The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of estimation techniques and sample sizes on model fit indices in structural equation models constructed according to the number of exogenous latent variables under multivariate normality. The performances of fit indices are compared by considering effects of related factors. The Ratio Chi-square Test Statistic to Degree of Freedom, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation, and Comparative Fit Index are the least affected indices by estimation technique and sample size under multivariate normality, especially with large sample size.

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Statistical shape analysis, a relatively a new method for biological research, compares body forms by using specific landmarks determined by anatomical prominences. In this study, we aimed to identify normal facial asymmetry between the right and the left sides of the face. Facial landmark data were collected from two-dimensional digital images of 321 young healthy subjects (150 males and 171 females). These data were analysed using Euclidean distance matrix analysis. The number of significantly asymmetric linear distances between the two halves of the face was greater in females than in males. We found that the left side of the face was most commonly dominant in both males and females. Such data may be useful in establishing a database for future similar studies.

The power of the novel scoring system introduced in this study proves that in patients with Fournier's gangrene, the extent of the gangrene as well as the patient's age and physiological status have a significant effect on the outcome.

We suggest that OPDM is a clinically and genetically distinct myopathy.

Children treated for solid tumors and lymphomas are at considerable risk of some disturbances in developing dental structures. RT increased the severity of disturbances induced by CT. Studies should further elucidate dose-, age and time-related effects of anticancer treatment on dental development.

Aim: Clinical features and outcome of 36 patients with necrotizing pneumonia (NP) as well as 36 children with parapneumonic effusions (PPE) and 36 with severe control pneumonia (CP) were investigated. The mean age of the patients in the NP, PPE and CP groups were similar (3.8 ± 3.3 (mean ± SD), 4.2 ± 3.0 and 4.2 ± 3.0 y, respectively (p < 0.05)). The duration of symptoms at presentation were 11.9 ± 8.5, 9.2 ± 7.2 and 6 ± 3.6 d, respectively (p > 0.01). The diagnosis of NP was established by computerized tomography. The mean (mean ± SD) laboratory results in patients with NP revealed a white blood cell (WBC) count of 19 300 ± 8 700/mm3, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 71 ± 22mm/h, C‐reactive protein (CRP) of 13.6 ± 11.7 mg/dl and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) of 66 ± 132 U/L. The values of WBC, ESR, CRP and AST in the NP group were significantly higher than those of the other groups (p > 0.001). The duration of hospitalization in the NP, PPE and CP groups was 26 ± 9, 16 ± 6 and 10 ± 5d, respectively (p > 0.001). The number of febrile days was 8 ± 4, 4 ± 3 and 3 ± 3 (p > 0.001), and the duration of normalization of CRP was 14 ± 4, 11 ± 4 and 7 ± 3 d (p > 0.001), respectively. The average cost of treatment was US 3 476, 1 646 and 844, respectively (p > 0.001). Conclusion: All NP patients except two (94%) were complicated with PPE. The effusion in patients with NP and PPE was complicated with bronchopleural fistula (55% and 0%, respectively, p > 0.001). Surgical treatment was required in 66%, 8% and 0% in patients with NP, PPE and CP, respectively (p > 0.001). The mortality rate was 5.5%, 2.7% and 0% (p < 0.05).

The M30-monoclonal antibody recognizes a neo-epitope of cytokeratin 18 which is formed after caspase-cleavage during apoptosis. Caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18 is released from apoptotic cells into circulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between M30-antigen level and chemotherapy response in neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer. Forty-two patients with invasive breast carcinoma received 4 cycles of anthracycline based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Serum samples were obtained for assessment of M30-antigen levels before the administration of first chemotherapy cycle (baseline), and then after 24 and 48 hours for determination of chemotherapy induced apoptosis. M30-antigen levels at 24 and 48 hours were found to be significantly higher than baseline (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively). M30-antigen levels in responders showed statistically significant increases at 24 and 48 hours (p < 0.001; p = 0.004, respectively), while statistically significant increases were not observed in nonresponders. Percentage change of M30-antigen levels was significantly higher in responders than nonresponders at 24 hours (p = 0.020). In conclusion, our study revealed a significant relationship between increases of M30-antigen levels in serum and overall response to therapy.