Zinc affects nuclear factor kappa b and DNA methyltransferase activity in C3H cancer fibroblast cells induced by a 2100 MHz electromagnetic field.

The use of mobile phones is becoming widespread with the development of technology, and as a result, its effects on human health are becoming more and more important every day. Studies have reported that the electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by mobile phones may have adverse effects on the biological systems. In order to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) on C3H cancer fibroblast cells exposed to 2100 MHz EMF, we analyzed cell viability%, nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activities. Cells were divided to following groups: Control, sham control, 2100 MHz EMF, 50 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF, 100 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF, and 200 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF for 2 h. We measurement cell viability, NF-κB and DNMT activities. There was increased cell viability % in the 2100 MHz EMF group compared to the control group, while the cell viability % was decreased in the 50, 100 and 200 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF groups compared to 2100 MHz EMF. NF-κB and DNMT activities were a significant increase in the 2100 MHz EMF group compared to the control group, although were statistically decreased in the 50, 100 and 200 µM Zn + 2100 MHz EMF groups compared to the 2100 MHz EMF group. Our results demonstrate that 2100 MHz EMF exposure in cancer fibroblast cells induce NF-κB and DNMT activities, whereas zinc supplementation reduce NF-κB and DNMT activities-induced 2100 MHz EMF.

Plasma levels of endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 and pentraxin-3 in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the plasma levels of endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1) and pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and to compare the pre- and post-treatment levels in patients responsive and non-responsive to therapy. METHODS: The study included 108 subjects: 51 with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and 57 controls. For ESM-1 and PTX-3 analyses, blood samples were collected before and three months after treatment initiation in the idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss group and once for the control group. Treatment response was evaluated three months after therapy initiation with pure tone audiometry, and the patients were divided into two groups: responsive and non-responsive to treatment. RESULTS: Serum ESM-1 levels were significantly higher in the idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss group than the control group, whereas the difference was not significant for PTX-3. In the responsive and non-responsive groups, ESM-1 and PTX-3 levels were not statistically different before and after treatment. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating plasma ESM-1 and PTX-3 levels in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Increased plasma ESM-1 levels may confirm endothelial dysfunction involvement in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss pathogenesis, which could be associated with vascular impairment.

Cilostazol decreases total atrial conduction time in patients with peripheral artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Total atrial conduction time (TACT) is the most important parameter in predicting the development of new-onset atrial fibrillation. We investigated the effect of cilostazol therapy on TACT in patients with peripheral artery disease. METHODS: Thirty patients with peripheral artery disease were treated with cilostazol (200 mg/day) for 6 months. The baseline echocardiographic total atrial conduction time parameter was compared with the 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: The TACT duration was decreased in all patients compared with the baseline after therapy (121.8 ± 19.3 vs. 109.1 ± 15.9 milliseconds, p<0.001). However, left atrial (LA) diameter was not changed with the therapy. The reduction of TACT duration was correlated with the increase in mitral E wave velocity/mitral A wave velocity ratio (r=-0.48, p<0.003). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that 200 mg cilostazol treatment decreased TACT duration in patients with peripheral artery disease, which may also prevent the development and/or recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular functions after successful percutaneous recanalization of right coronary artery chronic total occlusions.

BACKGROUND: No data exist on regarding possible improvement will occur in right ventricular (RV) functions after successful recanalization of right coronary artery chronic total occlusions (RCA CTOs). AIM: Our aim was to evaluate the revascularization induced changes in RV functions by novel echocardiographic techniques like tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and two dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-one consecutive successfully recanalized patients with RCA CTOs were included in our study. All included patients underwent standard echocardiography with TDI and 2DSTE to assess RV function before procedure and repeated after 24 hours and 1 month. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, systolic myocardial velocities, and fractional area change values. However, RV global longitudinal strain and systolic strain rate values showed a significant increase at 24 hours after percutaneous coronary intervention compared to baseline (-23.6±4.1% vs. -19.7±3.9%, p < 0.001 and -1.55±0.18s-1 vs. -1.18±0.17s-1, p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, improvement of the RV functions in patients with RCA CTOs was further suggested by the higher RV isovolumic acceleration values at 1-month compared with baseline (2.29±0.62 vs. 2.05±0.5 m/s2, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: TDI derived isovolumic acceleration and 2DSTE derived global longitudinal strain and systolic strain rate values showed improvement in RV functions after successful percutaneous recanalization of RCACTOs suggesting viability of RV in chronic ischemia.

