The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the corrosion behavior of six orthodontic lingual retainer wire materials following exposure to a Streptococcus mutans–containing cariogenic medium under simulated oral conditions. Sixty lingual retainer wire specimens, including six materials (3-strand stainless steel, 6-strand stainless steel, titanium Grade 1, titanium Grade 5, Bond-A-Braid, and gold), were divided into study and control groups. The study specimens were exposed to a S. mutans–containing cariogenic medium for 28 days, whereas control specimens were incubated under identical conditions in sterile artificial saliva. Potentiodynamic polarization tests were performed to determine corrosion current density, corrosion rate, and polarization resistance, and surface characteristics were evaluated by SEM. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Exposure to a S. mutans–containing cariogenic medium was associated with material-dependent changes in corrosion behavior. Corrosion current density and corrosion rate increased significantly in the 6-strand stainless steel and Bond-A-Braid retainers following exposure. A significant reduction in polarization resistance was observed only for the 6-strand stainless steel retainer (p < 0.05). In contrast, the gold retainer exhibited significantly lower corrosion current density and corrosion rate together with higher polarization resistance following exposure (p < 0.05). SEM analysis revealed material-specific surface deposits and pitting patterns. The findings indicate that exposure to a S. mutans–containing cariogenic medium results in material-dependent electrochemical responses among fixed lingual retainer wires. Titanium Grade 1 demonstrated the most stable electrochemical performance under the tested conditions, whereas gold exhibited a distinct electrochemical response following exposure. Corrosion-related surface alterations following exposure to a S. mutans–containing cariogenic environment may compromise retainer surface integrity and longevity, potentially promoting plaque accumulation and adversely affecting long-term clinical performance. Therefore, particularly under cariogenic conditions, consideration of corrosion resistance alongside mechanical properties may be beneficial when selecting orthodontic lingual retainer materials.

Abstract Background Due to the increasing prevalence of carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), effective agents are needed to treat these serious infections. Although CRPA may test susceptible to other β-lactams such as ceftazidime (CAZ), cefepime (FEP), and piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP), reduced potency has been observed amongst CRPA. In this study, we used PKPD analysis to assess the adequacy of the EUCAST Susceptible (S) or Susceptible Increased Exposure (SIE)/(I) doses for CAZ, FEP, and TZP against CRPA clinical isolates.Figure 1.Probability of target attainment (PTA) of various ceftazidime different dosing regimens and the MIC distribution of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR-PA). Methods CRPA isolates were collected from patients at three Turkish hospitals between January 2017-December 2021. CAZ, FEP, and TZP MICs were determined using broth microdilution according to CLSI methodology. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to determine the probability of target attainment (PTA) for a free time above the MIC (fT >MIC) targets for various doses of each agent against isolates defined as susceptible. fT >MIC targets were 70% for CAZ or FEP and 50% for TZP. Cumulative fraction of response (CFR) was calculated by integrating PTA with the MIC distribution of the isolates. Optimal PTA and CFR were defined as 90% target achievement.Figure 2.Probability of target attainment (PTA) of various cefepime different dosing regimens and the MIC distribution of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR-PA). Results In the setting of CR-PA, the percentages of isolates susceptible to CAZ, FEP, and TZP were 49,8%, 47%, and 31,8%, respectively. Reduced potency was noted with 54,1% of CAZ-S isolates had MICs of 4 or 8 mg/L. Of the FEP and TZP-S isolates, MICs at the breakpoint (8 and 16 mg/L, respectively) were the mode with 45,2 and 53,9% of isolates for each, respectively. At an MIC of 8 mg/L for CAZ, the EUCAST standard dose was found to be insufficient with a CFR of 85%. 3-hour infusions of EUCAST SIE doses were required for 90% PTA at MIC of 8 mg/L and an optimized CFR of 100% (Figure 1). For FEP, the SIE dose of 2 g q8h 0.5 h infusion of was effective (CFR 96%), utilization of an extended 3h infusion further optimized the PTA at 8 mg/L (CFR 99%) (Figure 2). For TZP, the standard dose of 4.5 q6h administered as a 0.5h infusion was inadequate (CFR 86%). A standard TZP dose with an extended infusion (4.5 g IV q8h over 4 h) and the SIE dose 4.5 g IV q6h 3 h inf resulted in CFRs >95% (Figure 3).Figure 3.Probability of target attainment (PTA) of various piperacillin/tazobactam different dosing regimens and the MIC distribution of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR-PA). Conclusion These data support the EUCAST SIE breakpoints for FEP and TZP. To optimize PTA at the SIE breakpoint for CAZ, prolonged infusion is required. Disclosures Christian M. Gill, PharmD, Cepheid: Grant/Research Support|Entasis: Grant/Research Support|Everest Medicines: Grant/Research Support|Shionogi: Grant/Research Support David P. Nicolau, PharmD, CARB-X: Grant/Research Support|Innoviva: Grant/Research Support|Innoviva: Honoraria|Merck: Advisor/Consultant|Merck: Grant/Research Support|Merck: Honoraria|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Honoraria|Shionogi: Advisor/Consultant|Shionogi: Grant/Research Support|Shionogi: Honoraria|Venatorx: Grant/Research Support

