Effect of birth type and sex on growth performance, wither height, humerus-radius bone dimensions, humerus-ulna growth plate width and selected hormone profile in growing Gurcu goat kids.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the effects of sex and birth type on growth performance, withers height (WH), radiographic measurements and selected hormone profiles in Gurcu goat kids were investigated. METHODS: Twenty kids (single female = 5, single male = 5, twin female = 5, twin male = 5) were included in the study. Body weight (BW), WH, radiographic measurements (humerus length [HL], radius length [RL], proximal humerus epiphyseal plate width [HEP] and distal ulna epiphyseal plate width [UEP]) and biochemical analysis (for serum calcitonin, free triiodothyronine [FT3], free thyroxine [FT4], growth hormone [GH] and insulin-like growth factor-I [IGF-I]) were performed at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12 months of age. RESULTS: BW was significantly higher in males starting from the seventh month compared to females (p < 0.05). HL was higher in males at seventh (p = 0.009) and ninth (p = 0.033) months, whereas RL was lower in twins at the third month (p = 0.021). UEP was wider in males at seventh (p = 0.008) and ninth (p = 0.036) months. Closure of HEP was observed in 65% of kids by the 12th month. Calcitonin was lower in twins at third (p = 0.045) and fifth (p = 0.006) months, with changes observed due to group and time effects (p < 0.05), whereas other hormones only changed with time (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between BW, WH, HL, RL and IGF-I. There was a negative correlation between BW, WH, HL, RL, IGF-I and HEP, UEP, calcitonin, FT3, FT4, GH. CONCLUSION: Sex and birth type in Gurcu goat kids may have an impact on growth performance, radiographic measurements and certain hormonal profiles.

Evaluation of Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Novel Replica-Like Instruments in Static Test Model.

Introduction: The aim of our study is to comparatively analyze the canal cyclic fatigue resistance of widely used rotary file systems, including EndoArt Touch Gold (ETG), Perfect MTF Plus Gold (PPG), Fanta V-Taper Gold (FVG), and ProTaper Next (PTN). Methods: Stainless steel canals with a 60° angle and a 3-mm curvature radius were specially prepared. The canals were shaped with each rotary file system and tested for resistance using a cyclic fatigue testing apparatus. The number of fracture cycles (NFC; K file tip separation) was measured. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA and post hoc LSD tests. Results: PTN and PPG rotary file systems exhibited the highest NFC. The NFC value for PTN was 589 ± 63, and for PPG, it was 507 ± 51. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that rotary file systems such as PTN and PPG exhibit higher cyclic fatigue resistance. ETG and FVG rotary file systems also possess generally acceptable cyclic fatigue resistance levels.

Which Position for Novice Surgeons? Effect of Supine and Prone Positions on Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Learning Curve.

Background and Objectives: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a current treatment method with high success rates and low complication rates in treating large kidney stones. It can be conducted in different positions, especially supine and prone positions. PCNL in the supine position is becoming increasingly common due to its advantages, such as simultaneous retrograde intervention and better anesthesia management. This study aimed to assess how the choice of position impacts the PCNL learning curve. Materials and Methods: The results of the first 50 consecutive PCNL cases performed by two separate chief residents as primary surgeons in supine and prone positions in a reference center for stone treatment between August 2021 and January 2023 were evaluated. The two groups' demographic and clinical data, stone-free rates, operation times, and fluoroscopy times were compared. Results: While the mean operation time was 94.6 ± 9.8 min in the supine PCNL group, it was 129.9 ± 20.3 min in the prone PCNL group (p < 0.001). Median fluoroscopy times in the supine PCNL and prone PCNL groups were 31 (10-89) seconds and 48 (23-156) seconds, respectively (p = 0.001). During the operation, the plateau was reached after the 10th case in the supine PCNL group, while it was reached after the 40th case in the prone PCNL group. Conclusions: For surgeons who are novices in performing PCNL, supine PCNL may offer both better results and a faster learning curve. Prospective and randomized studies can provide more robust conclusions on this subject.

A Comparison of the First 60 Enucleation Cases Using a Thulium Fiber Laser without a Mentor to a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) and Open Prostatectomy, and the Learning Curve.

