Relationship between lower extremity strength asymmetry and linear multidimensional running in female tennis players.

Background: Tennis requires movement abilities in changing playing situations. This article investigates the relationship between lower extremity strength asymmetry ratio and linear and multidimensional running performances in female tennis players. Methods: A total of 56 female tennis players, with a mean age of 15.44 ± 0.50 years, participated in the study-the research design involved three sessions at 48-hour intervals. In the first session, athletes performed dominant and non-dominant countermovement jump (CMJ) and board jump (BJ) tests. The second (sec) session included 10-meter (-m) and 30-m linear running performance tests, while the final session assessed multidimensional running performance with a change of direction (COD) test. The relationship between CMJ and BJ asymmetry ratios and linear and multidimensional running performances was analysed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Bilateral asymmetry rates in linear and multidimensional running performance were determined through linear regression analysis. Results: The dominant CMJ recorded 17.56 ± 3.47 cm, while BJ was 130.23 ± 21.76 cm, and the non-dominant CMJ measured 16.79 ± 4.51 cm with a BJ of 147.52 ± 30.97 cm. The athletes had a CMJ asymmetry rate of 12.67 ± 11.29% and a BJ asymmetry rate of 7.19 ± 5.28%. A relationship was seen between the CMJ asymmetry rate and 30-m running performance (r = 0.368, p < 0.05). There was no correlation between BJ asymmetry rate and 10-m running performance. Significant correlations were found between 30-m (r = 0.364) and COD (r = 0.529) running performances (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It can be said that the CMJ asymmetry ratio may negatively affect 30-m and the BJ asymmetry ratio may negatively affect 30-m and COD performance.

The Effect of Simulation-Based Training on the Hand Hygiene Knowledge and Practices of Palliative Caregivers: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Single-Center Study.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of simulation-based training on hand hygiene knowledge and practices among palliative caregivers. The study was conducted with 60 caregivers in a palliative care clinic between December 2022 and September 2023. The participants were divided into two groups by simple randomization. The intervention and control groups received the same hand hygiene theoretical education and demonstration. The intervention group also received additional simulation-based hand hygiene practices recommended by the World Health Organization. A pretest-posttest design was used to assess hand hygiene knowledge and practices. Data were collected with personal information, hand hygiene knowledge, and hand hygiene practice forms. Analysis of covariance was performed to compare posttest scores between the groups. Simulation-based hand hygiene training programs offer an effective and feasible strategy to improve the hand hygiene knowledge and practices of caregivers. It should be integrated into clinical areas to increase palliative caregivers' hand hygiene knowledge and practices. Evidence-based practices can be improved by increasing randomized controlled studies on the effectiveness of simulation-based hand hygiene training for caregivers. Trial Registration: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with registration number NCT05848596.

Medicinal evaluation and molecular docking study of osajin as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic agent against sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in rats.

Despite efforts to find effective drugs for sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI), mortality rates in patients with SA-AKI have not decreased. Our study evaluated the protective effects of isoflavone osajin (OSJ) on SA-AKI in rats by targeting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, which represent the cornerstones in the pathophysiological mechanism of SA-AKI. Polymicrobial sepsis was induced in rats via the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) technique. Markers of oxidative stress were evaluated in kidney tissues using biochemical methods. The expression of interleukin-33 (IL-33), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), caspase-3, and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) was evaluated as indicators of inflammation, DNA damage, apoptosis, and SA-AKI respectively in the kidney tissues using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent detection methods. The CLP technique significantly (p < 0.001) increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in kidney tissues. In the renal tissues, strong expression of IL-33, 8-OHdG, caspase-3, and KIM-1 was observed with severe degeneration and necrosis in the tubular epithelium and intense interstitial nephritis. In contrast, the administration of OSJ significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the level of LPO, markedly improved biomarkers of antioxidant status, decreased the levels of serum creatinine and urea, lowered the expression of IL-33, 8-OHdG, caspase-3, and KIM-1 and alleviated changes in renal histopathology. A promising binding score was found via a molecular docking investigation of the OSJ-binding mode with mouse IL-33 (PDB Code: 5VI4). Therefore, OSJ protects against SA-AKI by suppressing the IL-33/LPO/8-OHdG/caspase-3 pathway and improving the antioxidant system.

