Effect of cement type on vertical marginal discrepancy and residual excess cement in screwmentable and cementable implant-supported monolithic zirconia crowns.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the vertical marginal discrepancy (VMD) and residual excess cement (REC) of cementable and screwmentable monolithic zirconia crowns cemented with different types of cement. Abutments were attached to 40 implant analogues. Crowns were created using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technology from monolithic zirconia blocks, either with or without a screw access hole (SAC). Crowns created both ways were split into two groups and cemented with resin and zinc polycarboxylate cement under a 5-kg weight. VMD and REC values were evaluated using an X20 zoom stereomicroscope. Data were analysed using two-way ANOVA and the Bonferroni test. According to the two-way ANOVA results, REC measurements differed significantly in the crown design and cement groups. However, whilst VMD values were significantly different in both crown design groups, there was no significant difference in the cement groups. According to the Bonferroni test results, the highest REC (157.241 ± 44.29 µm) and VMD (68.052 ± 16.19 µm) values were found in the crowns without SAC and cemented with zinc polycarboxylate. Screwmentable crowns are more effective than cementable crowns in reducing REC and VMD. Whilst polycarboxylate cement reduces VMD in screwmentable crowns, resin cement is more suitable for cementable crowns.

Do mouthwashes affect the optical properties of resin cement?

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of mouthwashes on the optical properties of resin cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and 60 resin cement discs (6x2mm) were produced from 4 different brands of resin cement (Panavia V5, Estecem II, RelyX Veneer, NX3) with the help of a Teflon mould. The discs were divided into 4 subgroups, 1 of which served as the control group, to be immersed in mouthwashes after measuring the initial L, a, and b values on white and black backgrounds. Colour measurements were repeated after the 1st and 7th days. The collected data were used to calculate the ∆E00 value to measure colour stability, the translucency parameter (TP00), and the contrast ratio parameter (CR) to compare translucency change. Data were statistically analysed using mixed-design analysis of ANOVA and the Bonferroni-Dunn test. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for dependent results (α = 0.05). RESULTS: On the ∆E00, TP00, and CR parameters; the joint effect of resin groups, mouthwash groups, and measurement times were found to be statistically significant. The ∆E00 (colour difference) parameter; the joint effect of resin groups, mouthwash groups, and measurement times was found to be statistically significant. The TP00; the joint effect of resin groups, mouthwash groups, and measurement times were found to be statistically significant. The CR parameter; the joint effect of resin groups, mouthwash groups, and measurement times was found to be statistically significant. In the Estecem II (Tokuyama) group, the means of Listerine Cool Mint (Johnson & Johnson) was above acceptable limits in both time periods. In the Panavia V5 (Kuraray Noritake) group, the color change was above acceptable limits in all time periods and in all mouthwash groups. Among the resin materials used, Estecem II (Tokuyama) shows the most color change. Listerine Cool Mint (Johnson & Johnson) caused more color change than other mouthwashes at all times. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study; the colour stability and translucency value of resin cement depend on both the resin cement content and the mouthwash. Long-term use of mouthwash may adversely affect the optical properties of the resin cement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinicians should take into account the fact that mouthwash use and the composition of the resin cement employed will have an impact on the colour of laminate veneers.

Effect of Vent Hole and Cement Type on Fracture Resistance of CAD-CAM Monolithic Zirconia Crowns.

PURPOSE: To assess the fracture resistance of monolithic zirconia crowns cemented with different types of cement on cement-retained implant abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty implant analogs were positioned in acrylic resin blocks, and cement-retained straight implant abutments were fastened to the analogs. Crowns were designed with/without occlusal vent holes and produced from monolithic zirconia blocks by the CAD-CAM technique. The two crown types were divided into two groups and cemented with resin and zinc-polycarboxylate cement under 5 kg weight. A universal testing machine applied compressive forces to the crowns until fracture. Fracture resistance values were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and the independent samples t-test with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: According to the two-way ANOVA results, although the crown design did not have a significant effect on fracture resistance (1417.65 ± 337.39 N, 1565.16 ± 517.12 N; crowns with and without vent holes, respectively), the main effect of the cement variable on the fracture resistance was significant. Zinc-polycarboxylate cement (1680.1 ± 375.23 N) showed higher fracture resistance than resin cement (1302.71 ± 420.64 N) in the crowns designed with vent holes (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: The use of cement-retained implant-supported monolithic zirconia crowns with an occlusal vent hole is safe, and zinc-polycarboxylate cement use may be an appropriate choice for cementation of these crowns.

