In Vitro evaluation of the bond strength of metal brackets adhered to different dental restorative materials using different orthodontic adhesives.

Background: During orthodontic treatment, teeth with brackets may sometimes be restored with different restorative materials. In this case, the content of the orthodontic adhesive selected for bracket bonding may also be important. Aim: This study compared the bond strength of metal orthodontic brackets adhered to different resin composite and glass ionomer cement (GIC) restoration surfaces with glass ionomer-based and resin-based orthodontic adhesives to determine the best orthodontic adhesive for use in restored teeth. Material and Methods: This study prepared 80 discs. Four material groups of 20 discs were created: reinforced high-viscosity GIC, high-viscosity GIC, flowable bulk-fill resin composite, and nanohybrid resin composite. Specimens in each material group were divided into two subgroups that differed in the orthodontic adhesive used to bond the brackets to the prepared specimens. After 24 hours, the specimens were shear bond strength (SBS) tested at 1 mm/min using a universal tester. Results: The SBS of glass ionomer-based orthodontic adhesive differed significantly between metal brackets adhered to different bases (P < 0.001). The highest SBSs were observed between metal brackets and high-viscosity glass ionomer restorations (6.79 ± 2.38). The highest SBSs observed with a resin-based orthodontic adhesive were between metal brackets adhered to nanohybrid resin composite restorations (8.84 ± 2.10; P = 0.030). Conclusions: Glass ionomer-based orthodontic adhesive provided safer bond strength and demineralization prevention when applying metal brackets to teeth with glass ionomer restorations.

Effects of methoxychlor on IGF-I signaling pathway in rat ovary.

Follicular development and other ovarian functions are regulated by growth factors that can be affected by exogenous agents. Methoxychlor (MXC) is an organochloride pesticide that causes female infertility. We investigated how MXC affects the distribution of developing ovarian follicles in adult rats after treatment between embryonic day (E) 18 and postnatal day (PND) 7. We also measured insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its receptor, IGF-IR, expressions in ovarian follicles and investigated whether MXC changed the levels of IGF-I and IGF-IR in the ovary. Using immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, we detected IGF-I expression in oocytes and granulosa cells of the follicles, luteal cells, interstitial cells, theca externa and theca interna, and the smooth muscle of ovarian vessels. IGF-IR was co-localized with IGF-I in the ovary except for the theca externa. IGF-I expression was decreased in granulosa cells of preantral and antral follicles after treatment with MXC compared to granulosa cells of preantral and antral follicles of the control group. We also observed that oocytes of secondary follicles and granulosa cells of secondary and preantral follicles of the MXC treated groups showed increased IGF-IR expression compared to oocytes of secondary follicles and granulosa cells of secondary and preantral follicles of the control group. We also detected more secondary and preantral follicles, and fewer primordial and antral follicles after MXC administration compared to controls. Therefore, the IGF signaling pathway may participate in MXC induced ovary dysfunction and female infertility.

Evaluation of dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction with meibography in vitiligo.

PurposeTo evaluate the dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) of vitiligo patients with meibography.MethodsTwenty eyes of 20 vitiligo patients (Group 1) and 20 eyes of 20 healthy individuals (Group 2) were enrolled. All subjects had undergone a comprehensive ophthalmic examination including corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining (Oxford scale scoring), tear film break-up time (T-BUT), Schirmer 1 test, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score assessment, and upper and lower eyelid meibography using infrared captures of a biomicroscope (Topcon, SL-D701, IJssel, The Netherlands). Partial or complete loss of the meibomian glands was scored for each eyelid from grade 0 (no loss) through grade 3 (lost area was >2/3 of the total meibomian gland area).ResultsThe mean ages of Group 1 and Group 2 were 35.5±13.4 (range, 8-54) and 35.2±12.4 years (range, 8-52), respectively (P=0.942). Mean Schirmer 1 values were lower, and Oxford score, OSDI score, and meiboscores of lower eyelids were higher in Group 1, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.139, P=0.057, P=0.071, P=0.300, respectively). T-BUT values were significantly lower, and meiboscores of upper eyelids and total (upper+lower) eyelids were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P=0.047, P=0.001, P=0.003, respectively).ConclusionVitiligo can be associated with dry eye and there are significant differences in meibomian gland morphology in patients with vitiligo when compared with healthy subjects. For this reason, patients with vitiligo should be monitored for dry eye and MGD, and promptly start treatment when needed.

