The role of TAS2R38 genotype in surgical outcomes and culturable bacteria in chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Recent studies reported the relationship between genetic variations and TAS2R38, which is a bitter taste receptor expressed in the cilia of human sinonasal epithelial cells, among the predisposing factors playing role in immune response to upper respiratory tract bacterial infection. The present study aims to examine the relationship of TAS2R38 genotype with the active microorganism and the effect of genotype on the surgical outcomes among chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

METHODOLOGY

34 patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps (23 CRSwNP, 11 CRSsNP) and 30 patients undergoing septoplasty surgery for isolated nasal septum deviation were included. All the patients were genotyped for TAS2R38. Scoring was made using endoscopic Modified Lund-Kennedy and radiological Lund-Mackay systems preoperatively. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test with 22 items (SNOT-22) was implemented preoperatively and postoperatively. Nasal swab culture samples were taken intraoperatively from CRS patients and the active microorganism were isolated.

RESULTS

In the TAS2R38 genotyping of the study group, PAV/PAV was found in 32.4% of patients, PAV/AVI in 47.1%, and AVI/AVI in 20.6%. In the control group, PAV/PAV was found in 26.7%, PAV/AVI in 36.7%, and AVI/AVI in 36.7%. In the study group, there was no statistically significant difference between the CRS and CRS subgroups in terms of TAS2R38 genotype distributions. The changes in patients' preoperative and postoperative SNOT-22 scores were similar between the genotypes. Proliferation was detected in culture in the whole AVI-AVI group, 81.8% of PAV-PAV group, and 56.3% of PAV-AVI group but the difference was not found to be statistically significant. The proliferation level of Staphylococcus epidermidis by TAS2R38 genotype was found to be statistically significantly higher among patients, who had AVI-AVI genotype, in CRSwNP.

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find a statistically significant relationship between the TAS2R38 genotype and CRS subtype, sinonasal bacterial infection risk increase and surgical success rate in CRS patients. Long-term and large-scale studies are needed, which are to be carried out by individual genotyping and sequencing to provide more information on the effects of these genetic variants.

Atypical macular hole formation after Anti-VEGF therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: Coincidence or consequence?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the primary cause of blindness in developed countries, particularly in older adults. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) intravitreal injection is the current standard treatment for neovascular form of AMD. Studies reporting macular hole (MH) formation following anti-VEGF treatment are limited, and the exact pathogenesis is still under discussion. With the present study, we aim to analyse the clinical features of eyes developing MH after anti-VEGF therapy for neovascular AMD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF agents for at least one year and stable for at least six months. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography findings were evaluated.

RESULTS

Nineteen eyes of 18 patients were included in this study. Patients had an average age of 77.7 years at first visit and eight were female. The average number of injections before the MH formation was four. MH developed after a mean follow-up of 5.1 months after the last injection. Sixteen eyes had (84.2%) had choroidal neovascular membrane without any abnormal vitreomacular traction. Eleven eyes (57.8%) had retinal pigment epithelium detachment (PED), two (10.5%) had an epiretinal membrane (ERM), and one (5.2%) had retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear. The mean first and last BCVA was 1.07±0.48 LogMAR (0.3-1.8) and 1.16±0.38 logMAR (0.4-1.8), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A macular hole can be observed in AMD patients receiving anti-VEGF therapy. Increased fibrovascular scar tissue due to subretinal fluid resolution, neovascular membrane contraction, and the presence of PED, RPE tear, and ERM may contribute to MH formation.

Autonomous atmospheric water seeping MOF matrix

The atmosphere contains an abundance of fresh water, but this resource has yet to be harvested efficiently. To date, passive atmospheric water sorbents have required a desorption step that relies on steady solar irradiation. Since the availability and intensity of solar radiation vary, these limit on-demand desorption and hence the amount of harvestable water. Here, we report a polymer-metal-organic framework that provides simultaneous and uninterrupted sorption and release of atmospheric water. The adaptable nature of the hydro-active polymer, and its hybridization with a metal-organic framework, enables enhanced sorption kinetics, water uptake, and spontaneous water oozing. We demonstrate continuous water delivery for 1440 hours, producing 6 g of fresh water per gram of sorbent at 90% relative humidity (RH) per day without active condensation. This leads to a total liquid delivery efficiency of 95% and an autonomous liquid delivery efficiency of 71%, the record among reported atmospheric water harvesters.

