A retrospective analysis thyroid function and ultrasonography in a group of subjects with lepramatous leprosy in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: There are several studies on thyroid functions and thyroid gland features in patients with leprosy in the literature. The relationship between them have not been clarified yet. These studies are time-expired and don't contain ultrasonography examination. The purpose of the study is to investigate thyroid functions and gland characteristics in leprosy patients by ultrasonography (US) and current laboratory techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted by collecting the data of patients with lepramatous leprosy. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, anti-thyroid peroxidase, antithyroglobulin, and thyroglobulin values and thyroid ultrasonography reports were collected from previous records. RESULTS: The mean age is 75.12±9.89 years of total 17 subjects and 10 patients (58.8%) were male. Thyroid US was performed on 14 of the patients, nodules were detected in a total of 7 (50%) patients. The mean FT3, FT4, TSH, Anti-Tpo, Anti-TG, and TG values of the patients were found to be within normal limits. CONCLUSION: In the present study, no changes were detected in the thyroid functions and structures of the patients with Lepromatous Leprosy. We consider that prospective randomized studies that will include larger sample sizes are needed to determine whether there is a relationship between leprosy and thyroid disease.

Discovery of Small Molecule COX-1 and Akt Inhibitors as Anti-NSCLC Agents Endowed with Anti-Inflammatory Action.

Targeted therapies have come into prominence in the ongoing battle against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) because of the shortcomings of traditional chemotherapy. In this context, indole-based small molecules, which were synthesized efficiently, were subjected to an in vitro colorimetric assay to evaluate their cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory profiles. Compounds 3b and 4a were found to be the most selective COX-1 inhibitors in this series with IC50 values of 8.90 µM and 10.00 µM, respectively. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to evaluate their anti-NSCLC and anti-inflammatory action, respectively. 2-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-N'-(4-morpholinobenzylidene)acetohydrazide (3b) showed selective cytotoxic activity against A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells through apoptosis induction and Akt inhibition. The in vivo experimental data revealed that compound 3b decreased the serum myeloperoxidase and nitric oxide levels, pointing out its anti-inflammatory action. Moreover, compound 3b diminished the serum aminotransferase (particularly aspartate aminotransferase) levels. Based on the in vitro and in vivo experimental data, compound 3b stands out as a lead anti-NSCLC agent endowed with in vivo anti-inflammatory action, acting as a dual COX-1 and Akt inhibitor.

Immature granulocytes as biomarkers of inflammation in children with predialysis chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation in patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) is quite common. We aimed to investigate the relationship of the percentage of immature granulocytes (IG%) and immature granulocyte count (IGC) with inflammation in children with predialysis CKD. METHODS: The data from children with stage 2-4 CKD and a control group of healthy children were evaluated retrospectively. A highly-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level above 5 mg/dL was considered the presence of inflammation. The IGCs were calculated in the white cell differential channel of the Sysmex XN-9000 using the fluorescent flow cytometry method. The IG% was expressed as percentage of total leucocyte concentration. RESULTS: The data from 57 patients (30 stage 2 CKD, 15 stage 3 CKD, 12 stage 4 CKD) and 46 controls were analyzed. hs-CRP levels, IG%, IGC, white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were higher in patients than the control group (p < 0.000, p < 0.000, p < 0.000, p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p < 0.000, respectively). Both IG% and IGC were positively correlated with hs-CRP, WBC and neutrophil counts, and NLR (r = 0.485, p < 0.000; r = 0.379, p = 0.004; r = 0.543, p < 0.000; r = 0.628, p < 0.000 for IG%; r = 0.379, p = 0.004; r = 0.351, p = 0.007; r = 0.525, p < 0.000; r = 0.601, p < 0.000 for IGC, respectively). A ROC analysis of the relationship between IGC, IG%, and inflammation showed IGC and IG% had predictive value for the presence of inflammation (cut-off value: 0.035 × 106/mL, AUC: 0.799 ± 0.061, sensitivity: 74.2%, specifity: 63%, p < 0.001 for IGC; cut-off value: 0.45%, AUC: 0.838 ± 0.056, sensitivity: 70.8%, specifity: 67.3%, p = 0.001 for IG%). CONCLUSIONS: Immature granulocytes may be used as a biomarker of inflammation in children with predialysis CKD. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Diagnostic Values of Immature Granulocytes Detected by the Sysmex XN 9000 Hematology Analyzer in Children with Urinary Tract Infections.

