The 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquakes: analysis of pediatric victims with crush syndrome and acute kidney Injury

BACKGROUND

On February 6th, 2023, two consecutive earthquakes struck southeastern Türkiye with magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6, respectively. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and laboratory findings, as well as management of pediatric victims with Crush Syndrome (CS) and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).

METHODS

The study included pediatric earthquake victims who were presented to Mersin University Hospital. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients were collected retrospectively.

RESULTS

Among 649 patients, Crush injury (CI), CS and AKI was observed in 157, 59, and 17 patients, respectively. White blood cell count (12,870 [IQR: 9910-18700] vs. 10,545 [IQR: 8355-14057] /µL, P < 0.001), C-reactive protein (51.27 [IQR: 14.80-88.78] vs. 4.59 [1.04-18.25] mg/L, P < 0.001) and myoglobin levels (443.00 [IQR: 198.5-1759.35] vs. 17 [11.8-30.43] ng/ml) were higher in patients with CS, while their sodium (IQR: 134 [131-137] vs. 136 [134-138] mEq/L, P < 0.001) levels were lower compared to non-CS patients. An increase in myoglobin levels was identified as an independent risk factor for developing CS (OR = 1.017 [1.006-1.027]). Intravenous fluid replacement was administered to the patients with CS at a dose of 4000 cc/m2/day. Hypokalemia was observed in 51.9% of the CS patients on the third day. All patients with AKI showed improvement and no deaths were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyponatremia and increase in inflammation markers associated with CS may be observed. An increase in myoglobin levels was identified as a risk factor for CS. Hypokalemia may be seen as a complication of vigorous fluid therapy during hospitalization.

Energy window optimization in bremsstrahlung imaging after Yttrium-90 microsphere therapy

In imaging of Yttrium-90 patients treated hepatic primary and metastatic cancers, bremsstrahlung photons produced in a wide energy range is used. However, the image quality depends on acquisition energy window. This research aimed energy window optimization for Yttrium-90 bremsstrahlung imaging and 48 patients with various types of cancer received radioembolization therapy were investigated. Patients were imaged using a GE Healthcare Optima NM/CT 640 series gamma camera system with a medium energy general-purpose (MEGP) collimator and planar images were acquired with 8 different energy windows in the 55-400 keV energy range. The data set, formed with the % FOV, contrast, and spatial resolution of image quality parameters calculated from these images, was statistically examined with ANOVA and Tukey tests. According to the visual evaluations and ANOVA/Tukey test results, it was statistically concluded that energy window of 90-110 keV is the optimal energy window while 60-400 keV energy ranges show the lowest image quality for Y-90 bremsstrahlung imaging.

The Effect of Deep Inspiration Breath-Hold Technique on Right Coronary Artery, Heart, and Liver Doses in Right Breast Cancer Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) approach has been thoroughly researched with the aim of reducing radiation exposures to normal tissues in breast cancer patients. Although heart and lung toxicity are widely addressed in many literature, radiation-associated liver toxicity and dose constraints for the right coronary artery (RCA) are not well studied in relation to breast radiotherapy. Additionally, very few studies have investigated the relationship between doses to cardiac substructures. This study aimed to determine the effect of the DIBH technique on the right coronary artery (RCA) region, cardiac substructures, and liver dose in right breast cancer irradiation.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Between January 2022 and December 2022, thirty-five right breast cancer patients who previously received breast-surgery underwent computed tomography (CT) simulation with both free-breathing (FB) and DIBH techniques. Patients were contoured by a radiation oncologist on the scans using the Treatment Planning System. For cardiac substructures, reference atlas contours were used for accurate delineation and to reduce inter-observer variation. Each patient underwent two treatment plans for both the DIBH and FB datasets. The plan comprised the FB and DIBH techniques, and the doses to the cardiac substructures, ipsilateral lung, RCA region, and liver were compared using a two-tailed paired t-test. Radiotherapy was delivered with a Linac with the prescription dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions.

