Objectives: This study sought to identify factors associated with this discrimination by medical professionals in Korea. Subjects and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey. We conducted web-based surveys against infectious disease specialists and infectious disease nurse. We evaluated the frequency of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS-related discrimination by medical professionals by health service type on the 5-point scale. We identified the association between several factors and HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination by medical professionals on the 5-point scale. Results: A total of 81 experts, 57 infectious disease specialists (approximately 27% of all infectious disease specialists in Korea) and 24 infectious disease nurse practitioners, participated in this study. The frequency of stigma and discrimination increased significantly when invasive treatment included both outpatient and inpatient services (both P < 0.05). Medical professional's preconceptions, fear of infection, and lack of knowledge have an association with HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination by medical professionals. Conclusion: HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination by medical professionals in Korea might be associated with factors related to the fear of medical professionals.

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Aims: This work was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of three different commercial herbal (Aloe vera L. and Fragaria vesca L. extracts) toothpastes [LR Aloe vera (HTP1), ESI Aloe fresh (HTP2) and ROCS Teens (HTP3)] against two microorganisms that cause tooth infections. Materials and Methods: An agar disk diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial activity of three herbal gel toothpastes in the amount of 100 μL against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus. In the second part of the work, the volatile organic compounds of three different commercial herbal toothpastes (HTP1-3) were determined by solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-flame ionization detection (SPME/GC-MS-FID). Results: The sensitivity of the tested herbal toothpastes toward each microorganism was expressed as the mean of the clear zone within the range of 6–16 mm diameters. HTP1 and HTP2 were found to be more effective against both bacteria compared with HTP3. Oxygenated monoterpenes (99.34%, 91.44%, and 83.48%) were the most abundant groups in the SPME of HTP1-3, respectively. Menthol (25.41%, 35.82%, and 31.15%) and anethole (52.01%, 23.62%, and 38.79%) were the major compounds identified in the SPME analysis of HTP1-3, respectively. Carvone was found only in HTP3 (0.49%) in a small quantity. Conclusion: The commercial herbal toothpastes could have advantages in decreasing bacterial accumulation on teeth with protection of the oral cavity.

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Background: Widespread irrational medical prescription adversely affects the outcomes of patient health and medical services. Aim: This study aims to investigate the determinants of medical prescription behavior of family physicians in Erzurum Province. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted during August–December 2016 on a voluntary sample of 191 out of 234 physicians (81.6%) working at family health centers in the districts of Erzurum. Physicians were visited at their workplaces, and data were collected using a self-administered and structured, 45-item questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the physicians was 34.7 ± 7.9 years, and 70.7% (n = 135) of the participants were males. About 83.8% (n = 160) of physicians responded “yes” or “sometimes” to the question “Do you prescribe medicine on demand of the patients?” The two most important factors that affected the prescribing behavior of the participants were the pharmacology lectures attended during medical education (50.8%) and the prescribing experience acquired during clinical internship (46.0%). Presentations given by the representatives of drug companies, in-service training programs after graduation, and Internet/mobile phone applications had the lowest rate of contribution as behavioral determinants. The participants perceived having sufficient information in the areas of indication for use (77.5%) and daily dose (72.8%). Only 4.2% of participants deemed their knowledge of medication costs sufficient. Pharmacology lessons were found to be more effective in the prescribing behaviors of the physicians who had less than 10 years of professional experience (Chi-square = 12.131; P = 0.002). Conclusion: Rational medical prescription continues to be a trouble among family physicians. The study findings suggest a substantial knowledge gap in participating physicians occurring after graduation and clinical internship training, in the areas of costs of medicine and rational medical prescribing.

