential elements content. Quantitative analyses of elements in the samples were performed using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Mean concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn in the butter samples were 18.93, 100.32, 384.66, 4199.1, 887.47, 168.64, 56.13, 16.34 and 384.66 µg kg(-1), respectively. Cd and Co were detected in 19 (mean content 0.29 µg kg(-1)) and 81 (mean content 3.81 µg kg(-1)) samples of 88 butter samples, respectively. However, the dietary intake of these elements by the population of the Black Sea region is currently well below the dietary reference intake (DRI) and provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) levels of essential and toxic elements.

3-nitrotyrosine levels in dichlorvos-induced neurotoxicity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate dichlorvos toxicity in terms of nitro-oxidative stress by determining 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) levels in the fore, mid, and hindbrain regions in acutely exposed rats. Male Sprague- Dawley rats were randomly allocated to three groups of eight. Group 1 was administered a single intraperitoneal dichlorvos dose of 1.8 mg kg ⁻¹(0.1xLD50) and group 2 a dose of 9 mg kg⁻¹ (0.5xLD50). The control group received 0.5 mL saline solution via the same route. 3-NT and tyrosine (TYR) levels were measured using high performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA) and expressed as a ratio of 3-NT to TYR. The 3-NT/1000 TYR ratios increased significantly in the fore-, mid- and hindbrains of the exposed groups compared to control (p<0.01). In the forebrain, the increase was also significant between the treated groups. Our study has confirmed that acute exposure to dichlorvos leads to nitro-oxidative stress in the brain and that 3-NT may play a role in the mechanism of dichlorvos neurotoxicity.

Biological significance of the overexpression of HSP70 and alpha B-crystallin in rat substantia nigra exposed to different doses of permethrin.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of the Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) and Alpha B-crystallin (αBC) in the substantia nigra of rats exposed to permethrin at different doses on the apoptotic cell status. The orogastric gavage method was used to administer the different doses of permethrin (75 mg kg-1 in Group I, 150 mg kg-1 in group II, 300 mg kg-1 in group III) to the rats. Using the Western blot test, all the permethrin-treated groups showed a dose-dependent increase in the expression of HSP70 and αBC when compared to the control group. TUNEL positive apoptotic cells were not detected in the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra after treatment with permethrin; however, upon immunofluorescent staining, intense positive reactions for HSP70 and αBC were observed in all of the treated groups. No immunopositive cells were detected in the tissue sections of the control group. These results suggest that the different administered doses of permethrin did not cause apoptotic cell death in the substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons; however, they did induce an increase in HSP70 and αBC expression. Thus, it appears that HSP70 and αBC could play a neuroprotective role in permethrin-induced neurotoxicity.

Comparison of lidocaine metabolism for different anesthesia techniques in rabbits with liver disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the serum lidocaine concentrations (SLC) after local infiltration anesthesia (IA) and mandibular anesthesias (MA) in rabbits with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced chronic liver damage (CLD). STUDY DESIGN: Fourteen rabbits were administered CCl4 in group 1, MA (CLD-MA; n = 7); in group 2, IA (CLD-IA; n = 7); in group 3, MA (H-MA; n = 7); and in group 4, IA (H-IA; n = 6) was performed. SLC were measured. RESULTS: SLC showed difference over time. At the 10th minute, mean SLC in IA groups were higher than in MA groups. At the 120th minute, the highest mean concentration was found in the CLD-IA group. CONCLUSIONS: SLC increases in CLD, and serum lidocaine concentration after IA in the mandibular anterior region is higher than it is after MA.

