The influence of MTAD and QMix on the accuracy of electronic apex locator in locating simulated perforations.

Aims and Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the electronic actual length in detecting artificial perforations of the root canal in the presence of saline solution (NaCl, (Eczacibasi, Istanbul, Turkey), chlorhexidine [CHX (Werax, Tunadent, Izmir, Turkey)], QMix (Dentsply Tulsa, Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), and MTAD (Dentsply, Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK, USA). Materials and Methods: The root canals of 25 single-rooted extracted human teeth were perforated artificially in the middle section of the root. The actual lengths up to the perforation site were measured and then, the teeth were embedded in an alginate mold. Electronic measurements of the perforations were obtained by an electronic apex locator according to the manufacturers' recommendations under dry conditions and in the presence of NaCl, CHX, MTAD, and QMix using a #20 K-file. Each canal was irrigated with distilled water and then dried with paper points between the measurements. Statistical analyses were performed using the Friedman test and Spearman Rank correlation coefficient to assess the correlations between the measurement methods. Results: Highest correlation between the actual length and the electronic measurement was observed under dry conditions and NaCl solution (r: 0.932, r: 0.940 respectively), and the least correlation was observed with MTAD solution (r: 0.697) using statistical analysis. Moreover, the accuracy of the electronic apex locator with different irrigation solutions was statistically different from each other (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The most accurate electronic measurements of artificial perforation were obtained under dry conditions or with NaCl.

Patient characteristics in Behçet's Syndrome and their associations with major organ involvement: a single-centre experience of 2118 cases.

Objectives: To evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with Behçet's syndrome (BS), and to define their associations with the presence of major organ involvement (MOI).Method: Medical records of 2118 patients (964 males, 1154 females) were analysed retrospectively. MOI was defined as the presence of at least one of vascular, eye, nervous, or gastrointestinal system involvement. Univariable and multivariable binary and ordinal logistic regression analyses were applied to assess the factors that were potentially associated with MOI.Results: The mean ± sd age at diagnosis was 30.5 ± 9.4 years. Genital ulcer and joint involvement were more common in females (both p < 0.001), while MOI was more frequent in males (p < 0.001). Genital ulcer (p < 0.001) and vascular involvement (p = 0.006) were more common in patients with a younger age at diagnosis, while joint involvement was more common in older patients. A total of 1097 patients (51.8%) had at least one MOI, 322 (15.2%) at least two MOIs, and 48 (2.3%) at least three MOIs. Male gender, smoking history, and absence of genital ulcer were significantly associated with MOI in multivariable binary logistic regression. Multivariable ordinal regression analyses confirmed the association between MOI and male gender and smoking, but not the protective effect of genital ulcers. In both regression analyses, we found no significant effects of age, human leucocyte antigen-B51, skin involvement, or joint involvement on MOI.Conclusion: Male gender and positive smoking history have a significant influence on the presence of MOI in patients with BS.

Influence of rotational speed and glide path on cyclic fatigue resistance of XP-endo shaper.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the different rotational speeds and creating a glide path on cyclic fatigue resistance of XP-endo Shaper® (XPS) (FKG Dentaire SA, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) at intracanal temperature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six XPS files were divided into 6 groups [directly used at 1000 rpm (G1) or 3000 rpm (G4), with glide path at 1000 rpm (G2) or 3000 rpm (G4), without glide path at 1000 rpm (G3) and 3000 rpm (G6)]. All the instruments were rotated in a stainless-steel artificial canal with a 75° angle of curvature, 7.5 mm radius of curvature, and 1.3 mm inner diameter until the fracture occurred. The number of cycles to failure (NCF) and the length of the fractured (LF) segments were evaluated. Weibull analysis, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey multiple comparison tests were performed with the significance level set at 0.05. RESULTS: NCF of 3000 rpm groups was statistically higher than that of 1000 rpm groups (P < 0.05). And time to fracture was found statistically higher in 1000 rpm as compared to 3000 rpm. The mean LF of the instruments was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference within the groups subjected at 1000 rpm and 3000 rpm files used with or without a glide path (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it was determined that XPS can be used safely even at 3000 rpm speed with or without glide path.

