Resumen Este estudio evaluó propiedades físicas y estructurales, como el grado de conversión (DC), la dureza Vickers (VHN) y la resistencia a la compresión (CS), de tres nuevos compósitos a base de resina de curado dual tipo bulk (RBC; ACTIVA , HyperFIL y Fill-Up) y los comparó con los de una resina compuesta convencional (Filtek Z250) en tres profundidades clínicamente relevantes. Se prepararon muestras (n=180) en tres profundidades (2,4 y 6mm). Se realizaron análisis de espectroscopia infrarroja por transformada de Fourier (FTIR) y pruebas VHN y CS. El valor de DC se calculó considerando el cambio relativo en los picos alifáticos C=C. Las superficies fracturadas de muestras representativas se caracterizaron mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido (MEB). Los datos se evaluaron estadísticamente mediante análisis de varianza de dos vías y pruebas post hoc de Bonferroni (p<0,05). De acuerdo con los resultados de VHN, Filtek Z250 mostró la relación de dureza inferior/superior más alta (97,94±1,01) con un espesor de 2mm y ACTIVA mostró la relación de dureza inferior/superior más baja (43,48±5,64) con un espesor de 6mm (p<0,001). De acuerdo con los resultados de FTIR, la DC disminuyó al aumentar el espesor en todos los materiales (p<0,05). Filtek Z250 mostró los valores de CS más altos (301±12,4 MPa) y ACTIVA los más bajos (232±17,2 MPa) a 2mm de espesor (p<0,05). Los valores más bajos de CS se obtuvieron para ACTIVA y los valores más altos para Filtek Z250 para muestras con espesores de 4 y 6mm, respectivamente (p<0,05). Las características estructurales de las resinas compuestas de restauración, como la química; además del tipo y contenido del relleno, y los parámetros operativos (es decir, el espesor del material y las condiciones de curado) afectan en gran medida las reacciones de interacción química y, por lo tanto, los valores de DC, VHN y CS.

Abstract This study evaluated selected structural and physical properties, such as degree of conversion (DC), Vickers hardness (VHN), and compression strength (CS), of three new dual-cure bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs; ACTIVA, HyperFIL, and Fill-Up) and compared them to those of a conventional RBC (Filtek Z250) at three clinically relevant depths. Samples (n=180) were prepared in three depths (2,4, and 6mm). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and VHN and CS tests were performed. The DC value was calculated by considering the relative change in the aliphatic C=C peaks. The fractured surfaces of representative samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were statistically evaluated using two-way analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni tests (p<0.05). According to the VHN results, Filtek Z250 showed the highest bottom/top hardness ratio (97.94±1.01) at 2mm thickness and ACTIVA showed the lowest bottom/top hardness ratio (43.48±5.64) at 6mm thickness (p<0.001). According to the FTIR results, the DC decreased with increasing thickness in all materials (p<0.05). Filtek Z250 showed the highest (301±12.4 MPa) and ACTIVA exhibited the lowest (232±17.2 MPa) CS values at 2mm thickness (p<0.05). The lowest CS values were obtained for ACTIVA, and the highest values were obtained for Filtek Z250 for samples with thicknesses of 4 and 6mm, respectively (p<0.05). The structural features of restorative composites, such as the resin chemistry and filler type and content, and the operational parameters (i.e., material thickness and curing conditions) strongly affect crosslinking reactions and thus the DC, VHN, and CS values.

Abstract In the human gut, there is a metabolically active microbiome whose metabolic products reach various organs and are used in the physiological activities of the body. When dysbiosis of intestinal microbial homeostasis occurs, pathogenic metabolites may increase and one of them is trimethyl amine-N-oxide (TMAO). TMAO is thought to have a role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerotic heart diseases, and cerebrovascular events. TMAO level is also associated with renal inflammation, fibrosis, acute kidney injury, diabetic kidney disease, and chronic kidney disease. In this review, the effect of TMAO on various kidney diseases is discussed.

