Endobronchial Tuberculosis in an HIV-positive Case.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis is an opportunist infection that is fatal and most frequently seen in HIV-positive patients due to immunosuppression. Endobronchial lesions can portray symptoms in different ways. Endobronchial Tuberculosis is one of these lesions. CASE REPORT: An HIV-positive, untreated 26-year-old patient with fever, cough, and dyspnea consulted our clinic. In the chest X-ray taken, effusion on the right side and non-homogeneous density increase in the middle and upper lobes, bilaterally more prominent on the right side, were observed. Therefore, the patient underwent bronchoscopy because the CT (computerized tomography) showed mediastinal lymphadenopathy (LAP) and an endobronchial lesion in the left main bronchus. During bronchoscopy, a vegetative endobronchial lesion that causes obstruction in the left main bronchus was monitored. With the help of Pathology and PCR results, endobronchial tuberculosis was diagnosed. CONCLUSION: Even if Acid-alcohol-resistant Bacillus (ARB) is detected negative in patients who stop responding to antimicrobial treatment and are being monitored under radiological scanning, a distinctive diagnosis of endobronchial tuberculosis should be kept in mind while performing bronchoscopy.

Relationship of MMP-9 with the clinical course of apical periodontitis and the main bacterial species in the oral microbiota.

Bacterial products, host immune cells and cytokines have been reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis (AP). This study aimed to determine the main bacterial species in the microbiota as gram positive and negative and to compare the relationship between matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α with controlled patient groups. 60 patients with AP and extraction indication were included in the study. 30 systemically healthy volunteers without AP were selected as the control group. After access cavity preparation, an initial microbiologic sample (S1) was taken from the root canal. After atraumatic extraction of the tooth, a second microbial sample (S2) was taken from the extraradicular region. After bacterial DNA extraction, 16S rRNA gene primer was designed for sequence analysis. Bacterial community profiling was made by Sanger sequencing of the PCR products. In addition, serum MMP-9 and TNF-α levels were measured from all patients. TNF-α levels of the AP group were higher than the control group, while MMP-9 levels were found to be lower (p = 0.0264 and p = 0.0146, respectively). There was no difference in the main bacterial species isolated from the samples taken from the intracanal and extraradicular region of the tooth with AP (p = 0.714). The main bacterial species in the intracanal region of the tooth with AP are similar to the main bacterial species in the extraradicular region. The pathophysiology of the tooth with AP is associated with low MMP-9 and high TNF-α, independent of the bacterial species in the intracanal and extraradicular regions.

Tissue quantitative RT-PCR test for diagnostic significance of cytomegalovirus infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and treatment response: Cytomegalovirus infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an opportunistic pathogen that exacerbates inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are no clear diagnostic criteria for CMV infection in IBD patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of the diagnosis of CMV infection with CMV-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the colonic mucosa and the response to antiviral treatment. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 30 patients with IBD (24 men, 6 women; median age: 42 years) who were hospitalized because of IBD exacerbation and whose samples were assessed by tissue CMV-DNA PCR positivity. Most of the IBD patients had ulcerative colitis (90%). The CMV-DNA PCR median value was 8848 copies/mL of tissue (range 90-242,936 copies/mL). Blood CMV-DNA PCR was found to be positive in a small group (33.3%, 10/30) of tissue CMV-DNA PCR-positive cases. immunohistochemistry tests were positive in only 5 of the 23 patients positive for CMV-DNA PCR in the colonic mucosa, and high remission (25/30, 83.3%) was detected with antiviral therapy. Recurrence of CMV colitis infection was observed in 9 of 25 patients who had remission with antiviral therapy. The tissue CMV-DNA PCR test was found to be more useful than blood CMV-DNA PCR and immunohistochemistry tests for diagnosing CMV colitis, and the tissue CMV-DNA PCR test enabled rapid and appropriate treatment.

Evaluation of mid-buccal gingival recessions and occlusal interferences.

