Immature platelet fraction as a useful marker in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical significance and diagnostic performance of the immature platelet fraction (%IPF) in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Samples obtained from 32 healthy control subjects and 40 CCHF patients (9 positive and 31 negative radiological findings) were evaluated in the study. The samples obtained from CT-positive subjects demonstrated higher IPF% values which also exhibited a positive correlation with mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet size deviation width (PDW) values.The patient group IPF% values were positively correlated with the duration of hospital stay. The ROC analysis also suggested the potential importance of IPF values higher than 10.5% in diagnosing CCHF patients with positive radiological findings.The results of our study showed that % IPF can be considered as a useful parameter in the follow-up of the disease course in patients with CCHF.

Immature platelet fraction as a useful marker in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

@#The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical significance and diagnostic performance of the immature platelet fraction (%IPF) in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Samples obtained from 32 healthy control subjects and 40 CCHF patients (9 positive and 31 negative radiological findings) were evaluated in the study. The samples obtained from CT-positive subjects demonstrated higher IPF% values which also exhibited a positive correlation with mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet size deviation width (PDW) values.The patient group IPF% values were positively correlated with the duration of hospital stay. The ROC analysis also suggested the potential importance of IPF values higher than 10.5% in diagnosing CCHF patients with positive radiological findings.The results of our study showed that % IPF can be considered as a useful parameter in the follow-up of the disease course in patients with CCHF.

Evaluation of biochemical changes in dental tissues after different office bleaching methods.

The color of the teeth is an important topic for many people and can be influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic stains. There is an increasing demand for whitening of the teeth year by year. The most popular way of whitening is "bleaching," which is the result of the breakdown of pigments located in the enamel and/or the dentin, caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) released from bleaching agents. These bleaching agents could increase matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated collagen degradation in dentin. The aim of this study was to compare biochemical changes and oxidative stress levels of the human premolar dentin-pulp complex after three different bleaching methods containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) bleaching agents. Individuals, whose first four premolars were extracted for orthodontic purposes, included into the study. Group 1-Laser: bleaching gel containing 46% H2O2 (LaserWhite20 whitening gel, Biolase Technology Inc., San Clemente, CA, USA) and a diode laser activation (Ezlase 940 nm system). Group 2: 35% H2O2 containing whitening gel (Whiteness HP Maxx, FGM) and halogen light source activation (Optilux 501, Kerr, Orange, CA, USA). Group 3: 35% H2O2 containing whitening gel (Whiteness HP Maxx, FGM). Group 4-Control: No whitening treatment. According to the test results, there were no significant differences among groups in the values of cathepsin B and MMP proteolytic activities ( p > 0.05). The total ROS values released from the dentin tissue were higher than those obtained from the pulp tissue ( p < 0.05). There were significant differences among the bleaching groups in the ROS values released from the dentin tissue.

Traditional risk factors and angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion gene polymorphism in coronary artery disease.

We investigated whether the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and serum ACE levels are associated with traditional risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD). We enrolled 250 individuals without CAD and 750 individuals suffering from CAD who were angiographically diagnosed. Biochemical risk factors, the ACE (I/D) gene polymorphism, and ACE serum levels were compared. ACE genotypes were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. ACE serum levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lipid parameters were determined spectrophotometrically using an autoanalyzer. Compared to the control group, the CAD group showed significantly higher serum ACE levels (P < 0.001). The highest ACE levels were found in those with the DD genotype. Other genotypes also presented statistically significant differences. We observed a significant difference between the control and coronary patient groups regarding the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P < 0.05). ACE (I/D) genotypes and serum ACE levels may be associated with risk factors and the development of CAD.

Evaluation of some antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and GPX) and their polymorphisms (MnSOD2 Ala9Val, GPX1 Pro198Leu) in fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a pain syndrome in which common pain in muscle-skeletal system, sleeping disorder and fatigue symptoms coexist. The aim of the present study was to determine SOD and GPX enzyme levels in FMS as well as to investigate possible associations between FMS and Ala9Val polymorphism of MnSOD2 and Pro198Leu polymorphism of GPX1. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 127 women FMS patients and 56 healthy subjects. Total SOD and total GPX enzyme activities were determined in patient and control groups. In addition, frequencies of Ala9Val polymorphism of MnSOD2 and Pro198Leu polymorphism of GPX1 were also detected. RESULTS: SOD enzyme activity was higher in FMS group compared to control (p < 0.001). GPX enzyme activity, on the other hand, was not different between FMS and control groups. No significant differences were found between genotype and allele frequencies of GPX1 and MnSOD2 polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated total SOD and unchanging total GPX1 activities in FMS patients could be the reason for increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in FMS. Genotype and allele frequencies of Ala9Val polymorphism of MnSOD2 and Pro198Leu polymorphism of GPX1 in FMS have been studied first time in the present study, and no associations were found between them and FMS.

