Analysis of the bond strength between conventional, putty or resin-modified calcium silicate cement and bulk fill composites

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of three different calcium silicate-based cements (CBCs) with two different bulk-fill composite resins (CRs).

METHODS

Plexiglas moulds with a diameter of 4 mm and a thickness of 2 mm were prepared (n = 60). The Biodentine, NeoPutty and MTA Cem LC samples were randomly divided into two subgroups containing 10 samples each. Surfaces of samples were air dried and Single Bond universal adhesive was applied. Cylindrical plastic capsules of 4 mm height and 2 mm inner diameter belonging to Filtek Bulk-fill and EverX Posterior CRs were centred on coating material and polymerized for 20 s. After shear bond strength (SBS) testing, all samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to identify failure patterns. Three samples, one from each group, were prepared to evaluate chemical composition of CBCs and examined with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for surface elemental analysis.

RESULTS

The values obtained from the tests were evaluated as statistically significant (P < 0.05). After SBS testing, the difference between all CBCs was statistically significant in both CRs.

CONCLUSION

According to the findings in this study, it was concluded that MTA Cem LC had highest SBS values in both CRs. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.

Anterior segment complications after dexamethasone implantations:real world data

PURPOSE

We aim to contribute to the literature in terms of treatment safety with our real world data by examining the anterior segment complications and follow-up results of patients who underwent dexamethasone implants in our clinic.

METHODS

The records of patients treated with at least one intravitreal dexamethasone implant for various retinal diseases: diabetic macular edema (265 eyes), central retinal vein occlusion (45 eyes), retinal vein branch occlusion (91 eyes), postoperative cystoid macular edema (18 eyes), non-infectious uveitis (37 eyes) and other (14 eyes) between July 2013 and April 2020 were reviewed.

RESULTS

After 925 injections were applied to 470 eyes of a total of 383 patients, the eyes were controlled during a mean follow-up of 24 months. No complications were detected in 328 eyes. Intraocular pressure (IOP) above 25 mmHg was detected in 97 eyes (20.6%) that had no previous history of ocular hypertension. Of these 97 eyes, 71 (73.1%) eyes with increased IOP were treated with topical monotherapy, 26 (26.8%) eyes were treated with topical combined therapy and 1 (1.03%) patient had glaucoma surgery. Cataracts requiring surgical intervention developed in 55 (%21.73) of 253 phakic eyes. Three patients have anterior chamber dislocation of dexamethasone, 1 patient was hospitalized with sterile endophthalmitis on the 7th day after the injection, and pars plana vitrectomy was performed.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first long-term follow-up study in our country evaluating the safety of dexamethasone implant injections in various retinal diseases and presenting the first real world data. Cataract progression and increased IOP were found to be the most common side effects. We observed that the patient's diagnosis did not cause a statistically significant change in the observation of side effects. As a result of our findings, close follow-up of IOP after the injection of dexamethasone implants would be appropriate.

Recurrent Cushing's Disease in Adults: Predictors and Long-Term Follow-Up

Cushing's disease (CD) is characterized by endogenous hypercortisolism that is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Due to high recurrence rates in CD, the determination of high-risk patients is of paramount importance. In this study, we aimed to determine recurrence rates and clinical, laboratory, and histological predictors of recurrence in a high volume single-center. This retrospective study included 273 CD patients operated in a single pituitary center between 1997 and 2020. The patients with early postoperative remission were further grouped according to recurrence status (recurrent and sustained remission groups). Demographic, radiologic, laboratory, pathologic, and follow-up clinical data of the patients were analyzed and compared between groups. The recurrence rate was 9.6% in the first 5 years; however, the overall recurrence rate was 14.2% in this study. Higher preoperative basal ACTH levels were significantly correlated with CD recurrence even with ACTH levels adjusted for tumor size, Ki-67 levels, and tumoral invasion. Recurrence rates were significantly higher in patients with ACTH levels higher than 55 pg/ml, tumor diameter>9.5 mm, and if adrenal axis recovery was before 6 months. The severity of hypercortisolism, morbidities, and demographic factors except age were not predictive factors of recurrence. Based on our study data, younger age at diagnosis, a diagnosis of osteoporosis, higher preoperative ACTH levels, larger tumor size, invasive behavior, higher Ki 67 index, and early recovery of the adrenal axis during the postoperative period attracted attention as potential predictors of recurrent disease.

