Platelet indices as a predictor in the differentiation of Behçet's disease from recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate complete blood count parameters in patients with Behçet's disease (BD) who present with oral ulcers and patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) in order to determine whether they could be used as discriminatory biomarkers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted between January 2019 and January 2023. The study population consisted of three groups: patients with BD who had oral ulcer manifestation (n=85, BD-Group), patients with idiopathic RAS (n=186, RAS-Group) and healthy controls (n=90, HC-Group). All data about participants, on their first application, including sociodemographic and clinical data, comorbidity status, laboratory results were collected retrospectively from the hospital computer records and patients' charts. RESULTS: The groups were similar in terms of age (p=0.235) and sex distribution (p=0.450). Mean platelet volume (MPV) and plateletcrit values of the BD-Group were significantly lower, while platelet distribution width (PDW) was significantly higher, compared to the other two groups (p<0.001 for all). Low MPV (<9.15) (56.47% sensitivity and 90.86% specificity), high PDW (≥15.75) (75.00% sensitivity and 94.96% specificity) and low plateletcrit (<0.237) (55.29% sensitivity and 79.46% specificity) could significantly distinguish BD patients with oral ulcer onset from patients with RAS. CONCLUSIONS: PDW, MPV, and plateletcrit may be useful biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of oral ulcers when distinguishing between BD and RAS. However, these results need to be supported by further comprehensive studies.

Universal magnetic proximity effect in ferromagnet-semiconductor quantum well hybrid structures.

Hybrid ferromagnet-semiconductor systems possess new outstanding properties, which emerge when bringing magnetic and semiconductor materials into contact. In such structures, the long-range magnetic proximity effect couples the spin systems of the ferromagnet and semiconductor on distances exceeding the carrier wave function overlap. The effect is due to the effective p-d exchange interaction of acceptor-bound holes in the quantum well with d-electrons of the ferromagnet. This indirect interaction is established via the phononic Stark effect mediated by the chiral phonons. Here, we demonstrate that the long-range magnetic proximity effect is universal and observed in hybrid structures with diverse magnetic components and potential barriers of various thicknesses and compositions. We study hybrid structures consisting of a semimetal (magnetite Fe3O4) or dielectric (spinel NiFe2O4) ferromagnet and a CdTe quantum well separated by a nonmagnetic (Cd,Mg)Te barrier. The proximity effect is manifested in the circular polarization of the photoluminescence corresponding to the recombination of photoexcited electrons with holes bound to shallow acceptors in the quantum well induced by magnetite or spinel itself, in contrast to interface ferromagnet in case of metal-based hybrid systems. A nontrivial dynamics of the proximity effect is observed in the studied structures due to recombination-induced dynamic polarization of electrons in the quantum well. It enables the determination of the exchange constant Δexch ≈ 70 µeV in a magnetite-based structure. The universal origin of the long-range exchange interaction along with the possibility of its electrical control offers prospects for the development of low-voltage spintronic devices compatible with existing solid-state electronics.

High Fat Diet Mediated Alterations in Serum Sphingolipid Profiles in An Experimental Mouse Model Measured by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with hepatic steatosis, a benign condition caused by accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes, which may progress to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. Recent studies suggest that sphingolipids are involved in the development and severity of NAFLD. The goal of this study is to identify the circulating sphingolipid species that are altered by chronic high fat diet (HFD) feeding and correlate these abnormalities with hepatic sphingolipids. We utilized a previously established experimental model of NAFLD generated by HFD feeding of 8-week-old male mice for 16 weeks. Lipids were extracted from serum samples by Folch method and analyzed with matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in the positive and negative ion modes. MALDI-TOF detected a total of 47 serum sphingolipids including sphingomyelins, sulfatides, ceramides, phosphosphingolipids, and glycosphingolipids within the mass range of 600-2000 Da. Principle component analysis demonstrated clear separation of hepatic sphingolipids from low fat diet (LFD) and HFD groups and partial overlap of serum sphingolipids with a variance of 53.5% and 15.1%, and 11.7% in PC1, PC2, and PC3, respectively. Chronic HFD feeding significantly increased expression of SM (40:0), SM(42:2), ST(42:2), Hex(6)-Cer (40:1), and Hex(4)-HexNAc (2)-Cer (34:1) in both serum and liver. In addition, HFD mediated percent changes in hepatic sphingolipids correlate linearly with the percent changes in serum sphingolipids as determined by Pearson correlation (P = 0.0002). Elevated levels of serum and hepatic sphingomyelins and glycoceramides are key factors mediating NAFLD development and may serve as peripheral markers of hepatic steatosis.

