Two-Dimensional TiS2 Nanosheet- and Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticle-Based Composites for Sensing Applications.

The assessment of phenolic compounds in food samples, environmental samples, and medical applications has gained importance recently. Here, we present research on novel conjugated polymer nanoparticles (P-PimBzBt NPs) and their composites with two-dimensional titanium disulfide nanosheets (2D-TiS2) for electrochemical tyrosinase (TYR)-based catechol detection. P-PimBzBt NPs are decorated with 2D-TiS2 to enhance the electrochemical performance for biosensing. In addition, the interaction of P-PimBzBt NPs with TiS2 was investigated at the molecular level by employing van der Waals (vdW) dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT) calculations and classical all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. According to the theoretical studies, the presence of the TiS2 layer increases the interfacial interaction with the conjugated polymer via electrostatic interactions. Using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses, the production of SPE/TiS2@P-PimBzBt NPs/TYR nanobiosensors was examined. With a detection range of 3.0-27.5 µM, 0.33 µM LOD, and 3.89 µA/µM·cm2 sensitivity values, the sensing layer based on the TiS2@P-PimBzBt NP composites has a targeting ability toward catechol. Its selectivity was investigated using commonly used interfering ions and compounds such as citric acid, urea, glucose, uric acid, KCl, and NaCl. Application of nanobiosensors to actual samples (tap water and black tea) was carried out with high accuracy. The fabricated biosensing platform demonstrates that P-PimBzBt NPs with 2D-TiS2 nanomaterial functionalization are appropriate as electrode materials and could be used to create an inexpensive, fast-response, and highly selective electrochemical biosensor for the detection of catechol in actual samples.

Research Note: The effects of chick pipping location on broiler live performance.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of chick pipping location on live broiler performance. A total of 1,350 hatching eggs were collected from a commercial flock of Ross 308 at 38 wk of age. Eggs were incubated with either their large end up (LEU) or small end up (SEU). After transfer on d 19, the air cell area of each fertile egg was marked with a marker pen on the egg surface with a candling light and monitored every 6 h during the hatching period to accurately determine the location of the pip hole. Chicks were classified into 3 groups: 1) egg position LEU and pipped through the air cell (LAC); 2) egg position SEU and pipped through the air cell (SAC); and 3) egg position SEU and pipped through the small end of the egg, not through the air cell (SSE). Individual BW was recorded at placement and at 7, 21, and 35 d of age. Feed consumption was also determined at 7, 21, and 35 d of age. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated on a pen basis for the same time periods. Mortality was recorded twice a day, and percent mortality was calculated throughout the study. The European production efficiency index (EPEI) was also calculated. All chicks that hatched from LEU eggs emerged from the egg at the region of the air cell; however, only 10.3% of chicks from the SEU position hatched through air cells. Pipping location greatly affected the hatch time. Chicks pipped through the air cell location hatched earlier than the chicks pipped without using air cell (P < 0.001). The initial BW at placement was higher in the LAC and SAC groups than in the SSE group (P < 0.001). This BW difference was still evident in the subsequent growing period, and the chicks that pipped the SSE exhibited a lower (P = 0.059) BW at 35 d. Additionally, the SSE group had a poorer FCR and numerically higher mortality than the other two groups at 35 d. Overall, the EPEI values in the LAC and SAC groups were higher than that in the SSE group at 35 d (P < 0.001). We concluded that broiler performance was negatively affected when the chicks pipped and hatched without using air cells.

Research Note: Effects of turning and short period of incubation during long-term egg storage on embryonic development and hatchability of eggs from young and old broiler grandparent flocks.

