Showing papers by "Başkent University published in 2007"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the general nature of environmental protection, waste management, purchasing, energy use, and conservation practices of hotels in Ankara, Turkey and found that hotel managers mostly lack the necessary environmental knowledge and interest to meet the basic objectives of social and environmental responsibility.
340 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors measured airline service quality based on data collected at a Turkish airline using SERVQUAL scores weighted by loadings derived from factor analysis and found that passengers' gap scores significantly differed by their educational level, frequency of flight, and flight purposes.
285 citations
14 Aug 2007
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a new cost function based on distance and load of the vehicle for the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (EMVRP), which is called the energy minimizing vehicle routing problem.
Abstract: This paper proposes a new cost function based on distance and load of the vehicle for the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem. The vehicle-routing problem with this new load-based cost objective is called the Energy Minimizing Vehicle Routing Problem (EMVRP). Integer linear programming formulations with O(n2) binary variables and O(n2) constraints are developed for the collection and delivery cases, separately. The proposed models are tested and illustrated by classical Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (CVRP) instances from the literature using CPLEX 8.0.
283 citations
TL;DR: Findings indicated that even teachers and administrator staff felt themselves competent in using ICT available at the school; they reported a lack of guidelines that would lead them to successful integration.
Abstract: Since the advent of technologies available for teaching and learning, schools have been advocating considerable amount of their funds for the procurement of hi-tech technologies. Despite this huge investment, there is a little success achieved so far. It is obvious that technology integration is a complex and demanding issues and this puts more burdens on schools. On the other hand, technology planning, as a process and product, holds a number of promises to overcome those problems. Thus, the purpose of this present study was to illustrate how technology planning process was carried out in a private K-12 school in Turkey. Data were collected from 105 teachers, 25 administrative staff, and 376 students. Teachers and administrative staff were asked to fill out a questionnaire to gather data on their perceived computer literacy, issues related to ICT usage. Students were also asked about their perceptions on the current utilization of ICT at their school. Additionally, unstructured interviews were conducted with administrative staff and teachers to validate data obtained through questionnaires. Data were descriptively analyzed to provide necessary input for the technology planning process. Findings indicated that even teachers and administrator staff felt themselves competent in using ICT available at the school; they reported a lack of guidelines that would lead them to successful integration. On the other hand, students reported that ICT is not utilized sufficiently in their classes. Finally, the study illustrated how necessary data were collected and findings were transformed into suggestions to frame a technology plan for a school.
262 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a study was conducted to determine barriers for HACCP and food safety programs in food businesses in Turkey, and the authors identified the main barriers for food safety in food business as lack of knowledge about food safety and inadequate physical condition of the facility.
202 citations
TL;DR: The bone density values from pre-operative CT examination may provide an objective assessment of bone quality, and significant correlations between bone density and implant stability parameters may help clinicians to predict primary stability before implant insertion.
