Stent ureteral Allium®: una nueva alternativa para el tratamiento de estenosis ureterales. Estudio prospectivo de cohortes / Allium® ureteral stent, a new player in the treatment of ureteral stenosis: A prospective cohort study

Introducción y objetivos La estenosis ureteral es una condición crónica que puede provocar la obstrucción del flujo urinario de la unidad renal comprometida, con la consiguiente pérdida de función renal. Los tipos de tratamiento pueden clasificarse en 2categorías principales: endourológicos y reconstructivos. Nuestro objetivo fue investigar la eficacia y seguridad del stent ureteral autoexpandible Allium®, cuyo uso en el tratamiento mínimamente invasivo de la estenosis ureteral se ha extendido en los últimos años. Materiales y métodos El estudio incluyó a 20 pacientes a los que se colocó un stent ureteral autoexpandible entre 2017 y 2021. Se registraron y evaluaron de forma prospectiva sus características clínicas y demográficas, los detalles del tratamiento, las complicaciones perioperatorias y postoperatorias y su tratamiento, y los hallazgos durante el seguimiento. Resultados La etiología incluyó urolitiasis en 16 pacientes (80%), neoplasia en 3 pacientes (15%) y cirugía ginecológica previa en uno (5%). La obstrucción del stent fue la complicación más frecuente en 3 pacientes (15%), seguida de la migración del stent en 2 (10%). Se continúa el seguimiento de 15 pacientes sin obstrucción ni complicaciones relacionadas con el stent. El periodo medio de seguimiento fue de 28±15,7 meses. Conclusiones El stent ureteral constituye una alternativa eficaz y segura para el tratamiento mínimamente invasivo de la estenosis ureteral, con unas tasas de complicaciones aceptables y un manejo sencillo de ellas. (AU)

Introduction and objectives Ureteral stricture is a chronic condition that can result in the obstruction of urinary drainage from the affected renal unit, leading to loss of renal function. reatment methods can be categorized into 2main headings: endourological and reconstructive procedures. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the self-expandable Allium® ureteral stent, which has been used in the minimally invasive treatment of ureteral stenosis in recent years. Materials and methods Twenty patients who were applied Allium® ureteral stent between 2017-2021 included in the study. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, the details of the treatments applied to the patients, the perioperative and postoperative complications, the treatments applied for the complications and the findings in the follow-up were recorded and evaluated prospectively. Results Etiology included urolithiasis in 16 patients (80%), malignancy in 3 patients (15%), and a previous gynecological operation in one patient (5%). Stent obstruction was found to be the most common complication in 3 patients (15%). Stent migration was the second most common complication in 2 patients (10%). Our follow-up continues with 15 patients without stent-related complications and stent obstruction. The mean follow-up period was 28±15.7 months. Conclusions Allium ureteral stent is an effective and reliable method in the minimally invasive treatment of ureteral stricture with complications seen at acceptable rates and ease of treatment in the management of complications. (AU)

Evaluation of aqueous-deficient and evaporative dry eye cases with confocal microscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Dry eye disease (DED) is an important health problem affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is a non-invasive imaging tool that can visualize ocular surface diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate corneal structures and inflammatory cells with IVCM in DED patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients were divided into three subgroups: group 1, consisting of 22 patients with aqueous tear insufficiency; group 2, consisting of 21 patients with evaporative type DED; and group 3, consisting of 20 healthy patients. Imaging was performed with IVCM. The corneal epithelium, nerves, stroma, endothelial and inflammatory cells were compared between groups. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in corneal epithelial cell density in cases with DED, and there was a significant increase in corneal basal epithelial cell density in the aqueous-deficient type. Keratocyte density was significantly increased in the aqueous-deficient type. A significant decrease in the number and density of sub-basal nerves was found in aqueous-deficient cases, and an increase was found in neural pilling and folding. Dendritic cell density, size, number and area were significantly increased in the aqueous-deficient type. There was also decreased corneal endothelial cell density in DED. CONCLUSION: We evaluated pathological changes in DED on the corneal surface by IVCM. This methodology is valuable in terms of objectively evaluating how the corneal surface is affected in accordance with disease severity and in predicting poor response to treatment.

