Atomic structure of an FeCrMoCBY metallic glass revealed by high energy x-ray diffraction

Amorphous bulk metallic glasses with the composition Fe₄₈Cr₁₅Mo₁₄C₁₅B₆Y₂have been of interest due to their special mechanical and electronic properties, including corrosion resistance, high yield-strength, large elasticity, catalytic performance, and soft ferromagnetism. Here, we apply a reverse Monte Carlo technique to unravel the atomic structure of these glasses. The pair-distribution functions for various atomic pairs are computed based on the high-energy x-ray diffraction data we have taken from an amorphous sample. Monte Carlo cycles are used to move the atomic positions until the model reproduces the experimental pair-distribution function. The resulting fitted model is consistent with ourab initiosimulations of the metallic glass. Our study contributes to the understanding of functional properties of Fe-based bulk metallic glasses driven by disorder effects.

Atomic arrangements in an amorphous CoFeB ribbon extracted via an analysis of radial distribution functions

We discuss the atomic structure of amorphous ferromagnetic FeCoB alloys, which are used widely in spintronics applications. Specifically, we obtain the pair-distribution functions for various atomic pairs based on high-energy x-ray diffraction data taken from an amorphous Co₂₀Fe₆₁B₁₉specimen. We start our reverse Monte Carlo cycles to determine the disordered structure with a two-phase model in which a small amount of cobalt is mixed with Fe₂₃B₆as a second phase. The structure of the alloy is found to be heterogeneous, where the boron atoms drive disorder through the random occupation of the atomic network. Our analysis also indicates the presence of small cobalt clusters that are embedded in the iron matrix and percolating the latter throughout the structure. This morphology can explain the enhanced spin polarization observed in amorphous magnetic materials.

Magnetic properties of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles in a porous SiO2 shell for drug delivery

A method is presented for synthesizing core-shell nanoparticles with a magnetic core and a porous shell suitable for drug delivery and other medical applications. The core contains multiple γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (∼15 nm) enclosed in a SiO2 (∼100-200 nm) matrix using either methyl (denoted TMOS-γ-Fe2O3) or ethyl (TEOS-γ-Fe2O3) template groups. Low-temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that the magnetic nanoparticles have the maghemite structure, γ-Fe2O3, with all the vacancies in the octahedral sites. Saturation magnetization measurements revealed that the density of γ-Fe2O3 was greater in the TMOS-γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles than TEOS-γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles, presumably because of the smaller methyl group. Magnetization measurements showed that the blocking temperature is around room temperature for the TMOS-γ-Fe2O3 and around 250 K for the TEOS-γ-Fe2O3. Three dimensional topography analysis shows clearly that the magnetic nanoparticles are not only at the surface but have penetrated deep in the silica to form the core-shell structure.

Structural properties of PbTe quantum dots revealed by high-energy x-ray diffraction

High-energy x-ray diffraction (HE-XRD) experiments combined with an analysis based on atomic-pair-distribution functions can be an effective tool for probing low-dimensional materials. Here, we show how such an analysis can be used to gain insight into structural properties of PbTe nanoparticles (NPs). We interpret our HE-XRD data using an orthorhombic Pnma phase of PbTe, which is an orthorhombic distortion of the rocksalt phase. Although local crystal geometry can vary substantially with particle size at scales below 10 nm, and for very small NPs the particle size itself influences x-ray diffraction patterns, our study shows that HE-XRD can provide a unique nano-characterization tool for unraveling structural properties of nanoscale systems.

Size-dependent magnetic properties of γ-Fe2O3 nanocrystallites

A route for synthesizing monodisperse magnetic nanocrystallites of maghemite, [Formula: see text]-Fe₂O₃, with various sizes has been revisited. A systematic investigation of three [Formula: see text]-Fe₂O₃ nanocrystalline samples by different techniques has been performed to characterize their size-dependent magnetic properties. Zero-field-cooled and field-cooled magnetization measurements reveal that the superparamagnetic blocking temperatures are around 230 K, 170 K, and 50 K for the 15.0 nm, 11.8 nm, and 6.1 nm nanocrystallites, respectively. Low-temperature Mössbauer spectra show that all three nanocrystallites have the maghemite structure with all the vacancies in the B-sites. Furthermore, detailed analysis shows that there are more vacancies on the B-sites for the 6.1 nm nanocrystallites compared to 0.33 for the bulk maghemite.