Amniotic membrane transplantation in surgical management of ocular surface squamous neoplasias: long-term results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation for ocular surface reconstruction in the surgical management of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). METHODS: OSSN in 21 patients (7 female, 14 male patients) was managed with excisional biopsy, cryotherapy, corneal epitheliectomy with absolute alcohol application when the cornea is involved, lamellar sclerectomy and adjunctional absolute alcohol application to the base when episclera is involved, and ocular surface reconstruction with cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation. Tumor control and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 62.42 ± 20.9 (range, 16-84). The average diameter of the base of the tumors was 13.1 ± 4.8 (range, 9-21) mm and complete removal was achieved in all cases as revealed histopathologically. Ocular surface healing was achieved in all cases. At the postoperative period, limbal stem cell deficiency in three eyes and mild symblepharon in one eye were detected. In a mean follow-up of 30.95 ± 18.8 (range, 13-75) months, no recurrence was detected. CONCLUSION: For large or multifocal conjunctival tumors, the reconstruction of ocular surface and fornix is challenging. The amniotic-membrane use to repair conjunctival defects larger than 10 mm is a safe and effective technique with minimal complications allowing surgeons to make large enough excisions.

Chicken amyloid arthropathy: serum amyloid A, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and nitric oxide profile in acute phase (12th hour).

Acute phase response (APR) is part of the early defense system, which is triggered by different stimuli including, infection, trauma, stres, inflammation and neoplasia. The APR complex is a reaction which induces homeostasis and recovery. In this research, serum amyloid A (SAA), interlaukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured 12 hours following injection. For this purpose, Thirty-two 5 weeks old laying chicken were allocated into four groups and intra-articular injections of Freund's adjuvant were used to induce amylod arthropathy in Groups II, III and IV. Vitamin A in group II, and methylprednisolone in group IV were added to enhance and to reduce the severity of amyloidosis, respectively. At the end of the research, it was observed that TNF-alpha and NO increased significantly (P < 0.05) in vitamin A and methylprednisolone groups whereas SAA decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in all groups. It was also observed that IL-6 increased (P < 0.05) in vitamin A group and decreased in all other gorups however, IL-1beta decreased in vitamin A and methylprednisolone groups, while it was increased in the control group. The results of this study suggest that there is a positive correlation between serum TNF-alpha levels in acute and chronic phase in chickens with amyloid arthropathy.

Matrix metalloproteinase, vitamin A and methylprednisolone effects on experimentally induced amyloid arthropathy.

We evaluated the role of some matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in enhancing the effect of vitamin A and the inhibiting effect of methylprednisolone on amyloid arthropathy in brown layer chicks. We used 100 one-day-old Isa brown layer chicks. The chicks were allocated to one of four groups as follows: negative control group (I), vitamin A group (II), positive control group (III) and methylprednisolone group (IV). Amyloid arthropathy was induced by injections of complete Freund's adjuvant into the left intertarsal joints of the chicks. Serum vitamin A and tissue MMP (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9) levels were measured and differences among the groups were investigated. Serum vitamin A rates (µg/dl) were: 63.57 ± 4.10, 47.13 ± 10.62, 53.26 ± 10.79, 98.48 ± 8.20 in groups I, II, III and IV, respectively (p < 0.001). MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were evaluated in tissues from the chickens with amyloid arthropathy. Methylprednisolone significantly suppressed the release of MMP-1 and MMP-2, and increased the release of MMP-9 in birds with amyloid arthropathy. In addition, vitamin A significantly increased the release of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Graduate orthodontic education in Turkey: the residents' perspective.