Recent findings of Pamphagidae (Orthoptera: Acridoidea) from Turkey

Some new findings of the family Pamphagidae obtained in the field trips carried out in Turkey are presented. New distributional, morphological, and zoogeographical information are given for the recorded 15 species and subspecies. A new species Nocaracris nebulosa Ünal, sp. nov. and the unknown male of Nocaracris tauricola Ramme, 1951 are described.

Subfamilial placement of the tribe Finotiini and of the genus Ocneridia (Orthoptera: Pamphagidae)

The genus Finotia was established by Bonnet in 1884 and included in the subfamily Pamphaginae; later, in 1916 Bolívar described the tribe Finotiini to include the genus and differentiate it from the other of the subfamily Pamphaginae, tribe Pamphagini. Differently from previous authors, who agreed with this placement, the present authors examined the phallic complex of Finotia maxima Jannone, 1938, finding out that it has the typical characters present in the subfamily Thrinchinae; thus they move the tribe Finotiini from the subfamily Pamphaginae to that of Thrinchinae. In addition, the genus Ocneridia Bolívar, 1912, differently from other genera within the tribe Pamphagini, lacks of the Krauss' plate; coherently with the tribe placements within the subfamily Pamphaginae, the present authors establish the new tribe Ocneridiini to include the genus Ocneridia.

Chylothorax due to thrombosis of the jugular and subclavian veins in a patient with gastric cancer: a case report

BACKGROUND

Chylothorax is a rare condition due to leakage of chyle in the thoracic cavity. When large amounts of chyle leak into the thoracic cavity, it can lead to severe respiratory, immune, and metabolic complications. Chylothorax has many potential underlying etiologies, and the most common causes are traumatic chylothorax and lymphoma. Venous thrombosis of the upper extremities is a rare cause of a chylothorax.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 62-year-old Dutch man with a medical history of gastric cancer, treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery 13 months prior, presented with dyspnea and a swollen left arm. Computed tomography thorax showed bilateral pleural effusion that was more prominent on the left side. The computed tomography scan further revealed thrombosis of the left jugular and subclavian veins and osseal masses suggesting cancer metastasis. Thoracentesis was performed to confirm the suspicion of gastric cancer metastasis. The obtained fluid was milky with a high level of triglycerides, but contained no malignant cells; hence, the diagnosis of the pleural effusion was chylothorax. Treatment with anticoagulation and a medium-chain-triglycerides diet was started. Furthermore, bone metastasis was confirmed with a bone biopsy.

CONCLUSION

Our case report demonstrates chylothorax as a rare cause of dyspnea in a patient with pleural effusion and a history of cancer. Therefore, this diagnosis should be considered in all patients with a history of cancer with new-onset pleural effusion and thrombosis of the upper extremities or clavicular/mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

Fungal keratitis caused by Scedosporium apiospermum: a case report

Background

We present a case of fungal keratitis caused by Scedosporium apiospermum, which is a rare agent.

Case description

A 34-year-old Caucasian male patient was admitted to our clinic with complaints of pain and blurred vision in the left eye. The patient had a history of wearing contact lenses for 3 years. According to the Snellen chart, the patient’s visual acuity was 20/20 and counting fingers at 30 cm, for right and left eyes, respectively. A 3 × 3 mm corneal abscess at the center of the cornea with hypopyon in the patient’s left eye was observed. After the patient was hospitalized, fortified gentamicin and fortified cefazolin drops were started 24 times per day. Intravenous fluconazole 1 × 800 mg loading, 1 × 400 mg maintenance dose, intravenous vancomycin 4 × 500 mg and intravenous cefoperazone + sulbactam 2 × 2 g treatments were started. We observed S. apiospermum in the corneal scraping sample, which the identification was performed by combined phenotypic characteristics and matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry on the sixth day of treatment. The drops were revised as fortified vancomycin, ceftazidime, and voriconazole drops 24 times per day. Intravenous voriconazole 2 × 6 mg/kg loading and 2 × 4 mg/kg maintenance dose treatments were started. Three weeks later, left eye visual acuity increased to 20/40, and the corneal abscess regressed. On second-year follow-up, his visual acuity increased to 20/25 for the left eye and the cornea was transparent.

Conclusion

Scedosporium group is an opportunistic filamentous fungus that is very rarely seen and causes severe keratitis infections. In the literature, to the best of our knowledge, three cases of keratitis due to S. apiospermum after contact lenses were reported, and all were treated with penetrating keratoplasty. In this case, unlike the others, only medical treatment was applied. In cases with suspected fungal keratitis, medical treatment should be started without waiting for the culture result, the findings should be followed and penetrating keratoplasty should be performed in the case of no response to treatment.

