The Association of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) -572G/C and Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGFB1) 29C/T Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: a Case Control Study.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The aim of the present study was to determine the potential effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TGFB1 and IL-6 on the development and severity of the disease in patients with DDH and investigate the relationship of these two gene polymorphisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS This case control study was conducted on 105 patients diagnosed with DDH and 119 healthy control subjects of any age. The DDH patients were classified according to the Hartofilakidis and IHDI classifications for adult and pediatric patients, respectively. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples using the Salting-out method. TGFB1 gene p.Pro10Leu (c.29C>T) (rs1800470) and IL-6 572G>C (rs1800796) polymorphisms were analyzed using Sanger DNA sequencing. RESULTS There was no statistically significant relationship of TGFB1 and IL-6 SNPs for DDH. When the rs1800470 and rs1800796 polymorphisms were compared according to family history, the homozygous mutation rate of TGFB1 gene was found to be significantly higher in patients with a positive family history than in patients with a negative family history. No significant relationship was found between rs1800796 polymorphisms and family history. TGFB1 homozygous mutation rate was determined to be statistically higher in the positive family history group than control group. No similar relationship was found between the negative family history group and the control group. No statistically significant relationship was determined between rs1800470 and rs1800796 and the severity of DDH. CONCLUSIONS rs1800796 and rs1800470 polymorphisms do not appear to be major responsible genetic factors for DDH. However, the determination of a correlation between a positive family history and homozygous mutation rate of the TGFB1 gene indicates that this gene may have a greater effect on DDH development. Key words: developmental dysplasia of the hip, interleukin-6, transforming growth factor beta 1, case control study.

Leaching of nano-ZnO in municipal solid waste.

Despite widespread use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in commercial products and their potential disposal in landfills, the fate of ENMs in solid waste environments are still not well understood. In this study, the leaching behavior of nano ZnO -one of the most used ENMs- in fresh municipal solid waste (MSW) was investigated. Batch reactors containing municipal solid waste samples were spiked with three different types of nano ZnO having different surface stabilization. The leaching of ZnO was examined under acidic, basic and elevated ionic strength (IS) conditions. The results of the 3-day batch tests showed that the percent of the added nano-ZnO mass retained within the solid waste matrix ranged between 80% and 93% on average for the three types of nano-ZnO tested. The pH and IS conditions did not significantly influence the leaching behavior of ZnO. To further analyze the behavior of ZnO in the MSW matrix, a kinetic particle deposition/detachment model was developed. The model was able to reproduce the main trends of the batch experiments. Reaction rate constants for the batch tests ranged from 0.01 to 0.4 1/hr, reflecting the rapid deposition of nano-ZnO within the MSW matrix.

Leaching potential of nano-scale titanium dioxide in fresh municipal solid waste.

With the rapid development in nanotechnology in recent years, the number of commercially available products containing engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) has increased significantly. It is expected that large fractions of these ENMs will end up in landfills for final disposal. Despite the wide use of ENMs, little data is available on their fate within landfills. This study examined the leaching behavior of nanoscale titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2), one of the mostly used ENMs, in fresh municipal solid wastes (MSWs). Batch reactors containing municipal waste samples were spiked with a range of nano-TiO2 concentrations at different pH and ionic strength conditions. The Ti concentrations in leachate decreased rapidly and reached steady state after about 12-24 h. Results suggest that, for the environmental conditions considered, approximately 3-19% of the added nano-TiO2 remained in leachate. Batch tests conducted with individual synthetically-prepared solid waste components also showed low leaching potential (5.2% for organic waste, 3.3% for glass, 1.7% for both textile and paper and 0.6% for metal), indicating that all components of MSW contributed to the retention of the nano-TiO2 mass within the solid matrix.

Is prematurity a risk factor for developmental dysplasia of the hip? : a prospective study.

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate prematurity as a risk factor for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The hips of 221 infants (88 female, 133 male, mean age 31.11 weeks; standard deviation (sd) 2.51) who were born in the 34th week of gestation or earlier, and those of 246 infants (118 female, 128 male, mean age 40.22 weeks; sd 0.36) who were born in the 40th week of gestation, none of whom had risk factors for DDH, were compared using physical examination and ultrasound according to the technique of Graf, within one week, after the correction of gestational age to the 40th week after birth or one week since birth, respectively. Both hips of all infants were included in the study. Ortolani's and Barlow's tests and restricted abduction were accepted as positive findings on examination. There was a statistically significant difference between pre- and full-term infants, according to the incidence of mature and immature hips (p < 0.001). The difference in the proportion of infants with an α angle < 60° between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The incidence of pathological dysplasia (α angle < 50 º) was not significantly different in the two groups (p = 1.000). The Barlow sign was present in two (0.5%) pre-term infants and in 14 (2.8%) full-term infants. These results suggests that prematurity is not a predisposing factor for DDH.