Allium® ureteral stent, a new player in the treatment of ureteral stenosis: a prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Ureteral stricture is a chronic condition that can result in the obstruction of urinary drainage from the affected renal unit, leading to loss of renal function. Treatment methods can be categorized into two main headings: endourological and reconstructive procedures. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the self-expandable Allium® ureteral stent, which has been used in the minimally invasive treatment of ureteral stenosis in recent years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients who were applied Allium® ureteral stent between 2017 and 2021 included in the study. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, the details of the treatments applied to the patients, the perioperative and postoperative complications, the treatments applied for the complications and the findings in the follow-up were recorded and evaluated prospectively. RESULTS: Etiology included urolithiasis in 16 patients (80%), malignancy in 3 patients (15%), and a previous gynecological operation in 1 patient (5%). Stent obstruction was found to be the most common complication in 3 patients (15%). Stent migration was the second most common complication in 2 patients (10%). Our follow-up continues with 15 patients without stent-related complications and stent obstruction. The mean follow-up period was 28 ± 15.7 months. CONCLUSIONS: Allium ureteral stent is an effective and reliable method in the minimally invasive treatment of ureteral stricture with complications seen at acceptable rates and ease of treatment in the management of complications.

When should contralateral testicular fixation be performed in postpubertal patients with testicular torsion: A comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to describe the timing of contralateral testicular fixation with our ten year results in postpubertal patients with testicular torsion with a patient-based approach. METHODS: Postpubertal patients diagnosed with testicular torsion in a tertiary hospital between January-2012 and September-2022 were divided into 2 groups according to the "patient-based approach" criteria we adopted in our clinic. Group 1 in whom the contralateral teste was fixed in the same surgical act and group 2 in whom the fixation was deferred. Both groups, were retrospectively examined, statistically analyzed and compared. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients were included in the study. Among those, 19 (46.3%) were fixed in the same act, and 22 (53.7%) underwent postponed elective contralateral testicular fixation. Early term wound dehiscence was observed in one patient in each group (4.5% Group 1 vs. 5.3% Group 2). In the postoperative period, no contralateral testicular atrophy or torsion was detected in the study groups during 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: There is no algorithm for when contralateral testicular fixation should be performed in postpubertal patients with testicular torsion. Patient-based approaches, in which the clinical characteristics of the patient are prioritized in determining the timing of contralateral testicular fixation, can produce more effective and safe results.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TSH LEVELS, THYROID AUTOANTIBODIES AND ATHEROGENIC INDEX OF PLASMA, AST TO PLATELET RATIO INDEX SCORE, AND FIBROSIS 4 INDEX IN PATIENTS WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM.

Context: Thyroid hormones have metabolic effects such as relationship between hypothyroidism and atherosclerosis. Objective: Evaluate the effects of hypothyroidism on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and atherosclerosis by using AIP, APRI score, FIB-4 indices. Material and Methods: 1370 patients with hypothyroidism who applied to the Endocrinology and Metabolism outpatient clinic between 01.01.2017-30.12.2021 were included the study. Pregnants, patients with a history of thyroid carcinoma, cardiovascular and liver diseases were excluded. TSH, fT4, Anti TPO, Anti TG, thrombocyte, ALT, AST, HDL, Triglyceride values of the cases were analyzed and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) indices were calculated. Results: 1170 (85.4%) of the cases were female.The age of those who had high risk of AIP was found to be higher than those with low and moderate risk (p=0.001; p=0.003; p<0.01). The ages of those who had low-risk FIB-4 Index were found to be lower than those with moderate risk and high risk (p=0.001; p=0.001; p<0.01). A positive relationship was detected between APRI and FIB-4 (r=0.681; p=0.001; p<0.01).AIP increased as TSH increased in hypothyroid patients. No significant correlations were detected between TSH, APRI, and the FIB-4 Index. No significant differences were detected between AIP, APRI, FIB-4, and thyroid autoantibodies. Conclusion: In hypothyroid patients, the AIP index increased with age and the increase in TSH. A strong relationship was detected between AIP and TSH . For this reason, we think that keeping TSH within the normal range with regular follow-ups and treatment in patients with hypothyroidism will reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

The temperature induced current transport characteristics in the orthoferrite YbFeO3-δ thin film/p-type Si structure.