Prognostic Value of Serial Measurement of Serum Des-Arg(9)-Bradykinin Levels in Severe COVID-19 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Excessive inflammatory immune response during SARS-CoV-2 infection contributes to severe disease in COVID-19 patients. Recently, some researchers hypothesized that dysregulation of the bradykinin (BK) system may also play a role in the pathogenesis of severe disease. Des-Arg(9)-bradykinin (DABK), an active metabolite of BK, is responsible for vasodilatation and increased permeability in the lungs and regulated by angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2). Viral inhibition of ACE-2 by SARS-CoV-2 increases DABK levels. Serum levels of this metabolite may be linked to disease severity in COVID-19 patients. In this study, it is aimed to investigate the prognostic value of serial measurement of serum DABK levels in severe COVID-19 patients. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted in hospitalized severe COVID-19 patients. Serum DABK levels of patients were serially measured on day 0, day 3 and day 5. Patients were categorized as cases with poor or good prognosis and critical or non-critical cases. Serum DABK levels of these patient groups were compared with paired sample t-test. Serum DABK levels on different days in the same patients were compared with repeated measures ANOVA tests. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in serum DABK levels measured at day 0, day 3, and day 5 between good and poor prognosis groups. DABK levels in critical and non-critical COVID-19 patients also did not show any significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results serially measured serum DABK levels did not correlate with outcome of severe COVID-19 and do not have prognostic value in severe COVID-19 patients.

Investigation of the relationship of CO-RADS and CT patterns with laboratory parameters in COVID-19 patients and a new perspective on the total CT scoring system.

BACKGROUND: It is important to determine the correlation of the CO-RADS classification and computed tomography (CT) patterns of the lung with laboratory data. To investigate the relationship of CO-RADS categories and CT patterns with laboratory data in patients with a positive RT-PCR test. We also developed a structured total CT scoring system and investigated its correlation with the total CT scoring system. METHOD: The CT examinations of the patients were evaluated in terms of the CO-RADS classification, pattern groups and total CT score. Structured total CT score values were obtained by including the total CT score values and pattern values in a regression analysis. The CT data were compared according to the laboratory data. RESULTS: A total of 198 patients were evaluated. There were significant differences between the CO-RADS groups in terms of age, ICU transfer, oxygen saturation, creatinine, LDH, D-dimer, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin-T (hs-TnT), CRP, structured total CT score values, and total CT score values. A significant difference was also observed between the CT pattern groups and oxygen saturation, creatinine and CRP values. When the structured total CT score values and total CT score values were compared they were observed to be correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Creatinine can be considered as an important marker for the CO-RADS and pattern classifications in lung involvement. LDH can be considered as an important marker of parenchymal involvement, especially bilateral and diffuse involvement. The structured total CT scoring system is a new system that can be used as an alternative.

Assessment of subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction and structural changes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can develop left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and geometric changes due to several reasons. AIM: To investigate subclinical LV systolic dysfunction and structural features in patients with COPD, and its correlation with the severity of airway obstruction, identified by GOLD classification. METHODS: We studied 52 patients with COPD and 29 age and sex-matched controls, without any cardiac disease. In addition to conventional echocardiographic evaluation speckle tracking echocardiography (STE)-based strain imaging were performed to analyse sub-clinical LV systolic dysfunction. Also LV volumes were measured by using three-dimensional real time echocardiography (3DRTE). All patients underwent spirometry. RESULTS: Conventional echocardiographic parameters (LV wall thickness and diameters, LV EF) and LV volume measurements were similar between the groups. LV global longitudinal peak systolic strain (-14.76 ± 2.69% to -20.27 ± 1.41%, P < 0.001) and strain rate (0.75 ± 0.25 1/s to 1.31 ± 0.41 1/s, P < 0.001) were significantly impaired in patients, compared to controls demonstrating sub-clinical ventricular systolic dysfunction. Significant positive correlation was obtained between LV strain/strain rate and spirometry parameters (FEV1, FEV%, FEV1/FVC, PEF%) (r = 0.78/0.68, P < 0.001; r = 0.83/0.70, P < 0.001); r = 0.74/0.55, P < 0.001; r = 0.72/0.65, P < 0.001 respectively). In addition, there was significant negative correlation between LV strain/strain rate and GOLD classification (r = -0.80/ -0.69, P < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: Subclinical LV systolic dysfunction can occur in COPD patients despite normal EF. STE is a technique that provides additional information for detailed evaluation of subtle changes in LV myocardial contractility, significantly associated with the severity of the disease in COPD patients.

