Correlation of miRNAs With Prognosis in Composite Tissue Allotransplantation.

OBJECTIVES: The number of composite tissue allotransplant procedures is increasing and has gained popularity. As with other transplant procedures, early detection of possible pathologies is as important as clinical follow-up. The present study investigated the correlation between microRNA expression levels and clinical follow-up of individuals undergoing composite tissue transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Whole microRNA expression levels were analyzed from peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from preoperative and postoperative blood of patients who underwent facial transplant. Analyses were performed using microRNA levels from patients' preoperative blood samples. RESULTS: The clinical findings of patients with facial transplant were correlated with individual miRNA expression level changes. The expression of miR-31, the high expression of which has been linked to rejection, was significantly low in our patients. No expression changes were observed in other rejection-related microRNAs. Grade 1 rejection was generally seen in our patients, and these findings are consistent with the degree and frequency of rejection episodes in our cases. In addition, immunosuppression-associated diseases such as squamous cell carcinoma, posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders, and aspergillosis, which are encountered clinically, were found to correlate with expression changes in microRNAs such as miR-150-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-20a-5p, and miR-3607-5p. CONCLUSIONS: Defining the clinical findings and immunosuppression-associated pathologies encountered in composite tissue transplant using biomarkers such as microRNA can play an important role in the improvement of these transplant procedures and in predicting patient morbidity. Therefore, the use of microRNAs may be useful in the clinical follow-up of patients who have received composite tissue allotransplant.

Relationship among Ocular Diseases, Developmental Levels, and Clinical Characteristics of Children with Diplegic Cerebral Palsy.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships among vision problems, developmental levels, upper extremity functions, and qualities of life of children with cerebral palsy (CP). [Subjects] The study included 32 children, aged 4-15 years, diagnosed with diplegic type CP. [Methods] Hand function was evaluated using the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) and the Bimanual Fine Motor Function (BFMF) scale, and the severity of CP was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). The developmental and mental capabilities of the children were evaluated using the Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory (ADSI) or the WISC-R test. An oculomotor examination was conducted for all patients. [Results] Positive correlations were found between GMFCS and BFMF, GMFCS and MACS, and MACS and BFMF scores (r=0.636; r=0.553; r=0.718, respectively). Significant correlations were found between upper extremity function, the severity of CP, the quality of life, and the general developmental level. There was no significant correlation between ocular disorders and clinical characteristics. [Conclusion] GMFCS, MACS, and BFMF may be useful for defining the functional status of children with CP, as they are easy, practical, and simple classification scales that conform to each other.

Quality of life, depression, and sexual dysfunction in spouses of female patients with fibromyalgia.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the quality of life and psychological condition of female patients with fibromyalgia and their spouses on sexual function. A total of 32 female patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia and their spouses were analyzed. Thirty married couples were included in the study as the control group. The demographic data of the fibromyalgia patients were recorded, a visual analog scale was used to evaluate the level of pain, and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was used to evaluate the impact of the symptoms on the quality of life of the patients. The quality of life of both the patients and the control group were evaluated using the Short Form 36 (SF-36), and psychological variables were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index for female participants and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for male participants. The IIEF erectile dysfunction scores were significantly lower in the spouses of female patients with fibromyalgia than in the control group (p < 0.05), and the BDI scores were significantly higher in the spouses of the female patients with fibromyalgia (p < 0.05). Among the SF-36 scores, the emotional and physical roles were significantly lower in the spouses of the female patients with fibromyalgia (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004, respectively). In all spouses of FMS patients and controls, there was a significantly negative correlation between erectile function, the BDI score, and to be married with FMS patient and positive correlations between erectile function and emotional role, social function, mental health, SF-36 pain score, and general health (p < 0.05 for all). In a linear regression model, BDI, to be married with FMS patient and general health were found to affect erectile function (beta regression coefficient = -0.572, SE = 0.082, p = 0.001; beta regression coefficient = -0.332, SE = 1.619, p = 0.007; beta regression coefficient = 0.445, SE = 0.065, p = 0.005, respectively). Being a spouse of a patient with fibromyalgia might significantly interfere with quality of life and lead to a high rate of sexual dysfunction. Spouses of patients with fibromyalgia might also be investigated for sexual dysfunction and quality of life. Treatment programs for this group should be considered.