The Contribution of Fillers Used in the Correction of Malar Depression to Visual Quality and Quality of Life.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the contributions of the filler procedure performed in the malar region to the patient's appearance as visual quality and quality of life. Methods: A total of 72 patients who underwent a malar filler procedure between March 2022 and March 2023 were included in the study. Each patient received a 2 cc injection of hyaluronic acid filler, with 1 cc administered on the right and 1 cc on the left. Photos before the malar filler procedure and photos taken in the first month after the procedure for individuals included in the study were independently evaluated by 2 physicians. Change criteria were rated on a scale of 1 to 5 as follows: (1) no change, (2) slight change, (3) moderate change, (4) significant change, and (5) very significant change. The satisfaction of the patients related to the malar filler procedure was evaluated by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scale of 1 to 10 (0 showing no satisfaction, 10 showing maximum satisfaction). Results: Physicians evaluated the visual appearance of the patients as a "very significant change" in all patients (100%). Of the 72 patients, 66 (91.6%) expressed satisfaction with the procedure, while 6 (8.4%) found the treatment insufficient and requested further interventions. Conclusion: Hyaluronic acid fillers applied to the malar region caused patient satisfaction in 91.6%. However, a few patients requested further interventions. Patients' requests for unnecessary operations should be noted and treated with caution since they may lead doctors in the wrong direction.

Comparison of 1 Year Nasal Tip Projection Results of Triple Cartilage Combining Suture (Flexible Tongue-in-Groove) and Classical Tongue-in-Groove Techniques.

Objectives: In the present study, we compared patient satisfaction with classical tongue-in-groove (TIG) technique and triple cartilage combining suture (TCCS; flexible tongue-in-groove) techniques applied to the nasal tip in rhinoplasty. Methods: In this retrospective study, 80 patients who underwent rhinoplasty operations with TIG or TCCS techniques applied to the tip region were included. There were 40 patients in both groups. All patients in groups 1 and 2 were evaluated by the criteria written below at preoperative, postoperative first month, and postoperative first year: (1) Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation Questionnaire (ROE), (2) tip projection (cm), (3) nasal dorsum length (cm), (4) tip projection ratio (Goode), (5) nasofrontal angle, and (6) nasolabial angle. Results: The patients were followed up at 84.32 ± 19.38 months in the TIG group and 87.47 ± 18.01 months in the TCCS group. Our results showed that preoperative, postoperative first-month, and first-year tip projection (P = .013, P = .022, and P = .020, respectively), and nasal dorsum length values (P = .009, P = .020, and P = .020, respectively) of the TCCS group were significantly lower than those in the TIG group. There was a positive correlation between the postoperative first month and postoperative first year ROE scores. Lower preoperative tip projection ratio (Goode) values and higher nasolabial angle values were related to higher ROE scores showing patient satisfaction. Conclusion: For the patient satisfaction after tip rhinoplasty, lower projection ratio (Goode) and higher nasolabial angle values were related to ROE scores. Although there are no significant results, lower tip projection results in the TCCS group may be related to more patient satisfaction due to natural appearance.

Investigation of the Effects of Allicin on the Nasal Mucosa.