BACKGROUND:WHO has included carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR-Pa) in the high priority pathogens list. Ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) is one of the limited treatment options in CR-Pa infections. Early detection of metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) is important because CZA is not effective against MBL-producing isolates. AIM:To modify the CarbaNP-direct test (CNPdt) with EDTA and evaluate its use in MBL detection and prediction of CZA resistance CR-Pa isolates. METHODS:398 CR-Pa isolates from five centres in Türkiye were included. Susceptibility tests were done using EUCAST criteria. The isolates were tested for blaVIM, blaIMP, blaNDM, blaOXA-48, blaKPC and blaGES genes using Biospeedy Carbapenem-Resistance qPCR kit and GES Antibiotic-Resistance kit (Bioeksen, Türkiye). We modified CNPdt described by Pasteran et al. by adding a third tube with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The isolates with carbapenemase genes were subjected to CNPdt and EDTA-CNPdt. EDTA-CNPdt was considered positive if the tube without EDTA turned yellow while the tube with EDTA remained red and negative if both tubes turned yellow (Fig. 1). RESULTS:Carbapenemase genes were detected in 55 (13.8 %) of the isolates. CNPdt was positive in 31 of the isolates. Of the 31 isolates, 23 were positive for EDTA-CNPdt. All of these 23 isolates were MBL producers and resistant to CZA. PCR, CNPdt, EDTA-CNPdt and CZA susceptibility test results are shown in Table 2. CONCLUSION:The positivity of CNPdt in CR-Pa is limited, but EDTA-CNPdt detected 100 % of MBL-producing isolates when CNPdt was positive. This test can be used for MBL detection and prediction of CZA resistance in CNPdt positive isolates.

Introduction: We investigated the effect of two preanalytical variables, temperature change and freezing-thawing of serum samples, on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG levels. Methodology: Serum samples were collected from patients who had coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prior to vaccination. Six serum samples were included, two each with high positivity (HP), low positivity (LP), and a level of close-to-detection limit (CDL) for SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Each of these six samples was divided into three tubes and placed in refrigerators at 4-8 °C, -20 °C, and -70 °C; removed from the storage temperature once per day for 20 consecutive days; and assayed for SARS-CoV-2 IgG level. Results: The coefficient of variation of all the remaining serum samples were within 95% except for CDL-1 serum at -70 °C, HP-2 serum at 4-8 °C, HP-2 serum at -20 °C, and HP-2 serum at -70 °C. The levels increased significantly when the temperature in the samples with CDL was reduced. The values in samples with LP at -20 °C and -70 °C were significantly higher than those at 4-8°C. In the case of samples with HP, the values of samples at -20 °C were higher than those in samples at 4-8 °C. There was no positive–negative change during any of the freeze-thaw cycles. Conclusions: Antibody value in the samples at 4-8 °C remained stable throughout the 20 freeze-thaw cycles. The antibody value of the samples at -20 °C and -70 °C tended to elevate.