The association of genetic polymorphisms of bone formation genes with canine hip dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is an orthopedic disorder characterized by abnormal laxity of the hip joint. It is considered multifactorial and polygenic and affects predominantly medium and large sized dog breeds. AIMS: The aim of this study was to identify CHD associated polymorphisms in chromosomal regions on CFA19, CFA24, CFA26, and CFA34. METHODS: Blood samples from 60 dogs of different breeds were collected and genotyped, including 46 cases and 14 controls. After sequencing and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) determination of the target regions, an individual SNP analysis with a 2 statistic was performed based on the comparison of allele frequencies in cases and controls. RESULTS: A significant association was observed between CHD and a T/C SNP on CFA19, which harbors genes involved in bone metabolism. No other significant association was found in the study and previously identified SNPs cannot be validated as related to CHD. CONCLUSION: Further research is warranted to identify CHD-associated polymorphisms in order to develop a genotype-based diagnosis and selection approach.

Effect of fish oil on performance and serum adipokine levels of dairy does during gestation period.

Fatty acids are very important biological substances due to their metabolic, structural and signaling functions. Omega-3 has different beneficial, harmful and neutral effects on adipokines. Adipokines have autocrine, paracrine and endocrine effects on metabolism. In the study 54 German Fawn x Hair crossbred goats were synchronized using intravaginal sponges. During the first period (mating-75 days), all animals were fed a diet supplemented with protected fat and during the second period of pregnancy (76 days-kidding), one of the groups was fed a diet supplemented with fish oil and other was fed a diet supplemented with protected fat. Serum leptin, ghrelin, adiponektin and omentin levels were measured by ELISA system. Distributed fed (roughage and concentrate) were sampled and dry matter, crude protein, fat, and ash were determined by AOAC (1988) analysis methods. The Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) analysis were conducted using heat stable α-amylase and sodium sulphite. Fat source (fish oil or protected fat) affected feed consumption and the highest feed consumption was found in the group fed with protected oil first half of the pregnancy and with fish oil in the second half of the pregnancy and in the fish oil group during the pregnancy. It was determined that the use of fish oil during pregnancy did not affect ghrelin, leptin and omentin concentrations in serum. Adipokine levels of fish oil fed animals during any period of pregnancy were found to be high and it was also found that serum adiponectin levels in goats fed with diet containing fish oil in the first half of pregnancy and protected fat in the second half were statistically significantly high in adipokines.

Cirugía retrógrada intrarrenal para el tratamiento de cálculos renales bajo anestesia espinal, un método mínimamente invasivo. Análisis retrospectivo de 1.467 casos / Retrograde intrarenal surgery for stone disease under spinal anaesthesia, a minimally invasive technique. A retrospective analysis of 1,467 cases

Introducción y objetivos: El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido comparar los procedimientos de CRIR realizados bajo anestesia general (AG) y anestesia espinal (AE) con respecto a las tasas de éxito y las tasas de complicaciones. Materiales y métodos: Se ha realizado una evaluación retrospectiva de los datos de los pacientes tratados con CRIR bajo AG y AE en 2 centros, entre octubre del 2014 y enero del 2018. Los grupos de AG y AE han sido evaluados con respecto a los parámetros: libre de cálculos, tasa de complicaciones, control del dolor postoperatorio y duración de la estancia en el hospital. Los cirujanos que participaron en el estudio examinaron las tasas de ausencia de cálculos de los procedimientos de CRIR bajo AE. Resultados: Un total de 1.361 pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio. Se obtuvo una tasa libre de cálculos del 84,4% en toda la muestra, el 85,3% pertenecientes al grupo tratado con AE y el 83,5% al grupo de AG (p = 0,364). No se determinaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los cirujanos que llevaron a cabo la CRIR bajo AE con respecto a las tasas de éxito y complicaciones y el tiempo quirúrgico (p = 0,676). El tiempo quirúrgico se determinó como 44,2 ± 14,2 min en el grupo de AE y 49,7 ± 19,1 min en el grupo de AG (p = 0,014). Conclusiones: La CRIR se puede llevar a cabo de forma segura, tanto con AE como con AG. Se observó que el éxito de la CRIR bajo AE era independiente del factor relacionado con el cirujano, por lo que esta puede considerarse una buena alternativa a la AG