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Background: This study aimed to evaluate risk factors that impact 1-year mortality in elderly patients with hip fractures after treatment with primary arthroplasty and proximal femoral nail. Patients and Methods: Overall, 109 patients aged ≥65 years with nonpathological hip fractures, treated between 2015 and 2016, were included in this study. Thirty-nine patients (35.8%) were treated with primary arthroplasty, and 70 patients (64.2%) were treated with proximal femoral nail. To determine whether the risk factors affected mortality, Kaplan–Meier and log-rank analyses were conducted, and a Cox regression analysis was conducted to include the factors determined to have an impact on mortality. Results: Twelve patients (11%) died during hospitalization, and 24 patients (22%) died within 1 year after discharge from the hospital. The mortality risk was high for patients who underwent surgery 72 h after fracture, who could not independently perform their daily activities before the operation, had accompanying diseases, had an American Society of Anaesthesiologists score of 3 or 4, and had postoperative complications. There was no statistically significant difference between primary arthroplasty group and proximal femoral nail group with respect to mortality risk. Conclusion: Delayed surgery and postoperative complications may be the most important risk factors increasing 1-year mortality in elderly patients with hip fractures after treatment with primary arthroplasty and proximal femoral nail. These two risk factors can be prevented with proper precautions, and the rate of 1-year survival for these patients can be increased.

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Objective: Although more than a century has passed since antrochoanal polyps (ACPs) were first defined, etiopathogenesis still remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between ACPs and sinonasal cavity variations. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and forty-four patients with ACP on paranasal sinus computed tomography scans (ACP group) and 160 paranasal sinuses without ACP (control group) were included into the study. The study group was evaluated in respect of the presence of retention cyst in the contralateral maxillary sinus and sinus bone wall sclerosis thickening. Both groups were also compared with respect to the frequency of sinonasal anatomic variations, nasal septal deviation, variations of the uncinate process insertion, concha bullosa, paradoxical middle turbinate, and accessory maxillary sinus ostium. In the ACP group, the cases with septal deviation (SD) were also evaluated whether the deviation convexity was towards the polyp side or the opposite side. In addition, the posterior extension of ACPs were evaluated in three groups as middle meatus, nasopharynx, and oropharynx extension. Results: The prevalence of retention cyst, sinus wall sclerosis thickening, SD, and accessory maxillary ostium was significantly higher in the ACP group. A negative directional correlation was determined between the SD side and ACP side. When the ACP extensions were examined, middle meatus extension was seen in 32.6%, nasopharynx in 56.3%, and oropharynx in 11.1%. Conclusion: Accessory ostium may be an accelerating factor in the transformation of retention cyst to ACP. Furthermore, the changes in the nasal passage airflow on the opposite side suggest that SD contributes to this process.

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Objective: The effect of sugammadex on consciousness is not yet fully understood. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study was performed to compare the effects of intravenous (IV) sugammadex and neostigmine + atropine reversals on time-to-consciousness during intraoperative wake-up tests in patients undergoing spinal surgery. Subjects and Methods: A total of 66 American Society of Anesthesiologists I–II patients aged 10–25 years undergoing spinal surgery were recruited. In all patients, bispectral index (BIS), motor-evoked potential (MEP), somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP), and train-of-four (TOF) scores were monitored. Patients received the same total IV anesthesia protocol with a propofol–remifentanil mixture. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. During wake-up test, when the TOF count reached 2 (T₂), either sugammadex 2 mg.kg⁻¹ in group S or neostigmine 0.04 mg.kg⁻¹ + atropine 0.01 mg.kg⁻¹ in group N were administered. BIS₉₀, SSEP₉₀, MEP₉₀ was recorded when TOF ratio reached 90, whereas time-to-consciousness (Time_cons) was recorded when the patient responded to verbal commands. Results: BIS₉₀ (77.4 ± 4.7, 74.8 ± 3.7), SSEP₉₀(36 ± 9.9, 29.7 ± 8.5), and MEP₉₀ (465.3 ± 34.8, 431.3 ± 28.2) values were significantly greater in group S than in group N (P < 0.05 for each variables). Time_cons was significantly shorter with sugammadex than with the neostigmine + atropine combination (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Using IV sugammadex 2 mg.kg⁻¹ reversal provides faster responses to verbal commands than neostigmine–atropine combination during the intraoperative wake-up test in patients undergoing spinal surgery because the time to consciousness was significantly shorter. This difference was thought to be related with faster return of neuromuscular transmission because the TOF ratio was >0.9 well before return of consciousness in both groups.