Immature granulocytes (IGs) are used as markers of infection and systemic inflammation. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of IGs in children with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Children with their first UTIs were included in this observational study. Blood samples were obtained before antibiotic therapy. The blood analysis was repeated 2 weeks after the treatment ended. In total, 194 children (95 with febrile UTI, 58 with cystitis, and 41 controls) were included. The percentage of IGs (IG%) and IG count (IGC) measured at the time of admission were higher in the patients with febrile UTI than in the patients with cystitis and the controls (P = 0.000). The IGC and IG% after treatment were higher in patients with renal scarring than in those without scarring (P = 0.012 and P = 0.021, respectively). Cox's regression analysis showed the significant associations of renal scarring with both IGC and IG% (hazard ratio: 8.181, P = 0.002; hazard ratio: 5.106, P = 0.033, respectively). Both IGC and IG% were positively associated with severe vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) [odds ratio (OR): 22.235, P = 0.025; OR: 15.597, P = 0.038, respectively]. In conclusion, the IG% and IGC, which can be easily measured in a routine complete blood count without the need for additional effort, could be used as biomarkers for predicting febrile UTI, renal scarring, and severe VUR in children.

A new series of thiosemicarbazone-based anti-inflammatory agents exerting their action through cyclooxygenase inhibition.

In an endeavor to identify potent anti-inflammatory agents, new thiosemicarbazones (TSCs) incorporated into a diaryl ether framework (2a-2l) were prepared and screened for their in vitro inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenases (COXs). 4-[4-(Piperidin-1-ylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-[4-(4-cyanophenoxy)benzylidene]thiosemicarbazide (2c) was the most potent and selective COX-1 inhibitor in this series, with an IC50 value of 1.89 ± 0.04 µM. On the other hand, 4-[4-(piperidin-1-ylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1-[4-(4-nitrophenoxy)benzylidene]thiosemicarbazide (2b) was identified as a nonselective COX inhibitor (COX-1 IC50 = 13.44 ± 0.65 µM, COX-2 IC50 = 12.60 ± 0.78 µM). Based on molecular docking studies, the diaryl ether and the TSC groups serve as crucial moieties for interactions with pivotal amino acid residues in the active sites of COXs. According to MTT test, compounds 2b and 2c showed low cytotoxic activity toward NIH/3T3 cells. Their in vivo anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potencies were also assessed using the lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis model. Compounds 2b and 2c diminished high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde levels. Both compounds also caused a significant decrease in aspartate aminotransferase levels as well as alanine aminotransferase levels. In silico pharmacokinetic studies suggest that compounds 2b and 2c possess favorable drug-likeness and oral bioavailability. It can be concluded that these compounds may act as orally bioavailable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents.

The role of volumetric and textural analysis of pretreatment 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computerized tomography images in predicting complete response to transarterial radioembolization in hepatocellular cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the role of pretreatment 18F-FDG PET/CT in predicting the response to treatment in patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) who applied transarterial radioembolization (TARE) via the volumetric and texture features extracted from 18F-FDG PET/CT images. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with HCC who had applied TARE [lobar (LT) or superselective (ST)] after 18F-FDG PET/CT were included in the study. Response to the treatment was evaluated from posttherapy magnetic resonance (MR). Patients were divided into two groups: the responder group (RG) (complete responders) and non-RG (NRG) (including partial response, stabile, and progressive). Metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and texture features were extracted from PET/CT images. The differences among MTV, TLG, and texture features between response groups were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test. ROC analysis was performed for features with P < 0.05. Spearman correlation analysis was used, and features with correlation coefficient < 0.8 were evaluated with the logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Significant differences were detected in TLG, MTV, SHAPE_compacity, GLCM_correlation, GLRLM_GLNU, GLRLM_RLNU, NGLDM_coarseness, NGLDM_busyness, GLZLM_LZHGE, GLZLM_GLNU, and GLZLM_ZLNU between RG and NRG. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that MTV was the only meaningful parameter with an AUC of 0.827 (P = 0.002; 95% CI, 0.688-0.966). The best cutoff value was determined as 74.11 ml with 78.9% sensitivity and 78.6% specificity in discriminating nonresponders. CONCLUSION: In predicting the curative effect of TARE, multivariate analysis results demonstrated that MTV was the only independent predictor, and MTV higher than 74.11 ml were determined the best predictor of nonresponders.

