Risk stratification for phenoconversion in patients with isolated REM sleep behavior disorder. A follow-up study from Turkey. / Estratificación del riesgo de fenoconversión al parkinsonismo en pacientes con trastorno de conducta del sueño REM aislado. Estudio de seguimiento en un centro de Turquía.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is one of the strongest prodromal markers of alpha-synucleinopathies. We aimed to investigate non-invasive clinical and quantitative predictors of phenoconversion from iRBD to parkinsonism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively followed-up a total of 45 patients (57.8% men) for eight years. Clinical assessments, Sniffin' Sticks Odor Identification Test, Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Color Vision test, Beck Depression Inventory and Rome III Criteria for constipation were performed. Polysomnographic parameters, sleep spindles, electroencephalographic (EEG) spectral analysis, heart rate variability (HRV) were analyzed. RESULTS: Eight patients (17.8%) showed phenoconversion to parkinsonism after a mean duration of 3.2 ± 1 years. Odds ratio for predicting phenoconversion was highest for patients =60 years of age with anosmia and constipation -44.8 (4.5-445.7); kappa = 4.291-. Duration, frequency or density of sleep spindles failed to demonstrate significant correlations. In EEG spectral analysis, lower alpha power in occipital region during wakefulness and REM sleep was significantly correlated with phenoconversion. Slowing in EEG spectrum power, together with age =60 years, anosmia and constipation, resulted in the highest odds ratio -122.5 (9.7-1543.8); kappa = 3.051-. CONCLUSIONS: It is of great importance to have a world-wide perspective of phenoconversion rates from iRBD to overt neurodegeneration, since racial and geographical factors may play important modifying roles. Relatively younger age and shorter disease duration may also be confounding factors for lower rate in our study. Neurophysiological biomarkers seem to be important predictors of phenoconversion, though more research is needed to establish subtypes of iRBD with different probabilities of evolution to overt synucleinopathy.

TITLE: Estratificación del riesgo de fenoconversión al parkinsonismo en pacientes con trastorno de conducta del sueño REM aislado. Estudio de seguimiento en un centro de Turquía.Introducción. El trastorno aislado de la conducta del sueño con movimientos oculares rápidos (iRBD) es uno de los marcadores prodrómicos más potentes de las alfa-sinucleinopatías. Nuestro objetivo fue investigar los predictores clínicos y cuan­titativos no invasivos de la fenoconversión de iRBD a parkinsonismo. Pacientes y métodos. Se siguió prospectivamente a un total de 45 pacientes (57,8% hombres) durante ocho años del período de estudio. Se realizaron evaluaciones clínicas, la prueba de identificación de olores Sniffin' Sticks, la prueba Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Color Vision, el inventario de depresión de Beck y los criterios de Roma III para el estreñimiento. Se analizaron parámetros polisomnográficos, husos del sueño, análisis espectral electroencefalográfico (EEG) y variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca. Resultados. Ocho pacientes (17,8%) mostraron fenoconversión a parkinsonismo después de una duración media de seguimiento de 3,2 ± 1 año. La odds ratio para predecir la fenoconversión fue más alta para los pacientes =60 años con anosmia y estreñimiento ­44,8 (4,5-445,7); kappa = 4,291­. La disminución de la potencia del espectro EEG, junto con la edad =60 años, la anosmia y el estreñimiento, dio como resultado el índice de odds más alto ­122,5 (9,7-1543,8); kappa = 3,051­. Conclusiones. Es de gran importancia tener una perspectiva mundial de las tasas de fenoconversión de iRBD a neurodegeneración manifiesta, ya que los factores raciales y geográficos pueden desempeñar importantes papeles modificadores. Los biomarcadores neurofisiológicos parecen ser predictores importantes de la fenoconversión, aunque se necesita más investigación para establecer subtipos de iRBD con diferentes probabilidades de evolución hacia una sinucleinopatía manifiesta.