Balance in essential tremor during tandem gait: is the first mis-step an important finding?

Essential tremor (ET) is the most commonly diagnosed movement disorder. ET may cause substantial loss of motor skills and balance with advanced age. We compared abnormalities in tandem gait with daily activity and Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (FTMTRS) scores in 90 ET patients. All patients performed a 15-step tandem three times. The mean of first mis-steps was accepted as the tandem index (TI). The mean age was 61.4 ± 17 years; the mean duration of tremor was 6.7 ± 4 years; and there were 36 men and 54 women. There was no significant difference for age or sex between patients and controls. Head (24.6%), jaw (5.5%), voice (11%), and tongue tremors (1.5%) were identified in ET patients. Rest (2.5%), postural (95%), and kinetic tremors (54%) were detected in the upper extremities. Postural tremor was found in the lower extremities of 5%. The mean TI was 8.3 ± 4 (median, 8) in ET patients, and 10.6 ± 3.9 (median, 10) in controls (p=0.04). Correlation analysis of TI and FTMTRS scores showed tandem gait was significantly correlated with age, total tremor score, postural and kinetic extremity tremor, writing, drawing, pouring, feeding, and working scores. Linear regression showed a significant effect of age and FTMTRS score on TI. The decrease in balance control is apparent with advancing age. Balance disorders were more pronounced in ET patients. Although first mis-step in tandem gait is not as detailed as dynamic balance tests, it can be a simple method for detecting balance disorders.

Accelerated landfill waste decomposition by external leachate recirculation from an old landfill cell.

This research is focused on the management of moisture regime for a young landfill site in terms of leachate recirculation which entails the containment, collection and reinjection of leachate back into the landfill to promote in situ anaerobic biological treatment. Moreover, an innovative leachate management strategy was developed by using leachate recirculation from a mature landfill site into a young landfill site to provide accelerated waste stabilization. For this purpose, two reactors simulating young and old landfills were used in the laboratory. These reactors were loaded with shredded and compacted municipal solid waste with a typical composition determined for Istanbul Region. Both reactors were operated in a constant temperature room at 32 degrees C to enhance the growth of anaerobic microorganisms. Moreover, water was added to the reactors in order to simulate the annual rainfall. The reactor having the properties of old landfills was used as a control reactor. The reactor which represented the characteristics of young landfill was operated under four operational stages to enhance the activity of methanogenic population and accelerate waste stabilization. Results of this study indicated that the utilization of leachate recirculation enhanced waste stabilization in the young landfill by increasing the uniformity, and providing additional substrate and nutrients. Additions of buffer solutions of KOH and Na2CO3 together with leachate recirculation enhanced further waste stabilization and prevented possible acid inhibition. The utilization of external leachate recycled from the old landfill having desired acclimated anaerobic microorganisms, low organic content and higher buffer capacity into a young landfill could be a promising leachate management strategy for faster and controlled waste stabilization.

The role of blending in polymer conditioning of waste activated sludge.

This paper presents the results of an investigation on the role of blending in sludge polymer conditioning by evaluating the polymer consumption, and measuring the capillary suction time of waste activated sludge samples blended for different time periods. All of the sludge samples, including non-blended control samples, were conditioned by a cationic high molecular weight polymer in desired concentrations. The protein concentrations of the sludge samples increased as a biological confirmation of cell disruption or desorption of some part of biological polymers present in sludge. Blending decreased the critical polymer dosages required to condition the waste activated sludge samples depending on the blending time applied to the samples.

Impact of various leachate recirculation regimes on municipal solid waste degradation.