Abstract: Aims: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between bone density, insertion torque, and implant stability at implant placement Materials and Methods: One-hundred and eight patients were treated with 230 BrÅnemark System implants A computerized tomography (CT) machine was used for pre-operative evaluation of the jaw bone for each patient The maximum insertion torque values were recorded with the OsseoCare equipment Implant stability measurements were performed with the Osstell machine for only 142 implants Results: The mean bone density and insertion torque values were 721 ± 254 Hounsfield unit (HU) and 391 ± 7 N cm for 230 implants, and the correlation was significant (r= 0664, p<0001) The mean bone density, insertion torque, and resonance frequency analysis values were 751 ± 257 HU, 394 ± 7 Nc m, and 705 ± 7 implant stability quotient (ISQ), respectively, for 142 implants Statistically significant correlations were found between bone density and insertion torque values (p<0001); bone density and ISQ values (p<0001); and insertion torque and ISQ values (p<0001) Conclusion: The bone density values from pre-operative CT examination may provide an objective assessment of bone quality, and significant correlations between bone density and implant stability parameters may help clinicians to predict primary stability before implant insertion
175 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the effect of salt on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase, and growth parameters such as length, fresh and dry weight, proline and H2O2 contents, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), quantum yield of PSII and the rate of lipid peroxidation in terms of malondialdehyde in leaf and root tissues of a chickpea cultivar (Cicer ariet
Abstract: The changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, like superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase, and growth parameters such as length, fresh and dry weight, proline and H2O2 contents, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), quantum yield of PSII and the rate of lipid peroxidation in terms of malondialdehyde in leaf and root tissues of a chickpea cultivar (Cicer arietinum L. cv. Gokce) under salt treatment were investigated. Plants were subjected to 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 M NaCl treatments for 2 and 4 days. Compared to controls, salinity resulted in the reduction of length and of the fresh and dry weights of shoot and root tissues. Salinity caused significant (P < 0.05) changes in proline and MDA levels in leaf tissue. In general, a dose-dependent decrease was observed in H2O2 content, Fv/Fm and quantum yield of photosynthesis under salt stress. Leaf tissue extracts exhibited three activity bands, of which the higher band was identified as MnSOD and the others as FeSOD and Cu/ZnSOD. A significant enhancement was detected in the activities of Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD isozymes in both tissues. APX and GR activities exhibited significant increases (P < 0.05) in leaf tissue under all stress treatments, whereas no significant change was observed in root tissue. The activity of CAT was significantly increased under 0.5 M NaCl stress in root tissue, while its activity was decreased in leaf tissue under 0.5 M NaCl stress for 4 days. These results suggest that CAT and SOD activities play an essential protective role against salt stress in chickpea seedlings.
158 citations
TL;DR: The presence of back pain, fever, elevated inflammatory markers and a documented history of tuberculosis in association with radiological involvement of the posterior spinous elements is pathognomonic of tuberculous spinal infection, even in the absence of positive culture.
136 citations
TL;DR: The serum DPPIV activity and the staining intensity of CD26 in liver are correlated with histopathologic grade of NASH and hepatosteatosis and can be proposed as a novel candidate with several potential functions in NASH pathogenesis.
134 citations
TL;DR: CFR is impaired in subjects with prehypertension, but this impairment is not as severe as that in hypertension.
Abstract: Background— The assessment of coronary flow reserve (CFR) by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography has recently been introduced into clinical practice, and reduced CFR has been suggested to be a sensitive indicator of hypertensive end-organ damage; however, to date, this methodology has not been used to evaluate CFR in subjects with prehypertension. Accordingly, the present study was designed to evaluate CFR in subjects with prehypertension.
Methods and Results— We measured CFR of 40 subjects with prehypertension, 60 patients with hypertension, and 50 normotensive healthy volunteers using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. None of the subjects had any systemic disease. Age, gender, body mass index, heart rate, lipid profiles, fasting glucose levels, and hemoglobin were similar among the 3 groups. CFR was significantly lower in the hypertension group than in the prehypertension and control groups; in addition, it was significantly lower in subjects with prehypertension than in control subjects (2.23±0.47, 2.54±0.48, and 2.91±0.53, respectively). Furthermore, we found that prehypertension (β=−0.31, P <0.01) and hypertension (β=−0.57, P <0.01) were significant predictors of lower CFR in a multivariable model that adjusted for other variables. CFR was significantly and inversely correlated with age ( r =−0.20, P =0.01), systolic blood pressure ( r =−0.51, P <0.01), diastolic blood pressure ( r =−0.47, P <0.01), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels ( r =−0.21, P =0.01), left atrium diameter ( r =−0.22, P <0.01), mitral E deceleration time ( r =−0.19, P =0.02), and mitral A velocity ( r =−0.27, P <0.01), whereas mitral E/A ratio was significantly and positively correlated with CFR ( r =0.26, P <0.01).
Conclusions— CFR is impaired in subjects with prehypertension, but this impairment is not as severe as that in hypertension.