Hearing test results of newborns born from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected mothers: A tertiary center experience in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital infections can cause newborn hearing loss. Although vertical transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is theoretically possible, this has not been proven yet. To our knowledge, there is no previous report on whether COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can cause congenital hearing loss. This paper aimed to find an answer to this question. METHOD: This retrospective, single-center study was performed between April 2020 and May 2021 at a tertiary care referral center in Turkey. A total of 422 pregnant women who had coronavirus infection during pregnancy were followed and 203 of them gave birth in our institution. Results of hearing screening tests of 199 newborns were assessed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of patients included in the study, 23 (11.6%) had the disease in the first trimester, 62 (31.2%) in the second trimester, and 114 (57.3%) in the third trimester. In the first hearing test performed on newborns, unilateral hearing loss was observed in 21 babies (10.5%). Hearing tests of these newborns were found to be normal in the second test performed 15 days later. CONCLUSION: Considering the incidence of congenital hearing loss, the absence of hearing loss in our newborn population does not confirm the argument that coronavirus infection does not cause congenital hearing loss. This issue should be evaluated with larger patient series. In addition, it should be kept in mind that hearing loss can occur at later ages as well.

Removal of lithium disilicate veneers with Er,Cr:YSGGL laser: now? Or after ageing?

This study was purposed to assess the impact of ageing and resin cements polymerized with different modes on the removal time of lithium disilicate (LiSi) ceramics using Er,Cr:YSGG laser. Ninety LiSi slabs (6 × 6 × 1 mm) were cemented to freshly extracted bovine teeth using cements polymerized with different modes (light-curing (LC), dual-curing (DC), self-curing (SC)). The specimens were divided into subgroups according to ageing conditions (no thermal cycling, 5000 or 30,000 thermal cycling). After that, Er,Cr:YSGG laser was applied until LiSi slabs were debonded; the removal time was recorded. Vickers microhardness test, SEM and EDS analyses were performed for specimens with the longest exposure time to laser application in the groups. One uncemented sample was also used as a control. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. Ageing and cement polymerization mode significantly affected the removal time of LiSi specimens. The removal time for the self-curing resin cement group (22.67 ± 12.68 s) was significantly longer than for cements polymerized with other methods (LC = 10.833 ± 7.28 s, DC = 12.0 ± 7.96 s). Removal time was significantly reduced after ageing in all polymerization modes; however, there were no significant differences between 5000 (11.83 ± 7.52 s) and 30,000 (11.83 ± 7.26 s) thermal cycling groups. Self-curing resin cements had prolonged the laser-aided removal time for LiSi ceramics. It can be concluded that Er,Cr:YSGG laser-aided removal of LiSi veneers after clinical use can be done more faster than its immediate removal.

Association between RS Time in Electrocardiogram and Right Ventricular Functions in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

OBJECTIVE: The occurrence of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) results in an increased risk of mortality. We aimed to study the diagnostic value of RS time in the recognition of COPD patients with RV dysfunction. METHODS: 120 consecutive COPD patients were divided into two groups, patients with and without RV dysfunction, and compared them in terms of parameters including RS time. RS time was defined as the longest interval from the beginning of the QRS complex to the nadir of the S- or S'-wave in the inferolateral leads on an electrocardiogram. RESULTS: RV dysfunction was observed in 36% of consecutive COPD patients with a mean age of 63.4 ± 9.8 years (83.3% male) and a mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 1.51 ± 0.62 lt. The heart rate, right QRS axis deviation frequency, S1S2S3 pattern frequency, and RS time (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in the patients with RV dysfunction than in those without. Body surface area, heart rate, and RS time (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of an RV dysfunction. An ROC analysis showed that the best RS time cutoff value for the prediction of RV dysfunction was 60 ms with a sensitivity of 81.4% and a specificity of 74.0%. CONCLUSION: In patients with COPD, RS time prolongation, which can be easily and quickly determined from the electrocardiogram, may be a marker for RV dysfunction.

