Effects of polystyrene nanoparticles on the microbiota and functional diversity of enzymes in soil.

BACKGROUND: The increasing production of nanoplastics and the fragmentation of microplastics into smaller particles suggest a plausible yet unclear hazard in the natural environment, such as soil. We investigated the short-term effects (28 days) of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) on the activity and biomass of soil microbiota, and the functional diversity of soil enzymes at environmental relevant low levels in an incubation experiment. RESULTS: Our results showed a significant decrease in microbial biomass in treatments of 100 and 1000 ng PS-NP g-1 DM throughout the incubation period. Dehydrogenase activity and activities of enzymes involved in N-(leucine-aminopeptidase), P-(alkaline-phosphatase), and C-(ß-glucosidase and cellobiohydrolase) cycles in the soil were significantly reduced at day 28 suggesting a broad and detrimental impact of PS-NPs on soil microbiota and enzymes. Leucine-aminopeptidase and alkaline-phosphatase activities tended to decrease consistently, while ß-glucosidase and cellobiohydrolase activities increased at high concentrations (e.g., PS-NP-1000) in the beginning of the incubation period, e.g., at day 1. On the other hand, basal respiration and metabolic quotient increased with increasing PS-NP application rate throughout the incubation period possibly due to increased cell death that caused substrate-induced respiration (cryptic growth). CONCLUSIONS: We herewith demonstrated for the first time the potential antimicrobial activity of PS-NPs in soil, and this may serve as an important resource in environmental risk assessment of PS-NPs in the soil environment.

Clinical performance of a glass ionomer sealant protected with two different resin-based agents over a 2-year follow-up period.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of two different resin coating materials on the clinical performance of a conventional glass ionomer sealant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Permanent first mandibular molars of 60 children aged 6-9 years were sealed with Fuji VII. In each child, G-Coat Plus coating agent was applied to molars on one side and Heliobond coating agent to molars on the opposite side of the mouth. Clinical evaluations were carried out at 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after sealant and coating application. RESULTS: At 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after sealant and coating application, total sealant retention rates were 88%, 40%, 19%, 15% and 9% for molars coated with G-Coat Plus, and 93%, 47%, 17%, 15% and 7% for those coated with Heliobond. The differences between the two coating agents were not statistically significant (p>0.05). No incidence of caries was observed in either group during the two-year evaluation period. STATISTICS: Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare differences in retention rates and caries incidence by coating agent. CONCLUSION: Although retention rates of Fuji VII were relatively low and similar for both resin coating agents tested, dental caries were not observed in either group during the 24-month study period. In children with a high risk of caries and partially erupted molars, the use of a glass ionomer sealant with a resin-based coating agent should be encouraged.

Eruption cysts: A series of 66 cases with clinical features.

BACKGROUND: An eruption cyst (EC) is a benign, developmental cyst associated with a primary or permanent tooth. This paper presents 66 ECs in 53 patients who reported to 3 different centers in Turkey between 2014-2015. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 53 patients (31 male, 22 female) with 66 ECs were diagnosed and treated over a 1-year period. The mean age of patients was 5.4 years (minimum 5 months, maximum 11 years). Clinical examination and periapical radiographs were used to establish diagnosis. Age, gender, site, history of trauma and type of treatment were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 66 ECs diagnosed in 53 patients, more than half (56.6%) were located in the maxilla, with the maxillary first primary molars the teeth most commonly associated with ECs (30.3%). Multiple ECs were diagnosed in 13 of the 53 patients. ECs had previously diagnosed in the primary dentition of 2 patients, 3 patients reported a history of trauma to primary teeth. In the majority of patients (46 cases, 86.8%), no treatment was provided, whereas surgical treatment was provided in the remaining 7 cases (13.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Eruption cysts are usually asymptomatic and do not require treatment;. however, if the cyst is symptomatic, it should be treated with simple surgical excision.

Evaluation of antifungal efficacy of QMix 2in1 as a final irrigant: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: It is known that no specific antifungal agent exists at present for irrigation of infected root canals. QMix 2in1 was investigated to determine whether they could be an alternative for sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the antifungal efficacy of QMix 2in1, 5.25% NaOCl, 2% CHX, and 17% EDTA as a final rinse against Candida albicans (C. albicans). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were randomly divided into four experimental (n = 20) and two control (n = 5) groups. All root canals were instrumented with Mtwo rotary file system using crown-down technique to an apical size 40. Following root canal preparation, teeth were inoculated with C. albicans and incubated for 72 h. Teeth were irrigated with one of the following solutions as a final irrigant: (1) 5.25% NaOCl, (2) 2% CHX, (3) QMix 2in1, and (4) 17% EDTA. Aliquots from the samples were plated on 4% Sabouraud Agar, and colony-forming units were counted. RESULTS: QMix 2in1, 5.25% NaOCl, and 2% CHX were equally effective (P > 0.05) and significantly superior to 17% EDTA in eradicating C. albicans (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: QMix 2in1 proved to be effective against C. albicans when used as a final rinse. According to the findings of the present study, QMix 2in1 may be recommended as an alternative final rinse solution.