Received July 10, 2006; accepted November 27, 2006.
134 citations
TL;DR: Interruption or stenosis of the IVC are rare on routine abdominal CT examinations and may cause different clinical findings depending on the variant drainage patterns or collaterals, whereas commonly symptomatic if well-developed azygos/hemiazygOS continuation is not present.
TL;DR: It is found that CMV and C. parvum, which are seldom seen in the normal population, were frequent causes of diarrhea in this group of transplant recipients.
Abstract: After transplantation, diarrhea may be caused by infectious agents, drug-specific effects, metabolic conditions, or mechanical complications of surgery. Determining the cause helps to determine whether to initiate antimicrobial therapy and the duration of treatment. In this study we aimed to determine the causes of diarrhea in kidney or liver recipients. Fifty-two diarrhea episodes among 43 solid organ recipients were evaluated. The cause of diarrhea was detected in 43 patients (82.6%). Infectious etiologies accounted for 33 out of the 43 episodes (76.7%) in which a specific cause was determined: Giardia lamblia in 9, Cryptosporidium parvum in 7, cytomegalovirus (CMV) in 6, Clostridium difficile in 3, Campylobacter jejuni in 2, Shigella sonnei in 2, Salmonella enteritidis in 1, rotavirus in 1, Entamoeba histolytica in 1, and Blastocystis hominis in 1. Non-infectious etiologies were found for 10 episodes (23.3%): mycophenolate mofetil-associated diarrhea in 5, antibiotic-associated diarrhea in 2, colchicine-associated diarrhea in 2, and laxative drug-associated in 1. Non-infectious etiologies seem to be relatively common causes of diarrhea among transplant recipients. Therapy was adjusted in 5 patients because of mycophenolate mofetil-associated diarrhea. CMV and C. parvum, which are seldom seen in the normal population, were frequent causes of diarrhea in this group. Evaluating the transplant recipients for non-infectious causes of diarrhea is important in prompt diagnosis and treatment.
TL;DR: The employer of a person with chronic musculoskeletal pain has a vital role in returning him or her to work as soon as possible and removing all barriers to the use of preventive and therapeutic services will help to reduce the burden of musculo-knee pain conditions on both patients and society.
Abstract: This chapter reviews the impact of chronic musculoskeletal pain on patients' health-related quality of life. In addition to the physical health consequences, chronic musculoskeletal pain can have a profound negative impact on an individual's emotional and social well-being. Although efforts in the health sector are obviously of crucial importance in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain, a high level of patient and societal involvement is key to reducing the burden of this condition. Patients should work in partnership with health-care professionals, actively participating in their care. Family members should encourage their loved ones to be as independent as possible. The employer of a person with chronic musculoskeletal pain has a vital role in returning him or her to work as soon as possible. Removing all barriers to the use of preventive and therapeutic services will help us to reduce the burden of musculoskeletal pain conditions on both patients and society.
TL;DR: In patients with type 2 diabetes, metformin reduces levels of folate and vitamin B(12) and increases Hcy, Conversely, rosiglitazone decreases Hcy levels in this time period.
Abstract: Objectives Metformin is widely used in patients with type 2 diabetes but may decrease vitamin B 12 levels and increase levels of homocysteine (Hcy), a cardiovascular risk factor. Rosiglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist, may reduce markers of inflammation. We investigated whether 6 weeks' treatment with metformin or rosiglitazone affects serum concentrations of Hcy, folate, or vitamin B 12 in subjects with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes compared with controls. Methods We examined 165 patients with type 2 diabetes. Fasting blood samples, a physical examination, and a complete medical history were performed at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. All blood samples were obtained after a 12-h fast. Results After treatment, metformin use was associated with an increase in levels of Hcy by 2.36 μmol/l and decreases in folate and vitamin B 12 concentrations by −1.04 ng/ml and −20.17 pg/ml. During rosiglitazone treatment, Hcy levels decreased by −0.92 μmol/l; folate and vitamin B 12 levels remained unchanged. Metformin and rosiglitazone significantly decreased levels of triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (total-C), HbA1c, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Metformin also significantly decreased body weight. In controls, there was no change in Hcy, folic acid, vitamin B 12 , TG, LDL, total-C, HbA1c, insulin, or HOMA levels. Homocysteine change did not correlate with insulin, folate, or vitamin B 12 changes in the metformin and rosiglitazone groups. Conclusions In patients with type 2 diabetes, metformin reduces levels of folate and vitamin B 12 and increases Hcy. Conversely, rosiglitazone decreases Hcy levels in this time period. The clinical significance of these findings remains to be investigated.