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Background: Studies on the application of complex adaptive systems (CAS) framework to describe variations in free healthcare policies during implementation are limited. This study uses a CAS framework to explore interactions among actors and to explain how specific characteristics of CAS framework change in institutional designs of a Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Program (FMCHP) in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A qualitative, case study approach was used to collect data on variations in features of FMCHP from policymakers (n = 16) and providers (n = 16) selected by purposeful sampling from the Ministry of Health and two health districts in Enugu State based on their posts in FMCHP, using semi-structured interview. Additional qualitative data were collected through document review. Main actors, their roles, incentives, and power were identified. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis guided by a CAS framework. Results: Six core features of FMCHP changed during implementation, namely, revenue collection, the role of Ministry of Health, the role of the state teaching hospital, introduction of evidence of tax payment, provider payment process, and establishment of a Financial Monitoring Committee. Formal rules alone did not guarantee consistency and stability of policies. Power imbalances, coordination, and cooperation among actors affected fidelity of policy implementation. The CAS phenomena associated with these changes include path dependence, feedback, lever points, emergent behaviors, and phase transition. Conclusion: Managing changes in free healthcare policies requires recognizing the power shifts, nonlinearity of outcomes, unpredictable consequences and feedbacks, and addressing the context, adaptive behavior, and network of actors.

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Objectives: Hepatitis A (HepA) virus is a common infection worldwide that causes inflammation of the liver. Platelet index, particularly plateletcrit (PCT) which shows percentage of blood occupied by platelets, is thought to be potential marker of inflammation. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the changes in PCT percentages during HepA infection. Subjects and Methods: Seventy-three children with a diagnosis of acute HepA infection and 68 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Their values of platelet indices [PCT and mean platelet volume (MPV)] obtained from complete blood counts, which were analyzed by XN-1000 analyzer, were statistically compared with each other. Results: PCT and MPV of the patients were found to be higher than those of controls (8.89 ± 1.30 vs 8.03 ± 0.89 for MPV and 0.29 ± 0.11 vs 0.24 ± 0.05 for PCT; P = 0.000, P = 0.002, respectively). In addition, PCT and platelet counts showed a significant negative correlation with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, which indirectly represents inflammation in the liver (PCT: r = −0.368, P = 0.002; platelet count: r = −0.304, P = 0.009). In contrast, MPV levels were not found to demonstrate any correlation with ALT (r = −0.205, P = 0.082). Conclusion: Both MPV and PCT are capable of reflecting the inflammation during acute HepA inflammation. Also, PCT shows a significant negative correlation with the degree of inflammation.

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Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate and correlate marginal adaptation and microleakage of different low-shrinking composites. Materials and Methods: Standardized class V cavities (n = 20/group) with occlusal margin in enamel and gingival margin in dentin were restored with low-shrinking silorane-based (Filtek Silorane) or methacrylate-based (Clearfil Majesty Posterior, Grandio, Reflexions XLS, Tetric EvoCeram, Premise, Ceram-X Duo, Aelite LS Posterior) composites and a conventional composite (Filtek Z250). All teeth were stored in water (24 h), thermocycled (5000×), and mechanically loaded (60,000×). Marginal adaptation of epoxy resin replicas was analyzed using scanning electron microscope. Microleakage of the restoration was assessed by dye penetration on sectioned specimens under stereomicroscopy. Data were statistically analyzed with Mann–Whitney U test, with a significance of P < 0.05. Pearson's correlation test was used to evaluate the correlation between results of margin analysis and microleakage. Results: No statistical difference in marginal gap formation was determined between Filtek Silorane and Z250. The lowest microleakage score at dentin margins was recorded for Filtek Silorane, which was not significantly different from that of all other groups. No similar ranking between the results of microleakage at enamel and dentin margins was observed for the materials tested. Marginal adaptation was not correlated to microleakage, except for Filtek Silorane, Grandio, and Filtek Z250. Conclusions: Compared to the conventional composite Filtek Z250, Filtek Silorane demonstrated no improvements with reduced marginal gap formation. Low-shrinking properties of composites appear to have no ability of sealing restoration margins and preventing leakage.