The aim of the present study was to explore residents' perceptions of their educational and clinical treatment experiences including the number of clinical cases undertaken, patient completion rates, techniques utilised and the scientific component of Turkish graduate orthodontic programmes. Residents recorded in the list of Turkish Orthodontic Society were sent an e-mail to participate in a survey containing 46 multiple-choice questions and ten one-line answers. An e-mail with a personalised online link was sent to a total of 227 residents throughout the Turkey. Data were categorised, and basic statistics including chi-square comparative analyses were performed. A total of 136 (response rate of 59.91%) residents completed the survey. The majority of residents (58.08%) were either 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with their programme. Respondents said they have just the right amount of formal didactic teaching sessions or dedicated and protected academic time. Most residents (69.11%) indicated their programme offers training in numerous philosophies; whilst 97.79% said they have sufficient clinically based training and 42.64% said they have sufficient research-based training. Overall, residents in the Turkey are satisfied with their orthodontic programme. They receive comprehensive training with the opportunity to start and complete a significant number of their patients. The survey findings suggest that orthodontic programmes in Turkey are deficient in providing care to underserviced populations and disabled patients. Programmes could improve the opportunity for residents to treat patients requiring interdisciplinary treatment.

Short-term laryngeal electromyography and histopathological findings after primary reconstruction of the inferior laryngeal nerve in rabbits: prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The recurrent laryngeal nerve can be injured during surgery. This study investigated recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation. OBJECTIVE: To study the short-term effects of primary anastomosis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, by laryngeal electromyography and histopathological analysis, in a rabbit model. METHOD: Twenty Zealand rabbits underwent either right recurrent laryngeal nerve (1) transection with excision of 1 cm or (2) transection and end-to-end primary anastomosis. Vocal fold movements, laryngeal electromyography results and histological changes were recorded. RESULTS: Vocal fold analysis showed a paramedian vocal fold in both groups, with perceptible vibratory movements in group two. Electromyography revealed total denervation potentials in group one, but denervation and regeneration signs in group two. Histopathologically, hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis of the vocal fold mucosa were seen in group one, and signs of parakeratosis and hyperplasia in group two. CONCLUSION: Even under ideal conditions for primary recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis, a return to normal muscle function is unlikely. However, such anastomosis prevents muscle atrophy, and should be performed as soon as possible. The degree of nerve recovery is associated with the number, amplitude and myelination level of fibrils returning to the original motor end-plaque.

Effect of resveratrol on bone formation in the expanded inter-premaxillary suture: early bone changes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of local resveratrol (RSVL) administration on bone formation in response to expansion of the inter-premaxillary suture, in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty 50- to 60-day-old male Wistar rats were separated into two equal groups. Both groups were subjected to expansion, and 30 cN of force was applied to the maxillary incisors with helical-spring. Twenty-four hours after appliance placement, single-dose 10 µmol/kg RSVL in the dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was injected to the inter-premaxillary suture in the experimental group. In the control group, the same amount of DMSO was injected to the suture of rats. Bone formation in the suture was evaluated histomorphometrically. The area of new bone (µm(2)), the perimeter around the new bone (µm), Feret's diameter (µm), the percentage of new bone to non-ossified tissue (%), and the number of osteoblast were measured and compared. Mann-Whitney U-test was used for statistical evaluation at p < 0.05 level. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the groups for all histomorphometric parameters. New bone area (p < 0.001), bone perimeter (p < 0.001), Feret's diameter (p < 0.001), percentage of new bone (p < 0.001), and the number of osteoblast (p < 0.001) were significantly larger in the experimental group when compared with the control. Bone histomorphometric measurements revealed that bone architecture in the RSVL treated rats was improved. CONCLUSIONS: Local application of RSVL during the early stages to orthopedically expanded inter-premaxillary suture area may stimulate bone formation and shorten the retention period, in rats.