AB1011 LONG TERM FOLLOW-UP of THE PATIENTS WITH ANTI NUCLEAR ANTIBODY POSITIVITY WHO HAD INITIALLY NO IDENTIFIABLE RHEUMATIC DISEASES

Background:

Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are a group of the antibodies that develop against intracellular components of the cells. It is usually useful for diagnosing some of the connective tissue diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease. But it is reported that its positivity rate is about %20 in healthy individuals. Therefore, it can be confusing to check ANA test, if there is not really high suspicion for connective tissue diseases or juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Objectives:

We aimed to evaluate results of long-term follow-up of the patients with ANA positivity who had initially no identifiable rheumatic diseases.

Methods:

Six hundred and ninety-four patients with ANA positivity who did not diagnosed as any of the rheumatic diseases at the first examination were found in database. Two hundred and eighty- two patients of them were called so far and questioned about their demographic features and symptoms that are related with rheumatic diseases.

Results:

Mean age of the patients at the time of study and at the time of testing were 13.4± 4.5 and 9.1±4.0 years. The female: male ratio was 1.05. Mean follow-up duration was 4.3±2.8 years. Most common reasons for the request for ANA test were arthralgia and skin eruptions. ANA testing was most commonly requested by a general pediatrists. Demographic features of the patients were summarized in Table 1.

Table 1.

Demographic features of the patients.

n (%)Age (years)13.4± 4.5Female145 (51.4)Age at the time of testing (years)9.1±4.0Follow-up Duration (years)4.3±2.8Reason for testing Arthralgia99 (44.1)Skin Eruption54 (24.1)Check-Up20 (8.9)Arthritis13 (5.8)Gait abnormalities7 (3.1)Hair Loss6 (2.6)Fever5 (2.2)Uveitis2 (0.8)Recurrent abdominal pain2 (0.8)Who suggested testing?Pediatrician196 (87.5)Parents13 (5.8)Dermatologist7 (3.1)Ophthalmologist3 (1.3)Rheumatologist2 (0.8)Other3 (1.3)Positivity of acute phase reactants15 (5.3)History of infection before testing56 (24.3)History of drug-using before testing39 (17)

Most of the diseases were diagnosed in patients with ANA positivity were not related with autoimmune mechanisms that associated with ANA positivity therefore, these diseases are thought to be coincidence. Only in 1 patients, systemic lupus erythematosus that has certain association with ANA positivity were diagnosed. All diseases that are diagnosed were shown in Table 2.

Table 2.

All diseases that are diagnosed in patients during the follow-up period.

n (%)Hypermobility Syndrome29 (10.2)Urticaria7 (2.4)Hypothyroidism6 (2.1)Transient synovitis4 (1.4)Chronic ITP*4 (1.4)Scoliosis4 (1.4)Familial Mediterranean Fever3 (1)Cryopyrin associated periodic Syndrome2 (0.7)PFAPA syndrome**2 (0.7)Celiac Disease2 (0.7)Acute Rheumatic Fever2 (0.7)Fibromyalgia1 (0.3)Bone Tumor1 (0.3)Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis1 (0.3)Henoch-Shöenlein Purpura1 (0.3)Myastenia Graves1 (0.3)Sever Disease1 (0.3)Vitiligo1 (0.3)Systemic Lupus Erythematosus1 (0.3)

*Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, **Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis syndrome.

Conclusion:

We are reporting that in only 0.3% of patients with ANA positivity who don’t have any diseases diagnosed initially, were diagnosed as rheumatologic diseases during to the follow-up period. Since positivity of ANA is also common in the healthy population, requesting this test in only patients with high suspicion for connective tissue disease will reduce confusion in terms of diagnosis.

References:

[1]Kasapcopur O, Ozbakir F, Arisoy N, Ingol H, Yazici H, Ozdogan H. Frequency of antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor in healthy Turkish children. Turk J Pediatr 1999;41:67-71.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Poly(triazolyl methacrylate) glycopolymers as potential targeted unimolecular nanocarriers

Synthetic glycopolymers are increasingly investigated as multivalent ligands for a range of biological and biomedical applications. This study indicates that glycopolymers with a fine-tuned balance between hydrophilic sugar pendant units and relatively hydrophobic polymer backbones can act as single-chain targeted nanocarriers for low molecular weight hydrophobic molecules. Non-covalent complexes formed from poly(triazolyl methacrylate) glycopolymers and low molecular weight hydrophobic guest molecules were characterised through a range of analytical techniques - DLS, SLS, TDA, fluorescence spectroscopy, surface tension analysis - and molecular dynamics (MD) modelling simulations provided further information on the macromolecular characteristics of these single chain complexes. Finally, we show that these nanocarriers can be utilised to deliver a hydrophobic guest molecule, Nile red, to both soluble and surface-immobilised concanavalin A (Con A) and peanut agglutinin (PNA) model lectins with high specificity, showing the potential of non-covalent complexation with specific glycopolymers in targeted guest-molecule delivery.