Longer egg storage times (>7 d) are common in broiler parent and grandparent hatcheries to obtain the requested flock size. However, prolonged storage is known to decrease hatchability. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of turning and short period of incubation during egg storage (SPIDES) for 14 d on the stage of blastoderm development, embryonic mortality, and hatchability of eggs from young and old grandparent flocks. Hatching eggs were obtained from Ross female line grandparent flocks aged 29 wk (young) and 58 wk (old). Eggs were stored at 15°C, and turned 90° 0 or 4 times daily during storage. On day 5 after egg collection, the eggs were either held in the storage room (control) or subjected to SPIDES treatment. The development of the blastoderm in sample eggs was determined immediately after collection on a farm and again after the SPIDES treatment. Each of the 8 subtreatments was tested on 6 replicate trays of 150 eggs (900 eggs per subtreatment) with 7,200 hatching eggs set in a single-stage setter and hatcher for the trial. The stage of blastoderm development was advanced by the old flock, by SPIDES, and by turning 4 times daily during egg storage (P ≤ 0.05). There was a significant interaction effect of flock age × turning during storage on embryonic development, which suggested that turning advanced the stage of blastoderm development only in eggs from the old flock (P ≤ 0.05). Eggs from the young flock had a better hatchability than eggs from the old flock (P ≤ 0.05). Hatchability was increased by turning 4 times/day during the storage period compared with no turning because of a decrease in the percentage of late embryonic mortality (P ≤ 0.05). SPIDES decreased early and late embryonic mortality as well as the percentage of second-grade chicks (P ≤ 0.05), which increased the hatchability of fertile eggs at both flock ages (P ≤ 0.05). The results of this study showed that a combination of turning eggs 4 times daily along with one SPIDES treatment during 14 d of storage resulted in the highest hatchability in both young and old broiler grandparent flocks.

Effects of flock age, storage temperature, and short period of incubation during egg storage, on the albumen quality, embryonic development and hatchability of long stored eggs.

1. The effect of breeder flock age, storage temperature and a short period of incubation during egg storage (SPIDES) on albumen quality, development of blastoderm, and hatchability of long-stored eggs was evaluated.2. Hatching eggs were collected from 28-week-old (young) and 40-week-old (prime) Ross female line grandparent flocks and were stored for 14 d at 12, 15 or 18°C. During storage, the eggs were either kept continuously in the storage room (control) or were subjected to SPIDES treatment.3. Embryonic development was more advanced in eggs from the prime flock, exposed to SPIDES and warmer (18°C) storage temperature (P ≤ 0.05). There was a difference in the albumen pH for flock ages (P < 0.05), but the SPIDES treatment did not affect albumen height and pH (P > 0.05). On d 14 of storage, albumen pH was positively (P < 0.05) correlated with storage temperature. Hatchability was higher in the prime flock (P < 0.05).4. At both flock ages, hatchability increased (P < 0.05) by storing the eggs at 15°C, compared to 18°C, with 12°C intermediate. The hatchability improvement was due to reduced early embryonic mortality.5. The SPIDES treatment decreased late embryonic mortality and the percentage of second-grade chicks (P < 0.05), which increased the hatchability of fertile eggs (P < 0.05). SPIDES only reduced (P < 0.05) early embryonic mortality in eggs stored at 18°C.6. The highest hatchability was observed in the eggs stored at 15°C and exposed to one SPIDES treatment during 14 d storage.

Effect of posthatch feed and water access time on residual yolk and broiler live performance.

This study investigated the effect of feed and water access time on yolk sac utilization and subsequent broiler live performance. Hatching eggs were collected from commercial flocks of Ross 308 breeders at 35 and 39 wk of age in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Chicks already out of their shells that still had some dampness on their down were removed, recorded, feather-sexed, and weighed at 488 h of incubation in both experiments. Chicks were weighed individually and received feed and water at 2 (immediate feed; IF), 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 h after hatching (488 h) in experiments 1 and 2 (IF) and at 24, 26, 28, 32, 36, and 40 h after hatching in experiment 2. The residual yolk sac weight was determined at 32 and 40 h after hatching (day 0) in all groups in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Feed consumption and BW were recorded at 7, 14, 21, and 35 d and at the same age relative to placement on feed and water at the end of the growing period. Mortality was recorded twice daily in both experiments. Feed and water access time did not influence yolk sac utilization in either experiment (P > 0.05). The IF group exhibited a higher (P < 0.05) BW than those that received feed at or after 28 h at 35 d in both experiments. There was a significant increase in feed consumption in the IF group compared with the groups with access to feed and water after 24 h at 35 d in experiment 2 (P < 0.05), with a similar trend in experiment 1 (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) or mortality at 35 d of age, but the IF group tended to have a poorer FCR than the other groups in both experiments. When the total feed and water times were equalized among all groups, irrespective of the deprivation duration, there were no significant differences among the groups in the BW, feed consumption, the FCR, or mortality in both experiments. It can be concluded that feed and water deprivation for 28 h or longer after hatching (≥28 h) negatively affects the final BW but tends to improve the FCR at 35 d of age compared with chicks that receive feed immediately (2 h after hatching). When the feeding period was equalized in all groups, feed and water deprivation up to 40 h under optimum conditions had no detrimental effect on final live performance. These results suggest that the total feeding period is more critical for broiler performance than the time of posthatch access to feed and water.