Extracting the cation distributions in NiFe2-xAlxO4 solid solutions using magnetic Compton scattering

We discuss the ground state electronic structure and magnetization properties of a series of NiFe2-x Al x O4 solid solutions (x  =  0.0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0) using magnetic Compton scattering measurements, together with parallel first-principles computations. In this way, we systematically extract the complicated cation distributions in this ferrite system as a function of x. The relationship between the electronic ground state, magnetism, and cation distributions is explained in terms of a model, validated by our first-principles computations, wherein the magnetic properties of the three cation distributions are assumed to be different. A good accord is found between the computed and measured magnetic Compton profiles.

Favourable pregnancy outcome in Takayasu arteritis: a single-centre experience

OBJECTIVES

Takayasu arteritis is a chronic large-vessel vasculitis in young women of reproductive age. We aimed to obtain information on pregnancy in TA retrospectively.

METHODS

Takayasu arteritis patients with history of pregnancy were included in this study. The evaluations included physical findings, serum C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate as well as history and symptoms. Information about pregnancies, abortus, deliveries and newborns was obtained from medical records. Disease activity score, disease damage index appraised Kerr's criteria and vasculitis damage index (VDI) and medication were recorded.

RESULTS

Thirty-six Takayasu arteritis patients who had a total of 84 pregnancies were evaluated. The mean age of patients ranged 24.5 ± 6.6 years. Subclavian arteries (86%) were the most frequently involved vessels. We were able to complete the follow-up of ten patients who had a pregnancy after diagnosis during the period of pregnancy. Two patients who had renal artery involvement and active disease in third trimester suffered from preeclampsia and a worsening of hypertension. In one of them, disease flared up in the third trimester. There was no active disease in the postpartum sixth month. Maternal heart failure, cerebrovascular accident, death or cerebral hypoperfusion at the time of delivery, asphyxia and newborn anomalies were not seen in any of these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

TA pregnancies may have a favourable outcome with regular follow-up schedule and close monitorisation of blood pressure.

Controlling spin polarized band-structure by variation of vacancy intensity in nanostructures

In this study, the magnetic properties of FeAl alloys with different grain sizes produced by high-pressure torsion were probed by means of magnetic Compton scattering. The measurements were performed at 300 and 10 K. Magnetic Compton profiles of nanocrystalline (35 nm) and ultrafine-grained (160 nm) FeAl alloys were analyzed in terms of the integral area, the width, and the distinctive dip intensity at low momenta. The changes in total magnetic moment and the strength of spin-polarization of itinerant electrons are assumed to be caused by vacancies induced during the preparation of the samples. Despite local disordering due to interfacial regions and deviations in perfect stoichiometry for B2 structure, the effect of vacancies is considered as the major magnetic state contributor.

Use of ductoscopy as an additional diagnostic method and its applications in nipple discharge

AIM

About 1/10 of the patients apply to breast clinics with the complaint of nipple discharge (ND). Surgery is the most frequently preferred treatment method in case of suspicious ND. The contribution of ductoscopy to identify the patients who are candidates for surgery was evaluated and its role to limit the surgery was assessed.

METHODS

From November 2005 to December 2010 430 patients with ND were assessed by 456 ductoscopic investigations and the results were analyzed. Complete ductoscopic evaluation was achieved in 84% of cases and 28 patients were offered surgery but did not accept (N.=355). Patients with bloody or serous discharges from a single duct were investigated by ductoscopy under local anesthesia as an office procedure. The patients were grouped according to discharge characteristics and the ductoscopic diagnoses.

RESULTS

A total of 223 patients had all three criteria of pathologic ND (PND: single duct, spontaneous and bloody/serous discharge). Twenty-two potential neoplastic or malignant lesion (PNML) and 79 papillomatous lesion (solitary or multiple papilloma) were identified. In 132 patients with just two of the PND criteria, 5 PNML and 18 papillomatous lesions were identified. Twenty-three patients with solitary papilloma that were removed by ductoscopic papillomectomy (DP) are followed up without surgery.

CONCLUSION

Ductoscopy helped to identify the patients who required surgical treatment and decreased the number of operations. DP was successfully performed in select group of patients who otherwise would have required surgical resection. Patients with normal ductoscopy findings and patients who were treated with DP successfully can be followed up without the need of surgery.