Objectives: We investigated the effects of allicin on nasal mucosa via an experimental study. Methods: In the study, 16 male New Zealand Albino (2.5-4.5 kg) rabbits were used. The right nasal passages of the 8 rabbits were included in the control group (Group 1, n = 8), and the right nasal passages of the 8 different rabbits were included in the study group (Group 2, n = 8). In the study group (Group 2), a Merocel tampon soaked in Allicin (Alli Tech; Dulwich Health) (0.5 mg/kg). In the control group (Group 1), a Merocel tampon soaked in serum physiologic was placed in the right nasal passage for 3 days (first to third days of the study). On the fourth day, nasal mucosa was excised and histopathological examinations were performed. Results: Our results showed that there were no significant differences in terms of bleeding, congestion, inflammation, calcification, and seromucous gland density between the study and control groups (P > .05). In light microscopic evaluation, moderate density of lymphocytic cells beneath the surface epithelium and, further down, seromucous gland structures, dense seromucous glands, and occasional ductal structures were observed in the study group. Congested vascular structures beneath the respiratory epithelium and adjacent to a thick-walled vascular structure, coarse calcification is observed in the control group. Conclusion: It has been demonstrated that the Allicin-soaked Merocel pack does not have adverse effects on rabbit nasal mucosa, and it does not lead to mucosal bleeding, congestion, inflammation, and calcification, and changes in the seromucous gland density. Considering the antibacterial and antiviral effects of allicin, it is appropriate to plan research in humans to evaluate its use in nasal packs applied during epistaxis, septoplasty, rhinoplasty, and endoscopic sinus surgery.

Optimization of a Solution-Processed TiOx/(n)c-Si Electron-Selective Interface by Pre- and Postdeposition Treatments.

Developing a vacuum-free and low-temperature deposition technique for dopant-free carrier-selective materials without sacrificing their performance can reduce the fabrication cost and CO2 footprint of silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. In this contribution, to activate the full capacity of the solution-processed TiOx as an electron-selective passivation contact, the effects of various pre- and postdeposition treatments on the passivation quality and contact resistivity are investigated simultaneously. It is demonstrated that the electrical properties of a thin TiOx layer spin-coated on an n-type silicon substrate can be remarkably improved through tailor-made pre- and postdeposition treatments. A notable low surface recombination velocity (SRV) of 6.54 cm/s and a high implied open-circuit voltage (iVoc) of 706 mV are achieved. In addition, by inserting a 1 nm LiFx buffer layer between TiOx and Al metal contact, a low contact resistivity (ρc) of 15.4 mΩ·cm2 is extracted at the n-Si/SiOx/TiOx heterojunction. Our results bring the solution-processed TiOx electrical properties to a level on par with those of state-of-the-art pure TiOx layers deposited by other techniques. Chemical and electrical characterizations elucidate that the improved electrical properties of the investigated Si/SiOx/TiOx heterojunction are mediated by the concomitant involvement of chemical and field-effect passivation.

Highly Potent Peptide Therapeutics To Prevent Protein Aggregation in Huntington's Disease.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder resulting from a significant amplification of CAG repeats in exon 1 of the Huntingtin (Htt) gene. More than 36 CAG repeats result in the formation of a mutant Htt (mHtt) protein. These amino-terminal mHtt fragments lead to the formation of misfolded proteins, which then form aggregates in the relevant brain regions. Therapies that can delay the progression of the disease are imperative to halting the course of the disease. Peptide-based drug therapies provide such a platform. Inhibitory peptides were screened against monomeric units of both wild type (Htt(Q25)) and mHtt fragments, Htt(Q46) and Htt(Q103). Fibril kinetics was studied by utilizing the Thioflavin T (ThT) assay. Atomic force microscopy was also used to study the influence of the peptides on fibril formation. These experiments demonstrate that the chosen peptides suppress the formation of fibrils in mHtt proteins and can provide a therapeutic lead for further optimization and development.

Facial mask for prevention of allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Objectives: We reviewed the role of facial masks in preventing allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms. Methods: The literature survey was performed in PubMed, EBSCO, UpToDate, and Proquest Central databases of Kirikkale University and Google and Google Scholar databases. Results: Aeroallergens are microscopic airborne particles that trigger AR symptoms. In sensitive people, the type 1 hypersensitivity reaction against these allergens occurs when these microparticles enter the nasal mucosa via inhalation. Pollens, molds, dust mites, and animal dander are only some of the allergens suspected of contributing to AR symptoms. The treatment guidelines for AR extensively encompass allergy avoidance and environmental management as the first-line treatment. It is recommended that those who experience seasonal symptoms try to avoid their triggers whenever possible. While medical masks filter out particles larger than 3 µm, FFP2 masks are effective against particles as small as 0.004 µm. Since both mask types are effective in filtering pollen larger than 5 µm in size, they can be used to prevent pollen exposure. The "antiviral protection" provided by medical and FFP2 masks to hospital employees is roughly equivalent. Thus, both should be effective against direct local (eye) or indirect inhaled (nose, bronchial) pollen exposure. For the masks to do their job, they need to fit correctly. Conclusion: Face mask affects AR patients' quality of life and reduces AR symptoms' severity.