In this study, the antimicrobial activity of three different cleanser tablets on S. mutans and C. albicans adhesion to PMMA, polyamide and 3D printed resin was investigated. 40 samples were prepared for PMMA (SR Triplex Hot), polyamide (Deflex) and 3D printed resin (PowerResins Denture) materials and divided into four subgroups for cleansers (Aktident™, Protefix™, Corega™ tablets and distilled water) (n = 5). After the surface preparations were completed, the samples were immersed separately in tubes containing the prepared microorganism suspension and incubated at 37˚C for 24 h. After the incubation, the samples were kept in the cleanser solutions. The samples were then transferred to sterile saline tubes. All the tubes were vortexed and 10 µl was taken from each of them. Sheep blood agar was inoculated for colony counting. The inoculated plates were incubated for 48 h for S. mutans and 24 h for C. albicans. After incubation, colonies observed on all plates were counted. Statistical analyses were done with three-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison test. Polyamide material registered the highest colony count of S. mutans, whereas PMMA registered the lowest. Significant differences in S. mutans adherence (p = 0.002) were found between the three denture base materials, but no such difference in C. albicans adherence (p = 0.221) was identified between the specimens. All three cleanser tablets eliminated 98

PURPOSE:Phenotypic methods have been proposed for the detection of carbapenemase production. These tests can have slower turnaround times. With the sensitivity-based algorithm described by Gill et al. will be possible to detect the carbapenemase. METHODS:Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) isolates from three hospitals between January 2017 and December 2021 were included. The modified carbapenemase-inactivation-method(mCIM) and two algorithms were used, defined as "primary algorithm, i.e. ceftazidime and cefepime non-susceptible in addition to imipenem or meropenem resistance" and "secondary algorithm, i.e. ceftolozane/tazobactam non-susceptible in addition to imipenem or meropenem resistance". PCR testing was performed on all isolates. RESULTS:256 CRPA isolates were included in the study. When the primary or secondary algorithm criteria were applied, there were 173 isolates that met one or both of them. Of these, 29 were CIM-positive isolates. CONCLUSION:In our study, the use of the algorithm reduced the need for CIM testing by 32 %.

Although CRPA may test susceptible to other β-lactams such as ceftazidime (CAZ), cefepime (FEP), and piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP), reduced potency has been observed. We assessed the adequacy of EUCAST Susceptible (S) or Susceptible Increased Exposure (SIE)/(I) doses for CAZ, FEP, and TZP against CRPA clinical isolates. CRPA isolates were collected from patients at three Turkish hospitals. CAZ, FEP, and TZP MICs were determined using broth microdilution. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to determine the probability of target attainment (PTA) for a free time above the MIC (fT > MIC) targets for various doses of each agent against isolates defined as susceptible. fT > MIC targets were 70

Carbapenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR-PA) is escalating worldwide and leaves clinicians few therapeutic options in recent years, β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations (ceftolozane-tazobactam, ceftazidime-avibactam) and a new siderophore cephalosporin (cefiderocol) have been approved for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infection and have shown potent activity against isolates defined as carbapenem resistant. The aim of this study was to determine the phenotypic profile of these agents against CR-PA in the emerging setting of carbapenemases. CR-PA clinical isolates were collected from three teaching hospitals in different geographical regions between January 2017-December 2021. All isolates were subjected to phenotypic carbapenemase testing using modified carbapenem inactivation method. MICs were determined by reference broth microdilution and evaluated according to EUCAST standards, while genotypic profiling was determined using PCR methods. 244 CR-PA sourced most frequently from the respiratory tract (32.2

BACKGROUND WHO has included carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR-PA) in the "critical" priority pathogens list. Ceftazidime-avibactam(CAZ-AVI) is one of the limited treatment options in CR-PA infections. Early detection of metallo-beta-lactameses(MBL) is important because CAZ-AVI is not effective against MBL-producing isolates. AİM To modify the carbaNP-direct test with EDTA and evaluate its use in MBL detection and prediction of CAZ-AVI resistance CR-PA isolates. METHODS 403 CR-PA isolates from five centres in Türkiye were included. Susceptibility tests were done using EUCAST criteria. The isolates were tested for blaVIM, blaIMP,blaNDM, blaOXA-48, blaOXA-51, blaOXA-23/58, blaKPC and blaGES using Biospeedy Carbapenem-Resistance qPCR kit and GES Antibiotic-Resistance kit (Bioeksen,Türkiye). We modified carbaNP-direct test described by Pasteran et al. by adding a third tube with EDTA(%5). The isolates with carbapenemase genes were subjected to carbaNP-direct test and EDTA-carbaNP-direct test. EDTA-carbaNP-direct test was considered positive if the tube without EDTA turned yellow while the tube with EDTA remained red(Figure) and negative if both tubes turned yellow. RESULTS Carbapenemase genes were detected in 75(18.6%) of the isolates. CarbaNP-direct test was positive in 31(41.3%) of the isolates. Of the 31 isolates, 23 were positive for EDTA-carbaNP-direct test. All of these 23 isolates were MBL producers and resistant to CAZ-AVI. CAZ-AVI susceptibility, PCR,carbaNP-direct and EDTA-carbaNP-direct test results are shown in Table. CONCLUSION The positivity of carbaNP-direct test in CR-PA is limited, however, EDTA-carbaNP-direct test have detected all MBL-producing isolates when carbaNP-direct test was positive. This test can be used for MBL detection and prediction of CAZ-AVI resistance in carbaNP-direct test positive isolates.