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Objective: We analyzed the maternal and perinatal outcomes in early onset preeclampsia (EOPE) and late onset preeclampsia (LOPE) pregnant women who had scheduled caesarean deliveries. We sub-analyzed the two categories into HIV positive and HIV negative. Patients and Methods: This prospective study was conducted at a regional hospital in Durban, South Africa during 14 months. A total of 14304 deliveries were registered. Out of the 1759 preeclampsia, 351 (19.9%) were EOPE and 1408 (80.1%) were LOPE. Hundred and twenty preeclamptics (n = 120) scheduled for caesarean delivery were selected and divided into two categories namely EOPE (n = 60) and LOPE (n = 60). Each preeclampsia category was then further stratified into HIV positive (n = 30) and HIV negative (n = 30) groups. Maternal demographic, clinical details for preeclampsia, blood laboratory tests, maternal, and perinatal outcomes were recorded. Results: Women with EOPE were older compared to those with LOPE (P = 0.0001). Also the HIV positive women were older compared to the HIV negative groups in both EOPE and LOPE categories (P = 0.03). However, multiparous and primiparous were predominant in EOPE and LOPE categories, respectively (P = 0.00 and P = 0.00). The severity of hypertension and the HIV status did not differentiate the 2 groups. Overall, maternal complications (eclampsia, persistent postpartum hypertension, HELLP syndrome, maternal death) and poor fetal outcomes occurred predominately in EOPE. Conclusion: This study confirms the heterogeneity of preeclampsia and shows that the timing of onset of this pregnancy disorder is important to disease severity. Further HIV status influences maternal and neonatal outcome.

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Aim: We aimed to compare the epidemiological data, general characteristics, laboratory findings, and outcomes of burn patients with ≤18 and >18 years of age. By this way, we also aimed to determine the effective preventive measures appropriate for different age groups. Subjects and Methods: The data of 630 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital with 2^nd or 3^rd degree burn injuries were retrospectively investigated. The patients were grouped into two regarding their ages as ≤18 (group 1) and >18 (group 2) years. Data of age, gender, cause of injury, location of injury, total burn area, length of hospital stay, laboratory data, and outcome of treatment were recorded. Results: We determined that although burn injury is more common in males compared with the females, male predominance is more commonly determined in older age group than children. Extremities are most commonly affected areas in both groups. In children, the most common etiological agent was hot beverages while in older age group electrical burns, and work accidents were more common (P < 0.001). Among children, patients younger than 3 years of age were compromising 62.4% of all cases. In adult group, total burned body surface area %, operation or intensive care unit requirement, hospitalization period, blood transfusion, or fresh frozen plasma requirement and the number of patients expired were all significantly higher compared with the children. Regarding the admission laboratory data, renal and liver function tests were significantly worse in older age group. However, neutrophile percentage was significantly higher in older group which may be a sign of augmented inflammatory response. Conclusion: Especially clinicians and public health providers should be aware of the clinical findings and outcomes of burn victims in order to drive more effective preventive measures.

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Objective: To determine the relationship between face form (FF), arch form (AF), and cortical bone thickness in anterior and posterior region of the mandibular jaws, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Patients and Methods: Total 90 subjects were selected. For each subject FF (euryprosopic, mesoprosopic, and leptoprosopic) was determined using Prosopic Index. CBCT scans were done for each subject to determine mandibular AF (as tapered, oval, or square in horizontal sections) and cortical bone thickness (at two vertical levels 4 and 7 mm from the alveolar crest in the anterior and posterior region of mandible in sagittal sections). Numerical data so obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance followed by Tukey HSD (honestly significant difference) test at a statistical significance level of 5%. Results: Significant difference in thickness of cortical bone was noted between various AF and face. In square AF, mean value of thickness of cortical bone was highest both at 4 and 7 mm vertical level and tapered AF had minimum mean values at 4 mm and oval at 7 mm in anterior region and posterior region on buccal and lingual sides, in all the three-FF. Conclusion: Significant effects of FF and AF on cortical bone thickness were seen both on buccal and lingual side and the effect of AF was more compared to FF. The availability of the cortical bone in euryprosopic FF and square AF patients was more; therefore, implants with a shorter length may be used in these clinical cases.