Infantile Nephropathic Cystinosis: A Novel CTNS Mutation

Cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder characterized by the accumulation of cystine in lysosomes, which results from defects in the carrier-mediated transport protein encoded by the CTNS gene. Infantile nephropathic cystinosis (INC) is one of the major complications of cystinosis. It is characterized by findings of Fanconi's syndrome within the first year of life. Here we report two patients with INC presenting with signs of Fanconi's syndrome and describe a novel CTNS mutation.

Synthesis of block copolymers by mechanistic transformation from photoinitiated cationic polymerization to a RAFT process

A novel synthetic strategy for the synthesis of block copolymers based on mechanistic transformation from photoinitiated cationic polymerization to radical addition fragmentation transfer polymerization is presented.

Spread of carbapenem-resistant international clones of Acinetobacter baumannii in Turkey and Azerbaijan: a collaborative study

Epidemic clones of Acinetobacter baumannii, described as European clones I, II, and III, are associated with hospital epidemics throughout the world. We aimed to determine the molecular characteristics and genetic diversity between European clones I, II, and III from Turkey and Azerbaijan. In this study, a total of 112 bloodstream isolates of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. were collected from 11 hospitals across Turkey and Azerbaijan. The identification of Acinetobacter spp. using conventional and sensitivity tests was performed by standard criteria. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect OXA carbapenemase-encoding genes (bla OXA-23-like, bla OXA-24-like, bla OXA-51-like, and bla OXA-58-like). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing was used to investigate genetic diversity. The bla OXA-51-like gene was present in all 112 isolates, 75 (67 %) carried bla OXA-23-like, 7 (6.2 %) carried bla OXA-58-like genes, and 5 (4.5 %) carried bla OXA-24-like genes. With a 90 % similarity cut-off value, 15 clones and eight unique isolates were identified. The largest clone was cluster D, with six subtypes. Isolates from clusters D and I were widely spread in seven different geographical regions throughout Turkey. However, F cluster was found in the northern and eastern regions of Turkey. EU clone I was grouped within J cluster with three isolates found in Antalya, Istanbul, and Erzurum. EU clone II was grouped in the U cluster with 15 isolates and found in Kayseri and Diyarbakır. The bla OXA-24-like gene in carbapenemases was identified rarely in Turkey and has been reported for the first time from Azerbaijan. Furthermore, this is the first multicenter study in Turkey and Azerbaijan to identify several major clusters belonging to European clones I and II of A. baumannii.

Managing atypical and typical herpetic central nervous system infections: results of a multinational study

There have been many studies pertaining to the management of herpetic meningoencephalitis (HME), but the majority of them have focussed on virologically unconfirmed cases or included only small sample sizes. We have conducted a multicentre study aimed at providing management strategies for HME. Overall, 501 adult patients with PCR-proven HME were included retrospectively from 35 referral centres in 10 countries; 496 patients were found to be eligible for the analysis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis using a PCR assay yielded herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 DNA in 351 patients (70.8%), HSV-2 DNA in 83 patients (16.7%) and undefined HSV DNA type in 62 patients (12.5%). A total of 379 patients (76.4%) had at least one of the specified characteristics of encephalitis, and we placed these patients into the encephalitis presentation group. The remaining 117 patients (23.6%) had none of these findings, and these patients were placed in the nonencephalitis presentation group. Abnormalities suggestive of encephalitis were detected in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 83.9% of the patients and in electroencephalography (EEG) in 91.0% of patients in the encephalitis presentation group. In the nonencephalitis presentation group, MRI and EEG data were suggestive of encephalitis in 33.3 and 61.9% of patients, respectively. However, the concomitant use of MRI and EEG indicated encephalitis in 96.3 and 87.5% of the cases with and without encephalitic clinical presentation, respectively. Considering the subtle nature of HME, CSF HSV PCR, EEG and MRI data should be collected for all patients with a central nervous system infection.