Background and Objectives: In the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), laser enucleation of the prostate is recommended as an alternative to transurethral resection (TURP) and open prostatectomy (OP). The thulium fiber laser, with its superficial penetration depth, can offer a rapid learning process by causing less heat injury and capsule damage. This study compares the first 60 cases of an endourologist performing thulium fiber enucleation of the prostate (ThuFLEP) without a mentor to the results of OP and TURP performed by experienced surgeons. It also identifies the case number at which the operation time for ThuFLEP starts to plateau. Materials and Methods: Between 1 November 2021 and 1 November 2023, the initial 60 ThuFLEP cases of an endourologist with no prior enucleation experience were compared with TURP and OP operations performed by experienced surgeons. Since the first 60 ThuFLEP cases involved 80-120 cc prostates, TURP and OP operations within this size range performed during the same period were included in the study. The groups were assessed for age, preoperative and postoperative prostate volume, PSA levels, the IPSS, the IPSS Quality of Life (QoL), and maximum urinary flow (Qmax). The 60 consecutive ThuFLEP cases were divided into three groups of 20 (Groups 1, 2, and 3) and compared for operation time, IPSS, and Qmax. Results: The operation time for TURP was shorter than for ThuFLEP and OP (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between ThuFLEP and OP in postoperative Qmax and IPSS, while TURP had lower values than the other two methods. For ThuFLEP, the operation time was longer in the first 20 cases but plateaued in groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.001). Postoperative Qmax and IPSS values showed no significant differences among the three ThuFLEP groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: For large prostates, ThuFLEP provides better postoperative results than TURP and offers shorter catheterization and hospital stay times than OP. Its short learning curve makes it a preferable method for treating BPH compared to other laser techniques.

Cell proliferation and apoptosis in canine oral papillomatosis.

This study was aimed at the evaluation of cell proliferation, p53 level and apoptotic index by immunohistochemical methods in canine oral papillomatosis. The study material comprised of tumor tissue samples taken from six dogs being admitted to the Pathology Department of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Kars, Türkiye. Choice of immunohistochemical staining was avidin-biotin peroxidase method. Cases of canine oral papillomatosis, determined to have been caused by canine papillomavirus-1, were found to have a rather high cell proliferation index. Furthermore, all cases were immunohisto-chemically demonstrated to carry a mutant p53 gene. Despite the mutation of p53 gene, the shift in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio of dogs diagnosed with tumor was in favor of the pro-apoptotic Bax gene. The apoptotic mechanism was determined to occur through both the caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways. While the lesions occupied the entire oral cavity in some cases, histopathologically, malignant transformation was not detected in any of the six cases.

Could pain change position choice? Comparison of pain level, analgesic requirement and hospitalization time in supine and prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

PURPOSE: Investigation of how position affects postoperative pain levels and hospitalization in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) surgery. METHODS: Between August 2019 and December 2022, a total of 156 patients who underwent prone (pPNL) and supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (sPNL) due to kidney stones were included in the study. Demographic data, preoperative CT scans, laboratory results, transfusion rates, operation durations, complication rates, stone-free rates, analgesic use, nephrostomy removal time, hospitalization duration, fluoroscopy time, hemoglobin decrease and postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were evaluated for all patients. By comparing these data between the sPNL and pPNL groups, the effect of position selection in PNL on pain control, analgesic requirement, and hospitalization duration was examined. RESULTS: In the comparison of the pPNL and sPNL groups, there was a significant difference between the two groups in body mass index, hounsfield unit, complication rate, analgesic rate, nephrostomy remove time, hospitalization time, operation time, fluoroscopy time and VAS score (p = 0.025, p < 0.001, p = 0.012, p = 0.012, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The shorter operation and hospitalization time in the sPNL group could be attributed to performing surgeries in a physiological position. Additionally, sPNL seems advantageous in terms of patients' pain levels, hospitalization time and VAS scores. One reason for this could be the different areas of access in sPNL and pPNL, which may correspond to different dermatome regions. Considering the low level of pain and reduced analgesic usage, sPNL appears to be advantageous.

Dose-dependant preventive effect of a herbal compound on crystal formation in rat model.