The aim of this study was to compare the demineralizations of the enamel surfaces around different types of orthodontic brackets in an artificial cariogenic environment. A total of 90 extracted human maxillary first premolar teeth were used in this in vitro study. The teeth were divided into 6 groups, 5 study and 1 control, each consisting of 15 samples. Victory metal, Gemini metal, Clarity self-ligating ceramic, APC Clarity Advanced ceramic and Clarity Advanced ceramic brackets (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) used in the study groups were bonded to the teeth with the direct technique. The gingival, occlusal and proximal enamel surfaces adjacent to the brackets were measured with a DIAGNOdent pen (KaVo, Biberach, Germany) (T0). Then, the teeth were placed in a cariogenic suspension environment containing Streptococcus mutans, sucrose and artificial saliva. The teeth were removed from the cariogenic suspension at the end of 28 days. Enamel surfaces were remeasured with DIAGNOdent and the values were recorded (T1). Whether the obtained data were homogeneously distributed or not was determined by the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, within-group comparisons were performed with the Wilcoxon test, and between-group comparisons were performed with Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Significance level was accepted as p < 0.05. In all groups, the demineralization values of the enamel surfaces in the gingival, proximal and occlusal surfaces adjacent to the brackets were significantly higher in the T1 period than in the T0 period (p < 0.05). In the T1 period of Gemini metal, Clarity self-ligating ceramic and Clarity advanced ceramic bracket groups, the demineralization values of the proximal enamel surfaces were found to be significantly higher than the Victory metal and APC Clarity Advanced ceramic bracket groups (p < 0.05). In the T1 period, the demineralization values of the occlusal enamel surfaces of the Victory metal, APC Clarity Advanced ceramic bracket groups and control group were significantly lower than the Gemini metal, Clarity self-ligating ceramic and Clarity Advanced ceramic bracket groups (p < 0.05). Significant increases in enamel demineralization values were observed as a consequence of increased retention areas for microbial dental plaque on enamel surfaces adjacent to the bracket. Considering the importance of minimizing enamel demineralization in fixed orthodontic treatments, less enamel demineralization in Victory metal and APC Clarity Advanced ceramic bracket groups showed that these brackets can be preferred in patients with poor oral hygiene.

Giriş: Endodontik enfeksiyonlar, periapikal dokuların enfeksiyonu olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Kök kanalında bulunan mikroorganizmaların ya da bu mikroorganizmaların toksinlerinin, enzimlerinin ve metabolitik ürünlerinin kök dışına (periapekse) invazyonu sonucu sert doku rezorpsiyonu ve periodontal ligamentin yıkım ile karakterize periapikal lezyon (apikal periododontitis) gelişmektedir. Son yıllarda yapılan çalışmalarda oral/periodontal enfeksiyon ve inflamasyonun çeşitli sistemik hastalıkların ve durumların gelişimini ve şiddetini etkileyen birer risk faktörü olduğu bildirilmiştir. Diyabet oral enfeksiyonlardan etkilenen yaygın görülen bu sistemik hastalıklardan biridir. Diyabetin oral ve periodontal sağlık ile ilgili olan ilişkisi literatürde geniş bir şekilde araştırılmıştır. Fakat periodontal enfeksiyonlara benzer özelliklere sahip endodontik enfeksiyonların diyabetik hastalarda izlediği patogenez, ilerleme ve iyileşme süreci henüz kesin olarak belirlenmemiştir. Sonuç: Diyabetin endodontik enfeksiyonlarla olan ilişkisini bilmek, kök kanal tedavisinin teşhis, tedavi ve takibinde büyük önem taşımaktadır.