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Objective: Orthodontic treatment using fixed appliances is known to alter the oral environment and encourage plaque retention around orthodontic brackets and bands, resulting in enamel demineralization and gingival inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in essential salivary parameters in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: Saliva samples were collected from 60 patients before and 2 months after commencing fixed orthodontic treatment. The salivary flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, and levels of amylase, total protein, and glucose were determined. Parametric and nonparametric tests for paired samples were used for comparing the mean differences before and after commencing treatment. Results: Significant reductions in the salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity were noted 2 months after commencing treatment (P < 0.05). Total protein concentrations and calcium levels decreased significantly and amylase and glucose levels increased after commencing treatment (P < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between salivary total protein concentrations and buffering capacity as well as calcium levels (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that the biochemical properties of saliva are altered after introducing fixed orthodontic appliances into the oral cavity, thereby promoting plaque retention and increasing the susceptibility to tooth demineralization and gingival inflammation.

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Residual root fragments in posterior mandibula after extraction are often rarely seen. Implant treatment presumes that implants are placed in bone, without any contact with root. At ankylosed teeth, complete root removal is often invasive; subsequently, the sites require additional augmentation procedures to complete the treatment. Different techniques can be used for removal of these residual root fragments. To our knowledge, there are no study in the literature to provide the extraction of the root fragment using bone lid technique and achieve implant rehabilitation at the same time. The aim of the present study is to reduce bone loss during the residual root extraction for implant therapy. The bone lid approach is an easy and safety technique that could be performed to remove the residual root fragment and achieve implant rehabilitation at the same time. Future studies involving long-term follow-up are needed to evaluate the permanence of these results.

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Background and Objective: Doctors' knowledge contributes to practice and quality of care rendered to patients. To assess the knowledge and practice assessment and self reported barriers to guideline-based management among doctors. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among doctors from various part of the country attending a continuing medical education (CME) program in Lagos, Nigeria. We used a self-administered, pretested, semistructured, validated questionnaire based on the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guideline. Results: Of the 98 participants, 41 (42%) and 18 (18.4%) had good level of asthma knowledge and practice, respectively. There was no relationship between level of knowledge and practice and the level of knowledge was not associated with the practice (X² = 6.56, P = 0.16). The most reported barriers to good guideline-based practice were the unavailability of diagnostic and treatment facilities (44.3%), poor medication adherence (25.7%), and high cost of asthma medications (18.6%). Conclusion: The level of asthma knowledge and practice, respectively, among doctors in Nigeria is low and there is no relationship between level of knowledge and practice. Unavailability of diagnostic and treatment facilities, poor medication adherence, and high cost of medications are important barriers to good practice. There is a need to improve asthma education among doctors in Nigeria. Addressing barriers to good practice is essential for the translation of knowledge into practice.

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Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of hematological parameters measured at the moment of admission to the emergency room in predicting in-hospital mortality and to determine cut-off values of strongly predictive values. Subjects and Methods: The study began with approval of the ethics committee. In total, 1,929 patients over 18 years of age, whose date could be obtained, were included in the study. From the hemogram parameters, white blood cells (WBC), red cell distribution width, mean platelet volume, and ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes (NLR) values were determined and recorded. CK-MB and high-sensitive Troponin T values were recorded as cardiac markers. For statistical analysis, “SPSS for Windows Version 21” package program was used. Findings: About 71.7% (n = 1384) of the patients were male and 28.3% (n = 545) of the patients were female. About 92.5% of the patients (n = 1785) were discharged from the hospital, whereas the remaining 144 patients (7.5%) were exitus in the hospital. When the efficacy of hematological parameters and cardiac markers in predicting mortality was examined by receiver operating charecteristics analysis, NLR was found to be the strongest predictor (area under the curve [AUC], 0.772, standard deviation [SD] = 0.022, 95% confidence interval [CI]). It was found that the WBC value came in second place after NLR as a strong predictor of mortality (AUC, 0.749, SD = 0.024, % 95 CI). Conclusion: The use of predictors for the prediction of mortality for ST elevation myocardial infarction patients is of great importance for faster implementation of treatment modalities. We found that WBC and especially NLR values obtained with a simple method can be used as powerful predictors.