Resumo No intestino humano, existe um microbioma metabolicamente ativo cujos produtos metabólicos alcançam diversos órgãos e são utilizados nas atividades fisiológicas do corpo. Quando ocorre disbiose da homeostase microbiana intestinal, os metabólitos patogênicos podem aumentar, e um deles é o N-óxido de trimetilamina (TMAO). Acredita-se que o TMAO tenha um papel na patogênese da resistência à insulina, diabetes, hiperlipidemia, doenças cardíacas ateroscleróticas e eventos cerebrovasculares. O nível de TMAO também está associado à inflamação renal, fibrose, lesão renal aguda, doença renal diabética e doença renal crônica. Nesta revisão, discute-se o efeito do TMAO em diversas doenças renais.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as características clínicas de pacientes pediátricos com blefaroptose adquirida unilateral, transitória e de início agudo. Métodos: Neste estudo retrospectivo, foram revisados prontuários clínicos entre abril de 2015 e junho de 2020. Os pacientes foram avaliados em termos de características demográficas, manifestações neurológicas e oftalmológicas associadas, duração dos sintomas, etiologia e achados de imagem. Foram excluídos pacientes com blefaroptose congênita e com blefaroptose adquirida de etiologia crônica. Resultados: Foram incluídos neste estudo 16 pacientes pediátricos (10 masculinos e 6 femininos) com blefaroptose adquirida transitória unilateral de início agudo. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 6,93 ± 3,16 anos. As causas etiológicas mais comumente identificadas foram trauma em 7 pacientes (43,75%) e infecção (casos parainfecciosos) em 5 pacientes (31,25%). Além disso, a síndrome de Miller-Fisher, a síndrome de Horner secundária a neuroblastoma, a síndrome de Brown adquirida e pseudotumor cerebral foram determinados como causas etiológicas em um paciente cada uma. Achados oculares adicionais estavam associados à blefaroptose em 7 pacientes (58,33%). Foi observada a resolução espontânea da blefaroptose, sem tratamento, em todos os pacientes, exceto nos pacientes com síndrome de Miller-Fisher, neuroblastoma e pseudotumor cerebral. Nenhum paciente precisou de tratamento cirúrgico. Morbidades oculares, como ambliopia, não foram encontradas em nenhum paciente. Conclusão: Este estudo demonstrou que a blefaroptose transitória unilateral de início agudo, rara na infância, pode regredir sem a necessidade de tratamento cirúrgico na população pediátrica. No entanto, também não deve ser esquecido que patologias graves que requerem tratamento podem se apresentar com blefaroptose.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the clinical features of pediatric patients with acute-onset, unilateral transient acquired blepharoptosis. Methods: In this retrospective study, the clinical records of patients between April 2015 and June 2020 were reviewed for evaluation of demographic features, accompanying neurological and ophthalmologic manifestations, symptom duration, etiological cause, and imaging findings. Patients with congenital and acquired blepharoptosis with chronic etiologies were excluded. Results: Sixteen pediatric patients (10 boys and 6 girls) with acquired acute-onset unilateral transient blepharoptosis were included in this study. The patients’ mean age was 6.93 ± 3.16 years. The most commonly identified etiological cause was trauma in 7 patients (43.75%) and infection (para-infection) in 5 patients (31.25%). In addition, Miller Fisher syndrome, Horner syndrome secondary to neuroblastoma, acquired Brown’s syndrome, and pseudotumor cerebri were identified as etiological causes in one patient each. Additional ocular findings accompanied blepharoptosis in 7 patients (58.33%). Blepharoptosis spontaneously resolved, without treatment, in all the patients, except those with Miller Fisher syndrome, neuroblastoma, and pseudotumor cerebri. None of the patients required surgical treatment and had ocular morbidities such as amblyopia. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that acute-onset unilateral transient blepharoptosis, which is rare in childhood, may regress without the need for surgical treatment in the pediatric population. However, serious pathologies that require treatment may present with blepharoptosis.