Second harvest of Congenital Heart Surgery Database in Türkiye: Current outcomes.

Background: This second harvest of the Congenital Heart Surgery Database intended to compare current results with international databases. Methods: This retrospective study examined a total of 4007 congenital heart surgery procedures from 15 centers in the Congenital Heart Surgery Database between January 2018 and January 2023. International diagnostic and procedural codes were used for data entry. STAT (Society of Thoracic Surgeons and European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery) mortality scores and categories were used for comparison of the data. Surgical priority status was modified from American Society of Anesthesiologist guidelines. Centers that sent more than 5 cases to the database were included to the study. Results: Cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest were performed in 2,983 (74.4%) procedures. General risk factors were present in 22.6% of the patients, such as genetic anomaly, syndrome, or prematurity. Overall, 18.9% of the patients had preoperative risk factors (e.g., mechanical ventilation, renal failure, and sepsis). Of the procedures, 610 (15.2%) were performed on neonates, 1,450 (36.2%) on infants, 1,803 (45%) on children, and 144 (3.6%) on adults. The operative timing was elective in 56.5% of the patients, 34.4% were urgent, 8% were emergent, and 1.1% were rescue procedures. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was used in 163 (4%) patients, with a 34.3% survival rate. Overall mortality in this series was 6.7% (n=271). Risk for mortality was higher in patients with general risk factors, such as prematurity, low birth weight neonates, and heterotaxy syndrome. Mortality for patients with preoperative mechanical ventilation was 17.5%. Pulmonary hypertension and preoperative circulatory shock had 11.6% and 10% mortality rates, respectively. Mortality for patients who had no preoperative risk factor was 3.9%. Neonates had the highest mortality rate (20.5%). Intensive care unit and hospital stay time for neonates (median of 17.8 days and 24.8 days, respectively) were also higher than the other age groups. Infants had 6.2% mortality. Hospital mortality was 2.8% for children and 3.5% for adults. Mortality rate was 2.8% for elective cases. Observed mortality rates were higher than expected in the fourth and fifth categories of the STAT system (observed, 14.8% and 51.9%; expected, 9.9% and 23.1%; respectively). Conclusion: For the first time, outcomes of congenital heart surgery in Türkiye could be compared to the current world experience with this multicenter database study. Increased mortality rate of neonatal and complex heart operations could be delineated as areas that need improvement. The Congenital Heart Surgery Database has great potential for quality improvement of congenital heart surgery in Türkiye. In the long term, participation of more centers in the database may allow more accurate risk adjustment.

Chemical compounds isolated from aerial parts of Bolanthus aziz-sancarii, a new species from Türkiye.

Bolanthus aziz-sancarii identified in 2019 for the first time is an endemic species of Bolanthus genus belonging to Caryophyllaceae family. Ten compounds were isolated from aerial parts of the plant. The potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of all four phases (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water) from the methanol extract of the plant were investigated. After considering the findings regarding both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities, it was decided to investigate the phytochemical profile of the EtOAc layer of B. aziz-sancarii. An abscisic acid-type sesquiterpene glucoside and nine flavonoid derivatives were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the B. aziz-sancarii methanol extract through the use of column chromatography with silica gel.

A Case of Pulmonary Artery Sling Anomaly with Tracheal Stenosis and Management of Difficult Airway.