New benzohydrazone compound, 4-amino-N'-[(1E)-1-(2-hydroxy-6-methyl-4-oxo-4H-pyran-3-yl)ethylidene] benzohydrazide (HL1) and its Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II) and Mn(II) complexes were synthesized. The structures of HL1 and its complexes were elucidated by elemental analysis and IR, UV-Vis, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The infrared spectral data of the complexes revealed that HL1 coordinated with the metal ions through azomethine nitrogen, enolic oxygen and amide carbonyl oxygen atoms, hence, HL1 behaves as a monobasic tridentate ligand. UV-Vis data revealed that Zn(II) and Mn(II) complexes adopted octahedral geometry, while Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes had five-coordinate and square-planar geometries respectively. The mass spectra data and elemental analysis values are in accordance with the calculated values for the suggested molecular formula of the complexes, a confirmation of the 1:1 ligand to metal stoichiometry in case of Cu(II) complex and 2:1 ligands to metal stoichiometry in case of the other complexes.

(1) Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the demineralization around brackets bonded with different types of adhesive agents in a cariogenic suspension environment. (2) Methods: In the study, 60 extracted upper first premolar teeth were divided into three groups with 20 teeth in each group. In Group 1, Transbond XT Primer + Transbond XT Light Cure Adhesive (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA), in Group 2, GC Ortho Connect Light Cure Adhesive (GC Crop, Tokyo, Japan) and in Group 3, Transbond™ Plus Self Etching Primer + Transbond XT Light Cure Adhesive (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA) adhesive agents were used. In Group 1 and 2, buccal enamel surfaces were etched for 30 s, washed for 15 s and dried for 15 s. All groups were bonded with Gemini metal (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA) brackets. Gingival, occlusal and proximal enamel surfaces of the brackets were measured with a DIAGNOdent pen (KaVo, Biberach, Germany), and demineralization values were recorded. Measurements were performed after bracketing (T0) and after 28 days in a cariogenic environment (T1), which was renewed every 48 h. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to determine whether or not the data were homogeneously distributed, the Wilcoxon test was used for comparisons within groups, and the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for comparisons between groups. (3) Results: In all groups, demineralization values on all enamel surfaces of the brackets were found to be statistically significantly higher in the T1 period than in the T0 period (p < 0.05). In the T1 period, demineralization values of occlusal enamel surfaces in Groups 1 and 2 were found to be significantly higher than in Group 3 (p < 0.05). The amount of increase in occlusal enamel surface demineralization value between T0 and T1 periods in Groups 1 and 2 was significantly higher than in Group 3 (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in demineralization values of proximal and gingival enamel surfaces between the groups in the T1 period (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusion: Significantly less occlusal enamel surface demineralization was observed in teeth in which the Transbond™ Plus Self Etching Primer adhesive agent was not applied with acid etching.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to be a global public health problem. The present study aimed to investigate SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and evaluate the results using an immunochromatographic method and an ELISA method, in patients with suspected COVID-19, who were tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the SARS-CoV-2 authorized diagnostic laboratory of our hospital at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, between 27 March and 14 May 2020. The nasopharynx and oropharynx swab samples of the patients included in the study were tested by the SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR (Bioeksen, Ístanbul, Turkey), where the serum samples were tested by an immunochromatographic test (Beijing Hotgen Biotech Co., Ltd, China) and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA IgG (Euroimmun, Luebeck, Germany) test. The dates the patients’ symptoms started and the samples were collected for RT-PCR and serological testing were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups based on the data retrieved from the files containing the clinical information and microbiological results of the patients: individuals, who were diagnosed with COVID-19, and individuals, for whom the COVID-19 diagnosis was excluded. Results: Of the 115 patients included in the study, 92 (80%) individuals presented to the clinic with COVID-19 similar symptoms, while 23 (20%) individuals had contact with patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Sixty-one (66.3%) of 92 patients with symptoms were diagnosed with COVID-19, where 6 (26%) individuals out of 23 without symptoms were diagnosed with COVID-19. Fifty-one (76.1%) individuals out of 67 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 had positive RT-PCR results. Sixteen individuals with COVID-19, who were tested negative for RT-PCR, had positive Euroimmun Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA IgG results. Of the 67 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, 61 (91%) were symptomatic and the extended time periods between the onset of the symptoms and the date of sampling for the RT-PCR test was associated with lower rates of being tested positive for the RT-PCR test (p= 0.01). Conclusion: The present study investigated the performance of the COVID-19 tests and showed that antibody tests intended for patients with suspected COVID-19, even in cases where the RT-PCR test is negative, would contribute to the diagnosis. The study contributes in the relevant literature as to which tests would be more useful in certain conditions, considering the fact that there is no test available that can provide 100% accurate results for the diagnosis of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES:Pulmonary embolism is one of the leading causes of death in patients with COVID-19. Autopsy findings showed that the incidence of thromboembolic events was higher than clinically suspected. In this study, the authors investigated the relationship between pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) and simplified PESI (sPESI) on admission to the hospital, as well as adverse events in hospitalized COVID-19 patients without clinically documented venous and/or pulmonary embolism. The adverse events investigated were the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, the need for intensive care unit admission, invasive or noninvasive mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital mortality. DESIGN:A retrospective and observational study. SETTING:Two large-volume tertiary hospitals in the same city. PARTICIPANTS:A total of 720 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with a positive polymerase chain reaction were evaluated. INTERVENTIONS:None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:Of the study population, 48.6% (350) were women, and the median age was 66 years (19-96). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 20.5%. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, a significant relationship was found between the whole adverse events considered and PESI, as well as sPESI (p < 0.001). According to the results, sPESI ≥2 predicts in-hospital mortality with a sensitivity of 61.4% and specificity of 83.3% (area under the curve = 0.817, 95% confidence interval 0.787-0.845, p < 0.001). Similarly, PESI classes IV and V also were found as independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality (for PESI class IV, odds ratio = 2.81, p < 0.017; for PESI class V, odds ratio = 3.94, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:PESI and sPESI scoring systems were both found to be associated with adverse events, and they can be used to predict in-hospital mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients without documented venous and/or pulmonary embolism.