INTRODUCTION: To analyze the dose-dependent preventive effect of a plant-based herbal product on the new crystal formation in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 rats were divided into 7 groups and zinc discs were placed into the bladder of rats to provide a nidus for the development of new crystal formation: Group 1: control, Group 2: 0.75 percent ethylene glycol (EG); Group 3: 0.75 percent EG plus 0.051 ml of the compound; Group 4: 0.75 percent EG plus 0.179 ml of the compound; Group 5: 0.75 percent EG plus 0.217 ml of the compound; Group 6: 0.75 percent EG plus 0.255 ml of the compound; Group 7 0.75 percent EG plus 0.332 of the compound). The analysis and comparison focused on the disc weights, changes in urinary oxalate and calcium levels, urinary pH, and the histopathologic evaluation of the inflammatory changes in the bladder after 14 days. RESULTS: According to the evaluation of discs placed in the bladders of the animals, animals receiving the herbal compound on a dose-dependent basis showed a limited increase in the disc weights values after 14 days, despite a considerable increase in animals receiving EG alone (p = 0.001). Further evaluation of the increase in disc weights on a dose-dependent basis in different subgroups (from Groups 3 to 7) demonstrated that the limitation of crystal deposition began to be more prominent as the dose of herbal compound increased. This effect was more evident particularly in comparisons between group 7 and others, according to LSD multiple comparison tests (p = 0.001). As anticipated, there has been no discernible change in the weight of the discs in the control group. Although urinary calcium levels in animals of Groups 2, 6, and 7 were significantly higher than the other groups, we were not able to demonstrate a close correlation between urinary oxalate levels and the increasing dose levels. Even though mean urine pH levels were statistically considerably higher in Group 3, there was no statistically significant correlation between the oxalate and calcium levels between all groups, and no association was seen with the administration of herbal agents. The transitional epithelium between the three groups of animals' bladder samples did not exhibit any appreciable difference according to pathological analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In this animal model, the treatment of the compound was successful in lowering the amount of crystal deposition surrounding the zinc discs, most noticeably at a dosage of 0.332 ml, three times per day.

Surgical stabilisation of distal femoral fractures in calves using a triple pin technique: Twenty-five cases.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to develop a safe fixation technique for the effective treatment of supracondylar and distal diaphyseal femoral fractures in newborn calves. METHODS: This study included a total of 25 newborn calves diagnosed with supracondylar or distal diaphyseal femoral fractures based on anamnesis and clinical and radiographic examination findings. Operations were performed under intrathecal anaesthesia. During the operation, the fracture line was found, and fixation was achieved by placing two Steinmann and Schanz pins. RESULTS: No abnormal findings were seen in the radiographs performed 28 days after surgery, and it was determined that a hard callus had started to form. It was observed that the patients who had lightly stepped on the ground for the first 3 days after the operation were able to walk without any problems on day 28. LIMITATIONS: As this study involved neonatal calves aged 1-14 days, the operation could only be performed under spinal anaesthesia with no sedation. However, sedation is likely to be applied in addition to spinal anaesthesia in older calves. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the triple pin technique can be safely used in the treatment of supracondylar and distal diaphyseal femoral fractures.

DIFFERENT SURGICAL METHODS IN COLON ANASTOMOSIS: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY.

AIM: Although many methods have been defined for colonic anastomosis, anastomotic leak still remains important for sepsis control and successful healing. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of conventional suture, polyglactin 910 mesh, and omental flap coverage on healing and anastomotic leak in experimental colonic anastomosis in rats. METHOD: This study was conducted on 18 Wistar rats and the animals were divided into three groups as follows: Group 1: primary suture group; Group 2: primary suture plus polyglactin 910 mesh group; and Group 3: primary suture plus omental flap coverage group. Groups were compared in terms of anastomotic bursting pressure, inflammation, fibroblastic activity, neovascularization, and collagen amount. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in anastomotic bursting pressure between Groups 1 and 2 and between Groups 1 and 3 (p=0.004, p<0.05). There was a significant difference in fibroblastic activity between Groups 1 and 3 (p=0.011, p<0.05) and between Groups 2 and 3 (p=0.030, p<0.05). There was a significant difference in neovascularization and collagen between Groups 1 and 2 and between Groups 1 and 3 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This experimental study found that polyglactin 910 mesh and omental flap coverage for colocolic anastomoses improved the physical strength and healing of the anastomosis compared to conventional hand-stitched anastomoses. The polyglactin may be a safe alternative to 910 mesh in cases where the omental flap coverage cannot be used in the colonic anastomosis.