Evaluation of Intermaxillary Fixation (IMF) Screw Therapy with Craniomandibular Index Analysis for Chronic Recurrent Dislocation in the Temporomandibular Joint.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) hypermobility is classified as a subluxation, complete (luxation), unilateral, or bilateral, acute, chronic protracted, or chronic recurrent dislocation. AIMS: This controlled randomized clinical study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of intermaxillary fixation (IMF) screw application and autologous blood injections in the treatment of chronic recurrent dislocation of TMJ in comparison with the placebo group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patients who were admitted to the Faculty of Dentistry of the Atatürk University between October 2018 and January 2020 were evaluated. Three hundred patients diagnosed with bilateral chronic recurrent dislocation of TMJ based on clinical findings and radiographs were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups according to the evaluation criteria. Group 1 received IMF, group 2 received autologous blood injection, and group 3 (placebo group) received an intraarticular saline injection. RESULTS: The results of the patients who received IMF, autologous blood injection, and saline injection were evaluated by the craniomandibular index. The IMF group showed significant improvement after 1 month and 6 months (P < 0.001), while the patients who received autologous blood injection and saline injection showed no significant improvement (P > 0.05). The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS V23. The significance level was P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: In our study, the IMF gave the best results among all the study groups. The IMF technique can be used in patients with protracted chronic recurrent dislocation in whom autologous blood injection has failed.

The impact of the Adenotonsillectomy on cardiac functions and oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) causes cardiovascular comorbidities and increased oxidative stress. Adenotonsillectomy is the first treatment option for OSAS secondary to adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH). This study evaluated the presence of cardiovascular changes, hypertension and oxidative stress before and after adenotonsillectomy in patients with OSAS secondary to ATH. METHODS: Patients with ATH diagnosed with OSAS by polysomnography (PSG) were included. All participants received an Echocardiography (ECHO) and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM). Serum malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant activity (TOS) levels of oxidant parameters; total antioxidant activity (TAS), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels of antioxidant parameters were measured. All patients received an adenotonsillectomy. Postoperative evaluation was performed at the 6th month. In the postoperative period, PSG, ECHO, ABPM and the oxidant-antioxidant parameter levels in the serum was repeated. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (13 males, 15 females; mean age 8.2 ± 2.06 years) were included in the study. In the preoperative period, concentric remodeling was observed in 14,8% of the patients, although they had no cardiovascular system complaints. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) scores were classified as mild in 39.3% (n = 11), moderate in 21.4% (n = 6) and severe in 39.3% (n = 11) preoperatively. In the postoperative period, 22 patients were evaluated. It was observed that the severity of OSAS decreased, ventricular functions improved, oxidant parameters decreased and antioxidant parameters increased postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Adenotonsillectomy provides a positive change in cardiovascular system parameters and an antioxidant change in the oxidative balance in patients with OSAS.

Retrospective evaluation of cone-beam computed tomography findings of odontogenic cysts in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic cysts develop from the epithelium of dental structures and generally grow slowly. In children and adolescents, cysts usually grow faster than adults and require much knowledge for diagnoses and treatments. AIMS: This study aimed to determine the diagnosis and treatment of odontogenic cysts in different age groups by evaluating the type of lesions, age, gender, and anatomical distribution of odontogenic cysts seen in children and adolescents by cone-beam computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 odontogenic cysts (radicular, dentigerous cyst, and odontogenic keratocyst) were determined in children and adolescents aged 7-18 years. Cone-beam computed tomography images of odontogenic cysts were analyzed in terms of types, age, sex, anatomical location, height, width, depth, scalloped borders, lesion shapes, tooth displacement, root resorption, and association with an unerupted tooth. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between odontogenic cyst types and age groups, scalloped borders, lesion shape, tooth displacement, root resorption, and association with an unerupted tooth. CONCLUSION: When odontogenic cysts seen in children and adolescents are examined with cone-beam computed tomography, the radicular cyst was the most common form and was predominated in the 13-18 years age group and in boys. Differences in terms of scalloped borders, lesion shape, tooth displacement, root resorption, and association with unerupted teeth were noticed. The knowledge of the distribution and properties of odontogenic cysts in pediatric patients will help diagnose the lesions during clinical and radiological examinations and make appropriate treatment planning.

Rapid Peak Alignment for MALDI-TOF Lipid Analysis.