Early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip: predictive factors for recurrence.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of tumour thickness on other clinicopathological parameters in early stage lower lip squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Forty-six consecutive patients with lower lip squamous cell carcinoma were included in the study. Demographic, clinical and pathological data were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period for all patients was 32.0 ± 18.9 months. Forty-four tumours were staged as T1 and two were T2. Twelve patients underwent neck dissection. Two patients presented with neck metastasis in the follow-up period. Four patients (8.7 per cent) had local recurrence. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between microscopic tumour thickness and local tumour recurrence (r = 0.328, p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Surgical margin control is important to prevent local recurrence, especially in thicker tumours. In addition, neck metastasis is rare in early stage lower lip squamous cell carcinoma. A 'wait and see' policy might be preferred in early stage T1 lower lip squamous cell carcinoma cases.

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural changes in rat fat tissue related to the local hCG injection.

OBJECTIVES: Recently, it has been observed that weight loss is accelerated by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone preparation used for hypothalamic dysfunction in obesity treatment in both sexes. hCG is also used for in vitro fertilization and in treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Our aim was to observe the ultrastructural changes caused by local injections of hCG made for purpose of weight loss and to present them to inform those receiving such therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our study, 10 obese female, 10 male obese, 10 non-obese female and 10 non-obese male rats were used. In each group, single dose of subcutaneous hCG injection has been applied to 7 rats for 5 weeks in 5 days of the week, and placebo has been applied to the remaining 3 rats. Following the injection, the tissues were evaluated morphologically, immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally. RESULTS: Leptin immunoreactivity was similar in all groups. When the adipose tissue samples were examined under electron microscope, they were observed to exhibit normal structure with organelles located around the nuclei and nucleoli, and no distinctive features were found among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Administering hCG in addition to diet had no advantage on weight reduction in rats.

The effects of surface pretreatment on the microleakage of resin-modified glass-ionomer cement restorations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different surface pretreatments on the marginal microleakage of Vitremer restorations. STUDY DESIGN: Class V cavities were prepared on the labial and lingual surfaces of extracted human third molar teeth. Cavities were randomly distributed into six groups according to surface treatment, as follows: Group NC (negative control): no surface treatment; Group VP (positive control): Vitremer Primer; Group PA: 32% phosphoric acid; Group PAA: 20% polyacrylic acid; Group PLP: self-etch adhesive (Prompt L Pop); Group PB: etch & rinse adhesive (Prime & Bond NT). All cavities were restored with Vitremer. Teeth were thermocycled, stained with 0.5% basic fuchsin dye and sectioned. Microleakage values were quantitatively assessed by linear measurement of dye penetration using image-analyzing software. Differences between occlusal and gingival microleakage values within groups were evaluated using paired t-tests, and differences among groups were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the occlusal and gingival microleakage values for all groups (p < 0.05). Microleakage differed significantly among surface pretreatment groups (p < 0.001). The negative control and PLP groups showed similar microleakage values, but were significantly higher than other groups for both margins. Although there were no statistically significant differences between positive control and PA, PAA, PB groups, microleakage values of positive control group were smaller than all other experimental groups except for PB group. CONCLUSIONS: Vitremer restorations require surface pretreatment to prevent excessive microleakage. Pretreatment with etch & rinse adhesives and Vitremer Primer may reduce microleakage of Vitremer restorations.

Evaluation of microtensile bond strength of different fissure sealants to bovine enamel.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of a new fissure sealant and compare it with conventional sealants which are applied to enamel alone, and also with self-etch and etch-and-rinse adhesives. METHODS: Enamel specimens were prepared and randomly distributed into three groups according to fissure sealant (Aegis, Helioseal F, Helioseal Clear). Each group was then subdivided according to adhesive system (Clearfil S3, Single Bond, no adhesive). A universal testing machine was used to measure µTBS, and data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests. RESULTS: µTBS values for all Aegis subgroups were significantly lower than for comparable Helioseal F and Helioseal Clear subgroups (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in µTBS of Helioseal F and Helioseal Clear (p > 0.05). In the Helioseal Clear group, µTBS values for Single Bond were significantly higher than for Clearfil S3 (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found between the µTBS values of the adhesive subgroups in the Aegis or Helioseal F groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sealant µTBS values may be affected by material content. The addition of an adhesive may improve µTBS values of sealant to enamel.