Safety of balloon pre-dilatation in the treatment of severe carotid artery stenosis.

AIM: To assess early outcome of predilatation prior stenting of severe carotid artery stenosis and to evaluate early major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 265 consecutive patients (200 males, 65 female, mean age 66.7 ± 8.6 years) in whom 275 percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) procedures of carotid arteries were performed. Staged carotid stenting was performed in patients with bilateral carotid stenosis. Neuroprotection with a distal protection device was used in all cases. The patients were divided into two groups: direct carotid stent implantation without previous pre-dilation was performed in 233 patients (direct stenting group) and predilatation was performed in 42 patients (predilatation group). Early events were recorded and analyzed subsequently. RESULTS: We treated 275 carotid stenoses and the stent was implanted in all patients. Ten patients (3.7%) were treated by staged carotid artery stenting (CAS) due to bilateral carotid artery disease. The technical success rate was 97.1%. During 1-month follow-up, the prevalence of primary endpoint was 2.18%. The prevalence of MACCE at 30 days was higher in the predilatation group (2.4% vs. 2.1%; p = 0.924). Also periprocedural rate of hypotension was higher in predilatation group (7.1% vs. 1.7%; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Balloon predilatation prior to stenting can be performed to treat severe carotid artery stenosis with acceptable periprocedural complication rate.

The 50 Hz (10 mT) sinusoidal magnetic field: effects on stress-related behavior of rats.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the behavioral changes induced by 50 Hz, 10 mT flux density Sinusoidal Magnetic Field (MF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-six young adult male Wistar albino rats were used in the study. They were separated into two groups: control group (C) n=38; MF group n=38. C animals were left under the same conditions with the MF group for 21 days but with prevented or avoided exposure to MF. Anxiety and stress-related behavioral changes were investigated by elevated plus-maze and hole-board systems. Just before being tested in the maze, each animal was tested by means of the hole-board method in order to separate the directed exploration behavior and locomotion activity changes from anxiety-related behavior. RESULTS: In the hole-board system parameters there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. There was a statistically significant difference between MF and C groups when the ratio of time spent on open arms to the total time spent on all arms was evaluated (0.12±0.08 and 0.34±0.18 respectively and p <0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that after 21 days, a continuous exposure to extremely low frequency of magnetic field (50 Hz, 10 mT) has no significant effect on activity and exploration activity but significantly induces stress and anxiety-related behavior in rats (Tab. 2, Fig. 9, Ref. 19).

Arterial bending angle and wall morphology correlate with slow coronary flow: determination with multidetector CT coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess angulations and vessel wall morphology that could lead to bending head loss in the RCA and LMCA arteries of patients with slow coronary flow (SCF) evaluated by MDCT coronary angiography. METHODS: The study involved 51 patients (45 males, mean age: 59.6 years) who were diagnosed with SCF by coronary angiography. Diagnosis of SCF was based on thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count. Fifty-one patients with absence of slow flow were selected as the control group. The angulations of the main coronary arteries with the aorta were measured from the axial images obtained through MDCT coronary angiography, and the findings were recorded. In addition, the coronary artery walls of these patients were evaluated. For statistical analysis, SPSS for Windows 10.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) was used. For comparisons of the angles, either independent samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used where appropriate. RESULTS: The results of the study indicated that 38 patients had SCF in the LAD. Comparisons of patients with SCF with the controls revealed that in the patients with SCF, the mean angle of the LMCA with the aorta (40.9±20.5°) was statistically significantly smaller than the mean angle of the LMCA with the aorta in the control cases (71.8±11°). In 12 patients, slow flow was detected in the RCA. Those with slow flow in the RCA had significantly smaller angles (mean: 33.2±20.4°) than the other cases (mean: 78.9±10.7°). CONCLUSION: A small angle of origin of the main coronary arteries from the aorta, measured on MDCT examinations is correlated with slow blood flow in those vessels, as calculated by the TIMI frame count in catheter coronary angiography.