SUMMARY: This study aims to determine the possible differences anthropometric characteristics and body composition profiles of elite taekwondo players with or without medals in European championships. Twenty-one black-belt elite taekwondo athletes (17.4±1.2 years) from the Turkish national team were divided into two groups, namely, medalists (MEC; n =11) and non-medalists (NmEC; n=10) in European championships. Twenty-eight anthropometric measurements including height, body mass, length, circumferences, breadth, and skinfolds were taken following the standard techniques proposed by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Body composition variables were evaluated by using skinfold thickness measurements. Results demonstrated that anthropometric and body composition, variables did not differ significantly between medalist and non-medalist taekwondo players (p>0.01). Our athletes have a low percentage of body fat and high muscle mass profile. Medalist and non-medalist elite Turkish taekwondo players in the European championships do not differ in terms of anthropometric and body composition components. They have a similar body composition profile suitable for taekwondo players and within acceptable healthy ranges. The present study assists coaches in the formulation of appropriate training programs aiming the development for managing the body composition status of players, which will be associated with high-level performance in taekwondo. Future studies should include body composition and somatotype profile inspection throughout the weight categories.

RESUMEN: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar las posibles diferencias antropométricas y perfiles de composición corporal de los peleadores de taekwondo de élite, con o sin medallas en campeonatos europeos. Veintiún atletas de taekwondo de élite de cinturón negro (17,4 ± 1,2 años) del equipo nacional turco se dividieron en dos grupos, medallistas (MEC; n = 11) y no medallistas (NmEC; n = 10). Se tomaron veintiocho medidas antropométricas incluyendo altura, masa corporal, longitud, circunferencias, ancho y pliegues cutáneos siguiendo las técnicas estándar sugeridas por la Sociedad Internacional para el Avance de la Cineantropometría (ISAK). Las variables de composición corporal se evaluaron mediante mediciones del grosor de los pliegues cutáneos. Los resultados demostraron que las variables antropométricas y de composición corporal no difirieron significativamente entre los jugadores de taekwondo medallistas y no medallistas (p> 0,01). Nuestros deportistas tienen un bajo porcentaje de grasa corporal y un alto perfil de masa muscular. Los medallistas y no medallistas de taekwondo turcos de élite en los campeonatos europeos no difieren en términos de components antropométricos y de composición corporal. Tienen un perfil de composición corporal similar adecuado para peleadores de taekwondo y dentro de rangos saludables aceptables. El presente estudio ayuda a los entrenadores en la formulación de programas de entrenamiento apropiados que apunten al desarrollo para manejar el estado de la composición corporal de los peleadores, lo que se asociará con un rendimiento de alto nivel en taekwondo. Los estudios futuros deben incluir la inspección de la composición corporal y el perfil del somatotipo en todas las categorías de peso.

