Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Newborns with Oesophageal Atresia and Their Mothers

OBJECTIVE: To measure the oxidant/antioxidant status of newborn babies with oesophageal atresia and their mothers, compared with healthy control subjects. METHODS: This case—control study included 40 participants: 10 newborns with oesophageal atresia and their mothers, and 10 healthy newborns and their mothers. Whole blood malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, carbonic anhydrase [CA], glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G-6-PD], and superoxide dismutase [SOD]) were measured. RESULTS: MDA levels and CA activity were significantly higher, and catalase, SOD and G-6-PD activities were significantly lower, in newborns with oesophageal atresia and their mothers than in healthy newborns and their mothers. Although CA activity was similar between the newborns and mothers in the patient group, it was significantly lower in newborns than in mothers in the healthy group. CONCLUSIONS: Increased lipid peroxidation might play an important role in the pathogenesis of oesophageal atresia. Impairment of the free radical/antioxidant balance may lead to increased free radical and decreased antioxidant levels in oesophageal atresia.

Serum trace elements and heavy metals in polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the serum levels of essential trace elements copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg) and heavy metals cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb) in the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

A total of 65 (35 patients with PCOS and 30 healthy controls) women were included in the study. Serum Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Mg, Co and Cd levels were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometric method.

RESULTS

Serum Cu and Zn levels were significantly higher, but Mn and Pb levels were lower in patients with PCOS compared with the healthy participants (p < 0.01). There was no difference between patients with PCOS and the controls with respect to the serum levels of Mg, Co and Cd.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study investigating serum Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Co, Mg and Cd levels in the patients with PCOS. The serum levels of trace elements and heavy metals might change in patients with PCOS. The findings in this study should be investigated with further trials in order to obtain new insights into PCOS.

Control of mushroom sciarid fly Lycoriella ingenua populations with insect growth regulators applied by soil drench

Mushroom sciarid fly Lycoriella ingenua (Dufour, 1839) comb. nov., is one of the most common fly pests affecting the cultivation of Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach in Turkey. In this study, eight insect growth regulators (IGRs)--diflubenzuron, flufenoxuron, lufenuron, methoprene, novaluron, pyriproxyfen, teflubenzuron, and triflumuron-were tested for their potential to control L. ingenua populations in two successive growing periods. Treatments were targeted at larvae as soil drenches; treatment efficacy was evaluated by assessing adult emergence and larval damage. These products were compared with a control treated with water (negative control) and a conventional chemical insecticide (chlorpyrifos ethyl) (positive control). Treatments with the IGRs caused significant reductions in emerging adult numbers and sporophore damage rates compared with the water-treated control over the two growing periods. Of the IGRs tested, novaluron, diflubenzuron, and teflubenzuron had significantly lower numbers of emerging adults than the rest of the IGRs and chlorpyrifos ethyl-treated control in both periods. Treatments with teflubenzuron, pyriproxyfen, novaluron, and diflubenzuron resulted in significantly lower sporophore damage rates than all other treatments. Compared with negative control, there were no significant yield reductions due to applications of selected IGRs. The results suggest that all the IGRs tested can be used as alternatives to conventional pesticides in controlling L. ingenua populations on mushroom.

Rehabilitation results of patients with acute transverse myelitis

BACKGROUND

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rehabilitation in patients with acute transverse myelitis (ATM).

METHOD

The patients were included in rehabilitation program in the rehabilitation unit. Spasticity of the patients was evaluated by modified Ashworth scale at baseline and at the end of treatment. The functional independence measurement (FIM), Barthel index and functional ambulatory scale (FAS) values were as well evaluated at baseline and at the end of the treatment, and the results were compared to evaluate the efficacy of the rehabilitation program.

RESULTS

A total of 13 patients (6 males, 7 females) with transverse myelitis were included in the study. The mean +/- SD of age of the patients was 14.30 +/- 3.14. The mean +/- SD of duration of disease was 4.5 +/- 1.85 weeks. There was statistically significant difference in modified Ashworth scale, FIM, and FAS values when the baseline and after treatment values were compared, which indicated improvement due to treatment (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that in patients with ATM, rehabilitation of patients contributes to clinical and functional improvement of the disease (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 23).