Background With the application of surface sealant agents, smooth surfaces can be achieved in a shorter time when compared with conventional polishing. However, studies on the performance of these agents against chewing forces are not many. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness and Streptococcus mutans adhesion on surface sealent coupled interim prosthetic materials after chewing simulation. Methods One hundred and twelve specimens were fabricated from two poly(methyl methacrylate) (Tab 2000, Dentalon Plus) and two bis-acryl (Tempofit, Protemp 4) interim crown materials and divided into 4 groups (n = 7) according to applied surface treatment: conventional polishing (control) and 3 surface sealant (Palaseal, Optiglaze, Biscover) coupling methods. The surface roughness values (R a ) were measured with a profilometer before (Ra0) and after aging through dynamic loading in a multifunctional chewing simulator for 10,000 cycles at 50 N load combined with integral thermocycling (between 5 and 55 °C) (Ra1). Specimens were incubated with Streptococcus mutans suspension and the total number of adherent bacteria was calculated by multiplying the counted bacterial colonies with the dilution coefficient. Results Surface sealant agent application significantly decreased the surface roughness compared with conventionally polished specimens, except for Optiglaze or BisCover LV applied Protemp 4 and Palaseal or Biscover LV applied Tempofit. Surface roughness after dynamic loading showed a statistically significant increase in all groups, except for the control groups of Tab 2000 and Protemp 4. A positive correlation was found between surface roughness values of interim prosthodontic materials and the quantitiy of Streptococcus Mutans. Conclusions Even though surface sealant agent application significantly decreased the surface roughness compared with conventionally polished specimens, dynamic loading significantly increased the surface roughness of all surface sealant coupled materials. The R a values of all test groups were higher than the plaque accumulation threshold (0.20 µm). Streptococcus mutans adhered more on rougher surfaces.