The perovskite ytterbium ferrite is a new ferroelectric semiconductor material. We presented the temperature induced current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the Al/YbFeO3-δ/p-Si/Al hetero-junction. The orthoferrite YbFeO3-δ thin films were deposited on a single crystal p-type Si substrate by a radio frequency magnetron sputtering system. The potential barrier height (BH) [Formula: see text] and ideality factor n of the heterojunction were obtained by thermionic emission current method based on the recommendations in the literature. The fact that the calculated slopes of I-V curves become temperature independent implying that the field emission current mechanism takes place across the device, which has been explained by the presence of the spatial inhomogeneity of BHs or potential fluctuations. Moreover, a tunneling transmission coefficient value of 26.67 was obtained for the ferroelectric YbFeO3-δ layer at the Al/p-Si interface.

Frequency and temperature-dependent electric modulus spectroscopy of osmium-doped YbFeO3 structure.

Orthoferrites have occupied important place in the material science and condensed matter physics investigations due to their unique features such as electrical, magnetic and optical. The present investigation illuminates light on the electrical properties of osmium (Os) doped YbFeO3 (YbFO) rare-earth orthoferrite. The undoped YbFO and YbFe1-x Os x O3 (YbFOO) (x = 0.01 and 0.05) powders were synthesized via solid-state. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) has been utilized to examine the crystal structure of the YbFO and YbFOO powders. The cross sectional morphology of the obtained pellets was inspected via scanning electron microscope (SEM). Moreover, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was exploited to determine the oxidation states of the constituted elements. The electrical features for instance electrical modulus, dielectric constant and conductivity of the synthesized pellets were detailed at different frequencies and temperatures by dielectric/impedance spectroscopy studies. The x = 0.01 Os doped sample exhibits higher dielectric constant and conductivity compared to other samples. Moreover, in order to explain conductivity mechanism of the studied samples, multiple conduction models are needed to employ.

The electrical modulus and other dielectric properties by the impedance spectroscopy of LaCrO3 and LaCr0.90Ir0.10O3 perovskites.

We have prepared LaCrO3 (LCO) and 10% Ir doped LCO samples by the solid state reaction method and studied the electrical modulus and the other dielectric properties of the samples by means of the impedance spectroscopy in the -100 °C to 100 °C range, with steps of 20 °C. It has been clearly observed that the dielectric properties change due to Ir doping. The absolute dielectric constant value of Ir doped LCO has decreased and this reduction was attributed to decreasing Cr6+ ions which may play a vital role in space charge polarization and charge hopping. A plateau region appeared in the temperature-dependent real electrical modulus M' versus f curves of the pure LCO sample while almost no plateau region is visible in the Ir doped LCO sample. The temperature-dependent imaginary modulus M'' versus f curves has two peaks at each temperature; one of the peaks is at low frequency and the other at the high frequency region, which shifts through higher frequency region with increasing temperature. This originates from free charge accumulation at the interface with the increase of the temperature. Furthermore, it has been seen that the Ir doped LCO sample has higher impedance and resistance values than the undoped LCO sample at the same frequency and temperature. This phenomenon was attributed to doped Ir ions behaving like a donor in LCO because LCO is a p-type compound. Moreover, the activation energy values of 0.224 eV and 0.208 eV for LCO and of 0.161 eV and 0.265 eV for the Ir doped LCO have been obtained from the slopes of the ρ dc vs. (kT)-1 curves, respectively. Also the activation energies were calculated from the slopes of the f max vs. (kT)-1 curves and the obtained results from low frequency region were in good agreement with ρ dc vs. (kT)-1 ones.

Influence of Different ECM-Like Hydrogels on Neurite Outgrowth Induced by Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proposed for spinal cord injury (SCI) applications due to their capacity to secrete growth factors and vesicles-secretome-that impacts important phenomena in SCI regeneration. To improve MSC survival into SCI sites, hydrogels have been used as transplantation vehicles. Herein, we hypothesized if different hydrogels could interact differently with adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ASCs). The efficacy of three natural hydrogels, gellan gum (functionalized with a fibronectin peptide), collagen, and a hydrogel rich in laminin epitopes (NVR-gel) in promoting neuritogenesis (alone and cocultured with ASCs), was evaluated in the present study. Their impact on ASC survival, metabolic activity, and gene expression was also evaluated. Our results indicated that all hydrogels supported ASC survival and viability, being this more evident for the functionalized GG hydrogels. Moreover, the presence of different ECM-derived biological cues within the hydrogels appears to differently affect the mRNA levels of growth factors involved in neuronal survival, differentiation, and axonal outgrowth. All the hydrogel-based systems supported axonal growth mediated by ASCs, but this effect was more robust in functionalized GG. The data herein presented highlights the importance of biological cues within hydrogel-based biomaterials as possible modulators of ASC secretome and its effects for SCI applications.