BACKGROUND: Dental malocclusions may cause disruption in occlusal harmony, and destructive interferences during mandibular functional movements can be seen. Ideal occlusal contacts during dynamic mandibular movements may be crucial for preventing the occurrence of mid-buccal gingival recession (mbGR). While determining mbGR risk factors in young adults, the effect of occlusal interferences on mbGR has not yet been focused on. Based on this gap, this field needs to be clarified with new studies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this case-control study was to evaluate the relationships between the presence, extent and severity of mbGRs to dental malocclusions, occlusal interferences in anterior (AG) and lateral guidance (LG) and to determine the potential risk indicators in a young population. METHODS: A total of 149 dental students were comprised and 70 of them presented mbGR(s) and 79 did not (18-25 years, 4553 teeth). Periodontal status was assessed with full mouth bleeding (FMBS) and plaque score (FMPS), probing depth, clinical attachment level, recession depth and keratinised tissue width (KTW) by a periodontist. Malocclusions and occlusal interferences were evaluated by an orthodontist. Logistic regression analyses provided data on the effect of occlusal interferences and the other indicators towards mbGR. RESULTS: The mean of the number of teeth with mbGR(s) per subject was 4.3. The mean of the overall extent of teeth with mbGR(s) was 14.2%. FMBS, decreased KTW, self-reported bruxism, group function occlusion, increased contact number of all teeth and only premolars/molars in AG or LG and Class III malocclusions were significantly associated with the presence of mbGR. Decreased KTW presenting mbGR in the mandible and non-carious cervical lesion adjunct to mbGR significantly increased the odds of the severity of mbGR. Group function occlusion revealed higher mbGRs in premolar/molars than canine guided occlusion. CONCLUSION: Increase in the occlusal interferences in premolars/molars during lateral and anterior guidance may have an effect on the presence and severity of mbGR. Further studies should be designed to confirm these findings.

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) After Consecutive Exposures to Mycoplasma and COVID Vaccine: A Case Report.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, commonly triggered by viral infections or after immunization. ADEM occurrences in adults are rare. Full spectrum of complications is unknown for novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccines. A previously healthy 44-year-old female presented to the emergency room (ER) with acute onset of tingling, numbness, and weakness of both lower extremities, urinary retention, blurred vision in right eye, and midline lower back pain. Physical examination revealed bilateral lower extremity weakness 1/5, absent deep tendon reflexes, and decreased sensation. She received the first dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine six days prior to presentation to ER. Imaging of her lumbar spine and head were consistent with an active demyelinating plaque consistent with demyelinating disease either multiple sclerosis (MS) or ADEM. The patient was started on SoluMedrol 500 mg IV twice daily for five days. Serological workup and CSF analysis were nonsignificant except for Mycoplasma pneumonia IgM, elevated myelin basic protein, and positive IgG, IgA, and IgM. Patient gradually improved and was transferred to rehabilitation. Repeat MRI brain and spine showed improvement in previous lesions. However, she had worsening left eye symptoms that prompted her transfer to another facility for plasmapheresis. Plasma exchange was done for five treatments for ADEM. Patient started noticing improvement in vision and was discharged on steroid taper. We report a case of a possible association between ADEM and SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis in any case suggestive of acute demyelination after COVID-19 vaccination.

Prognostic Value of T-wave Positivity in Lead aVR in COVID-19 Pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: T-wave positivity in the lead aVR is a marker of ventricular repolarization abnormality and provides information on short- and long-term cardiovascular mortality in heart failure patients, those with anterior myocardial infarction, and patients who underwent hemodialysis for various reasons. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between T-wave positivity in the lead aVR on superficial electrocardiogram and mortality from COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: This study retrospectively included 130 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and treated as an outpatient or in the thoracic diseases ward in a single center between January 2021 and June 2021. All patients included in the study had clinical and radiological features and signs of COVID-19 pneumonia. The COVID-19 diagnosis of all patients was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction detected from an oropharyngeal swab. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: survived and deceased. There were 55 patients (mean age: 64.76-14.93 years, 58.18 male, 41.12% female) in the survived group and 75 patients (mean age: 65-15 years, 58.67 male, 41.33% female) in the deceased group. The univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that positive transcatheter aortic valve replacement (OR 5.151; 95%CI 1.001-26.504; p=0.0012), lactate dehydrogenase (OR 1.006; 95%CI 1.001-1.010; p=0.012), and d-dimer (OR 1.436; 95%CI 1.115-1.848; p=0.005) were independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: A positive transcatheter aortic valve replacement is useful in risk stratification for mortality from COVID-19 pneumonia.