The ability to measure structural and functional alterations in cellular and tissue lipids with small footprint, accessible instrumentation has sparked interest in their role in disease pathology. However, various lipidomic analytical tools tend to be cumbersome and time-consuming. A rapid, accurate, and straight forward peak alignment software routine would greatly facilitate the analysis of large datasets, such as those produced by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Herein, we describe a novel Rapid Peak Alignment Method (RPAM) which allows untargeted analysis of lipids expressed in brain white matter following chronic ethanol exposure in an established experimental model. The RPAM outputs data comparable to manual peak alignments but the processing time requires only 90 minutes instead of 8-10 hours. This method is readily adapted to a broad range of models, tissue types, and human diseases.

MicroRNA Levels in Exhaled Breath Condensate of Patients with Esophageal Atresia.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs that play an important role in the regulation of inflammation and have not been evaluated in exhaled breath condensates (EBC) of patients with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF). It is aimed to evaluate the levels of miRNA-21 and miRNA-24 in EBC of patients with EA-TEF. Patients who received surgery for EA-TEF (EA) were assessed for age, sex, types of anomaly, surgical treatments, and respiratory problems. A 500-1000 mL of EBC was obtained from each participant with EcoScreen. The levels of miRNA-21 and miRNA-24 in the EBC were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and compared between the EA group and the control group consisting of healthy children with no history of respiratory problems (n = 17). The levels of miRNAs in relation to respiratory problems and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) were also assessed. A total of 19 patients were enrolled in the EA group with a mean age of 7.8 ± 3.2 years and a male-to-female ratio of 10:9 EA cases had significantly lower levels of miRNA-21 (P < 0.05) compared to that in control group. The miRNA-24 levels did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). EA patients with positive pH testing for GER (n = 6) and fundoplication (n = 6) had higher levels of miRNA-21 than those with normal pH testing and without fundoplication, respectively (n = 13, P < 0.05). The levels of miRNA-21 and miRNA-24 did not differ between patients with and without proton pump inhibitor treatment (P > 0.05). The lower levels of miRNA-21 in the EBC of EA patients suggest a hyperreactive airway problem, which may be associated with GER and its surgical treatment.

A CASE OF SOTOS SYNDROME CAUSED BY A NOVEL VARIANT IN THE NSD1 GENE: A PROPOSED RATIONALE TO TREAT ACCOMPANYING PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY.

Sotos syndrome is characterized by overgrowth, macrocephaly, distinctive facial features, and learning disabilities and is associated with alterations in the nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 1 (NSD1) gene. Due to the advanced bone age, the eventual adult height is usually at the upper limit of normal. In this case report, a 6-year and 10-month old boy who presented with Sotos syndrome was described. He also had increased testicular volumes with advanced bone age. The stimulated levels of gonadotropins revealed central precocious puberty and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a pineal cyst. A heterozygous duplication variant [NM_022455.4:c.4560dup; p.(His1521Thrfs*9)] in the NSD1 was identified. Triptorelin acetate treatment was started. The aim was to report the novel duplication variant in the NSD-1 in a patient with Sotos syndrome accompanied by a pineal cyst and central precocious puberty, and also to discuss the rationale for treating precocious puberty.

Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in the head and neck region: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in the head and neck using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to determine their clinical importance. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Soft tissue calcifications in the head and neck region were retrospectively evaluated in 1557 CBCT images obtained between 2013 and 2015. The findings were categorized as follows: tonsillolith (calcified tonsil), carotid artery calcification (CAC), sialolith (salivary stone), calcified triticeous cartilage (CTC), calcified lymph node (CLN), rhinolith, antrolith, calcification of the superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage (CSCTC), calcified stylohyoid ligaments (CSL), myositis ossifican, osteoma cutis, and intracranial calcification. A Chi-square test was performed for categorical variables. In the 1557 CBCT images, 520 (33.4%) contained had at least one soft tissue calcification in the head and neck region. RESULTS: Tonsilloliths (18.8%) were the most prevalent soft tissue calcification, followed by CTC (5.8%), CAC (4.3%), intracranial calcifications (3.9%), CSL (3.7%), CSCTC (2.1%), osteoma cutis (1%), sialoliths (0.7%), antroliths (0.5%), myositis ossificans (0.4%), rhinoliths, and CLN (0.2%). CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in the head and neck region on CBCT images. Tonsilloliths were the most common type of calcification. CBCT imaging may aid the diagnosis and assessment of these calcifications.

Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders in children with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis.