Landfilled municipal solid waste can be treated by introducing leachate into the waste matrix. Increasing attention is being given to landfill leachate recirculation as a means for in situ leachate treatment and landfill stabilization. Landfills with leachate recirculation may be operated as municipal solid waste bioreactor treatment system rather than as a conventional waste dumping sites. In order to study the impact of various leachate recirculation regimes on municipal solid waste degradation, two landfill-simulating reactors, one with leachate recycle and one without, were constructed and placed at a constant room temperature (34 degrees C). Both reactors were filled with a municipal solid waste mixture representing the typical solid waste composition determined for the city of Istanbul. For the purpose of this experiment, leachate recirculation volume and frequency were changed periodically. This research showed that increased frequency of leachate recirculation accelerates the stabilization rate of waste matrix. About 2l of recirculated leachate and four times per week recirculation strategy were found to provide the highest degree of waste stabilization. Additionally, this research confirmed that leachate recirculation is a very feasible way for in situ leachate treatment.

Nitrogen and sulfate attenuation in simulated landfill bioreactors.

The characteristics of leachate from landfills vary according to site-specific conditions. Leachates from old landfills are often rich in ammonia nitrogen, posing potential adverse environmental impacts in the case of uncontrolled discharge. At landfills where leachate recirculation is practiced, leachate ammonia concentrations may accumulate to higher levels than during the single pass leaching. Using leachate recirculation with system modifications, separate aerobic and anoxic zones for nitrification and both autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrification can be provided. Results from simulated landfill bioreactors indicated that both nitrogenous and sulfur compounds can be attenuated through autotrophic denitrification, and leachate nitrate concentrations of 750 mg/L reduced to less than 1 mg/L by denitrification to nitrogen gas promoting this very common process in a landfill environment results in the reduction of both leachate ammonia and sulfate concentrations.

Cystic fibrosis mutations and associated haplotypes in Turkish cystic fibrosis patients.

Identification of mutations causing cystic fibrosis (CF) in the Turkish population is essential for assessment of the molecular basis of CF in Turkey and the development of strategies for prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling. Here, we present an updated report of mutations found in the Turkish CF population from an extensive screening study of the entire coding region, including exon-intron boundaries and the promoter region. Cases for which mutations could not be identified were also screened for previously defined large alterations and (TG)mTn-M470V loci. This study revealed a total of 27 different mutations accounting for almost 60% of disease genes in the Turkish population. In this study, we also identified the haplotypes associated with 17 mutations and those associated with unknown mutations. The mutation spectrum of CF in Turkey and its associated haplotypes indicated the presence of a major Mediterranean component in the contemporary Turkish population.

Heavy metal removal from wastewater and leachate co-treatment sludge by sulfur oxidizing bacteria.

Heavy metal concentration in sludge is one of the major obstacles for the application of sludge on land. There are various methods for the removal of heavy metals in sludge. Using sulfur oxidizing bacteria for microbiological removal of heavy metals from sludges is an outstanding option because of high metal solubilization rates and the low cost. In this study, bioleaching by indigenous sulfur oxidizing bacteria was applied to sludges generated from the co-treatment of municipal wastewater and leachate for the removal of selected heavy metals. Sulfur oxidizing bacteria were acclimated to activated sludge. The effect of the high organic content of leachate on the bioleaching process was investigated in four sets of sludges having different concentrations of leachate. Sludges in Sets A, B, C and D were obtained from co-treatment of wastewater and 3%, 5%, 7% and 10% (v/v) leachate respectively. The highest Cr, Ni and Fe solubilization was obtained from Set A. Sulfur oxidizing bacteria were totally inhibited in Set D that received the highest volume of leachate.

Analysis of the CFTR gene in Turkish cystic fibrosis patients: identification of three novel mutations (3172delAC, P1013L and M1028I).

In order to determine the spectrum of cystic fibrosis (CF) mutations in the Turkish population, a complete coding region of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene including exon-intron boundaries, on 122 unrelated CF chromosomes from 73 Turkish CF families was analysed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and multiplex heteroduplex analysis on MDE gel matrix. In addition to 15 previously reported mutations and 12 polymorphisms, three novel mutations, namely 3172delAC, P1013L and M1028I, were detected. DeltaF508 was found to be present on 18.8% of CF chromosomes. The second most common mutation was 1677delTA, with a frequency of 7.3%, followed by G542X and 2183AA-->G mutations, with frequencies of 4.9%. These four most common mutations in Turkish CF population account for approximately 36% of mutations. This study could only detect 52.5% of disease-causing mutations in this population; 47.5% of CF alleles remain to be identified, reflecting the high molecular heterogeneity of the Turkish population.