Synergistic Screening of Peptide-Based Biotechnological Drug Candidates for Neurodegenerative Diseases Using Yeast Display and Phage Display.

Peptide therapeutics are robust and promising molecules for treating diverse disease conditions. These molecules can be developed from naturally occurring or mimicking native peptides, through rational design and peptide libraries. We developed a new platform for the rapid screening of the peptide therapeutics for disease targets. In the course of the study, we aimed to employ our platform to screen a new generation of peptide therapeutic candidates against aggregation-prone protein targets. Two peptide drug candidates were screened for protein aggregation-prone diseases, namely, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Currently, there are several therapeutic applications that are only effective in masking or slowing down symptom development. Nonetheless, different approaches are being developed for inhibiting amyloid aggregation in the secondary nucleation phase, which is critical for amyloid fibril formation. Instead of targeting secondary nucleated protein structures, we tried to inhibit the aggregation of monomeric amyloid units as a novel approach for halting the disease condition. To achieve this, we combined yeast surface display and phage display library platforms. We expressed α-synuclein, amyloid ß40, and amyloid ß42 on the yeast surface, and we selected peptides by using phage display library. After iterative biopanning cycles optimized for yeast cells, several peptides were selected for interaction studies. All of the peptides have been used for in vitro characterization methods, which are quartz crystal microbalance-dissipation (QCM-D) measurement, atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging, dot-blotting, and ThT assay, and some of them have yielded promising results in blocking fibrillization. The rest of the peptides, although, interacted with amyloid units which made them usable as a sensor molecule candidate. Therefore, peptides selected by yeast surface display and phage display library combination are good choice for diverse disease-prone molecule inhibition, particularly those inhibiting fibrillization. Additionally, these selected peptides can be used as drugs and sensors to detect diseases quickly and halt disease progression.

Poly (Lactic Acid)/Ground Tire Rubber Blends Using Peroxide Vulcanization.

Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA)/Ground Tire Rubber (GTR) blends using Dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as a crosslinking agent were prepared with the following aims: propose a new route to recycle wastes rubber from the automotive industry and improve the toughness and impact strength of the inherently brittle bio-based PLA. The GTR were subjected to two types of grinding process (cryo- and dry ambient grinding). Swelling measurements revealed the grinding to be associated with a mechanical damage of the rubber chains, independently on the type of grinding or on the GTR size (from <400 µm to <63 µm). Moreover, the finest GTR contains the largest amount of reinforcing elements (carbon black, clay) that can be advantageously used in PLA/GTR blends. Indeed, the use of the finest cryo-grinded GTR in the presence of DCP showed the least decrease of the tensile strength (-30%); maintenance of the tensile modulus and the largest improvement of the strain at break (+80%), energy at break (+60%) and impact strength (+90%) as compared to the neat PLA. The results were attributed to the good dispersion of both fine GTR and clay particles into the PLA matrix. Moreover, a possible re-crosslinking of the GTR particles and/or co-crosslinking at PLA/GTR interface in presence of DCP is expected to contribute to such improved ductility and impact strength.

Effect of the Strain Rate on Damage in Filled EPDM during Single and Cyclic Loadings.