Effect of modified and conventional facemask therapy on condylar position in Class III patients.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of varying force direction of maxillary orthopedic protraction on mandibular condylar position. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The conventional facemask group (Group 1) comprised 22 patients, 11 girls, and 11 boys (mean age: 9.3 ± 1.3 years); the modified facemask group (Group 2) comprised 22 patients, 12 girls, and 10 boys (mean age: 9.4 ± 1.5 years); and the control group (Group 3) comprised 21 subjects, 11 girls, and 10 boys (mean age: 9.8 ± 1.9 years). Changes in mandibular position indicator (MPI ®) measurements of the SAM ® 3 articulator were evaluated. Treatment and control changes within groups and between groups were analyzed statistically. Intra-group comparisons were tested with the non-parametric Wilcoxon's test and inter-group changes with Kruskal-Wallis. The statistical significance of inter-group differences was further assessed with the Mann-Whitney test for independent samples with Bonferroni's correction. RESULTS: Antero-posterior positional changes of the left condyle were found higher in the controls than in Group 1 (p<0.016). Superior-inferior positional changes of the left condyle were also found significantly higher in controls than in Group 2 (p<0.016). No other significant changes in condylar position were determined in either group. In the treatment groups, asymmetrical condylar position diminished and became symmetrical with treatment in the antero-posterior direction (Group 1: 13.64%, Group 2: 36.37%) plane. In controls, the antero-posterior change of asymmetry was smaller (antero-posterior change: 7.60%). CONCLUSION: These findings generally suggest that modified and conventional facemask therapy with expansion had no adverse effects on the temporomandibular and masticatory system.

Microleakage between composite/wire and composite/enamel interfaces of flexible spiral wire retainers: direct versus indirect application methods.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the microleakage of flexible spiral wire retainers (FSWR) at composite/wire and composite/enamel interfaces produced by an indirect application method to that of a conventional direct application method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty freshly extracted human mandibular incisor teeth were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group 1 was bonded directly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Group 2 consisted of 20 teeth bonded indirectly with Transbond LR as the adhesive and Sondhi Rapid Set A/B Primer (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA), a filled resin primer. After bonding, specimens were further sealed with nail varnish, stained with 0.5% basic fuchsine for 24 h, sectioned and examined under a stereomicroscope that measured microleakage at the composite/wire and composite/enamel interfaces from both mesial and distal margins. Statistical analyses were performed using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U-tests with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Statistical comparisons indicated that no statistically significant differences were observed between composite/wire and composite/enamel interfaces for direct vs. indirect application procedures (Direct method p = 0.630 and Indirect method p = 0.930). Comparisons of the microleakage scores between direct and indirect FSWR application groups at composite/wire and composite/enamel interfaces indicated no statistically significant microleakage differences at mesial or distal margins (Composite/enamel interface p = 0.361 and Composite/wire interface p = 0.270). CONCLUSION: The type of FSWR application procedures (direct vs. indirect) did not significantly affect the amount of microleakage at the enamel/composite/wire complex.

Analysis of quorum sensing-dependent virulence factor production and its relationship with antimicrobial susceptibility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa respiratory isolates.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen causing severe respiratory infections. The pathogenesis of these infections is multifactorial and the production of many virulence factors is regulated by quorum sensing (QS), a cell-to-cell communication mechanism. The two well defined QS systems in P. aeruginosa, the las and rhl systems, rely on N-acyl homoserine lactone signal molecules, also termed autoinducers. We assessed the activity of QS-dependent virulence factors (including elastase, alkaline protease, pyocyanin and biofilm production) in respiratory isolates of P. aeruginosa and their relationship with antimicrobial susceptibility. We identified sixteen isolates displaying impaired phenotypic activity; among them, eleven isolates were also defective in autoinducer production, and therefore considered QS-deficient. Six of the QS-deficient isolates failed to amplify one or more of the four QS regulatory genes (lasI, lasR, rhlI, rhlR) with PCR: one isolate was negative for rhlR, two isolates were negative for rhlI and rhlR and three isolates were negative for all four genes. The isolates that were negative for virulence factor production were generally less susceptible to the antimicrobials and statistically significant correlations were observed between the lack of elastase production and resistance to piperacillin and ceftazidime; between failure in alkaline protease production and resistance to tobramycin, piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, cefepime, imipenem and ciprofloxacin; and between failure in pyocyanin production and resistance to amikacin, tobramycin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin. The results obtained indicate that, despite the pivotal role of QS in the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa respiratory infections, QS-deficient strains are still capable of causing infections and tend to be less susceptible to antimicrobials.