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Introduction: This study investigated the effects of keratinized mucosa width (KMW) on peri-implant tissues by evaluating peri-implant clinical and bone resorption parameters. Subjects and Methods: Seventy-one dental implants (DIs) were separated based on adequacy/inadequacy of KMW. DIs with inadequacy KMW were grouped as peri-implant plastic surgery (PIPS) (free gingival graft/free periosteal graft groups) and maintenance (M) groups. DIs with adequacy KMW were grouped as the controls. Peri-implant clinical parameters were measured at the baseline and 6^th month. Levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in peri-implant sulcular fluid were determined after clinical measurements using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: In baseline, gingival index, bleeding on probing, and plaque index (PI) were lower in controls compared to the PIPS and M groups, and KMW was higher. At 6^th month, peri-implant pocket depth and PI were lower in the PIPS groups and controls compared to the M group, and KMW was higher. While RANKL and OPG values and RANKL/OPG ratio at baseline were not significantly different between groups, OPG concentration and RANKL/OPG ratio in the 6^th month were higher in the PIPS group compared to the M group (P < 0.05). The RANKL/OPG ratio decreased at 6^th month in the PIPS groups and controls (P < 0.05). Positive and negative correlations were observed between peri-implant clinical and osteoimmunological parameters. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that adequate KMW and PIPS techniques exhibited positive effects on clinical peri-implant parameters and osteoimmunological mediators.

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Esophageal schwannoma was extremely rare and difficult to differentiate from other submucosal tumors. We present a case of a 55-year-old woman who suffered from dysphagia and retrosternal pain for a month. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a submucosal tumor, located 23–25cm from the incisors arising from the esophagus. The patient underwent subtotal esophagectomy. The histopathological finding confirmed the diagnosis of esophageal schwannoma. Her postoperative course was uneventful and free of recurrence 2 years after the operation.

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Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is an uncommon clinical condition in childhood. We hereby present a case report of a 10-year-old child who presented to the emergency department with an acute massive PE. He was transferred by ambulance to our emergency department for dyspnea and perioral cyanosis. His parents denied any previous history of illness or familial disease. Arterial blood gas analysis, electrocardiography, and clinical symptoms and signs collectively raised a suspicion of a probable PE. A contrast-enhanced pulmonary computed tomography scan revealed a massive thrombus in the distal part of the right pulmonary artery with no contrast passage into upper, middle, and lower lobar arteries. Upon ascertaining, the diagnosis of PE, intravenous saline infusion, 3 L/min oxygen through nasal route, and subcutaneous enoxaparin 0.4 cc was administered promptly. As our hospital lacked a pediatric intensive care unit and a further need for administration of pharmacological thrombolysis was anticipated, we transferred the patient to a tertiary care center. PE should always be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis in emergency departments even in pediatric patients.

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Objective: To date, there have been no studies investigating whether or not there is a correlation between the serum endocan level and the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score that is frequently used in the determination of the risk of cardiovascular disease. If a single parameter such as endocan can provide reliable results which could be used in the prediction of the cardiovascular disease risk, the workload of the clinician would be lightened. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not there is an association between the serum endocan level and the ASVCD risk score. Materials and Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study included individuals age 40–79 years with risk factors calculated using the ASVCD score and individuals without any of those risk factors. In accordance with ASCVD risk calculation, each participant was questioned with respect to age, gender, height, weight, and lifestyle habits such as smoking, diseases, and medications. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and serum endocan levels were measured and recorded. The serum endocan levels and ASCVD scores were compared. Results: The study included 205 individuals, comprising 92 (44.9%) males and 113 (55.1%) females with a mean age of 50.7 ± 7.6 years. The 10-year atherosclerosis risk was determined as mean 6.32% ± 5.9% (range, 0.3%–27.3%). The mean serum endocan level was calculated as 1109.6 ± 1479.7 ng/mL. As the ASCVD risk score increased, no increase was detected in the serum endocan level. Conclusion: The results of the study suggested that the serum endocan level is not suitable for use in place of the ASCVD risk score as a predictor of cardiovascular disease risk.