General Surgery Operating Room Practice in Patients with COVID-19.

The virus COVID-19, which emerged in China in December 2019, was announced by the World Health Organization as a pandemic in January 2020. It is known that infection is not severe and may even progress without symptoms in patients who have come into contact with COVID-19. Although various organizations have been informed about how to take measures to protect the patient and the surgeon in case of diseases requiring urgent or elective surgery in people infected with COVID-19 or in cases with high suspicion, there is still no definite judgment between patients, physicians and health authorities. In this study, which was prepared with the initiative of the Turkish Surgical Association, we tried to shed light on what should be done and how surgeons should act in patients whose operation is mandatory in light of the available data.

Effects of Rituximab on Atherosclerotic Biomarkers in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in kidney transplant recipients. Rituximab is widely used in kidney transplantation for a variety of situations, and rituximab may inhibit some cytokines and antibodies that may play an active role in the atherosclerotic process. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of rituximab on atherosclerosis biomarkers in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: All patients, 18 years of age and older, who underwent kidney transplantation and received at least 1 dose of 375 mg/m2 rituximab were considered for participation in this study. The primary study endpoint was the development of cardiovascular diseases after rituximab therapy. The secondary endpoint was the onset of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease or biopsy-confirmed BK virus nephropathy. In addition, comparison of atherosclerosis biomarkers was performed between study and control groups. RESULTS: There were no cardiovascular events observed during follow up. Only 8 patients in the study group suffered from CMV disease during follow up. Serum interleukin 10 levels were significantly higher in the rituximab group compared with the control group, although anti-oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels were lower in the rituximab group compared with the control group, though this did not achieve statistical significance. DISCUSSION: Rituximab treatment may increase the risk of CMV reactivation and decrease lymphocyte counts and interleukin 10 levels; however, significant decreases in all atherosclerotic-related biomarkers have not been shown in our study.

Panel Reactive Antibody Responses Against Influenza Vaccination in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Seasonal influenza is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the post-transplant period; therefore, the influenza vaccination has been recommended for all kidney transplant recipients before the influenza season. However, at least theoretically, the introduction of antigens via vaccines may trigger rejection attacks by causing an antibody response. In this study, we examined the development of de novo panel reactive antibody (PRA) development against the influenza vaccine in kidney transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 41 kidney transplant recipients who received the influenza vaccination and 50 kidney transplant recipients (study group) who refused to receive the influenza vaccination (control group) were enrolled in the study. Following basal biochemistry examination, the inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine was administered intramuscularly. Panel reactive antibodies were screened in all patients before and after vaccination on days 30 and 180. The primary outcome variable was development of de novo panel reactive antibodies. RESULTS: One patient in the study group developed de novo class I and II PRA at 6 months after vaccination (P > .05), while no antibody development was noted in the control group. Graft dysfunction or biopsy-confirmed rejection was not observed during the follow-up period in both groups. CONCLUSION: The influenza vaccination is generally effective and safe in solid organ transplant recipients. The vaccination procedure has the potential to trigger antibody development and occurrence of rejection. Therefore, vaccinated kidney transplant recipients should be monitored more carefully with regard to PRA; if the graft deteriorates, a rapid transplant biopsy should be performed.

Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Recipient: A Case Report.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has traditionally been considered an absolute contraindication for transplantation because immunosuppression will accelerate the disease progression and increase mortality. New antiretroviral agents have given rise to new perspectives and transplantation practices. Now renal transplantation is the gold standard treatment for end-stage renal disease in HIV-infected patients, but increased rejection and toxicity rates and compliance with treatment are important issues. Therefore, patient selection and follow-up should be done carefully in this patient group. Here we present a 51-year-old, male, HIV-infected patient who was diagnosed with HIV at his routine serologic investigation at 2015. Highly active antiretroviral therapy was initiated. One haplotype-matched kidney transplantation from a deceased donor was performed on October 19, 2016. Induction therapy was not administered, and the immunosuppressive regimen included tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone. After 26 months, serum creatinine was 1.1 mg/dL and proteinuria 0.1 g/day. There was no development of donor-specific antibodies. The patient's current HIV viral load remains undetectable (and had been the entire time post-transplantation) while his CD4+ T-cell count currently is 543/mm3.

Effect of chick body temperature during post-hatch handling on broiler live performance.

The current study investigated the effect of chick body (rectal) temperature during the post-hatch handling period on body weight (BW) loss, yolk sac utilization, organ weights, and broiler live performance. Hatching eggs were obtained from a commercial flock of Ross 308 broiler breeders at 44 wk of age. A total of 384 chicks were separated into 3 groups during the 12 h post-hatch handling period: control, high and low temperature groups, with average body temperatures of 40.0, 42.6, and 38.1°C, respectively. Residual yolk sac weight was not affected by temperature group, whereas the weights of organs such as the heart, gizzard, proventriculus, and bursa of Fabricius were significantly lower in the high body temperature group than in the control and low body temperature groups. BW was significantly lower at placement in chicks in the high temperature group than in chicks in the control and low body temperature groups due to greater weight loss during the post-hatch handling period (P ≤ 0.05). Lower BW was maintained in the chicks in the high body temperature group than in the chicks in the other 2 groups until the end of the experiment at 35 d (P ≤ 0.05) because chicks in the high temperature group consumed less feed throughout the experiment (P ≤ 0.05). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality were numerically greater in the high body temperature chicks than in the control group, whereas FCR and the mortality in the low body temperature chicks were intermediate at 35 d. The results of the present study indicate that day-old chicks with high body temperatures (42.6°C) exhibited a greater percentage of BW loss due to dehydration and lower organ weights during the 12 h post-hatch handling period, which was followed by significantly poorer broiler performance. There were no significant differences in performance between the chicks in the control (40.0°C) and low (38.1°C) body temperature groups. In conclusion, day-old chicks are more sensitive to higher body temperatures than to lower temperatures during the post-hatch handling period.

The effect of increased concentration of carbon dioxide during the first 3 days of incubation on albumen characteristics, embryonic mortality and hatchability of broiler hatching eggs1.

Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of increased CO2 concentration during the first 3 d of incubation on albumen height and pH, embryonic mortality, and hatchability of broiler hatching eggs. Hatching eggs were obtained from commercial broiler breeder flocks of Ross 308 at 39 and 37 wk of age in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. In Experiment 3, eggs were collected at 28 and 35 wk of age. Eggs were incubated under either standard conditions (Control-CO2) for the entire incubation or increased CO2 concentrations during the first 3 d of incubation (High-CO2) in 3 experiments. In Experiments 1 and 2, the CO2 concentration was gradually increased from the beginning of incubation onwards to reach 0.80% at 72 h by manual injection of CO2 into airtight laboratory incubators. In the control incubators, the CO2 concentration remained below 0.10% during the same period. Prior to setting, and at 3 d of incubation, the eggs were opened for albumen height and pH measurements in Experiments 1 and 2. In Experiment 3, the eggs were set in commercial incubators. During the first 3 d of incubation, the CO2 concentration was gradually increased to reach 0.70% at 72 h naturally (High-CO2). In the Control-CO2 incubator, the CO2 concentration remained below 0.10%. After 3 d, incubation was continued with the control incubator conditions for all eggs from both groups in the 3 experiments. The albumen height was not affected by CO2 treatment, but the treatment significantly decreased albumen pH at 3 d in Experiments 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). A greater CO2 concentration during early incubation reduced fertile hatchability due to increased early embryonic mortality by 2% in the 3 experiments (P ≤ 0.05). The differences in pH might provide one explanation why increased CO2 concentration during early incubation resulted in increased early embryonic mortality. These data indicated that at the beginning of the incubation, ventilation was necessary to prevent increases in CO2 concentration for optimum hatchability results.

