RESUMEN Introducción: La isquemia renal (I) puede desarrollarse debido a la disminución o interrupción del flujo sanguíneo al riñón en algunas condiciones clínicas como shock, sepsis y trasplante renal. El reabastecimiento de sangre al riñón se denomina reperfusión (R). Tanto la isquemia como los períodos de reperfusión pueden causar graves daños renales. Objetivos: Cuando examinamos la progresión molecular I/R, las moléculas antioxidantes como la vitamina A parecen agentes de tratamiento prometedores. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar los efectos de la vitamina A sobre la lesión renal I/R. Material y Métodos: En el estudio, 40 ratas macho Sprague-Dawley se dividieron en 5 grupos (n=8) como: control, solo I/R, I/R+1000, I/R+3000 e I/R+9000 UI/kg de la Vitamina A. La vitamina A se administró a cada grupo durante 7 días por vía oral forzada. Al final del experimento se recolectaron muestras de sangre y tejido del riñón. A partir de muestras de sangre se determinaron los niveles de superóxido dismutasa (SOD), malondialdehído (MDA), catalasa (CAT), nitrógeno ureico en sangre (BUN) y creatinina (Cr). Las muestras de tejido se tiñeron con hematoxilina/eosina y los cambios en la histología renal se examinaron histopatológicamente y estereológicamente al microscopio de luz. Resultados: Los cambios histopatológicos causados por I/R disminuyeron con la administración de la vitamina A de manera dependiente de la dosis (p<0,05). La administración de la vitamina A disminuyó los niveles de MDA, aumentó las actividades de SOD y CAT (p<0,05). La dosis más eficaz entre los grupos del tratamiento fue de 9000 UI/kg. No hubo una diferencia significativa entre el grupo control y todos los demás grupos con respecto a las concentraciones de BUN y Cr. Conclusiones: Consiguientemente, la administración de la vitamina A, después de I/R renal, redujo el daño histológico y mejoró el estado antioxidante. Estos resultados mostraron que la vitamina A puede ser un agente promisorio en el tratamiento de la lesión renal aguda (LRA) inducida por I/R.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Renal ischemia (I) could develop due to decreased or ceased blood flow to the kidney in some clinical conditions such as shock, sepsis, and kidney transplantation. The re-supply of blood to the kidney is called reperfusion (R). Ischemia and reperfusion periods can cause severe kidney damage. Objectives: When we examined the I/R molecular progression, antioxidant molecules such as vitamin A seem promising treatment agents. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin A on renal I/R injury. Material and Methods: In the study, 40 Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into five groups (n=8): the control group, only I/R, I/R+1000, I/R+3000, and I/R+9000 IU/kg of Vitamin A groups. Vitamin A was administrated to each group for seven days via oral gavage. Blood and kidney tissue samples were collected at the end of the experiment. We took blood samples for Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) levels, and determined their values. The tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin/eosin to examine the renal changes histopathologically and stereologically under a light microscope. Results: Histopathological changes caused by I/R were decreased with vitamin A administration in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). Vitamin A administration decreased MDA levels and increased SOD and CAT activities (p<0.05). The most effective dose among treatment groups was 9000 IU/kg. There was no significant difference between the controls and all other groups regarding BUN and Cr concentrations. Conclusions: Consequently, administration of vitamin A after renal I/R reduced the histological damage and ameliorated the antioxidant state. These results showed that vitamin A could be a promising agent in treating I/R-induced acute kidney injury.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to reveal whether there was a possible relationship between the blood group and postoperative atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: Between January 2020 and January 2022, 452 patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery consisted of the research population. Patients were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of new-onset atrial fibrillation from the time of operation until discharge. Group 1 (atrial fibrillation group) had 122 patients, whereas group 2 (non-atrial fibrillation group) contained 350 patients. Patients’ baseline clinical characteristics and operative and postoperative data were recorded and then compared between the groups. Moreover, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was also conducted to identify the predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: Non-O blood groups were substantially more common in the atrial fibrillation group than in the non-atrial fibrillation group. Patient age differences between the atrial fibrillation and non-atrial fibrillation groups were statistically significant, and patients in the atrial fibrillation group were detected to be older. Mean left atrial diameter, rates of obesity