RESUMO: Foram investigados os efeitos da mistura dietética de Agaricus bisporus ou talo ou tampa sobre o desempenho de crescimento, componentes da carcaça e alguns parâmetros de qualidade da carne, contagens de bactérias aeróbias mesofílicas e histomorfologia intestinal em frangos de corte. Duzentos e quarenta frangos de corte Ross 308 de um dia de idade foram divididos em quatro grupos experimentais com quatro repetições, cada um incluindo 15 aves. Galinhas alimentadas com dieta basal (C), mistura de cogumelos (MM, 10 g caule + 10 g cap / kg de dieta), caule de cogumelo (MS, 20 g / kg dieta) e cogumelo (MC, 20 g / kg dieta). A taxa de conversão alimentar (FCR) foi melhorada (P < 0.01) por MS dietético enquanto o consumo de ração (FI) diminuiu (P < 0.01) em todos os grupos de tratamento em comparação com o controle. No entanto, o ganho de peso corporal (BWG) foi diminuído (P < 0.01) pela inclusão de MC. Os grupos suplementados com cogumelos apresentaram maiores (P < 0.05) bactérias aeróbias mesofílicas no ceco. A inclusão de MS aumentou a proporção entre a largura das vilosidades e a profundidade da cripta no jejuno (P < 0.01) e o comprimento das vilosidades no íleo (P < 0.01) e jejuno (P < 0.05). MC aumentou (P < 0.01) a profundidade de cripta no jejuno. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos nos componentes da carcaça (P > 0.05). Os valores L * diminuíram (P < 0.01) na carne da coxa, mas aumentaram (P < 0.01) na carne de peito com a inclusão de cogumelos. Os valores de a* diminuíram (P < 0.01) e os valores de b* aumentaram (P < 0.05) em ambas as coxas e peitos pela adição de cogumelos à dieta. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que a farinha de colmo de A. bisporus com um nível de inclusão de 20 g / kg de dieta teve efeitos favoráveis no desempenho do crescimento com maior eficiência alimentar, melhorou a morfologia intestinal com maior comprimento de vilosidade e aumentou a qualidade da carne de frangos de corte.

ABSTRACT: Effects of dietary Agaricus bisporus mixture or stalk or cap on growth performance, carcass components and some meat quality parameters, mesophilic aerobic bacterial counts, and intestinal histomorphology in broiler chickens were investigated. Two hundred and forty one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into 4 experimental groups with 4 replicates, each including 15 birds. Chickens were fed with basal diet (C), mushroom mixture (MM, 10 g stalk+10 g cap/kg diet), mushroom stalk (MS, 20 g/kg diet) and mushroom cap (MC, 20 g/kg diet). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved (P < 0.01) by dietary MS while feed intake (FI) decreased (P < 0.01) in all treatment groups compared to control. However, body weight gain (BWG) was decreased (P < 0.01) by MC inclusion. Mushroom supplemented groups had higher (P < 0.05) mesophilic aerobic bacteria in the cecum. MS inclusion increased villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum (P < 0.01) and villus height in the ileum (P < 0.01) and jejunum (P < 0.05). MC increased (P < 0.01) crypt depth in the jejunum. There were no statistical differences among groups for carcass components (P > 0.05). The L* values were decreased (P < 0.01) in thigh meat but increased (P < 0.01) in breast meat by mushroom inclusion. The a* values were decreased (P < 0.01) and b* values were increased (P < 0.05) in both thigh and breast meat with mushroom addition to diet. The obtained results indicated that A. bisporus stalk meal at an inclusion level of 20 g/kg of diet had favourable effects on growth performance with higher feed efficiency, improved intestinal morphology with higher villus height and increased meat quality of broiler chickens.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to evaluate the preventive effects of Urtica dioica (UD) on muscle ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. A total of 27 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups as the control group (1), I/R + saline group (2), and I/R+UD group (3). Group 1 did not receive any treatment. Group 2 was administered a total of 2mL/kg saline (1mL/kg before ischemia and 1 mL/kg after reperfusion), and group 3 was given a total of 2mL of UD (1mL/kg before ischemia and 1mL/kg after reperfusion) as treatment. Saline and UD were administered via intraesophageal canula once a day for five days. At the end of five days, all the rats were exposed to muscle ischemia for 60 min followed by 60 min of reperfusion of the bilateral hindlimbs induced using a tourniquet. Muscle tissue histopathologies were evaluated by light microscopy. Furthermore, oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrotyrosine (3-NT), nitric oxide (NO), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) as an inflammatory marker in tissue samples were measured. UD treatment significantly decreased oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarker levels and MPO (p<0.05). We established that UD treatment could alleviate muscle injury induced by muscle I/R in rats by inhibiting the inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of inflammatory markers determined during admission among patients with sarcoidosis with chronic and remission groups. METHODS: This study was designed as retrospective single-center study. Patients with sarcoidosis without treatment and who had at least two years of follow-up were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups as chronic and remission. The primary outcome is to evaluate hematological parameters in remission and chronic sarcoidosis groups. RESULTS: Out of 348 patients with sarcoidosis, 142 patients without treatment and followed up for at least two years were included in this study. Groups had similar demographic features with the predominance of females (80.4 and 77.9%, respectively) and stage I disease (78.6 and 68.6%, respectively). Lymphocyte count [median (IQR) 1.7 (1.3–2.3) 109/L versus 2.1 (1.6–2.4) 109/L, p=0.034] was significantly lower, whereas neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was significantly higher [median (IQR) 2.6 (2.0–3.1) versus 2.0 (1.6–2.8), p=0.006] at admission in the chronic group. No significant difference was determined in inflammatory parameters at admission between groups. CONCLUSION: Lower lymphocyte count and higher neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio were determined in patients with chronic sarcoidosis compared with the remission group, based on monitoring of radiological staging up to five-year after the initial diagnosis. Accordingly, the identification of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio at diagnosis seems to be a potential prognostic marker in patients with sarcoidosis beside its low cost and easy determination in routine clinical practice.