The effect of the strain rate on damage in carbon black filled Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer rubber (EPDM)stretched during single and multiple uniaxial loading is investigated. This has been performed by analyzing the stress-strain response, the evolution of damage by Digital Image Correlation (DIC), the associated dissipative heat source by InfraRed thermography (IR), and the chains network damage by swelling. The strain rates were selected to cover the transition from quasi-static to medium strain rate conditions. In single loading conditions, the increase of the strain rate yields in a preferential damage of the filler network while the rubber network is preserved. Such damage is accompanied by a stress softening and an adiabatic heat source rise. Conversely, increasing the strain rate in cyclic loading conditions yields in a filler network accommodation and a high self-heating whose combined effect is proposed as a possible cause of the ability of filled EPDM to limit damage by reducing cavities opening during loading, and favoring cavities closing upon unloading.

Tuning Interaction Parameters of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes in a Binary Solvent To Achieve Precise Control over Microphase Separation.

Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are designed using a large variety of basic building blocks but are only synthesized in a limited number of solvent systems. Understanding the behavior of the copolymers in a selected solvent system is of particular interest to tune the intricate balance of microphase separation/mixing, which is the key mechanism behind the structure formation in TPUs. Here, we present a computationally efficient approach for selecting TPU building blocks and solvents based on their Flory-Huggins interaction parameters for a precise control over the microphase separation/mixing. We first cluster eight soft segments (PEO, PPO, PTMO, PBA, PCL, PDMS, PIB, or PEB) used frequently in TPUs into three categories according to the strength of their interactions with the binary solvent THF/DMF. We then perform a comprehensive set of dissipative particle dynamics simulations of the TPUs in a range of solvent ratios. This enables us to demonstrate the emergence of the unusual channel-like structures in a narrow range of parameters and to determine the critical interactions operative for obtaining either microphase separated or mixed structures. The findings are supported by thermodynamic arguments. The approach developed here is useful for designing novel TPUs with well-defined conformational characteristics, controlled morphologies, and advanced functional properties.

Dynamic glass transition of the rigid amorphous fraction in polyurethane-urea/SiO2 nanocomposites.

We report molecular dynamics in the rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) of the polymer bound at the interfaces with nanoparticles in polymer nanocomposites and calculate the glass transition temperature, Tg, for this bound layer of polymer. We follow the '3-phase-model' for semicrystalline polymers where the polymer matrix consists of the crystalline fraction (CF), the mobile amorphous fraction (MAF) and the RAF. While the amorphous polymer bound by crystallites is completely rigid, neither contributing to the glass transition, nor displaying molecular dynamics, the amorphous polymer bound at the interfaces with filler displays decelerated dynamics, as compared to the bulk polymer. Reports in the literature suggest a discrepancy between Tg values obtained by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and by Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy (DRS). As a plausible explanation we suggest that DRS results in Tg values taking into account the bound polymer, whereas DSC does not. For this investigation we use semicrystalline polyurethane-urea/SiO2 nanocomposites and employ, next to DSC and DRS, SEM, SAXS and WAXS for morphological characterization. It is our intention to use DRS as a tool for investigating the RAF.

Thyroid Disorders in Young Females with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Correlation of Thyroid Volume with Certain Hormonal Parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalance of hypothyroidism, thyroid autoimmunity, and ultrasonographic features in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients and compare them with a control group, and to detect correlation of thyroid volume [TV] with luteinizing hormone (LH), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and IGF-1 in patients with PCOS. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy PCOS patients' and 84 age-matched controls were enrolled. The patient and control groups were compared according to hormonal parameters, anthropometric measures, TV, echogenicity on ultrasonogram, and autoimmunity. We also investigated the correlation between TV and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), serum LH, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in the PCOS group. RESULTS: Body mass index (BMI), Ferriman Gallwey score, fasting insulin level, DHEAS, total and free testosterone, LH, TV, and IGFBP-3 levels were significantly higher in PCOS patients as compared to control group. TV was similar in patients with or without insulin resistance diagnosed with HOMA-estimated insulin resistance (IR). There was no difference in prevalence of hypothyroidism or ultrasonographic features in the groups. We have detected a positive and significant correlation between TV and BMI. We have found that there was no meaningful correlation between the TV and serum IGF-1 levels, whereas TV was positively correlated with serum LH. CONCLUSION: We could not find any correlation between TV and IGF-1, but the most likely etiology of the increased TV in PCOS appears to be related to elevated LH levels in those patients.