Levels of organochlorine pesticide residues in butter samples collected from the Black Sea Region of Turkey.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of 9 organochlorine compounds (aldrin, hexachlorobenzene, 2,4-DDE, 4,4-DDE, 2,4-DDT, 4,4-DDT, and α-, ß-, and γ-HCH) in butter samples collected in the Eastern, Middle and Western Black Sea Regions of Turkey between October 2009 and June 2010. The liquid-liquid extraction method was used to extract the organochlorine compounds from the samples and the measurements were performed by using a gas chromatograph-electron capture detector system. DDT metabolites, aldrin, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and α-, and γ-HCH were not detected in the samples but ß-HCH was detected in 3 of a total of 88 samples. In the first period, only one sample from the West Black Sea Region was ß-HCH positive (0.014 mg kg(-1)). The other ß-HCH positive samples collected in Middle and West Black Sea Regions in the second period had a concentration of 0.066 and 0.019 mg kg(-1), respectively. All concentrations of the detected compounds exceeded the legal limits of 0.003 mg kg(-1) for ß-HCH, as prescribed by the Turkish Food Codex, and therefore pose a potential health risk for consumers. The contamination detected is most likely due to the past usage of ß-HCH in agriculture and its long term persistence in the environment. These results strongly suggest that further research should be focused on the detection of pesticide residues in agricultural areas across the nation.

Is it really necessary to delay intranasal steroid treatment after FESS? An animal study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of early intranasal steroid administration on wound healing after sinus surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded animal study. SETTING: Animal laboratory. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-two male New Zealand rabbits underwent bilateral 3-mm punch resection of the concha nasalis ventralis. The animals were divided into 3 groups: saline, late steroid, and early steroid. The saline group received saline drops, the late steroid group received saline drops for 7 days followed by intranasal mometasone furoate 50 µg/nostril/d, and the early steroid group received intranasal mometasone furoate (same dose) starting on postoperative day 1. The animals were sacrificed on postoperative days 10 and 21. Left nasal specimens were examined histopathologically with hematoxylin-eosin and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) stains. Right nasal specimens were examined with high-performance liquid chromatography, and hydroxyproline levels were measured as mg/g in wet tissue. RESULTS: Late steroid and early steroid groups were similar with regard to MMP-9 staining on days 10 and 21. On day 10, the early steroid group revealed significantly intense MMP-9 staining when compared with the saline group, and the late steroid and early steroid groups revealed significant fibrosis when compared with the saline group. Hydroxyproline levels were similar in all groups on day 10. The early steroid group revealed significantly higher hydroxyproline levels when compared with the late steroid group on day 21. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that early intranasal steroid administration after sinus surgery in an animal model has no detrimental effects with regard to wound-healing parameters.

Seasonal variation of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticide levels of sea and cultured farm fish in the Samsun region of Turkey.

The concentrations of selected Organochlorine (OC) pesticides (α-HCH, ß-HCH, γ-HCH, HCB, aldrin, 2,4'-DDE, 4,4'-DDE, 2,4'-DDT, 4,4'-DDT) and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) (28, 70, 74, 81, 99, 101, 105, 118, 128, 138, 153, 156, 170, 180, 183, 187) were measured in two species of cultured freshwater fish (rainbow trout, Oncornhychus mykiss and catfish, Silurus glanis) and two kinds of sea fish (mullet, Mugil cephalus and salmon, Salmo salar) between March 2008 and June 2009 in order to evaluate the status, seasonal changes and potential sources of pollution in the Samsun region of Turkey. Concentrations of total PCBs ranged from 17.6 to 335 ng/g in rainbow trout, 1,063 to 3,234 ng/g in mullet, 21 to 1,887 ng/g in salmon and 108 to 1,172 ng/g lipid in catfish and total OC pesticide concentrations ranged from 303 to 473, 319 to 6,158, 101 to 249 and 34 to 6,069 ng/g lipid in rainbow trout, mullet, salmon and catfish, respectively. It is concluded that the levels of persistent organic pollutants should be monitored regularly and rigorously by the appropriate government agency, with mandatory public reporting.

Organochlorine pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyls levels in fish and mussel in Van region, Turkey.

