A case control study investigating the methylation levels of GHRL and GHSR genes in alcohol use disorder.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a relapsing disease described as excessive use of alcohol. Evidence of the role of DNA methylation in addiction is accumulating. Ghrelin is an important peptide known as appetite hormone and its role in addictive behavior has been identified. Here we aimed to determine the methylation levels of two crucial genes (GHRL and GHSR) in ghrelin signaling and further investigate the association between methylation ratios and plasma ghrelin levels. METHODS: Individuals diagnosed with (n = 71) and without (n = 82) AUD were recruited in this study. DNA methylation levels were measured through methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM). Acylated ghrelin levels were detected by ELISA. The GHRL rs696217 polymorphism was analyzed by the standard PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS: GHRL was significantly hypermethylated (P < 0.0022) in AUD between 25 and 50% methylation than in control subjects but no significant changes of GHSR methylation were observed. Moreover, GHRL showed significant positive correlation of methylation ratio between 25 and 50% with age. A significant positive correlation between GHSR methylation and ghrelin levels in the AUD group was determined (P = 0.037). The level of GHRL methylation and the ghrelin levels showed a significant association in the control subjects (P = 0.042). CONCLUSION: GHSR and GHRL methylation levels did not change significantly between control and AUD groups. However, GHRL and GHSR methylations seemed to have associations with plasma ghrelin levels in two groups. This is the first study investigating the DNA methylation of GHRL and GHSR genes in AUD.

Oxyphenbutazone ameliorates carfilzomib induced cardiotoxicity in rats via inhibition of oxidative free radical burst and NF-κB/IκB-α pathway.

Carfilzomib (CFZ), a chemotherapeutic agent used for multiple myeloma treatments reported to cause high incidence of cardiac events either new onset and/or exacerbate formerly diagnosed heart failure with ventricular and myocardial dysfunction. Purpose: Current research designed to explore and examine the preventive effect of oxyphenbutazone in the CFZ -instigated cardiotoxicity. Methodology: Female Wistar Rats weighing 200-250 g selected randomly and grouped as follows: Group 1 designated as the Normal control and receive normal saline only. Group 2 served toxic control and exposed to CFZ (4 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.]). Group 3 & 4 served as treatment groups and administered with CFZ concomitantly orally fed with oxyphenbutazone at doses of 35 and 70 mg/kg/three times a week, respectively. The total duration of experimental protocol was of 21 days. After completion of the experiments animals subjected to blood collection using light ether anesthesia and serum was separated for biochemical analysis further. The serum levels of Mg+2, Ca+2 and cardiac enzymes (aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) levels were estimated. Later animals sacrificed and heart tissue isolated for further examinations. Intracellular proteins NFkB and IkBα were estimated by western blot. Results: The serum analysis revealed that CFZ administration significantly elevated the levels of LDH, CK and CKMB in CFZ exposed animals when compared to normal animals while administration of oxyphenbutazone significantly reduced these biochemical changes, Intracellular antioxidant enzymes and NF-kB in treatment groups as compared to disease control animals. Conclusion: Findings of the research protocol suggests significant injuries to cardiac tissues when animals exposed to CFZ and Oxyphenbutazone protected the cardiac tissues.

Norfloxacin removal by ultraviolet-activated sodium percarbonate and sodium hypochlorite: process optimization and anion effect.

The efficiency of UV-activated sodium percarbonate (SPC) and sodium hypochlorite (SHC) in Norfloxacin (Norf) removal from an aqueous solution was assessed. Control experiments were conducted and the synergistic effect of the UV-SHC and UV-SPC processes were 0.61 and 2.89, respectively. According to the first-order reaction rate constants, the process rates were ranked as UV-SPC > SPC > UV and UV-SHC > SHC > UV. Central composite design was applied to determine the optimum operating conditions for maximum Norf removal. Under optimum conditions (UV-SPC: 1 mg/L initial Norf, 4 mM SPC, pH 3, 50 min; UV-SHC: 1 mg/L initial Norf, 1 mM SHC, pH 7, 8 min), the removal yields for the UV-SPC and UV-SHC were 71.8 and 72.1%, respectively. HCO3-, Cl-, NO3-, and SO42- negatively affected both processes. UV-SPC and UV-SHC processes were effective for Norf removal from aqueous solution. Similar removal efficiencies were obtained with both processes; however, this removal efficiency was achieved in a much shorter time and more economically with the UV-SHC process.