Prognostic Value of Hemogram-Derived Ratios in Patients with Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an emerging infectious disease that has epidemic and pandemic potential and causes mortality. Predicting the outcome of the disease is important to guide the management of patients and prevent mortality. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to investigate hemogram parameters and hemogram-derived ratios for predicting mortality in 207 patients with CCHF (survivors = 177, nonsurvivors = 30). Results: Compared with the survivor group, the nonsurvivor group had higher neutrophils, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR (d-NLR), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), AST-to-lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI) on admission and third day of hospitalization. Higher white blood cells (WBCs), lower platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio on admission, and lower lymphocytes, and monocytes on the third day were found in the nonsurvivor group. Evaluating the change of admission and the third day of laboratory values, a downward trend in neutrophils, NLR, d-NLR, ALRI, and an upward trend in WBCs were found statistically significant in the survivor group. These dynamic changes were not found in the nonsurvivor group. AST (third day) and ALRI (third day) had the highest area under the curve (AUC) in the receiver operating characteristic analysis (0.939 and 0.934, respectively; p-value is <0.0001 for all). The NLR on the third day than on admission had a higher AUC, the optimal cutoff value was 1.44, which resulted in a sensitivity of 93.33 and a specificity of 40.34 (AUC: 0.790, p < 0.0001). The d-NLR on the third day had a higher AUC (with a sensitivity of 81.48 and a specificity of 67.43) than on admission (0.781 and 0.669, respectively). Conclusion: CCHF is a common vector-borne disease and mortality rates are high. This study revealed that NLR, d-NLR, and ALRI can be used as biomarkers to predict mortality. Patients who survived had better improvement in hemogram parameters and ratios. Therefore, patients who do not show this improvement should be followed more closely.

Prognostic Value of T-wave Positivity in Lead aVR in COVID-19 Pneumonia

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: T-wave positivity in the lead aVR is a marker of ventricular repolarization abnormality and provides information on short- and long-term cardiovascular mortality in heart failure patients, those with anterior myocardial infarction, and patients who underwent hemodialysis for various reasons. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between T-wave positivity in the lead aVR on superficial electrocardiogram and mortality from COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: This study retrospectively included 130 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and treated as an outpatient or in the thoracic diseases ward in a single center between January 2021 and June 2021. All patients included in the study had clinical and radiological features and signs of COVID-19 pneumonia. The COVID-19 diagnosis of all patients was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction detected from an oropharyngeal swab. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: survived and deceased. There were 55 patients (mean age: 64.76-14.93 years, 58.18 male, 41.12% female) in the survived group and 75 patients (mean age: 65-15 years, 58.67 male, 41.33% female) in the deceased group. The univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that positive transcatheter aortic valve replacement (OR 5.151; 95%CI 1.001-26.504; p=0.0012), lactate dehydrogenase (OR 1.006; 95%CI 1.001-1.010; p=0.012), and d-dimer (OR 1.436; 95%CI 1.115-1.848; p=0.005) were independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: A positive transcatheter aortic valve replacement is useful in risk stratification for mortality from COVID-19 pneumonia.