The effect of a novel toothpaste in children with white spot lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a novel mineral containing toothpaste in comparison to a fluoride toothpaste in children with white spot lesions. METHODS: The clinical study was conducted from 2016 to 2018 at Marmara University Department of Pediatric Dentistry Clinic after approval from the ethics review committee of Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey and comprised children of either gender aged 4-5 years having white spot lesions. They were randomly allocated into two groups. The FT (Fluoridated Toothpaste) group was given a 500ppm fluoridated toothpaste, while the Mineral Containing Toothpaste (MCT) group was given toothpaste containing calcium glycerophosphate, magnesium chloride, and 12% xylitol. The white spot lesions were examined using Laser Fluorescence (LF) at baseline and after a month of usage. The two readings were compared. Stimulated saliva was collected for measuring the salivary potential of hydrogen, buffering capacity, and streptococcus mutans. Data was analysed using SPSS 19. RESULTS: Of the 26 children, 10(38%) were girls and 16(62%) were boys. The overall mean age was 4.77±0.54 years. There were 13(50%) subjects in each of the two groups. Of the 381 measurements done, 198(52%) were in the MCT group and 183(48%) in the FT group. LF scores decreased in both the groups (p=0.001). The remineralising potential was not significantly different (p=0.866), while salivary buffering capacity and potential of hydrogen increased in both the groups but the change was not significant (p>0.05). The number of children positive for streptococcus mutans decreased in both the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The toothpaste containing calcium glycerophosphate, magnesium chloride and 12% xylitol had the remineralization properties needed for the prevention of gwhite spot lesions in children.

Prognostic value of interleukin-18 and its association with other inflammatory markers and disease severity in COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The effectual immune response is crucial to defeat viral infections. However, exuberant immune response with features of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) lead detrimental consequences in COVID-19 patients. Interleukin (IL)-18 is one of the leading cytokines in MAS which has not been studied in COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of IL-18 with the other inflammatory markers and disease severity in COVID-19 for predicting disease prognosis. METHODS: Patients with COVID-19 who had confirmed diagnosis with SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid RT-PCR were enrolled into the study. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics, and laboratory values of CRP, ferritin, d-dimer and procalcitonin were measured on admission. Patients were followed up prospectively with a standardized approach until hospital discharge or death. Individuals were classified as asymptomatic, mild and severe pneumonia according to their clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics. Worse outcome was defined as requirement of intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death. Blood samples were collected at enrollment and serum levels of IL-6 and IL-18 were determined by ELISA. Association between IL-18 and other inflammatory markers and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 58 COVID-19 patients (50% male) with a median age of 43 (min 22-max 81) years. Twenty age and sex matched healthy subjects were served as control group. The study population was divided into three groups according to disease severity: asymptomatic (n = 20), mild pneumonia group (n = 27) and a severe group (n = 11). During follow up nine (15.5%) patients required ICU admission and three of them were died eventually. Serum IL-18 were correlated with other inflammatory markers and biochemical markers of organ injury; creatinine, liver enzymes and troponin. Serum IL-18 levels were remarkably higher in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy subjects with being highest in severe pneumonia group (p < 0.001). IL-18 serum concentrations were almost four-fold higher in patients with worse outcome compared to good outcome (p < 0.001). Serum IL-18 above the cut off value of 576 pg/mL on admission was associated with 11.7 fold increased risk of ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: The serum concentrations of IL-18 correlate with other inflammatory markers and reflect disease severity. Results of the present study shed light on role of IL-18 on COVID-19 pathogenesis and might provide an evidence for the clinical trials on IL-18 antagonists for the treatment of severe COVID-19 patients.