Effect of Oltipraz on urethral healing: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to examine the oral and topical effect of Oltipraz (OPZ) on fibrosis and healing after urethra injury in a rat model. METHODS: In all, 33 adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into 5 different groups: sham, urethral injury group (UI), oral Oltipraz treatment group for 14 days after urethral injury (UI+oOPZ), intraurethral Oltipraz treatment group for 14 days after urethral injury (UI+iOPZ) and only intraurethral Oltipraz treatment for 14 days without urethral injury (sham+iOPZ). Pediatric urethrotome blade was used to create the urethral injury model for the injury groups (UI, UI+oOPZ and UI+iOPZ). After 14 days of treatment, all rats were sacrificed after penectomy under general anesthesia. Urethral tissue was evaluated histopathologically for congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration and spongiofibrosis, and immunohistochemically for transforming growth factor Beta-1 (TBF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor2 (VEGFR2). RESULTS: The congestion score was not statistically significantly different between the groups. Spongiofibrosis was distinctive in UI group and OPZ given groups. Inflammation and spongiofibrosis score were statistically significantly higher in the sham+iOPZ group compared to the sham group (P<0.05). VEGFR2 and TGF Beta-1 scores were statistically significantly higher in the sham+iOPZ group compared to the sham group (P<0.05). We did not find beneficial effect of OPZ on urethral healing. We found the harmful effect of intraurethral administration of OPZ in the group without urethral injury in compared to sham. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, we cannot suggest OPZ in the treatment of urethral injury. Future studies in this area are needed.

Mask-Associated Dry Eye (MADE) in healthcare professionals working at COVID-19 pandemic clinics.

Background: Healthcare professionals working at COVID-19 pandemic clinics have to work with masks during long hours. After the widespread use of masks in the community, many mask-related side effects were reported to clinics. The increase in the number of applicants with dry eye symptoms due to mask use in ophthalmology clinics has led to the emergence of the concept of mask-associated dry eye (MADE). We think that it would be valuable to evaluate ocular surface tests with a comparative study using healthcare professionals working in pandemic clinics, which we think is the right study group to examine the effects of long-term mask use. Aims: We aimed to evaluate the mask-associated dry eye (MADE) symptoms and findings in healthcare professionals who have to work prolonged time with face masks in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic clinics. Patients and Methods: In this prospective, observational comparative clinical study, healthcare professionals who use the mask for a long time and work in COVID-19 pandemic clinics were compared with an age and sex-matched control group consisting of short-term masks users, from April 2021 to November 2021. All participants underwent the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear film break-up time (T-BUT), Oxford staining score, Schirmer's test I, and meibography with infrared transillumination. Results: The long-term mask user group consisted of 64 people, while the short-term mask user group consisted of 66 people (260 eyes, total). The OSDI score and Schirmer I measurement were not statistically different between the two groups. T-BUT was statistically significantly shorter in the long-term group (P: 0.008); lid parallel-conjunctival fold, Oxford staining score, and upper and lower lid meibography score were found to be significantly higher in the long-term group (P < 0.001, P: 0.004, P: 0.049, P: 0.044, respectively). Conclusion: Healthcare professionals with longer mask-wearing times are at greater risk of ocular surface damage. It may be considered to prevent this damage by blocking airflow to the ocular surface, such as by wearing a face mask properly or fitting it over the nose with surgical tape. Those who have to work with a mask for a long time during the COVID-19 pandemic should keep in mind the ophthalmology follow-up for eye comfort and ocular surface health.