Oxidation states and quality of upper interfaces in magnetic tunnel junctions: oxygen effect on crystallization of interfaces

In this study, we have deposited an 57Fe sensor layer at the upper interface, i.e. the interface between the oxide barrier and the upper electrode in selected magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), in order to perform nuclear resonant scattering with the aim of obtaining direct information on the magnetic properties and quality of this interface. This is a unique approach as it makes use of this powerful technique to give information at the atomic level, and specifically from the interface where the sensor layer is deposited. By varying sample tunnel barrier thicknesses and oxidation times in the preparation of this barrier, we have observed that longer oxidation time results in not only an increase of the magnetic hyperfine fields, but also causes an interesting crystallization and smoothing of the interface. We also observed that boron atoms diffuse away from the lower part of the upper FeCoB electrode toward the capping layer. An important observation, which has a crucial effect in tunnel magnetoresistance values, is the absence of any magnetically dead FeO layer at the interface. Another finding is that the deposition of Fe on MgO is much smoother than the deposition of MgO on Fe.

Frequency of Celiac Disease in Children with Beta Thalassemia major

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate the frequency of celiac disease in children with β-thalassemia major (B-TM) in Shiraz, southern Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, the prevalence of celiac disease in children with B-TM was evaluated. Children with B-TM were screened for celiac disease by ant-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) IgA antibody, IgA level and anti-tTG IgG. A total of 1500 school healthy children in Shiraz with age/sex matched were selected as control group.

RESULTS

A total of 215 B-TM patients with mean age of 12.7 ± 4.4 years, were included into the study (52.1% was male). None of the patients were positive for anti-tTG IgA. Eight cases were IgA deficient in whom anti-tTG IgG was investigated but none of them were positive for anti-tTG IgG. The finding in control group has a seroprevalence of 2% and biopsy proven disease of 0.6%.

CONCLUSION

Many patients with thalassemia major have multiple non specific symptom that are not justifiable with underlying disease and might be due to atypical celiac disease. We didn't find any case of celiac disease among more than 200 children with β-thalassemia major in Shiraz, southern Iran. So it seems reasonable to screen only those who have features, even not classical, of celiac disease.

Oxidation states and the quality of lower interfaces in magnetic tunnel junctions: oxygen effect on crystallization of interfaces

Lower interfaces in magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs), which are the basic components in many spintronic devices such as magnetoresistive random access memories, have crucial effects on the performance of these devices. To obtain more insight into such interfaces, we have introduced an ultrathin sensor layer of (57)Fe at the interface between the lower electrode and the oxide barrier in selected MTJs. This allowed us to perform nuclear resonant scattering measurements, which provide direct information on the magnetic properties and quality of the interfaces. The application of nuclear resonant scattering to study interfaces in MTJs is a unique approach in the sense that it gives information at the atomic level, and specifically from the interface where the sensor layer is deposited. Samples with different tunnel barrier thicknesses and varied oxidation times in the preparation of this barrier have been studied. These show that oxidation can not only increase the magnetic hyperfine fields but also cause an interesting smoothing and crystallizing of the interface. Another interesting finding is the observation of boron diffusion into the lower part of the FeCoB lower electrode towards the Ta seed layer.

A randomized, placebo controlled study: EMLA in minor breast surgery

AIM

Patients undergoing excision for breast lumps prefer general anesthesia or local anesthesia plus sedation, because of the fear of pain for local anesthesia alone. The aim of this study is to show the efficacy of an eutectic mixture of local anesthetic lignocaine and prilocaine (EMLA®) in these patients.

METHODS

This study has been designed randomized, placebo-controlled. Forty five patients undergoing excision for breast lumps were divided into three groups. The first group was administered local EMLA cream preoperatively (Group I, N.=15), the second group (Group II, N.=15) had no preoperative preparation and the third group was placebo group (Group III, N.=15). All groups underwent the operation under local anesthesia. Pain during the local anesthesia and three hours after the operation were assessed using the visual analog scale. The amount of local anesthetic used during the operation and the anesthetic need of patients after the operation were assessed.

RESULTS

When the three groups were compared, it was found that the intensity of pain in the group with EMLA was considerably lower during and after the operation (P<0.05). The amount of local anesthetic used during the operation was lower (P<0.05) and the need for post-operative analgesic was also less than the usual (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Topical EMLA use decreases the pain, provides per-operative and postoperative patient and physician comfort, improved patient's compliance, and simplifies the surgical procedure. This is the first study demonstrating that a topical anesthetic provides a non-invasive analgesia during benign breast mass excision.