A data-driven analysis of global research trends on dirty-dozen persistent organic pollutants.

The occurrence, distribution, and fate of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been extensively studied worldwide; however, the patterns and dynamics of scientific publications on POPs are still unclear. In this study, the research trends on dirty dozen POPs, which are identified under the Stockholm Convention (SC) for immediate action were investigated and evaluated in a broad context to obtain up-to-date information. For this purpose, bibliometric analysis was carried out between 1945 and 2021 using the Web of Science (WoS) database. A total of 197,029 publications were analyzed. "Environmental Sciences" was the most popular research category and the USA was the leading country in dirty dozen POPs studies. The research hotspots are related to the most used keywords such as "Polychlorinated Biphenyls", "Dioxin" and "Persistent Organic Pollutants". In the evaluation of keyword clusters with highlighted research points, 7 clusters were obtained from the publications, which are related to the chemical properties, synthesis, structures, health effects, and analysis methods of dirty dozen POPs. The number of publications and, accordingly, the scientific interest in dirty dozen POPs listed under the SC has not reached equilibrium and continues regardless of the level of development of countries in the world.

Prenatal Sonographic Three-dimensional Virtual Organ Computer-assisted Analysis Thymic Volume Calculation May Predict Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to fetuses that are small for their gestational age. There is no effective test to predict this disease. The aim of our study is whether fetal three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography (USG)-assisted thymus volume (TV) measurement predicts IUGR cases. Methods: Fetal 3D USG thymus measurement between 15 and 24 weeks of gestation was performed in a total of 100 women of reproductive age. Fetal TV was measured using the virtual organ computer-assisted analysis system program. All cases were followed up in terms of pregnancy complications until delivery. Results: IUGR was developed in six cases in total. In cases with IUGR, mean fetal TV was found to be statistically significantly lower than in healthy cases without it. When the fetal TV was taken as 0.1645, the sensitivity was calculated as 89.5% and the specificity as 50% for predicting IUGR. The use of low fetal volume parameters is a significant and good indicator for predicting IUGR according to the binary logistic regression analysis result. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, 3D fetal TV measurement may be used in routine second-trimester sonographic anomaly screening to predict the development of fetal IUGR. In this way, fetal mortality and morbidity caused by IUGR may be reduced.

Application of combined EO/PMS/Me2+ process in organic matter and true color removal from paint manufacturing industry wastewater.

Treatment of paint manufacturing industry wastewater by electrooxidation (EO) process in which peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and transition metals are added was investigated. In the EO/PMS process, graphite was the cathode while different anode materials (Ti/IrO2, Ti/RuO2, and Ti/SnO2) were used. The anode with the highest chemical oxygen demand (COD) and true color removal efficiency was selected. To determine the catalyst effect on the process, different transition metals (Fe2+, Cu2+, Zn2+) were added and Fe2+ was chosen as the catalyst which provided higher removal efficiency and lower cost. The central composite design was applied for the optimization of the process variables of the EO/PMS/Fe2+ process. Current density, PMS dose, Fe2+ dose, and reaction time were process variables whereas COD and true color removal efficiency were system responses. Under optimum conditions (200 A/m2 current density, 14 mM PMS dose, 2.5 mM Fe2+ dose, 60 min reaction time), the estimated COD and true color removal efficiency by the model were 74.89% and 99.86%, respectively. The experimentally obtained COD and true color removal efficiencies as a result of validation studies were 74.28% and 99.03%, respectively. Quenching experiments showed that hydroxyl and sulfate radicals were both involved in the process.

Advanced treatment of dye manufacturing wastewater by electrocoagulation and electro-Fenton processes: Effect on COD fractions, energy consumption, and sludge analysis.