The protective effects of hesperidin pretreatment on kidney and remote organs against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVE: As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, Hesperidin was investigated to prove whether it prevents damage to the kidney and lung tissues of rats undergoing renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups of rats were set, including eight subjects each as Group 1 (control), Group 2-RIR (renal ischemia reperfusion), Groups 3 and 4 as pretreatment groups (50 HES, 100 HES). RESULTS: According to our results, Hesperidin pretreatment improved the biochemical and histopathological parameters in kidney and lung tissues of rats with ischemia-reperfusion injury. Besides, a 100 mg/kg dose of Hesperidin was found to be more beneficial to the rats than 50 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that Hesperidin is protective against renal and lung tissues of rats that underwent ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Nutrition and oral health in children with recently and previously diagnosed celiac disease.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the nutritional and oral health status of children with previously diagnosed celiac disease (CD) who follow a gluten-free diet and recently diagnosed CD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Previously and recently diagnosed groups were formed from children with CD, aged 4 to 15 years. A questionnaire was completed about the children's dental history and nutritional and oral hygiene habits. All the children underwent an oral examination, and dmft-DMFT indices were determined. Dental plaque status, periodontal health, and dental enamel defects were recorded. Oral soft tissues were examined for the presence of lesions. Unstimulated salivary flow rate and pH value were evaluated. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was determined between the previously and recently diagnosed patients in terms of toothpaste preference (p=0.003), frequency of going to the dentist (p=0.039), and the types of dental treatment they had received (p=0.001). A statistically significant difference was determined between the previously and recently diagnosed patient groups in terms of dmft values (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Children with CD should be directed to a pediatric dentist to improve oral and dental health, relieve the symptoms of oral mucosal lesions, be informed about enamel defects, and be encouraged to use gluten-free oral care products. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The collaboration of pediatric gastroenterologists and pediatric dentists can prevent the progression of oral symptoms in children with CD and eliminate long-term complications in terms of both oral health and multisystemic problems.

Effect of Nintedanib on healing and fibrosis in rats with experimentally induced urethral injury.

AIM: We aimed to determine the effectiveness of Nintedanib treatment, which has known antifibrotic effect, in preventing fibrosis after urethral trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into 3 different groups: Sham, Urethral injury group (UI) and Urethral injury+ Nintedanib (UI+N). The urethral injury model was made with a pediatric urethrotome knife. Nintedanib was administered at a dose of 50mg/kg by oral gavage for 14 days at the same time every day. After 14 days of treatment, all rats were performed penectomy under general anesthesia. Urethral tissue was evaluated histopathologically (congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration and spongiofibrosis) and immunohistochemically (transforming growth factor (TBF) Beta-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEBFR2)). RESULTS: Histopathological findings: Group UI had higher scores in all categories (congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration, and spongiofibrosis), followed by Group UI+N and Group Sham, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found between Group UI and Group UI+N in terms of the scores of histopathological parameters (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical findings: Group UI had higher scores in both categories, followed by Group UI+N and Group Sham, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found between Group UI and Group UI+N in TGF Beta-1 and VEGF scores (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We found that Nintedanib administration after urethral trauma reduced inflammation and fibrosis histologically and immunohistochemically. The positive effect of Nintedanib on inflammation and fibrosis after urethral trauma reported in this animal study is encouraging for a potential clinical human application.

Predictive value of Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc for disease severity in patients with liver cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVE: The cardiovascular system is one of the most affected systems in the liver cirrhosis (LC) process, especially due to the tendency to arrhythmia. Since the data about the relationship between LC and novel electrocardiography (ECG) indexes are lacking, we aimed to investigate the association between LC and Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratio. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 100 patients in the study group (56 male, median age 60) and 100 in the control group (52 female, 60 median age) between January 2021 and January 2022. ECG indexes and laboratory findings were analyzed. RESULTS: The patient group had significantly higher heart rate (HR), Tp-e, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc compared to the control group (p < 0.001 for all). There was no difference in terms of QT, QTc, QRS (depolarization of ventricles, involving Q, R, and S waves on ECG) duration, and ejection fraction between the two groups. Kruskal-Wallis test results revealed that there was a significant difference between Child stages in terms of HR, QT, QTc, Tp-e, Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc, and QRS duration. There was also a significant difference between the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score groups in terms of all these parameters except for Tp-e/QTc. In the ROC analyses of Tp-e, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc to predict the Child C, the AUC values were 0.887; (95% CI: 0.853-0.921), 0.730; (95% CI: 0.680-0.780), and 0.670; (95% CI: 0.614-0.726), respectively. Similarly, AUC values for the MELD score > 20 were 0.877; (95% CI: 0.854-0.900), 0.935; (95% CI: 0.918-0.952), and 0.861; (95% CI: 0.835-0.887); (p < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Tp-e, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc values were significantly higher in patients with LC. These indexes can be useful for arrhythmia risk stratification and to predict the end-stage of the disease.