The effects of N-acetylcysteine on experimentally created l-asparaginase-induced liver and pancreatic damage in rats.

In this study, oxidative stress marker (malondialdehyde, MDA) and antioxidant enzymes (glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT)) levels in the liver and pancreas tissue and the histopathological effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) were investigated in l-asparaginase (l-ASP) induced liver and pancreatic damage in rats. Forty male albino rats were divided into four groups. The control group was intraperitoneally injected physiological saline (0.02 mL/g); NAC group was injected NAC (200 mg/kg, five days); l-ASP group was injected single-dose l-ASP (10,000 U/kg), and l-ASP + NAC group was injected NAC for five days following single-dose l-ASP (10,000 U/kg). The surgical operation was performed on all animals on the fifth day. There was no difference between the groups regarding tissue MDA, GSH, and CAT levels (p>.05, for all). In the group receiving NAC after l-ASP, there was a significant improvement in the liver and pancreas damage score than the l-ASP group. NAC was effective in reducing organ damage caused by l-ASP.

Evaluation of Surgical Outcomes of Type A Intramural Hematoma

Abstract Introduction: In this study, we aimed to retrospectively evaluate the results of type A intramural hematoma (TA-IMH) cases that underwent ascending aortic surgery. Methods: One hundred ninety-four patients who underwent aortic surgery between 2010 and 2018 were included in this study. TA-IMH was differentiated according to tomography angiographic images. Demographic data, operation type, hypothermic circulatory arrest times, echocardiographic findings, wall thickness of IMH, complications, and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results: TA-IMH (n=14) or type A aortic dissection (AD) (n=35) data were collected from patients' files and 49 cases were enrolled into the study. Bentall operation was performed in eight patients (type A AD = six [17.1%], TA-IMH = two [14.3%]); 41 patients underwent tubular graft interposition of ascending aorta (AD = 29 [82.9%], TA-IMH = 12 [85.7%]). There was no significant difference in terms of age, gender distribution, aortic dimensions, cardiopulmonary bypass times, hypothermic circulatory arrest times, hospital ward stay, and intensive care unit stay between the two groups. The mortality rate of AD group was 34.4% and of TA-IMH group was 14.3%. There was no significant difference in terms of mortality between the groups. In our study, 45.7% of patients had hypertension and that rate was lower than the one found in the literature. In addition, bicuspid aorta was not observed in both groups. Connective tissue disease was not detected in any group. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of aorta is beneficial for TA-IMH. Our aortic surgical indications comply with the European aortic surgical guidelines. Hypertension control should be provided aggressively.

Evaluation of cardiovascular risk in children with solitary functioning kidney.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigates cardiovascular risk and kidney damage in patients with solitary kidneys. METHODS: Included in the study were 40 children with a unilateral functioning kidney and 60 healthy controls, all of whom were evaluated for carotid intima-media thickness, ischemia-modified albumin and oxidative stress parameters, and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. RESULTS: Serum creatinine and urine microalbumin levels were higher and creatinine clearance was lower in the patient group than in the control group, and serum ischemia-modified albumin, carotid intima-media thickness, aldosterone, plasma renin activity and blood pressure were all higher in the patient group than in the control group. In addition, the patient group was showed a non-dipper pattern. CONCLUSION: Children with a normal functioning solitary kidney are likely at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and such patients should be followed closely before marked kidney impairment occurs.