Magnetic and interface properties of Fe(0.82)Ni(0.18)/Co(001) superlattices

The thickness dependence of the Fe magnetic hyperfine field and the interfacial intermixing of Fe(0.82)Ni(0.18)/Co superlattices, with the same thickness for FeNi and Co layers, have been investigated. A local concentration model using the magnetic hyperfine field values from the [Fe(0.82)Ni(0.18)](1 - x)Co(x) alloys has been used to interpret the field distribution in the superlattices and the Co concentration profiles over the superlattices. A relationship between the Fe magnetic hyperfine field and the Fe magnetic moment has been determined for the unordered [Fe(0.82)Ni(0.18)](1 - x)Co(x) and Fe(1 - x)Co(x) alloys. The magnetic hyperfine fields have been explained using two Fermi contact terms: (i) the core electron term proportional to the Fe magnetic moment with a proportionality constant of - 13 T/μ(B) and (ii) a valence electron term linearly dependent on the Co concentration. The direction of the magnetic moments is found to be in the sample plane except for the 1/1 superlattice, where an angle of about 45° is found.

Adult-onset Still's disease

BACKGROUND

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a febrile disorder of unknown aetiology characterised by typical spiking fever, evanescent rash, arthralgia and leucocytosis.

METHODS

According to the diagnostic criteria of AOSD, we identified 84 patients between 1990 and 2003. The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of AOSD in Turkish patients who were followed-up in a tertiary referral centre.

RESULTS

Of 84 patients of AOSD, 59 (70.2%) were female, 25 (29.8%) were male. Arthralgia (96.4%), fever (95.2%), arthritis (69%), sore throat (65.5%) and typical rheumatoid rash (59.5%) were the most common findings. The mean value of laboratory findings were as follows; C-reactive protein level of 11.59 +/- 6.81 mg/dl, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 89.05 +/- 31 mm/h, leukocyte count of 16,234.51 +/- 7785.2/microl. Leucocytosis was present in 69 patients (84.15%). Forty-eight patients had a WBC count >or= 15,000/microl. Hypoalbuminaemia was present in 35 patients. Abnormal levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were observed in 30 patients, whereas abnormal levels of alkaline phosphatase in 16 patients. Thirty-seven patients had an ESR value of more than 100 mm/h. Thirty-two patients had a ferritin value of more than 1000 ng/dl.

CONCLUSION

High fever, sore throat, rheumatoid rash, polyarthritis, hyperferritinaemia (>or= 1000 ng/ml), leucocytosis with a neutrophilic predominance, anaemia and hypoalbuminaemia were remarkable observations in the initial examination.

Takayasu's arteritis in Turkey - clinical and angiographic features of 248 patients

OBJECTIVE

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a chronic, inflammatory vasculitis affecting the aorta and its major branches. Although it is more prevalent in Far-East Asia, the distribution of the disease is worldwide with different vascular involvement patterns and clinical manifestations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the demographic, clinical, angiographic and prognostic features of TA patients in Turkey.

METHODS

Clinical and angiographic findings of 248 TA patients (228 female, 27 male) followed at 15 Rheumatology Centers were prospectively evaluated according to a predefined protocol.

RESULTS

The mean age was 40.1 years (30.2 years at the clinical onset). Clinical manifestations included constitutional symptoms in 66%, absent or diminished pulses in 88%, bruits in 77%, extremity pain in 69%, claudication in 48%, hypertension in 43% and cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) in 18% of the patients. Renal artery stenosis, aortic regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension were present in 26%, 33% and 12%, respectively. According to the new angiographic classification, type V (50.8%) and Type I (32%) were the most frequent types of involvement. Corticosteroids were the main treatment in 93% of the patients alone (9%) or in combination with immunosuppressive agents (84%). Most frequently preferred immunosuppressive agents were methotrexate (63%), azathioprine (22%) and cyclophosphamide (13%). Remission was observed at least once in 94% of the patients and sustained remission in 71% during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The demographical, clinical and angiographic findings of TA patients in our series were similar to those reported from Japan, Brazil and Colombia. Combination therapies with immunosuppressive agents were the preferred choice of treatment in Turkey.