Determinants of Increased Aortic Diameters in Young Normotensive Patients With Turner Syndrome Without Structural Heart Disease.

Factors associated with aortic dilation and dissection in patients with Turner syndrome (TS) remain unclear. We assessed magnetic resonance imaging-based aortic diameters at nine predefined anatomic positions and examined associations of increased aortic diameters with B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), A-type NP (ANP), growth hormone treatment, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and estrogen status. Forty-seven patients with TS aged 7.3-21 years and 34 healthy peers were enrolled in this study. Aortic diameters were higher in patients with TS at three positions than in controls (p < 0.05). History of GH treatment, pubertal status, and serum estradiol levels were not associated with increased aortic diameters. Patients with TS had higher plasma BNP and ANP levels than controls. BNP and IGF1 were independently associated with the increase in aortic diameters in TS at three positions of the ascending aorta (R2 = 0.361-0.458, p < 0.05 for all). At two positions of the descending aorta, only BNP emerged as an independent variable (R2 = 0.130-0.139, p < 0.05). We conclude that young, normotensive patients with TS had greater aortic diameters at several positions than healthy controls. BNP and IGF1 were independently associated with increased aortic diameters in TS.

Effect of production system (barn and free range) and slaughter age on some production traits of guinea fowl.

A total of 200 guinea fowl was reared in either barn or free-range systems and slaughtered at 14, 16, or 18 wk of age in order to determine the effects of production system on live weight, feed consumption, and some carcass and slaughter traits. Production system had a significant effect on live weight until 14 wk of age. Live weights were similar between free-range and indoor production systems at 16 (1,150 g vs. 1,152 g) and 18 (1,196 g vs. 1,203 g) wk of age. Guinea fowl reared in a free-range system consumed more feed (7,693 g vs. 6,983 g), and guinea fowl reared in a barn had better feed conversion ratio (5.80 vs. 6.43) (P < 0.05). Production system, gender, and slaughter age did not affect the dressing percentage. Guinea fowl reared in a free-range system had significantly less abdominal fat (P < 0.05).

Apparent diffusion coefficient measurement of ovarian stroma: A potential tool for the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of measuring the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of ovarian stroma in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was approved by the institutional review board and informed consent was obtained from each women. A total of 17 women (mean age, 22.2 years±5.1 [SD]; range, 16-33 years) with a diagnosis of PCOS according to the Androgen Excess and PCOS Society criteria and 18 healthy women (mean age, 22.8 years±5.2 [SD]; range, 16-31 years) who served as a control group were included in this prospective study. ADC values of the ovarian stroma during the early follicular phase were calculated by two observers in the two groups. Comparisons were performed using the Student t-test. RESULTS: The mean ADC value in woman with PCOS (1.29±0.27×10-3 mm2/s; range: 0.59×10-3 - 1.88×10-3 mm2/s) was significantly lower than that in the control group (1.48±0.17×10-3 mm2/s; range: 1.12×10-3 - 1.86×10-3 mm2/s) (P<0.001). The ADC cutoff value for the determination of PCOS with maximum accuracy was 1.38×10-3 mm2/s (AUC: 0.720; 95% CI: 0.597, 0.843), yielding 78% sensitivity and 62.9% specificity. CONCLUSION: ADC values of ovarian stroma are lower in patients with PCOS than in control subjects. ADC measurement of ovarian stroma in women with PCOS might help improve the diagnosis of PCOS.

The effect of production system (barn and free-range), slaughtering age and gender on carcass traits and meat quality of partridges (Alectoris chukar).