Forty-seven fish (24 endemic Alburnus tarichi, Güldenstädt, 1814; 8 Capoeta capoeta, Guldenstaedt, 1772; 15 mirror carp Cyprinus carpio, L., 1758) and 13 mussel (Unio stevenianus, Krynicki, 1837) samples, with 10 specimens per sample, were collected from Van Lake, Turkey, and rivers flowing into it. Gamma-HCH was detected in 21 Alburnus tarichi samples (56.57 ng/g ± 22.18 ng/g) and in two Capoeta capoeta samples (27.6 ng/g and 36.45 ng/g). Beta-HCH was detected in 8 Alburnus tarichi samples (24.95 ng/g ± 4.42 ng/g) and in two mussel samples (101.25 ng/g and 129.44 ng/g). HCB was found in one Alburnus tarichi sample (14.4 ng/g) and one mussel sample (181.25 ng/g). The compound 4,4'-DDE was detected in 21 Alburnus tarichi samples (87.13 ng/g ± 32.23 ng/g), in 9 mirror carp samples (304.82 ng/g ± 100.76 ng/g) and one mussel sample (149.31 ng/g). PCB 28 was detected in one Alburnus tarichi (19.46 ng/g) sample and PCB 101 was found in one Capoeta capoeta (60.16 ng/g) sample. PCB 118 was detected in one mirror carp sample (277.5 ng/g) and in two Capoeta capoeta samples (43.77 and 54.38 ng/g). PCB 128 was detected in only one Capoeta capoeta sample (141.48 ng/g). It is concluded that (i) efforts should be made to reduce contamination of aquatic environments by these compounds and that (ii) their levels in fishery products from Van Lake and connected streams should be monitored and publicly reported on a regular basis.

Fluoride release and recharge from different materials used as fissure sealants.

OBJECTIVES: Fluoride release/recharge properties of fissure sealants are important for their long-term inhibition of caries. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between fluoride release and recharge of pit-and-fissure sealants. METHODS: Specimens were prepared from 5 different sealant materials: Fissurit F, a conventional resin; Fuji VII, a glass-ionomer cement (GIC); Fuji II LC, a resin-modified GIC; Ionosit, a polyacid-modified composite resin (PMRC); and Aelite Flo, a flowable composite resin. Specimens stored in a polyethylene test tube containing 5.0 ml ultrapure water. On day 21, specimens were exposed to 1.23% APF gel. Fluoride release was measured using a fluoride-specific ion electrode at 1-7, 14, 21, 22, 28, 35 and 42 days. RESULTS: The glass-ionomer based sealants Fuji VII and Fuji II LC had significantly higher fluoride release than the other materials at all times tested (P<.05). Fluoride release of all materials tested increased following exposure to APF gel (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this short-term study, glass ionomer-based sealants were shown to have higher initial fluoride release as well as higher fluoride recharge capacity than other sealants.

Repeated-dose 14-day dermal toxicity of different combinations of some synthetic pyrethroid insecticides, piperonyl butoxide, and tetramethrin in rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the repeated-dose 14-day dermal toxicity of different combinations of some synthetic pyrethroid insecticides, piperonyl butoxide, and tetramethrin in rats. A total of 70 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into 7 (6 experimental and 1 control) groups. Different combinations of insecticides were dermally applied to the rats in the experimental groups for 14 days. Clinical observations were performed daily; hematologic and biochemical parameters were also determined. Gross necropsy and histopathologic examinations were performed systematically, and organ weights were recorded. Although the administered doses of the insecticides were relatively lower than their acute dermal toxicity values, a high mortality rate (27 of 60 experimental animals, 45%) was observed. Furthermore, the insecticide combinations caused decreased body weights and feed consumptions, increased organ weights, and hematologic, biochemical, and common histopathologic changes. As a result, the findings showed that although pyrethroids are considered to be of low acute toxicity, they become more toxic when combined with piperonyl butoxide or tetramethrin in certain doses.

Effect of fluoride exposure on serum glycoprotein pattern and sialic acid level in rabbits.

