Radiological evaluation of the styloid process length in the normal population

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the styloid process (SP) length in the normal population using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).Materials and methods: In this study, 160 patients who underwent paranasal MDCT between January 2012 and December 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into groups according to their age and gender: Group 1 age 31–40 years old, 111 subjects; Group 2 age 41–50 years old, 49 subjects; Group A 98 males; Group B 62 females. The mean SP length was calculated from the mean of 2 measurements. SPs were assessed for their average lengths in different gender and age groups. Student’s t-test was used for the comparison of the mean SP lengths between the groups. Differences were considered to be statistically significant at p < 0.05.Results: The mean SP length on both sides varied from 18 to 51 mm (28.4 ± 5.5) in all the patients. The mean SP length was 27.2 ± 5.2 mm in females and 29.2 ± 5.6 mm in males. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean SP lengths in terms of gender (p < 0.028). The mean SP length was 28.5 ± 5.7 mm in Group 1 and 28.2 ± 5.1 mm in Group 2. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean SP lengths in terms of age (p > 0.718).Conclusions: In conclusion, there is still no consensus on the normal values of SP length. Normal values should be determined according to the geographical regions and ethnic groups for the diagnosis of Eagle’s syndrome.

Hepatitis B virus vaccination in children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome: Immunogenicity and safety?

We investigated the efficacy and safety of Hepatitis B vaccine (HBVac) in steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) children

Implication of groundwater fluctuation on the seasonal salt dynamic in the Harran Plain, south-eastern Turkey

Inefficient farm-level water management aggravates groundwater fluctuation and salt accumulation particularly in arid and semi-arid irrigated agriculture. Inappropriate water management practices in the Harran Plain are a good example. A study was carried out to investigate the effect of groundwater fluctuation on the seasonal salt dynamic in four widespread soil series in the Harran Plain with different natural drainage, south-eastern Turkey. Four profiles were excavated and soil samples were collected seasonally up to 100 cm depth with 10 cm intervals. Similarly, irrigation and groundwater samples were collected from the fields where soil sampling was carried out. Significant seasonal variations in the salt dynamic were observed with the fluctuation levels of the groundwater. Total salt content at 1 m soil depth remained constant during the year, however salt fluctuation throughout the root zone in the growing season exceeded the threshold values of corn, wheat and cotton, commonly grown crops in the region, of 1.7, 6.0 and 7.7 dSm1, respectively. However, soils with less water fluctuation showed lower salt accumulation in the root zone from May to October. Results also confirmed that soils can be non-saline, but groundwater salinity, which may not be point specific, requires special attention

Hepatitis B vaccination in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective In this study, we examined the antibody responses after recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in juvenile SLE patients and whether antibody levels were affected by immunosuppressive therapy

Hepatitis B vaccination in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Objectives: To evaluate the responsiveness of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) to hepatitis B vaccination and to determine the most useful vaccination schedule. Methods: 39 children with JIA were enrolled in the study; all were in remission and negative to serological testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg). The control group consisted of 41 healthy children. There were two different vaccination schedules: group I was vaccinated at 0, 1, and 3 months; group II was vaccinated at 0, 1, and 6 months. Positive responsiveness to the vaccine was defined as an anti-hepatitis B antibody titre above 10 mIU/ml. Results: All the children except one with systemic JIA developed an antibody response. None of the JIA patients experienced a flare up or clinical deterioration related to the vaccination. The antibody levels in children with JIA were significantly lower than in the healthy controls. Comparison of the antibody levels between the two vaccination schedules showed no statistical difference in the controls; in the JIA subjects the group II schedule resulted in a trend to a greater response than the group I schedule (p<0.07). Vaccine responsiveness was not influenced by either methotrexate or prednisolone treatment. Conclusions: Children with JIA had an adequate response to hepatitis B vaccination and the response was not affected by immunosuppressive treatment. A vaccination schedule at 0, 1, and 6 months seems to be preferable to 0, 1, and 3 months

Management of portal hypertension in children : a retrospective study with longterm follow-up

Objectives : Data regarding the management of the portal hypertensive haemorrhage in the paediatric patients have yielded conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of P-blocker (propranolol) alone, sclerotherapy alone and beta-blocker + sclerotherapy combination in the management of portal hypertension in the paediatric population

Is bilateral corticospinal connectivity impaired in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

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