Long-term follow-up results of unfractionated heparin infusion treatment for submassive pulmonary thromboembolism.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment options for submassive pulmonary thromboembolism cases vary depending on the patient's hemodynamic stability, comorbidities, and bleeding risk. The long-term effect of unfractionated heparin treatment on pulmonary hypertension and mortality is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of unfractionated heparin treatment on pulmonary thromboembolism. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with 22 patients who were diagnosed with submassive pulmonary thromboembolism and followed up at the outpatient clinic between 2016 and 2020 and received unfractionated heparin treatment. RESULTS: Mean pulmonary artery pressure was 53±13.6 mmHg during hospital admission and 42.7±13.4 mmHg at hospital discharge. There was a statistically significant decrease in d-dimer and pulmonary artery pressure levels before and after treatment (p=0.001). At the end of one year, pulmonary artery pressure was considered high in three patients of this study. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that unfractionated heparin is safe in the treatment of submassive pulmonary thromboembolism in terms of bleeding risk and reduces pulmonary artery pressure.

Development and validation of nomogram to predict severe illness requiring intensive care follow up in hospitalized COVID-19 cases.

BACKGROUND: Early identification of severe COVID-19 patients who will need intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up and providing rapid, aggressive supportive care may reduce mortality and provide optimal use of medical resources. We aimed to develop and validate a nomogram to predict severe COVID-19 cases that would need ICU follow-up based on available and accessible patient values. METHODS: Patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 between March 15, 2020, and June 15, 2020, were enrolled in this retrospective study with 35 variables obtained upon admission considered. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to select potential predictive parameters using 1000 bootstrap samples. Afterward, a nomogram was developed with 5 variables selected from multivariable analysis. The nomogram model was evaluated by Area Under the Curve (AUC) and bias-corrected Harrell's C-index with 95% confidence interval, Hosmer-Lemeshow Goodness-of-fit test, and calibration curve analysis. RESULTS: Out of a total of 1022 patients, 686 cases without missing data were used to construct the nomogram. Of the 686, 104 needed ICU follow-up. The final model includes oxygen saturation, CRP, PCT, LDH, troponin as independent factors for the prediction of need for ICU admission. The model has good predictive power with an AUC of 0.93 (0.902-0.950) and a bias-corrected Harrell's C-index of 0.91 (0.899-0.947). Hosmer-Lemeshow test p-value was 0.826 and the model is well-calibrated (p = 0.1703). CONCLUSION: We developed a simple, accessible, easy-to-use nomogram with good distinctive power for severe illness requiring ICU follow-up. Clinicians can easily predict the course of COVID-19 and decide the procedure and facility of further follow-up by using clinical and laboratory values of patients available upon admission.

Effect of solvent type on the dispersion quality of spray-and freeze-dried CNCs in PLA through rheological analysis.

Polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites with spray-and freeze-dried cellulose nanocrystals (i.e., SCNC and FCNC) were prepared through solution casting using four different solvents: tetrahydrofuran (THF), chloroform (CHL), dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Small amplitude oscillatory shear rheological analysis was extensively employed to explore the CNC dispersion quality in PLA. Overall, the rheological properties differences of PLA/SCNC and PLA/FCNC nanocomposites were not very significant. Moreover, the use of THF and CHL did not lead to a proper dispersion of CNCs in PLA due to their low dielectric constants. On the other hand, while the use of DMF was effective on the enhancement of CNC dispersion, DMSO could more dramatically lead to such enhancement due to its higher dielectric constant. The percolation threshold in PLA/SCNC nanocomposites prepared with DMF and DMSO was predicted around 1.52 and 0.12 wt% CNC, respectively. The crystallization behavior of PLA/nanocomposites prepared with DMF and DMSO were also explored.