Summary: Introduction. Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) are common in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). Our objective was to determine ratio/types of PID in NCFB. Methods. Seventy NCFB patients followed up in a two-year period were enrolled. Results. Median age was 14 years (min-max: 6-30). Male/female ratio was 39/31; parental consanguinity, 38.6%. Most patients with NCFB (84.28%) had their first pulmonary infection within the first year of their lives. Patients had their first pulmonary infection at a median age of 6 months (min-max: 0.5-84), were diagnosed with bronchiectasis at about 9 years (114 months, min-max: 2-276). PID, primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), bronchiolitis obliterans, rheumatic/autoimmune diseases, severe congenital heart disease and tuberculosis were evaluated as the most common causes of NCFB. About 40% of patients (n=16) had bronchial hyperreactivity (BH) and asthma. Twenty-nine patients (41.4%) had a PID, and nearly all (n=28) had primary antibody deficiency, including patients with combined T and B cell deficiency. PID and non-PID groups did not differ according to gender, parental consanguinity, age at first pneumonia, age of onset of chronic pulmonary symptoms, bronchiectasis, presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), BH and asthma (p greater-than 0.05). Admission to immunology clinic was about 3 years later in PID compared with non-PID group (p less-than 0.001). Five patients got molecular diagnosis, X-linked agammaglobulinemia (n=2), LRBA deficiency (n=1), RASGRP1 deficiency (n=1), MHC Class II deficiency (n=1). They were given monthly IVIG and HSCT was performed for three patients. Conclusions. PID accounted for about 40% of NCFB. Early diagnosis/appropriate treatment have impact on clinical course of a PID patient. Thus, follow-up in also immunology clinics should be a routine for patients who experience pneumonia in the first year of their lives and those with NCFB.

Juxta-apical radiolucency and relations with surrounding structures on cone-beam computed tomography.

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of juxta-apical radiolucency (JAR) and its relations with surrounding structures using cone-beam computed tomography (CT). A total of 215 cone-beam CT images was analysed retrospectively to record the presence, site, and size of the JAR, and the relations between the JAR and the mandibular canal, buccal or lingual cortical plates, tooth position, and condition of root apex. Descriptive analyses were made, and relations between the categorical variables were tested with the chi squared test. JAR was detected in 71 (33%) (5 bilateral and 66 unilateral) of 215 patients (378 mandibular third molars) on cone-beam CT images. It was most commonly seen mesial to the tooth (43%) and above the third molars (55%), and was least common lingual to the tooth (3%) and at the distoangular third molar (3%) (p = 0.005). There was no significant relation between the JAR and the mandibular canal, but JAR was most likely to be detected superiorly to the mandibular canal (59% of cases). JAR can be seen and evaluated with cone-beam CT. It was most commonly seen mesial to the tooth and above the third molar. No significant relation was found between JAR and the mandibular canal, cortical plate, or condition of the apex. Future studies on the assessment of JAR should be done with a larger sample size as prospective cone-beam CT studies.

Assessment of the temporal crest canal using cone-beam computed tomography.

The temporal crest canal (TCC) is a rare variant of the mandibular canal, and it is important to locate the presence and site of mandibular canals and their variants before operation. We have examined the anatomical features and prevalence of TCC with cone-beam computed tomography (CT) in south-east Anatolia. The cone-beam CT images of 1023 patients (2026 sides) referred to the Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology between 2015 and 2017 years were evaluated retrospectively. Sagittal, cross-sectional, and reformatted panoramic images were analysed to see if a TCC was present. The canals were grouped as Type 1 and Type 2 according to their configuration. Seven (0.7%) were found in 1023 patients. Two of them (0.2%) were in female, and five (0.5%) in male, patients. Four (0.4%) were increasingly narrow and noticeably curved (Type 1), and three (0.3%) were uniformly wide and slightly curved (Type 2). All TCC were unilateral: two on the right and five on the left. We conclude that knowledge of the presence of a TCC and its anatomical variants in the mandibular ramus is important to ensure a proper local anaesthetic nerve block for surgical operations. Cone-beam CT is an important diagnostic tool in dentistry, and clearly recognises a TCC.

Oral and dental findings in Bardet-Biedl syndrome: A case report.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder. This syndrome is associated with 19 genes present, and 80% of the cases are determined as a clinical diagnosis result. A 15-year-old female presented with a complaint of gingival bleeding during brushing. As a result of received detailed history and the intraoral-extraoral examinations; retinal dystrophy, obesity, polydactyly, and renal defects of Caucasian female consistent with BBS were reported. Oral and dental findings were high-arched palate, crowding, and missing tooth. As dentists, we should know the diagnostic criteria of this syndrome. In addition, we should have a high index of suspicion so as to enhance the timely recognition of this condition. Dentists should also be familiar with the management protocol that includes a multidisciplinary approach to alleviate the existing conditions.