The assessment of serum ACE activity in COVID-19 and its association with clinical features and severity of the disease.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)/Angiotensin (Ang) II pathway has crucial regulatory effects on circulatory hemostasis and immune responses. This pathway has a major role in the development of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is a devastating complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study is to investigate the serum ACE activity and its correlation with clinical features and the disease severity in patients with COVID-19. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 by detecting SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid RT-PCR were included in the study. Demographic data, clinical features, laboratory and radiologic investigations were recorded. Patients were classified by disease severity; asymptomatic, mild, and severe pneumonia. The serum ACE activity was evaluated with an autoanalyzer based on a spectrophotometric method. Fifty-five patients (50.9% female) and 18 healthy subjects (33.3 % female) were enrolled in the study. The median age of patients was 40 years, ranging from 22 to 81 years. Eighteen healthy subjects were served as the control group. The baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The median serum ACE activity of patients and controls (38.00 [IQR 21] U/L and 32.00 [IQR 24] U/L, respectively) and of between patients grouped by disease severity (38.5 [IQR 19], 36 [IQR 25], and 38 [IQR 22] U/L, asymptomatic, mild and severe pneumonia group, respectively) were similar. There was no correlation between the serum ACE activity and conventional inflammatory markers. In this study, we did not find an association between serum ACE activity and COVID-19 and serum ACE activity on admission did not reflect disease severity.

The incidence of unexpected gynaecological malignancies in hysterectomies carried out for benign indications.

The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of unexpected gynaecological malignancies in patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications and to evaluate their clinical characteristics. Data from 6448 cases who had undergone hysterectomy for benign indications between the dates of 01.01.2008-01.01.2018 were recorded retrospectively from the database of the institution. The mean age of the cases with malignancy was 59.2 ± 9.66 (45-80) and 76,31% were (29/38) postmenopausal. The mean gravidity was 3.94 ± 1.73 and parity was 3.31 ± 1.45. Their mean BMI was 29.6 ± 4.26 kg/m2 (22.4-41.9 kg/m2 range). These patients were followed for a mean duration of 60.68 ± 37.66 months and during this period death associated with malignancy occurred in 4/38 (%10.52) cases, all of whom had leiomyosarcoma. The benign indications of procedure were as follows: myoma uteri (2675, 41.48%), abnormal uterine bleeding (1508, 23.38%), uterine prolapsus (793, 12.29%), ovarian cyst (619, 9.59%), endometriosis (303, 4.69%), endometrial polyp (264, 4.09%), pelvic pain (238, 3.69%) and other benign causes (48, 0.74%). Unexpected gynaecological malignancy was found in 20 cases (0.31%) with endometrial cancer, in eight cases (0.12%) with uterine sarcoma, in seven cases (0.10%) with ovarian cancer, in one case (0.01%) with tubal cancer and in two (0.03%) with cervical cancer. Gynaecological malignancy was found in 38 of 6648 cases who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications, yielding an incidence rate of 0.58%.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Hysterectomy is the most common gynaecological surgery in the world and although most are performed for benign indications, unexpected gynaecological malignancy is possible in the final pathology results.Although there are available publications investigating unexpected gynaecological malignancy incidences after hysterectomies for benign reasons, the incidence is still not clear. We aimed to contribute to the existing literature with this study, which includes a large number of cases.What do the results of this study add? Our study adds new findings to the body of the knowledge on the incidence of unexpected gynaecological malignancies in hysterectomies for benign indications. Gynaecological malignancy was found in 38 of 6648 cases who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications, yielding an incidence rate of 0.58%.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? There is an unexpected possibility of gynaecological malignancy even in cases where it is expected to be benign with current diagnostic methods. In cases that are expected to be benign, detailed preoperative evaluation should be performed in all patients to prevent unexpected gynaecological malignancies. More sensitive screening methods should be developed especially in the preoperative differential diagnosis of leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma.