Long-term predictive value of cardiac biomarkers in patients with COVID-19 infection.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have investigated the association between cardiac biomarkers and short-term prognosis in the COVID-19 infection. However, the data on the predictive value of cardiac biomarkers to predict long-term prognosis in COVID-19 infection are limited. We aimed at determining the relationship between N-terminal brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-TnI) as cardiac biomarkers and in-hospital/long-term outcomes in COVID-19 infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included a total of 916 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection. The primary outcome was in-hospital and 1-year mortality. The secondary outcome was intensive care need at admission or the need to be transferred to the intensive care unit later on. RESULTS: The study included 498 (54.4%) males and 418 (45.6%) females with a mean age of 55.1±18.5 years. The patients with known heart failure (HF), COVID-19-related HF, acute renal failure (ARF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/asthma, high CO-RADS score (≥ 4), lower EF, higher hs-TnI, and NT-proBNP levels had increased in-hospital and 1-year mortality. After multivariate analysis, NT-proBNP, hs-TnI, CKD, ARF, diabetes mellitus, and CAD were independent predictors of in-hospital and 1-year mortality. After ROC analysis, NT-proBNP cut-off levels of 1022.50 (sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 87.1%) and 1008 (sensitivity 88.6%, specificity 88.0%) were found to predict in-hospital and 1-year mortality, respectively. Hs-TnI cut-off levels of 49.6 (sensitivity 88.6%, specificity 88.9%) and 34.10 (sensitivity 83.8%, specificity 84.1%) were found to predict in-hospital and 1-year mortality, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests that NT-proBNP and hs-TnI can be used as valuable cardiac biomarkers to predict short-term and long-term parameters in COVID-19 infection.

Medical waste management during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic at the city level.

Coronavirus disease 2019 brings about the economic damage and loss of life. Thus, demand of personal protective equipment continues to increase, consequently an increase in infectious equipment pollution. Most of these wastes threaten the environment and increase the spread of diseases. This paper provides a research hypothesis whether effective medical waste management would prevent the possible impacts of coronavirus disease 2019-related waste issues on environment at the city level. To confirm this hypothesis, installation of waste treatment centre is addressed. Then, by incorporating uncertain waste generation amounts utilizing Jimenez method, a pickup routing is addressed to decide the pickup routes between the waste treatment centre and residential area. This study is first to assign the optimistic, realistic and pessimistic scenarios of the uncertain waste generation using time series analysis method and waste generation formulation. Also, L-type matrix is used to define, assess and prioritize the environmental and operational risks on waste generation formulation and to provide risk reaction strategies. Practicality of these approaches is illustrated in the case of Turkey. The computational results reveal the effectiveness of the integrated method, which ensures practical and theoretical insights controlling the waste generation to prevent virus propagation for health authorities.

Histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical evaluation of electroacupuncture treatment of nervus radialis and nervus ulnaris injuries in rabbits.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture in acute and chronic phases of radial and ulnar nerve injuries in histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical aspects. In the study, the rabbits were divided into four groups namely acute nerve injury (ANI) group, chronic nerve injury (CNI) group, positive control (PC) group and negative control (NC) group. In the ANI, CNI and PC groups, damage was created on the nervus radialis and nervus ulnaris by applying pressure for 60 seconds using a hemostatic forceps under anesthesia. No damage was created in the NC group. Fifteen sessions of electroacupuncture were applied to the rabbits in the ANI, CNI, and NC groups every other day using LI-4 (Large Intestine Meridian-4, He Gu), LI-10 (Large Intestine Meridian-10, Shou San Li), LR-3 (Liver Meridian-3, Tai Chong), and ST-36 (Stomach Meridian-36, Zusanli) electroacupuncture points. Electroacupuncture was not applied to the rabbits in the PC group. Decapitation was performed under general anesthesia at the end of electroacupuncture applications. After the euthanasia procedure, the samples obtained were evaluated for histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical parameters. In conclusion, degenerative foci in the treatment groups were found to be fewer than in the PC group whereas NGF and S-100 immunoreactivity were higher in the treatment groups than in the PC group. Whereas no statistically significant difference was observed between the treatment groups and the NC group in terms of oxidative stress factors, there was a statistically significant difference between the treatment groups and the PC group. In light of all these data, we have concluded that electroacupuncture is an effective treatment method for peripheral nerve injuries.