The effects of epidural bupivacaine on ischemia/reperfusion-induced liver injury

BACKGROUND

Several animal studies showed beneficial effects of thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) in hippocampal, mesenteric and myocardial IR injury (2-4). In this study, we investigated the effects of epidural bupivacaine on hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury in a rat model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighteen rats were randomly divided into three groups each containing 6 animals. The rats in Group C had sham laparotomy. The rats in the Group S were subjected to liver IR through laparotomy and 20 mcg/kg/h 0.9% NaCl was administered to these rats via an epidural catheter. The rats in the Group B were subjected to liver IR and were given 20 mcg/kg/h bupivacaine via an epidural catheter. Liver tissue was harvested for MDA analysis, apoptosis and histopathological examination after 60 minutes of ischemia followed by 360 minutes of reperfusion. Blood samples were also collected for TNF-α, IL-1β, AST and ALT analysis.

RESULTS

The AST and ALT levels were higher in ischemia and reperfusion group, which received only normal saline via the thoracic epidural catheter, compared to the sham group. In the ischemia reperfusion group, which received bupivacaine via the epidural catheter, IL-1 levels were significantly higher than in the other groups. TNF-α levels were higher in the Groups S and B compared to the sham group. Bupivacaine administration induced apoptosis in all animals.

CONCLUSION

These results showed that thoracic epidural bupivacaine was not a suitable agent for preventing inflammatory response and lipid peroxidation in experimental hepatic IR injury in rats. Moreover, epidural bupivacaine triggered apoptosis in hepatocytes. Further research is needed as there are no studies in literature investigate the effects of epidural bupivacaine on hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (Tab. 3, Fig. 3, Ref. 34).

Healthcare-associated Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Turkey, 2002-2014: a multicentre retrospective cross-sectional study

Healthcare-related transmission of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a well-recognized hazard. We report a multicentre retrospective cross-sectional study undertaken in Turkey in 2014 in nine hospitals, regional reference centres for CCHF, covering the years 2002 to 2014 inclusive. Data were systematically extracted from charts of all personnel with a reported health care injury/accident related to CCHF. Blood samples were tested for CCHF IgM/IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and/or viral nucleic acid detection by PCR after the injury. Fifty-one healthcare-related exposures were identified. Twenty-five (49%) of 51 resulted in laboratory-confirmed infection, with a 16% (4/25) overall mortality. The main route of exposure was needlestick injury in 32/51 (62.7%). A potential benefit of post-exposure prophylaxis with ribavirin was identified.

An intervention to preschool children for reducing screen time: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Screen time, defined as time spent watching television, DVDs, or videos or playing computer or video games, has been related to serious health consequences in children, such as impaired language acquisition, violent behaviour, tobacco smoking and obesity. Our aim was to determine if a simple intervention aimed at preschool-aged children, applied at the health maintenance visits, in the primary care setting, would be effective in reducing screen time.

METHODS

We used a two group randomized controlled trial design. Two- to 6-year-old children and their parents were randomly assigned to receive an intervention to reduce their screen time, BMI and parental report of aggressive behaviour. At the end of the intervention we made home visits at 2, 6 and 9 months and the parents completed questionnaire.

RESULTS

Parents in the intervention group reported less screen time and less aggressive behaviour than those in the control group but there were no differences in BMI z scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that a preschool-based intervention can lead to reductions in young children's television/video viewing.

Effect of Education on the Rate of and the Understanding of Risk Factors for Intravascular Catheter–Related Infections

Objective.

Intravascular catheters are indispensable tools in modern medical therapy. In spite of their great benefits, however, the widespread use of catheters leads to several complications, including infections that cause significant morbidity, mortality, and economic losses for hospitalized patients.

Design.

This study was conducted at Farabi Hospital, a 495-bed facility at Karadeniz Technical University Medical School in Trabzon, Turkey, and involved 3 separate periods: preeducation, education, and posteducation. Patients with intravascular catheters were monitored daily, as were the results of their physical examinations. The information acquired was recorded in a questionnaire.

Results.