Abstract Background: Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy development may have a strong relationship with hormone treatments during in vitro fertilization and hormonal changes during pregnancy. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the frequency of papules and plaques of pregnancy and related factors in in vitro fertilization pregnancies and spontaneous pregnancies. Methods: In this study, 517 in vitro fertilization pregnancies and 1253 spontaneous pregnancies were retrospectively reviewed for papules and plaques of pregnancy frequency. The diagnosis of papules and plaques of pregnancy was performed by referral to the dermatology department and according to the typical clinical manifestations of the disease. Results: The papules and plaques of pregnancy was more common in all in vitro fertilization pregnancies (including single pregnancies) than in spontaneous pregnancies. Age, Rh positivity, mother weight gain, onset of disease during gestation, duration of disease, birth weight and the frequency of male fetus were similar between the two groups (p > 0.05). The rate of multiple pregnancies was higher in in vitro fertilization pregnancies with papules and plaques of pregnancy than in vitro fertilization pregnancies without papules and plaques of pregnancy (p < 0.001). Duration of progesterone treatment was also significantly longer in in vitro fertilization pregnancies with papules and plaques of pregnancy compared to in vitro fertilization pregnancies without papules and plaques of pregnancy (p < 0.001). Study limitations: The limitations of the study were the retrospective and single-centered design. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that increased progesterone dosage or prolonged treatment may play a role in the pathogenesis papules and plaques of pregnancy.

Abstract: Dentists are exposed to the highest risk of occupational respiratory and droplet infections by working face-to-face with patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of symptoms and modes of transmission of COVID-19, stress levels and clinical practice modifications of Turkish dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey (15 questions) was sent to Turkish dentists from May 5 to 12 May, 2020. The survey comprised questions about dentists’ demographic characteristics, their knowledge about COVID-19, stress levels and the measures taken in dental clinics against COVID-19. This study included a total of 1,095 Turkish dentists. The data were expressed as frequency with percentage values for overall variables. Dentists were most familiar with high fever among the symptoms of COVID-19 (99.4%) and 99.2% of them reported that COVID-19 was transmitted with eye, mouth and nasal mucosa contact on surfaces contaminated with the droplets of infected persons. While the stress levels of females were higher than males, the stress levels of dentists with more than 20 years of professional experience were found to be lower. Regarding the precautions to be taken as a preventive measure when working again, 86.6% of the dentists took precautions by increasing daily patient care intervals and only 38.4% of the dentists wore an N95 mask. During this pandemic, knowing the conditions about when the treatments can be applied and the precautions to be taken will shed light on dentistry staff. Current recommendations of national authorities about the coronavirus should be followed.