Evaluation of Surgical Outcomes of Type A Intramural Hematoma.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to retrospectively evaluate the results of type A intramural hematoma (TA-IMH) cases that underwent ascending aortic surgery. METHODS: One hundred ninety-four patients who underwent aortic surgery between 2010 and 2018 were included in this study. TA-IMH was differentiated according to tomography angiographic images. Demographic data, operation type, hypothermic circulatory arrest times, echocardiographic findings, wall thickness of IMH, complications, and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: TA-IMH (n=14) or type A aortic dissection (AD) (n=35) data were collected from patients' files and 49 cases were enrolled into the study. Bentall operation was performed in eight patients (type A AD = six [17.1%], TA-IMH = two [14.3%]); 41 patients underwent tubular graft interposition of ascending aorta (AD = 29 [82.9%], TA-IMH = 12 [85.7%]). There was no significant difference in terms of age, gender distribution, aortic dimensions, cardiopulmonary bypass times, hypothermic circulatory arrest times, hospital ward stay, and intensive care unit stay between the two groups. The mortality rate of AD group was 34.4% and of TA-IMH group was 14.3%. There was no significant difference in terms of mortality between the groups. In our study, 45.7% of patients had hypertension and that rate was lower than the one found in the literature. In addition, bicuspid aorta was not observed in both groups. Connective tissue disease was not detected in any group. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of aorta is beneficial for TA-IMH. Our aortic surgical indications comply with the European aortic surgical guidelines. Hypertension control should be provided aggressively.

Effects of metformin on lipopolysaccharide induced inflammation by activating fibroblast growth factor 21.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a component of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria that produces endotoxemia, which may cause septic shock. Metformin (MET) is a widely used hypoglycemic drug that exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an endocrine polypeptide that affects glucose and lipid metabolism, and also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the effects of MET and FGF21 on inflammation due to LPS induced endotoxemia in male rats. Animals were divided into five groups: control, LPS, pre-MET LPS, LPS + 1 h MET and LPS + 3 h MET. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, FGF2, interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha were measured. Malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase and FGF21 levels were measured in liver tissue samples. Histopathology of all groups was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. LPS caused severe inflammatory liver damage. MET exhibited a partially protective effect and reduced inflammation significantly. FGF21 is produced in the liver following inflammation and MET may increase its production.

Analytical Performance of COVID-19 Detection Methods (RT-PCR): Scientific and Societal Concerns.

Background. Health and social management of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, responsible for the COVID-19 disease, requires both screening tools and diagnostic procedures. Reliable screening tests aim at identifying (truely) infectious individuals that can spread the viral infection and therefore are essential for tracing and harnessing the epidemic diffusion. Instead, diagnostic tests should supplement clinical and radiological findings, thus helping in establishing the diagnosis. Several analytical assays, mostly using RT-PCR-based technologies, have become commercially available for healthcare workers and clinical laboratories. However, such tests showed some critical limitations, given that a relevant number of both false-positive and false-negative cases have been so far reported. Moreover, those analytical techniques demonstrated to be significantly influenced by pre-analytical biases, while the sensitivity showed a dramatic time dependency. Aim. Herein, we critically investigate limits and perspectives of currently available RT-PCR techniques, especially when referring to the required performances in providing reliable epidemiological and clinical information. Key Concepts. Current data cast doubt on the use of RT-PCR swabs as a screening procedure for tracing the evolution of the current SARS-COV-2 pandemic. Indeed, the huge number of both false-positive and false-negative results deprives the trustworthiness of decision making based on those data. Therefore, we should refine current available analytical tests to quickly identify individuals able to really transmit the virus, with the aim to control and prevent large outbreaks.

Evaluation of proximal humeral epiphysis ossification in 3.0 T MR images according to the Dedouit staging method: Is it be used for age of majority?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for forensic age estimation is among the research issues since it does not lead to radiation exposure. In this study, the ossification stage of the proximal humeral epiphysis was determined retrospectively in 178 male and 109 female individuals in the 12 to 30-year age group using 3.0 T MRI. All images were evaluated with the proton density fat saturated turbo spin echo (PD TSE FS) sequence and the T2 TSE FS sequence. A five-stage scoring system was used following the method of Dedouit et al. The relevant statistics were defined as minimum, maximum, mean ± standard deviation, 95% confidence interval of mean and median and the intra- and interobserver agreement levels were very good (κ > 0.80). There were no significant age differences between males and females in any of the stages (all p-values>0.05). According to the present study, stage 5 was initially observed at age 22 years for both genders. According to our results, it is possible to determine the completion of the 18th year of life in either gender on the shoulder joint. Proximal humeral epiphysis ossification may be used as an additional method for forensic age estimation through MRI.

Evaluation of oxidative stress and psychoemotional status in premature hair graying.