Surgical approach and outcomes for revision surgery of the central neck compartment.

Revision surgery of the central neck compartment is still a controversial subject, and data are scarce in the literature regarding surgical approaches and outcomes. This might be a result of the small number of patients in need of revision of the central neck compartment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to document the approach and outcomes for revision surgery of the central neck compartment performed in our clinic. The files of patients who had undergone revision surgery of the central neck compartment in the Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, between 2007 and 2013, were evaluated. The subjects included 61 patients who had previously undergone surgical intervention in the central neck compartment and had then undergone bilateral lymph node dissection covering at least levels 6 and 7 in our clinic. Patient ages ranged between 36 and 63 years (mean, 47.2 y; SD = 8.3 y). The complications seen after revision surgery were temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in 4 patients (6.6%), temporary hypocalcemia in 8 patients (13.1%), and permanent hypocalcemia in 3 patients (4.9%). No permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, wound infection, or hematoma was encountered. Meticulous surgical dissection with identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the implantation site of the parathyroid glands may safeguard against complications. Reoperative surgery in the central compartment of the neck allows the removal of recurrent/persistent disease and has acceptable morbidity.

Evaluation of central corneal and central retinal thicknesses and intraocular pressure in acromegaly patients.

INTRODUCTION: Acromegaly is a disorder with increased morbidity which can involve many organs and the eye can be one of them which was investigated in few reports. Herein, we aimed to evaluate CCT, IOP and retinal thickness (RT), and their relationships with serum GH and IGF-1 levels and disease duration, in acromegaly patients. We compared the ocular parameters with those of a control group. This study included the largest number of patients of any comparable investigation to date. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We enrolled 30 acromegaly patients (15 male, 15 female and age: 48.4 ± 12.8 years) and 21 age and gender matched controls. All participants underwent complete hormonal and ophtalmological evaluation including central corneal thickness (CCT), retinal thickness (RT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) values. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in median right and left CCTs and mean CCT (p = 0.646, p = 0.667 and p = 0.384, respectively). Nor were there statistically significant differences in median right and left RT, or mean central RT, between the acromegaly and control groups (p = 0.977, p = 0.738 and p = 0.811, respectively). However median right, left and mean IOPs were found to be significantly higher in the acromegaly group, despite there being no difference in the CCT values (p = 0.011, p = 0.028 and p = 0.047, respectively). When we analyzed two subgroups of acromegaly patients (active/inactive), we found that the median right, left and mean CCTs and RTs, were not significantly different between the groups. Although there was a significant difference in IOP between the acromegaly and control groups, the two subgroups of acromegaly patients had similar IOPs (p = 0.400, p = 0.621 and p = 0.451 for right, left and mean IOPs, respectively). IOP was not found to be correlated with serum IGF-I, GH or disease duration in acromegaly patients. CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that acromegaly is associated with increased ocular pressures irrespective of disease activity. Therefore detailed ocular evaluation should be a routine component of the follow up visits of acromegaly patients.

Trimetazidine effect on burn-induced intestinal mucosal injury and kidney damage in rats.