Resumo Justificativa: A variação da condutância da pele reflete a atividade do sistema nervoso simpático e é usada para avaliar dor aguda. Este estudo piloto examinou as correlações entre a variação da condutância da pele e estressores emocionais no pós-operatório. Método: A correlação entre a variação da condutância da pele e dor, ansiedade, náusea e desempenho de tarefa intelectual foi analisada em pacientes no pós-operatório. Resultados: Correlações significantes foram observadas entre ansiedade e dor durante atividade física nos dias 1 e 2 pós-operatórios. Não foram encontradas correlações significantes entre a variação da condutância da pele e dor leve, náusea, ansiedade ou desempenho de tarefa intelectual. Conclusão: Este estudo piloto sugere que, quando a dor é bem controlada no pós-operatório inicial, o monitoramento empregando a variação da condutância da pele pode não ser influenciado por outros estressores emocionais.

Abstract Background: Skin conductance response reflects the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and is used to measure acute pain. This pilot study examines correlations of skin conductance response with emotional stressors postoperatively. Methods: The correlation of skin conductance response with pain, anxiety, nausea and intellectual task performance was analyzed in postoperative patients. Results: Significant correlations were observed between anxiety and pain during physical activity on both postoperative day 1 and 2. No significant correlations were found between skin conductance response versus mild pain, nausea, anxiety or intellectual task performance. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that when the pain is well-controlled in the early postoperative period, skin conductance response monitoring may not be influenced by other emotional stressors.

Resumo A fístula da artéria mamária interna esquerda (AMIE) para a artéria pulmonar (AP) é raramente encontrada na prática diária. Nos últimos anos, opções de terapia endovascular surgiram para o tratamento de formações de fístula e foram substituídas por cirurgia. Um homem de 53 anos de idade, internado em nosso ambulatório com sintomas de angina típica e falta de ar, apesar da terapia clínica ideal. Em seu histórico relevante, ele teve uma cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM) em 2009, na qual sua AMIE foi anastomosada à descendente anterior esquerda (DAE) e à artéria ramus sequencialmente. A angiografia coronária, incluindo imagens seletivas da AMIE, demonstrou uma formação de fístula proveniente da porção proximal da AMIE e drenando para AP. Após o fechamento bem-sucedido da fístula com embolização transcateter com mola, o paciente recebeu alta sem qualquer complicação e sintoma. Em conclusão, embora fístula entre AMIE e AP seja uma condição clínica pouco frequente, deve ser considerada como uma causa potencial de angina persistente após a operação de revascularização do miocárdio. As opções de tratamento incluem terapia médica conservadora, ligadura cirúrgica e intervenções endovasculares. A melhor terapia deve ser individualizada para cada paciente em relação aos sintomas do paciente, compatibilidade cirúrgica e anatomia da fístula.

Abstract Fistula from left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to pulmonary artery (PA) is rarely encountered in daily practice. In recent years, endovascular therapy options have emerged for the treatment of fistula formations and replaced with surgery. A 53-year-old man admitted to our outpatient clinic with symptoms of typical angina and shortness of breath despite optimal medical therapy. In his relevant history, he had a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation in 2009 in which his LIMA was anastomosed to left anterior descending (LAD) and ramus artery sequentially. Coronary angiography including selective imaging of LIMA demonstrated a fistula formation originating from the proximal portion of the LIMA and draining to PA. After successful closure of fistula with transcatheter coil embolization, the patient was discharged without any complication and symptom. In conclusion, although LIMA to PA fistula is an infrequent clinical condition, it should be considered as a potential cause of persistent angina after CABG operation. Treatment options include conservative medical therapy, surgical ligation and endovascular interventions. The best therapy should be individualised for each patient in respect to patient’s symptoms, surgical compatibility and anatomy of fistula.

