First molecular detection of Entamoeba gingivalis subtypes in individuals from Turkey.

Entamoeba gingivalis is a parasitic protozoan that colonizes the human oral cavity and there are two subtypes (ST1 and ST2) that have been identified to date. However, there are no reports on the molecular detection or characterization of E. gingivalis in Turkey. The objective of this study was to detect the presence of E. gingivalis in Turkish healthy individuals and those with periodontal disease and to subtype the isolates using molecular techniques. Samples from the oral cavity of 94 individuals were taken and the presence of E. gingivalis was determined by PCR using primers for SsrRNA and the amplicons were then confirmed by DNA sequencing. Each participant completed a questionnaire that included demographic data, habits and lifestyle, as well as health status. The presence of E. gingivalis was detected in a total of 19 samples (11 patients and eight healthy individuals). Molecular characterization determined that 12 samples belonged to ST1 and seven samples belonged to ST2. The presence of E. gingivalis was higher in patients with periodontal disease than in healthy individuals, and this association was statistically significant (P < .05). This study constitutes the first report of molecular detection and subtyping of E. gingivalis in Turkey.

Evaluation of skeletal muscle mass as a predictor of prognosis in patients treated in hospital for COVID-19 infection.

SUBJECTIVE: Skeletal muscle indexes are known to be one of the important prognostic indicators in many clinical situations. This study aims to evaluate the effects of laboratory values and muscle mass measures such as skeletal muscle area (SMA), skeletal muscle index (SMI), skeletal muscle density (SMD) and skeletal muscle gauge (SMG) obtained from the 12th thoracic vertebra (T12) level of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection on prognosis. METHODS: The patients' age, comorbidity index (CCI) scores, gender, anthropometric criteria such as height, weight, and BMI, laboratory values, development of NIMV and IC need during follow-up, length of hospital stay, and hospital mortality were retrospectively screened. The relationship between clinical and laboratory variables, SMA, SMI, SMD, and SMG values, and patient outcomes such as the need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV), need for intensive care, and mortality was investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: It was shown in multilinear regression analysis that T12SMD (ß=-0.254; p=0.036), albumin (ß=-0.465; p=0.005), and procalcitonin values (ß=-0.292; p=0.026) were independent risk factors on mortality for intensive care in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection. T12SMD has been shown to be significantly associated with various negative outcomes such as mortality, need for NIMV, and need for intensive care independently of body mass index (BMI) in our study (Tab. 5, Fig. 2, Ref. 25).

Double veneering, low-temperature porcelain, and total glaze application methods to overcome failures of zirconia-based restorations.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the efficacy of double veneering, low-temperature porcelain, and total glaze application methods to overcome failures of zirconia-based restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia materials with 1.2 × 5 × 24 mm dimensions were cut from pre-sintered blocks. According to the fabrication process of the samples, 3 main groups were formed in the beginning. Low-temperature porcelain and press-on ceramic were used for veneering. First, the samples were divided into 9 sub-groups. Then they were arranged to form triple groups. Triple groups were arranged according to the sample preparation and applied test methods, respectively. After three-point bending tests, marked samples were oriented for stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope to evaluate and identify the fracture types. Data were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Delamination counts were higher than the chipping counts at all the samples with press layer. Chipping count was higher than the delamination count at low-temperature porcelain-veneered triple group. Delamination count was the highest at double-layered triple group. Scatter sample count was the least at ceramic-veneered triple group. Standard triple group was found to be more fracture-resistant. Accelerated aging increased delamination and/or scatter counts at all sub-groups and significantly (p = 0.01 < 0.05) degreased the mean fracture strength values. Total glaze application significantly (p = 0.01 < 0.05) improved the fracture strength values. CONCLUSION: All-round thinking is very important considering fracture strength, fracture type, delamination, chipping, normal fracture, and scattering. Applying low-temperature porcelain on zirconia substructure is more efficient than a transition material. Press-on material alone as a superstructure is not sufficient for successful restoration. Double veneering method is highly questionable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Zirconia-based all-ceramic restorations meet many criteria, especially durability and esthetics, which are necessary for a successful restoration. However, the harmony/integrity of substructure and superstructure is still an issue. Therefore, choosing of the veneering and/or protective method used during the fabrication of the restoration is very determinative for long-term success.