Introduction and objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare RIRS procedures applied under general anaesthesia (GA) and spinal anaesthesia (SA) regarding success and complication rates. Materials and methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted with the data obtained from patients treated with RIRS under SA and GA at 2 centres from October 2014 until January 2018. The SA and GA groups were evaluated according to the parameters of stone-free and complication rates, postoperative pain control and length of in-hospital stay. The stone-free rates from the RIRS procedures applied with SA were evaluated by the surgeons who participated in the study. Results: A total of 1361 patients were included in the study. A stone-free rate of 84.4% was obtained in the global results: 85.3% in the SA group and 83.5% in the GA group (P = .364). No statistically significant difference was determined regarding surgeons who practiced RIRS under SA with respect to success/complication rates and operating time (P = .676). Operating time was determined as 44.2 ± 14.2 mins in the SA group and 49.7 ± 19.1 mins in the GA group (P = .014). Conclusions: The RIRS method can be applied safely, either under spinal anaesthesia, or under general anaesthesia. The success of RIRS under spinal anaesthesia has been shown as an independent factor regarding surgeon. It can be considered a good alternative to general anaesthesia

Retrograde intrarenal surgery for stone disease under spinal anaesthesia, a minimally invasive technique. A retrospective analysis of 1,467 cases. / Cirugía retrógrada intrarrenal para el tratamiento de cálculos renales bajo anestesia espinal, un método mínimamente invasivo. Análisis retrospectivo de 1.467 casos.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to compare RIRS procedures applied under general anaesthesia (GA) and spinal anaesthesia (SA) regarding success and complication rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was conducted with the data obtained from patients treated with RIRS under SA and GA at 2centres from October 2014 until January 2018. The SA and GA groups were evaluated according to the parameters of stone-free and complication rates, postoperative pain control and length of in-hospital stay. The stone-free rates from the RIRS procedures applied with SA were evaluated by the surgeons who participated in the study. RESULTS: A total of 1361 patients were included in the study. A stone-free rate of 84.4% was obtained in the global results: 85.3% in the SA group and 83.5% in the GA group (P=.364). No statistically significant difference was determined regarding surgeons who practiced RIRS under SA with respect to success/complication rates and operating time (P=.676). Operating time was determined as 44.2±14.2 mins in the SA group and 49.7±19.1 mins in the GA group (P=.014). CONCLUSIONS: The RIRS method can be applied safely, either under spinal anaesthesia, or under general anaesthesia. The success of RIRS under spinal anaesthesia has been shown as an independent factor regarding surgeon. It can be considered a good alternative to general anaesthesia.

Antiphospholipid antibodies and non-thrombotic manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the association between antiphospholipid antibodies and non-thrombotic and non-gestational manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods Systemic lupus erythematosus patients with persistently positive antiphospholipid antibodies or lupus anticoagulant were identified and grouped as systemic lupus erythematosus with antiphospholipid syndrome (SLE-APS), systemic lupus erythematosus with positive antiphospholipid antibodies/lupus anticoagulant without antiphospholipid syndrome (SLE-aPL), and systemic lupus erythematosus with negative aPLs (SLE-No aPL). Groups were compared in terms of non-thrombotic systemic lupus erythematosus manifestations and laboratory features retrospectively. Results A total of 150 systemic lupus erythematosus patients, 26 with SLE-APS, 25 with SLE-aPL, and 99 with SLE-No aPL, were identified. Livedo reticularis, neurologic involvement, and thrombocytopenia were more common in antiphospholipid antibody positive systemic lupus erythematosus cases. Malar rash, arthritis, and pleuritis were more common in the SLE-No aPL, SLE-APS, and SLE-aPL groups, respectively. Positivity rates and titers of specific antiphospholipid antibodies did not differ between the SLE-APS and SLE-aPL groups. Conclusions Presence of antiphospholipid syndrome or persistent antiphospholipid antibodies may be related to non-thrombotic and non-gestational systemic lupus erythematosus manifestations. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus plus antiphospholipid syndrome and persistent antiphospholipid antibodies without antiphospholipid syndrome also differ in terms of systemic lupus erythematosus manifestations.