Colour agreement between try-in paste and resin cement: effect of background on zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate

PURPOSE

To investigate colour agreement between different shades of Panavia V5 resin cement and their try-in pastes under zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramics.

METHODS

Forty-four zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic specimens were prepared at 0.8 ± 0.01 mm thickness. Composite resin tooth-shaded background specimens were obtained in two shades. Resin cement specimens were fabricated at 0.1-mm thickness. Colour difference values (ΔE) between Aquagel and both the try-in paste and resin cement were calculated using the CIE-Lab system. The CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) colour formula was used to determine colour differences. The three-way ANOVA test and a multiple comparisons test were used for statistical analysis (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was found between the ΔE00 values obtained from the cement shade colour measurements for all specimens (P < 0.05). According to the three-way ANOVA test, lower ΔE00 values were observed in the try-in paste group compared to the resin cement group. The ΔE00 values were significantly affected by the cement shade and tooth-shaded background (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The colour agreement between the try-in pastes and the corresponding resin cement differed, and the try-in pastes could not mask the dark dental background as much as the corresponding resin cement.

Traumatic Avulsion of Upper Eyelid Skin Following Surgery in a Patient With Multiple Myeloma and Amyloid Light-chain Amyloidosis

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common hematologic malignancy. Primary systemic amyloidosis or amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare disease.

PURPOSE

This article presents the case of a patient with MM and AL amyloidosis who experienced a severe case of medical adhesive-related skin injury.

CASE STUDY

A 64-year-old man with MM, AL amyloidosis, and diabetes presented with a necrotic wound on his left heel that required surgical debridement. The patient experienced a traumatic avulsion of the right upper eyelid skin during the removal of the corneal abrasion preventive tape as well as traumatic avulsion of the left upper eyelid skin while the patient's face was being cleansed. The avulsed right upper eyelid skin above the tarsus was repaired with a full-thickness skin graft. The partly avulsed left upper eyelid skin was repositioned, and an excisional biopsy was taken. Both upper eyelids healed uneventfully. The biopsy specimen revealed increased amyloid deposition in the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and areas surrounding the veins and sweat glands.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates the increased risk of medical adhesive-related skin injury and other skin damage in patients with MM and AL amyloidosis. In these patients, the use of tape should be avoided to prevent intraoperative corneal abrasion.

Renal Frame Count and High Blood Pressure

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the relationship between hypertension stages according to JNC-8 classification and mean renal frame count (RFC), which is an indicator of renal perfusion.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 100 hypertensive patients without obstructive renal artery disease, who had been evaluated with renal artery angiography for hypertension, were allocated into 2 groups (Stage 1 and Stage 2 hypertension). During coronary angiography, the patients were evaluated by selective renal angiography using 6F Judkins catheter. Cineangiographic images were evaluated by the same clinician and mean RFC was estimated for both renal arteries. Injections during renal angiography were performed with power injector and same amount of radiopaque media with same speed was used for all patients.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, sex, duration of hypertension, and laboratory markers. Stage 2 hypertensive patients (Group 2) had a significantly higher mean RFC than Stage 1 hypertensive patients (Group 1) (p<0.001). The mean RFC of both kidneys in Group 2 was significantly higher than that of Group 1 (p<0.001 and p=0.023, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that the mean RFC increased with increases in hypertension levels and it could be used as an indicator of renal perfusion, which is an indirect marker of renal function. If renal artery flow gets slower, blood pressure levels increase and there is a proportional relationship between these two variables (mean RFC and blood pressure levels). This study also demonstrated that there was a statistically significant correlation between mean RFC and JNC-8 hypertension stages.

Plasma galectin-3 as a biomarker for clinical staging of heart failure: a cross-sectional evaluation of 100 cases

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the plasma galectin-3 concentration associated with the severity of HF and its use as a biomarker for clinical staging of heart failure (HF).

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study, in which 100 HF cases diagnosed by clinical parameters and echocardiography were included and subgrouped into NYHA classes (I-IV) based on clinical severity and functional limitations. Plasma galectin-3 was measured with respect to these subgroups.