RESULTS

For both FB and DIBH irradiation groups, the mean radiation doses to the ipsilateral lung, heart, and RCA region in patients with FB and DIBH techniques were; 14.67 Gy, 2.33 Gy, 4.88 Gy and 12.05 Gy, 1.34 Gy and 3.29 Gy respectively. The mean radiation doses to the cardiac substructures; for the left ventricle, right ventricle, left atrium, and right atrium for the FB were 1.08 Gy, 1.79 Gy, 4.11 Gy, and for DIBH, 0.49 Gy, 1.49 Gy, 0.95 Gy, and 2.61 Gy, respectively. For the DIBH group, the liver maximum dose (p<0.01), right lung mean dose (p = 0.001), heart maximum dose (p = 0.009), RCA mean dose (p = 0.020), RCA maximum dose (p = 0.008), RCA V5 dose (p = 0.035), right atrium maximum dose (p = 0.009) and right ventricle mean dose (p = 0.040) were significantly lower than in patients treated in the non-gated group.

CONCLUSION

DIBH resulted in considerable displacement of the liver away from the high-dose target region, such that the volume of liver in the high-dose region was reduced. Additionally, the use of the DIBH technique in right breast cancer irradiation effectively reduces the radiation doses to the cardiac substructures, such as the left ventricle, right ventricle, left atrium, right atrium, RCA region, and lungs. DIBH could lead to substantial sparing of these structures with the right breast cancer radiotherapy. Future prospective studies are required to determine whether improvements to dose-distribution will translate into improved toxicity outcomes.

Evaluation of arterial stiffness and serum endocan levels in patients with primary aldosteronism with new-onset hypertension and long-term hypertension

PURPOSE

There is growing evidence that prolonged exposure to high serum aldosterone concentrations results in target organ damage to the heart, kidney, and arterial wall, and that primary aldosteronism (PA) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. In this study, we aimed to evaluate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk indicators such as arterial stiffness [with pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement] in PA patients and endocan levels, which is a biomarker of endothelial dysfunction.

METHODS

28 patients with PA were included in our study. As the control group, 14 patients with essential hypertension (EHT) and 28 normotensive healthy volunteers were included. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum fasting glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), C-reactive protein (CRP), lipids and endocan levels of all subjects in the PA, EHT and control groups were measured. PWV measurements were performed to assess arterial stiffness.

RESULTS

In the PA group, PWV levels were similar to the EHT group, and endocan levels were lower than the EHT group. In the PA group, PWV levels were higher than the control group, and endocan levels were lower than the control group. When we compared the PA group with new-onset HT with the PA group with long-term HT, PWV levels were higher in the PA group with long-term HT. When we compared the long-term HT group with the EHT group, PWV levels were higher in the long-term HT PA group and endocan levels were higher in the EHT group. When we compared the PA group with long-term HT with the control group, PWV levels were higher in the PA group with long-term HT, and endocan levels were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, it was determined that arterial stiffness increased in PA cases with long-term HT compared to PA cases with new-onset HT, EHT cases and normotensive healthy cases. We found that endocan levels in PA patients were also lower than both EHT patients and healthy controls.

GRANULYSIN PEPTIDE AND GENE POLYMORPHISM IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF HASHIMOTO THYROIDITIS

Background

Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disease and the most common cause of hypothyroidism. The widespread lymphocyte infiltration in the thyroid gland and intolerance of the body against its thyroid antigens leads to the destruction of thyroid cells and impaired thyroid function. Granulysin (GNLY) is a cytolytic antimicrobial peptide that has been associated with a wide range of diseases such as various infections, cancer, transplantation, and skin problems. However, there are a few studies investigating the relationship between HT and granulysin.

Aim

Our study aims to investigate whether granulysin levels and GNLY gene polymorphism contribute to the damaged immune response leading to HT.

Material and Methods

100 unrelated patients diagnosed with HT and 140 healthy individuals were included in our study. Frequencies of GNLY rs10180391 and rs7908 gene polymorphisms were determined using PCR- RFLP method and serum granulysin levels were determined using ELISA.

Results

There is no statistical significance between patient and control groups in terms of genotype and allele frequencies of GNLY gene polymorphisms and serum levels of granulysin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, granulysin and GNLY gene polymorphisms do not appear to relate to HT disease.

NEW BIOMARKERS TO PREDICT CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN PATIENTS WITH ADRENAL INCIDENTALOMA; IRISIN AND NESFATIN-1

OBJECTIVE

In our study, we aimed to investigate the levels of irisin, nesfatin-1 and the relationship between levels of these relatively new molecules with cardiometabolic risk markers; carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness in patients with nonfunctional adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with NFAI (n=59) and age, sex and body mass index-matched healthy control subjects (n=59) were enrolled in this study. Serum glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid, irisin and nesfatin-1 levels and echocardiographic CIMT and EAT thickness measurements were performed in patients and controls.

