The efficacy and results of medical treatment in postoperative ileus.

Background: Postoperative paralytic ileus refers to the disruption of the normal coordinated propulsive motor activity of the gastrointestinal system following surgery. Surgery causes inflammation in the muscle walls of organs with an intestinal lumen that, in turn, leads to a decrease in intestinal motility. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of gastrografin, neostigmine, and their combined administration in patients diagnosed with paralytic ileus in the postoperative period. Patients and Methods: One-hundred twelve patients were included from January 2017 and November 2019. The retrospective study is involving prolonged postoperative ileus cases following colorectal surgery. The effect of gastrografin, neostigmine, and gastrografin neostigmine combination was compared retrospectively in the treatment of prolonged ileus after surgery. Results: The study covered 112 patients. Gastrografin was administered to 63 patients; neostigmine was administered to 29, while 20 patients received the combination of the two. Data pertaining to the comparison of the two groups revealed that patients in the gastrografin group were discharged earlier than those in the neostigmine group. Further, patients in the combined group had earlier gas and/or stool discharge and were also discharged from the hospital earlier than those in the neostigmine group. Conclusion: Gastrografin and combined use of gastrografin and neostigmine are effective and viable methods for postoperative ileus cases. Gastrografin can safely be used in patients with anastomoses.

[How I explore... macrocephaly]. / Comment j'explore. Une macrocéphalie.

Macrocephaly is a frequent reason for seeking advice in a pediatric neurology consultation. It is a non-specific neurological sign that can be isolated, be the sign of a serious acquired pathology or be part of a syndromic picture. Clinical history, physical examination and imaging are key elements of the diagnostic strategy. Signs of intracranial hypertension require an emergency work-up. Genetics, exome in particular, has enabled the characterization of various syndromes associating macrocephaly and neurodevelopmental delay. In this article, we propose an update of practices based on clinical signs.

La macrocéphalie est un motif fréquent de demande d'avis en consultation de neuropédiatrie. Il s'agit d'un signe somatique peu spécifique et pouvant être isolé, être le signe d'une pathologie acquise grave ou faire partie d'un tableau syndromique. L'anamnèse, l'examen clinique et l'imagerie sont des éléments clés de la stratégie diagnostique. La découverte de signes d'hypertension intracrânienne implique une mise au point en urgence. La génétique, notamment la réalisation de l'exome, a permis la caractérisation de différents syndromes associant la macrocéphalie et des troubles du neurodéveloppement. Compte tenu des évolutions technologiques, une mise à jour des pratiques, basée sur la clinique, est proposée dans cet article.

Evaluation of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, mean platelet volume, and neutrophil/monocyte ratio in patients with benign breast lesions.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the relationship between he neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil/monocyte rate (NMR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with BIRADS grades of benign breast lesions. BACKGROUND: In many recent studies, NLR, PLR, NMR and MPV change significantly in connection with chronic inflammation and are suggested for use as prognostic markers in some diseases. However, the relationship between the cancer probability of benign breast diseases and mentioned hematological parameters has not been investigated in any previous study. We used the BIRADS classification to evaluate the malignancy probability of the cases. METHODS: The hospital database of records of patients who were over 15 years of age and examined with bilateral ultrasonography between October 2019 and February 2020 were retrospectively scanned. RESULTS: In total, 168 patients were included in the study. The average NLR and NMR values were higher in the BIRADS 2 group. There was no significant difference between the average PLR and MPV values of BIRADS groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although some results seem to be statistically significant, there was no significant relationship between the hematological parameters we examined and the BIRADS grades of benign breast lesions (Tab. 2, Ref. 18).

[How I explore a disorder of intellectual development in a child]. / Comment j'explore un trouble du développement intellectuel chez l'enfant.

Global developmental delay (GDD) and intellectual development disorder (IDD) are common but heterogeneous pediatric conditions. Guided by a rigorous clinical and anamnestic examination, the diagnostic approach is a dynamic process which is not limited to the intelligence quotient measurement. A large panel of paraclinical tests allows etiological exploration; this generally includes biological, genetic, metabolic and iconographic examinations. To maximize therapeutic efficiency and standardize practices, this document provides a guideline for the management of pediatric GDD/IDD.