De-epithelialized gingival graft versus subepithelial connective tissue graft in the treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions using the tunnel technique: 1-year results of a randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To compare the clinical efficacy and postoperative morbidity of de-epithelialized gingival graft (DGG) with subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) on treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions (MAGRs) with tunnel technique (TUN) and to evaluate histological characteristics of the palatal grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with MAGRs affecting at least 2 adjacent teeth were treated with either DGG + TUN or SCTG + TUN. Recession depth(RD) and width(RW), probing depth(PD), clinical attachment level(CAL), keratinized tissue height(KTH), gingival thickness(GT), and complete and mean root coverage(CRC, MRC) were evaluated at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Multilevel analysis was performed to identify patient- and tooth/site-related predictors for the 12-month MRC outcomes. Postoperative patient morbidity and histological characteristics of palatal graft samples obtained during harvesting were investigated. RESULTS: At the 12-month follow-up, MRC was 91.72% ± 16.59% and 84.72% ± 19.72% in DGG + TUN and SCTG + TUN groups (p = .001). Multilevel regression analysis identified RD, KTH and GT as variables associated with MRC. No significant difference between the groups was observed regarding postoperative patient morbidity parameters. Cellularity was found significantly higher in the SCTG samples compared to the DGG samples (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although DGG + TUN presented higher MRC and CRC compared to SCTG + TUN in the treatment of MAGRs, treatment method was not a significant predictive factor for the amount of MRC outcomes while RD, KTH and GT were significant predictive factors.

A snapshot of geriatric infections in Turkey: ratio of geriatric inpatients in hospitals and evaluation of their infectious diseases: A multicenter point prevalence study.

INTRODUCTION: The human population is aging at an astonishing rate. The aim of this study is to capture a situation snapshot revealing the proportion of individuals aged 65 years and over among inpatients in healthcare institutions in Turkey and the prevalence and type of infections in this patient group in order to draw a road map. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hospitalized patients over 65 years at any of the 62 hospitals in 29 cities across Turkey on February 9, 2017 were included in the study. Web-based SurveyMonkey was used for data recording and evaluation system. RESULTS: Of 17,351 patients 5871 (33.8%) were ≥65 years old. The mean age was 75.1±7.2 years; 3075 (52.4%) patients were male. Infection was reason for admission for 1556 (26.5%) patients. Pneumonia was the most common infection. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days (IQR: 2-11 days). The Antibiotic therapy was initiated for 2917 (49.7%) patients at the time of admission, and 23% of the antibiotics prescribed were inappropriate. Healthcare-associated infections developed in 1059 (18%) patients. Urinary catheters were placed in 2388 (40.7%) patients with 7.5% invalid indication. CONCLUSION: This study used real data to reveal the proportion of elderly patients in hospital admissions. The interventions done, infections developed during hospitalization, length of hospital stay, and excessive drug load emphasize the significant impact on health costs and illustrate the importance of preventive medicine in this group of patients.

COVID-19 experience of the major pandemic response center in the capital: results of the pandemic's first month in Turkey

Background/aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and parameters that determined the clinical course and prognosis of the COVID-19 patients admitted to Ankara City Hospital during the first month of the pandemic in Turkey. Materials and methods: SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive patients who were hospitalized between March 10 and April 10, 2020 were included. Results: Among 222 patients, mean age was higher in severe acute respiratory illness (SARI)/critical disease group (P < 0.001). Median time from illness onset to admission and presence of comorbidity, especially coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, were significantly higher in the SARI/critical disease group (P < 0.05). Cough and fever were the most common symptoms, while anosmia and loss of taste were observed in 8.6% and 7.7% patients, respectively. The mortality rate was 5.4%. A high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio; low lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet count; elevated liver enzymes; low GFR; and high levels of muscle enzymes, ferritin, and IL-6 on admission were found to be associated with SARI/critical disease (P < 0.05). Bilateral ground-glass opacity and patchy infiltration were more frequently seen in the SARI/critical disease group (P < 0.001). Patients older than 65 years had an 8-fold increased risk for development of SARI/critical disease. Conclusion: This cohort study regarding COVID-19 cases in Turkey reveals that older age, presence of comorbidity, bilateral infiltration on CT, high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, low monocyte and platelet count, elevated liver enzymes, low GFR, high levels of muscle enzymes, and high levels of ferritin and IL-6 on admission are predictors of SARI and severe disease.

Methanandamide diminish the Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide induced response in human periodontal ligament cells.