Clinicopathologic and prognostic evaluation of invasive breast carcinoma molecular subtypes and GATA3 expression

PURPOSE

recently, molecular subclassification of breast carcinomas has been proposed as a new prognostic parameter.

METHODS

we classified 222 invasive breast carcinoma cases in 5 molecular subtypes by using tissue microarray (TMA) and immunohistochemistry methods. These subtypes were luminal A (estrogen receptor/ER and/or progesterone receptor/ PR positive), luminal B (ER and/or PR positive + HER2 positive), HER2-expressing type (ER and PR negative, HER2 positive), basal-like type (ER, PR and HER2 negative, positive with at least one of these myoepithelial markers: CK5/6, CK14, EGFR) and null type (ER, PR, HER2 and myoepithelial markers negative). We compared these subtypes according to their clinicopathological features and GATA3 expression.

RESULTS

luminal A was the most frequent subtype. According to overall survival rates, HER2-expressing and basal- like types had the worst prognosis, while luminal A had the best. However, luminal B had the worst prognosis according to disease free survival. Most of the squamous differentiated metaplastic carcinomas were basal-like type. Tubular and mucinous carcinomas were luminal A. Most basal-like tumors were grade III. The majority of grade I tumors were luminal A. GATA3 positivity was associated with low grade tumors and luminal A subtype.

CONCLUSION

molecular classification can be accepted as an independent prognostic factor for invasive breast carcinomas. GATA3 expression was associated with luminal A and low histological grade. However, it wasn't shown as an independent parameter.

Dilated cardiomyopathy in celiac disease: role of carnitine deficiency

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy in genetically susceptible persons and the disease can present with manifestations in the intestine and in organs outside the gut. An increased prevalence of CD in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy or secondary cardiomyopathy and some other cardiac disorders has been reported. Here is described a case of dilated cardiomyopathy in a patient with CD and secondary carnitine deficiency. Dilated cardiomyopathy due to carnitine deficiency may occur in CD patients and carnitine deficiency may present not only at the time of diagnosis of CD but it may also develop during gluten-free diet, particularly in patients with fast weight gain and without carnitine supplementation.

The diagnostic utility of maspin in the distinction between malignant mesothelioma and pulmonary adenocarcinoma

Immunohistochemistry is frequently employed to differentiate between malignant mesothelioma (MM) and pulmonary adenocarcinoma (AC) infiltrating the pleura, but there is uncertainty as to which antibodies are most useful. The present study investigated the presence of the serine protease, maspin, in epithelioid MMs and evaluated the diagnostic utility of maspin for the differential diagnosis between epithelioid MM and pulmonary AC with pleural involvement. The results showed more frequent maspin immunostaining among AC cases compared with MM cases. Maspin positivity was significantly higher among AC cases with respect to both the extent and intensity of staining. A significant difference also existed between the two tumour types with respect to the overall maspin score. Despite these findings, the sensitivity and specificity of maspin positivity to detect AC were only 59% and 73%, respectively, indicating that detection of maspin is of no value for the differential diagnosis of AC and MM.

Evaluation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in untreated patients with polymyalgia rheumatica and healthy controls

OBJECTIVE

To explore the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This study was carried out on 13 female patients with PMR who were diagnosed according to the criteria of Chuang et al (Ann Intern Med 1982;97:672-80) and 10 healthy female subjects in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Erciyes University Medical School. In the patient and control groups, basal cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), 11-deoxycortisol (11-S), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione (A), prolactin (PRL), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured. Cortisol, 17-OHP, 11-S and A responses after the low-dose (1 microg) ACTH stimulation test and cortisol and DHEAS responses after the dexamethasone suppression test were detected. We also measured acute phase reactants including C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