RESULTS

The irisin level was 17.58 ± 4.38 pg/mL in the NFAI group, significantly higher (p<0.001) than 14.03 ± 4.03 pg/mL in the control group. Nesfatin-1 level was significantly lower in the NFAI group 194.98 ± 119.15 pg/mL ((p < 0.001)) versus 303.48 ± 200.78 pg/mL in the control group. A positive correlation was found between irisin and nesfatin-1 levels and CIMT and EAT thickness in the NFAI group.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, we found that irisin level was higher and nesfatin-1 level was lower in patients with NFAI, and both irisin and nesfatin-1 levels were associated with CIMT and EAT thickness in NFAI patients.

Investigation of macroanatomical and morphometric on the skull bones of Aksaray Malakli dogs

BACKGROUND

The skull is an important anatomical structure to discern dog breeds and wolves from dogs. For this purpose, skull morphology and some morphometric measurements of Malakli dogs, a local breed in the Aksaray region, were examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two distances were measured, and seven ratio's calculated, in nine skulls of adult dogs. In our study, different morphological features and statistical findings that were not revealed by taking measurements from thirty-two distinct anatomical points of Aksaray Malakli dog skull bones were determined in accordance with the literature.

RESULTS

Processus zygomaticus was found to be long and pointed in the Aksaray Malakli dogs. The morphometric analysis results, facial index value 107.68 ± 4.98, nasal index value 19.61 ± 3.25, cranial index value 56.17 ± 2.52, basal index value 30.57 ± 1.30, skull index 54.68 ± 3.01, palatal index I value 56.76 ± 1.89 in Aksaray Malaklı dog and palatal index II value was calculated as 59.83 ± 2.23.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded form the present investigation that the neurocranium length, facial index, cranial index, basal index, skull index, palatal index values ​​were statistically different from other dog breeds.

AB0743 DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS MAY DIFFER ACCORDING TO AGE AT PSORIASIS ONSET: CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS-INTERNATIONAL DATABASE

Background:

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are heterogenous diseases with various disease manifestations and phenotypes. Psoriasis has a bimodal age of onset being early (before the age of 40, type 1) and late. The impact of this classification on the PsA features is not well understood.

Objectives:

To compare the PsA characteristics of patients with early- and late-onset psoriasis in a large, multicenter database

Methods:

PSART-ID (Psoriatic Arthritis-International Database) is a prospective, multicenter web-based registry (www.trials-network.org) of patients with PsA. A detailed data collection was performed including demographics (sex, age, duration of education, smoking status, BMI), skin features (psoriasis onset date, type, initially involved site of skin, nail involvement (ever) and family history) and PsA characteristics (type of articular involvement and presence of axial, dactylitis (ever), enthesitis (ever), family history) and indices for disease activity and function (DAPSA, Leeds enthesitis index, BASDAI, BASFI, patient and physician global assessment, pain, HAQ-DI). We grouped according to the age at psoriasis onset (early onset, psoriasis before the age of 40 (EOPsO); late-onset, psoriasis after the age of 40 (LOPsO)), patient and disease characteristics of the groups were compared (1). Due to the differences among groups, following adjustments weer made: BMI for age, nail involvement for PsO disease duration, axial PsA for PsA disease duration.

Results:

A total of 1634 (62.8% females; EOPsO, 1108 (67.8%); LOPsO, 526 (32.2%)) patients with PsA was recruited. Rate of over-weight patients was higher in LOPsO group (66.8% vs. 86.8%, p<0.001; adjusted for age - aOR 1.55 (1.11-2.20; % 95 CI)). The EOPsO group had the scalp involvement as the initial site of skin disease more often than the LOPsO group (56.7% vs. 43.0%, p<0.001), whereas extremity involvement was more frequent as the initial finding in the LOPsO group (EOPsO vs. LOPsO 63.8% vs. 74.2%, p<0.001). Nail involvement (ever) was more prominent in EOPsO group, however, the significance was disappeared when adjusted for psoriasis duration. Interaction between gender and both axial disease and psoriatic disease family history were found (axial disease in man; EOPsO vs LOPsO; 38.0% vs. 25.4%; p=0.005; adjusted for PsA duration - aOR 0.56 (0.38-0.84; %95 CI) // psoriatic disease family history in females; EOPsO vs LOPsO; 39.5% vs. 30.1%; p=0.003; OR 0.65 (0.50-0.86; %95 CI)). Duration between PsO and PsA was significantly longer in EOPsO group (148 vs. 24 months, p<0.001). In EOPsO group, more patients had PsO preceeding PsA than LOPsO group (81.8% vs. 60.6%, p<0.001), however, synchronous disease -defined as the diagnosis of PsO and PsA within the same year- was more common in LOPsO group (16.6% vs. 30.3%, p<0.001) (Table 1). Psoriatic disease activity parameters, patient and physician reported outcomes and HAQ-DI scores were similar in both groups.