Effect of Denture Cleansing Solutions on the Retention of Locator Attachments Over Time.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the alterations in retention of three Locator attachments after immersion in various denture cleansers at defined time intervals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two implants were embedded in an acrylic block. Pink, blue, and clear Locator attachments (n = 10 for each subgroup) were immersed into three different cleansing solutions (Corega, Protefix and NaOCl) and tap water (control) at different time intervals that simulate 1 (T1 ), 6 (T2 ), and 12 (T3 ) months of clinical use. Universal testing machine set at a crosshead speed of 50 mm/min was used for pull-out tests. After the immersion procedure, the peak force to dislodgement was recorded to demonstrate the changes in retention of Locator attachments. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA followed by Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) tests (α = .05). RESULTS: All denture cleansing solutions affected the retentive values of all Locator attachments at defined time intervals (F = 4.299, p = 0.001). NaOCl affected all groups significantly after 12-month immersion time (p = 0.001). The least retention loss at all subgroups was observed in Corega for clear Locator attachments (106.17 ± 5.21 N). The difference in retention values for pink attachments were not statistically significant for tap water, Protefix and Corega immersion at all time intervals (p > 0.05). Following NaOCl (blue; 33.31 ± 4.72 N, clear; 52.3 ± 8.5 N), tap water decreased the retention value of blue (41.14 ± 3.93 N) and clear (76.72 ± 8.42 N) Locator attachments at T3 . Corega caused the least retention loss to clear attachments at T1 (106.17 ± 3.55 N). CONCLUSION: The retention of Locator attachments decreases over time after exposure to various denture cleansing solutions. As NaOCl significantly decreased the retentive values of all attachments, patients must be informed about that disadvantage. Also, tap water remarkably decreased retentive ability of all attachments. Periodic addition of an effervescent tablet into tap water may be recommended to patients that wear implant retained overdentures with Locator attachments.

Image registration method for mobile-device-based multispectral optical diagnostics for buildings.

The recent advances in mobile device hardware and software introduced new opportunities to perform more advanced computation and measurements for buildings. Multispectral optical imaging is a widely recognized technique for building diagnostics, as it is non-destructive, quick, and provides rich spatial-spectral information about the different surfaces for decisions related to building energy performance. However, such implementations require an accurate image fusion. The purpose of this study is to introduce a practical and robust image registration method for mobile-device-based multispectral imaging analysis for building diagnostics. Considering the complicated building geometries including walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, windows, and doors, a new approach based on planar homography is chosen for determining the feature points that are required to perform image fusion between different images. The results obtained are compared against the other available methods, which show that the current method provides multispectral images enhanced with accurate qualitative information, as long as the constraints are satisfied. The results are compared with the state-of-the-art methods. The possible impact of the multispectral imaging to the future of building diagnostics is also discussed.

What is the changing frequency of diamond burs?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the changing frequency of a diamond bur after multiple usages on 3 different surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human premolar teeth (N = 26), disc shaped direct metal laser sintered CoCr (N = 3) and zirconia specimens (N = 3) were used in this study. Groups named basically as Group T for teeth, Group M for CoCr, and Group Z for zirconia. Round tapered black-band diamond bur was used. The specimens were randomly divided into three groups and placed with a special assembly onto the surveyor. 1, 5, and 10 preparation protocols were performed to the first, second, and third sub-groups, respectively. The subgroups were named according to preparation numbers (1, 5, 10). The mentioned bur of each group was then used at another horizontal preparation on a new tooth sample. The same procedure was used for CoCr and zirconia disc specimens. All of the bur surfaces were evaluated using roughness analysis. Then, horizontal tooth preparation surfaces were examined under both stereomicroscope and SEM. The depth maps of tooth surfaces were also obtained from digital stereomicroscopic images. The results were statistically analyzed using One-Way ANOVA, and the Tukey HSD post-hoc tests (α=.05). RESULTS: All of the groups were significantly different from the control group (P<.001). There was no significant difference between groups Z5 and Z10 (P=.928). Significant differences were found among groups T5, M5, and Z5 (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Diamond burs wear after multiple use and they should be changed after 5 teeth preparations at most. A diamond bur should not be used for teeth preparation after try-in procedures of metal or zirconia substructures.