Pulmonary artery sling is a rare congenital vascular abnormality, where the left pulmonary artery originates from the right pulmonary artery, passes between trachea, and esophagus and reaching the left hilum. Cough, wheezing, and difficulty in feeding are three major symptoms. Untreated pulmonary sling carries high morbidity and mortality, most of which is due to the airway and other associated anomalies. Herein, we reported a 40-day-old male infant who admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with progressive respiratory distress and diagnosed with left pulmonary sling with tracheal stenosis. We discussed the diagnosis and management of pulmonary artery sling and present the successful use of laryngeal mask in difficult airway management.

A new species, Gypsophila malyerii (Caryophyllaceae) from Turkey.

Gypsophila malyerii Hamzaoglu & Koç, a new species of sect. Capituliformes, is described and illustrated from Turkey. Information on distribution, habitat and conservation status are given. The most similar species is G. osmangaziensis. The morphology and micromorphology of seed and pollen characters of the two closely related species are compared.

Antidiabetic activities of Bolanthus spergulifolius (Caryophyllaceae) extracts on insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder with chronic hyperglycemia featured by metabolic outcomes owing to insufficient insulin secretion and/or insulin effect defect. It is critical to investigate new therapeutic approaches for T2DM and alternative, natural agents that target molecules in potential signal pathways. Medicinal plants are significant resources in the research of alternative new drug active ingredients. Bolanthus spergulifolius (B. spergulifolius) is one of the genera of the family Caryophyllaceae. In this study, it was explored the potential anti-diabetic effects in vitro of B. spergulifolius extracts on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The total phenolic contents (TPC) of methanolic (MeOH), ethyl acettate (EA) and aqueous extracts of B. spergulifolius were evaluated via Folin-Ciocateau. B. spergulifolius extracts showing highly TPC (Aqueous< MeOH< EA) and their different concentrations were carried out on preadipocytes differentiated in to mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes to investigate their half-maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration (IC50) value by using Thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The IC50 of MeOH, EA and Aqueous extracts were observed as 305.7 ± 5.583 µg/mL, 567.4 ± 3.008 µg/mL, and 418.3 ± 4.390 µg/mL and used for further experiments. A live/dead assay further confirmed the cytotoxic effects of MeOH, EA and Aqueous extracts (respectively, 69.75 ± 1.70%, 61.75 ± 1.70%, 70 ± 4.24%, and for all p< 0.05). Also, effects of extracts on lipid accumulation in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes were evaluated by Oil-Red O staining assay. The extracts effectively decreased lipid-accumulation compared to untreated adipocytes (for all p< 0.05). Moreover, effect of extracts on apoptosis regulated by the Bax and Bcl-2 was investigated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The extracts significantly induced apoptosis by up-regulating pro-apoptotic Bax expression but down-regulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene expression compared to untreated adipocytes (for all p< 0.05). The Glut-4 expression linked with insulin resistance was determined by qRT-PCR, Western-blot analysis, and immunofluorescence staining. In parallel, the expression of Glut-4 in adipocytes treated with extracts was significantly higher compared to untreated adipocytes (for all p< 0.05). Extracts significantly suppressed cell migration after 30 h of wounding in a scratch-assay (for all p< 0.05). Cell morphology and diameter were further evaluated by phase-contrast microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Immunofluorescence with F-Actin and Giemsa staining. The adipocytes treated with extracts partially lost spherical morphology and showed smaller cell-diameter compared to untreated adipocytes (for all p< 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggest that extracts of B. spergulifolius cause to an induce apoptosis, decrease lipid-accumulation, wound healing, up-regulating Glut-4 level and might contribute to reducing of insulin-resistance in DM.

First Harvest of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery Multicenter Database in Turkey: Novel Application of Real-Time Online Reporting.