Assessment of olfactory and gustatory functions in COVID-19 patients

Background/aim: This study aims to evaluate of olfactory and gustatory functions of COVID-19 patients and possible risk factors for olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions. Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study included adult patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Gazi University Hospital between April 2020 and June 2020. Volunteered patients participated in a survey in which olfactory and gustatory functions and various clinical information were questioned. Sinonasal Outcome Test-22 was also administrated to all patients. Results: A hundred and seventy-one patients participated in this study. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions rates were 10.5% (n: 18) and 10.5% (n: 18), respectively. Patients without any symptom other than smell and taste dysfunctions were clustered as group 1 and patients who are clinically symptomatic were clustered as group 2. Olfactory dysfunction occurred in 8% of group 1 and 17.4% of group 2 (p = 0.072). Gustatory dysfunction rate of smokers was 19.7% and significantly higher than gustatory dysfunction rate of nonsmokers (5.5%) (p = 0.007). Twenty-seven-point-eight percent of the patients with olfactory dysfunction (n = 5) were male and 72.2% (n: 13) were female. Sex did not show significant effect on rate of olfactory dysfunction. Twenty-five patients participated in psychophysical olfactory function test. No participant reported olfactory dysfunction at the time of test. Of the participants, 64% (n: 16) were normosmic and 36% (n: 9) were hyposmic according to Sniffin' Stick test. Conclusion: Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are more common in patients who are clinically symptomatic than those diagnosed during contact tracing. Objective tests may show that frequency of olfactory dysfunction is greater than frequency of self-reported olfactory dysfunction.

The eating attitudes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

AIM: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients show multiple physiological deficits and several neuropsychological comorbidities. The aim of this study was to investigate the eating attitudes in OSAS patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Polysomnography records of 157 were performed. Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were applied to all participants. RESULTS: The mean age of the 157 individuals included in the study was 47.2 ± 11.4 (18-76) years and 36% (n = 56) of the individuals were female and 64% (n = 101) were male. When the patients were ranked according to the severity of OSAS, 38.2% (n = 60) were severe, 20.4% (n = 32) were moderate, 24.2% (n = 38) were mild, and 17.2% (n = 27) were OSAS negative. There was a significant difference in terms of the age-and-BMI-adjusted EAT score according to OSAS severity (p = .042). There was a significant difference in the age-and-BMI-adjusted value of the EAT according to the presence of OSAS (p = .011). After controlling age and BMI, no significant correlation was found between the EAT and the BDI (r = 0.012, p = .890) in patients with OSAS while there was a significant positive correlation EAT and the BAI (r = 0.177, p = .046). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the association of OSAS with psychiatric disorders, the presence of eating disorders (EDs) becomes an important and special topic. Treatment of patients with OSAS should not only aim to improve the patient's sleep apnea, but also to improve the patient's quality of life by evaluating the patient's psychological and physical functions.

Investigation of telomere related gene mutations in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is the most common type of Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias (IIP). The aim of this study is to determine the mutation of variants in four telomere-related genes and to determine the possible relationship between these mutations and telomere shortening in order to contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of IPF. For this study, 34 individuals with IPF, 32 individuals with non-IPF ILD (Interstitial Lung Disease), and 31 healthy controls between the ages of 40 and 85 were included. The mutation analysis and telomere measurements were examined for the volunteers. According to the mutation screening results, no significant difference was found between the patients with IPF, non-IPF ILD groups and healthy individuals in terms of genotyping analysis. However, in terms of the allele distribution for two genes, statistically significant difference was found in IPF and non-IPF ILD patients (TERT; p = 0.002 and TERC; p = 0.001). According to the telomere length measurement, the telomeres of the patients were shorter than of the control group (p = 0.0001). In compliance with the results of our analysis, it is thought that genes that have allelic significance from the point of gene mutations as well as telomere shortening may be risk factors for the disease.

P Wave Peak Time for Predicting an Increased Left Atrial Volume Index in Hemodialysis Patients.

OBJECTIVE: An increased left atrial volume index (LAVI) is related to increased mortality in hemodialysis patients. In the present study, we evaluated the association between the LAVI and the P wave peak time (PWPT), a newly introduced electrocardiographic parameter, in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: The study population was made up of 79 hemodialysis patients with a mean age of 53 ± 18 years (55.7% were males). These patients were divided into a normal LAVI (≤28 mL/m2) group (n = 45) and an increased LAVI (>28 mL/m2) group (n = 34). The demographic, clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic variables of the groups were compared. RESULTS: The P wave terminal force from lead V1, P wave dispersion and PWPTs obtained from leads V1 and D2 (PWPTD2) were significantly higher in the patients with increased LAVIs. In multivariable analysis, only the PWPTD2was an independent predictor of an increased LAVI (odds ratio = 1.117, 95% CI = 1.052-1.185, p < 0.001). The receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the best PWPTD2 cutoff value for predicting an increased LAVI was 60 ms, with a sensitivity of 76.5% and a specificity of 66.7% (area under the curve = 0.736, 95% CI = 0.625-0.829, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that a prolonged PWPTD2 was independently associated with an increased LAVI in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, measuring the PWPTD2 duration on an electrocardiogram may help define high-risk hemodialysis patients with increased LAVIs.