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Introduction: In this research, it is planned to investigate the differences in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, reticulocyte distribution width, and platelet distribution width values of groups of benign laryngeal lesion, precancerous laryngeal lesion, and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and among patients with different stages of tumors in laryngeal carcinoma and precancerous laryngeal lesion groups, and whether these values carry a prognostic features. Materials and Methods: The investigated parameters determined from preoperative blood samples of patients have been compared among the groups and in the subgroups according to severity of illness in laryngeal carcinoma and precancerous laryngeal lesion groups. Also, the laryngeal carcinoma and precancerous laryngeal lesion groups were divided into two subgroups as good and poor prognosis and were compared with patients having good prognosis requiring no additional treatment during the follow-up, and the statistical significance of the differences was examined. Results: On comparison, statistically significant differences were only observed between the gross larynx carcinoma group and other lesions. Apart from that, when the values were evaluated in terms of prognosis, no significant statistical results were found in any of the values. Conclusion: Despite the significant statistical results seen in the gross tumors, it is known that there are more objective methods for identifying those lesions in clinical use. We conclude that caution should be exercised when using these new hematological parameters, which can be affected by many factors.

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Aim: The effect of oral rehabilitation on the oral perception of implant-supported overdenture patients is a concern. This study evaluated the effects of the attachment type and palatal coverage on oral perception and patient satisfaction in maxillary implant-supported complete denture patients. Subjects and Methods: The correlation between oral perceptual ability (OPA) and patient satisfaction in three groups was investigated. Group I consisted of dentate individuals (n = 40), Group II consisted of maxillary implant-supported complete denture patients with bar attachments and palatal coverage (n = 12), and Group III of maxillary implant-supported complete denture patients with magnetic attachments and palatal coverage (n = 14). In addition, implant-supported maxillary overdentures with bar attachments, with (Group II; n = 12) and without (Group IV; n = 18) palatal coverage, were examined in terms of patient satisfaction and OPA. The relationship between OPA and patient satisfaction was assessed with the Turkish version of the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-TR-14) satisfaction survey. To compare oral sensory function among the groups, tactile awareness and pressure awareness were assessed. Results: There was no significant difference in OHIP-TR-14 scores between Groups II and III. In addition, there was no correlation between oral tactile function and patient satisfaction in Groups II and III. For patients with maxillary bar-retained implant-supported overdentures, palatal coverage did not affect the correlation between OPA and patient satisfaction, lateral pressure threshold, or tactile thickness threshold. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, whether maxillary implant-supported overdentures were made with a bar- or magnetic-type retainer, and whether bar-retained implant-supported overdentures had an open or closed palate did not affect the correlation between patient satisfaction and oral perception.

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Aim: We aimed to assess the factors which may affect the quality of life (QoL) of the patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Subjects and Methods: Patients with gastric cancer, who underwent gastrectomy with curative intent at Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kartal Training and Research Hospital from January 2013 to December 2015, were retrospectively reviewed. Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index was utilized for this research. The clinical factors that might affect QoL after gastrectomy were selected. They were demographic data (age and gender), the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, body mass index (BMI), operative variables (level and type of resection, type of dissection [D1, D2], type of reconstruction, and additional organ resections), postoperative appetite level, type of oncological treatment, and pathological stages. One hundred and eighteen patients were included in this study. Results: Eighty-seven (73.7%) of them were male and mean age was 59.4 ± 10.2 (36–74). Mean follow-up period was 25.7 ± 11.3 (6–42) months. According to multivariate analysis, advanced stage, neoadjuvant therapy, lower BMI, poor appetite, and shorter follow-up were independently associated with poorer cumulative scores. Conclusions: Advanced stage, application of neoadjuvant therapy, low BMI level, and poor postoperative appetite may deteriorate the postoperative QoL of the patients with gastric cancer.

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A granular cell tumour (GCT) of the breast is a relatively uncommon lesion. Often, it mimics carcinoma on clinical and radiological examinations. The striking feature of GCT is the presence of abundant granular eosinophilic cytoplasm, which can easily lead to a misdiagnosis of apocrine carcinoma or a metastatic lesion and may result in unnecessary surgery. To obtain a correct diagnosis, immunohistochemistry with S100 is required. We present a case of a GCT of the breast in a 19-year-old female who presented with a firm mass in the upper inner quadrant of the left breast, which was reported on a mammogram as the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) Category 4C. This report is of interest due to the young age of the patient and the rarity of the lesion. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case in all of Saudi Arabia and the first from the Madinah region.

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