RESULTS

The median plasma galectin-3 concentration in pg/mL was 82.7 (95% confidence interval: 64.5-112.7), 267.2 (214.3-293.5), 694.8 (626.4-902.4), and 1530.4 (1443.1-2384.4) in NYHA class I, II, III, and IV subgroups, respectively (p <0.05). The proposed galectin-3 concentrations in mild, moderate, and severe HF were 100-460, 460-1170, and >1170 pg/mL, respectively. Galectin-3 was negatively correlated with LV Ejection fraction (EF) by Simpson's biplane method (r=-0.634, p<0.001). Pro BNP showed that the level of plasma galectin-3 was positively correlated with the level of plasma NT pro BNP (r = 0.878, p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The plasma galectin-3 concentration showed progressive increase with increasing severity of HF; therefore, it may be used in clinical staging of the disease.

Active Transport Dacryocystography in Evaluating Lacrimal Drainage System after Rhinoplasty

In order to evaluate the effects of lateral osteotomies performed during rhinoplastic surgery on the lacrimal drainage system, a new technique for imaging the lacrimal passages, Active Transport Dacryocystography, was applied in a total of 16 patients. In all cases, free passage of contrast media from the punctum to the inferior meatus was observed. We did not record any pathologic alteration such as mucosal edema or discontinuity of the bony structure that would have resulted in nasolacrimal obstruction.

Revision of the Madagascan genera <i>Oncodopus</i> Brongniart and <i>Colossopus</i> Saussure (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae; Euconchophorini), with description of <i>Malagasopus</i> gen. nov

The endemic Madagascan genera Oncodopus Brongniart and Colossopus Saussure are revised using museum specimens, including the types, and recently collected material. A new genus, Malagasopus gen. nov., and seven new species, Malagasopus desutterae sp. nov., Malagasopus meridianus sp. nov., Oncodopus janetae sp. nov., Oncodopus brongniarti sp. nov., Oncodopus saussurei sp. nov., Oncodopus soalalaensis sp. nov. and Colossopus parvicavus sp. nov. are described. Lectotypes are designated for Oncodopus zonatus Brongniart, 1897 and Colossopus redtenbacheri (Brongniart, 1897). A new term, mesothoracic auricle, is proposed for a structure on the episternum of the mesothorax. A tabulated key to the genera and keys to the species are presented. All species are described and diagnosed, and their phylogenetic relationships, geographical distributions, habitat preferences and phenologies are documented. The life history of Colossopus grandidieri is described, and the unusual possible mate-guarding behaviour of several species is discussed. Maps showing the distribution of the species are presented, as too are 57 photographs of museum specimens, 51 drawings of morphological characters, 17 photographs of living specimens and one habitat photograph.

Molecular cytogenetic analysis reveals the existence of two independent neo-XY sex chromosome systems in Anatolian Pamphagidae grasshoppers

BACKGROUND

Neo-XY sex chromosome determination is a rare event in short horned grasshoppers, but it appears with unusual frequency in the Pamphagidae family. The neo-Y chromosomes found in several species appear to have undergone heterochromatinization and degradation, but this subject needs to be analyzed in other Pamphagidae species. We perform here karyotyping and molecular cytogenetic analyses in 12 Pamphagidae species from the center of biodiversity of this group in the previously-unstudied Anatolian plateau.

RESULTS

The basal karyotype for the Pamphagidae family, consisting of 18 acrocentric autosomes and an acrocentric X chromosome (2n♂ = 19, X0; 2n♀ = 20, XX), was found only in G. adaliae. The karyotype of all other studied species consisted of 16 acrocentric autosomes and a neo-XY sex chromosome system (2n♂♀ = 18, neo-XX♀/neo-XY♂). Two different types of neo-Y chromosomes were found. One of them was typical for three species of the Glyphotmethis genus, and showed a neo-Y chromosome being similar in size to the XR arm of the neo-X, with the addition of two small subproximal interstitial C-blocks. The second type of the neo-Y chromosome was smaller and more heterochromatinized than the XR arm, and was typical for all Nocarodeini species studied. The chromosome distribution of C-positive regions and clusters of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and telomeric repeats yielded additional information on evolution of these neo-XY systems.

CONCLUSION

Most Pamphagidae species in the Anatolian region were found to have neo-XY sex chromosome systems, belonging to two different evolutionary lineages, marked by independent X-autosome fusion events occurred within the Trinchinae and Pamphaginae subfamilies. The high density of species carrying neo-XY systems in the Anatolian region, and the different evolutionary stage for the two lineages found, one being older than the other, indicates that this region has a long history of neo-XY sex chromosome formation.