During the preeducation period (October 2003 through March 2004), 405 intravascular catheters inserted into 241 patients were observed for 5,445 catheter-days. Seventy-one cases of intravascular catheter-related infection (CRI) were identified, giving a CRI rate of 13.04 infections per 1,000 catheter-days. The catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) rate was 8.3 infections per 1,000 catheter-days, and the exit-site infection (ESI) rate was 3.5 infections per 1,000 catheter-days. During the posteducation period (June through November 2004), 365 intravascular catheters inserted into 193 patients were observed for 5,940 catheter-days. Forty-five cases of CRI were identified, giving a rate of 7.6 infections per 1,000 catheter-days. The CRBSI rate was 4.7 infections per 1,000 catheter-days, and the ESI rate was 2.2 infections per 1,000 catheter-days. When findings from the 2 periods were compared, it was determined that education reduced CRI incidence by 41.7%.

Conclusion.

CRI can be prevented when hospital personnel are well informed about these infections. We compared the knowledge levels of the relevant personnel in our hospital before and after theoretical and practical training and identified a significant increase in knowledge after training (P < .0001 ). Parallel to this, although still below ideal levels, we identified a significant improvement in the incidence of CRI during the posteducation period (P = .004). The rate was low for the first 3 months of this period but increased 2.08 times after the third month. In conclusion, regular training for the residents in charge of inserting intravascular catheters and the nurses and interns who maintain the catheters is highly effective in reducing the rate of CRI in large teaching hospitals.

Evaluation of tularaemia courses: a multicentre study from Turkey

In this multicentre study, which is the largest case series ever reported, we aimed to describe the features of tularaemia to provide detailed information. We retrospectively included 1034 patients from 41 medical centres. Before the definite diagnosis of tularaemia, tonsillitis (n = 653, 63%) and/or pharyngitis (n = 146, 14%) were the most frequent preliminary diagnoses. The most frequent clinical presentations were oropharyngeal (n = 832, 85.3%), glandular (n = 136, 13.1%) and oculoglandular (n = 105, 10.1%) forms. In 987 patients (95.5%), the lymph nodes were reported to be enlarged, most frequently at the cervical chain jugular (n = 599, 58%), submandibular (n = 401, 39%), and periauricular (n = 55, 5%). Ultrasound imaging showed hyperechoic and hypoechoic patterns (59% and 25%, respectively). Granulomatous inflammation was the most frequent histological finding (56%). The patients were previously given antibiotics for 1176 episodes, mostly with β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors (n = 793, 76%). Antituberculosis medications were provided in seven (2%) cases. The patients were given rational antibiotics for tularaemia after the start of symptoms, with a mean of 26.8 ± 37.5 days. Treatment failure was considered to have occurred in 495 patients (48%). The most frequent reasons for failure were the production of suppuration in the lymph nodes after the start of treatment (n = 426, 86.1%), the formation of new lymphadenomegalies under treatment (n = 146, 29.5%), and persisting complaints despite 2 weeks of treatment (n = 77, 15.6%). Fine-needle aspiration was performed in 521 patients (50%) as the most frequent drainage method. In conclusion, tularaemia is a long-lasting but curable disease in this part of the world. However, the treatment strategy still needs optimization.

Glycogen storage disease type 1b: an early onset severe phenotype associated with a novel mutation (IVS4) in the glucose 6-phosphate translocase (SLC37A4) gene in a Turkish patient

Glycogen storage disease type I (GSD-I) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders that include types Ia and Ib. GSD-Ib is caused by a deficiency in the glucose-6-phosphate transporter (G6PT) caused by a mutation in the SLC37A4 gene coding for G6PT. Glycogen storage disease is characterized by poor tolerance to fasting, growth retardation and hepatomegaly resulting from accumulation of glycogen and fat in the liver and chronic neutropenia. Herein we describe a 4-month-old Turkish patient with early onset and severe typical clinical features of GSD-1b in which a novel mutation in the SLC37A4 gene was detected. After the bone marrow examination parenteral antibiotic therapy and subcutaneous granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) were started. Due to the severe neutropenia the patient had developed nosocomial sepsis and the dose of G-CSF was increased. After 2 months later from the initial treatment of the G-CSF he developed splenomegaly and urinary complications. Despite maximal therapy he had an extremely poor quality of life and life-threatening complications due to impaired bone marrow function. As the patient required continual hospitalization he was schedule for bone marrow transplantation.