Table 1.

Comparison of psoriatic arthritis patients‘ characteristics according to age at psoriasis onset

Conclusion:

Clinical features of PsA may be affected by the age at the onset of psoriasis. As the genetic background is different in early and late-onset psoriasis, this may suggest a different pathogenetic mechanism based on the psoriasis phenotype, also affecting the PsA features. Further prospective studies are needed to define whether the classification of PsA requires including psoriasis phenotypes as well.

References:

[1]Henseler T, Christophers E. Psoriasis of early and late onset: characterization of two types of psoriasis vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1985;13(3):450-6.

Disclosure of Interests:

Emre Bilgin: None declared, Özün Bayindir: None declared, esen kasapoğlu: None declared, Sibel Bakirci: None declared, Dilek Solmaz: None declared, Gezmiş Kimyon: None declared, Atalay Doğru: None declared, Ediz Dalkiliç: None declared, Cem Özişler: None declared, Meryem Can: None declared, Servet Akar: None declared, Emine Figen Tarhan: None declared, Şule Yavuz: None declared, Levent Kiliç: None declared, Orhan Küçükşahin: None declared, Ahmet Omma: None declared, Emel Gönüllü: None declared, Fatih Yildiz: None declared, Duygu Ersözlü: None declared, abdurrahman tufan: None declared, Muhammet Çinar: None declared, Abdulsamet Erden: None declared, Sema Yilmaz: None declared, Seval Pehlevan: None declared, Tuncay Duruöz: None declared, Sibel Aydin: None declared, Umut Kalyoncu Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, UCB

AB0761 DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL FEATURES OF JUVENILE-ONSET PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: RESULTS FROM PsART-ID REGISTRY

Background:

Although psoriatic arthritis (PsA) may be seen at any decades, juvenil onset PsA is relatively rare. Moreover, there were no more data about clinical features, treatments, and course in juvenile PsA when they reached to adult age.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to assess and compare demographic and clinical features for juvenile onset PsA and adult onset PsA.

Methods:

PsART-ID is a multicenter, international database, investigating the disease characteristic in real life (1). Briefly, demographic data, PsA subtypes, uveitis, enthesitis, dactylitis, Co-morbidities, disease activity scores (TJC, SJC, VAS-pain, VAS patients and physician global assessments, VAS-fatigue, BASDAI), and functional status (HAQ-DI, BASFI) were recorded. Psoriasis and PsA starting age were noted, as well. Patients were classified as juvenile PsA or juvenile PsO (under 18 years old). Results were compared regarding to juvenile versus adult onset age.

Results:

Overall, 1644 PsA patients were included to study, 301/1644 (18.3%) patients had juvenile onset psoriasis. Of 39/1644 (2.4%) patients had juvenile onset PsA, as well. As expected, juvenile onset PsA patients were younger, however PsA disease duration were longer than adult onset PsA patients. There were no any difference between demographic and clinical data, except BMI and enthesitis were less frequently at the juvenile onset PsA groups. Although, ever csDMARD using were similar between two groups, however, juvenile onset PsA patients were used more frequently bDMARDs.

Table.