The effect of pregabalin and ibuprofen combination for pain after third molar surgery.

AIM: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of different doses of pregabalin and intravenous ibuprofen with regard to pain management and analgesic consumption after third molar surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients who had been scheduled for third molar surgery were assigned to four different treatment groups. The inclusion criteria consisted of the presence of fully or partially bony retentive asymptomatic mandibular third molars. These groups are included the following: (Group 1) premedicated with oral placebo and intravenous (IV) placebo, (Group 2) premedicated with oral placebo and 400-mg IV Ibuprofen, (Group 3) premedicated with 75-mg oral pregabalin and 400-mg IV ibuprofen, and (Group 4) premedicated with 150-mg oral pregabalin and 400 mg IV ibuprofen. Postoperative pain was assessed with visual analog scale (VAS) every hour for the first 12 hs following the surgery. Pain was then assessed at different time intervals during 7 days following the surgery. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the four groups in terms of VAS pain scores, analgesic consumption, and first rescue analgesic request time after the surgery. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the results of 80 patients (20 patients per group) were analyzed. The group 4 had lower pain intensity compared with other groups at various time intervals. This difference is statistically significant in between the first 3-10 h (first day) and single-time intervals in second, third, fifth, and sixth postoperative days. Postoperative analgesic consumption was not statistically different between the groups. The first rescue analgesic request time after surgery was different between the pregabalin combination groups and group 2. No significant difference in the side effects was observed. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that preoperative coadministration of 150-mg pregabalin and IV ibuprofen may be useful in improving pain control after third molar surgery.

Developmental and behavioral problems in preschool-aged primary ciliary dyskinesia patients.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) causes a broad spectrum of disease. This study aims to explore the developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional aspects of preschool-aged children with PCD. Fourteen PCD, 17 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and 15 healthy subjects were enrolled. Developmental features of the participants were evaluated with Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Parents of participants filled out the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The number of children screened positive for developmental delay was statistically higher in the PCD group. Higher numbers of children with PCD were screened positive for developmental delay in communication and problem-solving domains. Delay in fine motor skill domain was more common in children with PCD and CF compared to healthy subjects. There was no difference among the three groups in terms of gross motor and personal-social development. None of the children in all three groups was shown to have social-emotional problems. In CBCL, patients with CF had higher internalizing problem scores. Externalizing and total problem scores did not differ between the three groups. However, among PCD patients, children with developmental delay on more than one domain had higher externalizing and total problem scores.Conclusion: The current study revealed that positive screening for developmental delay is more common in preschool-aged PCD patients compared to patients with CF and healthy children. What is Known: • Intelligence scores of school-aged PCD patients are similar to healthy subjects despite their higher internalizing problem scores on Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). • School-aged PCD patients exhibit higher hyperactivity and inattention findings. What is New: • Positive screening for developmental delay in communication, problem-solving and fine motor skills is more common in preschool-aged PCD patients. • Preschool-aged PCD patients screened positive for developmental delay in more than one domain have higher externalizing and total problem scores on CBCL.

Anatomical evaluation of nasopalatine canal on cone beam computed tomography images.

BACKGROUND: Nasopalatine canal (NPC) (incisive canal) morphology is important for oral surgery techniques carried out on the maxilla, in the treatment of naso- palatine cyst, palatal pathologies that require a surgical intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The morphology of NPC was classified in sagittal, coronal and axial planes on the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The length of NPC was found by measuring the distance between the mid-points of nasopalatine foramen and incisive foramen. The numbers, shapes and diameters of incisive and nasopalatine foramina were examined. Nasopalatine angle present between the NPC and the palate and anterior to the NPC was measured. RESULTS: In the sagittal plane, the shape of NPC was classified in six groups: 26.7% hourglass, 14.7% cone, 13.3% funnel, 16.0% banana, 28.7% cylindrical and 0.7% reverse-cone-shaped. In the coronal plane, shape of NPC was classified in three groups: 63.3% Y-shaped, 36.0% single canal, 0.7% double canal and external border of NPC was classified in four groups: 26.7% U, 28.7% Y, 44.0% V and 0.7% reverse-V-shaped. In the axial plane, the shape of nasopalatine foramen, incisive foramen and NPC at the mid-level was evaluated. The shape of the canal was detected as four types at three evaluated levels: round, oval, heart- and triangle-shaped. It was seen in every three axial planes that the round group is more than the others. CONCLUSIONS: The morphological properties and variations of NPC should be con- sidered with a correct radiological evaluation so as to prevent the complications and improper practices in local anaesthesia, maxillary surgery and implant surgery practices. Especially dentists, otolaryngologist and plastic surgeons need to know the anatomy and variations of NPC.