TL;DR: To determine the diagnostic accuracy values of sonography in the detection of renal stones using noncontrast CT as the gold standard, sonography was correlated with stone size, the kidney affected, and body mass index (BMI).
Abstract: Purpose.
To determine the diagnostic accuracy values of sonography in the detection of renal stones using noncontrast CT as the gold standard. In addition, we correlated the accuracy of sonography with stone size, the kidney affected (right versus left), and body mass index (BMI).
Methods.
Fifty patients underwent 2 separate sonographic examinations performed by 2 radiologists. CT scans were evaluated by another 2 radiologists, and the diagnosis was made by consensus. We compared the sonograms and CT scans and the sonographic detection of stones in the left and right kidneys. All sonographic findings were correlated with the BMI groups.
Results.
The sensitivity of sonography for any stone in a patient was 52–57% for the right kidney (radiologist 1 and 2) and 32–39% for the left kidney (radiologist 1 and 2). The overall accuracy of sonography in detecting a stone in the right kidney by radiologists 1 and 2 was 67% and 77%, respectively. The corresponding accuracy values for the left kidney were 53% and 54%, respectively.
Conclusion.
Sonography is of limited value for detecting renal stones. The sonographic detection of a renal stone is dependent on the side of the kidney involved but is independent of BMI. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007
TL;DR: The results illustrate the degree to which caregivers from Turkey may be lacking information on early childhood development and that caregiver knowledge needs to be further investigated so that culture-specific and effective interventions can be planned.
Abstract: Background Although interventions on child development target supporting mothers’ relationships with their children, little is known about maternal knowledge of child development in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to determine maternal knowledge about child development in Turkey. Methods The Caregiver Knowledge of Child Development Inventory (CKCDI) developed for this study consisted of questions on when children begin to demonstrate developmental skills and when caregivers should provide opportunities for developmental stimulation. Results In total, 1200 mothers of children aged 3 years chosen by random population-based sampling were administered the CKCDI in their homes. Of the 1055 mothers with complete data (88%), 64% had at most secondary school education and 11% were employed. The median CKCDI questionnaire score was 19 (highest possible score 40). Mothers believed that most developmental skills and activities should occur at later than normative ages and most mothers did not know that sight (52%), vocalization (79%), social smiling (59%) and overall brain development (68%) begins in the early months of life. In a linear regression model with CKCDI score as the dependent and age of child, number of children, maternal and paternal age and education as the independent variables, higher maternal education and lower number of children were found to be independent predictors of higher CKCDI scores (P < 0.001). Conclusions These results illustrate the degree to which caregivers from Turkey may be lacking information on early childhood development and that caregiver knowledge needs to be further investigated so that culture-specific and effective interventions can be planned.