[Optical coherence tomography: anatomic and functional outcome after scleral buckling surgery in macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment]

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate results of optical coherence tomography (OCT) with regard to anatomic and functional outcome after scleral buckling surgery (SBS) in macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

METHODS

Medical charts of 87 patients (87 eyes), who underwent SBS for macula off RRD were analysed retrospectively. Patients with follow-up ≥ 6 months were included. Exclusion criteria were giant retinal tears, retinal dialysis, chorioretinal dystrophies, proliferative vitreoretinopathy ≥ grade-C1, schisis detachment and vitreous opacities. Reattachment success rate, pre- and postoperative visual acuity (VA) were examined. Postoperative spectral-domain (SD) OCT images were evaluated. The status of photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) and external limiting memrane (ELM) junction were analysed. Potential risk factors influencing postoperative VA were evaluated by using linear multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The primary anatomic success rate was 93.8 % (81 eyes), final success rate was 98.7 % (86 eyes). Preserved ELM (OR 0.58, p = 0.004) and IS/OS integrity (OR 0.84, p = 0.031), drainage of subretinal fluid (OR 0.42, p < 0.0001) were detected as significant independent factors for influencing postoperative VA favourably. Duration of detachment > 6 days (OR 1.46, p = 0.04), two/three retinal breaks (OR 1.30, OR 1.36, p < 0.0001) were significant independent risk factors for a poor postoperative VA. Severe IS/OS disruption was the most important risk factor for poor postoperative VA (β 0.724, OR 2.06, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Severe IS/OS disruption may be the most important predictor of postoperative VA after successful surgery in macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on dose-dependent intoxication of rats with paraquat

PURPOSE

Paraquat (PQ; 1,1'dimethyl-bipyridilium 4,4'-dichloride), which is used extensively throughout the world, is highly toxic to humans. We aimed to investigate the protective effects of different doses of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on PQ-intoxicated rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 80 rats were divided into the following eight groups, comprising 10 rats in each group: group 1: control; group 2: administered with CAPE (10 µmol/kg); group 3: administered with 15 mg/kg PQ (PQ15 group); group 4: administered with 30 mg/kg PQ (PQ30 group); group 5: administered with 45 mg/kg PQ (PQ45 group); group 6: administered with 15 mg/kg PQ + CAPE; group 7: administered with 30 mg/kg PQ + CAPE and group 8: administered with 45 mg/kg PQ + CAPE. Both PQ and CAPE were injected intraperitoneally. Pancreatic tissue was examined with both haematoxylin and eosin and immunochemical staining.

RESULTS

The ratio of the immunohistochemical staining area to the total pancreatic area of the β cells revealed that statistically significant differences were observed only between the PQ and PQ + CAPE groups (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

The evaluation of the data suggests that CAPE can be used to prevent acute effects of PQ intoxication.

Effect of ginger extract on liver damage in experimental obstructive jaundice produced by main bile duct ligation

BACKGROUND

Obstructive jaundice is one of the most important surgical causes of childhood jaundices. The aim of this study is to investigate effects of ginger (Gingiber officinalis) extracts on liver damage in experimental obstructive jaundice produced by main bile duct ligation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty two Wistar-albino rats were randomly allocated into 7 groups (n = 6). Nothing was performed in the control (C) group. Only laparatomy was performed in the sham (Sh) group. The ginger 1 and 2 (G1 and G2) groups received only 100 and 200 mg/kg/day doses of ginger extract for 1 week orally. In study group, common bile duct ligation was done. In treatment 1 and 2 (T1 and T2) groups common bile duct ligation was followed by administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg/day doses of ginger extract for 1 week orally from the third post operative day, respectively. Blood samples and liver were harvested in order to evaluate the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), gama glutamyltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin (bil), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and liver tissue SOD, GSH, MDA levels and liver apoptosis. Results were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test statistically.

RESULTS

Ginger administration did not result in any differences of serum or tissue levels of the studied parameters and liver apoptosis between the groups statistically (except AST levels in group T2). Tissue GSH and serum SOD levels were only mildly increased in groups receiving ginger alone.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence for protective, inhibitive and decreasing effects of ginger extract on liver injury in experimental obstructive jaundice with these findings.