This study investigated chemical oxygen demand (COD), color number (CN), and UV254 removal from dye manufacturing wastewater via electrocoagulation (EC) and electro-Fenton (EF) processes. The effects of current density, initial pH, reaction time, and H2O2/COD ratio on the EC and EF processes were evaluated and optimum operating conditions were determined. The effects of EC and EF processes on COD fractions and the specific energy consumption of both processes were evaluated. Sludge analyses were conducted by organic removal to sludge ratio (ORSR) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy spectra were assessed for characterization of generated sludge. Optimum operation conditions for the EC process were 21 mA/cm2 current density, 7.3 initial pH, and 25 min reaction time while they were 21 mA/cm2 current density, 3.5 initial pH, 1.25 H2O2/COD ratio, and 35 min reaction time for EF process. Under optimum conditions COD, CN, and UV254 removal efficiencies were 38.5%, 90.1%, and 52.5%, respectively in EC process and 54.8%, 94.2%, and 88.1%, respectively in EF process. Both processes have a positive effect on the increase of biodegradable and soluble COD fractions. Higher ORSR and lower specific energy consumption were provided by the EF process under optimum conditions. The EF process is more effective when pollutant removal efficiencies, ORSR, and specific energy consumption are considered.

The effect of low-dose combined hormone therapy (oestradiol and norethindrone acetate) on serum C-reactive protein levels and life quality in natural menopause women.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the effect of low-dose combined oestradiol and norethindrone acetate hormone therapy (HT) on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and life quality in natural menopause women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five natural menopause women admitted to the clinic during a 1-year period and diagnosed as menopause, who planned to have HT for menopausal symptoms, were enrolled in this prospective study. The serum CRP levels were measured, and vasomotor symptoms scores were graded according to the Blatt-Kupperman menopause index, and life quality scores according to the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) were recorded before and after (3 months later) hormone therapy. RESULTS: The Blatt-Kupperman menopause index and MENQOL scores were significantly decreased after 3 months of low-dose treatment. No significant difference was found between white blood cell counts and serum CRP levels before and after 3 months of hormone therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Considering all HT types and biochemical effects, low-dose HT, which had positive results in terms of quality of life, was a safe treatment and could be preferred to conventional-dose preparations in cases without contraindications. Low-dose combined HT containing oestradiol and norethindrone acetate did not alter the serum CRP level in postmenopausal cases.

Serum ischemia-modified albumin level returns to its premenopausal level with 1-year hormone therapy in healthy menopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the effect of hormone therapy (HT) on serum ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels in healthy menopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty surgical menopausal women who were admitted to our menopausal polyclinic during a 1-year period and diagnosed with menopause and planned to have HT for menopausal symptoms were enrolled in this prospective study. The serum IMA levels were recorded before and after (3 months, 6 months, 12 months later) hormone treatment (2 mg estradiol hemihydrate). RESULTS: The mean age of women was 47.60 ± 2.34 years. The mean serum IMA levels were 0.610 ± 0.096 absorbance units (ABSU) at the beginning and 0.484 ± 0.080 ABSU after 3 months of hormone therapy. Following 6 months of hormone therapy, serum IMA level was 0.546 ± 0.075, and reached 0.580 ± 0.089 ABSU following 12 months of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that HT may not block the menopause induced ischemia process. Although HT had a positive effect on serum IMA levels following 3 months' use, serum IMA levels returned to baseline levels after 12 months' use. Based on this study's findings, long-term use of HT may not have a positive effect on cardiovascular disease protection.

Diagnostic Efficacy of T2 Dark Spot, T2 Dark Rim Signs, and T2 Shading on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Differentiating Endometriomas From Hemorrhagic Cysts.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of T2 dark spot, T2 dark rim, and T2 shading signs on magnetic resonance imaging in the differentiation of endometriomas from hemorrhagic cysts. METHODS: Seventy-two hemorrhagic lesions were included in this retrospective study. The presence of T2 dark spot, T2 dark rim, and T2 shading signs in the lesions and the presence of complete or incomplete rim in lesions exhibiting T2 dark rim signs were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 72 lesions, 50 were diagnosed with endometrioma and 22 were diagnosed with hemorrhagic cyst. Twenty-six of 50 endometriomas and none of the hemorrhagic cysts showed T2 dark spot sign. T2 shading was observed in 90% of endometriomas and 18% of hemorrhagic cysts. Incomplete T2 dark rim was detected in 67% of endometriomas and 21% of hemorrhagic cysts. CONCLUSIONS: T2 dark spot and T2 dark rim signs could be useful for distinguishing endometriomas from hemorrhagic cysts.