Evaluation of certain risk factors for early childhood caries in Samsun, Turkey.

AIM: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a relatively new term used to describe any stage of caries lesion in any primary tooth surface in a child under 6 years of age. The purpose of this study was to identify certain factors that influence the development of ECC among children in Samsun, Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected for 226 children (108 girls, 118 boys) aged 3-6 years. Questionnaires were administered to the mothers of participating children to obtain information on infant feeding habits and the mother's level of education and oral health knowledge. Clinical diagnoses of ECC were based on intraoral examinations conducted using a flashlight, disposable mirror and wooden tongue depressor. RESULTS: ECC was diagnosed in 46.9% of children. The mean dmf-t was 2.87. Significant associations were found between ECC prevalence and bottle feeding while sleeping and between ECC and the mother's level of education (p<0.05). The caries rate increased with the addition of sugar-containing substances to bottles; however, the increase was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There were no correlations observed between ECC and the mother's oral health knowledge or attitude (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this study, among the various factors investigated, infant feeding habits and the mother's level of education were found to have significant effects on the development of ECC.

Oral rehabilitation with endosseous implants in a child with ectodermal dysplasia: a case report.

AIM: The purpose of this article is to report the clinical course of a 12-year-old child with ectodermal dysplasia who was treated with an implant-supported overdenture for the mandible and an overdenture for the maxilla. CASE REPORT: Two dental implants were placed in the canine regions of the mandible. The maxillary teeth were prepared for the milled copings. Because the preparation of parallel walls was difficult, near-parallelism with an angle of convergence or taper of approximately 5 degrees was achieved. The cervical third of the teeth was prepared to be as parallel as possible to one another. In addition, the occlusal surfaces were reduced 1.5 mm, and the axial surfaces were reduced 1 mm. Occlusal reduction was performed to provide adequate thickness for the overlying denture base material. A chamfer finish line was prepared. The copings were cast with a Cr-Ni-based metal alloy and luted, bilateral balanced occlusion was developed using anatomic acrylic teeth. An impression was taken with an individual tray for impressions of overdentures. In response to the patient's dry mucosa, the impressions were taken using rapid-setting silicone impression material with high elasticity. Bilateral balanced occlusion was achieved using anatomic acrylic teeth for overdentures. The maxillary overdenture and implant-supported mandibular overdenture were prepared by conventional methods using thermal-curing acrylic resin. The patient was seen 48 hours later for adjustment, then after 1 and 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months, and 1 year and he is still satisfied with his prosthesis both aesthetically and functionally. CONCLUSION: The use of endosseous implants in the prosthetic rehabilitation of children with ectodermal dysplasia may provide a considerable improvement in comparison with traditional prosthetic methods.

Usage of white mineral trioxide aggregate in a non-vital primary molar with no permanent successor.

The aim of this study was to present the treatment and long-term follow-up of a case in which white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) was used in the pulpectomy of a non-vital primary molar with no permanent successor. The physiological, aesthetic and functional consequences of treating primary teeth without permanent successors makes this a unique challenge. In the present case, WMTA was used in the pulpectomy of a primary molar with no permanent successor in an 8-year-old child. The treatment was considered successful. Follow-up examinations showed that root resorption in the mesial root surface, with no infra-occlusion or ankylosis 36 months after treatment. WMTA may be considered as an alternative pulpectomy material for non-vital primary teeth with no permanent successors, although long-term clinical studies are still needed.

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.

Dose-dependent immunohistochemical changes in rat cornea and retina after oral methylphenidate administration.

Methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH), more commonly known as Ritalin, is a piperidine derivative and is the drug most often used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, one of the most common behavioural disorders of children and young adults. The aim of this study was to investigate dose-dependent immunohistochemical Dopamine 2 receptor (D2) expression and apoptosis in the rat cornea and cornea. In this study, 27 female pre-pubertal Wistar albino rats, divided into three different dose groups (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) and their control groups, were used. They were treated orally with methylphenidate dissolved in saline solution for 5 days per week during 3 months. At the end of the third month, after perfusion fixation, eye tissue was removed. Paraffin sections were collected for immunohistochemical and terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labelling assay studies. In our study, we observed that the cornea D2 receptor reactivity showed a dose-related increase after MPH treatment, especially in basal cells of the epithelium and a dose-dependent decrease in the retinal ganglion cell which was statistically meaningful. Analysis of the cornea thickness results showed no meaningful difference between groups. Apoptotic cell number showed a meaningful increase in the high dose treated group compared to the other groups of the study. The data suggest that Ritalin has degenerative effect on the important functional part of the eye, such as cornea and retina and its activating dopaminergic mechanism via similar neuronal paths, functionally and structurally, to induce morphological changes. As a result, we believe that this morphological changes negatively effecting functional organization of the affected cornea and retina.