JC virus-associated nephropathy in a renal transplant recipient and comparative analysis of previous cases

We report JC virus (JCV)-associated nephropathy in a renal allograft recipient and summarize the clinical and laboratory data of the 8 previous cases. A 28-year-old male renal allograft recipient received a preemptive transplant from his father. Six months later, a kidney biopsy was performed because of deterioration of allograft function. Biopsy revealed tubulointerstitial mononuclear infiltrates with normal glomeruli; on hematoxylin and eosin staining, basophilic nuclear inclusions were seen in the nucleus of tubular cells. Urinary cytology failed to demonstrate decoy cells, but polymerase chain reaction of a urinary sample was positive for JCV 3.15 × 10(10) copies/mL. Additionally, polyomavirus (SV40) immunohistochemical staining was performed and was positive in the enlarged nuclei of tubular epithelial cells in the kidney biopsy sample. After the diagnosis of polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) was confirmed by kidney biopsy, immunosuppressive agents were reduced. Intravenous immunoglobulin was administered 5 times at a dose of 500 mg/kg every other 3 weeks. Two months after diagnosis, the serum creatinine became stable and urinary viral load of JCV was decreased. Because viruria was still present, tacrolimus was converted to sirolimus. Four months after immunosuppressive agent conversion from tacrolimus to sirolimus, the viruria had disappeared. Review of the literature and our case demonstrates that male gender, previous acute rejection episode, low incidence of JCV viremia, PVAN pattern B histology, and reducing immunosuppression are the diagnostic touchstones for PVAN due to JCV.

An evaluation of the tuberculin skin test for anti TNF alpha prophylaxis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis

AIM

The tuberculin skin test (TST) has recently been proposed as a screening procedure for latent TB prior to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha therapy. Our aim was to evaluate TST levels in patients receiving anti TNF alpha due to ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

73 AS patients (52 male, 21 female) and 33 RA patients (11 male, 22 female) were enrolled in the study. Patients' clinical and demographic characteristics were recorded. Average age +/- standard deviation was 38.8 +/- 7.2 years for AS and 40.7 +/- 13 for RA. Median number of immunosuppressive agents used was 1 (min-max) (0-2) in AS and 2 (2-3) in RA. To determine the activity of the disease, BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) was measured in AS patients, and DAS 28 (Disease Activity Index) was used in RA patients. TST was performed using the Mantoux method in all patients.

RESULTS

Mean BASDAI was 5.1 +/- 0.8 in AS, and DAS 28 score in RA was 5.7 +/- 0.5. Both, AS and RA patients had active disease. TST values were higher in AS than in RA patients. TST values were 11.5 +/- 6.5 mm in AS patients, compared to 7.0 +/- 6.4 mm in RA patients. A positive correlation between disease duration and TST was determined in AS patients. There was also a weak correlation in RA patients between immunosuppressive use and TST (r = 0.37, p = 0.032). No correlation was determined with disease activation in AS or RA patients.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to evaluate the correlation between the use of multiple immunosuppressive agents and TST. We determined that TST is correlated with disease duration in AS and with the use of multiple immunosuppressive agents in RA (Tab. 3, Ref. 21).

Cardiovascular risk factors in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of mortality and morbidity of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. We aimed to investigate the cardiovascular risk factors and their correlation with CVD in groups of HD and CAPD patients.

METHODS

Thirty HD patients, 30 CAPD patients and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. Apolipoprotein A-l (apo A-l), apolipoprotein B (apo B), apolipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) were measured with a Beckman Coulter nephelometer, and homocysteine (Hcy) was determined with an Agilent HPLC analyzer. Lipid profile was determined with a Synchron LX 20 Pro analyzer.

RESULTS

Hcy levels were 41.9+/-19.4, 41.8+/-38.5 and 9.3+/-3.5 micromol/L; Lp(a) levels were 325+/-315, 431+/-367 and 130+/-97 mg/L; hs-CRP levels were 3.78+/-3.21, 4.34+/-3.39 and 2.07+/-1.67 mg/L; apo A1/apo B ratios were 1.46+/-0.6, 1.36+/-0.5 and 1.80+/-0.59; total cholesterol levels were 3.56+/-0.7, 4.84+/-1.1 and 4.39+/-0.5 mmol/L; triglycerides were 1.44+/-0.5, 1.60+/-0.8 and 0.85+/-0.5 mmol/L in the HD, CAPD and control groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

HD and CAPD patients had higher Hcy, hs-CRP and Lp(a) levels and lower apo A/B ratios than controls. There was no significant difference between the HD and CAPD groups. Hypertension, age and hs-CRP showed a positive correlation with CVD.