Descriptive study of congenital anomalies encountered in ruminants in Elazig region of Turkey / Estudio descriptivo de anomalías congénitas encontradas en rumiantes en la región de Elazig en Turquía

Abstract Congenital malformations are abnormalities of structure, formation or function observable at birth that causes great economic losses in livestock industry. In this study, we describe the incidence of the main congenital anomalies encountered in the last year (June 2020-June 2021) in ruminants from Elazig region according to species, breed, age and sex, number of pregnancies, rectal examination, and method of conception employed. A total of 79 congenital anomalies encountered in 73 animals during this study were evaluated. Of 73 animals most of congenital anomalies were calves (84.93%) and males (68.49%). It was determined that the most common type of congenital anomaly in calves was hernia umbilicalis (21.51%) while in lambs and goat kids was atresia ani. Most of these anomalies were formed in the abdominal wall and organs of gastrointestinal system (46.84%). Congenital anomalies in calves and lambs were more frequently when they came from the first pregnancy of their dams, while in goat kids when their dam had the second pregnancy. Most of small ruminant that had congenital anomalies came from dams with multiple gestation. Rectal examinations performed in cattle during the early stages of gestation was probably one of a predisposing factor for the formation of congenital malformations in this specie. More studies that include the participation of diagnostic laboratories are needed to improve the characterization of congenital anomalies that contribute to the implementation of preventive and control measures in the herds of these species in our region.

Resumen Las malformaciones congénitas son anomalías de estructura, formación o función observables al nacer que provocan grandes pérdidas económicas en la industria ganadera.. En este estudio, se investigó la incidencia de las principales anomalías congénitas encontradas en el último año (junio de 2020-junio de 2021) en rumiantes en la región de Elazig. según especie, raza, edad, sexo, número de preñeces, examen rectal y método de concepción empleado . Se evaluaron un total de 79 anomalías congénitas encontradas en 73 animales . De 73 animales con anomalías congénitas, la mayoría eran terneros (84, 93%) y machos (68,49%). Se determinó que el tipo de anomalía más común en los terneros fue la hernia umbilical (21,51%) mientras que en corderos y cabritos fue la atresia anal. La mayoría de estas anomalías se formaban principalmente en los órganos de la pared abdominal y órganos del sistema gastrointestinal (46,84%). . Las anomalías congénitas en terneros y corderos eran más frecuentes cuando provenían de las madres de primera preñez , mientras que en los cabritos cuando las madres tenían su segunda preñez La mayoría de los rumiantes menores con anormalidades congénitas provenían de madres con gestaciones múltiples. El examen rectal realizado en las vacas durante los primeros estadios de la gestación, fue probablemente uno de los factores predisponentes para la formación de malformaciones congénitas en esta especie. Se requieren más estudios que incluyan la participación de laboratorios de diagnóstico para mejorar la caracterización de las anormalidades congénitas y contribuir a la implementación de medidas de prevención y control en los rodeos de estas especies en nuestra región.