1. A total of 400 Alectoris chukar partridges were reared in either barn or free-range production systems and slaughtered at 14, 16 or 18 weeks of age in order to determine the effects of production system, age and gender on carcass traits (live weight, carcass weight, carcass yield, carcass part and edible inner organ percentages at slaughtering) and meat quality (L*, a* and b* meat colour and pH). 2. Production system had a significant effect on both slaughter traits and meat quality. 3. Partridges raised in barn conditions had higher live weights and carcass weights whereas meat quality was better in birds raised in the free-range system.

Relative hypoaldosteronism in a patient with Wolcott-Rallison syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Wolcott-Rallison syndrome is an autosomal recessive, multisystem disorder with onset of diabetes in the neonatal period or early infancy. CASE REPORT: A 9-year-old girl with diabetes and growth failure from 2 months of age presented with ketoacidosis and multiple organ failure. Evaluation for short stature revealed epiphyseal dysplasia. A homozygous mutation in the EIF2AK3 gene confirmed the clinical diagnosis of Wolcott-Rallison syndrome. She was euthyroid. Biochemical evaluation for potential adrenal dysfunction because of persistently elevated serum potassium (range 5.9-6.3 meq/l) and low serum sodium levels (range 128-130 meq/l) 2 weeks after resolution of ketoacidosis yielded normal findings with respect to basal corticotropin (31 pg/ml) and cortisol (18.7 µg/dl) levels. Estimated GFR-Schwartz (36.9 ml/min/1.73 m(2) ) was consistent with stage 3 chronic renal failure. The transtubular potassium gradient was 1.39 (normal value in hyperkalemic states: > 4.1). The plasma aldosterone (upright: 241.3 pmol/l) was within normal ranges, and plasma renin [39 pg/ml (range 5.41-34.53 pg/ml)] was slightly elevated. The patient was diagnosed as having relative hypoaldosteronism and was started on a sodium-rich diet and low potassium. Failure to respond to the dietary intervention prompted a trial of oral fludrocortisone with subsequent normalization of electrolyte levels. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case report of Wolcott-Rallison syndrome complicated with relative hypoaldosteronism. Further research is needed to probe the causal inference of relative hypoaldosteronism with chronic renal failure in patients with Wolcott-Rallison syndrome.

Associations of serum Magnesium levels with diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is a common problem in diabetic patients. Deficiency of Mg may increase the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and occurrence of diabetic complications. In this study, our aim was to evaluate an association between serum Mg level,  glycemic regulation, and diabetic complications. MATERIAL-METHODS: In this retrospective study 673 diabetic patients were evaluated. According to Mg levels, the patients were divided into two groups; as normomagnesemic patients and hypomagnesemic patients. RESULTS: Among the patients, 57.8% were men and 42.2% were women. Mean age was 55.6 years and the mean duration of diabetes was 81 ± 86.9 months. The mean glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 9.0 ±2.4 % (4.5-18); mean magnesium level was 1.97 ± 0.25 (1.13 to 3.0) mg / dl.  There were 55 patients (8.2%) with diabetic retinopathy and 95 patients (14.1%) with diabetic neuropathy. Five hundred patients (74.3%)  had normoalbuminuria; 133 patients (19. 8%) had microalbuminuria (MA) and 40 patients (5.9%) had overt proteinuria. One hundred and seventy one patients (25.4%) had HbA1c levels equal or below 7%; and 502 patients (74.6%) had HbA1c levels above 7%. There was no statistical difference in age or duration of diabetes between the groups formed according to Mg levels. Although there were no differences between the groups for retinopathy and neuropathy, MA was more common in hypomagnesemic patients (p =0.004). HbA1c levels did not differ between the groups (p =0.243). However there was a weak negative correlation between serum Mg and HbA1c levels (r =-0.110, p =0.004) and also between serum Mg and urine protein level  (r =-0.127, p =0.018). CONCLUSION: Mg depletion is a common problem in patients with DM. It affects both glycemic regulation and the occurence of complications. Also, poor glycemic regulation affects serum Mg levels. Hippokratia 2015; 19 (2):153-157.

Tribological interaction between polytetrafluoroethylene and silicon oxide surfaces.