Le retard global du développement (RGD) et le trouble du développement intellectuel (TDI) forment un groupe hétérogène de pathologies pédiatriques relativement fréquentes. Orientée par un examen clinique et anamnestique rigoureux, la démarche diagnostique est un processus dynamique qui ne se limite pas au quotient intellectuel. Son exploration étiologique est menée à travers un large panel d'examens paracliniques qui comprend généralement des examens biologiques, génétiques, métaboliques et iconographiques. Afin d'optimiser le rendement thérapeutique et d'homogénéiser les pratiques, ce document propose un cadre pour la mise au point des RGD/TDI en pédiatrie.

Different patterns of hepatocellular carcinoma-related malign thrombosis in 18F-FDG PET/CT. / Los principales patrones de la trombosis maligna relacionada con el carcinoma hepatocelular en la 18F-FDG PET/TC.

Tumor thrombus is an intravascular malign tumor extension that may occur in various types of cancer. Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) are common causes of malign thrombus. The presence of a malign thrombus due to HCC has a dismal prognosis, which affects treatment choices. We present three cases of tumor thrombi due to advanced HCC detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT.

BCOR regulates myeloid cell proliferation and differentiation.

BCOR is a component of a variant Polycomb group repressive complex 1 (PRC1). Recently, we and others reported recurrent somatic BCOR loss-of-function mutations in myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). However, the role of BCOR in normal hematopoiesis is largely unknown. Here, we explored the function of BCOR in myeloid cells using myeloid murine models with Bcor conditional loss-of-function or overexpression alleles. Bcor mutant bone marrow cells showed significantly higher proliferation and differentiation rates with upregulated expression of Hox genes. Mutation of Bcor reduced protein levels of RING1B, an H2A ubiquitin ligase subunit of PRC1 family complexes and reduced H2AK119ub upstream of upregulated HoxA genes. Global RNA expression profiling in murine cells and AML patient samples with BCOR loss-of-function mutation suggested that loss of BCOR expression is associated with enhanced cell proliferation and myeloid differentiation. Our results strongly suggest that BCOR plays an indispensable role in hematopoiesis by inhibiting myeloid cell proliferation and differentiation and offer a mechanistic explanation for how BCOR regulates gene expression such as Hox genes.

Determination of the psychiatric symptoms and psychological resilience levels of hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients and their relatives.

This study was performed to evaluate psychiatric symptoms and resilience levels of the hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients and their relatives. The study enrolled 51 patients and 45 relatives undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, Brief Symptom Inventory and Resilience Scale for Adults. Psychiatric symptoms of both patients and their relatives were negatively associated with resilience levels. Patients and their relatives with a higher degree of resilience showed a lower degree of psychiatric symptoms. The study results demonstrate that haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a process that affects patients as well as their families. We suggest that patients and their family members be evaluated for psychiatric symptoms by nurses during this process and resilience level of patients be increased by helping them improve their coping and problem-solving skills for adaptation throughout the process.

The effects of repeated filling cystometries on cystometric variables in spinal cord-injured patients with overactive detrusor, who utilize different type of urine drainage methods.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to compare the effects of repeated cystometric measurements in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) who use indwelling catheters (IDC) or intermittent catheterization (IC). SETTING: Turkey. METHODS: A total of 20 SCI patients with NDO, 9 patients on IC and 11 on IDC for at least two consecutive months were included. After emptying the bladder, first involuntary detrusor contraction volume (1stIDCV), cystometric bladder capacity (CC), bladder compliance and maximum detrusor pressure (MPdet) were assessed by filling it with sterile physiological saline at room temperature at a continuous rate of 30 ml min(-1). The bladder was re-emptied after the process and a second filling cystometry was performed in the same way. RESULTS: When all study population were taken into account, 1stIDCV and CC measures were significantly increased in the second cystometry compared with the first cystometry (P=0.001 and P=0.022, respectively), whereas there was no statistically significant difference on bladder compliance and MPdet measures between the first and the repeated cystometry. There was no statistically significant difference on 1stIDCV, CC and bladder compliance measures between the first and the repeated cystometries for IC group, whereas there was statistically significant increase on these measures in the IDC group (P=0.003, P=0.008 and P=0.022, respectively). In addition there was no statistically significant difference on MP(det) measures between the first and the repeated cystometries for both the urine drainage methods. When IC and IDC groups were compared according to mean values of differences in 1stIDCV, CC and bladder compliance measures between the two cystometries, the IDC group had a statistically significant increase in all parameters when compared with the IC group in the second cystometry performed (P=0.001, P=0.003 and P=0.048, respectively). CONCLUSION: Repeated cystometric measurements in SCI patients with NDO lead to an increase in 1stIDCV and CC. However, when the type of urine drainage method is taken into account, although repeated filling cystometry leads to an increase in 1stIDCV, MCC and bladder compliance in patients with IDC, it does not cause a difference in patients on IC.