Prognostic significance of the metastatic lymph node ratio compared to the TNM classification in stage III gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate a comparative analysis of the prognostic value of the metastatic lymph node ratio (LNR) and pN (TNM) in stage III gastric cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 159 stage III gastric cancer patients with curative gastrectomy were retrospectively analyzed. Cutoff values for LNR were designated according to 25%, 50% and 75% percentiles, 0.07, 0.20 and 0.44 respectively. The LNR was divided into four groups as 0 > LNR1 ≤ 0.07; 0.07 > LNR2 ≤0.20; 0.20 > LNR3 ≤0.44; 0.44 > LNR4 ≤1. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 61.1 ± 11.3 years. Male predominance was apparent (73.6%). The 1-year overall survival and recurrence rates were 73.6% and 33.6%, respectively. The univariate cox regression analysis demonstrated age and LNR were the main variables that affected overall survival (OS) (p < 0.05). Harvested lymph nodes less than 16 did not affect OS (p = 0.255). The results of the multivariate cox regression analysis revealed that only LNR was an independent prognostic factor (P < 0.001), while pN was not (p > 0.05). Similar results, as with overall survival, could not be revealed clearly for disease free survival (DFS). CONCLUSIONS: LNR was an independent significant prognostic factor and superior to pN staging in predicting OS but not for DFS in stage III gastric cancer patients. The high LNR levels in our research were found to be associated with poor survival rates. The percentile system we used to determine cutoff values may be considered as a reliable method. Similarly, LNR also provides a reliable prognostic parameter in future staging systems to help guide treatment algorithm plans.

A case of tracheal foreign body encountered in a Kangal dog: clinical, radiological, endoscopic findings and treatment / Un caso de cuerpo extraño traqueal encontrado en un perro Kangal: hallazgos clínicos, radiológicos, endoscópicos y tratamiento

Resumen Un paciente canino macho Kangal de 4 meses que fue llevado a nuestra clínica con antecedentes de tos severa, disestrés respiratorio y anorexia. En el examen clínico se determinó que el paciente tenía dificultad para respirar y una masa firme a la palpación de la región del cuello. Se observó que el reflejo del vómito estaba estimulado en el animal. Como resultado del examen radiográfico y endoscópico, se encontró un cuerpo extraño en la región caudal de la laringe. Una vez realizado el diagnóstico, se anestesió al paciente y se extrajo el cuerpo extraño con la ayuda de un laringoscopio. En el postoperatorio, se le administró al paciente antibióticos parenterales y antiséptico oral durante una semana. Se debate el abordaje de casos de cuerpos extraños en el tracto respiratorio de caninos.

Abstract The subject of this study was a dog brought to our clinic with complaints of severe cough, dyspnea and anorexia. During the clinical examination, a hard mass was detected by palpation of the neck area. Vomiting reflex was observed. As a result of radiographic and endoscopic examination, a foreign body was found in the caudal part of the larynx. After the diagnosis was made, the patient was anesthetized and the foreign body was removed with forceps from the oral cavity. During the postoperative period, the patient was administered parenteral antibiotics and intraoral antiseptic for a week. The approach to foreign body cases in the respiratory tract of dogs is discussed.

Efficacy of maggot debridement therapy on refractory leg ulcers of Behçet disease: an open-label study.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous ulcers of Behçet disease (BD) are rare but have high morbidity and resistance to conventional therapies. An important and essential aspect of ulcer management is debridement. Regarding maggot therapy (MT), excretions of the green bottle fly, Lucilia sericata, have been shown to have the ability to remove necrotic debris and promote healing. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of MT for cutaneous ulcers of BD. METHODS: In this open-label trial, patients with BD with refractory leg ulcers suitable for MT were enrolled. Maggot application was performed until complete debridement was achieved, and all patients were followed up for 12 months afterwards to assess the total healing of ulcers. RESULTS: In total, 24 patients with 32 ulcers were enrolled. Using MT, 91.6% of all ulcers were completely debrided. Mean time to debridement was 14.9 days and mean number of cycles required was 5.3. Mean ulcer size was decreased by 23% with treatment. Time to debridement was positively correlated with pretreatment ulcer size and ulcer duration (P = 0.01 and P < 0.01) but not with ulcer depth, comorbidities, smoking, age or sex (P > 0.05 for all). During follow-up, 79.1% of all ulcers healed completely. Mean time required for total healing was positively correlated with ulcer duration, pretreatment and post-treatment ulcer area, ulcer depth and mean time to total debridement (P < 0.03, P = 0.00, P = 0.04 and P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, the findings presented in this first and unique study may provide key answers about factors affecting success rate of MT in BD cutaneous ulcers.

The effect of hip dysplasia on some biochemical parameters, oxidative stress factors and hematocrit levels in dogs.