The relationship between gestational diabetes mellitus and selenoprotein-P plasma 1 (SEPP1) gene polymorphisms.

Our aim is to demonstrate any correlation between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and polymorphism of the selenoprotein P (SEPP1) gene encoding the SEPP1 protein, having a role in the insulin resistance in GDM. Forty pregnant women with GDM and 40 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. In both groups, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), specifically, rs4987017, rs13154178, rs146125471, rs28919926, and rs16872762 were studied. There was no difference between the groups in terms of polymorphism rs146125471, rs28919926, or rs16872762 (p > .05). There was a significant difference in SNP rs13154178 polymorphism between the two groups (p < .01). When rs13154178 gene polymorphism was compared with AA homozygous individuals, fasting blood glucose levels were significantly higher in carriers of either polymorphism than in those with no polymorphism (p < .001). We suggest rs13154178 gene polymorphism may lead to GDM in the Turkish society.

The relationship between hematological parameters and the severity level of chronic obstructive lung disease.

INTRODUCTION    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most important lung disease leading to disability and even death. Recent studies have shown that the platelet indices are associated with several cardiovascular diseases; however, there is little data on COPD. OBJECTIVES    We aimed to explore the relationship between platelet indices, together with the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), white blood cell count to mean platelet volume ratio (WMR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) and the severity of COPD. PATIENTS AND METHODS    This retrospective study was based on data collected from a total of 153 COPD patients admitted to our outpatient clinic between March 2014 and March 2015. All of the participants underwent pulmonary function tests; FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC were measured. The study population was divided into four according to the severity of COPD as group A (mild), group B (mild to moderate), group C (moderate to severe), and group D (severe).  RESULTS    A significant increase was found in platelet distribution width (PDW), MPV, plateletcrit, PLR, and RDW while WMR decreased as the COPD severity increases. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, we found that PDW and RDW were independently associated with the presence of severe COPD. ROC curve analysis showed that a PDW>14.85 was associated with severe COPD with 85% sensitivity and 86% specificity while RDW>14.45 was associated with severe COPD with 90% sensitivity and 87% specificity. CONCLUSIONS    The PDW and the RDW are independently associated with disease severity, which may indicate hypoxemia, underlying inflammation, and oxidative stress in COPD.

Changes in sirtuin 2 and sirtuin 3 mRNA expressions in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Sirtuins (SIRTs) play a prominent role in metabolism, apoptosis, aging, inflammation, and epigenetics. Inflammation, apoptosis, and epigenetics are pathogenic issues in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to evaluate SIRT2 and SIRT3 mRNA expressions in patients with RA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients with RA and 26 healthy controls were enrolled. Disease activity was determined using the disease activity score (DAS) 28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (score of >2.6 was considered to be active). SIRT2 and SIRT3 mRNA expressions in the extracellular plasma were investigated by real-time PCR. RESULTS: SIRT3 mRNA expression was higher in the RA group than in the healthy control group (4.64 fold, p<0.001), whereas SIRT2 mRNA expression was relatively lower in the RA group than in the healthy control group (0.55 fold, p=0.109). However, SIRT2 (1.73 fold, p=0.065) and SIRT3 (3.58 fold, p=0.051) mRNA expressions were relatively higher in patients with active RA than in those with inactive RA. CONCLUSION: In RA, SIRT3 mRNA expression is increased, whereas SIRT2 mRNA expression is decreased. Conversely, SIRT2 and SIRT3 mRNA expressions increase in active RA. Therefore, the fate of each SIRT may differ in RA.