TL;DR: Port portal venous system aneurysms were rare in the study group but occurred more frequently than previously thought, and a thrombophilic defect probably played a role in development of thromBosis in the portals.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE. The aims of this study were to present the prevalence, imaging and clinical findings, and possible causes of portal venous system aneurysms.MATERIALS AND METHODS. From 1998 to 2006, a total of 38 portal venous system aneurysms identified in 25 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The data of seven patients diagnosed using color Doppler sonography or CT before March 2004 were not consecutive, but the data recorded thereafter comprised the analysis of 4,186 consecutive patients who underwent routine abdominal MDCT. The patients were 14 men and 11 women (mean age ∓ SD, 53 ∓ 17 years).RESULTS. The prevalence of portal venous system aneurysm among 4,186 consecutive patients was 0.43%. There were no differences with respect to patient age, patient sex, and intrahepatic or extrahepatic location of aneurysm between those with and those without portal venous system aneurysm. Seven of the 25 patients with portal venous system aneurysm were symptomatic because of portal vein thrombosis, and six of them...
TL;DR: Rosig litazone use is associated with reduced bone formation at earlier stages in postmenopausal diabetic women and the cytokine-lowering effects of rosiglitazone and lifestyle changes could reverse the early inhibitory effect of roSiglitAZone therapy on bone formation.
Abstract: Objectives: Our objectives were to evaluate the effect of rosiglitazone on bone metabolism and to assess the association between changes in bone turnover parameters and plasma cytokine levels in postmenopausal diabetic women. Design: This was a 12-wk open-label randomized-controlled trial. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 56 obese postmenopausal women with newly diagnosed diabetes and 26 nondiabetic healthy controls matched for age and body mass index were included in the study. Interventions: The subjects were instructed to follow a weight-maintenance diet. Half were randomly assigned to receive rosiglitazone 4 mg/d, and the other half remained on diet alone. Main Outcome Measures: Before and after the interventions, metabolic bone markers and serum cytokine levels were assessed. Results: Serum total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone-specific ALP levels were statistically significantly lower 12 wk after initiation of rosiglitazone treatment. There were no statistically significant changes in ...
TL;DR: Whether or not the Greulich-Pyle (G-P) method is sufficient at forensic age estimation for Turkish children is investigated and it is not known that the other methods whether more useful or not than this method.
TL;DR: Early orthodontic treatment of FPXB creates optimum conditions for normal growth of the craniofacial skeleton and normal function of the stomatognathic system.
TL;DR: Doxorubicin caused hepatotoxicity, and erdosteine treatment prevented lipid peroxidation and protein oxidant in liver tissue, and biochemical parameters were consistent with histological parameters.
TL;DR: The levels and changes in Peco(2), Petco(2, and their ratios during cardiopulmonary exercise testing are distinctive and explained by the differing pathophysiologies of V/Q mismatching in these disorders.
TL;DR: High-dose atorvastatin caused a significant regression of endometriotic implants in a rat model and VEGF levels in peritoneal fluid were lower in Groups II and III than those in Group I and the control group.
Abstract: BACKGROUND This prospective randomized-controlled animal study was designed to determine the effects of atorvastatin on experimentally induced endometriosis in a rat model. METHODS Thirty-seven Wistar-Albino rats in which endometriotic implants were induced were randomly divided into four groups. Group I (Low-dose atorvastatin group, eight rats) were given 0.5 mg kg(-1) day(-1) oral atorvastatin. Group II (High-dose atorvastatin group, 10 rats) were given 2.5 mg kg(-1) day(-1) oral atorvastatin. Group III were given a single dose of 1 mg kg(-1) s.c. leuprolide acetate (GnRH agonist group, nine rats). Group IV were given no medication and served as controls (10 rats). All rats received the treatment for 21 days and were then euthanized to assess the implants' size, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level in peritoneal fluid and histological score. RESULTS At the end of the treatment, the mean areas of implants were smaller and VEGF levels in peritoneal fluid were lower in Groups II and III than those in Group I and the control group (all P < 0.05). The mean areas of implants decreased from 41.2 +/- 13.9 to 22.7 +/- 13.9 mm(2) after medication in Group II and decreased from 41.2 +/- 18.1 to 13.1 +/- 13.8 mm(2) in Group III (both P < 0.05), whereas in Group I, the mean area increased from 43.0 +/- 12.7 to 50.5 +/- 13.9 mm(2) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS High-dose atorvastatin caused a significant regression of endometriotic implants.