BACKGROUND: Hair graying is a natural process in aging and is not usually associated with a medical problem. It sometimes may occur at early age and is called premature hair graying (PHG). Pathogenesis of PHG is not clear but it was associated with various systemic diseases such as coronary artery diseases, osteopenia, and hypothyroidism. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress and psychoemotional status in individuals with PHG. METHODS: Sixty participants with PHG and 60 healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 20 years were included in the study. Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) levels measured in serum, and oxidative stress index (OSI) were calculated. Participants were asked to complete Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Beck Anxiety Index (BAI). RESULTS: Total oxidant status, OSI, and PSS scores were significantly higher in the PHG group (P < .001). There was no significant difference between severity of PHG and TAS, TOS, and OSI (P > .05). There was a significant relationship between BAI scores and TOS and OSI in PHG group (P = .03, P = .049, respectively). CONCLUSION: Oxidative and emotional stress may play a role in pathogenesis of PHG. Our study showed that serum oxidative stress and emotional stress were high in PHG. In other words, there was high systemic oxidative stress in PHG.

Insulin resistance and pancreatic ß cell dysfunction are associated with thyroid hormone functions: A cross-sectional hospital-based study in Turkey.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The prevalence of thyroid disease in diabetic patients is significantly higher than the general population. This indicates a possible interaction between thyroid functions and insulin sensitivity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between insulin resistance (IR), pancreatic ß cell function, and thyroid function tests. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with adults who applied to Eskisehir Osmangazi University Hospital for general control. Fasting insulin, glucose, TSH, fT3, and fT4 levels in the serum of 1340 adult (18-60 aged) patients without any chronic diseases were examined retrospectively. The fT3/fT4 ratio, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and HOMA-ß values were calculated. The correlation between HOMA-IR and HOMA-ß values with thyroid function tests and differences between hormone levels of patients with and without IR were evaluated. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between HOMA-IR and TSH, negative with fT4. Also, a positive correlation between HOMA-ß and fT3, negative correlation with fT4 were observed. In the IR group, fT3 levels were found significantly higher and fT4 levels were significantly lower. TSH levels were higher in the IR group but not statistically significant. The fT3/fT4 ratio was found significantly higher in the IR group and was correlated positively with both HOMA-IR and HOMA-ß. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that thyroid dysfunction prevalence is quite high in adults who have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes but have insulin resistance and the onset of pancreatic ß cell dysfunction.

Imaging is the major determinant in the assessment of disease activity in Takayasu's arteritis.

OBJECTIVES: There are no valid follow-up parameters in the assessment of disease activity in Takayasu's arteritis (TAK). We investigated the impact of vascular imaging in the assessment of disease activity. METHODS: Patients with TAK who fulfilled the ACR criteria were included. Physician global assessment (PGA), the criteria defined by Kerr et al. and the Indian Takayasu Clinical Activity Score (ITAS2010) were evaluated. Patients were followed up since 3-6 months B-mode/Doppler ultrasonography (US) and 6-12 monthly magnetic resonance imaging/angiography (MRI/MRA). Active disease according to vascular imaging (Rad-Active) was defined based on the presence of any of the 3 parameters: (1) new vessel involvement by any imaging technique; (2) an increase in vessel wall thickness on US compared to previous one; (3) the presence of mural contrast enhancement/oedema on MRI/ MRA. The agreement of Rad-Active with other disease activity indexes was studied. Furthermore, ITAS-A-Rad index was developed by combining the vascular imaging with ITAS-A. RESULTS: A total of 410 visits in 52 patients were evaluated. The agreement was found to be 76% (κ: 0.52) between Rad-Active and PGA; 83% (κ: 0.57) between Rad-Active and Kerr's criteria. Both the agreements of ITAS2010 and acute phase reactants with PGA (69%, κ:0.38 and 60%, κ:0.22, respectively) and also Kerr's criteria (78%, κ:0.49 and 42%, κ:0.05, respectively) were lower compared to those of Rad-Active. Mean ITAS-A-Rad scores were higher in visits with active disease according to PGA and Kerr's criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the vascular imaging should be included in the assessment of disease activity in TAK.