OBJECTIVES: A new congenital heart surgery database (CKCV) with real-time online reporting function was recently developed in Turkey. All standard international parameters were used, but Aristotle Comprehensive Complexity score was modified. In this study, the first analysis of the CKCV Database is reported. METHODS: The CKCV Database included 2307 procedures from 12 centers between January 2018 and March 2020. All parameters, including 10 real-time online reports, which represent the number of centers, number and mortality rates of all procedures, number of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and results, details of postoperative complications, age-group statistics, analysis for priority status, mean intensive care and hospital stay durations of the procedures, results of Aristotle Basic, Modified Aristotle Comprehensive (MACC) and Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association (STAT) Score Categories, comparison of centers were analyzed. RESULTS: Most common 10 procedures were ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair (n = 273), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair (n = 243), atrial septal defect (ASD) repair (n = 181), complete AVSD repair (n = 95), cavopulmonary anastomosis (n = 81), systemic to pulmonary shunt (n = 79), modified Fontan (n = 71), subaortic resection, (n = 66) PA banding (n = 66), and arterial switch operation (n = 66). Cardiopulmonary bypass was used in 84.6% of the procedures. Overall mortality rate was 6.0%. A total of 618 major and 570 minor complications were observed in 333 and 412 patients, respectively. According to six MACC categories, number of the patients and mortality rates were I (293; 0.3%); II (713; 1.4%); III (601; 3.3%); IV (607; 12%); V (84; 35.7%); and VI (9; 55.6%), respectively. Analysis of five STAT Categories showed 0.7, 3.8, 5.4, 14.9, and 54.7% mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS: CKCV Database has a great potential for nationwide quality improvement studies. Users could instantly analyze and compare their results to national and international aggregate data using a real-time online reporting function. This is the first multicenter congenital database study in Turkey.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine: Is it a risk facgtor in the repair of aortic coarctation?

BACKGROUND: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, causes endothelial dysfunction which is an important risk factor for mortality in adult cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate whether there was a relationship between the aortic cross-clamping (ACC) time and serum ADMA level in aortic coarctation surgery and importance of the serum ADMA level as a marker of mortality and morbidity. METHOD: Twenty-two patients undergoing surgery for aortic coarctation in the neonatal and early infant period were included in the study, and the patients were divided into two groups according to the aortic cross-clamping time (Group I: <20-min, Group II: >20-min). RESULTS: In Group I, preoperative and postoperative mean ADMA values of the patients were 0.57 ± 0.78 and 0.54 ± 0.83 µmol/L, respectively. In Group II, preoperative and postoperative mean ADMA values of the patients were 0.69 ± 0.93 and 1.10 ± 0.30 µmol/L, respectively. Preoperative-postoperative change of ADMA correlates with ACC time (r = .802, p < .005) and duration of postoperative inotropic support (r = .719, p < .05). Also a high correlation has been found between the ACC time and duration of inotropic support in both groups (r = .689, p < .05). CONCLUSION: Perioperative serum ADMA levels could be used as a prognostic bio-marker in the patients undergoing aortic coarctation repair. Treatments to reduce serum ADMA levels can be valuable for preventing mortality and morbidity which develop after surgeries in a transient ischemia setting by clamping the aorta.

The Effects of Round Window Membrane Injury and the Use of a Model Electrode Application on Hearing in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of the mechanical trauma to the round window, a model electrode inserted into the scala tympani on the cochlear reserve, and the efficacy of topical steroids in preventing hearing loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 21 male Wistar Albino rats were equally categorized into three groups. In all groups an initial mechanical injury to round window was created. Only subsequent dexamethasone injection was administrated into the cochlea in the subjects of group 2 while a multichannel cochlear implant guide inserted into the cochlea prior to dexamethasone administration for group 3. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were obtained prior to and immediately after the surgical injury, eventually on postoperative seventh day (d 7). Mean signal/noise ratios (S/Ns) obtained at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz were calculated. Data sets were compared with non-parametric statistical tests. RESULTS: The early intraoperative mean S/Ns were significantly less than preoperative measurements for group 1 and 2; however, preoperative and postoperative d 7 average S/Ns did not differ. There was statistically significant difference between preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative d 7 average S/Ns for group 3. CONCLUSION: We observed that hearing was restored approximately to the preoperative levels following early postoperative repair. However, an electrode insertion into the cochlea via round window subsequent to mechanical trauma seems to cause a progressive hearing loss. Therefore, a special care must be taken to avoid the injury to the round window membrane in the course of the placement of a cochlear implant electrode and surgery for the chronic otitis media.