Treatment of an avulsed maxillary permanent central incisor by autotransplantation of a primary canine tooth.

AIM: To present a case in which an avulsed permanent maxillary central incisor was replaced by autotransplantation of a primary canine tooth. SUMMARY: The present case describes transplantation of a primary canine tooth into the space left by an avulsed permanent maxillary central incisor after a delay of several days. After root canal treatment, the primary canine tooth was extracted and placed into the prepared socket. To provide better adaptation of the donor tooth, the recipient alveolar site was remodeled using surgical burs. Semi-rigid splinting was maintained for 15 days. The crown of the primary canine was reshaped with composite resin and with an interim prosthesis, preventing movement of the lateral incisor tooth into the space of the transplanted canine. After 24-month follow-up the autotransplanted primary canine showed ankylosis but the tooth was in an acceptable state. The use of permanent tooth autotransplantation has been well documented. However a literature search revealed only one case report on the autotransplantation of primary teeth. KEY LEARNING POINTS: Long term results of primary tooth autotransplantation are scarce but the procedure in this case report could be considered as a temporary space maintainer for the treatment of a patient with a lost permanent incisor under 10 years of age. Success of primary tooth autotransplantation may be affected by several factors, such as case selection, extra oral time, surgical and endodontic procedures.

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.

Dose-dependent immunohistochemical and ultrastructural changes after oral methylphenidate administration in rat heart tissue.

Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin, is a piperidine derivative and is the drug most often used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, one of the most common behavioural disorders of children and young adults. Our aims were to investigate dose-dependent immunohistochemical D2 expression and ultrastructural changes of the rat heart tissue, and to demonstrate possible toxicity of the long-term and high dose use of the methylphenidate. In this study, 27 female pre-pubertal Wistar albino rats, divided into three different dose groups (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) and their control groups, were used. They were treated orally with methylphenidate dissolved in saline solution for 5 days/week during 3 months. At the end of the third month, after perfusion fixation, left ventricle of cardiac tissue was removed. Paraffin, semi-thin and thin sections were collected and immunohistochemical, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated Dig-dUTP nick end labelling assay and ultrastructural studies were performed. In conclusion, we believe that Ritalin is dose-related affecting dopaminergic system to increase heart rhythm and contraction. Thus, this drug may cause degenerative ultrastructural changes in mitochondrial path.

Cytogenetic study of recurrent miscarriages and their parents.

There are substantial evidences that genetic alterations are contributing factors to the risk for recurrent miscarriages. This study was conducted to determine the frequency and contribution of chromosomal abnormalities in miscarriages and in couples with recurrent miscarriages. We studied a total of 41 miscarriages and their parents with a history of 2-11 recurrent miscarriages. Chromosomal analysis from chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and fetal tissues were performed according to standard cytogenetic methods using G-banding technique. Major chromosomal aberrations and polymorphic variants were found in 51 and 4.8%, respectively. The chromosomal abnormalities were structural (34.4%) and numerical (65.1%) of which 26.1, 21.7, 8.7 and 8.7% were fetal sex aneuploid, triploid, mosaics and trisomic, respectively. Unbalanced and balanced rearrangements were found in 17.2% and 8.6% of all abnormalities, respectively. Major chromosomal abnormalities in couples were seen in 4.9%. The chromosomal abnormalities associated with pregnancy losses and recurrent miscarriages are mostly numerical ones. The incidence of balanced translocations found here is 4.9% which is near to the mode (about 3-6%) observed in the previous studies. Those frequencies are greater than in the general population (0.3%). This indicates that balanced translocations, seen in parents, have some importance in causing miscarriage. The major parental chromosomal aberrations are significantly associated with fetal wastage. Mosaicism should be taken into account for cytogenetic analyses of pregnancy losses. Thus, cytogenetic analyses should be recommended in couples with recurrent miscarriages, when clinical data fail to clarify the cause.

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.

Pulmonary hypertension in rheumatoid arthritis.

Using Doppler echocardiography (DE), we measured pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients without coexisting cardiopulmonary diseases. Accepting the normal upper limit of PASP as 30 mmHg, we found elevated PASP in 11 out of 40 (27.5%) RA patients, values being mostly 30-40 mmHg, indicating mild pulmonary hypertension (PHT). Although estimation of PASP by DE is not as reliable as cardiac catheterisation, it is possible that mild elevations in PASP may contribute to the high incidence of cardiovascular events not explained by traditional cardiac risk factors in patients with RA. Long-term follow-up will be obviously necessary to ascertain the impact of mild PHT on the prognosis and mortality rate of RA patients.