The Effect of Gaussian Noise on Maximum Likelihood Fitting of Gompertz and Weibull Mortality Models with Yeast Lifespan Data.

Background/study context: Empirical lifespan data sets are often studied with the best-fitted mathematical model for aging. Here, we studied how experimental noises can influence the determination of the best-fitted aging model. We investigated the influence of Gaussian white noise in lifespan data sets on the fitting outcomes of two-parameter Gompertz and Weibull mortality models, commonly adopted in aging research. METHODS: To un-equivocally demonstrate the effect of Gaussian white noises, we simulated lifespans based on Gompertz and Weibull models with added white noises. To gauge the influence of white noise on model fitting, we defined a single index, δLL , for the difference between the maximal log-likelihoods of the Weibull and Gompertz model fittings. We then applied the δLL approach using experimental replicative lifespan data sets for the laboratory BY4741 and BY4742 wildtype reference strains. RESULTS: We systematically evaluated how Gaussian white noise can influence the maximal likelihood-based comparison of the Gompertz and Weibull models. Our comparative study showed that the Weibull model is generally more tolerant to Gaussian white noise than the Gompertz model. The effect of noise on model fitting is also sensitive to model parameters. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that Gaussian white noise can influence the fitting of an aging model for yeast replicative lifespans. Given that yeast replicative lifespans are hard to measure and are often pooled from different experiments, our study highlights that interpreting model fitting results should take experimental procedure variation into account, and the best fitting model may not necessarily offer more biological insights.

Biotin deficiency in hyperemesis gravidarum.

The aim of this study was to determine the serum biotin levels in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Ninety pregnant women with HG (mild (n = 30), moderate (n = 30) and severe (n = 30)), and 80 pregnant women without HG were included for this study. In both groups, serum biotin levels were measured. There were no statistically significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the HG groups and the control group except for PUQE scores. Serum biotin levels in all hyperemesis gravidarum groups were statistically significantly lower than control group. Negative statistically significant correlation between hyperemesis gravidarum severity and serum biotin levels was noted. This is the first study that shows low serum biotin levels in women with hyperemesis gravidarum. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Almost 80% of pregnant women have nausea and vomiting. If nausea and vomiting became severe and the symptoms combined with weight loss and ketonuria; the diagnosis should be hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). The etiopathogenetic factors of this unwanted condition have not been exactly known. Biotin is an essential water-soluble vitamin. Biotin catabolism increases in pregnancy. Marginal biotin deficiency occurs in approximately 50% of the gestations despite the "normal" biotin intake on the diet. What do the results of this study add? Current study results elucidated that serum biotin levels were lower in HG cases compared to non HG cases. This study is the first study that reports the association between low serum level of biotin and HG. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Further research is needed to show the importance of biotin supplementation in women with hyperemesis gravidarum.

Contribution of neutrophil activation in the differentiation of urine infection and contamination in pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections are among the most common bacterial infections of humans. Urine culture is the gold standard for asymptomatic bacteriuria and pyuria is not always present in bacteriuria, nor is it specific for bacteriuria. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine neutrophil activation and the contributions of this activation in the differentiation of infection and contamination. METHODS: The serum and urine myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels of 50 pregnant females with symptoms suggesting UTI and 25 healthy non-pregnant control subjects were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and the obtained values were compared with the results of urine microscopy and urine culture. RESULTS: The leukocyte count in urine was significantly higher in group 1 (infection) and group 2 (contamination) when compared with the control group (group 1 mean: 18.2; group 2 mean: 14.2; control mean: 4.8; ANOVA test, p ≤ 0.00). According to the obtained ELISA values, a statistical difference in the levels of urine MPO between the patient and control groups was seen (p ≤ 0.00). There was no statistical difference among the groups for serum MPO levels (p ≥ 0.451). CONCLUSION: The study findings suggest that standardized measurement techniques such as dipstick screening assay for urine MPO level may be useful in differentiating infection and contamination, especially in pregnant patients.

Is the measurement of serum ischemia-modified albumin the best test to diagnose ovarian torsion?