Pamphagidae (Orthoptera: Acridoidea) from the Palaearctic Region: taxonomy, classification, keys to genera and a review of the tribe Nocarodeini I.Bolívar

The very rich material of Palaearctic Pamphagidae preserved in the collections including the type specimens of all taxa, the historical unidentified specimens and newly collected material have been studied. 58 genera and 295 species and subspecies are listed. The higher classification of the family is reviewed mainly based on the male phallic complex as well as the traditional and some new external characters. The tribe Haplotropiidini is transferred to the subfamily Thrinchinae. Previously synonymized subfamily Tropidaucheninae is validated as an independent tribe of Pamphaginae. The tribe Nocarodeini is taxonomically reviewed except the genus Bufonocarodes Mistshenko. The male phallic complex is also used as one of the main characters in decisions of the genus group taxa. The following 10 genera are synonymized: Pseudotmethis Bey-Bienko, 1948 and Paratmethis Zheng & He, 1996 (with Filchnerella Karny, 1908), Sinotmethis Bey-Bienko, 1959 and Kanotmethis Yin, 1994 (with Beybienkia Tsyplenkov, 1956), Paktia Pfadt, 1970 (with Mistshenkoella Cejchan, 1969), Pseudosavalania Demirsoy, 1973 (with Paranocarodes I. Bolívar, 1912), Nocaropsis Ramme, 1951 (with Paranothrotes Mistshenko, 1951), Paranocaracris Mistshenko, 1951 and Oronothrotes Mistshenko, 1951 (with Nocaracris Uvarov, 1928) and Savalania Mistshenko, 1951 (with Nocarodes Fischer von Waldheim, 1846). The genera Mistshenkoella Cejchan and Cryptonothrotes La Greca are proposed as subgenera of Saxetania Mistshenko. The following genera are divided: Eremocharis Saussure into 4 species groups, Paranocarodes I. Bolívar into 2 species groups, Paranothrotes Mistshenko into 4 species groups, Nocaracris Uvarov into 7 species groups and Nocarodes Fischer von Waldheim into 4 species groups. The following 24 species and subspecies are synonymized: Tmethis cinerascus cyanipes Werner, 1939 [with Eremopeza angusta (Uvarov, 1934)], Iranotmethis cyanipennis cyanipes Bey-Bienko, 1951 [with Iranotmethis cyanipennis iranicus (Werner, 1939)], Eremocharis granulosa roseipes Uvarov, 1943 [with Eremocharis granulosa granulosa (Walker, 1871)], Eremocharis subsulcata minor Cejchan, 1969 (with Eremocharis maior Ramme, 1952), Asiotmethis limbatus motasi Ramme, 1951 [with Asiotmethis limbatus (Charpentier, 1845)], Tropidauchen marginatum Bolívar, 1912 (with Tropidauchen escalerai Bolívar, 1912), Paranocarodes straubei serratus Uvarov, 1949, Paranocarodes straubei insularis Ramme, 1951 and Paranocarodes fieberi mytilenensis Ramme, 1951 [with Paranocarodes fieberi (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1882)], Paranocarodes atympanicus Ramme, 1951 (with Paranocarodes tolunayi tolunayi Ramme, 1949), Paranocarodes cilicicus Ramme, 1951 (with Paranocarodes lubricus Mistshenko, 1951), Paranothrotes opacus hakkariana Demirsoy, 1973 [with Paranothrotes opacus opacus (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1882)], Paranothrotes tenuicornis sordidus Mistshenko, 1951 and Paranothrotes iranicus (Ramme, 1951) (with Paranothrotes tenuicornis Mistshenko, 1951), Paranothrotes elbursianus (Ramme, 1951) [with Paranothrotes demawendi (Ramme, 1951)], Paranocarodes aserbeidshanicus Ramme, 1951 [with Paranothrotes margaritae (Miram, 1938)], Nocaracris burri obscurata Ramme, 1951 [with Nocaracris furvus furvus (Mistshenko, 1951)], Paranocaracris rimansonae ventosus Mistshenko, 1951 [with Nocaracris rimansonae (Uvarov, 1918)], Paranocaracris rigidus Mistshenko, 1951 (with Nocaracris tauricolus Ramme, 1951), Nocaracris cyanipes tristis Ramme, 1951 [with Nocaracris cyanipes (Motschulsky, 1846)], Nocarodes armenus Ramme, 1951 (with Nocarodes serricollis Fischer von Waldheim, 1846), Nocarodes specialis Mistshenko, 1951 [with Nocarodes iranicus (Werner, 1939)], Nocarodes gibbosus Mistshenko, 1951 (with Nocarodes humerosus Mistshenko, 1951), Nocarodes urmianus carinatus Mistshenko, 1951 (with Nocarodes urmianus Ramme, 1939). One new genus in the tribe Nocarodeini, Turkanocaracris Ünal gen. nov., and the following 29 new species and subspecies in four tribes are described: Eremopeza soltanii Ünal, sp. nov., Eremopeza kashmirensis Ünal, sp. nov., Eremocharis subsulcata beccalonii Ünal, ssp. nov., Orchamus massai Ünal, sp. nov., Paracinipe suezensis Ünal & Massa, sp. nov., Saxetania (Mistshenkoella) gorochovi Ünal, sp. nov., Paranocarodes anatoliensis anamas Ünal, ssp. nov., Paranothrotes buzuldagi Ünal, sp. nov., Paranothrotes dentatus Ünal, sp. nov., Paranothrotes eximius bitlis Ünal, ssp. nov., Paranothrotes siirt Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris furvus kazdagi Ünal, ssp. nov., Nocaracris istanbul Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris tunceli Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris tardus Ünal, Bugrov & Jetybayev, sp. nov., Nocaracris emirdagi Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris cejchani Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris judithae Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris minutus Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris karadagi Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris palandoken Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris monticolus Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris van Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris dilekensis Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris karshitoros Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris goektepe Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris crassipes Ünal, sp. nov., Turkanocaracris levigatus Ünal, sp. nov., Turkanocaracris davisi Ünal, sp. nov. Lectotypes are designated for the following 12 species: Strumiger desertorum desertorum Zubovski, 1896, Ocnerosthenus brunnerianus (Saussure, 1887), Orchamus gracilis (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1882), Saxetania iranicum (Werner, 1939) [syn. of Saxetania (s.str.) cultricolle (Saussure, 1887)], Paranocarodes straubei (Fieber, 1853), Paranocarodes fieberi (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1882), Paranothrotes shelkovnikovi (Uvarov, 1918), Paranothrotes nigripes (Stshelkanovtzev, 1916), Eunothrotes derjugini Adelung, 1907, Nocaracris rimansonae (Uvarov, 1918), Nocaracris tridentatus (Stshelkanovtzev, 1916) and Araxiana woronowi (Uvarov, 1918). Many species are given in new combinations and new statuses. Some taxa are proposed as reverted combinations, reverted statuses, reverted genera, species and subspecies. Nomenclatural problems are discussed under the relevant taxa. The authorship of 4 species are discussed and changed as follow: Eremopeza festiva (I. Bolívar, 1884), Paranocarodes tolunayi tolunayi Ramme, 1949, Nocaracris rubripes (Motschulsky, 1846), Nocaracris cyanipes (Motschulsky, 1846). Identification keys for subfamilies, tribes and genera (except the N. African and European genera of Pamphagini) and for each level of the tribe Nocarodeini are prepared. This study is also a review of the Pamphagidae species of Turkey. Therefore all Turkish species are studied in detail except the two genera recently revised by the author, Glyphotmethis Bey-Bienko and Asiotmethis Uvarov. Geographically this paper includes all Pamphagidae species of the following countries and regions: Bulgaria, Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, Armenia, Georgia, Nakhichevan, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Greece (except one species), Lebanon (except two species), Arabian Peninsula (except one species), Afghanistan (except some Saxetania) and Iran (except some Saxetania and Tropidauchen). In addition, 848 original figures including 10 distributional maps are provided.

Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism is associated with complications similar to those of hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism

Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NC-PHPT) is a variant of hyperparathyroidism, characterized by normal serum calcium levels, high parathyroid hormone (PTH) and normal 25-OH vitamin D status. The present study aimed to compare complications related to hyperparathyroidism in patients with NC-PHPT and hypercalcemic PHPT (HC-PHPT). We retrospectively evaluated the records of 307 PHPT patients between January 2010 and March 2013. We excluded patients with impaired renal function and liver failure. All patients underwent a biochemical and hormonal examination including serum glucose, albumin, total calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, lipoproteins, PTH and 25-OH vitamin D. Nephrolithiasis and bone mineral density were documented based on a review of the medical records. The study population consisted of 36 (12 %) males and 271 (88 %) females with a mean age of 53.3 ± 9.5 years (29-70 years). Twenty-three of the patients were diagnosed with NC-PHPT (group 1) and 284 were diagnosed with HC-PHPT (group 2). There were no significant differences in terms of age, gender, prevalence of hypertension, low bone mineral density and kidney stones between the groups. The mean thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. Our study found that patients with NC-PHPT have similar several complications as patients with HC-PHPT. NC-PHPT patients have higher TSH levels despite being within the normal range, and higher LDL-C levels than patients with HC-PHPT. However, this relationship needs to be clarified in future studies with larger cohorts.