Suppression of B-cell activation and IgE, IgA, IgG1 and IgG4 production by mammalian telomeric oligonucleotides.

BACKGROUND: The fine balance of immunoglobulins (Ig) E, IgG1, IgG4 and IgA in healthy production is maintained by the interaction of B cells with adaptive and innate immune response. The regulation of toll-like receptors (TLRs)-driven innate and adaptive immune effector B-cell response and the role of mammalian telomeric TTAGGG repeat elements represent an important research area. METHODS: Human PBMC and purified naive and memory B cells were stimulated with specific ligands for TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR7, TLR8 and TLR9 in the presence or absence of telomeric oligonucleotides. B-cell proliferation, differentiation and antibody production were determined. RESULTS: TLR9 ligand directly activates naive and memory B cells, whereas TLR7 can stimulate them in the presence of plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Human B cells proliferate and turn into antibody-secreting cells in response to TLR3, TLR7 and TLR9, but not to TLR2, TLR4, TLR5 and TLR8 ligands. Stimulation of B cells with intracellular TLR3, TLR7 and TLR9 induced an activation cascade leading to memory B-cell generation and particularly IgG1, but also IgA, IgG4 and very low levels of IgE production. Mammalian telomeric oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) significantly inhibited all features of TLR ligand-induced events in B cells including B-cell proliferation, IgE, IgG1, IgG4, IgA production, class switch recombination, plasma cell differentiation induced by TLR3, TLR7 and TLR9 ligands. CONCLUSION: B cells require specific TLR stimulation, T-cell and plasmacytoid dendritic cell help for distinct activation and Ig production profiles. Host-derived telomeric ODN suppress B-cell activation and antibody production demonstrating a natural mechanism for the control of overexuberant B-cell activation, antibody production and generation of memory.

Effect of anaesthetic agents administered to the mothers on transcutaneous bilirubin levels in the neonates.

AIM: To investigate the effect of anaesthetic agents on transcutaneous bilirubin levels during the first 24 h in neonates delivered by caesarean section. METHODS: A total of 168 neonates delivered by caesarean section, during which sevoflurane was used for general anaesthesia (group A), bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia (group B), levobupivacaine for epidural anaesthesia (group C) and 155 neonates delivered vaginally were included in the study. Transcutaneous bilirubin levels (TBLs) of infants were measured during the first 24 h and compared with each other. RESULTS: The TBLs in neonates delivered vaginally were higher than those delivered by caesarean section, but the difference was not significant. TBLs were higher in groups A and C than in group B (p = 0.034, p = 0.011 respectively). TBLs were higher in group C than in group A, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). When the groups were compared with vaginal delivery group, TBLs in groups A and C were found higher (p = 0.03, p = 0.022 respectively). CONCLUSION: The route of delivery had no effect on TBL. While bupivacaine was found to have no effect on neonatal bilirubin levels, levobupivacaine increased neonatal biluribin levels, but further studies are needed for definite results.

Validity and reliability of Turkish version of rhinitis and mini-rhinitis quality of life questionnaires.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to develop the Turkish version of Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) and mini-RQLQ for clinical and research purposes. METHODS: Study included 55 patients with Allergic Rhinitis (AR), aged 18-69. Demographic characteristics and symptom score (T4SS) were recorded. All patients filled in the Turkish RQLQ and mini-RQLQ. Reliability analysis included internal consistency and item-total score correlations. Construct validity analysis was performed by Known Group method by correlation of RQLQ and mini-RQLQ scores with T4SS and SF36. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 36.4+/-10.6. Mean T4SS was 4.7+/-4.1. Cronbach's alpha scores of all RQLQ domains were above 0.90 and those of mini-RQLQ were above 0.80. All items were significantly correlated with their domains. All correlation coefficients for item versus domain score were above 0.75 for RQLQ and above 0.84 for mini-RQLQ. Total RQLQ score was correlated with SF36 domains except physical functioning domain. Total mini-RQLQ score was significantly correlated with all SF36 domains (all r>-0.46). T4SS revealed significant correlation with RQLQ practical score (r=0.38). On the other hand, T4SS was correlated significantly with practical, nose and total scores of mini-RQLQ (r=0.33, 0.48, 0.34 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Health is the complete state of well-being and AR has major impact on quality of life (QoL), therefore it seems essential to include QoL measures in clinical evaluation along with traditional parameters. This study has demonstrated that RQLQ and mini-RQLQ are valid measures for use in Turkish patients with AR.