BACKGROUND: The endocannabinoid system is involved in the regulation of periodontal tissue homeostasis. Synthetic cannabinoid methanandamide (Meth-AEA) has improved stability and affinity to cannabinoid receptors compared to its endogenous analog anandamide. In the present study, we investigated the effect of methanandamide on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in primary human periodontal ligament cells (hPdLCs). METHODS: hPdLCs were treated with Meth-AEA for 24 h, and the resulting production of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 was measured in the absence or the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Additionally, the effect of Meth-AEA on the proliferation/viability of hPdLCs was measured by the MTT method. RESULTS: Methanandamide at a concentration of 10 µM significantly inhibited P. gingivalis LPS induced production of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1. Basal production of IL-6 and IL-8 was slightly enhanced by 10 µM Meth-AEA. No effect of Meth-AEA on the basal production of MCP-1 was observed. Meth-AEA in concentrations up to 10 µM did not affect the proliferation/viability of hPdLCs, but significantly inhibited it at a concentration of 30 µM. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the inflammatory response in periodontal ligament cells could be influenced by the activation of the cannabinoid system, which might be potentially involved in the progression of periodontal disease.

Importance of HLA typing, PRA and DSA tests for successful parathyroid allotransplantation.

Parathyroid allotransplantation is increasingly practiced for patients who have permanent hypoparathyroidsm. Parathyroid allotransplantation success is varied, and no defined criteria about immunologic monitoring for pre-/post-transplantation follow-up. This study sought to evaluate the possible role of immunological tests. Four unrelated recipients and one living donor who have chronic kidney disease were evaluated for HLA-typing, PRA, CXM tests to conduct parathyroid allotransplantation. Parathyroid glands were obtained and resected from the donor, then cells were isolated and cryopreserved. Upon histologic examination, cells were cultivated and injected into muscle of four recipients. Recipient's were followed for parathormone and calcium levels for four years. PRA screening were monitored and de novo DSA was evaluated as well. In two of the recipients, allografts continued to be functional more than four years. In one recipient, allograft remained functional for two years and another recipient lost function after one year. Two out four were negative for de novo DSA and three out of four of the recipients remained negative for PRA. Neither HLA-matching nor de novo DSA positivity and PRA screenings seems significant for successfull parathyroid allotransplantation. This study has considerable potential for immunological monitoring of parathyroid allotransplantation.

Breast cancer prevention in older women: an algorithm to choose an optimal preventive agent.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in older women. The current study presents new, comprehensive guidelines for providing chemoprevention to older women. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop and pilot test a chemopreventive choice algorithm to assess its feasibility for older women at high risk of breast cancer. DESIGN: The study observed outcomes of 23 older adult females being treated with one of the four different chemopreventive agents. A novel algorithm protocol was utilized for individualized chemopreventive selection. SETTING: The study was conducted in a high-risk outpatient clinic for older women. PARTICIPANTS: Older outpatient females at high risk (N=23) were offered chemopreventive options based on individual criteria. INTERVENTION: Literature review for breast cancer chemopreventive agents informed our development of a logic-based algorithm to guide treatment protocol and chemopreventive choice optimization. Selective estrogen receptive modulators (SERMs) were avoided in women with endometrial cancer risk (ie, pre-hysterectomy individuals), but used in women with low thromboembolic event (TE) risk. Raloxifene was used with osteoporotic women. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) were used in women with high TE risk. Women without TE risks are advised to take SERMs. When bone density decreased due to AI use, women were switched to raloxifene. MEASUREMENTS/RESULTS: Of 23 participants of age ranging from 59 to 80 years (mean=72.6), two women developed estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Two participants, one who declined chemoprevention and one treated with an AI, developed breast cancer. All initial chemopreventive agents were selected according to the algorithm. Although minor adverse events occurred, each was managed by discontinuation or replacement of the chemopreventive agent. Discontinuation was most commonly due to side effect concerns or cost rather than experienced side effects. CONCLUSION: Outcomes of the initial utilization of the chemopreventive agent choice algorithm support the viability of the protocol, but further evaluation with a larger and more diverse sample is required.

A New Transport Solution for Parathyroid Allotransplantation: Effects on Cell Viability and Calcium-Sensing Receptors.