Comparison of second-line treatment outcomes between sensitive and refractory small cell lung cancer patients: a retrospective analysis

PURPOSE: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a high relapse rate despite being very chemosensitive. The efficacy of second-line treatment is dismal. Our aim was to evaluate the outcome of second-line treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed data of 120 SCLC patients who failed first-line treatment and received second-line treatment at three medical oncology centers. RESULTS: Median age of group was 58. 82 % had an ECOG PS of 0-1 at the time of relapse. 39 % were at limited stage (LS) at the time of diagnosis. Patients who progressed more than 3 months after first-line therapy were categorized as having platinum-sensitive disease (PSD) (64 %). The number of patients who received platin-based combination treatment was 33 (27 %). The median OS time starting from the initiation of second-line treatment was 7 months. Multivariate analysis identified PS (p = 0.006), extent of disease at diagnosis (0.014) and PSD (0.001) as the independent prognostic factors for survival. Subgroup analyses of the patients with PSD indicated platin rechallenge yields higher progression-free survival, overall survival and overall response rate. CONCLUSION: Patients with good ECOG PS,who have PSD or initially presenting with LS, have a good prognosis and in patients with PSD, platinum-based therapy would be more appropriate (AU)

Comparison of second-line treatment outcomes between sensitive and refractory small cell lung cancer patients: a retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a high relapse rate despite being very chemosensitive. The efficacy of second-line treatment is dismal. Our aim was to evaluate the outcome of second-line treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed data of 120 SCLC patients who failed first-line treatment and received second-line treatment at three medical oncology centers. RESULTS: Median age of group was 58. 82 % had an ECOG PS of 0-1 at the time of relapse. 39 % were at limited stage (LS) at the time of diagnosis. Patients who progressed more than 3 months after first-line therapy were categorized as having platinum-sensitive disease (PSD) (64 %). The number of patients who received platin-based combination treatment was 33 (27 %). The median OS time starting from the initiation of second-line treatment was 7 months. Multivariate analysis identified PS (p = 0.006), extent of disease at diagnosis (0.014) and PSD (0.001) as the independent prognostic factors for survival. Subgroup analyses of the patients with PSD indicated platin rechallenge yields higher progression-free survival, overall survival and overall response rate. CONCLUSION: Patients with good ECOG PS,who have PSD or initially presenting with LS, have a good prognosis and in patients with PSD, platinum-based therapy would be more appropriate.

Bilateral capitellum humeri fracture; a case report.

This is the report of a 33-year-old female patient who was admitted to the Emergency Department with bilateral capitellum humerus fracture after a fall from a height. The patient was surgically treated with open reduction and internal fixation for both elbows, with 3 Kirschner wires on the right elbow and one mini-fragment screw on the left. Surgical intervention was carried out in emergency conditions. Following an early physical rehabilitation programme at the end of the 1st week, the roentgenograms in the 9th week showed acceptable bone union. However, in the 2nd year of follow-up the patient had consistent pain and 35 degrees of flexion loss in her right elbow due to degenerative change. The literature reveals only two reports of such cases. Thus, this rare case of bilateral capitellum humerus showed that early mobilisation after anatomic reduction and stable fixation with a mini-screw provided the optimal outcome.

Our clinical experience on calcaneal bone cysts: 36 cysts in 33 patients.