MEFV gene 3'-UTR Alu repeat polymorphisms in patients with familial Mediterranean fever

OBJECTIVE

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), an autosomal recessively inherited autoinflammatory disorder, is caused by missense mutations in the pyrin-encoding MEFV gene. The MEFV mutations can be detected in the majority of FMF patients, but there is an important proportion of patients with the FMF phenotype who carry a single or no coding region mutation. This study aimed to investigate the promoter region and 3'-UTR polymorphisms of the MEFV gene in a group of FMF patients with no coding region mutations, to identify variations with a possible role in the regulation of MEFV expression.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 289 patients with FMF and 103 ethnically-matched healthy individuals of Turkish origin. All individuals were first genotyped for the five most commonly observed mutations (M694V, M680I, V726A, E148Q and M694I). Then, the coding regions of the MEFV gene in patients carrying none of the 5 mutations were amplified and screened using single-stranded conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing. After the exclusion of patients with mutations in exons, the promoter and 3'-UTR regions of the MEFV gene were investigated in the remainder. For the haplotype analysis, all study groups were genotyped for two of the 3'-UTR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP).

RESULTS

Genotyping for five mutations revealed 186 patients (64.4%) with two mutations, 61 patients (21.1%) with one mutation, and 42 patients (14.5%) with no mutation. The carrier rate for healthy controls was found to be 10%. After screening all 10 exons in the patients with none of the 5 mutations, we identified 36 patients (12.5%) who had no coding region mutations. Analysis of the 3'-UTR region in these patients showed two Alu repeats (AluSx and AluSq), which were located in the 3'-UTR of the reference mRNA sequence. Sequencing of the 3'-UTR of the MEFV gene showed several SNPs that were clustered in 2 haplotypes. When we genotyped all study groups for two of the 3'-UTR SNPs (rs2741918 and rs450021), we observed a significant increase in the frequency of heterozygotes for the 3'-UTR haplotypes in the FMF patients with no coding region polymorphisms compared to the healthy controls (75% versus 48.5%, p=0.006, OR=3.2, 95% CI 1.4-7.4).

CONCLUSION

This study showed a group of 3'-UTR polymorphisms in the MEFV gene that are clustered in two haplotypes. In addition, a genetic association was observed between 3'-UTR polymorphisms and the FMF patients with no coding region mutations. These findings may suggest a role for 3'-UTR sequences in the regulation of MEFV expression.

PTPN22 gene polymorphism in Takayasu's arteritis

OBJECTIVE

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a chronic, rare granulomatous panarteritis of unknown aetiology involving mainly the aorta and its major branches. In this study, genetic susceptibility to TA has been investigated by screening the functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of PTPN22 gene encoding the lymphoid-specific protein tyrosine phosphatase.

METHODS

Totally, 181 patients with TA and 177 healthy controls are genotyped by PCR-RFLP method for the SNP rs2476601 (A/G) of PTPN22 gene. Polymorphic region was amplified by PCR and digested with Xcm I enzyme.

RESULTS

Detected frequencies of heterozygous genotype (AG) were 5.1% (9/177) in control group and 3.8% (7/181) in TA group (P = 0.61, odds ratio: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.3, 2.0). No association with angiographic type, vascular involvement or prognosis of TA was observed either.

CONCLUSION

The distribution of PTPN22 polymorphism did not reveal any association with TA in Turkey.

Adamantiades-Behcet disease (ABD) in northern Greece patients: experience from a single center

OBJECTIVE-METHODS: Adamantiades-Behcet disease (ABD) is a multi-systemic vasculitis of unknown origin, with a characteristic geographic distribution, that affects vessels of all kinds and sizes and is characterized by recurrent mucosal, skin and ocular lesions. In the present study, a series of 36 patients from Northern Greece is analyzed retrospectively in regard to the epidemiological, clinical and immunological parameters.

RESULTS

All patients had recurrent oral ulcerations (36/36, 100%), while 23/36 (63.9%) experienced genital ulcerations and 22/36 (61.1%) developed ocular disease. Skin manifestations were observed in 23/36 patients (63.9%) and pathergy test was found positive in 14/36 patients (38.9%). Other manifestations included central nervous system involvement, recurrent genitourinary inflammations, arthralgias and superficial thrombophlebitis. Laboratory findings were not specific, partly reflecting the severity of inflammation. Ocular disease was more often observed in HLA-B51 (+) patients (20/31, 64.5%) than in HLA-B51 (-) patients. Standard of care (SOC) treatment consisted of cyclosporine A, azathioprine, methylprednisolone and aspirin, whereas refractory disease was treated with intravenous pulses of methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide. Occasionally, anti-TNF agents (infliximab) were applied to treat refractory ocular disease.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study come in agreement with those reported for other Mediterranean series. HLA-B51 seems to predispose to more severe disease, while early therapeutic intervention is beneficial for these patients.