Revision of the genus Prionotropis Fieber, 1853 (Orthoptera: Pamphagidae: Thrinchinae)

The genus Prionotropis Fieber, 1853 is revised. It is distributed in scattered areas of the Mediterranean region from Turkey in the East to Spain in the West. Overall, seven species are listed, namely P. maculinervis (Stål, 1878) (Turkey; P. urfensis Ramme, 1933 is here considered its synonym), P. willemsorum n. sp. (Greece, Epirus; previously considered P. appula), P. appula (O.G. Costa, 1836) (South Italy), P. hystrix (Germar, 1817) (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Croatia, North-East Italy; P. hystrix sontiaca is here synonymized), P. rhodanica Uvarov, 1923 resurrected status (France, Crau, Rhone delta; here considered a valid species), P. azami Uvarov, 1923 n. status (France, Var region; here considered a valid species), and P. flexuosa (Serville, 1838) (Spain; the ssp. pereezi Bolívar, 1921 and sulphurans Bolívar, 1921 are here considered its synonyms). A key to species is presented.

Psychiatric symptoms in ankylosing spondylitis: their relationship with disease activity, functional capacity, pain and fatigue

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to evaluate psychiatric symptoms in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to investigate the relationship of the disease activity, functional capacity, pain, and fatigue with psychiatric symptoms.

METHODS

Eighty AS patients and 80 healthy controls were included in the study. Spinal pain by visual analog scale (pain VAS-rest), disease activity by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), functional capacity by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), and fatigue by Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) were assessed in patients. Psychiatric symptoms were measured using the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90 R), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES).

RESULTS

SCL-90-R total and all subscale scores (except interpersonal sensitivity and psychoticism) and BDI scores were significantly higher in the AS group compared to control group. PSQI total and all subscale scores were significantly higher in the AS group. State anxiety scale score was significantly higher and RSES score was significantly lower in the AS group. Psychiatric symptoms (except Rosenberg Self-Esteem score) were significantly correlated with BASDAI, BASFI, pain VAS rest, and MAF scores.

CONCLUSION

Psychiatric symptoms are often seen in patients with AS. Disease activity, functional capacity, pain and fatigue were correlated with psychiatric symptoms but self-esteem was not. Therefore, psychiatric symptoms should be taken into consideration in the management of AS.

Effect of Systemic Infliximab Therapy in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome

Objectives:

To investigate the effect of systemic infliximab therapy on tear function tests and the ocular surface in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome secondary to various autoimmune diseases.

Ma­te­ri­als and Met­hods:

This prospective study included 22 eyes of 22 patients with Sjögren’s syndrome who began treatment with systemic infliximab. Tear film break-up time (TBUT), anesthetized Schirmer’s 1 test, fluorescein staining test, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores were recorded before treatment and in the 3rd and 6th months of treatment.

Re­sults:

In the 3rd month of infliximab therapy, no significant changes were observed in Schirmer’s values, TBUT, fluorescein staining, or OSDI scores (p=0.260, p=0.357, p=0.190 and p=0.07, respectively). In the 6th month of infliximab therapy, no significant changes were observed in TBUT, fluorescein staining, Schirmer’s value or OSDI scores (p=0.510, p=0.320, p=0.220 and p=0.344, respectively).

Conclusion:

Infliximab therapy, which is commonly used in systemic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and ankylosing spondylitis, did not show a positive effect on ocular surface and tear function tests.

Irisin levels in the progression of diabetes in sedentary women

CONTEXT

The recently discovered peptide irisin has been hypothesized to be a regulator of body metabolism. However, studies ended up with controversial results. In the present study, we aimed to investigate irisin levels in sedentary women at different stages of prediabetes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of circulating levels of irisin in 263 females similar for age and body mass index (BMI) and the groups included 52 normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 60 isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG), 36 isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), 65 both IFG and IGT and 50 type 2 diabetic patients. All patients were exercising less than 150 min/week.