Sealing ability and adaptation of root-end filling materials in cavities prepared with different techniques.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability and marginal adaptation of calcium silicate-based cements (CSCs) in root-end cavities prepared by ultrasonic and laser tips. A total of 72 extracted human maxillary incisor teeth were randomly divided as 60 teeth in experimental groups and 6 teeth each for positive and negative control groups. Specimens in experimental groups were obturated, their root-end resections were performed and randomly divided into six groups (n = 10) as follows: G1: Ultrasonic retrotip + MTA, G2: Ultrasonic retrotip + Calcium Enriched Mixture (CEM), G3: Ultrasonic retrotip + Biodentine, G4: Er:YAG laser tip + MTA, G5: Er:YAG laser tip + CEM, G6: Er:YAG laser tip + Biodentine. The sealing ability was measured by fluid transport method. Six specimens from each experimental group were randomly selected to analyze marginal adaptation and prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Micrographs were scored and also analyzed using Image J software. Data were analyzed with; two-way ANOVA, Bonferroni, Kruskall-Wallis, Mann-Whitney-U, Siegel & Castellan, and Spearman correlation coefficient tests. No significant difference was found between materials regarding the sealing ability and marginal adaptation (p > 0.05). Significantly greater fluid movement and poor marginal adaptation were seen for materials placed in cavities prepared by laser tips (p < 0.05). Positive correlation was found between the results of scoring and Image J analysis of SEM images (r = 0.596, p < 0.001). Fluid transport method and SEM analysis gave similar results suggesting the use of ultrasonic-retrotips for preparing root-end cavities which are going to be filled with one of these CSCs.

Investigation of Strongyloides stercoralis Seroprevalence in Individuals Who Grow Vegetables and Gather Mushroom in Mugla Province in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the incidence of Strongyloides stercoralis in individuals who live in rural areas in the towns near Mugla and have contact with humid soil and gather saffron milk cap mushroom in autumn, and to obtain epidemiological data in our region. METHODS: A total of 281 volunteers were included; 192 of them were the individuals who only gather mushroom, only work in the garden, or gather mushroom as well as work in the garden, while 89 had no contact with the soil. Totally, 281 sera were tested for the presence of S. stercoralis-IgG antibodies by ELISA technique, using a commercial kit (DRG® Diagnostics Strongyloides IgG ELISA EIA-4208; Germany). RESULTS: One of 281 volunteers (0.3 %) was found positive for S. stercoralis-IgG antibodies, while the other 280 volunteers (99.7 %) were found negative. Thirty-seven, 33, and 43 of 192 volunteers reported wearing only boots, only gloves, and both boots and gloves, respectively. Seventy-nine of 192 volunteers reported wearing neither boots nor gloves. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study is the first study that involves the individuals with soil contact in our country, and it was concluded that this study will offer an insight into the other studies on S. stercoralis.

The Role of Fecal Calprotectin in Evaluating Intestinal Involvement of Behçet's Disease.

One of the regions of involvement of Behçet's disease (BD), a systematic inflammatory vasculitis with unknown etiology, is the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, and capsule endoscopy are frequently used methods to diagnose the intestinal involvement of BD. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of fecal calprotectin (FC) in the evaluation of intestinal involvement in BD. Material and Method. A total of 30 patients who were diagnosed with BD and had no GI symptoms and 25 individuals in the control group were included in this study. Results. Levels of FC were statistically significantly higher in patients with BD compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The correlation analysis performed including FC and markers of disease activity revealed a positive and statistically significant correlation between FC level and CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r: 0.255, p < 0.049, and r: 0.404, p < 0.001, resp.). FC levels in patients who were detected to have ulcers in the terminal ileum and colon in the colonoscopic examination were statistically significantly higher compared to the patients with BD without intestinal involvement (p = 0.01). Conclusion. The measurement of FC levels, in patients with BD who are asymptomatic for GI involvement, may be helpful to detect the possible underlying intestinal involvement.

Laboratory markers has many valuable parameters in the discrimination between acute appendicitis and renal colic.