Sequence variants of CYP345a1 and CYP6a14 gene regions in Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) adults treated with the novel characterized Bolanthus turcicus (Caryophyllaceae) extract.

In this study, various doses of plant extracts that obtained from Bolanthus turcicus was applied to an important storage pest Tribolium castaneum adults. Bolanthus turcicus is an endemic species and spreads on the Hasan Mountain above Karkin town (Turkey, Aksaray province). The plant species was collected from June to July with the field study to be carried out in this region. Obtained extract of plant was analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. The doses were defined during the study and the concentrations that kill 50% and 99% of the population were determined after applications. After 24 h, DNA was isolated from live and dead individuals that obtained from LC50 and LC99 concentration applications and analyzed for Cytochrome P450-mediated detoxification resistance genes, CYP345A1 and CYP6A14 gene regions, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CYP genes in insects are known to be rapidly regulated when exposed to insecticides. In the study, in order to screen for 206 bp and 353 bp fragments of CYP345A1 and CYP6A14 genes in T. castaneum adults were amplified using specific primers, respectively. DNA direct sequencing was performed on each template using the forward primer. When compared to the control, it is believed that mutation differences in live and dead individuals according to the sequencing results obtained from survival and dead adults, may allow these genes to play a protective role against the toxic effect of B. turcicus extract.

Should we start a nationwide screening program for critical congenital heart disease in Turkey? A pilot study on four centres with different altitudes.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the feasibility of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening test by pulse oximetry in four geographical regions of Turkey with different altitudes, before implementation of a nationwide screening program. METHODS: It was a prospective multi-centre study performed in four centres, between December, 2015 and May, 2017. Pre- and post-ductal oxygen saturations and perfusion indices (PI) were measured using Masimo Radical-7 at early postnatal days. The results were evaluated according to the algorithm recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Additionally, a PI value <0.7 was accepted to be significant. RESULTS: In 4888 newborns, the mean screening time was 31.5 ± 12.1 hours. At first attempt, the mean values of pre- and post-ductal measurements were: saturation 97.3 ± 1.8%, PI 2.8 ± 2.0, versus saturation 97.7 ± 1.8%, PI 2.3±1.3, respectively. Pre-ductal saturations and PI and post-ductal saturations were the lowest in Centre 4 with the highest altitude. Overall test positivity rate was 0.85% (n = 42). CCHD was detected in six babies (0.12%). Of them, right hand (91 ± 6.3) and foot saturations (92.1 ± 4.3%) were lower compared to ones with non-CCHD and normal variants (p <0.05, for all comparisons). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratio of the test were: 83.3%, 99.9%, 11.9%, 99.9%, and 99.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that pulse oximetry screening is an effective screening tool for congenital heart disease in newborns at different altitudes. We support the implementation of a national screening program with consideration of altitude differences for our country.

Phrynahamzaoglui Koç & Budak (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from Central Anatolia, Turkey.

A new species Phrynahamzaoglui was discovered in Hekimhan (Turkey, Malatya province) where it grows on hillsides. The P.hamzaoglui and P.ortegioides were compared with each other in terms of their general morphology and seed micromorphology. Description, distribution, illustration and conservation status of the new species are given. Seed lateral and surface, cells, anticlinal cell walls, periclinal cell walls structures were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The images were captured with the 500×, 100×, and 40× objective lens for the details.

Maternal and neonatal micronutrient levels in newborns with CHD.