Development of hairy cell leukemia in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome

We present a young woman who was diagnosed as primary antiphospholipid syndrome (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in 1999; moderate thrombocytopenia with high-positive anticardiolipin ELISA tests in 2002, and cerebral thrombosis in 2003), and then developed hairy cell leukemia (massive splenomegaly, neutropenia, hairy cells in blood smear and bone marrow trephine biopsy in 2004). A partial remission was achieved with interferon-alpha 2a therapy. After the initiation of 2-chloro-deoxyadenosine therapy, splenomegaly disappeared, the percentage of hairy cells on the bone marrow reduced below 1%, platelet count returned to normal levels. After complete remission was achieved for hairy cell leukemia proved by bone marrow trephine biopsy, antiphospholipid antibodies were found to be negative, and no further thromboembolic complications and thrombocytopenia were seen. In our literature search, we found only six cases that had both antiphospholipid antibodies and hairy cell leukemia. Our case is the first case of antiphospholipid syndrome before the development of hairy cell leukemia. Both hairy cell leukemia and antiphospholipid syndrome responded to lymphocytotoxic treatment with 2-chloro-deoxyadenosine.

Concurrent relapsing central nervous system and ocular involvement in a case of life-threatening Adamantiades-Behçet Disease (ABD)

Adamantiades-Behçet disease (ABD) is characterised by oral and genital ulcerations, skin lesions and ocular manifestations and, rarely, by central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Neuro-Behçet disease (NBD) is categorised to parenchymal or non-parenchymal, while combined CNS disease is rarely reported in the literature. A case of NBD, with severe relapsing ocular and neurological disease of combined pattern is presented. Neurological complications included brainstem manifestations, as well as neurovascular involvement, while ocular involvement consisted of bilateral uveitis and branch retinal vein occlusion. Manifestations responded to corticosteroid plus cyclophosphamide pulse therapy. Maintenance therapy included cyclosporine A, azathioprine and corticosteroids. Case individualities are discussed, focusing on scepticism concerning treatment of NBD relapses in the long term.

Interleukin (IL)-12, IL-2, and IL-6 gene polymorphisms in Takayasu's arteritis from Turkey

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a chronic arterial inflammation of unknown etiology involving mainly the aorta and its major branches. Genetic polymorphisms of cytokines are screened as susceptibility factors for TA in Turkey. A total of 94 patients with TA were investigated for the genetic polymorphisms of the interleukin genes IL12, IL2,and IL6 and were compared with 108 healthy control subjects using polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer method. The frequencies of IL12B 1188 C allele (p = 0.03, OR = 1.7) and CC genotype (p = 0.007, OR = 3.7) were both higher in TA patients than in control subjects. TT genotype at IL2-330 (p = 0.006, OR = 2.4) and GG genotype at IL6-174 (p = 0.04, OR = 1.9) were more frequent in TA patients. Lower prevalence of GT genotype at IL2-330 (p = 0.005, OR = 0.4), CG genotype at IL6-174 (p = 0.001, OR = 0.4), and AG genotypes at IL6-598 (p = 0.01, OR = 0.4) were also detected. The polymorphism of IL-12 as well as IL-6 and IL-2 genes may contribute to susceptibility and pathogenesis of TA by altering cytokine production and inducing inflammation.

Anti-CCP antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis

Our aim is to assess the prevalence and associated clinical features of anti-CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibodies for RF (rheumatoid factor)-positive and RF-negative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). In a prospective, cross-sectional, multi-centre study, we determined the titres of anti-CCP antibodies in 208 RA patients (129 RF-positive, 79 RF-negative), 56 PsA patients and 39 healthy controls (HC). Clinical parameters including disease activity (disease activity score 28-DAS28), physical disability (health assessment questionnaire-HAQ), functional capacity (functional class) and radiological erosions were investigated in patients with RA. In PsA patients, clinical and radiological features were determined. Anti-CCP2 antibodies were measured using a second-generation anti-CCP enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Euro-Diagnostica, Netherlands). One-hundred four of 129 RF-positive RA (81%), 16 of 79 RF-negative RA (20%), seven of 56 PsA patients (12.5%) and none of the HC had anti-CCP antibodies. RA patients with anti-CCP antibodies had significantly higher disease activity, greater loss of function and more frequent erosive disease than anti-CCP antibody-negative group. In subgroup analysis, anti-CCP antibodies in RF-negative patients were also associated with erosive disease. All PsA patients with anti-CCP antibodies had symmetric arthritis with higher number of swollen joints. The prevalence of anti-CCP antibodies in RF-positive RA patients was significantly higher than in RF-negative RA and PsA patients. Anti-CCP antibodies were also associated with erosive disease in RF-negative RA patients. Both anti-CCP and RF tests were negative in 30% of the patients. Anti-CCP positivity was a frequent finding in PsA and associated with symmetrical polyarthritis.