TL;DR: The academic staff who had been exposed to mobbing behaviors experienced various physiological, emotional and social reactions and frequently `worked harder and [were] more organized' and `worked very carefully to avoid criticism' to escape from mobbing.
Abstract: The term 'mobbing' is defined as antagonistic behaviors with unethical communication directed systematically at one individual by one or more individuals in the workplace This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted for the purpose of determining the mobbing behaviors encountered by nursing school teaching staff in Turkey, its effect on them, and their responses to them A large percentage (91%) of the nursing school employees who participated in this study reported that they had encountered mobbing behaviors in the institution where they work and 17% that they had been directly exposed to mobbing in the workplace The academic staff who had been exposed to mobbing behaviors experienced various physiological, emotional and social reactions They frequently 'worked harder and [were] more organized and worked very carefully to avoid criticism' to escape from mobbing In addition, 9% of the participants stated that they 'thought about suicide occasionally'
TL;DR: Although better results in the final appearance were achieved using conjunctival autografting than with AMT, AMT can be a useful alternative in pterygium surgery, especially in those patients who may have a limited amount of conjunctiva for future surgeries.
Abstract: Purpose To compare the clinical results of conjunctival autograft and amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) for primary and recurrent pterygium excision. In an effort to determine whether AMT yields acceptable cosmetic results as conjunctival autografting in pterygium surgery, we compared the final cosmetic outcomes of these 2 techniques. Methods We performed a prospective, randomized clinical study of 78 eyes (78 patients) divided into 2 groups. Forty eyes (28 with primary and 12 with recurrent pterygia) received conjunctival limbal autograft (group 1), and 38 eyes (27 with primary and 11 with recurrent pterygia) received AMT (group 2) after extensive removal of pterygium. Mean follow-up time was 16.6 +/- 3.52 months in group 1 and 13.4 +/- 2.08 months in group 2. The results were evaluated by clinical examination and photographing and final appearances were graded from 1 to 4. Grade 4 represented true recurrence, whereas grade 3 indicated unacceptable cosmetic appearance. Results Recurrence rates of primary, recurrent, and all pterygia in group 1 and group 2 were 3.6%, 16.7%, and 7.5% and 3.7%, 18.2%, and 7.9%, respectively. There was no significant difference in recurrence rates between the 2 groups (P = 1.00 for all). The rates of final appearance as grade 3 were 10.0% in group 1 and 21.1% in group 2, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.048). No major complications occurred during the follow-up period. Conclusions Although better results in the final appearance were achieved using conjunctival autografting than with AMT, AMT can be a useful alternative in pterygium surgery, especially in those patients who may have a limited amount of conjunctiva for future surgeries.
TL;DR: The diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites is not only made by examining the stool but the diagnosis can be made by histology from surgical specimens.
Abstract: Appendiceal parasites can cause symptoms of appendiceal pain, independent of microscopic evidence of acute inflammation. The diagnosis of a parasitic infestation is generally achieved only after the pathologic examination of the resected appendices. Pathology department records were reviewed for all patients who required an operation for symptoms of acute appendicitis between 2000 and 2006. The specimens which were pathologically diagnosed to contain parasites were reevaluated for features of acute inflamation, and parasite type. The medical records were reviewed in detail to achieve a diagnostic score(Eskelinen). Radiologic imaging findings were correlated, if present. Of the 190 appendectomies performed, 6 specimens (3,15%) were found to contain parasites(4 Enterobius vermicularis, 2 Taenia subspecies). Appendectomies with Taenia showed acute inflamation, while acute inflamation was absent in the ones with Enterobius vermicularis. The Eskelinen score was higher than the treshold in two cases with an acute inflamation, and in two without. Ultrasound scans, and a computed tomography scan were performed in 5 patients. In 3 of 4 bland appendices, results favored acute appendicitis. The diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites is not only made by examining the stool but the diagnosis can be made by histology from surgical specimens. Timely diagnosis and appropriate therapy might prevent probable future complications that may necessitate surgical procedures, at least in some of the patients. The clinical management of these infections is different from that for classical appendicitis.