Comparison of demographic and clinical characteristics of juvenile and adult-onset psoriatic arthritis

Juvenile onsetAdult onsetpN (%)39 (2.4)1605 (97.6)Female Sex n (%)24 (61.5)1006 (62.7)0.884PsA beginning age mean (SD)13.3 ± 3.8542.3 ± 12.9<0.001Current age mean (SD)26.6 ±10.747.3 ±13.07<0.001Duration of psoriasis (years)17.10 ± 11.2614.75 ± 11.780.124Duration of psoriatic arthritis (years)13.5 ±115.06 ± 6.7<0.001Cigarette smoking (ever) n (%)15/38641/14940.72Education duration/year (mean,SD)10.09 ± 3.679.52 ± 4.810.464BMI (kg/m2) (mean, SD)24.5 ±5.128.3 ± 5.21<0.001Family history of PsO/PsA n (%)15 (38.5)559 (34.9)0.642Nail involvement n (%)18 (46.2)762 (47.5)0.864Dactilitis n (%)9 (23.7)367 (24)0.958Entesitis n (%)3 (7.9)384 (25.7)0.013Uveitis n (%)-13 (4.3)0.713Axial involvement (%)15 (38.5)464 (29)0.199Methotrexate36 (92.3)1348 (84)0.162Sulfasalazine17 (43.6)612 (38.1)0.488Leflunomide14 (35.9)379 (23.6)0.076Biologic DMARDs102 (33.9)358 (26.8)0.013

Conclusion:

Although psoriasis may be seen frequently in the juvenile age, juvenile onset PsA was not so frequent in our PsA cohort. Although, ever csDMARD using were similar between two groups, however, juvenile onset PsA patients were used bDMARDs more frequently.

References:

[1]Kalyoncu U et al. The Psoriatic Arthritis Registry of Turkey: results of a multicenter registry on 1081 patients. Rheumatology. 2017;56:279-286.

Disclosure of Interests:

Serpil ERGULU EŞMEN: None declared, Ozun Bayindir: None declared, esen kasapoğlu: None declared, Sibel Bakirci: None declared, Dilek Solmaz: None declared, Gezmiş Kimyon: None declared, Atalay Doğru: None declared, Ediz Dalkiliç: None declared, Cem Özişler: None declared, Meryem Can: None declared, Servet Akar: None declared, Emine Figen Tarhan: None declared, Sule Yavuz: None declared, Levent Kiliç: None declared, Orhan Küçükşahin: None declared, Ahmet Omma: None declared, Emel Gönüllü: None declared, Fatih Yildiz: None declared, Duygu Ersözlü: None declared, abdurrahman tufan: None declared, Muhammet Çinar: None declared, Abdulsamet Erden: None declared, Sema Yilmaz: None declared, Seval Pehlevan: None declared, Mehmet Tuncay Duruöz: None declared, Sibel Aydin: None declared, Umut Kalyoncu Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, UCB

SAT0440 METHOTREXATE SURVIVAL RATE IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS FROM PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS –INTERNATIONAL DATABASE (PsArt-ID) COHORT

Background:

Methotrexate (MTX) is the most common first-line disease-modified anti-rheumatic drugs in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), despite the controversies.

Objectives:

In this study, we aimed to determine the rate of withdrawal rate of MTX in PsA and reasons for discontinuing.

Objectives:

In this study, we aimed to determine the rate of withdrawal rate of MTX in PsA and reasons for discontinuing.

Methods:

A large prospective international multicenter PsA registry was used for this study. Data were collected either at enrolment, based on history, or prospectively if there was a follow up. We analyzed the frequency of MTX usage, discontinuation and the reason for discontinuation. The time on MTX was compared according to the reason of discontinuation (inefficacy vs side effects) using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses to identify risk factors for discontinuation.

Results:

At the time of analyses, 1670 patients had been recruited to the registry and 1359 PsA patients had used MTX during the course of the disease (81.3%). Within these, 942 (69.3%) were still on MTX at the time of analysis, and 417 (30.7%) patients have discontinued (Table). The most common reasons for withdrawal were side effects (219/417, 52.5%) and ineffectiveness (88/417, 21.1%). Other reasons included pregnancy, remission, self-decision (11.9% for all). For 60 patients (14.3%), the reason could not be identified. In patients who were still on MTX, the median duration of MTX therapy was 31 months (IQR=59) compared to 17 months (IQR=43) in the withdrawal group. The most common side effects were gastrointestinal symptoms (47%) and abnormal liver function tests (25%). There was a significant difference in survival plots (Log-rank p=0.026) with discontinuing due to side effects occurring earlier than inefficacy (Figure 1). In cox regression model, longer disease duration was found as an independent predictor of MTX discontinuation due to all reasons [Hazard Ratio (HR)=1.01, 95% Confidence interval (CI)=1.0-1.02; p=0.003].