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum oxidative stress marker levels (ischemia-modified albumin, IMA; malondialdehyde, MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels that occur in ovarian torsion and to determine the threshold value of these markers in the diagnosis of ovarian torsion. METHODS: In this prospective case-control study, 34 women (the study group) with acute pelvic pain (20 with and 14 without ovarian torsion) and 40 control subjects were included. The diagnosis of ovarian torsion was confirmed with laparoscopy in all cases. Preoperative serum samples were collected in the study group. Serum oxidative stress marker levels (IMA and MDA) and TOS, TAS and OSI levels were measured. RESULTS: Serum MDA, TOS and IMA concentrations were significantly higher in women with ovarian torsion than in the healthy control group. However, serum TAS, TOS and OSI concentrations were significantly higher in women without ovarian torsion than within the healthy control group. Only IMA significantly distinguished patients with or without ovarian torsion. The best IMA value, according to the receiver operating characteristic curve, was 0.7045 absorbance units, with 90.00% sensitivity and 92.31% specificity. The patients in the ovarian torsion group had significantly lower serum TAS and OSI levels compared with patients without ovarian torsion. CONCLUSION: The elevated serum IMA levels with high sensitivity-specificity values observed in women with ovarian torsion seem to have a potential role as a serum marker in the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian torsion in emergency settings.

Comparison of the effects of PMDD and pre-menstrual syndrome on mood disorders and quality of life: a cross-sectional study.

In this study, we compared psychiatric symptoms, quality of life and disability in patients with pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). Forty-nine women with PMDD were compared with 43 women with PMS. All participants were asked to complete a socio-demographic data collection form, a Brief Disability Questionnaire, a medical study short form-36 (SF-36) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) forms. The patients with PMDD had higher HAD-A and HAD-D scores than the patients in PMS group (p < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were found on brief disability between two groups (p > 0.05), but both groups had medium level of brief disability. The PMDD group had a lower SF-36 scoring than the PMS group in every compared parameters (p < 0.01). PMS and PMDD may lead to brief disability, and PMDD may cause loss of quality of life and psychological problems. The evaluation of patients with PMS and PMDD pre-menstrual disorders should be more detailed.

Disability and psychiatric symptoms in hyperemesis gravidarum patients.

PURPOSE: Nausea and vomiting is an important health problem which adversely affects the daily routine and quality of life in pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to measure the level of change in the quality of life, depression and anxiety in hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) patients in relation to social-demographic data and disease variables. METHODS: One hundred pregnant women hospitalized with the diagnosis of HG were included in the study. A total of 100 healthy pregnant women were also evaluated as the control group. All the patients in the study completed the socio-demographic data form, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and D) and Brief Disability Questionnaire (BDQ). RESULTS: The mean HADS-D subscale score was 7.09 ±3.91 in HG patients and 5.73 ± 3.32 in controls. The depression score in the HG patients were significantly higher than that of the control group (p = 0.009). The mean HADS-A subscale score was 7.73 ± 3.86, which was significantly higher in HG patients compared to 6.70 ± 3.31 in controls (p = 0.045). The mean BDQ score was 11.2 ± 4.40 in HG patients and 8.5 ± 3.31 in the control group of pregnant women, thus, significantly higher in the HG group as compared to controls (p < 0.0001). In the HADS-D, 52 patients in the HG group and 40 patients in the control group scored above the threshold value (p = 0.089). In the HADS-A, 28 patients in the HG group and 20 in the control group scored above the threshold value (p = 0.185). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HG, a significant deterioration of physical and social health was encountered. HG disease is independent of any underlying psychiatric condition and adversely affects the quality of life of the sufferer.

Hand and wrist complaints in pregnancy.

PURPOSE: Hand and wrist complaints can decrease the quality of life of pregnant women, which can occur or aggravate during pregnancy and advance to chronic state if left untreated. The purpose of this study was to describe hand and wrist complaints in relation to pregnancy and assess their significance in pregnancy. METHODS: In a prospective cross-sectional study, 383 participants were randomly selected from among pregnant women on or over 28 weeks of gestation, attending the primary care maternal health clinic in a university hospital. The prevalence and severity of hand and wrist complaints were assessed using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). The symptomatic pregnant women were consulted by an orthopedist. The specific diagnoses of the patients were made based on patient history and physical examination. RESULTS: According to BCTQ scoring 258 (67.4 %) pregnant women were symptomatic. The diagnoses were as follows: asymptomatic 125 (32.6 %), nonspecific symptoms 138 (36 %), tendinitis 80 (20.9 %), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) 39 (10.2 %) and cubital syndrome 1 (0.3 %). There was no association noted between the diagnoses and numbers of pregnancies, occupational status, age, gestational weeks, weight gain or body mass index (BMI) (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hand and wrist complaints is high in pregnant women. All pregnant women should be investigated for hand and wrist complaints in routine antenatal checks to ensure good life quality during pregnancy and for avoiding these complaints advancing to chronic state. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of musculoskeletal systems disorders in pregnancy.