Splenic hydatid cyst perforating into the colon manifesting as acute massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding: an unusual presentation of disseminated abdominal echinococcosis.

Hydatid disease can occur in all viscera and soft tissues, although the liver and the lungs are the organs most commonly involved. Isolated splenic involvement with the disease is extremely rare. Splenic hydatid cysts may suppurate, fistulise to adjacent organs, or rupture into the peritonaeal cavity. However, acute, massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding due to splenocolic communication resulting from splenic echinococcal cyst has not been previously reported. We present a 77-year-old woman with disseminated abdominal echinococcosis, and active lower gastrointestinal bleeding due to splenocolic fistula resulting from splenic hydatid cyst. She was treated successfully with en-bloc excision of the spleen and splenic flexure of the colon.

Three-dimensional computed tomography of a complete stylohyoid ossification with articulation.

The stylohyoid chain presents considerable anatomic variability. Three-dimensional (3D) CT is accepted as the method of choice for morphological assessment of the stylohyoid complex. We present volume-rendered, 3D multislice CT images of an unusual, incidental case of bilateral complete stylohyoid ossification with articulations.

The role of nitric oxide in the effects of ovarian steroids on spontaneous myometrial contractility in rats.

Forty ovariectomized rats were apportioned into one control and three experimental groups (n=10 each) to evaluate the role of nitric oxide in the effects of ovarian steroids on spontaneous myometrial contractility in rats. The control group (group Ov) received sesame oil once daily for 10 days, whereas rats in the experimental groups were treated with progesterone (2 mg/(rat day); group P), 17beta-estradiol (10 microg/(rat day); group E2), or progesterone and 17beta-estradiol together (group E2+P). The functionality of the arginine-nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-nitric oxide (NO) pathway in the uterine horns of sacrificed rats was evaluated in an isolated organ bath. L-Arginine, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and 8-Br-cGMP decreased uterine contractile tension induced by electric field stimulation (EFS) in the Ov, P, and E2+P groups, but not in the E2 group. In addition, L-arginine was ineffective when applied together with a NOS inhibitor, L-nitro-N-arginine (L-NNA). The percentage of contractile inhibition was higher in the Ov and P groups compared to the E2+P group. Immunohistochemical evaluation revealed that expression of neuronal NOS (nNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and endothelial NOS (eNOS) in smooth muscles and nerve cells did not differ among the groups. Expression of nNOS and eNOS was strongly evident in the E2 and E2+P groups at both surface and glandular epithelium of the endometrium. iNOS expression was increased in surface epithelium of the E2 and E2+P groups. However, iNOS expression was only increased in glandular epithelial cells of the E2+P group. In conclusion, the L-arginine-NOS-NO pathway inhibits myometrial contractions via cGMP-dependent and -independent mechanisms, and while progesterone maintains the nitric oxide effects, estrogen prevents them. These results suggest that NOS does not mediate the effects of estrogen.

Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) is decreased in lung cancer patients showing progression: a pilot study.