RESULTS

Age and sex characteristics were similar in both patient and control groups. The levels of basal hormones including cortisol, ACTH, 17-OHP, 11-S, DHEAS, A, prolactin and TSH and cortisol and DHEAS levels after the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test were not significantly different between the patient and control groups. However, cortisol/CRP and ACTH/CRP ratios were significantly lower in the patient group. Cortisol and DHEAS responses after the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test were not significantly different between the patient and control groups. Cortisol response after the 1 microg ACTH stimulation test was significantly lower in the patients than in the control group, but there were no significant differences in 17-OHP, 11-S and A responses between the patients and controls. Correlation analysis showed that there was a negative correlation between peak cortisol levels after the ACTH stimulation test and disease duration, and also a positive correlation between cortisol levels after the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test and acute phase reactants including CRP and ESR.

CONCLUSION

A significant low cortisol response to ACTH stimulation was detected in the patients with PMR. In addition, a negative correlation after the 1 microg ACTH stimulation test between peak cortisol levels and disease duration was detected. These findings may indicate hypoactivation in the HPA axis.

Mutations in 3 genes (MKS3, CC2D2A and RPGRIP1L) cause COACH syndrome (Joubert syndrome with congenital hepatic fibrosis)

OBJECTIVE

To identify genetic causes of COACH syndrome

BACKGROUND

COACH syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterised by Cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, Oligophrenia (developmental delay/mental retardation), Ataxia, Coloboma, and Hepatic fibrosis. The vermis hypoplasia falls in a spectrum of mid-hindbrain malformation called the molar tooth sign (MTS), making COACH a Joubert syndrome related disorder (JSRD).

METHODS

In a cohort of 251 families with JSRD, 26 subjects in 23 families met criteria for COACH syndrome, defined as JSRD plus clinically apparent liver disease. Diagnostic criteria for JSRD were clinical findings (intellectual impairment, hypotonia, ataxia) plus supportive brain imaging findings (MTS or cerebellar vermis hypoplasia). MKS3/TMEM67 was sequenced in all subjects for whom DNA was available. In COACH subjects without MKS3 mutations, CC2D2A, RPGRIP1L and CEP290 were also sequenced.

RESULTS

19/23 families (83%) with COACH syndrome carried MKS3 mutations, compared to 2/209 (1%) with JSRD but no liver disease. Two other families with COACH carried CC2D2A mutations, one family carried RPGRIP1L mutations, and one lacked mutations in MKS3, CC2D2A, RPGRIP1L and CEP290. Liver biopsies from three subjects, each with mutations in one of the three genes, revealed changes within the congenital hepatic fibrosis/ductal plate malformation spectrum. In JSRD with and without liver disease, MKS3 mutations account for 21/232 families (9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Mutations in MKS3 are responsible for the majority of COACH syndrome, with minor contributions from CC2D2A and RPGRIP1L; therefore, MKS3 should be the first gene tested in patients with JSRD plus liver disease and/or coloboma, followed by CC2D2A and RPGRIP1L.

Ischaemia-modified albumin elevation after percutaneous coronary intervention reflects albumin concentration rather than ischaemia

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is accepted as a model of myocardial ischaemia in studies of ischaemia markers, especially of ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA). However, there is concern that IMA levels may reflect changes in albumin concentrations rather than myocardial ischaemia also during PCI.

Methods

Twenty-one consecutive patients (17 men and 4 women) undergoing single-vessel percutaneous coronary angioplasty were enrolled in the study. IMA and albumin levels were measured together with myoglobin, creatine kinase 2 and cardiac troponin I, before (Group 1), immediately after (Group 2) and 6 h after (Group 3) the procedure of PCI.

Results

The IMA levels of Group 2 were significantly higher than those of Group 1 and Group 3 ( P < 0.05 for both). However, correction of IMA by multiplying with the (individual albumin concentration of the patient/median albumin concentration of Group 1) ratio gave no statistical differences between the groups ( P > 0.05). There were strong negative correlations between IMA levels and albumin concentrations within individual groups ( r = −0.757, P < 0.001; r = −0.712, P < 0.001; and r = −0.705, P < 0.001 for Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3, respectively).