TL;DR: Increased MIS is significantly associated with the presence of depression, sleep disorders, and poor quality of life, and this close relationship may help establish the MIS as an important determinant of the increased morbidity and mortality of hemodialysis patients.
TL;DR: The IL1A (4845 GT and 4845 TT), IL1B (-511 CC), and TNFA (-238 AA and -308 GA) genotypes were associated with susceptibility to NP in the study population.
Abstract: Objective To investigate the association between nasal polyposis (NP) and single nucleotide polymorphisms of the proinflammatory cytokines IL (interleukin) 1α (the IL1A gene), IL-1β (the IL1B gene), and tumor necrosis factor α (the TNFA gene). Design Prospective case-control trial. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients Eighty-two patients with NP and 106 healthy volunteers without sinonasal disease. Main Outcome Measures Genotypes of IL1A (4845G, 4845T), IL1B (–511C, –511T) and TNFA (–238G, –238A and –308G, –308A) were identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses after polymerase chain reaction. Results The 4845 GT and 4845 TT genotypes of the IL1A gene were associated with NP ( P IL1B gene was significantly higher in patients with NP than in controls ( P = .01). The frequency of the –511 CT genotype of IL1B was significantly higher ( P = .01) in the controls than in the patients with NP. The –238 AA genotype of the TNFA gene was higher in the patients with NP than in the controls ( P = .05). There was a significantly high risk of susceptibility to NP in patients with the –308 GA genotype of TNFA ( P = .001). None of the genotypes of the proinflammatory cytokines were related to sex, the presence of atopy, asthma, or aspirin intolerance ( P > .05). Conclusion The IL1A (4845 GT and 4845 TT), IL1B (–511 CC), and TNFA (–238 AA and –308 GA) genotypes were associated with susceptibility to NP in our study population.
TL;DR: Intermittent isotretinoin may represent an effective alternative treatment, especially in moderate acne with a low incidence and severity of side effects, and can be recommended in those patients not tolerating the classical dosage.
Abstract: Oral isotretinoin is the most effective choice in the treatment of severe acne. Application of isotretionin to acne has been expanded to treat those patients with less severe but scarring acne who are responding unsatisfactorily to conventional therapies. However, its use is associated with many side effects, some of which can result in very disastrous consequences. Data related with intermittent isotretinoin therapy is still limited. Our aim was to asses the efficacy and tolerability of two different intermittent isotretinoin courses and compare them with conventional isotretinoin treatment. In this multicenter and controlled study, 66 patients with moderate to severe cases were randomized to receive either isotretionin for the first 10 days of each month for 6 months (group 1), or each day in the first month, afterwards the first 10 days of each month for 5 months (group 2) or daily for 6 months (group 3). The drug dosage was 0.5 mg/kg/day in all groups. Patients were followed-up for 12 months. Efficacy values were evaluable for 22 patients in group 1, 19 patients in group 2, and 19 patients in group 3. Acne scores in each group were significantly lower at the end of treatment and follow-up periods (P < 0.001). When patients were evaluated separately as moderate (n = 31) and severe (n = 29), no statistically significant differences were obtained among the treatment protocols in patients with moderate acne. However, there was a significant difference between groups 1 and 3 to the response of the treatments in severe acne patients at the end of follow-up period (P = 0.013). The frequency and severity of isotretionin-related side effects were found to be lower in groups 1 and 2 compared with group 3. Intermittent isotretinoin may represent an effective alternative treatment, especially in moderate acne with a low incidence and severity of side effects. The intermittent isotretinoin can be recommended in those patients not tolerating the classical dosage.
TL;DR: It is suggested that CFR, which reflects coronary microvascular function, is impaired in patients with SCF, and corrected TFC well correlates with CFR.