Conclusion:

MTX is frequently used on PsA treatment, despite the controversies in the literature. One third of patients with PsA discontinue MTX, most commonly due to side effects or inefficacy. Patients discontinue MTX earlier in case of having side effects. Longer disease duration is linked to MTX discontinuation.

Table.

Demographics and disease characteristics of study groups

All patientsn=1359Still on MTXn=942Withdrawal MTX any reasonn=417pAge, mean (SD)46.4 (13.4)46.1 (13.4)47.7 (14.0)0.038Male gender, n (%)523 (38.5)360 (38.2)163 (39.1)0.761Ever smoking, n (%)569/1258 (46.2)390/861 (45.3)179/397 (45.1)0.966Psoriasis duration (years), mean (SD)14.2 (11.7)14.0 (11.2)16.4 (12.7)0.003Polyarthritis, n (%)657/1343 (48.9)471/931 (50.6)186/412 (45.1)0.066Axial disease, n (%)388/1343 (28.9)267/931 (28.7)121/412 (29.4)0.797Nail involvement (ever), n (%)644 (47.8)435 (46.6)209 (50.5)0.191Swollen Joint Count, mean (SD)1.5 (2.6)1.4 (2.6)2.0 (3.2)<0.001Tender Joint Count, mean (SD)3.0 (4.4)3.5 (5.0)4.2 (5.4)<0.001HAQ, mean (SD)0.6 (0.6)0.7 (0.7)0.8 (0.7)0.035BASDAI,mean (SD)37 (22)39 (23)46 (25)0.001

Disclosure of Interests:

Dilek Solmaz: None declared, Umut Kalyoncu Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, UCB, Ilaria Tinazzi: None declared, Ozun Bayindir: None declared, Ediz Dalkiliç: None declared, Atalay Dogru: None declared, Cem Özişler: None declared, Gezmiş Kimyon: None declared, Gozde Yildirim Cetin Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, MSD, Ahmet Omma: None declared, Emine Figen Tarhan: None declared, Levent Kiliç: None declared, Servet Akar: None declared, Sema Yilmaz: None declared, Meryem Can: None declared, Sule Yavuz: None declared, Orhan Küçükşahin: None declared, Sibel Bakirci: None declared, Sibel Aydin: None declared

Fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus : Association with disease activity, quality of life and psychosocial factors

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine which disease-related factors and non-disease features can explain the presence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-related fatigue in Turkish patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out with 99 SLE patients and 71 healthy controls. To assess fatigue and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) the participants were asked to complete two questionnaires: the short form-36 health survey (SF-36) and the multidimensional assessment of fatigue (MAF) scale. Anxiety and depression of participants were assessed by the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS).

RESULTS

A total of 99 patients (female/male 95/4) and 71 controls (female/male 40/31) were studied. The mean age and standard deviation (±SD) of patients and controls were 43.3 ± 12.2 years and 43.2 ± 12.1 years, respectively. The mean (SD) disease duration was 7.8 ± 5.3 years and median SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score was 0 (range = 0-16). The level of fatigue was higher in patients compared to controls with mean MAF scores of 24.7 ± 12.2 and 12.8 ± 9.9 (p < 0.001), respectively. The HADS-D and HADS-A scores were also significantly higher in SLE patients (6.6 ± 4.3 vs. 3.6 ± 2.9, p < 0.001 and 7.2 ± 4 vs. 4.9 ± 4, p = 0.007, respectively). There were no significant associations between the MAF and SLEDAI scores (r = 0.05, p = 0.63) but MAF scores positively correlated with age, HADS-A and HADS-D scores and negatively correlated with physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary (MCS) and each domain of SF-36 except role emotional in SLE patients.

CONCLUSION

Fatigue is an important factor influencing patient daily life independent from disease activity in our study. The SLE patients with severe fatigue should also be assessed for other possible underlying causes such as anxiety, depression and poor quality of life.

Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization on 4-(2,5-di-2-thienyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl) benzoic acid: A DFT approach

A complete structural and vibrational analysis of the 4-(2,5-di-2-thienyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl) benzoic acid (TPBA), was carried out by ab initio calculations, at the density functional theory (DFT) method. Molecular geometry, vibrational wavenumbers and gauge including atomic orbital (GIAO) (13)C NMR and (1)H NMR chemical shift values of (TPBA), in the ground state have been calculated by using ab initio density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) method with 6-311G(d,p) as basis set for the first time. Comparison of the observed fundamental vibrational modes of (TPBA) and calculated results by DFT/B3LYP method indicates that B3LYP level of theory giving yield good results for quantum chemical studies. Vibrational wavenumbers obtained by the DFT/B3LYP method are in good agreement with the experimental data. The study was complemented with a natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, to evaluate the significance of hyperconjugative interactions and electrostatic effects on such molecular structure. By using TD-DFT method, electronic absorption spectra of the title compound have been predicted and a good agreement with the TD-DFT method and the experimental one is determined. In addition, the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), frontier molecular orbitals analysis and thermodynamic properties of TPBA were investigated using theoretical calculations.

Surface modification of CdSeS nanocrystals for polymer hybrid solar cells

We report synthesis of Fluorene–Carbazole derivatives as caping agent for CdSeS nanocrystals to improve the performance of polymer nanocrystal hybrid solar cells.

Gastroprotective effects of CoQ10 on ethanol-induced acute gastric lesions

INTRODUCTION

Alcohol consumption is frequently associated with gastric mucosal lesions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Coenzyme-Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on the ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in a rat model.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Sixty-four female wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 8). Studies were performed in ethanol induced gastric ulcer model in Wistar albino rats. Famotidine at a dose of 5 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg and CoQ10 at a single dose of 10 mg/kg or 20 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg for 7 days were administered as pretreatment. All the rats in study groups received 2 ml/kg ethanol 95 % intragastrically, 30 minutes after pretreatment. Four hour after ethanol administration, all rats were sacrificed and their stomachs were removed under ketamin anaesthesia. Gastric protection was evaluated by measuring the ulcer index, MDA concentrations, and histopathological studies.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Rats pretreated either with famotidine or CoQ10 had significantly diminished gastric mucosal damage which was assessed with gross and microscopic analysis (p < 0.00625). MDA levels were significantly lower in famotidine 20 mg/kg and CoQ10 pretreatment for 7 days group (p < 0.00625).

Structural investigation of a self-assembled monolayer material 5-[(3-methylphenyl) (phenyl) amino] isophthalic acid for organic light-emitting devices

The molecular structure and vibrations of 5-[(3-methylphenyl) (phenyl) amino] isophthalic acid (MePIFA) were investigated by infrared and Raman spectroscopies, UV-Vis, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopic techniques and NBO analysis. FT-IR, FT-Raman and dispersive Raman spectra were recorded in the solid phase. (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra and UV-Vis spectrum were recorded in DMSO solution. HOMO-LUMO analysis and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) analysis were performed. The theoretical calculations for the molecular structure and spectroscopies were performed with DFT (B3LYP) and 6-311G(d,p) basis set calculations using the Gaussian 09 program. After the geometry of the molecule was optimized, vibration wavenumbers and fundamental vibration wavenumbers were assigned on the basis of the potential energy distribution (PED) of the vibrational modes calculated with VEDA 4 program. The total (TDOS), partial (PDOS) density of state and overlap population density of state (OPDOS) diagrams analysis were made using GaussSum 2.2 program. The results of theoretical calculations for the spectra of the title compound were compared with the observed spectra.

The antioxidant effect of Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea in rat colitis model induced by acetic acid

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon, and reactive oxidative metabolites (ROMs) play an important role in its pathogenesis. Alternative therapies such as herbal remedies are increasingly being used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis for better clinical outcome of ulcerative colitis and less adverse effects. Echinacea has many features including antioxidant and wound-healing properties. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of Echinacea spp. on experimental colitis model induced by acetic acid in Wistar albino rats.

METHODS

Acute colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of acetic acid. Rats were divided into four groups, namely control, Echinacea-administered, Echinacea-administered-colitis and colitis. Malondialdehyde and total antioxidant status were assayed in tissue samples. Histopathological evaluation was also performed.

RESULTS

Macroscopic and microscopic scores were significantly higher in colitis group compared to control, Echinacea and Echinacea-colitis groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant differences in respect of macroscopic and microscopic scores between control, Echinacea and Echinacea-colitis groups (p > 0.3, p > 0.22). Malondialdehyde levels were elevated in colitis group compared to other groups (p < 0.001). Total antioxidant status was significantly higher in Echinacea group compared with other groups and also significantly higher in Echinacea-colitis group compared with colitis group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Echinacea may possibly have some therapeutic usefulness in the management of ulcerative colitis (Tab. 2, Fig. 4, Ref. 35).

