Endothelial function in patients with familial Mediterranean fever-related amyloidosis and association with cardiovascular events

Objectives. Secondary amyloidosis is the most important complication of FMF and endothelial function is more severely impaired. Elevated asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) may mediate the excess cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk of this group. We aimed to compare endothelial function characteristics, including ADMA, in patients with FMF-related amyloidosis and primary glomerulopathies and to define risk factors for a CVD event. Methods. We undertook a cross-sectional study with prospective follow-up including consecutive patients with FMF-related amyloidosis (n = 98) or other non-diabetic glomerulopathies (n = 102). All patients had nephrotic-range proteinuria and normal glomerular filtration rate. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was assessedand ADMA levels, CRP and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) were determined. Patients were followed for cardiovascular events. Results. Amyloidosis patients secondary to FMF showed higher levels of ADMA, CRP and PTX3 and lower FMD as compared with patients with other glomerulopathies. Cardiovascular events (n = 54) were registered during 3 years of follow-up. Increased ADMA levels and lower FMD were observed in patients with cardiovascular risk in both groups, but especially in individuals with amyloidosis.Conclusion. Patients with FMF-related amyloidosis have increased CVD event risk, probably related to the high ADMA levels, elevated inflammatory markers and decreased FMD measures observed in these patients

New record of elongate lanternfish Notoscopelus elongatus (Costa, 1844) from the coastal waters of Aegean Sea, Turkey, with notes on species’ morphology and distribution

Background. Marine ichthyofauna of the Mediterranean Sea is represented by 712 species, 117 of which are deepwater fishes. During the last decade, this ichthyofauna has been considerably enriched, either by Suez Canal or Strait of Gibraltar migrations or simply by mariculture escapees. This study is intended to discussed morphology of one of such non-indigenous fish species and its distribution. Materials and methods. Three specimens of elongate lanternfish, Notoscopelus elongatus (Costa, 1844), were captured during a commercial lift net operation in Ece Limani, Aegean Sea, Turkey. The fish were described and illustrated, following commonly accepted procedures. Results. This is the first documented new record of the species from Aegean Sea, Turkey. The described meristic and morphometric features of elongate lanternfish, Notoscopelus elongatus, are consistent with the data provided by descriptors of its previous findings (with minor exceptions). The most interesting morphological feature of the presently described material is the presence in the smaller specimen (TL 103 mm) of 4 precaudal photophores (Prc) on the left body side (in contrast to 3 usual ones). Conclusion. This work will undoubtedly enhance our knowledge on newly introduced species on lanterfishes in the Mediterranean and in Aegean Sea in particular

Combined use of platelet-rich plasma and bone grafting with or without guided tissue regeneration in the treatment of anterior interproximal defects

Background: The aim of periodontal therapy is to prevent tissue destruction while achieving the regeneration of damaged tissues. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used to generate new bone, periodontal ligament, and new attachment with a strategy based on the modulation and enhancement of wound healing through an autologous source for growth factors obtained from the patient's own blood. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of PRP when used in combination with P-tricalcium phosphate (P-TCP) alloplastic graft material and collagen barrier membrane in the treatment of anterior interproximal intrabony defects

Multiple orbital venous malformations presenting with enophthalmos in a patient with presumed blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome

A 27-year-old white woman presented with enophthalmos in the right eye. The visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. External examination showed 7 mm of enophthalmos of the right eye with deepened superior palpebral sulcus compared with the left eye. After Valsalva maneuver, the right eye became 4-mm exophthalmic compared with the left eye. Extraocular movements were full. There was no palpable orbital mass or diplopia. MRI showed diffuse enhancing intraconal orbital and nasopharyngeal masses consistent with venous malformations in the right orbit. Systemic evaluation revealed bluish vascular lesions on the hard and soft palates, and the pretibial area of her right leg. These findings were suggestive of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome. The patient was observed, and her clinical findings remained stable for 12 months. Enophthalmos can be a rare initial presentation of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome and patients with ophthalmic involvement should undergo systemic evaluation including gastrointestinal, dermatologic, and otorhinolaryngologic examination