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of hip dysplasia on some biochemical parameters, oxidative stress factors and hematocrit values in dogs. Hematocrit values (HTC), serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) levels, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) activities and oxidative stress factors were evaluated in a total of 27 dogs with healthy hip joints (n: 11) and hip dysplasia (n: 16). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of HCT, Ca and P values (p˃0.05). ALP and CK activities were found to be statistically significantly increased in the group with hip dysplasia compared to the control group with a healthy hip joint (p˂0.05). While malondialdehyde (MDA) level, one of the oxidative stress factors, was increased in the group with hip dysplasia, decreased glutathione (GSH) levels, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were significantly decreased. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of superoxide dismutase (SOD) level. As a result, it was determined that oxidative stress factors differ in dogs with hip dysplasia compared to dogs with the healthy hip joint.

Synthesis of Dy-Y co-substituted manganese­zinc spinel nanoferrites induced anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activities: Comparison between sonochemical and sol-gel auto-combustion methods.

This study described the beneficial properties of ultrasonic irradiation approach to synthesize the spinel-type Dy-Y co-substituted Mn-Zn nanospinel ferrites (NSFs). We have used two different approaches like citrate sol-gel combustion and ultrasonic irradiation routes to produced series of Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2-2x(DyxYx)O4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) NSFs (DyY-MnZn NSFs). The structure and morphology of NSFs X-was examined by using XRD, EDX, SEM and TEM methods. We have found that spinel ferrites and hematite phase in DyY-MnZn NSFs produced by citrate sol-gel, while DyY-MnZn NSFs created by ultrasonic irradiation contain a pure phase of spinel ferrite. TEM analysis revealed the spherical nanoparticles with fairly uniform size. We have also analyzed the biological applications of DyY-MnZn NSFs prepared by both methods (ultrasonication and sol-gel) by examining their anti-cancer and anti-bacterial (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureu) activities. We have found that both methods produced inhibitory actions on colon cancer cells (HCT-116) and bacterial cells, whereas, no inhibitory action was observed when examined on normal and non-cancerous cells (HEK-293).

Protective effect of hydrogen sulfide on experimental testicular ischemia reperfusion in rats.

AIM: Testicular torsion is an urgent urological condition. Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) processes that occur after detorsion as a treatment for torsion are caused by testicular injury. The purpose of our study is investigating the protecting effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on the testicular ischemia reperfusion injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight Wistar-Albino rats were divided randomly into 6 different groups: Control (6); sham (6); IR-E (6)-2 h of torsion and 4 h of reperfusion; IR-E + H2S (6)-in addition to the IR-E group, 75 µmol/kg of sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS) was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion; IR-L (7)-2 h of torsion and 24 h of reperfusion; IR-L + H2S (7)-in addition to the IR-L group, 75 µmol/kg NaHS was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion. Biochemically, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reductive glutathione (GSH), and tumor TNF-α levels were measured in the testis. Serum TNF-α levels were also measured. Hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) was used for histopathological staining and microscopic findings were examined. The Johnsen score was performed to assess spermatogenesis activity in the testis. Apoptosis protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity were evaluated immunohistochemically as well. Statistical analyses were made by the Chi-squared test and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: MDA and NO levels were significantly increased in the IR-L group compared with sham and which decreased by the addition of H2S treatment to the IR-L group (p < 0.05) in biochemical evaluation. GSH vs SOD levels were decreased in the IR-L group compared with sham and which increased by the addition of H2S treatment to the IR-L group, but this correlations were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Tissue and serum TNF-α levels were significantly increased in the IR-E group compared with sham and which decreased by the addition of H2S treatment to the IR-E group. Johnsen score was the lowest in IR-L group (p < 0.05). Apaf-1 and iNOS activity were significantly increased in the IR-L group compared with sham and which decreased by the addition of H2S treatment to the IR-L group (p < 0.05) in immunohistochemical evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: First, the authors would like to say that H2S treatment is protective and it is against ischemia reperfusion injury in testicular torsion. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties of H2S caused protective effect as shown in this study.