Impaired endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation in Behçet's disease: more prominent endothelial dysfunction in patients with vascular involvement

Brachial artery endothelial dysfunction was shown previously in a small group of Behçet's disease (BD) patients. This study aimed to compare the endothelial function in BD patients with and without vascular involvement. The study group consisted of 25 BD patients with vascular involvement, 25 BD patients without any vascular disease and 46 healthy controls. Brachial artery flow-mediated (endothelium-dependent) dilation (FMD), nitroglycerine-induced dilation and carotid artery intima-media thickness were measured. FMD was impaired in patients with BD (10.41 +/- 3.85%) compared to healthy controls (14.41 +/- 3.39%, p < 0.001). FMD was significantly lower in BD patients with vascular involvement (8.80 +/- 3.63%) than those without any vascular disease (12.02 +/- 3.43%, p = 0.003). This study reveals that endothelial dysfunction documented by brachial artery FMD is a feature of BD, and it is more prominent in patients with vascular involvement.

Successful medical treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms in a patient with Behcet's disease: Imaging findings

Arterial manifestations of Behcet's disease consist of aneurysm formation, stenosis and occlusion. Aneurysms in Behcet's disease most commonly involve the pulmonary arteries and have been shown to resolve with medical treatment. However, this regression pattern with medical therapy has not been reported for aortic aneurysms to date. We present a 43-year-old man with bilateral abdominal aortic aneurysms resulting from Behcet's disease resolving with medical therapy.

Characteristics of patients with adult-onset familial Mediterranean fever in Turkey: analysis of 401 cases

It has been generally accepted that the clinical onset of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) begins before 20 years of age in most patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of our FMF patients with an age of onset > or =20. Records of 401 patients (female/male: 204/197) that followed up between 1990 and 1999 were reviewed according to a pre-defined protocol. All patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of Livneh et al. The demographic and clinical features of adult-onset FMF patients were compared to those of patients with a disease onset before 20 years of age. There were 57 patients (14%) who experienced symptoms of FMF at > or =20 years of age; 34 of them (8.5%) reported their first attack between 20 and 29 years of age; 18 of them (4.5%) between 30 and 39 years of age and five patients (1.25%) had their first attack after 40 years of age. Arthritis (42 vs. 65%, p = 0.001) and erysipelas-like erythema (7 vs. 17%, p = 0.047) were significantly less frequent in patients with adult-onset FMF compared to patients with disease onset before 20 years of age. Arthritis and erysipelas-like erythema were less frequent in adult-onset patients compared to those with an earlier disease onset. Adult-onset FMF may be a form of disease with distinct clinical, demographic and molecular characteristics. Prospective clinical studies and investigation of genotypic features are needed to identify the characteristics of this phenotypic variant.

Characteristics of patients with late onset systemic lupus erythematosus in Turkey

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-system autoimmune disorder mainly affecting young women. In this study, we aimed at investigating the clinical, laboratory and management characteristics of our SLE patients with an age of onset > or =50. Twenty patients with late onset SLE (> or =50 years) were identified from the records, on the basis of their first SLE-related symptoms (Group I). A hundred consecutive SLE patients with initial symptoms before the age of 50 were also selected as controls (Group II). Clinical, laboratory and management characteristics of the patients were recorded according to pre-defined protocol and compared by chi(2), Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test. Comparison of the demographic findings between the Group I (F/M: 18/2) and the Group II (F/M: 90/10) were as follows: the mean age of disease onset was 53.9 +/- 4.5 years vs. 26.3 +/- 9.2 years, mean time of follow-up was 44.2 +/- 40.5 months vs. 50.1 +/- 47.4 months, mean damage index was 0.6 +/- 0.6 vs. 0.58 +/- 1.4. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to clinical, laboratory parameters, damage index and immunosuppressive treatment characteristics. SLE-related manifestations were similar in two groups except fever (10% in the Group I vs. 41% in the Group II; p = 0.01). The only two patients with pulmonary fibrosis were found in the Group I (p = 0.027). The clinical and laboratory characteristics and the disease outcome in SLE patients with an age of onset > or =50 years did not show significant differences from the control SLE patients with a younger age of onset.