Analysis of expression of heat shock protein-90 (HSP90) and the effects of HSP90 inhibitor (17-AAG) in multiple myeloma.

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is required for structural folding and maintenance of conformational integrity of various proteins, including several associated with cellular signaling. Recent studies utilizing 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), an inhibitor of HSP90, demonstrated an antitumor effect in solid tumors. To test whether HSP90 could be targeted in multiple myeloma (MM) patients, we first investigated expression of HSP90 by immunofluorescence and flow cytometric analysis in a myeloma cell line (U266) and primary myeloma cells. Following demonstration of HSP90 expression in myeloma cells, archival samples of 32 MM patients were analysed by immunoperoxidase staining. Myeloma cells in all patients showed strong cytoplasmic expression of HSP90 in all samples and 55% also demonstrated concurrent nuclear immunopositivity. Treatment of U266 and primary MM cells with 17AAG resulted in significantly increased apoptosis compared to untreated control cells. Analysis of anti-apoptotic BCL2 family proteins and akt in MM cells incubated with 17-AAG revealed down-regulation of BCL-2, BCL-XL, MCL-1 and akt. Furthermore, although a low concentration of bortezomib resulted in no cell death, a combination of 17AAG and bortezomib treatment revealed a synergistic apoptotic effect on the U266 cell line. These data suggest that targeted inhibition of HSP90 may prove to be a valid and innovative strategy for the development of future therapeutic options for MM patients.

A modified surgical technique for repairing third-degree perineal lacerations in mares.

A modified surgical technique has been developed for repairing third-degree perineal lacerations in mares. Complications of the currently used methods include rectovaginal fistula formation, urine pooling, complete dehiscence of the repair, constipation, tenesmus and difficulty of performance in the practice. The modified method is simpler and more practical. This method was performed on eight Thoroughbred mares with third-degree perineal lacerations after delivery. The rectovestibular septum was reconstructed by three lines of sutures in a transverse direction in relation to the longitudinal axis of the rectum. In one of the eight cases pneumorectum was observed after using the new method. The conception rate obtained after using the new surgical technique was 62.5%. Pregnant mares delivered normally without any new lacerations at the subsequent parturition. It can be concluded that this new surgical technique can be used successfully for repairing third-degree perineal lacerations in mares.

Lymphoproliferative disorders in chronic hepatitis C.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with the development of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs). The aim of this investigation was to determine the prevalence and characterization of monoclonal gammopathy and benign and malignant LPDs in individuals with chronic hepatitis C. A total of 233 subjects diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C (male/female ratio: 131/102, median age; 49 years) were studied. Serum and urine were examined for the presence of a monoclonal gammopathy. A bone marrow aspirate and biopsy was obtained in individuals with a monoclonal gammopathy. Thirty-two patients (13.7%, 32 of 233) had a monoclonal gammopathy; 75% of them were benign and were not associated with malignant disorders (24 of 32) while 25% were associated with malignant LPDs or a plasma cell disorder (eight of 32). Two additional subjects without monoclonal gammopathy were diagnosed as having a malignant LPDs. The prevalence of malignant LPDs/plasma cell disorder in individuals with HCV-induced chronic liver disease was 4.3%. No difference was found in terms of disease duration, HCV genotype, viral load, alanine aminotransferase level or histopathologic score between the subjects with or without a monoclonal gammopathy. The presence of mixed cryoglobulinaemia was strongly associated with the presence of an underlying malignant disorder. Hence a monoclonal gammopathy is found in 14% of patients with chronic hepatitis C and is associated with malignant B-cell LPD in more than a quarter of such patients. The prevalence of LPDs in individuals with HCV-induced chronic liver disease is greater than that of the normal healthy population.