Conclusion

The results confirm the close dependency of IMA results on albumin concentrations. Therefore, IMA results reflect albumin concentrations rather than myocardial ischaemia also in PCI. This situation and lack of standard reference materials for the albumin cobalt binding assay can lessen the diagnostic performance of IMA.

Catalase activity, serum trace element and heavy metal concentrations, vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E levels in hydatidiform mole

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

In this study we aimed to measure the activity of catalase, which is an antioxidant enzyme, the concentrations of some trace elements and heavy metals, and vitamin A, D and E levels in serum samples of patients with hydatidiform mole, normal pregnancies and healthy non pregnant women.

METHODS

Seventy-two women were enrolled in this study. Of these, 24 were healthy women in the first trimester of pregnancy (HP), 24 were healthy non-pregnant women (NP) and 24 were patients with complete hydatidiform mole (CHM).

RESULTS

Serum levels of catalase, Zn, Co, vitamin A, D and E were significantly lower in the CHM group when compared with the HP and NP groups (p < 0.001). Serum levels of Cu, Fe, and Cd were significantly higher in the CHM group when compared with the HP and NP groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The assessment of oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in pregnant women could be useful in the early determination of molar pregnancy and supplementation with antioxidants may be useful in the treatment of CHM, and may prevent recurrent molar pregnancy.

Catalase Activity, Serum Trace Element and Heavy Metal Concentrations, and Vitamin A, D and E Levels in Pre-Eclampsia

Catalase (antioxidant enzyme) activity in erythrocytes and serum levels of trace elements (copper, iron, zinc), heavy metals (cadmium, cobalt) and vitamins A (retinol), D (cholecalciferol) and E (α-tocopherol) were measured in 145 subjects comprising 47 pre-eclamptic pregnant women (PE), 48 healthy pregnant women (HP) and 50 healthy non-pregnant controls (NP). Catalase, vitamins A, D and E and levels of cobalt were significantly lower in the PE group compared with the HP and NP groups, whereas levels of copper, iron and cadmium were significantly higher in the PE group than in the HP and NP groups. Levels of zinc were significantly lower in both the PE and HP groups compared with the NP group. This assessment of oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in pregnant women could be useful in the early identification of pre-eclampsia and antioxidant supplementation in the early weeks of gestation might be useful.

Dye adsorption behavior of Luffa cylindrica fibers

Using natural Luffa cylindrica fibers as adsorbent removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions at different temperatures and dye concentrations was investigated in this study. Thermodynamics and kinetics of adsorption were also investigated. The adsorption isotherms could be well defined with Langmuir model instead of Freundlich model. The thermodynamic parameters of methylene blue (MB) adsorption indicated that the adsorption is exothermic and spontaneous. The average MB adsorption capacity was found out as 49 mg/g and average BET surface area of fibers was calculated as 123 m(2)/g.

Pityriasis lichenoides chronica: an association with autoimmune hepatitis?

Pityriasis lichenoides is an uncommon, benign skin disorder with two major variants: acute and chronic. Autoimmune hepatitis comprises heterogeneous forms of chronic hepatitis that are generally progressive and often fluctuating. Two major forms of this entity are recognized. Herein, we report the concurrence of pityriasis lichenoides chronica with type I autoimmune hepatitis in a child, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously reported. Although it is hard to say whether an etiologic relationship or coincidental coexistence occurred between the two entities in our patient, some common mechanisms may be involved in both diseases.

Ectopic thoracic kidney in a child with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Thoracic ectopic kidney with partial or complete renal protrusion above the level of the diaphragma into the posterior mediastinum is the rarest form of all ectopic kidneys with an incidence of less than 1 per 10,000 cases. We present a newborn with right congenital diaphragmatic hernia associated with thoracic ectopic kidney. The diagnosis of ectopia was made prior to surgery. Gerota's fascia of kidney was used to close the diaphragmatic defect. Since this renal anomaly is usually asymptomatic, it does not require any specific treatment. However, a close examination of function and anatomy of the kidney prior to surgery of hernia is important and beneficial. We discuss the embryological context and the importance of renal scintigraphy in patients with ectopic kidney.