Management of cesarean scar pregnancy with suction curettage: a report of four cases and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To present the outcomes of four cases of cesarean scar pregnancy treated with suction curettage. METHODS: Four patients were ultrasonographically diagnosed with cesarean scar pregnancies treated with suction curettage in a tertiary care center. RESULTS: Serum ß-human chorionic gonadotropin levels ranged between 1,681 and 15,573 mU/mL, gestational sac diameter measured from 10 to 24 mm and scar thickness was between 4.7 and 6.8 mm. All patients underwent suction curettage under general anesthesia with transabdominal ultrasonography guidance. No complications were observed during or after operation. CONCLUSION: Suction curettage is a viable alternative for conservative treatment in selected cases of patients who are diagnosed with CSP early in gestation and who have a myometrial thickness of more than 4.5 mm.

Fetal Splenic Artery Pulsatility Index May Predict the Need for Neonatal Intensive Care in Gestational Diabetes Class A1 Cases.

The fetal splenic artery pulsatility index is a parameter that reflects fetal well-being and has been used as a predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of the splenic artery pulsatility index in gestational diabetes mellitus class A1 cases for intensive care unit admission. In this prospective case-controlled study, only sixty single pregnancy cases diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus class A1 were evaluated. Fetal splenic artery Doppler parameters such as peak systolic velocity, pulsatility index, resistivity index, and end-diastolic velocity were measured in all cases. The rate of requirements for the neonatal intensive care unit was noted. In cases requiring fetal intensive care, the fetal splenic pulsatility index was found to be statistically significantly lower than in healthy cases without it (0.94 ± 0.29 vs. 1.70 ± 0.53, respectively, p < 0.001, Student's t-test). When the fetal splenic PI cutoff value was selected as 1.105 cm3, the sensitivity was calculated as 97.9% and the specificity as 58.3% for predicting the need for fetal intensive care (AUC 0.968, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.929-0.998). The use of a low fetal splenic artery PI parameter is a significant and good indicator for predicting the need for fetal intensive care according to the binary logistic regression analysis result (p = 0.006). This study suggests that evaluation of fetal splenic artery Doppler in mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus may be used to predict neonates requiring a newborn intensive care unit. Therefore, it is recommended that obstetricians use this simple, rapid, and valuable evaluation of fetal splenic artery Doppler and alert the neonatologist that a newborn intensive care unit may be required.

The effect of cabergoline on folicular microenviroment profile in patients with high risk of OHSS.

The aim of this study to evaluate the effect of cabergoline on follicular microenvironment by measuring follicular fluid (FF) insulin like growth hormone -I (IGF-I), antimullerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels in women with PCOS and high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). In this prospective cohort study, 41 women with PCOS undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproduction and having the high risk factors for OHSS are included. The women in the study group (n = 15) received cabergoline for OHSS prevention while the women in the control did not received any medications for OHSS prevention. FF samples were collected during oocyte pick-up procedure for all women were determined using commercially available ELISA kits. Concentrations of FF IGF-I, AMH, inhibin B and HGF were assessed. In the study group FF AMH (2.96 ± 1.27 versus 1.91 ± 0.64 ng/mL), Inhibin B (1339.47 ± 198.56 versus 1200.09 ± 133.64 pg/mL), HGF (5623.21 ± 2411.09 versus 3787.42 ± 2269.89 pg/mL) and IGF-I (298.60 ± 37.80 versus 219.90 ± 71.40 pg/mL) concentrations were significantly decreased compared with control group. Cabergolin prevents OHSS in high risk patients by disrupting FF hormone microenvironment.