This study describes the effects of fluoride exposure on the protein profile, glycoprotein pattern, and total sialic acid concentration of serum in rabbits. For this aim; 20 healthy New Zealand rabbits were used. The rabbits were divided into two equal groups each with ten animals according to their weighing: control group and experimental group. The rabbits in control group were given drinking tap water containing 0.29 mg/l sodium fluoride and experimental group received the same tap water to which was added 40 mg/l sodium fluoride for 70 days. Blood samples were taken from each rabbit on day 70. Serum fluoride concentrations were measured by a fluoride-specific ion electrode in serum. The fluoride levels in the serum were found as 18.4 (+/-1.58) microg/L in control and 301.3 (+/-52.18) microg/L in fluoride exposed rabbits. The sialic acid levels were found as 69.2 (+/-0.32) mg/dL in control and 43.4 (+/-0.13) mg/dL in fluoride exposed group. The electrophoretic patterns of serum proteins, glycoproteins, and total sialic acid concentration were determined. Fifteen different protein fractions with molecular weights ranging from 22 to 249 kDa were displayed in the serum protein electrophoretic gel of both groups. The raw concentrations of the protein fractions decreased in fluoride exposed rabbits as compared with the control rabbits. The serum glycoprotein pattern revealed seven major protein bands from 47 to 167 kDa in experimental and control groups. The slight decrease of raw concentration of the protein bands in glycoprotein pattern of serum was observed in fluoride toxication comparing to control. The results suggest that serum TSA determination and serum protein electrophoresis can be used to evaluate prognosis of fluoride exposure as a supplementary laboratory test in combination with clinical and other laboratory findings of fluorosis.

An atypical form of necrotizing periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis/periodontitis are considered necrotizing periodontal diseases. This case report presents an atypical form of necrotizing periodontitis, which does not fit into this classification. METHODS: A 12-year-old child was referred to our clinic for gingival inflammation, extensive alveolar bone loss, and tooth mobility. Clinical and microbiologic examinations were carried out, and radiographs were taken. Clinical examination revealed soft and hard tissue destruction up to the mucogingival junction at the right maxillary premolar and mandibular incisors. Unusual infections or abnormalities in systemic functions were not detected through clinical and laboratory evaluations made at the Pediatrics Department, Istanbul University. Although an intensive established treatment protocol for necrotizing periodontitis was completed, management of long-standing health conditions could not be achieved because of recurrence of the disease, which caused us to repeat this treatment protocol at short intervals. RESULTS: Investigation led to a diagnosis of an atypical form of necrotizing periodontitis because the disease had a recurrent acute phase even under a standard treatment protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient exhibits an unusual, necrotizing form of periodontal disease. The reason for the rapid rate of periodontal disease progression remains unclear.

The pH changes of calcium hydroxide mixed with six different vehicles.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the pH values of calcium hydroxide mixed with sterile saline, glycerin, Xylocaine pump spray, Citanest Octapressin, 0.2% chlorhexidine solution, and Ultracaine DS. STUDY DESIGN: pH values of all vehicles were measured by a pH microelectrode before calcium hydroxide powder was added to 2 mL of the vehicle until the solutions were saturated (n = 10). After all the saturated samples were prepared, pH was remeasured at 0, 10, 20, 30, and 45 minutes; 1, 24, and 48 hours; and 7 days. RESULTS: When pH changes over the time course were compared, there were no statistically significant differences among mean pH values of 0, 10, 20, 30, 45 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours (P = .754) and mean pH values of these groups were significantly lower than the mean pH value of 48 hours and 7 days (P < .05). The highest mean pH value was observed at day 7. When different vehicles were compared, the lowest mean pH value was observed in sterile saline. The mean pH value of Xylocaine was the highest (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The result of this study indicated that when calcium hydroxide powder was mixed with glycerin, Xylocaine pump spray, Citanest Octapressin, 0.2% chlorhexidine solution, Ultracaine DS, and sterile saline solution, the mixtures became very highly alkaline. However, the pH values of the mixtures increased significantly after 24 hours. When one of these vehicles is used for root canal medication, a calcium hydroxide mixture might be left in place at least 7 days.