Tuberculosis in Turkish patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: increased frequency of extrapulmonary localization

The objective was to investigate the frequency and characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We reviewed the charts of 556 patients with SLE who were followed up between 1978 and 2001 in our lupus clinic. Patients who developed TB after the diagnosis of SLE were identified (SLE/TB+). Ninety-six consecutive patients with SLE who did not develop TB during the follow-up were evaluated as a control group (SLE/TB-). Clinical, laboratory and management characteristics of these two groups of patients were recorded according to a predefined protocol, and compared. Of the 556 patients evaluated, 20 patients (3.6%) with TB were identified. Nine of the 20 patients (45%) had extrapulmonary TB (vertebral involvement in three patients, meningeal in two, and joint and soft tissue in four). Arthritis and renal involvement were significantly high in the SLE/TB+ group (P = 0.045, P = 0.009, respectively). The mean daily dose of prednisolone before the diagnosis of TB and the cumulative dose of prednisolone were significantly higher in the SLE/TB+ group compared to the SLE/TB- group (27 +/- 22 g versus 16 +/- 16 g, 24 +/- 45 mg versus 11 +/- 8.5 mg, respectively). In conclusion, we found an increased frequency of TB infection and a high prevalence of extrapulmonary TB in a large cohort of SLE patients. The mean daily dose of prednisolone before the diagnosis of TB and the cumulative dose of prednisolone, which possibly related to disease severity, were important determinants for the increased risk of TB in these patients with SLE.

Expression of KIR and C-type lectin receptors in Behcet's disease

OBJECTIVE

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystemic disorder with a possible underlying pathology of immune-mediated vasculitis. Genetic susceptibility associated with HLA-B*51 and B*2702 has been implicated in its pathogenesis. Considering the recently defined regulatory mechanisms of NK cells through HLA class I binding receptors, we hypothesized that interactions of NK and T cells through the NK receptors may be important in the pathogenesis of BD.

METHODS

The impact of different expression patterns of HLA-recognizing receptors on NK or T cells was analysed in 51 patients with BD and 32 healthy controls. We used flow cytometry to investigate the expression of KIR3DL1 from the polymorphic killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family, which binds a shared HLA-Bw4 motif on HLA-B51 and *2702 alleles, and CD94 from the conserved C-type lectin receptor family, which binds HLA-E. Thirty-three of the BD patients and 19 of the controls carried the same HLA-Bw4 motif.

RESULTS

CD3(+) T cells were increased in patients with BD compared with controls (81 vs 75%, P = 0.001), whereas the NK cells did not show any difference between the two groups. Increased expression of CD94 in BD was observed on CD16(+)CD56(+) cells (66 vs 57, P = 0.04) and on CD3(+) (7.7 vs 4.0, P < 0.001) and CD3(+)CD56(+) (44 vs 35, P = 0.02) T cells. KIR3DL1 expression on the NK and T cells was not statistically different between the two groups. No effect of HLA-Bw4 motif was observed on the expression of CD94 and KIR3DL1 in both the patients and the controls.

CONCLUSION

The absence of a correlation between KIR3DL1 expression and HLA-Bw4 motif confirms previous work reporting that the expression of these molecules is regulated separately. Increased expression of CD94 may suggest that NK receptors play a pathogenic or regulatory role in BD.

Eosinophilia and hyperimmunoglobulinemia E as the presenting manifestations of Wegener?s granulomatosis

Eosinophilia has long been known as a hallmark of Churg-Strauss syndrome but has rarely been reported in Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). Here we describe a patient with WG who had skin, kidney and lung involvement as well as striking peripheral eosinophilia and hyperimmunoglobulinaemia E (hyper-IgE). The patient's clinical picture was complicated by intra-alveolar haemorrhage resulting in severe anaemia and respiratory failure. The pulmonary symptoms recovered completely, but the renal involvement evolved into end-stage renal failure despite intensive immunosuppressive treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis. We suggest that the presence of eosinophilia and hyper-IgE might contribute to the development of different disease patterns in WG.

Amyopathic dermatomyositis associated with cervical cancer

We here report a 44-year-old female patient who is the first documented case of cervical carcinoma with amyopathic dermatomysitis (ADM). The association of ADM with malignancy is clearly stated in the literature. This patient first presented with classic cutaneous findings of dermatomyositis with no signs and symptoms of muscle involvement for the first 7 months following the diagnosis. When this case has been worked up for malignancy by invasive procedures such as cervical cone biopsy, an increase in muscle enzymes and exacerbation of skin findings were detected.