Potential of two entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), as biological control agents against the June beetle.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) strain PPRI 5339 [BroadBand, an emulsifiable spore concentrate (EC) formulation] and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) strain F52 [Met52, both EC and granular (GR) formulations] against the larvae of Polyphylla fullo (L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Larvicidal bioassays were performed in foam boxes (100 by 75 by 50 cm; length by width by height), containing moist soil medium with some humus and potato tubers as food. Although the B. bassiana product (min. 4 × 10(9) conidia/ml) was applied at 100, 150, and 200 ml/100 l water; M. anisopliae strain F52 was applied at 500, 1,000, and 1,500 g/m(3) of moist soil medium for GR (9 × 10(8) cfu/g) and 75, 100, and 125 ml/100 l water for EC (5.5 × 10(9) conidia/ml) formulation. Both fungi were pathogenic to larvae of the pest; however, young larvae (1st and 2nd instars) were more susceptible to infection than older ones (3rd instar). Mortality rates of young and older larvae varied with conidial concentration of both fungi and elapsed time after application. The B. bassiana product was more effective than both of the formulations of the M. anisopliae product, causing mortalities up to 79.8 and 71.6% in young and older larvae, respectively. The highest mortality rates of young and older larvae caused by the M. anisopliae product were 74.1 and 67.6% for the GR formulation, 70.2 and 61.8% for the EC formulation, respectively. These results may suggest that both fungi have potential to be used for management of P. fullo.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity and reduce mitotic index in human amniotic fluid-derived cells.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) are commonly used materials present in many consumables for which most people are exposed to. The biological hazards of the NPs on human health have been demonstrated previously. In this study, we aimed to assess the cytotoxicity potency of TiO2 NPs on the primary human amniotic fluid cells. The cells derived from amniotic fluid were treated with different dosages of TiO2 NPs for some periods. Cell adhesion status was assessed using a light microscopic observation. Cell proliferation and cell death rates were determined using trypan blue staining and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Also, mitotic index was determined using fluorescence in situ hybridization with chromosome 8 centromer-specific DNA probe. Disrupted cell adhesion, decreased proliferation, and increased mortality rates were detected in the cells that were treated with TiO2 NPs depending on the dosage (p < 0.001). Also, reduced mitotic index was determined in the cells depending on the time and TiO2 dosage when compared with the controls (p < 0.0001). These results showed that TiO2 NPs have high cytotoxicity for amniotic fluid-derived cells. Therefore, different products containing TiO2 NPs should be used with care, especially for pregnant women.

Measurement of C-reactive protein and prostaglandin F2α metabolite concentrations in differentiation of canine pyometra and cystic endometrial hyperplasia/mucometra.