BACKGROUND: Only one diagnostic parameter is not available for acute appendicitis. For the establishment of diagnosis, combination of medical history, clinical, laboratory tests, and radiological imaging modalities are used so as to decrease the rates of negative laparotomy and morbidity secondary to delay in diagnosis. Thepresent study aimed to determine haematological and inflammatory markers which will be used in the discrimination of acute appendicitis (AA) and renal colic which are the most frequent and indistinguishable causes of abdominal pain in patients applying to the emergency service. METHODS: A total of 215 patients who presented with abdominal pain and who were histopathologically diagnosed as AA, and 200 patients who presented with abdominal pain and who were diagnosed as renal colic were included into the study. Control group consisted of 61 patients without any complaints who came to the outpatient clinics of internal medicine only for blood counts. Analyzed blood samples were WBC, RDW, Hb, MCV, MPV, neutrophil, lymphocyte, NLR and PLR. All differences associated with a chance probability of.05 or less were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A statistically significant intergroup difference was seen between AA and renal colic groups as for age, WBC, Hb, MCV, neutrophil, lymphocyte, NLR and PLR. A statistically significant intergroup difference was seen between AA and control groups regarding age, WBC, Hb, RDW, MPV, neutrophil, lymphocyte, NLR and PLR. A statistically significant intergroup difference was seen between renal colic and control groups as for age, WBC, RDW, MPV, neutrophil and NLR. In ROC curve analysis, the area under AUCs for WBC, neutrophil, NLR and PLR were 0.896, 0.916, 0.888 and 0.725, respectively (p≤0.05). CONCLUSION: In the discrimination between patients with renal colic and those without any illness, WBC, RDW, MPV, neutrophil and NLR; in the differentiation between the patients with AA and healthy individuals, WBC, RDW, MPV, neutrophil, lymphocyte, NLR and PLR; and more importantly in the discrimination between patients with AA and those with renal colic who presented to emergency services with abdominal pain WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, PLR and NLR can be useful parameters.

Factors affecting survival in acute leukemia with donor lymphocyte infusion in the first relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

PURPOSE: Relapse of leukemia relapsing after allogeneic (allo) stem cell transplantation (SCT) remains an important problem. Cytoreductive chemotherapy followed by donor leukocyte infusion (DLI) is one of the treatment modalities in relapsed patients. The current study evaluated the factors affecting overall survival (OS) in allo-SCT patients who received DLI after the first relapse. METHODS: In this retrospective study 54 patients (26 with acute myeloid leukemia [AML] and 28 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL]) in their first relapse after allo-SCT who received fludarabine-based chemotherapy followed by DLI were evaluated. RESULTS: The relative risk for mortality was significantly higher in patients with acute leukemia (AL) within the high-risk group who went through transplantation (risk ratio: 4.866; 95% CI: 2.029-11.670;p<0.001) and in transplants performed in the remission phases following the first complete remission (risk ratio: 2.371; 95% CI: 1.154 - 4.872; p=0.019). Additionally, the relative mortality risk of transplantation in patients with acute leukemia (AL) with a number of DLIs applied (risk ratio: 0.456; 95% CI: 0.29 - 0.717; p=0.001) nd non-myeloablative regimen (risk ratio: 0.229; 95% CI: 0.053-0.992; p=0.049) was significantly lower. CONCLUSION: Efforts to enhance the number of DLIs, thus the number of infused cells, may result in better OS in cases with AL with relapse.

Type I bHLH Proteins Daughterless and Tcf4 Restrict Neurite Branching and Synapse Formation by Repressing Neurexin in Postmitotic Neurons.

Proneural proteins of the class I/II basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family are highly conserved transcription factors. Class I bHLH proteins are expressed in a broad number of tissues during development, whereas class II bHLH protein expression is more tissue restricted. Our understanding of the function of class I/II bHLH transcription factors in both invertebrate and vertebrate neurobiology is largely focused on their function as regulators of neurogenesis. Here, we show that the class I bHLH proteins Daughterless and Tcf4 are expressed in postmitotic neurons in Drosophila melanogaster and mice, respectively, where they function to restrict neurite branching and synapse formation. Our data indicate that Daughterless performs this function in part by restricting the expression of the cell adhesion molecule Neurexin. This suggests a role for these proteins outside of their established roles in neurogenesis.

Effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on olfactory function.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin B12 plays a major role in the maintenance of central and peripheral nervous systems. Vitamin B12 deficiency may affect the spinal cord, brain, optic nerve, and peripheral nerve functions; however, the effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on olfactory function has not been studied, so our study aimed to investigate that. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with low vitamin B12 levels and 34 controls were included in the study. All participants had detailed otorhinolaryngological examinations and laboratory tests. The Sniffin' Stick test was used for analysis of olfactory function. The 2 groups were compared for smell test results. Correlations of smell test results with demographic and laboratory data were investigated in the vitamin B12-deficient group. RESULTS: The threshold discrimination identification scores were (mean ± standard deviation) 28.04 ± 5.58 and 35.10 ± 2.84 in the vitamin B12-deficient and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). In the vitamin B12-deficient group, hyposmia and anosmia were evident in 56.4% and 5.1% of the patients, respectively, but no subjects in the control group had olfactory dysfunction (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis showed that age and odor identification score showed a negative correlation (p < 0.001); however, there was a positive correlation between threshold, discrimination and identification (TDI) score and vitamin B12 levels. CONCLUSION: In this study, we showed for the first time that olfactory dysfunction may be present in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. Apart from a negative correlation of age with odor identification score, none of the other parameters studied showed correlations with olfactory dysfunction.