We investigated the tribological interaction between polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and silicon oxide surfaces. A simple rig was designed to bring about a friction between the surfaces via sliding a piece of PTFE on a thermally oxidized silicon wafer specimen. A very mild inclination (~0.5°) along the sliding motion was also employed in order to monitor the tribological interaction in a gradual manner as a function of increasing contact force. Additionally, some patterns were sketched on the silicon oxide surface using the PTFE tip to investigate changes produced in the hydrophobicity of the surface, where the approximate water contact angle was 45° before the transfer. The nature of the transferred materials was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XPS results revealed that PTFE was faithfully transferred onto the silicon oxide surface upon even at the slightest contact and SEM images demonstrated that stable morphological changes could be imparted onto the surface. The minimum apparent contact pressure to realize the PTFE transfer is estimated as 5 kPa, much lower than reported previously. Stability of the patterns imparted towards many chemical washing processes lead us to postulate that the interaction is most likely to be chemical. Contact angle measurements, which were carried out to characterize and monitor the hydrophobicity of the silicon oxide surface, showed that upon PTFE transfer the hydrophobicity of the SiO2 surface could be significantly enhanced, which might also depend upon the pattern sketched onto the surface. Contact angle values above 100° were obtained.

The effect of carnitine on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy.

AIM: The role of carnitine in liver regeneration. Can carnitine given externally increase and/or fasten the beginning of liver regeneration? RESULTS: Wistar Albino rats were used. Group 1: The group, which was applied parenteral carnitine after partial hepatectomy and sacrificed on the 1st day. Group 2: The group, which was applied parenteral carnitine after partial hepatectomy and sacrificed on the 7th day. Group 3: The group, which wasn't applied parenteral carnitine after partial hepatectomy and sacrificed in the 1st day. Group 4: The group which wasn't applied parenteral carnitne after partial hepatectomy and sacrificed on the 7th day. To all the rats, partial liver resection with the rate of 70 % was applied. Being started shortly after the resection, 100 mg/kg/day parenteral L-carnitine was applied to the first and second group. On the 1st and 7th days after the resection, eight subjects from each group were sacrificed. To evaluate the liver regeneration Ki-67 monoclonal antibody was used. After the examinations carried out by pathological clinic, detected mitosis number were examined. The 1st and 7th day mitosis number of the rats taken into the study was seen as statistically significantly higher than the mitosis number of the rats in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: As a result, among the rats, which were applied hepatectomy, if met by the major conditions triggering liver regeneration following the external carnitine supplementation, we can say with the help of the information provided by the study measuring the regeneration capacity by analysing Ki-67 proliferation index, that external carnitine support can increase the capacity of regeneration if it is given in appropriate dose (Tab. 6, Fig. 7, Ref. 17).

Our early experience with iliofemoral vein stenting in patients with post-thrombotic syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Venous balloon dilation and stent therapy have been proposed as effective treatments for chronic iliofemoral thrombosis. In this study, we report our experience and describe the one-year outcome and efficacy of balloon angioplasty and stenting for the treatment of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in iliofemoral vein segments. METHODS: From June 2011 to June 2012, 52 consecutive patients with chronic PTS (59 limbs; 75% women; median age 58 years; range: 23-76 years) referred to our unit for interventional assessment were included in the study. Treatment effects were assessed using Villalta scale, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CIVIQ)-20 for PTS, CEAP (clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological elements) grading and measurement of leg circumference, before and after intervention. RESULTS: Stenting was successfully accomplished in all patients. Coagulation abnormality was identified in 21 subjects (40.3%). CEAP grades were as follows: C3 in 19 patients, C4 in 24 patients, C5 in one patient and C6 in eight patients. According to Villalta scores, three patients were mild, seven patients were moderate and 42 patients were severe PTS. VCSS, Villalta scale and CIVIQ-20 showed a significant decrease in the severity of PTS signs and symptoms (P < 0.001). The calf and middle thigh circumferences decreased significantly on both sides (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Treatment of iliac venous obstruction with balloon angioplasty and stenting appears to be a minimally invasive and safe therapeutic approach in patients with PTS offering quick symptomatic relief, good patency and minimal morbidity.