OBJECTIVE: It is suggested that folic acid and/or multivitamins, taken periconceptionally, have a role in the prevention of many congenital anomalies. The aim of this study was to determine the serum micronutrient levels in mother-infant pairs with CHD compared with those with healthy newborns and their mothers. METHODS: Serum levels of folic acid, homocysteine, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 were measured from 108 newborns with CHD (study group) and 103 healthy newborns (control group). The mothers' micronutrient levels were also measured simultaneously. RESULTS: When compared with healthy newborns, for both maternal and neonatal data, homocysteine and zinc levels were higher and vitamin D levels were lower in the study group. In multivariate analysis, only maternal high zinc levels were associated with CHD in the newborns (p=0.02, OR: 0.9, 95% CI 0.8-0.9). The results did not change when analysed for truncal anomalies including truncus arteriosus, tetralogy of Fallot, and d-transposition of great arteries. There were positive correlations between maternal and neonatal levels of micronutrients, except vitamin B12. CONCLUSION: We thought that high homocysteine and zinc levels and low vitamin D levels in mother-infant pairs might have a role in the aetiopathogenesis of CHD. Large-scale, prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of micronutrients in CHDs.

Rare operations in pediatric heart surgery: Cardiac tumors in childhood.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we present our 12-year experience in the surgical treatment of primary cardiac tumors in childhood. METHODS: Thirteen pediatric patients (8 males, 5 females; mean age 1.3±1.9 years; range, 3 days to 6 years) who were operated for a primary cardiac tumor in our center between January 2005 and December 2017 were included in this study. The data were evaluated retrospectively based on our medical records. RESULTS: All of the masses resected were benign. However, the most common tumor was rhabdomyoma (n=7), followed by fibroma (n=3), myxoma (n=2), and pericardial teratoma (n=1). The mortality rate was 15.4%, as two patients died in the early postoperative period. No residual mass or tumor recurrence was observed in the early and late postoperative period in the remaining patients. CONCLUSION: Although primary cardiac tumors in childhood are usually benign, they may cause clinically significant problems depending on the localization and size of the tumor. Surgical tumor excision is often associated with good long-term outcomes.

Signos vasculares retinianos en recién nacidos con cardiopatía congénita crítica: serie de casos / Retinovascular findings in newborns with critical congenital heart disease: A case series

La cardiopatia congènita crítica (CCC) podría provocar cambios en la vasculatura de la retina. Sin embargo, no se dispone de suficientes datos sobre este problema en los recién nacidos. Se evaluaron los cambios en la vasculatura retiniana en una serie de 43 recién nacidos con CCC. Se los dividió en dos grupos según el tipo de CCC; grupo 1 (n= 18): CCC obstructiva izquierda y grupo 2 (n= 25): CCC obstructiva derecha. Se detectaron enfermedades vasculares retinianas en 21 pacientes (48,8%); estas fueron más frecuentes en el grupo 1 (p= 0,04). La patología más común fue la tortuosidad vascular retiniana, observada en seis pacientes (33,3%) del grupo 1 y en 4 (16,0%) del grupo 2. Ninguno de los 21 pacientes con cambios en la vasculatura de la retina requirió tratamiento durante el seguimiento. En un análisis multivariado, solo la CCC obstructiva izquierda estuvo asociada con el desarrollo de enfermedad vascular retiniana (P= 0,03, razón de probabilidades --#91;OR--#93;: 2,8, intervalo de confianza --#91;IC--#93; del 95%: 1,1-7,4). Los cambios vasculares retinianos son frecuentes en los recién nacidos con CCC.

Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) may cause changes in retinal vasculature. However, there is lack of data in this issue in newborns. We evaluated retinovascular changes in a series of 43 newborn with CCHD. They were divided into 2 groups according to the type of CCHD; group 1 (n= 18): left obstructive CCHD and group 2 (n= 25): right obstructive CCHD. Retinovascular pathologies were detected in 21 patients (48.8%); it was more frequent in group 1 (p= 0.04). The most common pathology was retinal vascular tortuosity in 6 patients (33.3%) of group 1, and 4 (16.0%) in group 2. None of 21 patients with retinovascular changes required any therapy at follow-up. In multivariate analysis, only having a left obstructive CCHD was associated with the development of any retinovascular pathology (P= 0.03, OR: 2.8, CI95%: 1.1-7.4). Retinovascular changes are frequent in newborn patients with CCHD.