Morphometric evaluation and surgical implications of the infraorbital groove, canal and foramen on cone-beam computed tomography and a review of literature.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anatomy, morphometry, and variations of infraorbital groove (IOG), infraorbital canal (IOC) and infraorbital foramen (IOF) on the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and to investigate their relations with surrounding structures. METHODS: IOG, IOC and IOF were evaluated retrospectively in CBCT images of 75 female (F) and 75 male (M) cases with a range of 18-65 years (F: 37.62 ± ± 13.55, M: 37.53 ± 15.87) by Planmeca Romexis programme. IOG, IOC and IOF were examined bilaterally (300 sides) in the cases. The 13 parameters were measured on these images in axial, sagittal and coronal planes. RESULTS: There was a very weak positive correlation between the age and the angle between IOC and IOG (p = 0.015, r = 0.198), there was a weak positive correlation between the age and skin thickness (p = 0.001, r = 0.281), and there was no correlation between the age and other parameters. A total of 21 (7%) IOCs were detected in maxillary sinus, bilaterally in 6 cases and unilaterally in 9 cases (5 on the left, 4 on the right). In 1 case, bilaterally, IOC was separated 2 canals while running anteriorly in the maxillary sinus. The larger one was directed to IOF in its normal course and the smaller one was directed to lateral wall of nasal cavity and opened to the inferior nasal meatus in front of the opening of nasolacrimal duct. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the parameters found in the present study may facilitate prediction of the location of the infraorbital nerve. Knowledge of this exact position in relation to easily measurable parameters may decrease the risk of infraorbital nerve injury during surgical approaches directed to this region and might serve as a guide during local anaesthetic interventions for dentistry, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, rhinology, neurosurgery and dermatology.

Synthesis and investigation of binding interactions of 1,4-benzoxazine derivatives on topoisomerase IV in Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as an important pathogen for nosocomial infections having high morbidity and mortality. This pathogen is notorious for antimicrobial resistance to many common antimicrobial agents including fluoroquinolones, which have both intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms. Fluoroquinolones targeting the bacterial topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase and Topo IV) show potent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity by the stabilization of the covalent enzyme-DNA complex. However, their efficacy is now being threatened by an increasing prevalence of resistance. Fluoroquinolones cause stepwise mutations in DNA gyrase and Topo IV, having alterations of their binding sites. Furthermore, the water-Mg+2 bridge, which provides enzyme-fluoroquinolone interactions, has a significant role in resistance. In this study, 13 compounds were synthesized as 1,4-benzoxazine derivatives which act as bacterial topoisomerase II inhibitors and their antibacterial activities were determined against multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter strains which have ciprofloxacin (CIP) resistant and GyrA mutation. Afterwards we performed docking studies with Topo IV (pdb:2XKK) of these compounds to comprehend their binding properties in Discovery Studio 3.5. The results of this study show significant conclusions to elucidate the resistance mechanism and lead to the design of new antibacterial agents as bacterial topoisomerase II inhibitors.

Synthesis and activity mechanism of some novel 2-substituted benzothiazoles as hGSTP1-1 enzyme inhibitors.

Human GSTP1-1 is one of the most important proteins, which overexpresses in a large number of human tumours and is involved in the development of resistance to several anticancer drugs. So, it has become an important target in cancer treatment. In this study, 12 benzothiazole derivatives were synthesized and screened for their in vitro inhibitory activity for hGSTP1-1. Among these compounds, two of them (compounds #2 and #5) have been found to be the leads when compared with the reference drug etoposide. In order to analyse the structure-activity relationships (SARs) and to investigate the binding side interactions of the observed lead compounds, a HipHop pharmacophore model was generated and the molecular docking studies were performed by using CDocker method. In conclusion, it is observed that the lead compounds #2 and #5 possessed inhibitory activity on the hGSTP1-1 by binding to the H-site as a substrate in which the para position of the phenyl ring of the benzamide moiety on the benzothiazole ring is important. Substitution at this position with a hydrophobic group that reduces the electron density at the phenyl ring is required for the interaction with the H side active residue Tyr108.