Abstract The present study aimed to examine the effects of solid-state fermentation (SSF) using selective A. niger strains on the amino acid, mineral, condensed tannin, and other chemical contents of olive leaves. The dried samples were divided into nonfermented (C) and fermented (F) olive leaves, and the latter were fermented by the following A. niger strains: ATCC® 9142™ (F1), ATCC® 200345™ (F2), ATCC® 52172™ (F3), and ATCC® 201572™ (F4), with three replicates for each treatment. Group F4 presented the best results, although all fermented groups generally presented higher performance than C. The total content of amino acids of the fermented olive leaves increased by 68–209% in comparison to that of C, while the cellulose content of the fermented olive leaves decreased by 7–25%. The ash, crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE) contents increased after fermentation, but the crude fiber (CF) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) contents decreased. The content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) did not change, but acid detergent fiber (ADF) varied among the groups. The starch and sugar contents of all fermented groups except F1 also decreased compared to those of C. The mineral contents increased in all fermented groups, and the condensed tannin content varied according to the A. niger strain used. Thus, olive leaves fermented with different A. niger strains, especially F4, seem to have considerable potential as ruminant feed, as they are enriched with amino acids and minerals and have an improved chemical composition. However, these results should be supported and validated by animal experiments.

Resumen El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo examinar los efectos de fermentación en estado sólido (FES) usando cepas de A. niger selectiva en el aminoácido, mineral, taninos condensados, y otros contenidos químicos de hojas de olivo. Las muestras secas se dividen en no fermentada (C) y se fermentan (F) hojas de olivo, y el último se fermentaron por las siguientes cepas de A. niger: ATCC® 9142TM (F1), ATCC® 200345TM (F2), ATCC® 52172TM (F3) y ATCC® 201572 ™ (F4), con tres repeticiones cada uno. Grupo F4 presentó los mejores resultados, aunque todos los grupos fermentadas presentan generalmente un mayor rendimiento que C. El contenido total de aminoácidos en hojas de olivo fermentados aumentó y 68 a 209% en comparación con C, mientras que el contenido de celulosa de hojas de olivo fermentados Disminución de 7–25% . La ceniza, proteína bruta (CP) y el extracto de éter (EE) Aumento de contenidos después de la fermentación, pero la fibra bruta (FB) y extracto libre de nitrógeno (NFE) disminuyó. La fibra detergente neutra (NDF) no cambió pero la fibra detergente ácida (ADF) varió entre los grupos. El contenido de almidón y azúcar de todos los grupos fermentados, excepto F1, también disminuyó. El contenido mineral aumentó en todos los grupos fermentados y el contenido de tanino condensado de acuerdo con la cepa de A. niger utilizada. Por lo tanto, hojas de olivo fermentados con diferentes cepas de A. niger, especialmente F4, parecen tener una considerabl el potencial para la alimentación de los rumiantes, ya que están enriquecidas con minerales y amino ácidos, y presentar una composición química mejorada. Sin embargo, estos resultados deben ser apoyados y validados por experimentos con animales.

Resumo Introdução: O ácido bórico, que tem propriedades antissépticas e ácidas, é usado para tratar infecções de orelha externa e média. No entanto, não encontramos literatura sobre o efeito do ácido bórico em pó sobre a mucosa da orelha interna e da orelha média. Objetivo: Investigar possíveis efeitos ototóxicos do ácido bórico em pó sobre a função das células ciliadas externas cocleares e alterações histológicas na mucosa da orelha média em um modelo animal de rato. Método: Vinte ratos Wistar albinos maduros e saudáveis foram usados neste estudo. Os ratos foram divididos em dois grupos, Grupo A e Grupo B, cada um dos quais com 10 ratos. Inicialmente, os animais de cada grupo foram submetidos a testes de emissões otoacústicas - produto de distorção, nas orelhas direita e esquerda. Após o primeiro teste de emissões otoacústicas - produto de distorção, utilizou-se um microscópio cirúrgico para fazer uma pequena perfuração em ambas as orelhas dos ratos em cada grupo, e um segundo teste de emissões otoacústicas - produto de distorção foi utilizado para medir e avaliar as orelhas em todos os ratos. O ácido bórico em pó foi aplicado na orelha média direita dos ratos utilizando perfuração da membrana timpânica e as emissões otoacústicas - produto de distorção foram medidas imediatamente após a aplicação de ácido bórico em pó. As alterações histológicas e emissões otoacústicas - produto de distorção foram avaliadas três dias depois no Grupo A e 40 dias depois no Grupo B. Resultados: Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas em todas as frequências da emissões otoacústicas - produto de distorção. No Grupo A, foi observada uma ligeira inflamação da mucosa da orelha média no terceiro dia após a aplicação de ácido bórico em pó. No Grupo B, o ácido bórico em pó causou leves alterações inflamatórias após 40 dias, que diminuíram ao longo do tempo. Essas alterações não levaram à fibrose significativa da mucosa. Conclusão: Em ratos, o ácido bórico em pó causa inflamação leve na mucosa da orelha média e não tem efeitos ototóxicos na função das células ciliadas externas da cóclea na orelha interna.

Abstract Introduction: Boric acid, which has antiseptic and acidic properties, is used to treat external and middle ear infections. However, we have not found any literature about the effect of boric acid powder on middle ear mucosa and inner ear. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate possible ototoxic effects of boric acid powder on cochlear outer hair cell function and histological changes in middle ear mucosa in a rat animal model. Methods: Twenty healthy, mature Wistar albino rats were used in this study. The rats were divided into two groups, Group A and Group B, each of which consisted of 10 rats. Initially, the animals in each group underwent distortion product otoacoustic emissions testing of their right and left ears. After the first distortion product otoacoustic emissions test, a surgical microscope was used to make a small perforation in both ears of the rats in each group, and a second distortion product otoacoustic emissions test was used to measure both ears in all of the rats. Boric acid powder was applied to the right middle ear of the rats using tympanic membrane perforation, and the distortion product otoacoustic emissions were measured immediately after the boric acid powder application. The histological changes and distortion product otoacoustic emissions were evaluated three days later in Group A and 40 days later in Group B. Results: No significant differences were found at all of the distortion product otoacoustic emissions frequencies. In Group A, mild inflammation of the middle ear mucosa was found on the third day after boric acid powder application. In Group B, boric acid powder caused mild inflammatory changes on the 40th day, which declined over time. Those changes did not lead to significant fibrosis within the mucosa. Conclusion: In rats, boric acid powder causes mild inflammation in middle ear mucosa and it has no ototoxic effects on cochlear outer hair cell function in the inner ear of rats.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary skin disorder that affects 0.5% to 2.0% of the population. OBJECTIVE: Patients' knowledge, opinions, and attitudes about vitiligo were evaluated. METHODS: The team conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, prospective study between June 2014 and May 2015. The study included 100 patients aged over 12 years who were diagnosed with vitiligo. A questionnaire including items on knowledge, opinions, and beliefs about vitiligo and the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ) were filled out by the patients, and the results were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 100 (58 female, 42 male) patients were included in the study. Of them, 74% knew the name of their disease, 90% thought that vitiligo was not contagious, 48% reported that they obtained information on the disease from a doctor, and 69% believed they had adequate information on vitiligo. Eighty percent reported no negative effects from vitiligo on relationships with friends or family. It was believed that stress, excessive sun exposure, and heredity were causes of vitiligo, according to 84%, 37%, and 22% of the patients, respectively. Thirty-six patients (36%) believed that their illness was a serious disease and 35% deemed that it did not have a major impact on their lives. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that vitiligo patients were generally highly aware of their condition. The disease did not negatively affect patient opinions or attitudes about vitiligo. The authors believe that improving patient-physician communication will impact positively on the course of the disease.