Gold nanoparticle loaded phytosomal systems: synthesis, characterization and in vitro investigations

A novel liposomal formulation was synthesized by encapsulating both gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) andCalendula officinalisextract as AuNP-phytosomes and AuNP-phytosomes were characterized and used atin vitroinvestigations.

Effect of ozone oxidative preconditioning in preventing early radiation-induced lung injury in rats

Ionizing radiation causes its biological effects mainly through oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen species. Previous studies showed that ozone oxidative preconditioning attenuated pathophysiological events mediated by reactive oxygen species. As inhalation of ozone induces lung injury, the aim of this study was to examine whether ozone oxidative preconditioning potentiates or attenuates the effects of irradiation on the lung. Rats were subjected to total body irradiation, with or without treatment with ozone oxidative preconditioning (0.72 mg/kg). Serum proinflammatory cytokine levels, oxidative damage markers, and histopathological analysis were compared at 6 and 72 h after total body irradiation. Irradiation significantly increased lung malondialdehyde levels as an end-product of lipoperoxidation. Irradiation also significantly decreased lung superoxide dismutase activity, which is an indicator of the generation of oxidative stress and an early protective response to oxidative damage. Ozone oxidative preconditioning plus irradiation significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, which might indicate protection of the lung from radiation-induced lung injury. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 beta levels, which increased significantly following total body irradiation, were decreased with ozone oxidative preconditioning. Moreover, ozone oxidative preconditioning was able to ameliorate radiation-induced lung injury assessed by histopathological evaluation. In conclusion, ozone oxidative preconditioning, repeated low-dose intraperitoneal administration of ozone, did not exacerbate radiation-induced lung injury, and, on the contrary, it provided protection against radiation-induced lung damage.

The effects of nitrous oxide on vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels in methyltetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate the effects of nitrous oxide on plasma total homocysteine and vitamin B12 levels in patients with or without methyltetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHRF) gene mutation.

METHODS

After obtaining the ethics committee approval and written informed consents of patients, 93 patients between 18-70 years of age scheduled for surgery anticipated to last 1-4 hours were enrolled in the study. Patients with contraindications for nitrous oxide use were excluded. Preoperatively, blood samples were obtained from all patients for the determination of MTHFR gene mutation. Anesthesia induction was achieved with 3 mg.kg-1 of propofol and 1 µg.kg-1 of fentanyl. Anesthesia maintenance was performed with sevoflurane and with a carrier gas composed of 40 % O2 and 60 % N2O. Venous blood samples were obtained after venous canulation, and 24 hours after extubation for the analysis of plasma total homocysteine, vitamin B12 levels.

RESULTS

Eighty-one patients were included in the study. Postoperative vitamin B12 levels were found to be significantly lower when compared with their preoperative levels (p<0.05). It was found that MTHRF gene polymorphism had no significant effect on postoperative plasma total homocysteine and serum vitamin B12 levels (p>0.05). Postoperative plasma total homocysteine levels were found to be significantly different between patients with operation times under and over 3 hours (p=0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that MTHRF gene polymorphism had no significant effects on postoperative plasma total homocysteine levels. However, we found that homocysteine levels might rise in patients who received general anesthesia with nitrous oxide for longer than 3 hours (Tab. 7, Ref. 26).

Tear film osmolarity in patients with diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

To compare tear film osmolarity (TFO) between patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and normal healthy individuals.

METHODS

In this prospective case-controlled study, the TFO in 46 normal subjects (control group) and 55 patients with DM (study group) was evaluated. TFO in milliosmole (mOsm) was measured by using an auto-osmometer. The serum levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood glucose in all participants were also measured. Mean outcome measures were TFO and its relationship with HbA1c level and duration of DM.

RESULTS

Mean TFO was 320.40 ± 21.80 mOsm/l in the study group and 308.22 ± 18.16 mOsm/l in the control group (p < 0.001). The TFO values were significantly associated with duration of DM (r = 0.476, p < 0.001), but no significant correlation was found with HbA1c level (r = 0.225, p = 0.114).

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows a significantly higher TFO in patients with DM than in the healthy controls. TFO also correlates with the duration of DM.