Coexistence of different tissue tumourigenesis in an N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mammary carcinoma model: a histopathological report in Sprague-Dawley rats

N-methyl- N-nitrosourea (MNU), a highly potent carginogen, is widely used to generate mammary tumours in murine species. In a model of MNU-induced mammary carcinogenesis using immature female Sprague-Dawley rats, large mammary tumours (largest dimension ≥0.5 cm) were obtained within a very short period of time. In addition, in the rats bearing MNU-induced mammary carcinomas, there were a number of tumours whose origins were not from mammary tissue but from several different tissues and from mammary non-epithelial tissue. The tumours were of mesenchymal or epithelial origin and they were located in the inguinal region. These tumours were diagnosed as fibroadenoma, combined tubular adenoma and fibroadenoma, hyperkeratotic papilloma, keratinous cyst and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST) with smooth muscle differentiation. The occurrence of these other tumours in addition to the development of the mammary carcinomas may be attributed to a direct local effect of the intraperitoneal administration of MNU during the sexual development of the immature rats. In the MNU-induced mammary tumour model, coexistence of tumourigenesis in various non-mammary tissues should be considered an important factor that may interfere with experimental procedures and results and also the quality of life of the tumour-bearing animals.

Association between nitric oxide and oxidative stress in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients with peritonitis

BACKGROUND

Peritonitis is a major complication in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients, and the mechanisms involved in the pathology are important if the success rate of treatment strategies is to increase.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 50 CAPD patients (25 with 25 episodes of peritonitis and 25 with no clinical or laboratory signs of infection) were included in the study. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites in serum and dialysate effluents were determined.

RESULTS

The dialysate/serum (D/S) ratio of the NO metabolites and serum NO metabolite concentrations were significantly higher in the peritonitis group. Serum and dialysate MDA concentrations were also significantly higher in the peritonitis group. The D/S ratio of MDA was significantly higher in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Local peritoneal NO production and oxidative stress seem to increase in CAPD patients during the peritonitis attack.

Sexual function in women with coronary artery disease: a preliminary study

We investigated sexual function in female patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). A total of 20 consecutive female patients (38.2+/-3.8 years) with CAD diagnosed by coronary angiography and 15 healthy subjects (37.9+/-5.4 years) were enrolled in this study. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess sexual function in all the participants. Women with psychiatric disorders, gynecologic and systemic diseases that may affect sexual function were excluded from the study. The other exclusion criteria were usage of antidepressants and drugs affecting sexual function. Patients with CAD and healthy women were comparable in age, body mass index and education level. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) was diagnosed in 12 of 20 women with CAD (60%), whereas five of 15 healthy women (33.3%) were found to have FSD (P<0.05). Patients with CAD had a significantly lower number of sexual intercourse episodes per month than healthy women volunteers (2.24 versus 5.2, respectively; P<0.05). The FSFI total score was clearly significantly decreased in the CAD group compared with that in healthy controls (17.8+/-2.9 and 26.0+/-4.8, P=0.001). When the subscores of each domain of FSFI were evaluated, all the subscores of FSFI, except the satisfaction domain, in patients with CAD were significantly lower than those of healthy subjects (P<0.05). This preliminary study demonstrates that female patients with CAD have distinct sexual dysfunction compared with healthy controls. Women with CAD should be evaluated also in terms of sexual function to provide better quality of life.

Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in Turkey

BACKGROUND

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are among the most common infectious diseases in humans. The prevalence of herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) varies widely across the world. HSV-2 infection is the primary cause of genital herpes. It is highly prevalent in human populations in many parts of the world, and is the most common cause of genital ulcer disease worldwide. In spite of the large prevalence and growing incidence of herpes simplex infection (HSV-1 and HSV-2), relatively few data have been published regarding the seroprevalence of herpes simplex infection, while no data exist regarding the Turkish population.

METHODS

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in selected populations in Turkey. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 2082 serum samples of 725 adults, 300 pregnant women, 200 blood donors, 483 sex workers and 110 patients with genital warts and 264 hotel staff in Istanbul, Turkey. All serum samples were assessed for HSV1 and HSV-2 IgG antibodies using an HSV-type specific, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The prevalence of HSV-2 and HSV-1 antibodies was 4.8 and 85.3% in sexually active adults; 5.5 and 96% in blood donors; 5 and 98% in pregnant women, 17.3 and 93.6% in patients with genital warts; 8.3 and 97.3% in hotel staff; and 60% and 99% in sex workers.

CONCLUSION

These results confirm a higher prevalence of HSV infection than estimated, especially in high risk groups in Turkey. The high prevalence of HSV infection underlines the need for education among these populations.