BACKGROUND: Cold ischemia protects organs and tissues by slowing their metabolism, but it also causes ischemic injury. Minimizing cold ischemia has been an important goal in parathyroid auto- and allotransplantation, as well as the transplantation of other major organs. Parathyroid glands are responsible for calcium homeostasis by releasing parathormone (PTH) into the blood circulation. Functionality of a new parathyroid transport solution (NPTS) and effects on cell viability, PTH secretion, and calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) levels during cold ischemia were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A NPTS was prepared, and the pH was adjusted to a range of 7.2-7.4 and kept at +4°C until use. Seven patients with parathyroid hyperplasia secondary to chronic renal failure who were scheduled to undergo subtotal parathyroidectomy were enrolled in the study. Glands were cold-preserved in NPTS with different time intervals (0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours), and then parathyroid cell viability before and after cryopreservation, PTH secretion, and CaSR levels were determined. RESULTS: The mean cell viability before cryopreservation was 92.7% (range 89.2%-97.2%). There were no significant differences in cell viability rates before and after cryopreservation (p = 0.1168 and p = 0.4085, respectively), and CaSR levels (p = 0.5446) were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: NPTS is a solution designed specifically for parathyroid tissue transplantation. This patent pending product can support cellular viability and PTH release, as well as protect CaSR functionality for up to 24 hours of cold ischemia.

Oral flurbiprofen spray for mucosal graft harvesting at the palatal area: A randomized placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Flurbiprofen which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has been safely used for the control of postoperative patient's morbidity after periodontal plastic surgeries requiring palatal graft harvesting, but there is little information on the efficacy of topical use. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether patient pain perception was reduced and patient morbidity was improved by using oral spray of flurbiprofen after palatal graft harvesting. METHODS: Forty-eight patients (21 males and 27 females), scheduled for subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) and free gingival graft (FGG) requiring periodontal plastic surgeries were selected. The patients were randomly assigned to each group and used oral spray of flurbiprofen or placebo three times a day for a week. The palatal donor area was evaluated at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, and 56-day follow-up after the surgery for postoperative pain, patients' discomfort, complete epithelialization, changes in dietary habits, burning sensation, color match, the amount of systemic analgesic consumption and the presence of delayed bleeding. Wound healing scores were recorded at 14-day follow up. RESULTS: The prevalance of complete epithelialization was significantly higher in the placebo-FGG group than flurbiprofen-FGG group at 21 days postoperatively (P < 0.05), while there was no significant alteration for both flurbiprofen-SCTG and placebo-SCTG groups at any follow-up periods. In flurbiprofen-FGG group, significant improvements were observed for postoperative pain, patients' discomfort and burning sensation at 14 days postoperatively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Oral flurbiprofen spray reduces patient's morbidity, however it might have negative effects on epithelialization of secondary wound healing after FGG operations.

Evaluation of epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory features and mortality of 144 HIV/AIDS cases in Turkey.

Background The number of HIV/AIDS cases in Turkey is increasing rapidly, as is the number of cases worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of the clinical and laboratory findings and epidemiological features of HIV/AIDS patients to obtain useful data on the epidemic type and transmission routes associated with Turkey and to identify risk factors for mortality. Methods The patient records of 144 HIV-infected patients who were admitted to our clinic between 2000 and 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Results Most of the cases (55%) were diagnosed due to the detection of anti-HIV-positive individuals without clinical symptoms. The mean CD4 + lymphocyte count on first admission was 108 cells/µL for those admitted before 2009 and 265 cells/µL for those admitted after 2009 (p = 0.003). When the pre- and post-2009 groups were compared for the status of the disease, 55.6 and 44.4% of patients were in the AIDS stage, respectively (p = 0.04). The most noted opportunistic infection was mycobacterial, and throughout the follow-up, 31.2% of the cases were fatal. Conclusions Early diagnosis of HIV infection can have a direct impact on prognosis and survival. Therefore, screening laboratory investigations should be extended, particularly in high-risk groups.