and prior percutaneous coronary intervention history, and perioperative intraaortic balloon pump requirement were significantly greater in the atrial fibrillation group than in the non-atrial fibrillation group. According to logistic regression analysis, blood group, age, left atrial diameter, obesity, and prior percutaneous coronary intervention were identified as predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated for the first time in the literature that ABO blood type was a novel and significant predictor of new-onset atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the predictive role of systemic immune-inflammation index on postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: A total of 722 patients undergoing elective off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting between January 2017 and September 2021 were included in this study and divided into two groups as the atrial fibrillation group (n=172) and the non-atrial fibrillation group (n=550). Both groups were compared in terms of patients’ baseline clinical features, operative and postoperative variables, and preoperative hematological indices derived from the complete blood count analysis. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to detect the independent predictors of postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: The median age and length of hospital stay in the atrial fibrillation group were significantly higher than those in the non-atrial fibrillation group. The median values of white blood cell, platelet, neutrophil, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammation in the atrial fibrillation group were significantly greater than in those in the non- atrial fibrillation group. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, platelet, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammation were independent predictors of postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation. receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that systemic immune-inflammation of 706.7×103/mm3 constituted cut-off value to predict the occurrence of new-onset atrial fibrillation with 86.6% sensitivity and 29.3% specificity. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed for the first time that systemic immune-inflammation predicted new-onset atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Abstract Salmonella Enteritidis is the major cause of foodborne salmonellosis affecting human health. The light emitting diodes (LEDs) is a novel approach to inactivate of the foodborne pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial effect of 405 nm LEDs illumination on S. Enteritidis and S. Enteritidis PT4. The irradiance of the 405 nm LEDs was 27.7 mW/cm2. Bacterial cultures suspended in tryptic soy broth were illuminated by 10-watt LEDs at a distance of 4.5 cm for 24 hours at 4 °C, 25 °C and 37 °C. Approximately 7-log reduction in colony forming unit (CFU) counts of both S. Enteritidis and S. Enteritidis PT4 at each temperature were observed following exposure after 7.5 hours to the LEDs, concluding that temperature did not affect the inactivation of the bacteria. The decimal reduction times (D-values) for the serotypes ranged from 55.78 to 67.88 min at 4, 25 and 37 °C after 405 nm LEDs illumination. No significant difference in D-values was observed among both the serotypes and temperatures, except for S. Enteritidis which had lower D-value at 4 °C. The LEDs technology has shown antibacterial efficacy and can be implemented in the food processing for reducing S. Enteritidis.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative pulmonary hypertension (PHT) on postoperative early mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: A total of 1107 patients undergoing elective first-time off-pump CABG between January 2011 and April 2022 were included in this retrospective observational cohort study. The patients were categorized into two groups according to their preoperative systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) values. The PHT group (n=104) consisted of patients with a SPAP value >30 mmHg, while the non-PHT group (n=1003) consisted of patients with a SPAP value ≤30 mmHg. Patients’ preoperative demographics and clinical features, operative data, and postoperative outcomes were recorded and then compared between the groups. RESULTS: In the PHT group, the median age was significantly higher (66 vs. 63 years, p=0.001) and the median left ventricular ejection fraction level was significantly lower (45 vs. 50%, p=0.045) as compared to the non-PHT group. Additionally, the PHT group included a significantly greater percentage of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (22.1 vs. 7.4%, p=0.019). As perioperative early-term outcomes, complications, and mortality were considered, the groups were statistically similar, and there were no significant differences between the groups, except for the development of atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: For the first time in the literature, this study revealed that mild PHT (mean SPAP=38.9±8.7 mmHg) did not significantly affect early-term outcomes of off-pump CABG.

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cause of cancer-related death. Sorafenib is the first approved drug for the treatment of advanced HCC. Depression is frequent in cancer patients. Moreover, sorafenib might exert depression as an adverse drug reaction and paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is a recommended pharmacotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the potential synergistic effects of paroxetine and sorafenib on HepG2 cell proliferation and death. Paroxetine and sorafenib were administered to HepG2 cells as single-agents or in combination. Cell viability was determined with XTT cell viability assay. Cellular apoptosis and DNA content were assessed by flow cytometry. The expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was examined by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. A lower dose of sorafenib was found to be required to inhibit cell proliferation when in combination with paroxetine. Similarly, the coadministration enhanced cellular apoptosis and resulted in cell cycle arrest. Confocal imaging revealed a remarkably lower cell density and increased expression of Bcl-2 following combined treatment of paroxetine with sorafenib. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the synergistic effect of paroxetine and sorafenib in HCC and might provide a potentially promising therapeutic strategy.

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.

Resumen Objetivo: Los estudios se han concentrado en el uso de resinas compuestas no vencidos. Desafortunadamente, algunos clínicos aún usan resinas caducadas sin considerar sus efectos. El objetivo de este estudio preliminar in vitro fue investigar la citotoxicidad de resinas compuestas caducadas (6 meses) y no caducadas. Materiales y métodos: muestras caducadas (E) y no caducadas (NE) de una resina bulk-fill (Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-fill (TNB), Ivoclar Vivadent) y dos resinas nanohíbridas (Tetric N-Ceram (TN) Ivoclar Vivadent) (Clearfil Majesty ES-2 (CM), Kuraray), se probaron en células de fibroblastos L929. Se retiraron las células que cubrían el medio, luego se llenaron anillos de plástico (2 mm de altura) con resinas no polimerizadas, se colocaron en contacto directo con las células y se polimerizaron con una unidad de fotocurado LED (LCU). Se prepararon tres muestras para cada grupo. Después de la polimerización, se añadió el medio eliminado a las células. Las células que quedaron sin medio (WOM) y las células que se expusieron a LCU se usaron como grupos de control positivo. Las células sin ningún tratamiento se utilizaron como grupo de control negativo (C). Las células se incubaron con las resinas durante 7 días para evaluar la citotoxicidad. La viabilidad celular se calculó mediante la prueba de sulforodamina B como un porcentaje (%). ANOVA unidireccional y pruebas post-hoc de Tukey se utilizaron para los análisis estadísticos (p <0.05). Resultados: La comparación entre los grupos E y NE de las mismas resinas compuestas no mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p> 0.05), excepto entre TN NE y TN E (p <0.05). El grupo TN E fue significativamente más citotóxico que el grupo TN NE. Cuando los grupos de resinas compuestas de NE se compararon entre sí, solo se obtuvo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre TNB NE y TN NE (p <0.05). Entre todos los grupos probados, el grupo TN NE mostró el perfil menos citotóxico. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas cuando los grupos de resina compuesta E se compararon entre sí (p> 0.05). Todos los grupos experimentales en comparación con el grupo C mostraron citotoxicidad estadísticamente significativa (p <0,05). Existió una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre LCU y grupos C (p <0.05). Conclusiones: En la práctica clínica, las resinas compuestas caducadas nunca deben usarse. Aunque se encontró una correlación entre las fechas de vencimiento de las resinas compuestas nano-híbridas y la viabilidad celular, se obtuvieron datos opuestos para la resina bulk-fill. Se requieren nuevas investigaciones para evaluar la biocompatibilidad de las resinas bulk-fill en distintos espesores con las LCU actuales.

Astracts Objective: Studies have focused on use of non-expired composites. Unfortunately some clinicians still use expired composite resins without considering their effects. The objective of this in vitro preliminary research was to investigate cytotoxicity of expired(6-months) and non-expired composite resins. Materials and methods: Expired (E) and non-expired (NE) samples of one bulk-fill (Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-fill (TNB), Ivoclar Vivadent), two nano-hybrid (Tetric N-Ceram (TN), Ivoclar Vivadent; Clearfil Majesty ES-2 (CM), Kuraray) composite resins were tested on L929 fibroblast cells. Medium covering cells was removed then plastic rings (2-mm height) were filled with non-polymerized composite resins, placed in direct contact with cells and polymerized with LED light curing unit (LCU). Three samples were prepared for each group. After polymerization, removed medium was added to the cells. Cells that were left without medium (WOM) and cells that were exposed to LCU were used as positive control groups. Cells without any treatment were used as negative control group (C). Cells were incubated with tested materials for 7-days to evaluate cytotoxicity. Cell viability was calculated by sulforhodamine B test as a percentage (%). One-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests were used for statistical analyses (p<0.05). Results: Comparison between E and NE groups of same composite resins did not result in statistically significant differences (p>0.05), except between TN NE and TN E (p<0.05). TN E group was significantly more cytotoxic than TN NE group. When NE composite resin groups were compared to each other, statistically significant difference was only obtained between TNB NE and TN NE (p<0.05). Among all tested groups, TN NE group showed the least cytotoxic profile. No statistically significant differences were determined when E composite resin groups were compared to each other (p>0.05). All experimental groups compared with C group showed statistically significant cytotoxicity (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference existed between LCU and C groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: In clinical practice, expired composite resins should never be used. Although a correlation was found between expiration dates of nano-hybrid composite resins and cell viability, opposite data were obtained for bulk- fill composite resin. Researches are still required to evaluate biocompatibility of bulk- fill composite resins at various thicknesses with current LCUs.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the change in serum Elabela level, a new apelinergic system peptide, in patients with complete atrioventricular (AV) block and healthy controls. Methods: The study included 50 patients with planned cardiac pacemaker (PM) implantation due to complete AV block and 50 healthy controls with similar age and gender. Elabela level was measured in addition to routine anamnesis, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Patients were divided into two groups, with and without AV block, and then compared. Results: In patients with AV block, serum Elabela level was significantly higher and heart rate and cardiac output were significantly lower than in healthy controls. Serum Elabela level was found to be positively correlated with high-sensitive C-reactive protein and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, but negatively correlated with heart rate, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and cardiac output. In linear regression analysis, it was found that these parameters were only closely related to heart rate and NT-proBNP. Serum Elabela level was determined in the patients with AV block independently; an Elabela level > 9.5 ng/ml determined the risk of complete AV-block with 90.2% sensitivity and 88.0% specificity. Conclusion: In patients with complete AV block, the serum Elabela level increases significantly before the PM implantation procedure. According to the results of our study, it was concluded that serum Elabela level could be used in the early determination of patients with complete AV block.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the obstetric outcomes of singleton high-risk pregnancies with a small size uterine fibroid. Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted among 172 high-risk pregnant women who were followed-up by a single surgeon between 2016 and 2019. Pregnant women with preconceptionally diagnosed small size (< 5 cm) single uterine fibroids (n = 25) were compared with pregnant women without uterine fibroids (n = 147) in terms of obstetric outcomes. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The size of the fibroids was increased in 60% of the cases, and the growth percentage of the fibroids was 25% during pregnancy. Intrapartum and short-term complication was not observed in women who underwent cesarean myomectomy. Conclusion Small size uterine fibroids seem to have no adverse effect on pregnancy outcomes even in high-risk pregnancies, and cesarean myomectomy may be safelyperformed in properly selected cases.

Abstract: It is known that there is a correlation between hydration heat and physico-mechanical properties of wood based cement panels. Cement hydration is affected by many variables, such as chemical composition, water/cement ratio, wood/cement ratio, wood chemical properties, mineral additions and producing conditions. This study mainly aimed to investigate the effects of press temperature on some properties of three-layer cement bonded particleboard made from the particles of spruce (Picea orientalis) and poplar (Populus tremula). For this purpose, a total of 16 experimental board groups with 1200 kg/m3 target density and 1/3 wood-cement ratio were produced at the press temperatures of (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80) °C. As cement curing accelerator, CaCl2 was used at a rate of 5 % (cement weight basis). The physical, mechanical and thermal properties of the boards were determined. The results indicated that the press temperature substantially affected the properties of cement-bonded particleboard depending on the wood species. In the light of this study, the optimum temperatures in producing of cement-bonded particleboard were found as 40 °C for poplar wood and 60 °C for spruce wood.

Abstract Gap formation of composite resin restorations is a serious shortcoming in clinical practice. Polymerization shrinkage stress exceeds the tooth-restoration bond strength, and it causes bacterial infiltration within gaps between cavity walls and the restorative material. Thus, an intermediate liner application with a low elastic modulus has been advised to minimize polymerization shrinkage as well as gap formation. Objective: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess gap formation volume in premolars restored with different bulk-fill composites, with and without a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC) liner, using x-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Methodology: Sixty extracted human maxillary premolars were divided into six groups according to bucco-palatal dimensions (n=10). Standardized Class II mesio-occluso-distal cavities were prepared. G-Premio Bond (GC Corp., Japan) was applied in the selective-etch mode. Teeth were restored with high-viscosity (Filtek Bulk Fill, 3M ESPE, USA)-FB, sonic-activated (SonicFill 2, Kerr, USA)-SF and low viscosity (Estelite Bulk Fill Flow, Tokuyama, Japan)-EB bulk-fill composites, with and without a liner (Ionoseal, Voco GmbH, Germany)-L. The specimens were subjected to 10,000 thermocycles (5-55°C) and 50,000 simulated chewing cycles (100 N). Gap formation based on the volume of black spaces at the tooth-restoration interface was quantified in mm3 using micro-computed tomography (SkyScan, Belgium), and analyses were performed. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and the Bonferroni correction test (p < 0.05). Results: The gap volume of all tested bulk-fill composites demonstrated that Group SF (1.581±0.773) had significantly higher values than Group EB (0.717±0.679). Regarding the use of a liner, a significant reduction in gap formation volume was observed only in Group SFL (0.927±0.630) compared with Group SF (1.581±0.773). Conclusion: It can be concluded that different types of bulk-fill composite resins affected gap formation volume. Low-viscosity bulk-fill composites exhibited better adaptation to cavity walls and less gap formation than did sonic-activated bulk-fill composites. The use of an RMGIC liner produced a significant reduction in gap formation volume for sonic-activated bulk-fill composites.

Abstract Primary angiosarcoma is a rare clinical entity, it's typically located within the right atrium and known to be rapidly fatal. A 37-year-old female was presented with a history of recurrent facial paralysis and left hemiparesis. A cranial mass was identified at cranial magnetic resonance imaging and she underwent neurosurgery operation. The immunohistochemical examination was determined as metastatic cardiac angiosarcoma. The tumor, as well as part of the right pericardium, were resected. A piece of bovine pericardium was used to reconstruct the right atrial wall. Tricuspid valve was reconstructed with ring annuloplasty. Due to resection of right coronary artery with the tumor, coronary bypass surgery was performed successfully. The patient is currently healthful without any recurrence and complaint 12 months after the diagnosis as followed up.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Durasphere® EXP (DEXP) is a compound of biocompatible and non--biodegradable particles of zirconium oxide covered with pyrolytic carbon. The aim of this study is to evaluate the durability of off-label use of DEXP in the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent subureteric injection of DEXP for the correction of primary VUR were retrospectively reviewed. Patients aged >18 years as well as those who had grade-I or -V VUR, anatomic abnormalities (duplicated system, hutch diverticulum), neurogenic bladder or treatment refractory voiding dysfunction were excluded. Radiologic success was defined as the resolution of VUR at the 3rd month control. Success was radiographically evaluated at the end of the first year. Results: Thirty-eight patients (9 boys, 29 girls; mean age, 6.3±2.7 years) formed the study cohort. Forty-six renal units received DEXP (grade II: 22; grade III: 18; grade IV: 6). Mean volume per ureteric orifice to obtain the mound was 0.70±0.16mL. First con- trol VCUG was done after 3 months in all patients. After the first VCUG, 6 patients had VUR recurrence. Short-term radiologic success of DEXP was 84.2%. Rate of radiologic success at the end of the first year was 69.4% (25/32). Lower age (p:0.006) and lower amount of injected material (p:0.05) were associated with higher success rates at the end of 1 year. Conclusion: This is the first study to assess the outcomes of DEXP for treatment of primary VUR in children. After 1 year of follow-up, DEXP had a 69.4% success rate.