[Idiopathic pulmonary artery aneurysm in a patient presenting with chest pain]. / Gögüs agrisi ile basvuran bir olguda idiyopatik pulmoner arter anevrizmasi.

Pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA) is a rare entity, isolated or idiopathic PAA is even less common. A 62-year-old woman presented with complaints of chest pain on exertion, palpitation, and dyspnea. Her blood pressure was 100/60 mmHg, and radial pulse was 100 beats/min and rhythmic. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated extreme dilatation of the main pulmonary artery and its branches. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure measured over the tricuspid regurgitation was 30 mmHg. Transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the presence of dilated pulmonary arteries and there was no thrombus. By multislice computed tomography, the diameters of the main, left, and right pulmonary arteries were measured as 53 mm, 42 mm, and 34 mm, respectively. No cardiac or pulmonary cause was found for the PAA.

Ventricular double rupture case of long-term survival without surgical repair.

A 78-year-old asymptomatic male with a history of coronary artery disease was admitted for preoperative cardiovascular evaluation before noncardiac surgery. Auscultation revealed a Grade 3 holosystolic murmur at the left parasternal area. Transthoracic echocardiography documented ventricular double rupture (VDR), consisting of ventricular septal rupture, and rupture of the apical part of the left ventricular free wall with pseudoaneurysm formation. Hospital records revealed that VDR had been noticed 7 years ago during hospitalization due to anterior myocardial infarction. However, recommended surgical repair could not be performed because of the patient's refusal.

Quantitative effect of anodal current in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis by direct electrical current.

AIM: To determine the quantitative effect and technique of use of the anodal current for the treatment of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis on local areas of the palms and soles. METHODS: Twelve patients (four males and eight females) with idiopathic palmoplantar hyperhidrosis were enrolled in this study. Having determined the initial sweat intensities of both hands using the pad glove method, direct electrical current (d.c.) treatment was applied to the palms of the patients using a complete regulated d.c. unit for which the current and potential ranges were 0-30 mA and 0-90 V, respectively. Electrodes were placed into two separate water plates, and covered with pad made from gauze and cotton material. The pads were moisturized with tap water for current conduction. The anodal current was applied to the right hands of six patients (group I) and to the left hands of the remainder (group II). After seven treatments had been completed for the palms, the final sweat intensities of the hands were measured. RESULTS: In both groups, the final sweat intensities of the hands subjected to the anodal current were significantly decreased in comparison with the initial values, regardless of whether the anodal current was applied to the right or left hand (P < 0.05). In contrast, the final sweat intensities of the other hands subjected to the cathodal current were not significantly decreased (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the anodal current is more effective in reducing sweating on the palms when applied either to the right or left hand. In the treatment of palmoplantar or localized hyperhidrosis, the anodal current should be referenced first to treat the sweatier hand or foot, or a local hyperhidrotic area of the skin. The selection of the anodal current for one hand for the first five or seven sessions appears to be more effective than the use of polarity changes for each session.