Retinovascular findings in newborns with critical congenital heart disease: A case series. / Signos vasculares retinianos en recién nacidos con cardiopatía congénita crítica: serie de casos.

Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) may cause changes in retinal vasculature. However, there is lack of data in this issue in newborns. We evaluated retinovascular changes in a series of 43 newborn with CCHD. They were divided into 2 groups according to the type of CCHD; group 1 (n= 18): left obstructive CCHD and group 2 (n= 25): right obstructive CCHD. Retinovascular pathologies were detected in 21 patients (48.8%); it was more frequent in group 1 (p= 0.04). The most common pathology was retinal vascular tortuosity in 6 patients (33.3%) of group 1, and 4 (16.0%) in group 2. None of 21 patients with retinovascular changes required any therapy at follow-up. In multivariate analysis, only having a left obstructive CCHD was associated with the development of any retinovascular pathology (P= 0.03, OR: 2.8, CI95%: 1.1-7.4). Retinovascular changes are frequent in newborn patients with CCHD.

La cardiopatia congènita crítica (CCC) podría provocar cambios en la vasculatura de la retina. Sin embargo, no se dispone de suficientes datos sobre este problema en los recién nacidos. Se evaluaron los cambios en la vasculatura retiniana en una serie de 43 recién nacidos con CCC. Se los dividió en dos grupos según el tipo de CCC; grupo 1 (n= 18): CCC obstructiva izquierda y grupo 2 (n= 25): CCC obstructiva derecha. Se detectaron enfermedades vasculares retinianas en 21 pacientes (48,8%); estas fueron más frecuentes en el grupo 1 (p= 0,04). La patología más común fue la tortuosidad vascular retiniana, observada en seis pacientes (33,3%) del grupo 1 y en 4 (16,0%) del grupo 2. Ninguno de los 21 pacientes con cambios en la vasculatura de la retina requirió tratamiento durante el seguimiento. En un análisis multivariado, solo la CCC obstructiva izquierda estuvo asociada con el desarrollo de enfermedad vascular retiniana (P= 0,03, razón de probabilidades [OR]: 2,8, intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 1,1-7,4). Los cambios vasculares retinianos son frecuentes en los recién nacidos con CCC.

Symptomatic Fetal-Type Cardiac Rhabdomyoma.

Rhabdomyomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors, especially seen during early periods of childhood. Fetaltype rhabdomyoma is a benign tumor described almost always in extracardiac locations. Although the natural history of the cardiac rhabdomyoma is to regress, the behaviour of the fetal-type rhabdomyomas when present in the heart is unknown with respect to its infrequency. Herein, we report a hemodynamically unstable female neonate with a single large intra-cardiac mass unresponsive to medical treatment, who underwent surgery. The neonate could not survive the operation due to ventricular fibrillation. The mass was diagnosed as fetal-type cardiac rhabdomyoma on autopsy.

Natural product inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes: osajin and pomiferin.

The aim of this study is to purify carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes from human erythrocyte, isolate two natural products osajin (OSJ) and pomiferin (PMF) from Maclura pomifera fruits, and evaluate the in vitro effect of these natural metabolites on these isoenzymes. These natural products may be used as starting points for drug discovery (like drugs used in several therapeutic applications, including antiglaucoma activity). For the purification procedure, the Sepharose-4B-l-tyrosine-sulphonamide affinity chromatography was used. Column chromatography and thin layer chromatography methods were used for isolation of OSJ and PMF from M. pomifera fruits and their chemical structures were elucidated by IR, 1D, and 2D NMR methods. We compared inhibitory effects of these natural products with inhibitory effects of phenolic compounds and found that these products demonstrated average inhibition effects. We thought that this study will give inspiration to scientists interested in this issue.