The analysis of the top 100 most cited publications in chest diseases in Turkey (1975-2019): a bibliometric analysis.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, made an analysis of the top 100 most-cited articles about respiratory system from Turkey, which was published in Science Citation Index (SCI) and SCI Expanded (SCIE) index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In Web of Science (WoS) advanced search of the database of "core collection" [v.5.31]; It was written to "CU=TURKEY AND SU=RESPIRATORY SYSTEM" and reached articles from Turkey published in SCI and SCIE indexes until 13.11.2019. The journal in which it was published, the impact factor of the journals, citation counts and the average of the annual citations of the publication of the first 100 articles were found. RESULT: From 1975 to 13 November 2019, the total number of publications in the field of respiratory system by the scientists of our country was 5828. The total number of citations to these articles is 48.708 (with subtracting the self citations it was 46.972). The average of citations per publication in our country is 8.36. The total number of citations for the first 100 articles was 12.374. The most cited article with 309 citations is; "The Arg753Gln Polymorphism of the Human Toll-like Receptor 2 Gene in Tuberculosis Disease" written by Ogus AC, et al. It was published in "European Respiratory Journal". Until 13.11.2019 in WoS database related to respiratory system; It has been published 494.974 articles. Published articles from Turkey is 1.17% of the total articles about respiratory system. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are our studies have been published in journals with high impact factors, our contribution to the literature still seems limited.

The factors predicting pneumonia in COVID-19 patients: preliminary results from a university hospital in Turkey

Background/aim: Pneumonia is the most serious clinical presentation of COVID-19. This study aimed to determine the demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings that can properly predict COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in the Gazi University hospital. All hospitalized patients with confirmed and suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection between 16 March 2020 and 30 April 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. COVID-19 patients were separated into two groups, pneumonia and nonpneumonia, and then compared to determine predicting factors for COVID-19 pneumonia. Variables that had a P-value of less than 0.20 and were not correlated with each other were included in the logistic regression model. Results: Of the 247 patients included in the study 58% were female, and the median age was 40. COVID-19 was confirmed in 70.9% of these patients. Among the confirmed COVID-19 cases, 21.4% had pneumonia. In the multivariate analysis male sex (P = 0.028), hypertension (P = 0.022), and shortness of breath on hospital admission (P = 0.025) were significant factors predicting COVID-19 pneumonia. Conclusion: Shortness of breath, male sex, and hypertension were significant for predicting COVID-19 pneumonia on admission. Patients with these factors should be evaluated more carefully for diagnostic procedures, such as thorax CT.

The diagnostic role of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in exudative pleural effusion and follow-up results in patients with nonspecific pleuritis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic value of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in exudative pleural effusions, and to evaluated the frequency of malignancy development with long term follow-up of patients defined as nonspecific pleuritis after surgery. . METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at Yedikule Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, and comprised data of patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusions seen between January 2008 and December 2013. Data related to clinical, radiological, thoracoscopical, histopathological and follow-up periods were obtained from the hospital records. SPSS 15 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 229 patients, 145(63.3%) were males and 84(36.7%) were females. The overall mean age was 54.5 }15.1 years. Malignancy was found in 84 (36.6%) patients, and tuberculosis in 26(11.4%). The remaining 119(52%) patients had nonspecific pleuritis and their mean follow-up period was 29.2}27.1 months (range: 1-103 months). Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was repeated in 3(2.52%) patients in the 1st, 4th and 16th months of followup period due to the recurrence of pleural effusion. Tuberculosis and mesothelioma were diagnosed in 1(0.8%) and 2(1.7%) cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was found to be a valuable diagnostic procedure in patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion.