SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Postvaccine side effects were evaluated in patients presenting to our emergency department with complaints of vaccine side effects after taking COVID-19 vaccine, and new unknown side effects ranging from mild complaints to life-threatening risks, and frequency of all side effects were investigated. This study aimed to establish a scientific resource to identify the potential side effects of the vaccine. METHODS: Patients’ demographic information, clinical characteristics, epicrisis reports, COVID-19 disease and vaccination histories, vital values, and blood values were examined. The SPSS 20.0 package program was used for statistical evaluation. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Notably, 13.1% of patients presenting to the emergency department started to have complaints after taking Sinovac vaccine, whereas 86.9% of them had complaints after taking BioNTech vaccine. Also, 36.9% of patients stated that they had COVID-19. All patients had a Glasgow coma scale score of 15 during admission. No patient was hospitalized, ventilator was not needed, and all patients were discharged. While the most common presenting complaint to the emergency department after vaccination was fatigue in 29.7%, the most common diagnoses after examination in the emergency department were myalgia in 32.1% and upper respiratory tract infection in 28.6%. CONCLUSION: Results and conclusions of our study will guide healthcare workers and patients on the side effects of COVID-19 vaccine.

Resumo Fundamento: As matrizes metaloproteinases (MMPs) podem afetar o volume extracelular (VEC) e seus compartimentos, e isso pode oferecer informações mais detalhadas sobre o mecanismo de remodelação adversa (RA) do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) após o infarto agudo do miocárdio (IM). Objetivos: Investigar o papel que as alterações (Δ) nos compartimentos de VEC (volume matriz (MVi) e volume celular (CVi)) desempenham no desenvolvimento de RA após o IM, e sua relação com as expressões de MMP-2. Métodos: Um total de noventa e dois pacientes com primeiro IM passaram por exames de imagens por ressonância magnética cardiovascular 3 Tesla realizados 2 semanas (linha de base) e 6 meses após o IM. Medimos o mapeamento T1 com sequências MOLLI. O VEC foi obtido após o realce pelo gadolínio. O VEC e a massa do VE foram usados para calcular o MVi e o CVi. A RA foi definida como um aumento de ≥ 12% no volume diastólico final do VE em 6 meses. As MMPs foram medidas usando-se um sistema de imunoensaio multiplex em grânulos no primeiro dia (linha de base) e 2 semanas após o IM. Um P valor <0,05 foi aceito como estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Os níveis de linha de base de MVi média e VEC médio foram mais altos no grupo com RA em comparação com o grupo sem RA (42,9±6,4 vs. 39,3±8,2 %, p= 0,037; 65,2±13,7 vs. 56,7±14,7 mL/m2, p=0,010; respectivamente). Os níveis de CVi eram semelhantes entre os grupos. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva entre os níveis de linha de base de MMP-2 e os níveis de linha de base de VEC (r=0,535, p<0,001) e MVi (r=0,549, p<0,001). O aumento dos níveis de ΔMVi foi um preditor independente da RA (RC=1,03, p=0,010). O ΔMVi teve um desempenho diagnóstico superior quando comparado ao ΔVEC na previsão do (ΔAUC: 0,215±0,07, p<0,001). Conclusão: Níveis altos de MVi estão associados à RA, e o ΔMVi foi um preditor independente de RA. Isso pode estar associado à liberação de MMP-2 devido ao aumento da resposta inflamatória.

Abstract Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can affect myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) and its compartments, and this can provide more detailed information about the mechanism of adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling (AR) after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Objectives: To investigate the role of changes (Δ) in ECV compartments (matrix volume (MVi) and cell volume (CVi)) in the development of AR after MI, and their relationship with MMP-2 expressions. Methods: Ninety-two first MI patients who underwent 3 Tesla cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging performed 2 weeks (baseline) and 6 months post-MI. We measured T1 mapping with MOLLI sequences. ECV was performed post-gadolinium enhancement. ECV and LV mass were used to calculate MVi and CVi. AR was defined as an increase of ≥ 12% in LV end-diastolic volume in 6 months. MMPs were measured using a bead-based multiplex immunoassay system at first day (baseline) and 2 weeks post-MI. P <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results: Mean ECV and mean MVi baseline levels were higher in AR group compared to without AR group (42.9±6.4 vs 39.3±8.2%, p= 0.037; 65.2±13.7 vs 56.7±14.7 mL/m2, p=0.010; respectively). CVi levels was similar between groups. A positive correlation was found between baseline levels of MMP-2 and baseline levels of ECV (r=0.535, p<0.001) and MVi (r=0.549, p<0.001). Increased ΔMVi levels was independently predictor of AR (OR=1.03, p=0.010). ΔMVi had superior diagnostic performance compared to ΔECV in predicting AR (ΔAUC: 0.215±0.07, p<0.001). Conclusion: High MVi levels are associated with AR, and ΔMVi was independently predictor of AR. This may be associated with MMP-2 release due to increased inflammatory response.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Caracterizada por desmielinização, inflamação e dano axonal, a esclerose múltipla (EM) é uma das doenças mais comuns do sistema nervoso central liderada pelo sistema imunológico. Há uma necessidade urgente e óbvia de biomarcadores para o diagnóstico e acompanhamento da EM. Objetivo: Investigar os níveis séricos de sestrina2 (SESN2), uma proteína que responde ao estresse agudo, em pacientes com EM. Métodos: Foram incluídos 85 participantes, 40 pacientes com diagnóstico prévio de EM recorrente-remitente e 45 controles saudáveis. Os parâmetros do SESN2 sérico foram investigados em amostras de sangue coletadas de cada participante nos grupos de paciente e controle. Resultados: os níveis de SESN2 foram significativamente mais baixos em pacientes com EM do que em controles (z: -3,06; p=0,002). Na análise ROC do SESN2, o nível preditivo para MS foi 2,36 ng/mL [sensibilidade, 72,50%; especificidade, 55,56%; p=0,002; área sob a curva (AUC)=0,693]. Para o valor de corte em ambos os grupos, SESN2 foi um preditor independente para MS [Exp (B)=3,977, intervalo de confiança de 95% (95%CI) 1,507-10,494; p=0,013]. Conclusões: A expressão diminuída de SESN2 pode desempenhar um papel na patogênese da EM, e SESN2 poderia ser usado como um biomarcador para EM e como agente imunoterapêutico para o tratamento de EM.

ABSTRACT Background: Characterized by demyelination, inflammation and axonal damage, multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common disorders of central nervous system led by the immune system. There is an urgent and obvious need for biomarkers for the diagnosis and follow-up of MS. Objective: To investigate serum levels of sestrin2 (SESN2), a protein that responds to acute stress, in MS patients. Methods: A total of 85 participants, 40 patients diagnosed previously with relapsing-remitting MS and 45 healthy controls, were included. Serum SESN2 parameters were investigated in blood samples drawn from each participant in the patient and control groups. Results: SESN2 levels were significantly lower in MS patients than in controls (z: -3.06; p=0.002). In the ROC analysis of SESN2, the predictive level for MS was 2.36 ng/mL [sensitivity, 72.50%; specificity, 55.56%; p=0.002; area under the curve (AUC)=0.693]. For the cut-off value in both groups, SESN2 was an independent predictor for MS [Exp (B)=3.977, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.507-10.494 and p=0.013]. Conclusions: The decreased expression of SESN2 may play a role in MS pathogenesis, and SESN2 could be used as a biomarker for MS and as immunotherapeutic agent to treat MS.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A esclerose múltipla (EM) é uma doença neurológica crônica autoimune inflamatória e neurodegenerativa. Atualmente, não há biomarcadores séricos eficazes para verificar o diagnóstico de EM, para avaliar o prognóstico da doença e avaliar a resposta ao tratamento de EM. Objetivo: O presente estudo é uma avaliação preliminar dos níveis séricos de irisina e nesfatina-1 em pacientes com EM recorrente-remitente (EMRR). Métodos: Um total de 86 participantes, 42 pacientes com diagnóstico de EMRR e 44 controles saudáveis, foram incluídos no estudo. Os parâmetros séricos de irisina e nesfatina-1 dos pacientes e membros do grupo controle foram analisados. Resultados: Os níveis de irisina e nesfatina-1 dos pacientes com EMRR foram significativamente mais baixos do que os dos controles (z: -3,82, p <0,001; z: -4,79, p <0,001, respectivamente). O nível de corte de irisina é 10,390 (ng/mL) (sensibilidade: 84,1%, especificidade: 71,4%, AUC: 0,800), e o nível de corte de nestatina-1 é 7,155 (ng/mL) (sensibilidade: 68,2%, especificidade: 64,3%, AUC: 0,739) na análise ROC. Para esses níveis de corte nos grupos de caso-controle, os níveis mais baixos de irisina e nesfatina-1 são as variáveis independentes para pacientes com EM (OR 9,723, IC95% 2,884-32,785, p <0,001; OR 3,992, IC95% 1,336-11,928, p <0,001) respectivamente. Conclusão: O presente estudo revelou níveis mais baixos de irisina e nesfatina-1 em pacientes com EMRR. Esses achados sugerem que os níveis diminuídos de peptídeos irisina e nesfatina-1 podem contribuir para a patogênese da EM, como inflamação, estresse oxidativo e apoptose na EM, levando à desmielinização, dano axonal com perda neuronal e gliose.

ABSTRACT Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative autoimmune chronic neurological disease. Currently, there are no effective serum biomarkers to verify MS diagnosis, to assess disease prognosis, and evaluate response to MS treatment. Objective: The present study is a preliminary assessment of irisin and nesfatin-1 serum levels in patients with relapsing- remitting MS (RRMS). Methods: A total of 86 participants, 42 patients with RRMS diagnosis and 44 healthy controls were included in the study. The serum irisin and nesfatin-1 parameters of the patients and control group members were analyzed. Results: Irisin and nesfatin-1 levels of the RRMS patients were significantly lower than the controls (z: -3.82, p<0.001; z: -4.79, p<0.001, respectively) The cut-off level of irisin is 10.390 (ng/mL) (sensitivity: 84.1%, specificity: 71.4%, AUC: 0.800), and the cut-off level of nestatin-1 is 7.155 (ng/mL) (sensitivity: 68.2%, specificity: 64.3%, AUC: 0.739) in the ROC analysis. For these cut-off levels in the case-control groups, the lower irisin and nesfatin-1 levels are the independent variables for MS patients (OR 9.723, 95%CI 2.884-32.785, p<0.001; OR 3.992, 95%CI 1.336-11.928, p<0.001) respectively. Conclusion: The present study revealed lower irisin and nesfatin-1 levels in patients with RRMS. These findings suggest that the decreased levels of irisin and nesfatin-1 peptides may contribute to MS pathogenesis such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in MS, leading to demyelination, axonal damage with neuronal loss, and gliosis.

Resumo Fundamento Menor redução da pressão arterial (PA) noturna, conhecida como hipertensão não-dipper, é um forte preditor de morbimortalidade cardiovascular. Objetivos Este estudo visou investigar a relação entre a hipertensão não-dipper e a gravidade e complexidade da doença arterial coronariana usando o escore SYNTAX em pacientes hospitalizados com síndrome coronariana aguda. Métodos Foram selecionados 306 pacientes consecutivos com síndrome coronariana aguda. Pacientes clinicamente estáveis internados na unidade de terapia intensiva intermediária pelo menos 24 horas após a angiografia e/ou revascularização bem sucedida. Após os critérios de exclusão, foram incluídos 141 pacientes (34 mulheres e 107 homens; idade média 61 ± 11 anos). A hipertensão não-dipper foi definida como uma queda de 0% a 10% na PA sistólica média durante a noite em comparação com o dia, medida em intervalos de 1 hora, usando o mesmo dispositivo automático de medição de PA em monitores de beira de leito (Vismo PVM-2701; Nihon Kohden Corp., Tóquio, Japão). O escore SYNTAX foi calculado com uma calculadora online. Os preditores independentes do escore SYNTAX foram avaliados por meio de análise de regressão logística multivariada. P < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Os pacientes com hipertensão não-dipper apresentaram escore SYNTAX maior do que os pacientes com hipertensão dipper (11,12 ± 6,41 versus 6,74 ± 6,45, p < 0,0001). Em um modelo de regressão logística multivariável, o status de hipertensão não dipper (odds ratio: 5,159; intervalo de confiança de 95%: 2,246 a 11,852, p < 0,001), sexo (p = 0,012) e colesterol de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (p = 0,008) emergiram como preditores independentes de alto escore SYNTAX. Conclusões Os resultados do nosso estudo fornecem um possível mecanismo adicional ligando o perfil anormal da PA circadiana à gravidade e à complexidade da doença arterial coronariana em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda.

Abstract Background Blunted nocturnal blood pressure (BP) reduction, referred to as non-dipper hypertension, is a strong predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the relationship between non-dipper hypertension and the severity and complexity of coronary artery disease using SYNTAX score in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methods A total of 306 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome were screened. Patients who were clinically stable and admitted to the intermediate intensive care unit at least 24 hours after angiography and/or successful revascularization. After the exclusion criteria, 141 patients (34 female and 107 male; mean age 61 ± 11 years) were included. Non-dipper hypertension has been defined as a 0% to 10% decrease in average systolic BP at nighttime compared to daytime, measured at hourly intervals using the same automatic BP measuring device on bedside monitors (Vismo PVM-2701; Nihon Kohden Corp., Tokyo, Japan). SYNTAX score was calculated with an online calculator. The independent predictors of SYNTAX score were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The patients with non-dipper hypertension had higher SYNTAX score than the patients with dipper hypertension (11.12 ± 6.41 versus 6.74 ± 6.45, p < 0.0001). In a multivariable logistic regression model, non-dipper hypertension status (odds ratio: 5.159; 95% confidence interval: 2.246 to 11.852, p < 0.001), sex (p = 0.012) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.008) emerged as independent predictors of high SYNTAX score. Conclusions The results of our study provide a possible additional mechanism linking abnormal circadian BP profile with coronary artery disease severity and complexity in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aims to assess the association between CHA2DS2-VASc score and erectile dysfunction in patients who were admitted to cardiology outpatient clinics. Materials and methods: One hundred and two male patients who were admitted to the cardiology outpatient clinic were included to the study. Erectile dysfunction was evaluated in the urology outpatient clinic in the same hospital and scored using Turkish Version of The International Index of Erectile Function. CHA2DS2-VASc score was calculated for every patient using the current associated guidelines. Results: There was a negative correlation between The International Index of Erectile Function score and CHA2DS2-VASc score, age, hypertension, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, stroke respectively. Smoking and dislipidemia were not correlated with The International Index of Erectile Function score (p>0.05). Conclusion: CHA2DS2-VASc score can be used to detect Erectile dysfunction in patients who are admitted to the cardiology outpatient clinics.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Examinamos o efeito da administração intracameral da cefuroxima sobre o estresse oxidativo e a apoptose endotelial no tecido corneano de ratos. MÉTODOS: No total, 30 ratos foram divididos em 3 grupos de 10 ratos cada (administração intracameral de cefuroxima 0,1 mg/0,01 mL (grupo cefuroxima), administração intracameral de solução salina balanceada 0,01 mL (grupo controle) ou ausência de injeção intracameral (grupo sham)). A apoptose endotelial da córnea foi avaliada por análise imuno-histoquimica usando caspase-3 e -8. O status oxidante total, o status antioxidante total, o índice de estresse oxidativo e os níveis de a paraoxonase e arilesterase foram investigados no tecido endotelial da córnea e no soro. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de paraoxonase no soro foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos sham e cefuroxima (p=0,027). Foi também observada uma diferença significativa nos níveis de estado oxidante total entre os grupos cefuroxima e solução salina balanceada (p=0,023). Além disso, houve diferenças significativas nos níveis de status antioxidante total no tecido da córnea entre os grupos cefuroxima e sham (p<0,001) e entre os grupos cefuroxima e solução salina balanceada (p<0,001). Diferenças significativas também foram observadas nos níveis do índice de estresse oxidativo entre os grupos cefuroxima e solução salina balanceada (p=0,001) e entre os grupos cefuroxima e sham (p=0,026). De acordo com os resultados de coloração imuno-histoquimica, houve associação significativa com a atividade da caspase-3 entre os grupos cefuroxima e solução salina balanceada (p=0,007), enquanto não houve diferença significativa com a atividade da caspase-8 (p=0,541). A atividade da caspase-3 exibiu uma relação significativa entre os grupos sham e solução salina balanceada (p=0,018), mas nenhuma relação foi encontrada com a atividade da caspase-8 (p=0,623). CONCLUSÃO: O exame imuno-histoquímico revelou que a cefuroxima intracameral aumentou a apoptose quando comparada com os grupos sham e solução salina balanceada. Além disso, a cefuroxima intracameral aumentou o estresse oxidativo na córnea e induziu simultaneamente a apoptose.

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: We examined the effect of intracameral administration of cefuroxime on oxidative stress and endothelial apoptosis in rat corneal tissue. METHODS: In total, 30 rats were divided into 3 groups of 10 rats each (intracameral administration of cefuroxime 0.1 mg/0.01 mL (cefuroxime group); intracameral administration of balanced salt solution 0.01 mL (control group); or absence of intracameral injection (sham group). Corneal endothelial apoptosis was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis using caspase-3 and caspase-8. Total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, oxidative stress index, and paraoxonase and arylesterase levels were examined in corneal endothelial tissue and serum. RESULTS: Paraoxonase levels in the serum were significantly different between the sham and cefuroxime groups (p=0.027). A significant difference was also observed in total oxidant status levels between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.023). In addition, there were significant differences in total antioxidant status levels in corneal tissue between the cefuroxime and sham groups (p<0.001) and between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p<0.001). Furthermore, significant differences were also observed in oxidative stress index levels between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.001) and between the cefuroxime and sham groups (p=0.026). According to the immunohistochemical staining results, a significant association with caspase-3 activity existed between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.007), while no significant difference was found with caspase-8 activity (p=0.541). Caspase-3 activity exhibited a significant relationship between the sham and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.018), but no relationship was found with caspase-8 activity (p=0.623). CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemical examination revealed that intracameral cefuroxime increased apoptosis when compared to the sham and balanced salt solution groups. Moreover, intracameral cefuroxime increased oxidative stress in the cornea and simultaneously induced apoptosis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Neste estudo, pretendeu-se determinar a prevalência de bruxismo e fatores relacionados em pacientes com esclerose múltipla (EM). Métodos: Diagnosticados com EM remitente recidivante sob os critérios de McDonald Diagnostic revisados em 2010, 182 pacientes sem ataques de EM durante os últimos três meses foram incluídos no grupo de pacientes, e 145 indivíduos saudáveis constituíram o grupo de controle no estudo. Os dados demográficos dos participantes dos dois grupos foram determinados. Nos grupos de pacientes e controle, o diagnóstico de bruxismo definitivo foi feito usando a Classificação Internacional de Distúrbios do Sono (1) (Manual de Diagnóstico e Codificação Segunda Edição). Resultados: O bruxismo foi detectado em 29,7% (n = 54) dos pacientes e observado dentro de 12,4% (n = 18) dos controles, e a diferença foi estatisticamente significante (p <0,001). De todos os pacientes, o tempo inicial de bruxismo foi encontrado em 70,4% (n = 38) após o diagnóstico e em 29,6% (n = 169) antes do diagnóstico. Em comparação com aqueles sem bruxismo, os níveis de idade média (p = 0,031) e o escore da Escala de Status de Incapacidade Expandida (p = 0,001) também foram significativamente maiores entre os pacientes com esclerose múltipla com bruxismo. Entre os pacientes com esclerose múltipla com e sem bruxismo, não foi encontrada diferença significativa em termos de sexo, estado civil, status educacional, emprego, tabagismo, número total de ataques, número de ataques no último ano e medicamentos utilizados. Conclusões: A freqüência de bruxismo foi maior em pacientes com esclerose múltipla do que nos controles. O bruxismo está associado à idade e ao escore da Escala de Status de Incapacidade Expandida (EDSS) em pacientes com EM.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence of bruxism and related factors in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS under the 2010-revised McDonald diagnostic criteria, 182 patients without MS exacerbations during the previous three months were included in the patient group, and 145 healthy individuals made up the control group in the study. Demographic data of the participants in both groups were determined. In the patient and control groups, the diagnosis of definite bruxism was made using the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (Diagnosis and Coding Manual, Second Edition). Results: Bruxism was found in 29.7% (n = 54) of the patients and in 12.4% (n = 18) of the controls, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Of all patients, the onset of bruxism was found in 70.4% (n = 38) after the diagnosis and in 29.6% (n = 169) prior to the diagnosis of MS. Compared with those without bruxism, the mean age (p = 0.031) and the score of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (p = 0.001) were also significantly higher among MS patients with bruxism. Between MS patients with and without bruxism, no significant differences were found in terms of sex, marital status, educational status, employment, cigarette smoking, total number of exacerbations, number of exacerbations within the previous year, and drugs used. Conclusions: The frequency of bruxism was found to be higher in the patients with MS than in the controls. Bruxism is associated with age and the Expanded Disability Status Scale score in MS patients.

ABSTRACT Purpose To determine whether using different intraperitoneal insufflation pressures for transperitoneal laparoscopic urologic surgeries decreases postoperative pain. Materials and Methods 76 patients who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic upper urinary tract surgery at different insufflation pressures were allocated into the following groups: 10mmHg (group I, n=24), 12mmHg (group II, n=25) and 14mmHg (group III, n=27). These patients were compared according to age, gender, body mass index (BMI), type and duration of surgery, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative pain score and length of hospital stay. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used for postoperative pain. Results Demographic characteristics, mean age, gender, BMI and type of surgeries were statistically similar among the groups. The mean operation time was higher in group I than group II and group III but this was not statistically significant (P=0.810). The mean intraoperative bleeding volume was significantly higher in group I compared with group II and group III (P=0.030 and P=0.006). The mean length of postoperative hospital stays was statistically similar among the groups (P=0.849). The mean VAS score at 6h was significantly reduced in group I compared with group III (P=0.011). At 12h, the mean VAS score was significantly reduced in group I compared with group II and group III (P=0.009 and P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean VAS scores at 24h among three groups (P=0.920). Conclusion Lower insufflation pressures are associated with lower postoperative pain scores in the early postoperative period.

RESUMO O quadro clínico de uma úlcera conjuntival acompanhada de secreção e dor foi observado em homem de 30 anos de idade, 3 dias após um trauma perfurante da córnea. As culturas de uma amostra retirada da úlcera conjuntival foi positiva para Fonsecaea pedrosoi, uma cromoblastomicose, geralmente transmitido após traumatismos. O caso foi tratado com sucesso com a anfotericina B, itraconazol e fluconazol. Este relato de caso reporta o diagnóstico e tratamento de uma úlcera conjuntival causada por F. pedrosoi, que raramente é visto nos olhos expostos a traumatismos contaminados. Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro caso relatado na literatura de F. pedrosoi causando úlcera conjuntival aguda.

ABSTRACT Conjunctival ulceration accompanied with secretion and pain was observed in a 30-year-old male, 3 days after a perforating corneal trauma. Cultures of conjunctival ulcer samples grew Fonsecaea pedrosoi, a major causative agent of chromoblastomycosis that is typically transmitted during trauma. The conjunctival ulcer was successfully treated with amphotericin B, itraconazole, and fluconazole. This case report summarizes the diagnosis and treatment of a conjunctival ulcer due to F. pedrosoi, which is a rare complication of contaminated ocular trauma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of F. pedrosoi causing acute conjunctival ulceration in the literature.

Los diferentes niveles de arsénico (As) tuvieron efecto significativo sobre el rendimiento al disminuir la producción y acumularse el As en las diferentes variedades de papa. El rendimiento fue negativamente afectado por la contaminación de suelo con As observándose una reducción de la producción con el incremento de As en el suelo. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en el rendimiento hasta 25 mg kg-1 As en el suelo pero en mayores cantidades el rendimiento se redujo drásticamente. El rendimiento fue reducido, se acumuló el As en la cáscara y en la pulpa del tubérculo en la medida que aumentaba el nivel As en el suelo. Entre las 14 variedades evaluadas, 'Felsina' presentó el máximo rendimiento y, 'Jam alu' y 'Cardinal' la menor acumulación de As tanto en cáscara como en pulpa del tubérculo. Entre los diferentes tratamientos, 'Felsina' se obtuvo el máximo rendimiento en un suelo sin As con 454,8 g peso fresco/planta, mientras 'Laura' presentó la menor reducción del rendimiento cuando en el suelo tenía 25 mg kg-1 de As. Aunque 'Jam alu' y 'Cardinal' presentaron el mejor rendimiento frente a las otras variedades, fueron las que mayor acumulación de As presentaron tanto en cáscara como en pulpa del tubérculo cuando fueron cultivadas en suelo con 25 mg kg-1 de As.

The different levels of arsenic (As) had a significant effect on the yield, yield reduction and As accumulation of different potato varieties. The yield was negatively affected by the As contamination and decreased with the increasing As levels in the soil, but remained statistically similar up to 25 mg kg-1 soil of As and thereafter drastically decreased with the increasing As levels. The yield reduction (%) and accumulation of As in the tuber peels and flesh increased with the increasing As levels. Among the fourteen potato varieties, 'Felsina' had the maximum yield and showed the lowest percentage of yield reduction; 'Jam alu' and 'Cardinal' accumulated the least amount of As in their peels and flesh, respectively. Among the treatment combinations, 'Felsina' cultivated in an As-free soil had the highest yield/plant (454.8 g fresh weight). 'Laura' grown in 25 mg kg-1 soil of As showed the lowest yield reduction (%). Although 'Jam alu' and 'Cardinal' produced a slightly lower yield compared to some other varieties, these two varieties accumulated the least amount of As, both in the peels and flesh, when grown in 25 mg kg-1 soil of As.

Bipartite patella is a normal anatomic variant of patella. There are various data about the prevalence of bipartite patella in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate its prevalence, type distribution and sex predilection in Turkish population. Bilateral knee radiographs were retrospectively reviewed of 897 consecutive adult patients. Cases with bipartite patella were categorized according to the Oohashi classification. Medical records were examined in order to differentiate symptomatic and asymptomatic bipartite patellae. We contacted symptomatic patients by telephone to learn continuity of knee pain. We identified 11 cases (7 male, 4 female) of bipartite patella among the 283 male and 614 female patients. No bilateral cases were identified. The prevalence of bipartite patella was 1.22% overall, 2.47% in males, and 0.65% in females. The most common type was superolateral bipartite patella as seen in 9 patients (81.8%). One subject had lateral bipartite and one subject had superolateral tripartite patella. Painful bipartite patella was found in only 2 patients (18%). One of them had continuing symptoms even after 12 months. In conclusion, we found that the prevalence of bipartite patella in Turkish population was approximately 1%. Both inclusion of only adult (skeletally mature) subjects and assessment with bilateral imaging increased the reliability of this value. In accordance with the literature, bipartite patella was found significantly more frequent in males and mostly in superolateral type. More studies are needed in order to obtain the prevalence, type and sex distribution of bipartite patella in different populations.

La patela bipartita es una variante anatómica normal. En la literaturahay varios datos sobre la prevalencia de patela bipartitae. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la prevalencia, distribución y aparición según sexo en la población turca. Se revisaron retrospectivamente radiografías bilaterales de rodilla de 897 pacientes adultos. Los casos con patela bipartita se clasificaron de acuerdo a la clasificación de Oohashi. Fueron examinados los registros médicos de los pacientes con el fin de diferenciar los casos de patela bipartita sintomática y asintomática. Se estableció contacto con los casos sintomáticos por teléfono para conocer la continuidad del dolor de rodilla. Se identificaron 11 casos (7 varones, 4 mujeres) de patela bipartita entre 283 hombres y 614 pacientes de sexo femenino. No se identificaron casos bilaterales. La prevalencia de patela bipartita fue de 1,22% en total, 2,47% en varones y 0,65% en las mujeres. El tipo más común fue la patela bipartita superolateral en 9 pacientes (81,8%). Un sujeto presentó patela bipartita lateral y en otro caso, patela tripartita superolateral. La patela bipartita dolorosa fue encontrada en sólo 2 pacientes (18%). Uno de ellos presentó síntomas que continuaron incluso después de 12 meses. En conclusión, se encontró que la prevalencia de la patela bipartita en la población turca fue de aproximadamente un 1%. La inclusión en esta investigación de solo sujetos adultos (con el esqueleto maduro) y el estudio de imágenes bilaterales aumentó la fiabilidad de estos parámetros. De acuerdo con la literatura, la patela bipartita se encontró significativamente de manera más frecuente en hombres y en su mayoría se trató del tipo superolateral. Se necesitan más estudios para obtener la prevalencia, tipo y distribución por sexo de la patela bipartita en diferentes poblaciones.

In this paper, Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) inside the human head and hand have been analyzed for a handheld mobile phone operated at GSM 900 band. Both the head and hand are modeled electrically using Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) formatted CT Scan voxel data considering the electrical parameters of different internal anatomical structures. Three-dimensional Finite Difference in Time Domain (FDTD) method has been used to simulate SAR induced in the head and hand. Maximum peak 1-g and 10-g SARs of 1.33 W/kg and 0.388 W/kg are found at antenna resonance frequency of 930 MHz for 0.6 W applied input power which are below the limits set by ANSI/IEEE and FCC, respectively.

OBJETIVOS: Estudar o efeito do fumo passivo sobre o estado plasmático oxidativo e antioxidativo em pré-escolares fumantes passivos e compará-los com controles. MÉTODOS: Trinta e quatro pré-escolares fumantes passivos (cinco a 50 cigarros/dia) (grupo de estudo) e 32 controles que nunca estiveram expostos à fumaça de cigarro foram escolhidos aleatoriamente entre crianças de 4 a 6 anos. Foram determinados os níveis de cotinina urinária e de indicadores do estado oxidativo e antioxidativo, isto é, estado oxidante total (EOT), capacidade antioxidante total (CAT) e índice de estresse oxidativo (IEO). RESULTADOS: A média do consumo ambiental de cigarros foi de 22±13 cigarros por dia nas crianças fumantes passivas. Os níveis médios de cotinina urinária foram 77,6±41,4 ng/mL e 11,9±2,3 ng/mL nos grupos de estudo e controle, respectivamente (p < 0,001). Os níveis médios da CAT plasmática foram 0,95±0,13 mmol equivalente de Trolox/L e 1,01±0,09 mmol equivalente de Trolox/L, respectivamente (p = 0,039). Os níveis médios de EOT plasmático foram 28,6±7,9 µmol H2O2 equivalente/L e 18,5±6,3 µmol H2O2 equivalente/L, respectivamente (p < 0,001). Os níveis médios de IEO foram 3,08±0,98 unidade arbitrária e 1,84±0,64 unidade arbitrária, respectivamente (p < 0,001). Uma pequena quantidade de fumaça de cigarro (cinco a 10 cigarros/dia) causa estresse oxidativo considerável. Não houve correlações significativas entre o número de cigarros consumidos e os níveis de estado oxidante e de IEO. CONCLUSÕES: O tabagismo passivo é um potente oxidante em pré-escolares. Seus efeitos deletérios não se limitam apenas tabagismo passivo pesado, mas também ocorrem com a exposição a pequenas quantidades de fumaça.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of passive cigarette smoking on plasma oxidative and antioxidative status in passive smoking preschool children and to compare them with controls. METHODS: Thirty-four passive smoking (five to 50 cigarettes per day) preschool children (study group) and 32 controls who had never been exposed to cigarette smoke were randomly chosen from children aged from 4 to 6 years. Urinary cotinine and plasma indicators of oxidative and antioxidative status, i.e., total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress index (OSI), were determined. RESULTS: Mean environmental cigarette consumption was 22±13 cigarettes per day in passive smoking children. Mean urinary cotinine levels were 77.6±41.4 ng/mL and 11.9±2.3 ng/mL in the study and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Mean plasma TAC levels were 0.95±0.13 mmol Trolox equivalent/L and 1.01±0.09 mmol Trolox equivalent/L, respectively (p = 0.039). Mean plasma TOS levels were 28.6±7.9 µmol H2O2 equivalent/L and 18.5±6.3 µmol H2O2 equivalent/L, respectively (p < 0.001). Mean OSI levels were 3.08±0.98 arbitrary units and 1.84±0.64 arbitrary units, respectively (p < 0.001). A small amount of cigarette smoke (five to 10 cigarettes per day) causes considerable oxidative stress. There were significant correlations between number of cigarettes consumed and oxidant status and OSI levels. CONCLUSIONS: Passive smoke is a potent oxidant in preschool children. Its deleterious effects are not limited just to heavy passive smoking, but also occur with exposure to small amounts of smoke.