RESULTS

Plasma irisin levels were significantly lower in IFG+IGT (2.86 ± 0.6 μg/mL, p: 0.019) and T2DM (2.83 ± 0,5 μg/mL, p: 0.005) patients compared to NGT (3.16 ± 0.3 μg/mL) patients. After age adjustment there was a negative correlation between irisin and BMI (r: -0.141; p: 0.031), postprandial glucose (PPG) (r: -0.142; p: 0.030), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (r: -0.138; p: 0.035) and triglyceride (TG) (r: -0.214; p: 0.001) and a positive correlation between irisin and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (r:.142; p: 0.030). After adjustment for age and BMI; PPG (r: -0. 137; p: 0.037), LDL-C (r: -0. 143; p: 0.029) and TG (r: -0.203; p: 0.002) were considered to correlate with irisin levels. Subgroup analysis revealed that TG levels were correlated with irisin levels in IFG (r: -0.347; p: 0.014) and IGT (r: -0.397; p: 0.030) patients.

CONCLUSION

In our cohort of sedentary women, irisin levels were lower in patients with IFG+IGT and with diabetes than in patients with NGT. There is no correlation between irisin levels and BMI. Irisin is a myokine decreasing gradually with the progression of glucose intolerance and T2DM and is not correlated with BMI in sedentary women.

Iatrogenic retinal breaks caused by infusion fluid during pars plana vitrectomy

OBJECTIVE

To describe a series of cases of iatrogenic retinal breaks (IRBs) caused by the infusion fluid flow of a 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) system.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

During 25-gauge PPV, 4 cases had IRBs caused by infusion fluid flow. The IRBs rapidly progressed to localized retinal detachment.

RESULTS

The first 3 cases had IRBs on the nasal quadrant midperiphery of the retina. The IRBs were treated with laser retinopexy and tamponade during surgery. Case 4 had a macular hole and macular detachment during scleral indentation. The IRBs seemed to be caused by intraocular pressure (IOP) control mechanisms of the vitrectomy device.

CONCLUSIONS

To prevent IRBs caused by infusion fluid flow, we recommend using an IOP control limit of 4 mL/min for 25-gauge vitrectomy, with valved cannulas. In addition, the surgeon must be cautious during scleral indentation and air-fluid exchange not to cause a rebound hypotonia.

Penetrating keratoplasty versus deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty: comparison of optical and visual quality outcomes

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare visual and optical performance outcomes by means of analysis of the contrast sensitivity function (CSF) and ocular higher order aberrations (HOA) in patients with keratoconus who had deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) or penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

METHODS

In this prospective, randomised case series, 174 eyes of 140 consecutive patients with moderate to advanced keratoconus were included. The big-bubble technique was attempted to perform DALK. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refraction, topographic astigmatism, CSF and ocular HOA were evaluated.

RESULTS

The DALK and PK groups consisted of 99 and 75 eyes, respectively. Postoperative BSCVA was 20/40 or better in 64 eyes (85%) in the PK group and and 82 eyes (83%) in the DALK group (p>0.05). The mean spherical equivalent and maximum keratometry were -1.50 (-6.25 to +4.75) and 46.85 (40.60 to 56.00) in the PK group and -2.25 (-8.75 to +4.00) and 46.90 (40.60 to 53.60) in the DALK group, respectively. The differences were not statistically significant (p=0.08 and p=0.66, respectively). No significant differences in photopic contrast sensitivity were found for each of the spatial frequencies (p>0.05 for all). However, mesopic contrast sensitivity for three cycles/degree was significantly higher in the DALK group (p=0.01). No significant differences between groups were detected for any of the aberrometric parameters (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

DALK is an alternative treatment option in eyes with moderate to advanced keratoconus, providing comparable results to PK in terms of visual acuity, refraction, CSF and HOA.

Polymorphisms of DNA repair genes XRCC1 and XPD and risk of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG)

PURPOSE

Oxidative DNA damage has been shown to have some role in the development of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of polymorphisms in two DNA repair enzyme genes, Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group D (XPD) codon 751 and X-ray cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) codon 399, in a sample of Turkish patients with POAG, and to evaluate their association with POAG development.

METHODS

We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), to analyze XRCC1-Arg399Gln and XPD -Lys751Gln polymorphisms in 144 patients with POAG and in 121 disease-free controls, who were of a similar age.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the genotype distribution between POAG patients and controls for each polymorphism (p>0.05). Allele frequencies were also not statistically different between the groups (p=0.46; OR: 0.77; 95% CI:0.42-1.43 for XRCC1 399Gln and p=0.88; OR: 0.92 95% CI: 0.50-1.67 for XPD 751Gln).

CONCLUSIONS

Polymorphisms in XPD codon 751 and XRCC1 codon 399 were not associated with risk of POAG in a sample of Turkish patients.