Distribution of HLA-B27 and CYP2D6*4 mutations in the middle Black Sea area (Tokat) of Turkey.

We analyzed distribution of HLA-B27 and CYP2D6*4 mutations in 249 patients from Tokat province in Turkey with symptoms of arthritis, sacroiliac, joint and back pain, using a LightCycler 480 II Real-Time PCR thermal cycler. The Genes-4U was applied for studying HLA-B27 mutation, and the Tib-Molbiol commercial kit was used to examine the CYP2D6*4 mutation. Among the 249 patients, 18.5% had the HLA-B27 mutation. The CYP2D6*4 mutation was found in 22.0% (six homozygotes). Ten patients had both mutations. These frequencies are similar to what has been reported from other populations.

Median artery arising from the radial artery: its significance during harvest of a radial forearm free flap.

Variations in the radial arterial system, although rare, may still be encountered during harvest of a radial forearm flap. The reconstructive surgeon should be aware of these possible variations as some may significantly affect the harvest, jeopardising the survival of the radial forearm flap as well as causing ischaemia in the hand. We present a case with coexisting anomalies of the radial arterial system encountered during the harvest of the radial forearm flap, which has never before been described in the reconstructive surgery literature. In this patient the radial artery supplied the overlying skin with only a single small proximal perforator; a median artery existed and arose from the radial artery; the median artery supplied the forearm with unusually large perforators which passed ulnar to the flexor carpi radialis tendon; and the common interosseous artery originated from the radial artery. It is important for the reconstructive surgeon to be aware of these anomalies for the success of the operation. The embryology, incidence and significance of the median artery during radial forearm free flap harvest are also discussed.

The wound amylase concentration in the prediction of pharyngocutaneous fistula.

Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is not uncommon after laryngeal surgery. Because it leads to prolonged hospitalization and increased patient morbidity, it is important to predict the formation of fistula. We studied the wound amylase concentrations of 87 consecutive laryngectomized patients. The PCF rate was 11.5% in this series. The amylase levels in patients with PCF begin to elevate significantly on the third, fourth, and fifth postoperative days. Our data indicate that increase in the wound amylase levels seems to be a significant predictor of PCF, and this should alert the surgeon for the presence of fistula.

Vallecular cyst: a cause of failure to thrive in an infant.

Congenital vallecular cyst is fairly uncommon in neonates and infants. Although benign in nature, it may cause stridor and even life-threatening airway obstruction in early infancy. A 3-month-old male baby presented with failure to thrive and respiratory distress was found to have a vallecular cyst. Marsupialization with CO(2) laser was performed.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy following neck dissections.

PURPOSE: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), which is a disorder that occurs after injury or surgery on the extremities, has not been reported as a complication of neck dissections until now. A group patients with head and neck cancer have been examined to determine the incidence of RSD in neck dissections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-six patients with head and neck cancer, who had undergone neck dissections together with the removal of the primary tumor, were evaluated for RSD on their routine controls. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: The presentation of RSD in two patients who were treated with radical neck dissection is probably a result of sympathetic hyperactivity that is secondary to surgical trauma.

Malignant melanoma metastatic to the tonsil.

Metastasis to the oral cavity from melanoma arising in distant sites is very rare. The authors present three cases of melanoma metastatic to the palatine tonsil: two were cutaneous melanomas and one arose from the mucous membrane of the hard palate. Fewer than 30 cases of metastatic melanoma to the palatine tonsil have been reported, and none have been from mucosal melanoma originating from another mucosal primary site in the head and neck. From this perspective, one of the cases in this article is unique. The authors present clinical histories of the three cases of melanoma metastatic to the palatine tonsil. Two patients were still alive a substantial time after treatment. The case presentations indicate that careful examination of the head and neck should be part of the routine follow-up examination in all melanoma patients.