Tumor growth and metastasis depend on angiogenesis, and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to be one of the most important angiogenic factors although the knowledge about its receptors is limited. We, therefore, investigated the treatment-related changes both in the level of the soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) in the serum by ELISA and the expression of VEGFR-1 in cancer tissues by immunohistochemistry. The serum levels were studied in 38 lung cancer patients, and 55 control subjects (21 benign disease and 34 healthy subjects) before the chemotherapy. The treatment-related changes in serum sVEGFR-1 were evaluated in 15 patients 24 and 48 hours after treatment. In addition to serum analysis, the tissue expressions were evaluated in 32 patients before treatment. The treatment-related changes in tissue VEGFR-1 expressions were evaluated in only 12 patients 24 hours after treatment. We observed no significant difference in terms of serum sVEGFR-1 levels between malignant and nonmalignant groups (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the levels of sVEGFR-1 before and after treatment (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between sVEGFR-1 levels in the groups (regressive, stable, progressive) classified according to the response to therapy (p = 0.043). A significant difference also was present between the expression levels of tissue VEGFR-1 in the same groups (p = 0.037). As a conclusion, we suggest that prechemotherapy sVEGFR-1 can be helpful for prediction of long-term response to therapy, but it should be studied in larger groups to elucidate its benefit in clinics.

Pneumosinus dilatans and multiplex: report of three rare cases and review of the literature.

Pneumosinus dilatans is a term used to describe a localized abnormal dilatation of one or more paranasal sinuses without radiological evidence of localized bone destruction, hyperostosis or mucous membrane thickening. The involvement of all paranasal sinuses and mastoid air cells has been named pneumosinus dilatans multiplex. Although the involvement of one or more paranasal sinuses has been reported widely, all paranasal sinuses and the concomitant involvement of mastoid air cells has been reported in only one case. Herein, we present three unusual cases of pneumosinus dilatans (one is a second case of pneumosinus dilatans multiplex in English literature, another is the first reported case of a frontal pneumosinus dilatans case associated with frontoethmoidal meningocele, mental retardation and facial asymmetry and the third one is pneumosinus dilatans with a huge arachnoid cyst) along with the review of relevant literature.

Interventional radiological management of vascular complications following renal transplantation.

In this pictorial essay, we describe the angiographic appearance of the most common vascular complications following renal transplantation, such as arterial stenoses, arteriovenous fistulas, pseudoaneurysms, and thromboses, and illustrate their interventional radiological management.

Immunohistochemical localization of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) in the developing and mature rat testes.

It has been suggested that insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) plays an important role in the regulation of spermatogenesis in the testes. Its signal is mediated predominantly by the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR). Signalling through IGF-IR has been shown to have a potent survival function. IGF-IR, a transmembrane tyrosine kinase, is widely expressed across many cell types. In this study, we demonstrated the distribution of IGF-IR in testes of differently aged rats. Anti-IGF-IR is a rabbit polyclonal antibody raised against a peptide mapping at the carboxy terminus of the IGF-IR of human origin. Testicular specimens were fixed in Bouin's solution and embedded in paraffin. The paraffin-embedded sections were processed for standard immunohistochemistry by the labelled streptavidin-biotin technique. At postnatal day 19, IGF-IR immunoreactivity was seen moderately in spermatogonia, and slightly both in leptotene and zygotene primary spermatocytes. At postnatal day 35, immunoreactivity was seen slightly both in the pachytene primary spermatocytes and Leydig cells. Although there was intense immunoreactivity in the Leydig cells and in the elongated spermatids on days 50 and 70, the intensity of reaction was decreased in the elongated spermatids in the 10th month. Our results suggest that IGF-IR may play significant roles in testicular function and germ cell development.

A possible role of Bacteroides fragilis enterotoxin in the aetiology of colorectal cancer.

The prevalence of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) was investigated in stool specimens from 73 patients with colorectal cancer and from 59 control patients. Stool specimens were cultured on Bacteroides Bile Esculin agar and B. fragilis was identified by conventional methods. After DNA extraction, the enterotoxin gene (bft) was detected by PCR in 38% of the isolates from colorectal cancer patients, compared with 12% of the isolates from the control group (p 0.009). This is the first study demonstrating an increased prevalence of ETBF in colorectal cancer patients.