Drug-Eluting Balloon Angioplasty for Juxta-Anastomotic Stenoses in Distal Radiocephalic Hemodialysis Fistulas: Long-Term Patency Results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term primary and secondary patency results of drug-eluting balloon angioplasty for the treatment of juxta-anastomotic stenoses in distal radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with juxta-anastomotic stenotic distal radiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas who underwent endovascular treatment with drug-eluting balloons between January 2014 and August 2016 in our interventional radiology department were included in this retrospective study. Color Doppler examination for follow-up was performed 15 days, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, 36 months, and 48 months after the procedure. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate primary and secondary patency rates. RESULTS: Totally, 42 angioplasty with drug-eluting balloons was performed in 38 patients (20 men and 18 women; mean age 66.42 ± 12.01). Technical and clinical success rate was 100% (42/42). The mean follow-up period was 27.71 months ± 12.98 (range, 1-54 months). The estimated primary patency rates at 6 months were 94.7% (95% CI, 80.9%-99.0%), at 12 months were 81.2% (95% CI, 64.6%-91.4%), at 24 months were 60.7% (95% CI, 43.6%-75.7%), and at 48 months were 53.1% (95% CI, 36.5%-69.1%). The estimated secondary patency rates at 6 months were 97.3% (95% CI, 84.5%-99.8%), at 12 months were 86.5% (95% CI, 70.7%-94.8%), at 24 months were 69.0% (95% CI, 51.8%-82.4%), and at 48 months were 61.7% (95% CI, 44.6%-76.5%). CONCLUSION: Drug-eluting balloon angioplasty is a useful, effective technique in dysfunctional radiocephalic fistulas due to juxta-anastomotic stenoses. We demonstrated remarkably high primary patency rates at 6, 12, 24, and 48 months.

Advanced oxidation protein products and serum total oxidant/antioxidant status levels in rosacea.

INTRODUCTION: Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory dermatosis which develops due to the effect of genetic and environmental factors. AIM: To evaluate the oxidative stress in rosacea patients by measuring serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels in our study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study included rosacea patients and healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 65 years. Total antioxidant status, TOS and AOPP levels were measured and OSI was calculated. RESULTS: The study included 70 rosacea patients and 30 healthy volunteers as a control group. When TAS, TOS, OSI and AOPP levels were compared between rosacea and control groups, there was no difference for OSI levels; while TAS, TOS and AOPP levels were significantly higher in the rosacea group (p = 0.151, p = 0.013, p = 0.034, p = 0.017, respectively). In the rosacea group, there was no correlation between TAS, TOS, OSI and AOPP levels and disease duration. Besides there was no difference between family history, rosacea type, symptom frequency and ocular involvement and TAS, TOS, OSI and AOPP levels in the rosacea group. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that serum TAS, TOS and AOPP levels were significantly higher in rosacea patients, but there was no significant difference among the disease activity parameters. These results can support the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of rosacea.

A Very Rare Cause of Lower Limb Ischemia in Young People: Popliteal Artery Entrapment.

BACKGROUND: Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a very rare pathology that can cause lower extremity ischemia in healthy young people. Anomalous anatomic relationships between the popliteal artery (PA) and the surrounding musculo-tendinous structures cause PAES. We present 31 patients with PAES in 35 limbs that were treated surgically in our clinic within a 12-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2015, 31 patients (mean age: 32 ± 7.4 years) underwent surgery for PAES. ; 4 patients presented had bilateral PAES. Doppler ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and conventional angiography were performed as diagnostic procedures. We detected Type I PAES in 4 limbs and Type II PAES in 12 limbs. In the remaining 19 limbs, we diagnosed Type III or Type IV PAES. Simple release of the PA, PA embolectomy and simple release, and the radial artery (RA) patch angioplasty, with or without thromboendarterectomy (TEA), were performed. In 12 limbs, PA continuity was provided by RA interposition. RESULTS: With the exception of 5 patients, no complications were seen after surgery. Haematoma was detected in 2 patients and local infection in 2 patients. One patient required a revision for recurrent PA thromboembolic event 12 h after surgery. At a median follow- up of 23 months (range: 11-29 months), there were no postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: PAES can result in lower limb ischemia due to chronic vascular trauma in young healthy patients. The use of diagnostic tools such as US, a non-invasive method, and MRA are effective diagnostic tools for early diagnosis. With their combined approach, exact and early diagnosis can be achieved. PA release, alone or with arterial bypass using RA, is a viable treatment option when intervention is necessary to prevent limb loss in the early stages of the disease.