BACKGROUND: Trimetazidine (TMZ) has been used in cardiology practice for protection from ischemiareperfusion injury. But its effects on intestinal mucosa are not well known. Our aim was to investigate the protective effect of TMZ on intestinal mucosa and on damaged kidney due to thermal injury in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study of intestinal mucosa damage and 24 female Sprague-Dawley rats in renal injury model. Back regions were shaved and taken into 99°C water for about 10 seconds in order to have a thermal injury. All rats were sacrificed 5 hours after the burn injury. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. In order to show the tissue edema resulting from microvascular circulatory impairment, unbiased stereological technique, Cavalieri's volume estimation applied to each kidney. RESULT: TMZ decreased MPO levels, but no effect on GSH/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and MDA levels. MPO levels were significantly lower in TMZ group than burnt-control group (p<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the kidney volumes between TMZ group and sham group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, TMZ seems to be protective on intestinal mucosa and prevented kidney damage originated from thermal injury.

Evaluation of kidney damage in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in long-term follow-up: value of renal scan.

In order to evaluate potential long-term kidney damage of childhood leukemia and risk factors affecting renal damage, we studied 116 children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) using the St. Jude Total XI and XIII protocols in 1991-1998. The median follow-up period after the completion of treatment was 35 months. The following parameters were examined: urinalysis, urinary creatinine (Cr), calcium (Ca), phosphorus, beta2-microglobulin, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), tubular phosphorus reabsorption (TPR), and renal function tests. Radiological evaluation included renal ultrasonography (US), and renal scans with DMSA or MAG-3 were performed. Blood chemistry and renal US patients were normal in all patients except two. GFR, TPR, urinary Ca/Cr, beta2-microglobulin, and renal scan were abnormal in 19.0%, 16.4%, 13.8%, 6.0%, and 40.5% of patients, respectively. The abnormality rate in GFR was significantly higher in patients <2 years of age. TPR abnormality was found to be significantly higher in patients who did not have G-CSF. An abnormal renal scan was associated with Hb < 10 g/dL, kidney infiltration, or hypertension at presentation and also occurred patients who underwent methotrexate treatment with frequent intervals during the follow-up period. Patients should be followed-up after cessation of therapy with the conventional tests mentioned above. In case of any abnormality, further detailed tests should be performed; renal scan seems to be more predictive for renal damage.

Long-term results of celiac Ganglia block: correlation of grade of tumoral invasion and pain relief.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the long-term results and response rates of celiac ganglia block to the level of tumor invasion of the celiac region. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Forty-one patients each with an inoperable intraabdominal carcinoma who were referred to our department for celiac ganglia block were included in this study. Tumor invasion of the celiac ganglia region was graded on a four-point scale according to CT features (grade I = no invasion, grade II = invasion < 50%, grade III = invasion > 50%, and grade IV = complete invasion). Subjective pain levels (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain) were obtained from the patients, and objective criteria (change in daily analgesic doses) were noted before the procedure and during the follow-up to determine effectiveness of the celiac ganglia block. RESULTS: Celiac ganglia block was successfully performed in all 41 patients (100%). In 39 (95%) of 41 patients, pain decreased significantly after the procedure, and the pain level did not change in the remaining two patients. Major complications were not encountered in any of the patients. Minor complications were observed in 35 patients (85%). Mean pain intensity and mean daily analgesic consumption significantly decreased after the procedure in all four groups. The amount of pain decrease for these two parameters was inversely related to degree of invasion. Responses of the patients were obtained at the end of the first week after the procedure and remained unchanged during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous celiac ganglia block, particularly when performed in earlier stages of ganglia invasion, is an effective, easy, and safe procedure with successful long-term results.

Multifocal fibrosclerosis: a new case report and review of the literature.

A case of multifocal fibrosclerosis is presented with MR images. Bilateral sclerosing orbital pseudotumor invading cavernous sinuses were the presenting disorder. Magnetic resonance imaging showed involvement of paranasal sinuses bilaterally and multiple supratentorial dural masses. Retroperitoneal fibrosis was associated with the condition. Multifocal involvement should be considered in patients with sclerosing orbital pseudotumor and an imaging approach should be performed on the appropriate clinical condition to document possible coexistence of other disorders including retroperitoneal fibrosis, mediastinal fibrosis, sclerosing cholangitis, and Riedel's thyroiditis