BACKGROUND: Solitary bone cysts are lesions of benign nature with fluid content. The frequent locations for these cysts are the proximal femur or humerus. Rarely, they may occur in locations such as the calcaneus, mostly in adults. We have reported the second largest case series of calcaneal bone cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six calcaneal cysts in 33 patients, 3 of which showed bilateral involvement, diagnosed, and followed between 1995 and 2008 in our clinic were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The third most common location was the calcaneus, with cysts in 36 (14%) patients. The age range of the patients was 13-74 years (mean, 37.9 years). The complaints of the patients upon presentation to the hospital were heel pain in 16 patients (44.4%). Eighteen patients (50%) underwent surgical treatment, of these ten patients (27.7%) were treated with curettage and autogenous iliac wing grafting. CONCLUSIONS: Simple bone cysts with the location of calcaneus are not a rare entity. According to our series, simple bone cysts have been shown to be typically located in the calcaneus bone in middle-aged patients in particular. Furthermore, in such patients, heel pain is considerably severe, which is a symptom to be kept in mind in differential diagnosis. Curettage and autogenous grafting is the successful method of treatment and it provides good results.

The protective effect of aprotinin and alpha-tocopherol on ischemia-reperfusion injury of the rat liver.

BACKGROUND: Liver injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) processes is a complication of hepatic resection surgery and transplantation, particularly using grafts from marginal donors. Despite improvements in organ preservation and advances in surgical techniques, I/R injury remains a significant clinical problem. In this study, we investigated whether aprotinin provided protection against the adverse effects of I/R injury in liver tissue. METHODS: Forty rats were randomized into four groups (n = 10): group I: (control group) I/R + no medication; group II: sham-operated group + no medication or I/R; group III: I/R + aprotinin; group IV: I/R + alpha-tocopherol. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in the liver tissue and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in rat serum. RESULTS: Administration of aprotinin and alpha-tocopherol before I/R resulted in significant reductions of MDA levels compared to the I/R alone group (group I; P = .01 and P < .01, respectively). Administration of aprotinin or alpha-tocopherol prior to I/R resulted in significant increases in SOD and CAT levels compared with the I/R group (P < .05 each). Compared to the I/R group, significant decreases in plasma AST, ALT, and LDH levels were observed both in the aprotinin and in the alpha-tocopherol group (P < .05). Histological evaluation revealed the injury grade to be relatively lower among groups III and IV compared to group I. DISCUSSION: In conclusion, rat hepatic structures in aprotinin and alpha-tocopherol administered groups were well protected. Therefore, aprotinin may provide protection against the adverse effects of I/R injury in liver transplantation.

Changes in cranial base morphology in different malocclusions.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the differences in cranial base flexure between skeletal and dental Class I, Class II and Class III malocclusions. DESIGN: Lateral cephalometric radiographs, matched for age, of skeletal Class I, Class II and Class III patients with an average vertical growth pattern were analyzed and compared. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: A total of 75 patients having skeletal Class I (n = 25), Class II (n = 25) and Class III (n = 25) malocclusions of Baskent University. EXPERIMENTAL VARIABLE: Anterior (SN) and posterior (SBa) cranial base lengths, cranial base angle (N-S-Ba, N-S-Ar) and both anterior (SN-FH) and posterior (SBa-FH) cranial base inclinations were measured on the pretreatment lateral cephalograms. OUTCOME MEASURE: Size and shape differences in cranial base between different malocclusions. RESULTS: Anterior and posterior cranial base lengths, and cranial base angles did not show statistically significant differences between the three groups studied. Both anterior and posterior cranial base inclinations were increased significantly in the Class III group compared with Class I and Class II groups. CONCLUSIONS: No differences were observed in anterior and posterior cranial base lengths, and cranial base angles between the three malocclusions. However, cranial base inclinations were increased in Class III malocclusions.

Evaluation of effects of ischaemia on the albumin cobalt binding (ACB) assay in patients exposed to trauma.