Canine pyometra is a dioestrus period disease in which systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a common outcome due to the response of the body to the bacterial infection. The purpose of this study was i) to differentiate canine pyometra and cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH)/mucometra by measuring serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and prostaglandin F2α metabolite (PGFM) concentrations in blood and ii) to compare serum concentrations of CRP and PGFM in bitches with a pathological uterus (pyometra or CEH/mucometra) to concentrations in bitches with a healthy uterus. Mean CRP concentrations were found significantly higher (p < 0.001) in dogs with pyometra compared to those with CEH/mucometra or healthy uterus. However, no statistical difference could be detected between the groups for mean PGFM concentrations. Mean white blood cell count (WBC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total protein concentrations were found significantly higher (p < 0.001) in dogs with pyometra. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated microorganism from dogs with pyometra (64.3%). Edwardsiella spp. was detected in a single case of pyometra for the first time. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that serum CRP concentrations were increased in dogs with pyometra and thus we conclude that serum CRP concentration but not PGFM might be useful as a marker to differentiate a case of CEH/mucometra from pyometra in female dogs. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report in which Edwardsiella spp. has been isolated in the canine uterus.

Reduction of Salmonella in skinless chicken breast fillets by lauric arginate surface application.

Lauric arginate (LAE) has been found to be effective against various foodborne pathogens. In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of LAE against Salmonella and mesophilic organisms was evaluated in fresh, skinless, boneless, uncooked chicken breast fillets. The effect of LAE treatments on pH and color of breast fillets was also assessed. Chicken breast fillets were inoculated with a 4-strain Salmonella cocktail (Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 4931, Salmonella Heidelberg ATCC 8326, Salmonella Kentucky ATCC 9263, and Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028) and then treated with sterile dionized water (positive control) and 200 ppm and 400 ppm of LAE. The chicken breast fillets were stored at 4 ± 1°C and analyzed on d 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 for Salmonella, total aerobes, color, and pH. The fillets destined for color analysis were not inoculated with Salmonella cocktail and stored under conditions simulating the retail display. The fillets treated with 400 ppm LAE had lower (P < 0.05) Salmonella counts compared with the positive control from d 0 through d 7 of storage except on d 3, when no effect of LAE was observed. Treating fillets with 200 ppm of LAE caused a significant reduction in Salmonella counts (P < 0.1) on d 0, 1, and 7. Reductions in Salmonella spp. were 0.7 log cfu/g and 0.7 to 1.0 log cfu/g for 200 and 400 ppm treatments, respectively. Lauric arginate did not exhibit any treatment effect on the growth of mesophilic microorganisms, pH, and color of chicken breast fillets (P > 0.05) when applied at 200 and 400 ppm concentrations. These results indicate that surface application of LAE in chicken breast fillets significantly reduces Salmonella during refrigerated aerobic storage without negatively affecting the color of chicken breast fillets.

Evaluation of cardiac autonomic functions in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular involvement is one of the leading causes of death among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we aimed to investigate cardiac autonomic functions in SLE patients. METHODS: We enrolled 36 patients (25 female; mean age 34.2 ± 10.2 years) with SLE and 32 healthy subjects (23 female; mean age 35.0 ± 10.3 years). All participants underwent 24-h Holter recording. Heart rate recovery (HRR) indices were calculated by subtracting first, second, and third-minute heart rates from maximal heart rate. All patients underwent heart rate variability (HRV), heart rate turbulence (HRT) and QT dispersion analysis. The mean SLE duration was 8.4 ± 4.0 years. RESULTS: According to the baseline demographic characteristics, both groups were similar with regard to age, gender, body mass index and left ventricular ejection fraction. Mean HRR1 (32.6 ± 10.9 vs. 42.5 ± 6.5, p = 0.038), HRR2 (51.0 ± 16.9 vs. 61.0 ± 10.8, p = 0.01) and HRR3 (52.8 ± 17.5 vs. 65.8 ± 9.8, p < 0.001) values were significantly higher in control group. When HRV was considered, SDNN, SDANN, RMSSD, PNN50 and high frequency (HF) component were significantly decreased in patients with SLE compared with healthy controls, but low frequency (LF) component and LF/HF were significantly higher in SLE patients. In addition, HRT onset and HRT slope values were significantly less negative in SLE patients. QT dispersion was significantly greater in SLE patients than healthy subjects (81.3 ± 15.8 vs. 53.2 ± 13.1, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that cardiac autonomic functions are impaired in SLE patients despite the absence of overt cardiac involvement and symptoms. Further studies are needed to elucidate the prognostic significance and clinical implications of impaired autonomic functions in patients with SLE.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever: peritoneal and pleural effusion.

In Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), haemorrhagic manifestations are usually petechiae and ecchymoses on mucous membranes and skin. Rarely, there is bleeding from the nose, gingiva, gastro-intestinal tract, genito-urinary tract, brain and lungs. A 13-year-old boy with CCHF presented with gastro-intestinal bleeding and developed peritoneal and pleural effusion. He made a complete recovery with supportive treatment and ribavirin, without requiring chest or peritoneal fluid drainage. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CCHF associated with peritoneal and pleural fluid.

Association of the PTPN22 gene polymorphism with autoantibody positivity in Turkish rheumatoid arthritis patients.

The PTPN22 C1858T gene polymorphism has been recently reported to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in European and North American ancestry. In contrast, the frequency of PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism is extremely rare in Asian and African populations. As the genetic heterogeneity between populations is clearly present in RA, we wanted to investigate whether the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism is associated with RA in Turkey and with autoantibody positivity. A total of 323 RA patients and 426 healthy controls were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism for the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism (rs2476601). The frequencies of heterozygote genotype (CT) were 8.4% in RA patients and 5.4% in the healthy controls, respectively [odds ratio (OR): 1.6, P = 0.14]. The homozygote genotype (T/T) was absent in both RA patients and the healthy controls. When compared with the healthy controls, we found the significant associations between the frequency of PTPN22 heterozygote (CT) polymorphism and RA patients with RF positivity and anti-CCP positivity, respectively (OR: 2.05, P = 0.04 and OR: 2.1, P = 0.03, respectively). Our study suggests that the PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism acts as a susceptibility gene for autoantibody-positive RA in Turkey.

Interruption of the inferior vena cava and azygos continuation in a child with partial atrioventricular septal defect.

Congenital pathologies of the inferior vena cava are uncommon. Isolated congenital interruption of the inferior vena cava with azygos vein continuation could be considered part of the group of venous return anomalies. The major significance of this anomaly is its association with complex cardiac defects and the associated technical difficulties at the time of cardiac catheterization and abdominal surgery or interventional procedures. In our case, we describe a common atrium and partial atrioventricular septal defect in an 8-year-old girl with infrahepatic interruption of the inferior vena cava and azygos continuation without polysplenia. Magnetic resonance angiography and computed tomography, together with a clinical awareness of this pathology, can be used to diagnose this entity.

Results for audiology and distortion product and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the current study was to investigate hearing loss and cochlear function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, using audiology, distortion product otoacoustic emissions and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, case-control study. METHODS: The study included 26 randomised patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (52 ears) and 30 healthy control subjects (60 ears). Pure tone audiometry was performed at 250 and 500 Hz and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 kHz. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions were measured using Biologic System equipment with Scout Acoustic Emissions System software. RESULTS: The distortion product otoacoustic emission signal responses were significantly different only at 750 Hz, while the distortion product otoacoustic emission signal-noise ratios were significantly different at 750 Hz and 6 kHz (p < 0.05), comparing patients and controls. The transient evoked otoacoustic emission signal-noise ratios were significantly different at 2 and 3 kHz, comparing patients and controls (p < 0.05). The transient evoked otoacoustic emission total signal-noise ratios were significantly different, comparing patients and controls (p < 0.05). In addition, the pure tone audiometry thresholds were significantly different at 250 and 500 Hz and at 1, 2, 10 and 12 kHz, comparing patients and controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings do not completely agree with those of previous temporal bone histopathological studies. However, our results do support a general picture of low frequency hearing loss in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. We consider these results to be related to endolymphatic and cochlear hydrops, and we suggest that electrocochleography could be performed in further studies for clarification of this subject.

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.

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.