Analysis of histone deacetylase inhibitor, depsipeptide (FR901228), effect on multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells and remains an incurable disease because of the development of drug resistance. Histone deacytylase (HDAC) inhibitors are a new class of chemotherapeutic reagents that cause growth arrest and apoptosis of neoplastic cells. Depsipeptide, a new member of the HDAC inhibitors, was found to be safe in humans and has been shown to induce apoptosis in various cancers. In order to evaluate the effects of depsipeptide, a MM cell line, U266 [interleukin (IL)-6 dependent], was analysed for viability and apoptosis. The combined effect of depsipeptide with melphalan and changes in BCL-2 family proteins (BCL-2, BCL-XL, BAX and MCL-1) were also investigated. In addition, the RPMI 8226 cell line (IL-6 independent), and primary patient myeloma cells were also analysed for apoptosis after depsipeptide treatment. Depsipeptide induced apoptosis in both U266 and RPMI 8226 cell lines in a time- and dose-dependent fashion, and in primary patient myeloma cells. We also demonstrated that depsipeptide had an additive effect with melphalan (10 micromol/l). BCL-2, BCL-XL and MCL-1 showed decreased expression in depsipeptide-treated samples. Based on recent clinical trials demonstrating minimal clinical toxicity, our study supports the future clinical utilization of depsipeptide in the management of MM.

Tetanus antitoxin levels among adults over 40 years of age in Central Anatolia, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine tetanus antitoxin levels in adults and the aged. METHODS: This study was conducted on 249 adults over 40 years of age who applied to a blood-withdrawal unit in Kayseri, Central Anatolia. Tetanus toxoid-specific antibodies were measured in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: In the research group, only 63 persons (25.3%) were found to have protective levels (>0.1 IU/mL) of tetanus antitoxin. Antibody levels were significantly higher in educated people (30.7%), in those under 50 years of age (38.2%), in those who had been vaccinated at least twice (47.6%), and in those vaccinated not more than 10 years previously (58.3%). There was no association between antibody level and sex, occupation or place of residence. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that tetanus antibody values were under the protective level for most adults over 40 years of age, and vaccination programs directed at the adult population should be developed.

Immobilization of invertase in conducting copolymers of 3-methylthienyl methacrylate.

Immobilization of invertase in conducting copolymer matrices of 3-methylthienyl methacrylate with pyrrole and thiophene was achieved by constant potential electrolysis using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as the supporting electrolyte. Polythiophene (PTh) was also used in entrapment process for comparison. Kinetic parameters, Michaelis-Menten constant, K(m), and the maximum reaction rate, V(max), were investigated. Operational stability and temperature optimization of the enzyme electrodes were also examined.

Immobilization of glucose oxidase in polypyrrole/polytetrahydrofuran graft copolymers.

Glucose oxidase (GOD) was immobilized in four different conducting polymer matrices, namely: polypyrrole, (PPy), poly(pyrrole-graft-polytetrahydrofuran), (1) and (3); and poly(pyrrole-graft-polystyrene/polytetrahydrofuran), (2). The kinetic parameters V(max) and K(m), and the optimum temperature were determined for both immobilized and native enzymes. The effect of electrolysis time and several supporting electrolytes, p-toluenesulfonic acid, p-toluene sulfonic acid (PTSA), sodium p-toluene sulfonate, sodium p-toluene sulfonate (NaPTS), and sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), on enzyme immobilization were investigated. The high K(m) value (59.9 mM) of enzyme immobilized in PPy was decreased via immobilization in graft copolymer matrices of pyrrole. V(max), which was 2.25 mM/min for pure PPy, was found as 4.71 mM/min for compound (3).

Caspase activation and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential during UV radiation-induced apoptosis of human keratinocytes requires activation of protein kinase C.

The induction of apoptosis in human keratinocytes by UV radiation involves caspase-mediated cleavage and activation of protein kinase C delta (PKCdelta). Here we examined the role of PKC activation in caspase activation and disruption of mitochondria function by UV radiation. Inhibition of PKC partially blocked UV radiation-induced cleavage of PKCdelta, pro-caspase-3, and pro-caspase-8, and the activation of these caspases. PKC inhibition also blocked the UV-induced loss of mitochondria membrane potential, but did not block the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. Expression of the active catalytic domain of PKCdelta was sufficient to induce apoptosis and disrupt mitochondrial membrane potential, however a kinase inactive PKCdelta catalytic domain did not. Furthermore, the PKCdelta catalytic fragment generated following UV radiation localized to the mitochondria fraction, as did ectopically expressed PKCdelta catalytic domain. These results identify a functional role for PKC activation in potentiating caspase activation and disrupting mitochondrial function during UV-induced apoptosis.