BACKGROUND: In the emergency department (ED), the diagnosis of acute myocardial ischaemia is very difficult because of the absence of a rapid, reliable diagnostic test. The albumin cobalt binding (ACB) assay is a good candidate as a marker for for detection of myocardial ischaemia, as it is an easy and rapid test. To date, however, the way in which alterations in metal binding sites of human serum albumin depend on ischaemic events has not been reported in detail. METHODS: We studied 92 patients admitted to the ED within 1 hour after exposure to trauma. Trauma patients divided into two groups according to their Injury Severity Score (ISS): group 1 comprised mildly injured patients who had ISS trauma score <15 (n = 60), and group 2 comprised moderately injured patients with ISS trauma score >15 (n = 32). The blood specimens of 30 healthy volunteers were studied as a control group. RESULTS: Group 2 showed significantly increased ACB levels (0.63 (0.18) absorbance units (ABSU)) compared with group 1 (0.54 (0.14) ABSU) (p<0.05) and controls (0.39 (0.05) ABSU) (p<0.01). Group 1 showed significantly enhanced ACB values compared with controls (0.54 (0.14) v 0.39 (0.05) ABSU) (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Consequently, trauma enhances ACB levels, which may affect the diagnostic performance of the ACB assay, and this effect can limit the ability of the assay for detection of myocardial ischaemia in patients exposed to trauma.

Prognostic significance of morphologic parameters in renal cell carcinoma.

Many morphologic parameters have been used in prognostic studies in renal cell carcinoma. In this study, the relationship between these parameters and prognosis was investigated. This study includes 75 patients who were treated with radical nephrectomy between 1985 and 2001. Pathological stage (TNM), grade (Fuhrman nuclear grade) cell type (UICC and AJCC), histologic pattern, tumour size, vascular invasion and multifocality were used as prognostic parameters. There were 34 female and 41 male patients with mean age of 54.5 +/- 12.5. The mean size of the tumour was 76.9 +/- 37.2 (30-200) mm. Of the patients, 40 had pT1, 21 pT2, nine pT3 and two pT4 diseases. Twenty-eight patients had Grade 1, 29 Grade 2, 15 Grade 3 and three Grade 4 tumour. According to cell type, 63 had clear cell, six papillary and six undifferentiated types. Five had multifocal and seven had vascular invasion. In conclusion, nuclear grade and tumour stage were found as the most important prognostic indicators.

Clinical management of hydatid disease of the urinary tract.

This study reviews urinary hydatid disease in seven males and three females (mean age, 32.1 +/- 17.7 years; range, 7-67 years). Cysts were located in the kidney in six cases (one also involved the liver), the paravesical and retrovesical region in two cases (one coexisted with a bladder tumour), the adrenal gland (one case) and in the right parapelvic region (one case). Investigations included urinalysis, eosinophil count, Casoni skin test, indirect haemagglutination test (IHA), abdominal ultrasonography, intravenous urography and computed tomography (CT). All patients underwent surgery and were followed for an average of 5.6 years. Lumbar or abdominal pain was the most common symptom. Eosinophilia was seen in five patients (50%), IHA positivity occurred in four patients (40%) and the Casoni skin test was positive in four patients (40%). Abdominal CT was the most useful diagnostic method of radiological investigation (100%). No complications or recurrences were seen on follow-up. Urinary hydatid disease is uncommon and is likely to cause considerable diagnostic difficulties, and should therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis of space-occupying lesions of the urinary tract.

Unilateral distal molar movement with an implant-supported distal jet appliance.

With the guidance of the basis of the distal jet appliance, we present a new implant-supported distal jet appliance. In this case, we used a modified distal jet appliance that was supported by a palatal implant placed at the anterior edge of the rugae region of the palate for molar distalization. The treatment results were evaluated from lateral cephalometric and panoramic radiographs and dental casts. We conclude that an implant-supported modified distal jet appliance is effective in the correction of a Class II molar relationship.

Seminal plasma nitric oxide concentration in oligo- and/or asthenozoospermic subjects with/without varicocele.

There is an inverse correlation between seminal plasma nitric oxide (NO) concentration and sperm parameters (motility and concentration) in patients with varicocele. This study investigated whether this occurs in patients with oligo- and/or asthenozoospermia due to causes other than varicocele. A total of 69 (19 with varicocele and oligo- and/or asthenozoospermia [group 1], 30 from oligo- and/or asthenozoospermic ones without varicocele [group 2], and 20 from healthy subjects [control group]) semen samples were analyzed. While group 1 had a significantly higher NO concentration in the seminal plasma compared to both the control group and group 2, there was no significant difference between group 2 and the control group (p >.05). In group 1, but not in the other groups, there was an inverse correlation between the seminal plasma NO concentration and sperm motility and concentration. NO production could be specifically related to the varicocele, since NO production in oligo- and/or asthenozoospermia cases without varicocele is not increased.