BACKGROUND: Nocardia farcinica differs from other species of Nocardia due to its multi-drug resistance and propensity to disseminate hematogenously. Cutaneous nocardiosis in immunocompetent patients is rare. PURPOSE: To describe the treatment and clinical trajectory of a 37-year-old male patient who was not immunocompromised and presented with a history of minor trauma from a canister and palpable subcutaneous draining nodules in the forearm. Purulent drainage was present. The injury had occurred 3 months before presentation. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple abscess foci up to 3 cm in diameter in the forearm muscles. The wound culture obtained after debridment indicated Nocardia farcinica as the cause. The case was difficult to manage despite serial debridements, negative pressure wound dressings, and culture-specific antibiotic treatments. The entire treatment process took approximately 7 months. The patient had 5 surgical interventions and more than 6 months of antibiotic treatment. Healing was eventually achieved but with a painful scar. CONCLUSION: Although nocardiosis has been documented to occur primarily in immunocompromised patients, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of immunocompetent patients if there is a history of skin injury and a late-onset subcutaneous draining abscess resistant to common treatment regimens.

Two new cytotoxic 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives have been synthesized and characterized. Their biological activities as cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities and inhibitory activities against DNA-polymerase were evaluated. The interactions of compounds with double-stranded- and quadruple-DNA have been studied by UV–Vis, fluorescent intercalator displacement, competition dialysis, circular dichroism and the findings were compared with the parent naphthalimide and the other compounds. The results show that both compounds (1 and 2) and the parent compound NI have strong cytotoxic activities against Beas-2B, MCF-7, HepG2 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines, antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 and inhibitory activities towards Taq-polymerase and transcriptase. These novel cationic compounds 1 and 2 can stabilize G-quadruplexes DNA according to thermal denaturation experiments, they change the 3D structure of the DNA (see details in CD experiments) and they exhibit different binding affinities for q-DNA and ds-DNA revealed by spectrophotometric titrations and competitive dialysis studies.

A novel hydrazone ligand derived from condensation reaction of 3‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthoic hydrazide with dehydroacetic acid, and its Ni(II), Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes were synthesized, characterized by spectroscopic, elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility and conductivity methods, and screened for antimicrobial, DNA binding and cleavage properties. Spectroscopic analysis and elemental analyses indicated the formula, [MLCl2], for the complexes; square planar geometry for the nickel, and tetrahedral geometry for copper and cobalt complexes. The non‐electrolytic natures of the complexes in Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO) were confirmed by their molar conductance values in the range of 6.11–14.01 Ω−1cm2mol−1. The copper complex had the best antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213). DNA cleavage activities of the compounds, evaluated on pBR322 DNA, by agarose gel electrophoresis, in the presence and absence of oxidant (H2O2) and free radical scavenger (DMSO), indicated no activity for the ligand, and moderate activity for the complexes, with the copper complex cleaving pBR322 DNA more efficiently in the presence of H2O2. When the complexes were evaluated for antibacterial and A‐DNA activity using Molecular docking technique, the copper complex was found to be most effective against Gram‐positive (S. aureus) bacteria. [CuLCl2] showed good hydrogen bonding interaction with the major‐groove (C2.G13 base pair) of A‐DNA. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the structural and electronic properties of the complexes revealed that [CuLCl2] had a smaller HOMO‐LUMO gap, suggesting a higher tendency to donate electrons to electron‐accepting species of biological targets.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of fecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria, ESBL enzyme types, and risk factors affecting colonization in children. Materials and Methods: Stool specimens of 0-15 years old children admitted to the pediatric outpatient clinic for any reason between October 2012-December 2013 were evaluated. Demographic data of the patients were collected through a questionnaire. Patients samples were cultured on selective EMB agar plates. The presence of ESBL was investigated by double disc synergy test and agar gradient test was used when necessary. Enzyme types of the isolates were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The prevalence of fecal carriage was determined as 33% (150 of 454). Of the 154 ESBL-producing bacteria, 142 (92.2%), 11 (57.1%), and 1 (0.6%) were E. coil, K. pneumoniae and K. oxytoca, respectively. Of the ESBL-producing bacteria, 92.8% were positive for bla(CTX-M)genes. Of the bla(CTX-M) gene-positive isolates, 81.1% were positive for bla(CTX-M-)(15)( )and 94.4% were positive for bla(CTX-M-3) genes while 62.5% isolates were positive for both bla(CTX-M-3) and bla(CTX-M-15) genes. No significant association was demonstrated between carriage rates and the questioned risk factors. Conclusion: A high rate (33%) of fecal carriage of ESBL bacteria was found in the child population of Zonguldak. No significant association was demonstrated between carriage rates and the questioned risk factors. Predominant beta-lactamase enzyme types were CTX-M group while CTX-M-3 and CTX-M-15 were the most common enzyme types.