Diagnostics of intestinal parasites by light microscopy among the population of children between the ages of 4-12 in eastern Turkey.

Intestinal parasitic infections are among important health problems in developing countries. In societies living in low socioeconomic conditions, it has been neglected and mostly affects children. It is important to determine the prevalence and type of intestinal parasites in order to determine the intervention strategies for these infections. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate intestinal parasite prevalence and IgE levels and the factors associated with the region in which the children population live, in Sirnak province, in the eastern of Turkey. A total of 357 symptomatic children aged 4 to 12 years, who were admitted to the Paediatric Polyclinic of Sirnak State Hospital, were examined prospectively. The collected stool samples were examined with direct wet-mount and concentration method under light microscope. In addition, total serum IgE levels were compared among 223 children with parasitic disease and 134 children without parasitic disease. One or more intestinal parasites were detected in 223 out of the 357 children participating in the study. The ratio of single, double, and triple parasitic infections in children was 32.5 %, 22.4 % and 7.6 %, respectively. The most common parasites determined in the study were Taenia spp. (39.9%), Enterobius vermicularis (38.6%) and Giardia intestinalis. (30 %). The difference between IgE levels determined in both groups was not regarded to be statistically significant. This study indicated that that intestinal polyparism is very common in children living in the province of Sirnak, which is located in the east of Turkey, neighbouring Iraq and Syria in the South. For this reason, sustainable control measures are urgently needed to improve personal hygiene and sanitation, to provide a healthy infrastructure and to improve the quality of existing water resources.

Effects of Lucilia sericata on wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and analysis of its secretome at the proteome level.

The use of Lucilia sericata larvae on the healing of wounds in diabetics has been reported. However, the role of the excretion/secretion (ES) products of the larvae in treatment of diabetic wounds remains unknown. This study investigated whether application of the ES products of L. sericata on the wound surface could improve the impaired wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Additional analysis was performed to understand proteome content of L. sericata secretome to understand ES contribution at the molecular level. For this purpose, full-thickness skin wounds were created on the backs of diabetic and control rats. A study was conducted to assess the levels of the ES-induced collagen I/III expression and to assay nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) (p65) activity in wound biopsies and ES-treated wounds of diabetic rat skin in comparison to the controls. The expression levels of collagen I/III and NF-κB (p65) activity were determined at days 3, 7, and 14 after wounding using immunohistological analyses and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The results indicated that treatment with the ES extract increased collagen I expressions of the wound control and diabetic tissue. But the increase in collagen I expression in the controls was higher than the one in the diabetics. NF-κB (p65) activity was also increased in diabetic wounds compared to the controls, whereas it was decreased in third and seventh days upon ES treatment. The results indicated that ES products of L. sericata may enhance the process of wound healing by influencing phases such as inflammation, NF-κB (p65) activity, collagen synthesis, and wound contraction. These findings may provide new insights into understanding of therapeutic potential of ES in wound healing in diabetics.

Effects of taking tadalafil 5 mg once daily on erectile function and total testosterone levels in patients with metabolic syndrome.

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tadalafil 5 mg once-daily treatment on testosterone levels in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) accompanied by the metabolic syndrome. A total of 40 men with metabolic syndrome were evaluated for ED in this study. All the patients received 5 mg tadalafil once a day for 3 months. Erectile function was assessed using the five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone levels were also evaluated, and blood samples were taken between 08.00 and 10.00 in the fasting state. All participants have three or more criteria of metabolic syndrome. At the end of 3 months, mean testosterone values and IIEF scores showed an improvement from baseline values (from 3.6 ± 0.5 to 5.2 ± 0.3, from 11.3 ± 1.9 to 19 ± 0.8 respectively). After the treatment, serum LH levels were decreased (from 5.6 ± 0.6 to 4.6 ± 0.5). There was significantly difference in terms of baseline testosterone and luteinising hormone values and IIEF scores (p < .05). Based on our findings, we recommend tadalafil 5 mg once daily in those men with erectile dysfunction especially low testosterone levels accompanied by metabolic syndrome.