Placebo-controlled evaluation of direct electrical current administration for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Direct electrical current (d.c.) administration based on tap water iontophoresis has been used as a therapeutic option for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. The placebo effect of this technique has not been investigated adequately. AIM: To investigate whether d.c. administration has a possible placebo effect in the treatment of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. METHODS: As a placebo, low alternating electrical current (a.c.; 9-12 mA, 10-15 V, and 8-10 Hz) was applied to the palms of 15 patients with idiopathic palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. The placebo effect was evaluated by inspection and sweat intensity measurements performed before and after placebo application. Patients then received d.c. treatment (18-22 mA, 40-60 V) according to the same procedure as applied for placebo. The final sweat intensity measurements of the patients were performed 1 week after the last session of d.c. treatment. Sweat intensities measured before and after placebo and at the end of d.c. treatment were analyzed statistically by paired t-test. RESULTS: The initial sweat intensity measurements of the palms, before placebo application, were 3.12 +/- 0.39 g/h on the right side and 3.17 +/- 0.28 g/h on the left side. The second sweat intensity measurements, 1 week after the last session of placebo, were 3.08 +/- 0.46 g/h on the right side and 3.16 +/- 0.21 g/h on the left side. There were no significant differences between the initial and second sets of sweat intensity measurements of the hands (P > 0.05 for both sides). The final sweat intensity measurements, 1 week after the last session of d.c. treatment, were 0.38 +/- 0.06 g/h on the right side and 0.39 +/- 0.07 g/h on the left side. CONCLUSIONS: Statistical evaluation of sweat intensity measurements and inspections revealed that d.c. administration had no placebo effect in the treatment of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis.

Safe control of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis with direct electrical current.

BACKGROUND: Primary (idiopathic) hyperhidrosis is a benign disease of unknown etiology, leading to the disruption of professional and social life and emotional problems. A variety of treatment methods have been used to control or reduce the profuse sweating. In this study, we report the efficacy of direct current (d.c.) administration in the treatment of idiopathic hyperhidrosis. METHODS: One hundred and twelve patients with idiopathic hyperhidrosis were enrolled in the study. Initial sweat intensities of the palms were measured by means of the pad glove method. The patients were treated in eight sessions with d.c. administration using a complete regulated d.c. unit based on tap water iontophoresis. The final sweat intensities of responders were determined 20 days after the last treatment. Nonresponders returned earlier than 20 days, with final sweat intensities measured at least 5 days after the last treatment. In 26 responders, plantar hyperhidrosis was also treated. After the first remission period, the second of eight treatments was applied to the palms of 37 responders. RESULTS: This therapy controlled palmar hyperhidrosis in 81.2% of cases. The final sweat intensities of the palms of responders were significantly reduced after eight treatments (P < 0.001). The first average remission period was 35 days. Minimal undesirable effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: This technique appears to control hyperhidrosis on the palms and soles only if regular treatment is applied. Plantar hyperhidrosis appeared to resolve simultaneously when palmar hyperhidrosis was successfully treated.

Variable E-cadherin expression in a MNU-induced colon tumor model in rats which exposed with 50 Hz frequency sinusoidal magnetic field.

Inactivation of the E-cadherin system by multiple mechanisms, including both genetic and epigenetic events, plays a significant role in multistage carcinogenesis. We have investigated the effects of sinusoidal electromagnetic fields (SMF) on E-cadherin expression in an MNU (N-methyl-N-nitrosurea)-induced colon tumor model. Male wistar albino rats were used for the study. The rats were classified into four groups: I (MNU), II (SMF+MNU), III (SMF) and IV (control). After administered at MNU in 1st and 2nd groups, 2nd and 3rd groups were exposed to a sinusoidal magnetic field (SMF, 50 Hz, 5 mT) for 6 hours/day for 8 months. The expression of E-cadherin were examined in four groups of rat colon tissues by immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections. For immunohistochemical analysis, the labeled streptavidin biotin method was performed using a Vectastain Universal Quick Kit with microwave accentuation. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis between proportions. Immunohistochemical studies of E-cadherin expression in this model demonstrated significant differences for cytoplasmic expression pattern. These results suggest that the electromagnetic fields result in significant alterations in cell adhesion mechanisms. This study has implications for understanding the role of fields in cell detachment in cancer metastasis. Further work is required to determine the relative effect of the magnetic fields on these phenomena.

The efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for isolated lower pole calculi compared with isolated middle and upper caliceal calculi.