Effect of timing of post space preparation on the apical seal when using different sealers and obturation techniques.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To prepare the post apace, some of the root-canal filling material has to be removed, which can affect the apical seal. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of immediate post space preparation to that of delayed post space preparation on apical sealing using three different endodontic sealers and obturation techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 90 decrowned single-rooted human teeth were studied. After root canals were prepared with 0.06 tapered nickel-titanium rotary files to size 30, the roots were categorized randomly into three experimental groups according to the obturation material: (1) AH plus/gutta-percha; (2) Sealite Ultra/gutta-percha; and (3) Epiphany/Resilon. Furthermore in all groups, specimens were categorized randomly into three subgroups according to the obturation technique (n = 10): (1) single cone; (2) cold lateral compaction; and (3) System B + Obtura. After root-canal filling, post space preparation was immediately performed in Group 1, after 24 hours in Group 2, and after 7 days in Group 3. Apical leakage was measured using the fluid-filtration method. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcoxon signed ranks test at P < 0.001. RESULTS: Regardless of the obturation technique and sealers used, significantly better (P < 0.001) sealing was achieved at the apical ends using delayed post space preparation than with immediate post preparation. The obturation techniques tested did not significantly affect leakage values. The following statistical ranking of fluid filtration values was obtained for the obturation materials: Epiphany/Resilon > Sealite Ultra/gutta-percha > AH plus/gutta-percha (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: To reduce apical leakage, clinicians should use AH plus together with any of the obturation techniques after 7 days of obturation.

Seroepidemiological Study of Toxocariasis among Volunteers Animal Husbandry Workers and Veterinary in Southern Anatolia in Turkey in 2014.

BACKGROUND: Human toxocariasis is a parasitic infection caused by the larvae of Toxocara canis. We examine the Toxocara seroprevalance in veterinarians and animal husbandry workers living in the Mugla Province, Turkey to evaluate better the risk factors for Toxocara exposure. METHODS: In 2014, 376 volunteers participated in the study in 2014. All blood specimens were tested using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit and ELISA positive samples were confirmed by Western Blot (WB) method. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of Toxocara, as determined by WB, was 8%. A statistically significant correlation was evident between patient age and Toxocara positivity among animal husbandry workers (P = 0.029). A strong association was also evident between sex and seropositivity in the animal husbandry group (P=0.024). Veterinarians working in pet clinics did in fact exhibit higher Toxocara seropositivities relative to those of other groups (P = 0.029). A statistically significant difference was detected between the rural geographic areas surveyed (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In Mugla Province, seroprevalence of Toxocara is lower than other regions. Despite the low seroprevalence observed, especially in high risk professions toxocariasis remains an important medical concern within the region.

Evaluation of Low-Level Laser Therapy in TMD Patients.

Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (laser) is one of the most recent treatment modalities in dentistry. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is suggested to have biostimulating and analgesic effects through direct irradiation without causing thermal response. There are few studies that have investigated the efficacy of laser therapy in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), especially in reduced mouth opening. The case report here evaluates performance of LLLT with a diode laser for temporomandibular clicking and postoperative findings were evaluated in two cases of TMD patients. First patient had a history of limited mouth opening and pain in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region since nine months. Second patient's main complaint was his restricted mouth opening, which was progressed in one year. LLLT was performed with a 685 nm red probed diode laser that has an energy density of 6.2 J/cm(2), three times a week for one month, and application time was 30 seconds (685 nm, 25 mW, 30 s, 0.02 Hz, and 6.2 J/cm(2)) (BTL-2000, Portative Laser Therapy Device). The treatment protocol was decided according to the literature. One year later patients were evaluated and there were no changes. This application suggested that LLLT is an appropriate treatment for TMD related pain and limited mouth opening and should be considered as an alternative to other methods.