PURPOSE: We assess the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy monotherapy for isolated lower pole nephrolithiasis, and compare it to that for isolated middle and upper caliceal calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 714 renal units in 687 patients with isolated caliceal stones using a Lithostar lithotriptor (Siemens Medical Systems, Erlangen, Germany). The stones were localized in the lower, mid and upper calices in 455, 104 and 128 patients, respectively. Stone load was recorded in cm.2. Patients were stratified into 3 groups based on stone burden. The energy and shock waves, use of anesthesia, number of treatment sessions, auxiliary measures and complications were noted. Patients were evaluated with intravenous urogram or plain film of kidneys, ureters and bladder, and ultrasonography when stone-free, or clinically significant residual fragment status, including nonobstructive and noninfectious insignificant fragments 4 mm. or less, was noted at the fluoroscopic control 2 to 4 weeks after the last session. Final clinically significant residual fragment decision was made 10 to 12 weeks after the last session. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was considered a failure if no fragmentation was noted after session 3 and continued if fragmentation was noted. Results regarding caliceal localization were compared. RESULTS: Complete data were available on 591 renal units. Auxiliary procedures were used in 81 (14%) units before treatment. Anesthesia was given to 101 (17%) patients. The mean number of shock waves and energy used were 2,022 and 17.4 kV., respectively. The difference in shock wave, energy and treatment rate among 3 caliceal locations reached statistical significance only for energy delivered to the lower and upper calices. The effectiveness quotient of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was 36%, 46% and 41% for lower, middle and upper pole stone disease, respectively (p = 0.4). There was a highly significant correlation between stone-free and re-treatment rates, and stone burden. The overall stone-free rate was 66%, and 63%, 73% and 71% for lower, middle and upper caliceal stones, respectively (p = 0.1). For the group with stones greater than 2 cm.2 overall stone-free rate decreased to 49%, and 53%, 60% and 23% in lower, middle and upper caliceal locations, respectively. Overall, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy monotherapy failed in 46 (7.7%) renal units. Steinstrasse developed in 39 (6.5%) patients who were then treated with repeat lithotripsy. CONCLUSIONS: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy appears to be successful for management of isolated caliceal stone disease. Treatment efficacy was not significantly different among stones localized in lower, middle and upper poles. We recommend it as the primary treatment of choice for stones less than 2.0 cm.2 in all caliceal locations. Treatment should be individualized for management of caliceal stones greater than 2.0 cm.2 until large prospective randomized trials comparing shock wave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy are available.

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for stones in abnormal urinary tracts: analysis of results and comparison with normal urinary tracts.

PURPOSE: We reviewed our experience with SWL for stones in abnormal urinary tracts and compared the results with those in normal urinary tracts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group was composed of 2566 renal units (RU) treated on the Siemens Lithostar lithotripter at our SWL unit whose treatment and follow-up at 10 to 12 weeks were completed. Sixty-eight RUs (2.7%) belonged to 52 patients who had congenital upper urinary tract abnormalities. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the impact of age, stone size, location, and the type of abnormality on the outcome of the SWL in the abnormal RU. The student t-, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests were used for the comparison of stone load, number of treatment sessions, catheter placement, and success rates of the patients with normal and abnormal RU. Results of long-term follow-up for available patients (38 RU; 56%) were also evaluated. RESULTS: Age, stone load, stone location, and the type of abnormality did not have a statistically significant impact on the outcome of SWL for abnormal RU. The average stone load was 2.1 +/- 2.8 cm2 in the abnormal and 1.4 +/- 1.3 cm2 in the normal RU. Thus, the stone load was significantly higher in the abnormal RU (P < 0.05). In the abnormal group, 56% of the RU became stone free, 37% had nonobstructive and noninfectious clinically insignificant residual fragments < or = 4 mm (CIRF), and SWL failed in 7%. In the normal group, 78% of the RU became stone-free, 18.5% had CIRF, and SWL failed in 4%. There was no significant difference in the success rates in the groups if success was defined as stone free and CIRF together (P > 0.05). However, there was significant a difference when stone-free, CIRF, and failure rates were evaluated separately (P < 0.05). Recurrence, regrowth, and retreatment rates in abnormal RU were 50%, 37%, and 34%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although the fragmentation rates were similar, clearance of the fragments was hampered in abnormal urinary tracts. Thus, especially for large stones, other endourologic treatment options should be considered. High recurrence and regrowth rates warrant careful monitoring and consideration for medical treatment during follow-up.